Li An took the box given by Wang Dazhu, opened it, and saw two small swords inside.

The two small swords were of the same length, both only palm-sized.

One of them was entirely made of Cold Jade, resembling a piece of jade ornament, with a restrained cold glow. It no longer unleashed a rampant chill like raw Cold Jade, but upon touching it, gave a chilly sensation.

However, just by injecting Spiritual Power, it could unleash a terrifying cold aura covering a hundred meters, freezing everything it reached.

If one were pierced by this small sword, their entire Spiritual Power would be sealed, rendering them unable to fight.

"Cold Ice Small Sword!"

Li An gave this small sword a name.

He was very satisfied with its effect as well.

The second small sword, however, was as black as ink, with a rather rustic aura, yet exceedingly sharp, with some grooves and dimples on it, looking somewhat like a defective item.

This sword had no other features but exceptional sharpness.

Precisely because of this, it achieved the utmost sharpness, capable of easily piercing through Rank Three defensive magical artifacts and directly stabbing into the enemy's flesh.

As for the grooves and dimples on the blade, they were specifically requested by Li An—to facilitate poisoning.

Previously, when he used the Starlight Dagger, he was accustomed to this combat method: attacking from afar, the dagger piercing armor, killing in one strike.

Li An planned to imbue this small sword with seven or eight hundred kinds of toxins, and by then, its true power would manifest.

"Black Poisonous Small Sword!"

Li An also named this small sword.

The Cold Ice Small Sword was for control, the Black Poisonous Small Sword for attack. Preparing more talismans and arrays would make it more stable.

"Master Zuo, are you satisfied?"

Wang Dazhu looked exhausted but still asked with a smile.

Li An nodded, "The Wang Patriarch's skill in artifact refining is indeed well-deserved."

Saying this, he took out a Fake Pill and another storage bag full of Spirit Stones.

"Please review them, Wang Patriarch."

Li An couldn't help but feel a bit of pain in his heart; with the Fake Pill and this batch of Spirit Stones gone, he had almost exhausted his entire wealth.

He was left with fewer than five hundred lower-grade Spirit Stones!

Back to being penniless overnight.

Mainly because the things he'd been doing over the years were too Spirit Stone-consuming.

The collection of Third Grade Spirit Medicines, as well as obtaining this Rank Three black iron...they were all astronomical prices!

In reality, in this life, without the support of a Cultivation Clan, to have so many things was already defying expectations.

This was the benefit of joining the Treasure Pavilion.

No matter where, having power was the best asset. With power, wealth would flow continuously.

Had he not become the Pavilion Master of a Treasure Pavilion branch, it would have been difficult to obtain these things in his lifetime.

Nonetheless, obtaining these two Rank Three treasured swords, Li An was content; it was all worth it.

...

Wang Dazhu was quite excited, taking the items while only glancing casually at the Spirit Stones.

He carefully examined and rubbed the Fake Pill repeatedly, evidently cherishing this pill immensely.

"Your lady can attempt Core Formation now… to have a husband like the Wang Patriarch is truly Lady Wang's fortune."

Li An said leisurely.

Wang Dazhu grinned, "My wife has had too hard and tiring a life."

"I have no other wishes in this life; so long as she lives well, it's enough."

At this moment, Li An couldn't help but feel a little dazed as if this savvy, rotund leader of a family was once again the simple young man who had just entered the Profound Yang Sect years ago.

At that time, Li An had chosen to enter the Profound Yang Sect through the Wuling Sect, working as a laborer, and this young Wang Dazhu had naively called out to him: "I'll have your back in the future."

"Qingling can attempt Core Formation now..."

Wang Dazhu was overjoyed. "Someone, escort Master Zuo to take a rest—"

Outside, two pretty maids immediately came forward to lead Li An away.

"Wang Patriarch,"

Just as he was leaving, Li An suddenly said, "When your lady attempts Core Formation, you should personally oversee the protector array outside; it's for the best."

"If you leave the array at this time, unforeseen disasters may occur."

Wang Dazhu nodded, "Thank you, Master Zuo, for the reminder. Rest assured, our Wang family has a good relationship with both the Divine Sword Sect and the Hundred Beasts Sect; no one around here would dare to interfere with Qingling's Core Formation—"

He was very confident.

Li An said nothing, turning to leave.

This was his final act of kindness and caution to Wang Dazhu, but Wang Dazhu evidently didn't understand, nor could he grasp Li An's meaning.

...

That night.

Chen Qingling formally began her attempt at Core Formation.

At Wang Dazhu's invitation, Li An stayed, serving as an important guest to add strength when Chen Qingling attempted Core Formation.

After all, with him there, if any petty villains tried to cause trouble, they would have to think twice.

Li An did not refuse.

Two months later.

Boom!

Above the Zhao family, great clouds gathered, and the Spiritual Qi in the world stormed toward the Zhao family like a tidal wave.

Chen Qingling's Core Formation had caused visions; it was the most critical moment.

Li An opened the window, looking calmly at the clouds in the sky.

As he expected, the clouds were chaotic; Chen Qingling managing to hold on till now was evidently her limit.

The power and help of the Fake Pill were limited, and she was not a prodigy herself.

But just as the clouds were about to dissipate completely, a powerful aura suddenly erupted from Chen Qingling's seclusion site. In an instant, the clouds, previously dispersing, gathered again with intense spiritual momentum!

Clouds gathering.

An old friend falls.

Li An understood everything, but merely filled his cup, raised it, and spilled it heavily toward the direction of Chen Qingling's seclusion.

This cup, to honor the sincere Wang Dazhu of this life.

This cultivation world is wonderful.

Next time, don't come; it's not suited for you.

He put down the cup.

...

The next day.

The news of Chen Qingling's successful Core Formation, becoming a Fake Pill adept, spread throughout the Wang family and Heyang County.

A Fake Pill expert, even within sects, was a core elder-level existence. Now, a Foundation Establishment family produced one, truly astounding.

Congratulatory visits came from all directions, and even the Divine Sword Sect and Hundred Beasts Sect sent gifts.

The Wang family kept the patriarch's death secret, as it wasn't particularly good news and would arouse various speculations.

Li An also sent a congratulatory gift, then turned away and left.

As for Wang Dazhu's request for him to take Wang Qing to the Treasure Pavilion for learning, Li An left a name card, which Zhou Qing could use to enter the Treasure Pavilion at any time.

But it was limited to allowing Zhou Qing into the Treasure Pavilion; Li An wouldn't interfere further or offer additional care.

His ties with Wang Dazhu ended here.

...

Li An rode back to White Tiger City.

"Master, during your absence, Immortal Xu visited many times,"

the gatekeeper reported.

Li An felt a slight stir in his heart—Xu Qiuhui?

What did she come looking for him for?

Now, Li An didn't want to deal with Xu Qiuhui at all, as she was evidently a pawn used by White Tiger Mountain to control him.

As expected, the next evening, after learning of Li An's return, Xu Qiuhui visited again.

That evening, she wore light makeup and a cool gauze skirt; her aging due to a failed Core Formation was no longer visible, and her long, black hair and the look of her face seemed to have returned to her thirties, full of mature charm and tranquility.

She must have taken some beauty-enhancing miracle pills.

"Qiu Hui pays her respects to Master Zuo,"

Xu Qiuhui gracefully bowed, her gaze carrying a distinctive allure that, even after knowing her for years, Li An had never seen before.

...

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