After successfully reaching the Foundation Establishment stage, Wen Buhuo did not rush to leave his seclusion. Utilizing his remaining medicinal materials, he refined several more batches of Foundation Establishment Pills. Although the effects were not as instantaneous as his initial breakthrough, they served to nourish his meridians and consolidate his newly attained realm. Only after the spiritual energy within his body had completely stabilized did he conclude this monumental retreat.

As Wen Buhuo stepped out of his cave dwelling and passed through the sect square, the cold mockery of the past had vanished. The surrounding disciples cast glances of curiosity, amazement, and even a hint of awe. In a small-to-medium sect like Yellow Maple Valley, reaching Foundation Establishment was enough for an ordinary disciple to shed their mortal skin and become a future pillar of the sect. The idle gossip claiming Wen Buhuo had only relied on "luck" to become a disciple dissipated into thin air.

Selection of Techniques and Treasures

Li Huayuan was in high spirits upon hearing the news. Inside his personal cave, he stroked his beard and laughed heartily, his eyes flashing with pride. "Excellent! Excellent! Buhuo, you truly did not disappoint this old man!"

With a wave of his hand, various jade slips and treasures shimmering with spiritual light appeared on the stone wall. "You have just reached Foundation Establishment and lack suitable tools. Pick any technique you like from my collection."

Wen Buhuo knew that anything a Core Formation Elder like Li Huayuan allowed him to "pick at will" likely wasn't a peerless, legendary art. However, he desperately needed a proper Foundation Establishment technique to replace his basic Qi Condensation incantations. After careful scrutiny, he selected a jade slip titled 《Azure Essence Sword Arts》 (Qingyuan Jianjue). This technique balanced offense and defense with an elegant, fluid style—perfectly suited to his cautious nature and preference for winning through wit.

"Good eye. While the Azure Essence Sword Arts aren't the absolute peak, they are considered a first-rate sword cultivation technique. It fits a steady temperament like yours perfectly," Li Huayuan nodded approvingly. He then tossed out a shield flowing with green light. "This is the Azure Light Shield. Although it is only a high-grade defensive tool, it is sufficient to save your life in a critical moment."

The Mission to Jiayuan City

As Wen Buhuo accepted the items, Li Huayuan’s expression turned solemn. "Buhuo, I have a task for you," he said deeply. "In Jiayuan City, there is a mortal family I have been entrusted to protect—the Wang family. I once swore an oath to save them three times from total destruction. Although we cultivators should not easily interfere in the mortal world, a promise is a promise. I see you act with stability, and as a new Foundation Establishment cultivator, you need experience. I believe you can complete this task."

Wen Buhuo’s heart tightened; he knew if he was to do work, he ought to ask for a reward. "Master, your disciple’s abilities are still shallow and I possess few treasures. I fear I may be inadequate for such a heavy responsibility."

Li Huayuan let out a cunning smile. "You brat, you certainly are shrewd!" With a flick of his sleeve, a radiant talisman flew into Wen Buhuo's hand. "This is a Talisman Treasure. It contains the power of a full-strength strike from one of my magical treasures. It is a one-time use item, but its power is immense—enough to deal with crises at the late Foundation Establishment or even the Fake Dan stage. Do not use it unless it is absolutely necessary!"

With the Talisman Treasure, the Azure Light Shield, and the Azure Essence Sword Arts, Wen Buhuo finally had the confidence to face the troubles in Jiayuan City.

Meeting Qi Yunxiao

Upon receiving his orders, Wen Buhuo traveled non-stop to Jiayuan City. Beyond fulfilling his Master's command, he had another goal: to forge a set of handy weapons and protective armor. After all, the Azure Essence Sword Arts required a flying sword to reach its full potential.

He recalled his Master mentioning a shop in Jiayuan City expert in crafting magical tools. He soon found the shop; it was small but ancient, exuding the refined air of a long-standing craft. He was greeted by a young-looking shop hand named Qi Yunxiao. Qi Yunxiao had a handsome face, but his brow was clouded with an irrepressible anxiety. When Wen Buhuo produced the Beast Carapace from the creature he slew in the Forbidden Zone, Qi Yunxiao’s eyes instantly lit up.

"Fellow Daoist, this carapace belongs to a Third-Tier beast! It is incredibly tough; it can certainly be forged into a top-grade defensive tool!" Qi Yunxiao spoke excitedly, but his tone suddenly dropped. "However, I am in desperate need of a Solar Flare Grass. It is exceptionally rare and hard to find..."

"Solar Flare Grass?" Wen Buhuo’s heart stirred. Among the many herbs he brought from the Forbidden Zone was a well-aged Solar Flare Grass. He pretended to ponder for a moment before producing the crimson, heat-radiating herb.

Qi Yunxiao exploded with joy, his hands trembling as he took the herb. "You are my great benefactor! Whatever tool you wish to build, I, Qi Yunxiao, will give my all to ensure your satisfaction!"

Seeing the time was right, Wen Buhuo made his requests: "I need a set of flying swords that harmonize with the Azure Essence Sword Arts, and a suit of armor using this beast carapace as the primary material. Furthermore, I need you to set up a Reversed Five Elements Array for me."

Qi Yunxiao nodded repeatedly, almost incoherent with excitement. "No problem! No problem! Come back in three months, and I will have the tools and the array ready for you!"

As the deal was struck, Wen Buhuo felt a sense of relief. He thought to himself that the Reversed Five Elements Array was a powerful formation that even a Core Formation cultivator couldn't easily break. If he obtained it, he would have a definitive means of escape. It seemed this trip to Jiayuan City would be smoother than expected.