A second life, An Eternal journey to Immortality

______________________

A month had passed since the night at the Drunken Immortal Pavilion. "Life in Puchan Town resumed its usual rhythm, yet for Jiang Cheng, something had shifted, a quiet anticipation simmering beneath his everyday activities."

Today marked a significant milestone—he had finally mastered the theoretical knowledge of the Bloodforge Body Art to the Proficient level. This was the highest stage he could achieve in the Qi Refining Realm before stepping into Foundation Establishment."

From the moment he obtained the jade slip, he had practiced its movements daily. The techniques, once awkward and strenuous, now flowed through him like second nature. His body had undergone a subtle yet undeniable transformation—his muscles were denser, his tendons like coiled steel, and his bones carried a faint resilience beyond the ordinary. Even the circulation of his blood felt stronger, pulsing with newfound vitality.

Now, he had reached the next crucial stage of cultivation—the medicinal bath phase.

Reaching into his storage pouch, Jiang Cheng took stock of his finances. Over the past three months, through careful spending and a steady talisman business, he had accumulated five thousand spirit stones. The Middle Fireball Talismans had proven especially popular among casual cultivators who ventured into the Periphery to hunt ferocious beasts. He also still had over two hundred Water Blade Talismans in reserve—more than enough for emergencies.

However, today would be an expensive day.

Yesterday, he had placed an order for various rare materials and monster blood essences, key components for the Bloodforge Body Art's medicinal baths. The blood essence, extracted from spirit beasts with vigorous vitality, would refine his physique, further reinforcing his progress.

Jiang Cheng exhaled, casting a Cleaning Spell to freshen up. Then, without hesitation, he executed a Light Body Technique.

His feet barely touched the ground. With each step, he crossed tens of meters, moving like a shadow flitting through the streets. The wind rushed past him, and before long, the familiar sight of the bustling market center came into view.

Without breaking stride, he headed straight for the Qinglin Treasure Pavilion.

The storefront was as refined as ever, with elegant carvings and spirit-infused lanterns glowing softly at the entrance. Inside, shelves lined with rare materials, jade slips, and magical artifacts reflected the wealth of the establishment.

Jiang Cheng stepped into the Qinglin Treasure Pavilion, the scent of aged sandalwood and rare herbs greeting him as he crossed the threshold.

Behind the counter, Ruan Xue looked up from a jade slip, her eyes lighting up as she saw him approach. But instead of greeting him normally, she let out a long sigh, her delicate shoulders drooping as if burdened by sorrow.

She placed a hand over her chest and gave him a pitiful look. "Brother Jiang, She lamented sadly . "You always seem to visit when you need something. Don't you ever miss me just a little?"

Jiang Cheng blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "What?"

She shook her head, letting out a second, deeper sigh for good measure. "Every day, I wait by the counter, hoping you'll visit. But no! Unless you need talisman paper, monster blood, or something expensive, you don't even glance this way. Truly, my heart cannot take such coldness."

Jiang Cheng narrowed his eyes. "You wait by the counter because it's your job."

Ruan Xue gasped, clutching an imaginary wound in her chest. "How cruel! Do you hear yourself? How can you just expose my suffering like this, you piece of wood.

Jiang Cheng sighed, rubbing his temples. "Alright, alright. Next time, I'll come just to see you. No purchases."

Instantly, Ruan Xue's pitiful expression vanished, replaced with a Righteous face.

"Absolutely not! If you're coming, you better be spending spirit stones. What kind of shopkeeper would I be otherwise?"

Jiang Cheng let out a dry chuckle. "Ah, there it is. The real Ruan Xue."

She smirked, resting her elbow on the counter. "I have to eat, you know. And spirit stones don't grow on trees. Now, what rare and expensive materials are you throwing money at today?"

Shaking his head, Jiang Cheng reached into his storage pouch and placed a heavy bag of spirit stones on the counter. "The monster blood and medicinal materials I ordered. They should've arrived by now."

Ruan Xue tapped her chin. "Hmm… Should I give them to you? Or should I hold them hostage until you buy something extra? "A fine spirit tea set might help you enjoy your bath to the fullest. How about it?" she said shamelessly with a smile

Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes. "I think I'll survive without one."

She chuckled, finally pulling out a wooden storage box from beneath the counter. The faint scent of blood essence and spiritual herbs leaked from the seals, confirming its authenticity.

Jiang Cheng opened the wooden storage box, and immediately, a dense, iron-rich scent filled the air. Jiang Cheng's eyes widened as the rich scent of iron filled the air. He inhaled deeply, tasting the potent, feral energy that clung to the blood essences.

The blood essence inside had been carefully sealed in jade bottles, their surfaces etched with spirit-locking runes to prevent the energy from dissipating. The thick, dark red liquid within shimmered with a faint glow, evidence of its potency and the ferocity of the creatures it had been extracted from.

Inside the box, several types of blood essence stood out

Black Python Blood Essence, Giant Black Python, a vicious beast known for its crushing strength and resilience

and Crimson Tiger Blood in Essence almost molten-looking fluid filled another bottle. This came from a Crimson Flame Tiger, a beast infamous for its explosive speed and violent temperament. This essence would stimulate blood circulation, increasing reaction speed and combat instinct.

Storm Eagle Wing Bones – Among the contents of the box lay a set of ashen-gray wing bones, still faintly charged with residual spiritual energy. These were from a Storm Eagle, a high-speed aerial predator capable of breaking the sound barrier in flight. Grounded cultivators often used them to refine leg strength and agility, mimicking the bird's wind-speed movement.

One-Legged Ironhoof Beast's Foot – A massive, thick-scaled beast's foot wrapped in a talismanic cloth. The One-Legged Ironhoof Beast was known for its terrifying stomping power,

Nestled beside the blood essences and beast materials, several stalk of precious medicinal herbs rested within the box, their fragrances mixing with the lingering scent of beast blood.

Dragon Marrow Grass, Blood-Forging Lotus – A deep crimson lotus flower with veins pulsating like actual blood vessels. When used in a medicinal bath, it greatly enhanced blood vitality and Qi absorption,

Thunderroot Vine – A set of coiled, crackling vines that still held traces of lightning energy. This would help stimulate nerve responses,

Jiang Cheng closed the box with a sense of anticipation. With these materials, his Bloodforge Body Art would reach a whole new level.

He looked at Ruan Xue, who had been watching his reaction with a smirk. "Satisfied?" she teased. "Or do you need me to throw in some scented candles to set the mood for your bath?"

Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes. "I think I'll pass ."

"Here you go," she said, pushing it toward him. "Though if you ever do feel guilty about breaking my heart, feel free to buy something extra next time."

Jiang Cheng took the box and smirked. "How about this—I'll think about it… the next time I actually need something."

Jiang Cheng reached into his storage pouch and pulled out a heavy leather pouch, the clinking of spirit stones inside a familiar sound. He placed it on the counter with a soft thud and slipped away.

Ruan Xue gasped again, but before she could launch into another dramatic monologue, Jiang Cheng turned and walked away, leaving her shaking her head with a smile.

"What a heartless fellow ."

After his visit to the Qinglin Treasure Pavilion, Jiang Cheng made his way down a narrow alley, heading toward another area of the town where strange weapons and artifacts were sold."

. This area was famous for its strange and rare weapons, armor, and artifacts, all displayed in small, cluttered stalls that lined the cobblestone path. The air here smelled of burnt metal, sharpening stones, and a faint trace of spirit essence as weapons were constantly being refined and honed.

The street was filled with the clang of hammers striking anvils, the buzz of excited buyers inspecting weapons, and the murmur of sellers bragging about the quality of their goods.

In one corner of the street, a grizzled old man with a long, salt-and-pepper beard was hunched over a workbench, his calloused hands expertly adjusting the hilt of a glistening sword. This was Old Man Song, a weapons refiner known for creating not just ordinary blades but a collection of strange and unconventional weapons.

Around him, piles of odd-looking weapons were displayed. There were spiked maces with chains, glaives that seemed to pulse with a mysterious energy, and strange contraptions that looked more like mechanical beasts than tools of combat.

The sellers here often carried a smug air, knowing their creations were highly sought after by cultivators with eccentric tastes or those looking for something unique. The buyers, meanwhile, came in a variety of shapes and sizes—rogue cultivators, adventurers, and sect disciples, all hoping to find something rare to aid them in their journeys.

Some were examining the weapons with great interest, while others were already negotiating, arguing over prices with the vendors.

Jiang Cheng knew exactly where he was headed—Old Man Song's stall.

"fellow Taoist Song!" Jiang Cheng called out, raising his hand in greeting.

Old Man Song looked up with a grunt. His weathered face broke into a grin as he recognized the young cultivator. "Ah, Jiang Cheng! You always show up when I'm least expecting it. What brings you here today?"

Jiang Cheng shook his head with a smile. "Not today, Old Song. Actually, I'm looking for something a bit different. Do you have a big cauldron, something sturdy enough for refining and training with body techniques?"

Old Man Song scratched his chin, looking thoughtful. "A big cauldron, huh? I think I might have just the thing. Been sitting in the back collecting dust. You planning to cook up some trouble?" He chuckled, but there was a knowing glint in his eye.

Jiang Cheng chuckled back. "Something like that. Just need it for practice. It has to hold up to some rough use."

"Ah, I see," Old Song grinned. "Follow me, I'll show you what I've got."

Jiang Cheng had built a relationship with Old Man Song over time. When he first started his talisman business, Song, a weapons refiner, had become a regular customer, buying talismans—especially Water Blade Talismans—in bulk to enhance his creations. In return, Jiang Cheng would occasionally give him discounts as a gesture of goodwill, and Song would offer a few tips on weapon forging.

Their interactions became casual, built on a mutual understanding. Jiang Cheng admired Song's craftsmanship, while Song appreciated the quality and utility of Jiang Cheng's talismans. Over time, they developed a familiar rapport—no longer just a customer and vendor, but acquaintances who exchanged knowledge and resources when needed.

The two of them moved to the back of the stall, where Old Song rummaged through a stack of old equipment, muttering to himself.

He leaned over to the side, pulling away a heavy cloth that had been covering a massive giant cauldron.

The cauldron was black, with intricate runes carved into its surface. It looked ancient but sturdy, made of some sort of spiritual metal that glimmered faintly in the light.

"This is a Blood-Refining Cauldron, made specifically for cultivators who practice body techniques or want to enhance their physical abilities." Old Man Song gestured to the cauldron. "It's meant for medicinal baths, but unlike most, this one can absorb spiritual energy and reinforce the blood. It'll help you refine your body much faster, especially with the beast blood you've got."

Jiang Cheng eyed the cauldron, impressed. "It looks heavy. Do you think I'll be able to move it around?"

Song grinned. "I know what you're thinking. But this cauldron is designed to be lightweight when activated, as long as you channel your Qi into it. It's all about the refinement, boy."

Jiang Cheng nodded slowly, appreciating the craftsmanship. It wasn't just an ordinary cauldron—it was special.

"How much?" he asked, already reaching for his spirit bag.

Old Man Song raised an eyebrow. "For you, since you always come around for business, I'll give it to you for a thousand spirit stones. A fair deal, wouldn't you say?"

Jiang Cheng considered it. The price was steep, but for a Blood-Refining Cauldron that could enhance his practice, it was worth it. "Deal," he said, handing over the spirit stones.

With the cauldron in hand and the conversation wrapped up, Jiang Cheng gave a final wave to Old Man Song. "I'll come back when I need something else.

Song laughed heartily as Jiang Cheng left his stall." Jiang Cheng! Take care of that cauldron!"

Thanks, Old Song" Jiang Cheng said, his voice filled with appreciation. He placed the giant cauldron into his spirit bag and left, the bustling streets of Puchan Town awaiting him."