Looking at the faces of these new disciples, Xu Feng couldn't help but recall his own self from twelve years ago. Back then, in order to escape the pursuit of the Wan Jian Sect, he had to use all his wits to squeeze into the New Moon Sect, only to be framed by the wealthy Guo Manman, which led him to flee to the Beast Wasteland.
Every sect has its own rules; survival of the fittest is a principle that applies everywhere. The New Moon Sect may have many shortcomings in management, but Xu Feng had no intention of interfering anymore.
Xu Feng had his own housing on Wangyue Peak and did not reside in Cold Fragrance Courtyard as rumored. However, he indeed spent much more time in Cold Fragrance Courtyard than on Wangyue Peak. He had only been to his assigned residence on Wangyue Peak once, which was a cave located on the western side of Wangyue Peak.
As a Golden Core Cultivator, he enjoyed considerable benefits. Besides receiving ten times the monthly supply compared to Foundation Establishment Practitioners, he also had an independent cultivation cave.
Xu Feng did not go directly to Cold Fragrance Courtyard; according to sect rules, he first paid a visit to the sect leader, Chu Wushang.
Chu Wushang had indirectly received the Soul-Cutting Scissors artifact from Xu Feng and felt grateful towards him. With the power of this artifact, Chu Wushang had made quite an impression during the battle at Nine Dragon Pool, gaining notoriety and improving his own strength. He was now at the Peak of Golden Core, second only to Qiu Wuling.
Xu Feng did not have much of a relationship with Chu Wushang; after exchanging a few pleasantries, he expressed his desire to see Qiu Wuling in Cold Fragrance Courtyard. Knowing that Xu Feng had a close relationship with Qiu Wuling, Chu Wushang readily agreed and arranged for a disciple to escort Xu Feng up Xiyue Peak.
Although Xu Feng was officially a disciple of New Moon Sect, he felt no sense of belonging to the sect. His presence here was mainly due to Qiu Wuling and the beloved Cai Shujun. The relationship between Qiu Wuling and Jin Liaoyuan became Xu Feng's greatest regret. Qiu Wuling had always protected Xu Feng, who regarded her as a mentor.
Without Qiu Wuling's protection, Xu Feng would have long since died under the sword on Wuhua Island. Without Xu Feng's Square Leaf Grass and Golden Snake Cone artifacts, New Moon Sect would not have risen so quickly.
Upon reaching the base of Xiyue Peak, the accompanying disciple reported their arrival before reluctantly returning to Wangyue Peak.
A beautiful female disciple from Mistaken Sword Hall came out to greet Xu Feng as he ascended the mountain. With shy eyes and a graceful bow, she said, "Senior Brother Xu, the Elder has sent me to escort you up."
"Thank you for your trouble," Xu Feng replied politely.
The beautiful disciple led Xu Feng into Xiyue Peak. Since he was alone, Xu Feng could not fly directly to Cold Fragrance Courtyard and had to follow her step by step up the mountain. The female disciple had an elegant figure, and as Xu Feng followed behind her, his gaze wandered a bit too freely. Perhaps sensing his eyes on her, she blushed and occasionally turned around to explain the names of various locations along the way to ease their mutual awkwardness.
From time to time, they encountered one or two female disciples strolling in the mountains who unexpectedly greeted Xu Feng sweetly before shyly walking away. Today seemed particularly good; there were several times more female disciples out for a walk than usual...
Approaching the Cold Fragrance Courtyard, Cai Shujun was waiting there with a smile on her face.
The beautiful disciple realized she was no longer needed, quietly said goodbye to Xu Feng, and went down the mountain.
"Senior Sister," Xu Feng said with an innocent smile as he walked up to Cai Shujun, "Do you spend time on your appearance even in the Cold Fragrance Courtyard?"
Cai Shujun was caught off guard by the question and replied, "Not at all, cultivators don't bother with such things."
Xu Feng continued, "So you’re naturally this beautiful without any effort. No wonder all the disciples from the main peak wanted to send me here." He pretended to have a sudden realization and joked with Cai Shujun.
Cai Shujun felt a sweetness in her heart and said, "You’re quite the smooth talker."
Xu Feng didn’t dare to say much more and asked, "Elder Qiu is here, right? I’d like to see her."
"Master is here," Cai Shujun said as she led Xu Feng into the Cold Fragrance Courtyard. "Grand Elder is in seclusion, so Master hasn’t dared to leave and has been staying on the mountain."
As the bamboo door opened, He Jingying bounced out, rushing over and calling out, "Shishu! Shishu! What gifts did you bring me this time?"
Qiu Wuling stepped out with a weary smile.
He Jingying was not yet ten years old but had already grown to Xu Feng's chest height. Xu Feng patted her head and took out three Super Spirit Pills for her, saying, "Shishu came in a hurry and didn’t bring any gifts. What does Jiang Ying like? Tell Shishu, and I’ll definitely bring you something next time."
The Super Spirit Pills were unique products of Xu Feng, and He Jingying happily accepted them. She had learned to be wise and no longer picky; she knew that anything given by an adult would generally be good. Who would dare to give cheap items to Qiu Wuling's direct disciple?
"Thank you, Shishu," He Jingying said as she returned to Qiu Wuling's side. She called Cai Shujun 'Senior Sister' and referred to Xu Feng as 'Shishu', making the hierarchy quite confusing; even Xu Feng couldn’t figure out who was who.
Could it be that I am of the same generation as Qiu Wuling? That feels a bit embarrassing. It would be much better to be of the same generation as Cai Shujun, yes, that would be much better.
Qiu Wuling took a Super Spirit Pill from He Jingying's hand and asked, "Xu Feng, did you refine this?" She was focused on martial arts, and alchemy was not her strong suit, but she could still tell that this Yuan Ling Dan was not weaker than a Sixth-Level Elixir.
"Indeed, it was refined by me. I hope it doesn't make the elder laugh," Xu Feng replied.
Xu Feng's Super Spirit Pill could be considered a top-tier elixir for Foundation Establishment Period Cultivators. At this moment, He Jingying had no use for it. Giving these three pills to her was less meaningful than giving her three pieces of chocolate. With Xu Feng's current inventory, it would be impossible to find something suitable for Refining Qi Stage disciples.
"This is quite an impressive pill. I didn't expect you to have such skills. So, what brings you to me this time?" Qiu Wuling did not ask about Xu Feng's whereabouts during this time; with her intelligence, she had already guessed most of it.
"There's nothing particularly special; I just missed Elder Qiu and came to see you," Xu Feng said casually. "Of course, I also have a small favor to ask of Elder Qiu." This statement would not raise any eyebrows in the twenty-first century, but in the distant Modern Clerk era, it sounded a bit strange.
Miss Elder Qiu? Who would dare to have ideas about Elder Qiu?
He Jingying was fine, but Cai Shujun and Qiu Wuling looked quite uncomfortable, taking some time to digest Xu Feng's casual tone. Qiu Wuling felt a twinge of anxiety; how could this brat say such things? However, it seemed there was nothing wrong with it...
Xu Feng didn't care about that and continued, "I came this time because I have something I want Elder Qiu to keep for me."
Qiu Wuling couldn't help but smile and asked, "What is it? You can leave it here for a while, but if it's too long, it'll belong to me."
With a flash of cold light in his hand, Xu Feng revealed Jin Liaoyuan's Drinking Hatred sword.
Seeing Xu Feng's Drinking Hatred sword made Qiu Wuling's heart ache; this was one of Jin Liaoyuan's twin swords. It was with this sword that he had severed Hua Baili's hand years ago.
Jin Liaoyuan's Black and White Twin Swords were well-known throughout Liuxiang Kingdom; those two swords were considered the best quality swords in the kingdom aside from magical treasures.
Qiu Wuling took the Drinking Hate Sword, flicked her finger, and the autumn water flowed like a silk thread, with the dragon's roar echoing like a song. Qiu Wuling's gaze softened, lost in endless reminiscence.
Cai Shujun did not know Qiu Wuling's story, but could tell that there was a deep connection between Qiu Wuling and the sword's owner.
After a long while, Xu Feng approached Qiu Wuling and said, "Elder Qiu, I did not mean to make you sad. I just believe that the path is vast and has its own arrangements. The deceased are gone, and you must have seen through the ties of this world when you created the Yi Seven Swords." Xu Feng wanted to say something comforting, but found it difficult to express.
Qiu Wuling emerged from her memories and asked, "Is there another sword?"
Xu Feng knew she was referring to the No Enmity sword and replied, "The other sword is with me. I owe a great debt to Jin Liaoyuan, who has become my master. Therefore, I keep the other sword by my side as a reminder." Xu Feng did not lack magical artifacts; these two spiritual swords were no longer needed for combat but would remain as tokens of Jin Liao.
Qiu Wuling understood Xu Feng's intention in asking her to keep it safe and said, "Thank you." This was not the first time she had expressed her gratitude to Xu Feng.
Xu Feng responded, "Elder Qiu does not need to thank me. I gave you the spiritual sword for other reasons." Although he said this, everyone knew he simply did not want Qiu Wuling to feel indebted to him.
Cai Shujun had grown accustomed to Xu Feng's nonsensical remarks and watched him silently.
Xu Feng continued, "I would like to consult Long Zhuangzhu and Qiu Zhuangzhu about some principles of Refining Tool and Alchemy." Learning Alchemy was indeed Xu Feng's purpose for this visit.
Xu Feng only had one book on Alchemy, the True Alchemy Explanation, which was a beginner's cultivation method from the Wan Jian Sect's Alchemist. Xu Feng managed to refine Fifth-Rank Pills based on a vast amount of discarded materials; he did not want to take any more detours.
The New Moon Sect had its own Artifact Workshop and Pharmacy. Long Ye had already achieved great success in Refining Tool, while Qiu Zhuangzhu was also well-known for her Alchemy skills.
When Qiu Wuling saw Xu Feng take out the Super Spirit Pill, she guessed his intentions. She did not expect that he truly came for Alchemy. Typically, a sect’s Alchemy practices were kept secretive; however, Qiu Wuling readily agreed and said, "It is indeed fortunate for our New Moon Sect that you have such ambition. I can approve this matter."
By mentioning New Moon Sect in her words, Qiu Wuling subtly indicated that while there were no issues with his Refining Tool or Alchemy pursuits, he must remember that he was part of New Moon Sect and that it was New Moon Sect that nurtured him.
Xu Feng naturally understood Qiu Wuling's intentions. He asked Qiu Wuling to take action because she was the leader of the New Moon Sect, and her words carried much more weight than those of Chu Wushang.
"I'll take you there," she said.
"Thank you, Elder Qiu."
Once things were settled, Xu Feng stood up to take his leave. This time, Qiu Wuling did not try to keep him; after all, Xu Feng was not injured, and staying at Cold Fragrance Courtyard would not be appropriate.
Cai Shujun escorted Xu Feng out of Cold Fragrance Courtyard. Seeing the same hesitation in Cai Shujun, he finally said, "Sister, I really want to give you a magical item, but unfortunately, I don't have a suitable Wood Element magical item for you. I hope you won't hold it against me."
"Do you really want to?"
"I really do."
"That's good enough," Cai Shujun replied as she turned and floated away, leaving behind a voice as faint as a mosquito's. "I want to too..."
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