"Hmm, even if we're still alive the next time it opens... without Foundation Establishment, we'll basically be nearing the end of our lifespan. By that time, let alone vying for treasures, staying alive would already be good enough."

Han Feiyu answered.

"From what I understand, our Water Dragon Sect only allows disciples at the Peak of Qi Refining to enter. If one hasn't reached the Peak, the sect won't allow them to go even if they want to."

Dong Qian shared her information as well.

"It's fraught with dangers inside; the sect must have gathered considerable intelligence, perhaps waiting for candidates to be determined before speaking to them individually?"

Ji Yuan wondered aloud.

"Most likely, the sect naturally hopes we return alive."

As Han Feiyu spoke, he glanced at Ji Yuan.

He could sense that now Ji Yuan had also reached the Peak of Qi Refining, and even when Ji Yuan was at the ninth level of Qi Cultivation, his prowess was already formidable.

Now at the Peak of Qi Refining... Han Feiyu pondered, "Junior Brother Ji, what are your thoughts?"

Upon hearing this, both Dong Qian and Du Wanyi looked at him.

Feeling the gaze of the three, Ji Yuan could only smile bitterly and say, "I want to achieve Foundation Establishment, but I'm also afraid of dying."

This brief sentence could be said to reflect the sentiment of all Qi Cultivation disciples.

And so, the four fell into silence. After a long while, Han Feiyu finally spoke:

"The path to the Great Dao must be fought for, especially for those of us with limited Spirit Roots who have lost the opportunity. We must fight for Foundation Establishment, for Core Formation, and for Nascent Soul Formation."

Yet even with such words, what else can be done?

Dong Qian laughed bitterly, "Why don't we try reincarnating? See if we can be reborn with a Celestial Spirit Root. If not, even an Earth Spirit Root would suffice; then we wouldn't even need a Foundation Establishment Pill to achieve Foundation Establishment."

"You might end up with no Spirit Root at all."

Du Wanyi added.

"Actually, having no Spirit Root... might not be so bad."

Dong Qian said softly.

Ji Yuan remained silent, knowing very little about the Nine Nether Cave Heaven, clueless about any information on it.

Among the four of them now, Han Feiyu had clearly stated his intention to enter the Nine Nether Cave Heaven, and from the recent reaction of the others, Ji Yuan surmised that Du Wanyi also wanted to go.

Dong Qian's stance was uncertain for now.

Though cautious by nature,

the Nine Nether Cave Heaven was, after all, as Han Feiyu said: if missed this time, achieving Foundation Establishment would become extremely difficult in the future.

Firstly, gathering materials for a Foundation Establishment Pill outside would be much harder than assembling them within the Nine Nether Cave Heaven.

Secondly, there would be competition in the Nine Nether Cave Heaven, but isn't there competition outside as well?

Furthermore, the contention outside is fiercer, even involving contesting with some Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Competition exists everywhere; it might be better to try to seize any glimmer of hope within the Nine Nether Cave Heaven.

So Ji Yuan reckoned that ultimately, Dong Qian would also agree to go.

Currently, there was no conclusion to be reached from their discussion, and since there was still plenty of time—a whole year for preparation—the four agreed to gather information separately.

They then planned to meet again in three months at Han Feiyu's courtyard to exchange information.

And with that, the simple meeting concluded.

Ji Yuan also learned that the current leader of the Mutual Aid Association was Han Feiyu.

Though he had the strength, he was young, and many of the seasoned members did not accept him readily; hence, they refused to participate in several meetings, leading the Mutual Aid Association to become nominally existent.

Before leaving, Ji Yuan asked Du Wanyi,

"Brother Han earned the position of leader through fighting; others couldn't defeat him in Magical Combat, so they had to let him be the leader."

"It's a pity that when this leader position was being contested, you, Fourth Junior Brother, were recovering from injuries. Otherwise, the leader would definitely have been you!"

Du Wanyi was quite confident in Ji Yuan's abilities.

"Forget it, Brother Han is fine as the leader. I'm not interested in this position." Ji Yuan shook his head.

"Indeed."

Du Wanyi nodded slightly, then quietly added, "Actually, he mentioned to Dong Qian about this matter. He said he hoped to use the Mutual Aid Association to gather some influence, but it didn't work out."

"It's difficult; it's inherently a loose organization with everyone having their own agendas and self-interests, so it's not easy."

Ji Yuan stopped short of saying that even among their original four, there could be individuals like Yao Jingfeng, let alone in an organization like the Mutual Aid Association.

Moreover, everyone's strength was quite similar.

Human hearts are not so easily united.

If Han Feiyu were a Foundation Establishment cultivator, it might be easier, but unfortunately, he was still at Qi Cultivation.

As they spoke, they returned to their respective Cave Mansions.

Ji Yuan was still contemplating Han Feiyu... His progress was rapid, a fact many had likely noticed.

The reason Ji Yuan noticed was because five years ago, when he joined the Water Dragon Sect, he would be injured dealing with a late first-tier Demon Beast, even with Elixirs and Talismans at his disposal.

But now, after just five years, he could defeat a group of senior members in the Mutual Aid Association.

He probably had encountered considerable fortune.

This reminded Ji Yuan of something Yao Jingfeng mentioned previously, saying that Han Feiyu was quite bloodthirsty...

Upon returning home, Ji Yuan didn't tarry; his immediate priority was to earn Spirit Stones and upgrade the Alchemy Room to Level 2, thereby acquiring the method to craft Foundation Establishment Pills.

After packing up and stepping out, he noticed a stooped figure standing in front of the courtyard next door.

"Pi... Daoist Pi?"

Looking at the figure as emaciated as skin and bones, Ji Yuan tentatively called out.

The figure turned around, indeed, it was his former elderly neighbor, Pi Fangzhi.

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