With a loud crash, a red light flashed and landed on the ground, revealing some scattered Gravel.
Lingfeng clicked his tongue in surprise, glancing at the Sect Leader, and exclaimed, "I never expected that the Sect Leader would have such cunning plans!"
Upon hearing this, the Sect Leader grinned slyly and said, "This is called using someone's own methods against them!"
Lingfeng pouted, thinking that his box was likely filled with Gravel. It seemed he hadn't obtained much gold or silver after all. He lowered his voice and said, "Sect Leader, look at this little bit; it probably won't be enough to spend!"
The Sect Leader snorted coldly and opened another box, revealing a pile of copper coins inside. "Although I have plenty of resources, those are reserved for future living expenses. Here’s another box of copper coins; take it as travel money." The implication was that there was more money available, but it couldn't be given to Lingfeng.
Lingfeng reached in and rummaged around but didn't see any Gravel. He thought that even though it was just a box of copper coins, it was still quite a lot—enough for him to spend for a year or so. He packed both the box and the copper coins into his Xuanji and then stood aside, looking at the Sect Leader with eager anticipation.
The Sect Leader sneered and said, "You can pack Man Qing's ancient sword into your Xuanji and head down the mountain whenever you're ready."
Lingfeng felt somewhat disappointed. Although this time's harvest wasn't great, he had thought there would be more treasures from the Sect Leader. He hadn't expected to be sent away just like that!
With no other choice, Lingfeng hung his head low like a wilted eggplant and walked away dejectedly.
"You don't need to be disappointed. What you see as treasures may not be valued by outsiders. Moreover, the outside world is rich and colorful; there are far more treasures out there than what I have here. Just go out for a while; you will naturally reap rewards," said the Sect Leader.
Lingfeng couldn't believe this but remained silent, fuming internally as he thought, "The Demon Suppression Sect is a major sect; how could you not have any treasures?"
Once outside, the Sect Leader expressed some regret. "All these years, I've focused solely on your cultivation without teaching you much else. Now that you’re leaving, who knows when you'll return? However, for your safety, I will give you a Life-Saving Secret Technique!"
Lingfeng's eyes lit up as he looked at the Sect Leader with joy. But then he heard the Sect Leader slowly say, "When you encounter danger and can't win, you must run away. As they say, among the thirty-six strategies, fleeing is the best option. This is the Life-Saving Secret Technique I’m giving you—remember it!" With that, the Sect Leader laughed heartily and waved his sleeve as he left.
Lingfeng stood there in shock, his eyes nearly popping out of his head. After the Sect Leader had disappeared from sight, Lingfeng cursed under his breath, "Poh Qing! What kind of treasure is this? You think I'm easy to fool because I'm just a kid!"
Just then, an angry roar came from Ling Kong nearby. "You dare to be disrespectful! If it weren't for my junior brother's sake, I wouldn't give you even one treasure!"
Startled, Lingfeng quickly shut his mouth. He had just been furious but forgot that the Sect Leader's cultivation was beyond what ordinary people could imagine. Even though he had already left, he could still hear sounds within a ten-mile radius.
Having acquired quite a few treasures, Lingfeng was overjoyed. However, thinking about it, the day of his departure was not far off, and his comfortable life might soon come to an end.
Azure Vine had also been gone for many years, remaining silent during this time, leaving Lingfeng uncertain whether he was alive or dead.
Looking at the Main Hall, Lingfeng reminisced about the time spent with Azure Vine. He couldn't help but sigh; time flies and water does not flow long.
After passing the altar, Lingfeng arrived once again at the Celestial Fruit Orchard.
He intended to call out to Earth Escape loudly but noticed the branches nearby swaying. Curious, Lingfeng walked over and saw Earth Escape swinging on a branch, looking quite bored.
Lingfeng smiled at the sight, not expecting that this ancient companion would have such leisure.
“Earth Escape, you look so comfortable!” Lingfeng called out gently as he approached.
Seeing Lingfeng arrive, Earth Escape flipped over and jumped down from the tree, happily exclaiming, “You’re here!”
Lingfeng nodded but remembered he was there to bid farewell. His mood darkened as he said with a frown, “Earth Escape, I’m leaving!”
Earth Escape was taken aback and quickly asked, “Leaving? Where are you going? Did someone find out about us sneaking the celestial fruits? Are they kicking you out of Demon Suppression Sect? Let me go find that guy and reason with him!” He was about to take off.
Lingfeng hurriedly grabbed Earth Escape's long sleeve and pulled him back down to the ground, explaining, “No, it’s just that my friend secretly left Demon Suppression Sect and hasn’t been heard from since. I’m going to find him and bring him back.”
Only then did Earth Escape drop the idea. He poked Lingfeng on the forehead and said, “Why are you panting? Can’t you explain things clearly? So you’re going to find a friend? Then go ahead! Just remember that the world is dangerous; you need to be careful!”
Although Earth Escape was a ginseng spirit, he was full of Spiritual Energy and still retained a childlike innocence. After spending some time together, Lingfeng had a very good impression of him and regarded him as an older brother. Hearing his concern made Lingfeng feel touched.
Seeing Lingfeng silent, Earth Escape jokingly asked, “Why aren’t you talking? Did you come here just to tell me this?”
Lingfeng smiled lightly to mask his reluctance and said, “During the days I’ll be away from you, you need to be careful. There are many eyes in Demon Suppression Sect; who knows who might see your true form? If someone catches you and throws you into the cauldron, there will be no chance for you to turn things around!”
"Got it, got it!" Earth Escape waved his hand, seemingly a bit impatient, and plucked a hair from his head. That hair was originally Earth Escape's Whisker, and once detached from his body, it revealed its true form.
Earth Escape held the Whisker in front of Lingfeng and said, "This contains my essence, so carry it with you. In case of an emergency, just cut off a piece and eat it raw. If you need to help a mortal, simply peel off a bit of skin, boil it into soup, and feed it to them. No matter what illness they have, they will recover!"
Lingfeng gratefully accepted the Ginseng Tendril and stored it in Xuanji. Not forgetting to express concern, he asked, "But by plucking the Whisker, you might become weak for a while!"
"Not worried, not worried!" Earth Escape seemed unconcerned and said, "The Immortal Peach here can help me regain my strength. I just need to eat two Immortal Peaches later!"
After saying that, he looked up and his face turned slightly pale. Lingfeng knew that by pulling out the Whisker, he had already become somewhat weak. He quickly picked two Immortal Peaches and placed them in Earth Escape's arms, saying, "You should eat these quickly and then rest. I won't disturb you!"
Earth Escape took the peaches and nodded. Without saying much more, he burrowed into the ground.
Now that Lingfeng had the Xuanji capable of holding all things, he naturally no longer needed the Treasure Bag. He transferred everything from the Treasure Bag into Xuanji and then gave the Treasure Bag to Enchanting.
At that moment, Enchanting was lying in Lingfeng's arms. Like a spoiled child, she pouted and tightly held onto Lingfeng's hands as if she believed he would never return once he left.
Lingfeng lay on the bed, gently stroking Enchanting's long hair while inhaling her fragrance.
"Have you remembered everything I told you?" Enchanting asked again with concern.
Lingfeng was not annoyed at all; patiently, he reiterated everything he had instructed Enchanting.
"Also," Enchanting added, "there are many things down the mountain that the Demon Suppression Sect doesn't have. Remember to buy some things for me when you go down."
Lingfeng turned over and wrapped an arm around Enchanting, asking, "What do you want?"
"Anything is fine; as long as you buy it, I'll like it!" Enchanting replied.
Lingfeng softly acknowledged her with a sound and then fell silent.
Secondly, Lingfeng did not say goodbye to anyone. He only saw Lili before leaving and asked if she had any messages for him to convey. Upon hearing that Lingfeng was leaving, Lili was overjoyed and said, "Just tell Monkey Head that no matter how long the sea dries up or the stones decay, or the sun sets in the west, I will part with you!"
Lili's words were sincere and heartfelt, her eyes filled with tears. Enchanting, standing nearby, couldn't help but feel moved and sniffled a bit. She quickly took Lili's hands and comforted her, saying, "Don't worry, Lingfeng will definitely convey your message."
Lili gazed deeply at Lingfeng, seemingly waiting for him to give her a definite answer. Lingfeng nodded heavily and said, "Rest assured, I will definitely find Monkey Head. If I can't find him, I won't come back. If I discover he is with another woman, I will bring him back tied up to give you justice!"
Lili was immensely grateful and turned to take out a money pouch. She emptied it out, revealing a few silver coins, which she stuffed into Lingfeng's hands and said, "If Monkey Head really has another woman and doesn't wish to return, then let him go. Don't hurt him; we can only blame fate for our connection not leading to a union. Take this money for your journey. If there's any left over, give it to Monkey Head. His family is poor; I'm afraid he won't have enough to eat!"
Lingfeng returned the silver coins to Lili, but she refused to accept them, looking anxiously at him.
Lingfeng hurriedly said, "I have enough travel expenses from the sect leader for two or three years. You should keep this money for yourself!"
However, Lili's eyes were filled with tears as she choked out, "Yours is yours; mine is mine. Though it's little, it's still my heartfelt intention!" She pushed the coins back into Lingfeng's hands.
As Lingfeng hesitated, Enchanting said, "Lingfeng, just accept it. After all, it's Lili's goodwill. If your money is enough, you can give this money to Monkey Head so he knows how much Lili cares for him!"
With no other choice, Lingfeng accepted the silver coins. At that moment, he felt a deep resentment towards Monkey Head; despite having lost his own family, why did he deceive himself like this? It was one thing to deceive himself; why deceive this girl who truly cared for him?
When it was time to part ways, Lingfeng didn't want things to become too emotional. That night, while Enchanting was asleep, he left a letter on the door and quietly descended the mountain with the Connecting Rod on his back.
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