### Chapter 141: Attempting Foundation Establishment  

"Foundation Establishment..." 

Muttering these words, He Song felt a surge of excitement as he assessed his current strength.

Based on his current cultivation progress, Foundation Establishment was likely within the next decade or so.

It seemed it was time to start searching for more Foundation Establishment Pills. 

As this thought crossed his mind, He Song sighed, his expression turning somewhat helpless. 

Foundation Establishment Pills were incredibly difficult to obtain.

The only one he currently possessed had come to him almost by accident.

From the time he had transmigrated until now, he had never heard of any Foundation Establishment Pills appearing on the market.

Before joining the Earth Sect, He Song had only known of their existence but had no idea if they would ever become available. 

Not even ordinary pill shops sold them. Even at auctions, He Song had never seen a Foundation Establishment Pill. 

However, just as He Song was pondering how to acquire more Foundation Establishment Pills, the communication talisman beside him began to glow faintly. 

When stored inside a storage pouch, communication talismans couldn't receive messages.

Therefore, most cultivators only stored them in their pouches when they were in danger or in seclusion.

Otherwise, they kept them on their person or nearby.

Since He Song was cultivating within the Earth Sect, he had placed his communication talisman beside him.

Now that it was glowing, he noticed it immediately. 

Picking up the talisman, He Song opened it and found a thin sheet of paper inside, covered in writing. 

"Fellow Daoist He, after years of cultivation, I have finally reached the peak of Qi Refining. Counting the years, I am now fifty-seven, with just over two years left until I turn sixty. Foundation Establishment can no longer be delayed. If you have the time, please come to my courtyard for a visit. —Wei Fan." 

After reading the message, He Song stored the paper in his storage pouch and frowned. 

Only two years left until Wei Fan turned sixty? Only? Two years? In that time, Wei Fan could probably father several children! Yet his message sounded so urgent. Why? 

After a moment of thought, He Song's eyes lit up with understanding. 

Could it be...? 

He Song's expression cleared as he realized what Wei Fan was implying. 

Foundation Establishment Pills not only increased the chances of a successful breakthrough but also allowed cultivators who failed and suffered severe injuries to fully recover within two years, giving them another chance to attempt Foundation Establishment.

Wei Fan was now fifty-seven. In a little over two years, he would turn sixty.

This meant Wei Fan wanted to use this window of time to attempt Foundation Establishment with the help of a Foundation Establishment Pill. 

If he succeeded, all would be well. If he failed, the pill would allow him to recover and try again two years later, just before he turned sixty.

In this way, Wei Fan would have two chances to break through to Foundation Establishment. 

Understanding this, He Song felt reassured. 

"It seems Brother Wei's chances of breaking through to Foundation Establishment are much higher than Old Meng's were back then. He even has an extra attempt." 

However, this method was only feasible for cultivators like Wei Fan, who possessed a Foundation Establishment Pill and were still relatively young.

If a cultivator reached the peak of Qi Refining after the age of fifty-eight, or if they only had a Meridian Protection Pill instead of a Foundation Establishment Pill, they wouldn't have the luxury of two attempts. 

While Meridian Protection Pills could save a cultivator's life after a failed breakthrough, the recovery process took a full decade—far too long for most cultivators to wait.

Only someone like He Song, with his seemingly endless lifespan, could consider using Meridian Protection Pills to repeatedly attempt Foundation Establishment until he succeeded. 

Standing up, He Song deactivated the formation in his courtyard and headed straight for Wei Fan's residence. 

As he approached Wei Fan's courtyard, the gate opened, and Wei Fan's hearty laughter greeted him. 

"Congratulations, congratulations! Fellow Daoist He, I hear you've broken through to the eighth layer of Qi Refining!" 

He Song stepped into the courtyard, waving his hand modestly. "Not at all, not at all. I should be congratulating you, Brother Wei, for reaching the peak of Qi Refining. Foundation Establishment is within your grasp now!" 

After exchanging pleasantries, He Song sat down beside Wei Fan. As Wei Fan poured tea, He Song asked, "Brother Wei, do you feel confident about this attempt at Foundation Establishment?" 

In their small circle of friends, Meng Guan had been the first to attempt Foundation Establishment, and he had succeeded.

Now, Wei Fan had reached the peak of Qi Refining and was preparing to make his attempt.

He Song, still at the eighth layer of Qi Refining, had some time before he needed to worry about Foundation Establishment. 

"Confidence? Not really. I'll do my best and leave the rest to fate," Wei Fan replied, shaking his head. He wasn't entirely sure of his chances. 

Ever since he had broken through to the seventh layer of Qi Refining, Wei Fan had known that one day he would have to attempt Foundation Establishment on his own.

However, fate had intervened.

Just as he was steadily progressing toward Foundation Establishment, Meng Guan had given him a significant boost, accelerating his timeline.

Now, he even had a Foundation Establishment Pill ready. 

But Foundation Establishment was no easy feat.

Despite all his preparations, Wei Fan still didn't feel entirely confident.

That was why, when He Song asked, he responded with such uncertainty. 

Seeing Wei Fan's reaction, He Song didn't press further.

Instead, he sighed inwardly and changed the subject, discussing other matters to help ease Wei Fan's mind. 

They talked about Meng Guan, who was still in seclusion, various happenings within the Earth Sect, He Song's recent trip to Green Wall Immortal City to thank True Person Clear Moon, and his visit to the Bamboo Mountain Immortal Market, where he had walked the familiar streets. 

Facing a close friend who was about to attempt Foundation Establishment, He Song could only offer comfort and support to help Wei Fan stay calm and focused.

As for anything else, He Song was powerless to assist. 

A few days later, Wei Fan bid farewell to He Song and entered the quiet room in his courtyard to begin his attempt at Foundation Establishment. 

He Song, meanwhile, remained in Wei Fan's courtyard to stand guard.

Although they were within the Earth Sect and unlikely to face any danger, it was better to be safe than sorry.

Having a trusted friend to watch over him would give Wei Fan peace of mind during this critical moment. 

(End of Chapter) 

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