The cultivation technique recorded in the jade slip was nothing special—just an ordinary Qi Refinement technique. There wasn’t much remarkable about it.

However, within the jade slip, there was something far more valuable—a method to craft a unique magical artifact.

This artifact was called “Qi Pouch”, a flesh-refining artifact.

Once refined, it would function as an additional dantian within a cultivator’s body, capable of storing up to 40% of their total spiritual power and nurturing magical artifacts inside.

The depth of one’s spiritual power could be the deciding factor in battles between cultivators of the same level.

But that wasn’t what Wei Tu valued most about the Qi Pouch.

What truly caught his attention—was its ability to aid cultivators in breaking through to Foundation Establishment by assisting them in overcoming the “Qi Transformation Hurdle.”

The three major hurdles of Foundation Establishment were:

1. Physical Hurdle – Testing the body’s endurance, vitality, and resistance to inner injuries.

2. Qi Transformation Hurdle – Refining Qi into true Foundation Establishment spiritual power, a process that required both a strong foundation and an abundant spiritual reservoir.

3. Mental Hurdle – A battle of the mind and will, where one had to resist inner demons and intrusive thoughts.

The Qi Transformation Hurdle was particularly harsh—if a cultivator’s foundation was weak or their spiritual power insufficient, they wouldn’t be able to condense their energy into true spiritual liquid for Foundation Establishment.

However, with the extra energy stored in the Qi Pouch, even a slightly weaker foundation wouldn’t be a problem anymore.

The stored spiritual power inside the Qi Pouch would be enough to help with the Qi condensation process, making it much easier to successfully step into Foundation Establishment.

Of course—

This didn’t mean the Qi Pouch was only useful for weaker cultivators.

Even for those with a strong foundation, having more spiritual power during the Qi condensation process would only make their breakthrough smoother and more refined, further solidifying their foundation for future cultivation.

The stronger the foundation, the greater the potential for progress after Foundation Establishment.

“And it’s not even difficult to refine… the materials are easy to find. The hardest material to acquire is just the stomach of a high-grade spirit beast with a matching attribute…”

Wei Tu carefully examined the refining process and the list of required materials for the Qi Pouch and was pleasantly surprised.

If it had been too difficult to refine, then obtaining this crafting method would have been nothing more than a useless burden.

“Immortal Master Wu left this inheritance for me… so that Second Brother could pass this favor to me.”

“This Qi Pouch is valuable to me. I am willing to offer 50 spirit stones along with two mid-grade first-tier talismans in exchange for its crafting method.”

After a brief moment of thought, Wei Tu stepped into his living quarters, retrieved a bag of spirit stones, and placed it alongside two talismans in front of Wei Fei.

The Qi Pouch crafting method was already fully documented in the jade slip that Wei Fei had given him.

But just because Wei Fei treated him with full trust, didn’t mean Wei Tu would take advantage of it.

Even between brothers, fairness and integrity were essential.

That wasn’t just a principle for others, but also a principle for himself.

One must act with honor in all things.

“This… this is too much,” Wei Fei said, visibly shocked as he looked at the pile of spirit stones before him. He quickly waved his hand, refusing the payment.

But Wei Tu simply shook his head and pressed down on Wei Fei’s hand, preventing him from pushing the bag back.

“Second Brother, if this Qi Pouch refining method were to be auctioned at Baibao Pavilion, it could easily be a grand finale treasure in the auction.”

“Me purchasing it for 50 spirit stones and two mid-grade talismans is already a great deal for me—I’m still the one who owes you a favor.”

Wei Tu’s words were part truth, part exaggeration.

The Qi Pouch was an extremely useful artifact, one that could enhance a cultivator’s foundation in all aspects.

If it were placed in an auction house, it would easily be worth over a thousand spirit stones.

So in that sense, he was definitely getting the better end of the deal.

However—

For an individual cultivator, the Qi Pouch wasn’t worth that much.

The reason the Qi Pouch could be valued at over 1,000 spirit stones was because cultivation sects and factions would be willing to pay such a high price for it.

If a sect obtained this crafting method, they could mass-produce the artifact for their disciples, securing both financial gain and a long-term power boost.

For these organizations, it was a strategic investment worth every spirit stone.

But for an individual cultivator, the Qi Pouch wasn’t worth that kind of price.

There were also alternative methods—instead of refining the Qi Pouch, one could simply use pills to assist in breakthroughs.

And these pills were far cheaper than the cost of refining the Qi Pouch.

Not to mention—even after obtaining the crafting method, actually refining the artifact would require an investment of over 100 spirit stones.

“Thank you, Third Brother.”

Wei Fei wasn’t foolish—he understood what Wei Tu was doing.

By offering him 50 spirit stones, Wei Tu was making a clear statement:

1. He was being fair and not taking advantage of Wei Fei.

2. He was extending a helping hand.

When Wei Fei finally accepted the spirit stones, Wei Tu let out a sigh and spoke again.

“Just like I advised you back in the mortal world—I suggest that you share the Qi Pouch refining method with Fourth Brother Fu Zhizhou and Kou Hong Ying as well.”

“It’s mutually beneficial. Not only will it help them on their path, but it will also help you walk further down your own.”

He had a close personal relationship with Wei Fei, which was why he gave him 50 spirit stones and two mid-grade first-tier talismans.

When it came to Kou Hong Ying and Fu Zhizhou, the price wouldn’t be any less than 50 spirit stones each.

With 150 spirit stones in total, Wei Fei would have enough resources to sustain himself through the Qi Refinement Realm without much difficulty.

“I’ll listen to you, Third Brother.”

Wei Fei responded cheerfully.

The last time they reunited, he had been worried about falling behind too much, but he never expected that Immortal Master Wu’s inheritance would turn out to be so generous.

By selling the Qi Pouch crafting method to the rest of the Righteous Society, he could use those spirit stones to catch up in cultivation. It wouldn’t be too difficult.

—After all, Fu Zhizhou had been stuck at the sixth level of Qi Refinement for years.

“When giving Kou Hong Ying the Qi Pouch crafting method, make sure she signs a spiritual contract, agreeing not to resell it privately.”

Wei Tu reminded him at the right moment.

Unlike the three sworn brothers, Kou Hong Ying wasn’t a rogue cultivator—she had sect backing and a Foundation Establishment master.

She didn’t have to worry about the potential dangers of selling the method for profit.

Greed is a powerful force.

The possibility of gaining over a thousand spirit stones could have a direct impact on Kou Hong Ying’s path to Foundation Establishment.

“I understand.”

Wei Fei smiled knowingly.

He had absolute trust in Wei Tu because of their 40 years of brotherhood. He knew Wei Tu’s character well.

But when it came to Kou Hong Ying, he wouldn’t be so naive as to give away the method without any precautions.

…

Two months later.

Wei Tu received two letters—one from Wei Fei, the other from Kou Hong Ying.

Both letters were about the Qi Pouch crafting method.

Wei Fei mentioned that Kou Hong Ying agreed to sign the spiritual contract and had paid him 80 spirit stones for the method.

Wei Tu wasn’t surprised at all.

From the last gathering, when Kou Hong Ying asked the three uncles to help her advance to Foundation Establishment, it was clear—she had ambition.

In fact, her real goal might not even be Foundation Establishment, but Golden Core.

While some pills could provide similar effects to the Qi Pouch, the Qi Pouch’s effects could stack.

With both combined, Kou Hong Ying’s potential would increase even further.

For that reason alone, she wouldn’t let go of the Qi Pouch so easily.

Aside from mentioning her deal with Wei Fei, Kou Hong Ying’s letter also revealed her intention to refine the Qi Pouch.

She wanted Wei Tu to connect her with his in-law, Baibao Pavilion’s Pavilion Master, Mei Yuanfeng, to forge the Qi Pouch for her.

Specialization matters.

Mei Yuanfeng was a well-known top-grade first-tier artifact refiner from Baishi Lake, renowned for his skills.

More importantly, his reputation was solid.

Of course, the real advantage for Kou Hong Ying was being able to establish a connection with Mei Yuanfeng.

After some thought, Wei Tu wrote back.

He told Kou Hong Ying to wait for now and to start gathering materials for refining the artifact.

When the next gathering came, they would visit Mei Yuanfeng together to request the Qi Pouch’s refinement.

After all—

The next ten-year gathering was only two years away.

…

In the blink of an eye, two years passed.

During this time, aside from Tong Peipei occasionally visiting to ask about Wei Tu’s progress with the Demon Refining Talisman, nothing noteworthy happened.

After packing his belongings, Wei Tu set out with Fu Zhizhou, leaving Danqiu Mountain and heading toward Baishi Lake Marketplace.

Their first stop was Nanhang City.

As they arrived, Fu Zhizhou stopped walking.

“Third Brother, you go home. I won’t be going back.” He said.

Wei Tu raised an eyebrow in surprise.

“Last time, didn’t you meet with Lin’er and settle some things?”

He remembered at Kou Liang’s funeral, Fu Zhizhou and his son, Fu Lin, had reunited at the mourning hall.

Afterward, Fu Zhizhou claimed he had family matters to deal with and asked Wei Tu to leave first.

But now—

Fu Zhizhou shook his head and sighed, refusing to explain further.

Seeing this, Wei Tu didn’t press the matter.

He simply nodded, then turned and walked into Nanhang City.

“Even a fair judge struggles to settle family disputes.”

Though he and Fu Zhizhou were sworn brothers, family matters were too complicated to meddle in.

Upon arriving at the Wei family estate, Wei Tu reunited with his family.

After settling in, he found a chance to ask his niece and nephew, Wei Yan and Wei Xiuwen, about the Fu family.

“After Uncle Kou’s funeral, Fu Lin left Nanhang City with Fu Erlang and Fu Sanmei. No one knows where they went.”

Wei Xiuwen said in a low voice.

“Why did the three of them leave home?”

Wei Tu raised an eyebrow, puzzled.

Back then, when Fu Lin knelt before him, Wei Tu could tell—the eldest son of the Fu family had a resolute Dao heart, no less than his father.

Fu Lin had first settled in Baishi Lake Marketplace, but now he had fled once again… This would clearly delay his cultivation path.

The reason was probably more than just father-son conflict.

“It’s because… Fu Lin has started cultivating demonic techniques,” Wei Xiuwen whispered.

“Demonic techniques?” Wei Tu’s gaze sharpened, and he muttered, “No wonder.”

At the last gathering, Wei Xiuwen had already mentioned that Kou Hong Ying avoided Fu Lin, even refusing to meet him under the pretense of being in seclusion.

At the time, Wei Tu had been puzzled—why would Kou Hong Ying do such a thing?

After all, she didn’t seem like someone who would blindly follow power or abandon acquaintances due to their misfortune.

But if Fu Lin had already begun cultivating demonic techniques back then—

Everything made sense now.

At the last gathering, Kou Hong Ying had revealed her cultivation level—Qi Refinement seventh level.

With her cultivation, noticing traces of demonic cultivation in Fu Lin wouldn’t have been difficult.

Her avoidance of Fu Lin was likely to prevent suspicion, not because she looked down on a fallen peer.

—Demonic cultivators in Zheng Kingdom were hunted down without mercy.

…

Five days later.

June 13th.

The members of the Righteous Society gathered once again.

But this time, compared to ten years ago, Kou Liang was missing.

Kou Hong Ying wore a sorrowful expression.

The three brothers sighed, pouring a cup of wine onto the ground as a tribute to Kou Liang’s spirit in the afterlife.

Afterward—

Each of them shared their progress in cultivation and what they had learned over the past decade.

Wei Fei stole a glance at Fu Zhizhou, his face filled with satisfaction as he announced that he had broken through to Qi Refinement sixth level.

Two years ago, when he visited Wei Tu’s Snowfall Courtyard, he had already reached Qi Refinement fifth level.

With Wei Tu and Kou Hong Ying’s support, he had been able to buy a Bluewater Pill, allowing him to easily advance to Qi Refinement sixth level.

Then—

It was Wei Tu’s turn.

“Qi Refinement seventh level.”

Wei Tu spoke simply.

As soon as the words fell, Wei Fei and Fu Zhizhou, who had already expected this, remained calm.

But Kou Hong Ying, who had been training in her sect, was clearly shocked.

At the last gathering, it had taken Wei Tu ten years to advance just one level, reaching Qi Refinement fifth level.

But this time, in another ten years, his progress had surged, and he had broken through two levels.

She knew that advancing from Qi Refinement sixth level to seventh level was a major hurdle—breaking into late-stage Qi Refinement was no small feat.

And now, she had only reached the eighth level, meaning she was just one step ahead of Wei Tu.

“Congratulations, Uncle Wei.”

Kou Hong Ying suppressed her thoughts, smiled, and congratulated him.

“What?”

“Fourth Brother, you’ve reached Qi Refinement seventh level?”

When Fu Zhizhou revealed his cultivation level, Wei Fei, who had been smug just moments ago, was utterly stunned.

He blurted out in disbelief.

He had thought that after reaching Qi Refinement sixth level, he would no longer be the weakest.

But he hadn’t expected Fu Zhizhou to still be one step ahead, no longer stuck at the sixth level.

Fu Zhizhou, seeing Wei Fei’s reaction, didn’t mind at all.

He simply laughed heartily, brushing the matter aside.

Back in the mortal world, he had known that Wei Fei harbored a sense of rivalry toward him.

At first, this feeling might have affected their relationship, but by now, it was just a minor aspect of their cultivation journey.

Finally—

It was Kou Hong Ying’s turn.

After sharing her cultivation progress and insights, her eyes flickered, and she turned toward Wei Tu and Fu Zhizhou, bringing up the refinement of the Qi Pouch artifact.

“If there’s an opportunity, Uncle Fu should consider refining this artifact. With its support, you won’t have to worry about your foundation being too weak when breaking into Foundation Establishment…”

She reminded him.

“I’ll think about it when the time comes.”

Fu Zhizhou shook his head.

After spending most of his spirit stones on healing, he was already struggling financially.

He had no resources left to refine the Qi Pouch and reinforce his foundation.

…

After the banquet—

As everyone left the private room, Kou Hong Ying lifted her skirt slightly and followed closely behind Wei Tu, keeping half a step behind.

She began transmitting voice messages to him, discussing the specifics of refining the Qi Pouch.

“I’ve gathered almost all the materials. For some, I even have two sets prepared.”

“Uncle Wei, are you ready on your end?”

Kou Hong Ying inquired.

Hearing this, Wei Tu nodded, pulled out a list of organized materials from his sleeve, and handed it to her.

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