Chapter 119: The Soul-Breaking Immortal

Seeing this, He Song raised an eyebrow, though he did not lower his guard.

He felt a slight ripple of surprise in his heart.

Master Qingyue?

Who was this master?

This Master Qingyue was capable of mobilizing the Immortal City’s law enforcement team to provide protection. Furthermore, the news had traveled so swiftly; the spiritual energy vortex had only just formed, and the law enforcement team had already been dispatched.

"My thanks to the fellow Daoist and to Master Qingyue for their assistance. Once my friend emerges from his seclusion, I will be sure to convey your kindness."

He Song bowed toward the distant law enforcement team, offering his thanks and promising to pass on the message. Upon hearing this, the law enforcement officers nodded and continued to stand guard. With He Song’s words, they were reassured. Master Qingyue had sent them to curry favor, and with this acknowledgement, their objective had been met.

As time passed, the spiritual energy vortex in mid-air gradually shrank. This indicated that Meng Guan had stabilized his cultivation at the early stage of Foundation Establishment.

After several days, when the vortex finally dissipated, a figure appeared beside He Song and Wei Fan. Meng Guan, having successfully broken through from the Great Perfection of Qi Refining to the early stage of Foundation Establishment, no longer bore the appearance of an elderly man, but had reverted to that of a youth. A breakthrough to Foundation Establishment was a new beginning; it was only natural to present a fresh face to the world.

"My thanks to you both for guarding me, and my thanks to Master Qingyue and the law enforcement team as well. Having just broken through, I have many mundane matters to attend to, but I shall pay a formal visit in the future. Please, return now."

The youthful-looking Meng Guan thanked He Song and Wei Fan, then bowed slightly toward the distance, signaling for the law enforcement team to depart. Evidently, he had heard the earlier conversation between them and He Song.

Once the law enforcement officers and the distant onlookers had left, Meng Guan took He Song and Wei Fan by the hands, descended from the rooftop, and returned to the room within the courtyard.

Inside the room, Wei Fan and He Song sat side by side, with Meng Guan at the head. For a long moment, none of the three spoke; their hearts were filled with turbulent emotions. For Meng Guan, who had never held much hope for his own breakthrough, stepping into the realm of Foundation Establishment was a source of immense joy. Wei Fan was equally stirred; Meng Guan’s breakthrough not only provided him with a powerful ally but could also profoundly influence his own path to Foundation Establishment. If he could hear Meng Guan’s insights, his own chances would surely increase. This was the foundation of the Great Dao itself!

He Song’s emotions were no less intense than those of his friends. Although he viewed Foundation Establishment differently—merely as a small hurdle in his own long life—the presence of a living Foundation Establishment master sitting before him brought a sense of pressure that came from a higher order of life. It gave him a deeper understanding: until one reaches Foundation Establishment, one remains a mortal. The Qi Refining stage is merely a necessary phase for a mortal to become a true cultivator.

The three looked at one another in silence for a long time. Finally, He Song was the first to steady his composure. He lifted his teacup toward Meng Guan.

"Congratulations to Old Meng for successfully reaching Foundation Establishment. From here on, the path to immortality is within reach!"

Following He Song, Wei Fan quickly collected himself and raised his own cup. "Congratulations to Old Meng for successfully reaching Foundation Establishment. From here on, the path to immortality is within reach!"

As two cups of hot tea appeared before him and he heard the well-wishes of his friends, Meng Guan finally let out a long breath, and his entire being seemed to "come alive." He raised his cup, looking at his two friends with a face full of smiles.

"Let us celebrate together. I also wish you both success in reaching Foundation Establishment in the future."

With that, the three drained their cups in one go. Even having achieved Foundation Establishment, Meng Guan did not cast aside their old camaraderie. On the contrary, looking at his two friends whose cultivation was now lower than his own, a surge of heroic spirit rose within him. Since these two friends had exhausted their efforts to help him, he must repay them in kind.

Wei Fan was already at the ninth level of Qi Refining, only a few years away from the Great Perfection. He Song had also progressed from a mere first-level novice to the late stages of Qi Refining. Both would soon face the bottleneck of Foundation Establishment. Previously, he had lacked the means, but now that he had succeeded, it was only natural to assist his only two friends. If one or both of them could also reach Foundation Establishment, he would not be a lonely figure in the future.

When facing difficulties, having one or two peers at the same level by his side would make things much easier. If not for He Song and Wei Fan, he might have failed his breakthrough and lost his life. He could not even have afforded the Meridian Protection Pill without them. Having experienced their help, Meng Guan knew well the value of having allies. This was the true reason he wished to help them now.

However, just as Meng Guan was contemplating how to assist them, Wei Fan’s voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Old Meng, have you decided on a title? Foundation Establishment masters usually have one—like Master Chengshan of the Immortal Market, or Master Qingyue who sent help earlier."

As he rejoiced for Meng Guan, Wei Fan’s mind was wandering, and he suddenly thought of this.

"A title? In the Qi Refining stage, people called me 'Daoist Soul-Breaker.' Now that I have reached Foundation Establishment, I shall be called 'Master Soul-Breaker.'"

After a brief reflection, Meng Guan decided to carry over his old name. Master Soul-Breaker—the name sounded formidable. He was quite satisfied with it. It felt fitting to transition from Daoist Soul-Breaker to Master Soul-Breaker.

He Song nodded after a moment's thought. The title was indeed suitable. But titles were trivial; the most important thing now was to spread the news so that Meng Guan would come to the attention of the Thick Earth Sect.

Just as He Song was thinking this, Meng Guan turned his gaze toward the distance. He sensed a powerful aura approaching, and judging by its trajectory, it seemed to be coming straight for them.

"Fellow Daoist Meng, I am Qingyue. Please forgive my abrupt visit."

Soon, a crisp female voice echoed outside the small courtyard, accompanied by the distinct, formidable aura of a Foundation Establishment master.