I am a Late Bloomer in the Immortal World

"Indeed, for rogue cultivators, simply having an alternative method for Foundation Establishment is already a great advantage. Who would worry about losing fifty years of lifespan?"

Wei Tu's expression softened.

For most rogue cultivators, obtaining a single Condensed Foundation Pill was already a challenge, let alone a Foundation Establishment Pill for breaking through.

Compared to a 20% increase in success rate, losing fifty years of lifespan was a minor price to pay.

Helian Xiong's failure to disclose this drawback beforehand was a deception, but it wasn't an unforgivable mistake.

After all, everyone had their own secrets.

After a brief moment of contemplation, Wei Tu retrieved two additional high-grade Demon Refining Talismans, adding them to the one already placed on the table. With a flick of his wrist, he sent them toward Helian Xiong.

"Three high-grade Demon Refining Talismans—this should be enough for your needs."

Wei Tu sipped his tea.

"More than enough, Senior Wei! More than enough!"

Helian Xiong's face lit up with joy upon seeing the talismans.

Back when he made this deal, all he had given Wei Tu was the crafting method for the Demon Refining Talisman and the one-tier Talisman Dao inheritance from his wife, Tong Peipei's family.

The cost of all subsequent talisman refinement had been shouldered entirely by Wei Tu.

Even if Wei Tu was a talented talisman master, the expenses he had incurred could not have been small.

At the very least, he must have spent several hundred spirit stones. If not more, over a thousand.

Now, Wei Tu had successfully broken through and stood at a higher position, yet he still upheld their deal, providing him with three high-grade talismans.

This was far beyond Helian Xiong's expectations.

It was an incredible stroke of luck.

Realizing this, Helian Xiong gritted his teeth, hesitated briefly, then retrieved another jade slip from his storage pouch and handed it over.

"Senior Wei, my ancestors have conducted extensive research on the Demonic Soul Foundation Establishment Method… This jade slip contains techniques to mitigate its negative effects. Please accept it."

The Demonic Soul Foundation Establishment Method had two parts.

The first half contained the Foundation Establishment process.

The second half contained methods to reduce its drawbacks.

Previously, the blood-colored jade slip Helian Xiong had given Wei Tu only contained the first half.

As for the second half—had Wei Tu attempted to coerce or extort him, Helian Xiong would have never surrendered it.

"Methods to reduce the drawbacks?"

Wei Tu's eyes flashed with surprise.

He had never expected such a gain.

If not for his firm belief in acting with integrity, he might have completely missed out on this critical information.

Just as he sent Helian Xiong off, another visitor arrived at the gate of Luo Xue Courtyard.

A middle-aged man, dressed in merchant robes, stood outside.

"Congratulations, Senior Wei, on achieving Foundation Establishment at a hundred years old! You are now the pride of Danqiu Mountain's rogue cultivators."

The newcomer was none other than Shen Yao, the manager of Baibao Pavilion.

In his hands, he carried a congratulatory gift, offering it with a respectful bow.

"This is all thanks to Fairy Kou lifting me up."

Wei Tu graciously accepted the gift, attributing his success to Kou Hongying.

He understood that most rogue cultivators in Danqiu Mountain likely believed that his Foundation Establishment was heavily aided by Kou Hongying.

And honestly, he was fine with that.

For Kou Hongying, this caused no harm.

For Wei Tu, however, it was extremely beneficial.

He invited Shen Yao inside, offering him spirit tea as a courtesy.

"Looks like Wei Tu still doesn't know that I originally invited him to Xianyao Mountain Secret Realm to kill him…"

Seeing Wei Tu's warm hospitality, Shen Yao felt a sense of relief.

He had been terrified that Wei Tu still held a grudge over the attempted ambush.

Feigning composure, he took a sip of tea before pulling out a formal invitation. He leaned forward slightly, offering it to Wei Tu with both hands.

"Senior Wei, in half a month, Baibao Pavilion will be holding its once-every-five-year auction…"

"This is your VIP invitation, granting access to the third-floor private booths."

A private booth?

Wei Tu raised an eyebrow as he accepted the invitation and ticket.

At first, he had assumed Shen Yao came only to gauge his attitude, to see whether he harbored any resentment.

He had not expected Shen Yao to personally deliver an invitation to the Baibao Pavilion auction.

"So this is what it means to be a Foundation Establishment cultivator…"

Wei Tu mused inwardly.

Before reaching Foundation Establishment, Shen Yao—a Baibao Pavilion manager—held far greater status than a mere talisman master like him.

In Danqiu Mountain, Shen Yao was a prominent figure.

There was no way he would waste his time running errands for a mere Qi Refinement cultivator.

After chatting for a while, Shen Yao subtly shifted the conversation toward Baibao Pavilion's superior organization—Jiu Yun Merchant Guild.

"Although the Jiu Yun Merchant Guild isn't as powerful as the Three Great Immortal Sects or the Seven Major Cultivation Clans, it is incredibly wealthy and influential…"

"If Senior Wei is considering joining an immortal cultivation force, the Jiu Yun Merchant Guild would be a good choice."

"I would be honored to make the introduction."

Shen Yao chuckled as he spoke.

Wei Tu nodded, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

He understood that if Jiu Yun Merchant Guild truly wanted to recruit him, they wouldn't send someone of Shen Yao's status. A Qi Refinement cultivator had no authority to negotiate such matters.

Without substantial offers, why would he carelessly state his stance?

Shen Yao was merely testing the waters—a routine business strategy. Convincing a Foundation Establishment cultivator to join Jiu Yun Merchant Guild would bring significant personal benefits to Shen Yao.

As for Jiu Yun Merchant Guild itself, Wei Tu had already gathered some information from Kou Hongying's jade slip.

Jiu Yun Merchant Guild was a medium-sized commercial organization, jointly established by three Foundation Establishment families, with stores in multiple marketplaces, including Danqiu Mountain.

Their offers for recruiting rogue Foundation Establishment cultivators were generally quite generous.

However, Wei Tu had no intention of joining this merchant guild.

The next realm after Foundation Establishment was Golden Core.

Over the past several hundred years, every rogue cultivator who joined a Foundation Establishment family had failed to advance to Golden Core.

Not a single one succeeded.

All of them remained stuck at the Foundation Establishment stage—until they ran out of lifespan and perished.

On the other hand, within the Golden Core families, at least two rogue cultivators had successfully advanced to Golden Core, rising to become Elders and enjoying long lives of prestige.

This was common knowledge in Zheng Kingdom's cultivation world.

Of course, if one traced back further in history, it wasn't entirely impossible for rogue cultivators who joined Foundation Establishment families to break through to Golden Core.

However, Wei Tu wasn't willing to gamble on such slim odds.

By joining a Golden Core family, he might not receive as many benefits or have the same authority as in a Foundation Establishment family.

But the key advantage was that he would be on a greater platform—one where the possibility of advancing to Golden Core was real.

By this point in their conversation, Shen Yao noticed Wei Tu was simply drinking tea, showing little interest.

Sensing that further persuasion would be pointless, Shen Yao tactfully excused himself, rising to leave.

Unlike when he saw off Helian Xiong, Wei Tu did not personally escort Shen Yao to the gate.

Helian Xiong was, at least, a friend.

Shen Yao? He was just an acquaintance.

For a Foundation Establishment cultivator like Wei Tu to personally walk a Qi Refinement cultivator to the door?

That would be beneath his status.

Shen Yao kept his head bowed as he stepped out of Luo Xue Courtyard.

It was only after he left the premises that he finally straightened his back and took a deep breath.

However, just as he lifted his gaze, he suddenly saw a white-robed young woman standing before him.

Instinctively, Shen Yao bowed deeply once again.

"Greetings, Senior Zhao."

Shen Yao forced a smile, enduring the pain in his waist.

The suddenness of the situation had nearly thrown his back out.

"Wei Tu has emerged from seclusion?" Zhao Qingluo glanced at Shen Yao, her voice calm and indifferent.

Half a year ago, news of Wei Tu's Foundation Establishment breakthrough had reached Qiyue Zhao Clan.

Since she had past ties with him, the clan had assigned her the task of recruiting him.

However, times had changed.

Unlike their previous encounters, Zhao Qingluo couldn't simply barge into Luo Xue Courtyard.

This time, she was here to extend an invitation—not to give orders.

Thus, she waited patiently outside the cave estate.

"Senior Wei has indeed emerged from seclusion," Shen Yao quickly replied.

After Shen Yao left, Zhao Qingluo paused to think for a moment.

Instead of immediately knocking on the door, she retrieved a Talisman Letter and sent it inside Luo Xue Courtyard.

A quarter of an hour later.

The door opened.

Seeing Wei Tu personally step out to greet her, Zhao Qingluo revealed herself, emerging from her concealment technique.

Standing before Wei Tu, she smiled.

"It seems this princess came at just the right time—just as Master Wei was stepping out of seclusion."

"My humble abode is unworthy of hosting you, Your Highness."

Wei Tu cupped his hands.

"Allow me to be your host instead—let us dine in the private booth of Jingyun Pavilion."

Inside his cave estate, the Wind-Cleaving Eagle he had once stolen from Zhao Qingluo still resided.

Wei Tu wasn't sure if Zhao Qingluo possessed abilities like his—ones that could track scents and identify past encounters.

Thus, he had to be cautious.

Even though he was fairly certain Zhao Qingluo wouldn't pose a direct threat, it was best to avoid unnecessary risks.

Upon hearing his words, Zhao Qingluo found herself reminiscing.

Decades ago, when she first met Wei Tu, he had said the exact same thing.

"Then let us go, Master Wei."

Zhao Qingluo nodded slightly and took the lead.

"This time, allow me to be the host."

Host?

Wei Tu's eyebrows lifted slightly.

Decades ago, Zhao Qingluo had always addressed herself as 'this princess', exuding arrogance.

Now?

She was humbly referring to herself as "妾身" (this humble woman).

The stark contrast amused Wei Tu.

For a moment, he couldn't help but recall the past, particularly the scene when Zhao Qingluo lost control under the effects of an aphrodisiac.

The difference between then and now?

Absolutely striking.

The two of them arrived at Jingyun Pavilion's private booth.

Zhao Qingluo ordered a lavish banquet.

"Master Wei, I won't beat around the bush."

She looked at him directly and got straight to the point.

"I came here today to recruit you... to join Qiyue Zhao Clan."

Once seated, Zhao Qingluo laid out her offer without hesitation.

"If Master Wei agrees, Qiyue Zhao Clan will provide you with a complete set of Tier-2 talisman master inheritances.

"Additionally—concubines, a Tier-2 cultivation cave, techniques, magical artifacts, and everything else required for cultivation will be provided accordingly."

Her offer was generous.

Essentially, if Wei Tu agreed to join Qiyue Zhao Clan, he would instantly obtain all the foundational elements of cultivation: Dao companion, techniques, resources, and land.

However, Wei Tu remained calm.

Even without Kou Hongying's warning, the two most dangerous Golden Core families, Qiyue Zhao Clan and Chisong Jia Clan, were the first ones he had ruled out.

He had no intention of getting caught in their feud.

The higher the Zhao Clan's offer, the more cautious Wei Tu became.

There was no such thing as a free lunch in this world.

"My aptitude is mediocre."

Wei Tu spoke carefully, politely declining her offer.

"Managing to reach Foundation Establishment was already a stroke of fortune.

"I wouldn't want to bring trouble upon Zhao Clan."

Unexpectedly, Zhao Qingluo did not grasp his subtle rejection.

Her brows furrowed slightly.

"Master Wei, reaching Foundation Establishment at a hundred years old... Even if you're not an exceptional genius, in a Golden Core family, you'd still be considered highly promising."

"There's no need for such humility."

She waved a hand dismissively.

Wei Tu felt momentarily speechless.

After a moment of thought, he decided to be more direct.

"Your Highness, Zhao Clan is at war with Chisong Jia Clan.

"A battleground is no place for me."

"For any Foundation Establishment rogue cultivator looking to join a clan, the first factions they eliminate as options...

"Are Zhao Clan and Chisong Jia Clan."

Zhao Qingluo fell silent for a moment.

"I see."

She sighed after a long pause.

Before coming here, she had wondered why the clan leader had offered Wei Tu such a generous deal.

Now, she understood.

To rogue cultivators, Qiyue Zhao Clan was already seen as a sinking ship.

"Then, which clan does Master Wei intend to join?"

Zhao Qingluo's gaze sharpened slightly.

"Perhaps I can assist with planning your future."

She recalled the Clan Leader's orders before she left—

If Wei Tu refuses to join Zhao Clan, then at least convince him to join one of their allied families.

"I haven't decided yet."

Wei Tu shook his head, refusing to reveal his true intentions.

Revealing too much to an acquaintance was a grave mistake.

"What about Heshan Huang Clan?"

Zhao Qingluo asked directly.

"This Golden Core family is friendly with Zhao Clan.

"Unlike us, they haven't engaged in any wars for decades."

"That family... I'll consider it."

Wei Tu replied vaguely.

The conversation stalled after that.

The two of them silently ate their food.

Half an hour later, Zhao Qingluo spoke again.

"Master Wei, as long as you don't side with Chisong Jia Clan…

"I can personally guarantee that Zhao Clan will purchase your Tier-2 talismans in the future."

Hearing this profitable proposition, Wei Tu finally softened his stance.

"Your Highness, we've known each other for years.

"I wouldn't want to stand against you.

"If I do join a faction, it won't be Chisong Jia Clan."

Hearing this clear answer, Zhao Qingluo was satisfied.

She did not linger in Jingyun Pavilion's booth for much longer.

Shortly after, she departed.

The Arrival of More Invitations

Following Zhao Qingluo's departure, other envoys from various cultivation clans arrived at Wei Tu's doorstep.

Each of these families presented generous offers.

Even though their proposals weren't as extravagant as Zhao Clan's, they were still highly attractive.

The inheritances of a Tier-2 talisman master and a Tier-2 cultivation technique—

These were standard incentives from every faction.

Yet, Wei Tu refused to give any direct answer.

Instead, he delayed, waiting for a better deal from one of the cultivation clans.

The longer he held out, the higher the offers would climb.

Time passed.

Soon, the five-yearly auction at Baibao Pavilion arrived.

This auction featured an item that Wei Tu had long desired before reaching Foundation Establishment—

A Condensing Foundation Pill.

This pill was listed as one of the final highlights of the event.

From inside a private booth on the third floor, Wei Tu placed his bid.

"1,100 spirit stones."

A sudden silence fell over the second-floor main hall.

Many cultivators looked around at each other in hesitation.

Several who had previously bid now grew cautious.

A Foundation Establishment cultivator had entered the bidding.

For a Qi Refinement cultivator to compete against a Foundation Establishment cultivator?

That was asking for trouble.

If the Foundation Establishment bidder turned out to be vindictive, the losing bidder might lose more than just spirit stones—

They might lose their lives.