Immortality begin with Alchemy Grandmaster Chapter 2549 - 936:

The existence of such Gu insects, crafted by someone and lingering in the world today, proves that body refining methods in the South Border haven't vanished like those in the Eastern Wasteland.

A complete and intact path of cultivation stands as his ultimate pursuit!

While a First Order Qi Power Gu falls short, perhaps a more advanced order could make the difference?

"And that secret technique Master Ming Lei spoke of!"

In that instant, Luo Chen's mind drifted back to the direct chat he'd shared with Master Ming Lei just hours before, during which key details were revealed.

Once he reached the Nascent Soul Realm, Master Ming Lei couldn't simply stay hidden away forever.

So, he often journeyed out, seeking ties with fellow Nascent Soul True Masters across the South Border to share insights on cultivation.

In the midst of these travels, the Supreme Elder from the neighboring Feng Family took notice of him.

Setting aside their private conflicts for now, one Nascent Soul assembly that Master Ming Lei joined previously deserves a closer look.

There, as a wandering cultivator without a proper Nascent Soul Stage method, Master Ming Lei faced real hardships and paid a heavy price to secure certain valuable hidden cultivation arts.

The "Flash Thunder Technique" counted among the treasures he obtained from that occasion.

As he described it, at the assembly, another high-grade body refinement method was offered up, yet its harsh requirements for practice and the risks involved kept anyone from claiming it.

Should Luo Chen desire to progress deeper along this route, Master Ming Lei feels this body refinement method could prove useful for him.

It would at least provide solid guidance.

Provided Luo Chen aids him in overcoming this current threat, Master Ming Lei vows to bring him into that exclusive group and aid in securing that advanced body refinement method.

"I need to join that circle. And I must claim that high-level body refinement technique for myself!"

Luo Chen tightened his lips, gradually shut his eyes, and resumed his cultivation practice.

Though the Spirit Qi here remains mediocre in concentration and absorbing it proves quite challenging, the path of cultivation demands steady effort without shortcuts.

…

Within a nearby chamber, Master Ming Lei carefully set aside the container he held.

Cheng Bai brimmed with anticipation, yet this sight caused his spirits to plummet.

"Lord, does the Faceless Gu fail to meet the need?"

Master Ming Lei let out a heavy sigh. "It's not lacking in potential. When spurred by the secret method, it truly can aid my progress in the 'Flash Thunder Technique.' However, our time is slipping away too fast."

Cheng Bai jolted in surprise and quickly recalled the deadline set between the Feng Family and Master Ming Lei.

That moment approaches swiftly!

Should Master Ming Lei refuse to hand over Wind and Thunder Gorge on his own, the foes will unleash their might.

With so little time left, even using the Faceless Gu enhanced by secret arts, attaining even the initial stage of the "Flash Thunder Technique" seems impossible, much less mastering it fully.

Cheng Bai ventured carefully, "Thanks to Qitian Senior, the one I brought in, he ought to pull us through this disaster, don't you think?"

"I'm worried it's not so simple!" Master Ming Lei held little hope for the clash ahead.

He possesses some supporters, but Feng Bu Yan, with his extended time as a Nascent Soul, undoubtedly boasts his own network.

Were it not for Qitian's bold claims of tackling even Divine Transformation threats, Master Ming Lei might feel surer of victory.

Yet those overconfident words undermine Qitian's reliability sharply.

When cultivators clash with spells, one's realm matters greatly, but treasures, hidden arts, and battle savvy play equally vital roles.

Qitian follows the body refiner path, a tradition faded into obscurity long ago.

No doubt, his arsenal of magic items remains sparse.

Given his impulsive nature, he's prone to falling right into enemy schemes amid the fight.

"Even so, I'll reach out to those acquaintances from the previous assembly and check if any can lend a hand in time!"

With this in mind, Master Ming Lei's eyes settled on Cheng Bai's hopeful expression.

He offered a faint grin. "You've stood by my side ever since before my Nascent Soul formed. That's close to a full century now, isn't it!"

Cheng Bai bobbed his head with enthusiasm.

One hundred years stretches on endlessly, but passes in a flash too.

It seems only moments ago, like time never truly moved.

Master Ming Lei grinned warmly. "Throughout these decades, your efforts for me have been immense, and lately you've hunted down the Faceless Gu and brought in aid. Your loyalty runs deep."

Cheng Bai responded from the heart, "This is just my duty. Lord, without your guidance, I could never have advanced past the Foundation Establishment Stage."

Master Ming Lei took the thanks in stride, as expected.

But he quickly turned to another matter.

"Should we lose hold of Wind and Thunder Gorge, what path would you take? Align with the Feng Family, or escape alongside me?"

Cheng Bai replied instantly, "Of course, I'll stick with you, Lord!"

"Ponder it well. Chaos grips the South Border these days. The Gate of Life and Death seals itself off from the chaos. Inside, the Evil Mountain Stiff Alliance brews unrest, and beyond, the Tianyuan Daoist Sect hungers for involvement. As a solitary wanderer, my life drifts unpredictably; trailing me means constant peril!"

A flicker crossed Cheng Bai's gaze, betraying a touch of doubt.

Master Ming Lei dismissed it with a gesture. "Never mind, retreat and mull it over. I'll need to weave more strategies, for Wind and Thunder Gorge marks the spot of my Dao enlightenment—how could I yield it without a fight?"

Once Cheng Bai departed, Master Ming Lei drew forth a handful of message-carrying poisons, yet upon dispatch, they vanished without a ripple, yielding no reply.

In the end, as a lone rogue cultivator without deep roots, who would truly stand by him?

His wandering stare came to rest on the solitary jade container atop the desk.

Within it, the young Faceless Gu rested in quiet stillness.

Right then, a savage glint ignited in Master Ming Lei's eyes.

"Cheng Bai, return here at once!"