According to the Flying Sword Communication, Xuu Mengyuan learned that Song Minghuiâs current cultivation level has also reached the Ninth-Layer Qi Cultivation.
Therefore, in Xuu Mengyuanâs imagination, Song Minghui is definitely a candidate for competing for this Foundation Establishment Pill.
As for whether others are eligible to participate in the competition, Xuu Mengyuan is not clear about it.
Having stayed in Guangde County for a long time, without leaving, Xuu Mengyuan is not well-informed about the strength of the disciples within the Cyan Mountain Sect, not even knowing the specific cultivation level of the three siblings of Lu Yuanshan, or what stage of Foundation Establishment they have reached.
As a result, he does not quite understand why this Foundation Establishment Pill is not being considered for Song Minghui.
"Hehe, little Ming Hui, she is very considerate of others."
Seeing Xuu Mengyuanâs confusion, Lu Yuanshan couldnât resist making a joke.
"What, Elder Xuu, are you worried that you canât compete with Song Minghui and wonât get the Foundation Establishment Pill?"
"Do you lack confidence in yourself?"
This question truly stumped Xuu Mengyuan, causing him to chuckle bitterly twice.
"I am over a hundred years old, how could my physique be as strong as those of junior Ming Huiâs generation."
"Besides, this Foundation Establishment Pill should rightly be used first for the sectâs younger generation to ensure that their future cultivation paths could be longer and further than mine. I have delayed my Foundation Establishment by several decades."
"Alas, if it were another cultivator of my age, most would likely have reached the Crystallization Stage by now."
Saying this, Xuu Mengyuan shook his head, lamenting the decades of prime time he had wasted.
Looking at Lu Yuanshan, who is only fifty years old yet has already achieved late-stage Foundation Establishment, while he himself, at the mature age of one hundred twenty, is still stuck in the Qi Cultivation Stage.
Seeing Xuu Mengyuan in such a state, Lu Yuanshan showed a faint smile, offering a gentle consolation: "Elder Xuu, do not underestimate yourself. The winding path of immortality and the long road to longevity have never been easy; do not measure your future by age alone."
"Flowing water does not compete for the first; it strives for an endless flow."
"We should cultivate a tranquil heart in our path to immortality, undisturbed by the passing years."
Upon hearing Lu Yuanshanâs words, Xuu Mengyuan fell silent briefly, realizing the profound meaning in Lu Yuanshanâs speech. He nodded slightly and said, "What a brilliant saying, âflowing water does not compete for the first; it strives for an endless flow.â"
"Sect Leader, despite your youth, you see more clearly than this old man, truly shameful."
"Haha, Elder Xuu, what you said is unnecessary. At this moment, letâs continue discussing this Foundation Establishment Pill."
"Actually, Elder Xuu, you really donât need to worry about little Song Minghui."
Lu Yuanshan smiled: "To be honest, this Foundation Establishment Pill was willingly relinquished to you by Song Minghui herself. She has no immediate intention of establishing a foundation and is instead wholeheartedly focused on studying the Dao of Artifact Refining."
"Oh?"
Hearing this, Xuu Mengyuan was somewhat surprised.
Unexpectedly, it was Song Minghui who gave up this Foundation Establishment Pill to him, which was truly unexpected, as he didnât imagine someone would not be tempted by this Foundation Establishment Pill.
However, now that it was mentioned, Lu Yuanshan had made it quite clear, so Xuu Mengyuan would not think much about it and wouldnât further inquire into the reasons, silently acknowledging Song Minghuiâs kindness.
"Since thatâs the case, this old man does want to accept the Foundation Establishment Pill and prepares to enter secluded cultivation to establish a foundation in the near future."
Xuu Mengyuan wasnât polite anymore, as the Foundation Establishment Pill before him was indeed quite tempting.
"Itâs good for you to enter secluded cultivation earlier to establish the foundation."
Lu Yuanshan handed the Foundation Establishment Pill to Xuu Mengyuan and reminded, "I see that this Foundation Establishment Pill shouldnât be kept for long, so why donât you prepare in the next few days for the foundation establishment."
"I observe that your cultivation aura has reached the peak of the Qi Cultivation Stage, and thereâs no need to hone your cultivation any longer; you are ready for Foundation Establishment."
"If I establish the foundation recently, I am afraid I must consider matters in Guangde County, which might be hard to relinquish..."
Before Xuu Mengyuan could finish his sentence, Lu Yuanshan smiled gently.
"No worries, Iâve already thought about the affairs in Guangde County."
"I can dispatch Second Elder Lu Zhiwei over to temporarily take over your role as Guardian Envoy, and help manage Guangde County. This way, you can enter secluded cultivation peacefully."
"With us here, you can focus on establishing a foundation and worry about nothing else."
"Good, with the Sect Leaderâs arrangements, I can establish a foundation with peace of mind."
Switching the topic, Xuu Mengyuan said earnestly, "However, regarding this Foundation Establishment Pill, I donât want to take it for free. Sect Leader, please state any conditions, and I will strive to fulfill them as long as they are within my capability."
"Hehe, I guessed you would ask this. The condition is actually quite simple."
"The condition for exchanging for this Foundation Establishment Pill is that you continue to serve as Guardian Envoy of Guangde County for another ten years."
"To continue guarding Guangde County for ten more years?"
Xuu Mengyuan didnât feel this condition was unreasonable; on the contrary, he was somewhat surprised by its simplicity.
According to his own thoughts, he wouldnât leave Guangde County within the next ten years. He would remain in Guangde County for continued living and cultivation.
To him, Guangde County has already become a home.
"What, does Elder Xuu feel that ten years is too long?"
Lu Yuanshan asked.
This Foundation Establishment Pill was exchanged from Zhang Nianchuan using a piece of Celestial Fire Purple Gold Copper along with ten thousand sect contribution points.
As the Sect Leader, Lu Yuanshan would naturally not act in a way that goes against fairness, nor could he give the Foundation Establishment Pill to Xuu Mengyuan for free.
Doing so would certainly raise doubts within the sect, causing others to think Lu Yuanshan favored Xuu Mengyuan.
Having Xuu Mengyuan continue to guard Guangde County for another ten years seemed a fair exchange, something Lu Yuanshan had already considered and consulted with Lu Ping.
Lu Ping naturally suggested Lu Yuanshan do what he deemed appropriate, raising no objections.
"No, no, Sect Leader, you misunderstood me. I am willing to continue serving the sect and guard Guangde County for another ten years."
Xuu Mengyuan responded with a serious demeanor.
"Good, just waiting for your word."
"Elder Xuu, then it is settled. For the next ten years, not a single spirit stone will be short of your allowance."
"This Foundation Establishment Pill is now yours."
After reaching an agreement, Xuu Mengyuan carefully accepted the Foundation Establishment Pill.
Next, Lu Yuanshan inquired about Xuu Mengyuanâs plans for secluded cultivation, when to begin, and relevant arrangements after secluded cultivation.
Having come all the way, Lu Yuanshan wanted to personally ask clearly to arrange things properly.
"Haha, speaking of which, this old man has been wanting to establish a foundation half a year ago and was even prepared to risk everything in secluded cultivation, but after a deep thought, I felt it was inappropriate and did not proceed."
Xuu Mengyuan said slowly.
"Now, first, with the help of the ancestor, my body has regained youthful vigor, giving me the opportunity for Foundation Establishment. At this moment, the Sect Leader brings the Foundation Establishment Pill, and thus, I donât want to delay the Foundation Establishment any longer."
"Why not, I will start secluded cultivation tomorrow, what do you think, Sect Leader?"
Xuu Mengyuan asked.