Seizing Opportunities in Jiang Bei

The rumours of Li Rong's astounding advancement to Refining Qi level 7 swiftly swept across the Liang mansion, rekindling Xuan Liang's attendants' curiosity about the young cultivator. Even Xuan Liang was intrigued by the young man whose quick rise had before seemed unimportant to him.

Xuan Liang summoned his servants with haste and gave clear, authoritative commands. "Prepare for my journey," he ordered, his voice resolute and forceful. "I will be making my way to Jiang Bei immediately."

His attendants moved quickly to follow his instructions. Without any delay, Xuan Liang set out on his way, his mind whirling with thoughts and strategies for his eventual meeting with Li Rong.

With his mastery of qinggong, Xuan Liang travelled to Jiang Bei in little time at all, flying through the air with rapid and elegant movements. After a few hours, he reached the busy town, where the residents gave him unexpected glances as he moved through the bustling streets.

When the sun started to drop, Xuan Liang was staying in Jiang Bei's best hotel—fitting for a distinguished guest of his calibre. He had an uninterrupted view of the town outside his room, its streets teeming with travellers and merchants.

In the meantime, Li Rong had in his possession a sizable quantity of gold, thanks to the jade storage ring that was supposed to serve as his dowry. After saying goodbye to Tian De, he moved through Jiang Bei's busy streets, keeping his attention on the task at hand.

Li Rong had something in particular in mind when he set out to buy a pill furnace. It was now time to make good use of the plants and herbs he had gathered throughout his stay in the Cloud Chained Valley.

Li Rong searched the markets for the best pill furnace he could find, and at last he discovered what he was seeking—a reliable, well-made furnace that seemed to fit his demands.

Li Rong made every effort to ensure his security and privacy as he took up his lavish quarters at Jiang Bei's best hotel. He indulged in a somewhat extravagant chamber, knowing that the investment would pay him in the quality of his pills and that his focus would be unbroken whilst he was busy refining. 

As his new pill furnace gleamed in front of him, Li Rong carefully arranged the plants and herbs needed to make the foundation pills. To ensure that the final pills were of the greatest calibre, each ingredient was carefully chosen for its potency and purity.

Li Rong poured his Qi into the furnace and diffused his energy across it to create a harmonious equilibrium. He started the refining process with experienced precision, moving fluidly and deliberately to extract the essence of each herb and eliminate any impurities. 

Li Rong transformed the raw materials into powerful foundation pills, following the eight-step procedure that was engraved in his memory without any difficulties. He felt a wave of joy come over him as each step was executed perfectly, knowing that he was getting closer to his objectives.

Li Rong proudly examined his creation as the final pill came out of the furnace, its surface shiny and pulsing with energy. He'd made thirty foundation pills in all.

Li Rong was certain that they would bring in a good price given that they could comfortably push cultivators through to the foundation phase of cultivation without fear of backlash. The Ji family was hosting an auction in three days' time, and Li Rong knew that it would be the perfect opportunity to showcase his pills to all cultivators.

Li Rong felt a wave of exhaustion sweep over him, his mind wandering and his muscles aching. He knew he needed to refresh his body, so he summoned a hotel attendant and asked that a hot bath with medicinal herbs be made up for him to ease his sore muscles.

The young hotel employee's eyes sparkled with delight as she listened to his request. She smiled and continued, "Sir, if I may make a suggestion, we have a unique open-air medicinal bath reserved for our VIP clients." It is renowned for both its peaceful atmosphere and restorative qualities."

Li Rong became interested in trying the open-air medicinal bath since it sparked his curiosity. "Lead the way," he nodded in response, and they proceeded to the outdoor bath under the attendant's direction.

Li Rong was astounded by the area's natural splendour as soon as they arrived. The steam rising gradually from the heated waters in the bath, surrounded by lush foliage, created an ethereal ambiance perfect for contemplation and relaxation.

Li Rong stepped into the bath's warm embrace without thinking twice, letting the soothing waves wrap him in their relaxing embrace. He closed his eyes and exhaled happily, his tired muscles loosening their strain.

He had no idea that another figure had remained in the shadows, staring across the bath at Li Rong. The enigmatic onlooker stayed silent as Li Rong revelled in the peaceful surroundings, their presence obscured by the steam rising from the river.

Li Rong felt a wave of calm descend upon him as he opened his eyes following a few peaceful moments by himself. That's when he saw, masked by the shadows and steam, the faint form of another person in the distance.

"Who's there?" With a gentle echo over the sea, Li Rong called out.

After a brief period of silence, a cautious yet intrigued voice answered. "Apologies, I didn't mean to startle you. "I was merely relaxing in the peace and quiet of the bath," the silhouetted person said.

Li Rong, intrigued by the presence of the unfamiliar guest, nodded understandingly. "There's no need to apologise," he murmured courteously, inviting the figure to come closer. "I'd be delighted for you to accompany me. The waters are quite restorative."

Unbeknownst to him, another figure lurked in the shadows, their gaze fixed intently on Li Rong from across the bath. As Li Rong soaked in the tranquil surroundings, the mysterious observer remained silent, their presence masked by the steam rising from the water.

After a few moments of blissful solitude, Li Rong opened his eyes, a sense of peace settling over him. It was then that he noticed the faint outline of a figure in the distance, obscured by the steam and shadows.

"Who's there?" Li Rong called out, his voice echoing softly across the water.

There was a moment of silence before a voice replied, its tone cautious yet intrigued. "Apologies, I did not mean to intrude. I was simply enjoying the tranquility of the bath," came the response from the shadowy figure.

Li Rong nodded understandingly, his curiosity piqued by the presence of another guest. "No need to apologize," he said warmly, gesturing for the figure to join him. "Please, feel free to join me. The waters are quite rejuvenating."

With a hesitant nod, the figure emerged from the shadows, revealing themselves to be Xuan Liang.