READ NOVEL ONLINE Chapter 8:
Chapter 8: The Envy of Zongmen Square:
Xu Xiao felt the surge of power from the 2nd stage Foundation Establishment Realm and smiled faintly. He realized that after taking the Longevity Pill, some of the spiritual energy lost during the Thunder Tribulation had been restored, enabling his rapid progress.
Encouraged, he continued cultivating on the futon, quickly absorbing the power of the Foundation Establishment Pills.
While a single pill would normally provide enough energy for three days of practice, Xu Xiao consumed five pills in just one night. By dawn, he had advanced to the 4th stage Foundation Establishment Realm.
Feeling refreshed, he decided to stabilize his realm before continuing his cultivation. With 51 years of life remaining and 184 Foundation Establishment Pills left in the space library, there was no need to rush.
…
At Zongmen Square in Waishan Hall, the outer disciples of Misty Sect gathered to practice. Wearing their blue robes, they meditated in the Jade Square, a location rich in spiritual energy and popular among the outer disciples.
The disciples were primarily in the Qi Training and Foundation Establishment Realms, unable to fly with swords until they reached the Core Formation Realm. Those who advanced to Core Formation were often given positions within the sect, with the most talented being brought into the inner sect.
Among the meditating disciples, Lin Yan’er stood out. Her graceful figure and youthful beauty caught the eyes of many. Sitting cross-legged, she practiced the Misty Art, an outer sect skill.
Having reached the 9ths stage Qi Training Realm, Lin Yan’er was preparing to use the Foundation Establishment Pills gifted by Elder Xu to advance. Her heart still raced with excitement from her encounter the day before. Occasionally, she opened her bright eyes and sighed softly.
“Elder Xu is amazing,” she thought, her admiration growing. She felt lucky to be a disciple of the Misty Sect, with such a kind and supportive elder in their ranks.
Nearby, disciples whispered among themselves, stealing glances at Lin Yan’er.
“Brother, did you hear? Junior Sister Lin was deceived by a merchant in Tiger Roar City yesterday and had the incredible luck of meeting Elder Xu!”
“Of course! The entire outer sect was talking about it last night!”
“Our Elder Xu is truly one of a kind! He actually stood up for outer sect disciples. What a rare and virtuous man!”
The discussion spread across the square, and envy filled the air.
“I heard the merchant was so terrified when Elder Xu arrived that he knelt down and returned nine Middle-Grade Spiritual Stones to Junior Sister Lin!”
“Yeah, she only spent three stones and ended up with six more. Talk about a lucky break!”
“You’re missing the best part! Elder Xu also gave her ten high-quality Foundation Establishment Pills. That’s the real prize!”
“Ten Foundation Establishment Pills?! With her talent, she might reach the 2nd stage Foundation Establishment Realm in no time. I’m so jealous!”
A group of female disciples joined the conversation.
“That’s not all! Elder Xu told her to seek him out if she ever needed help with her cultivation. That’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!”
“Oh my gosh, I’m so jealous! I want to find Elder Xu too! I wouldn’t mind being his maid!”
“Good luck with that! If you show up uninvited, he might just kick you out!”
Amid the chatter, Lin Yan’er sat quietly, her face flushing with embarrassment as the compliments and envy swirled around her.
One of her senior sisters smiled and said, “Junior Sister, you’ve become the talk of the sect! Everyone’s envious of you!”
Another added, “Since Elder Xu offered to help, you should go to him. With his guidance, your breakthrough to Foundation Establishment is guaranteed!”
Lin Yan’er’s cheeks reddened further. “I don’t know… Elder Xu might have just said that to be polite. Besides, the pills he gave me should be enough for my breakthrough.”
Her slightly chubby senior sister shook her head. “You can’t waste such a great opportunity! You’d be foolish not to seize it!”
The other senior sister, a slim girl with sparkling eyes, added, “At the very least, you should thank him properly. Elder Xu has done so much for you. It’s only right to show your gratitude.”
Lin Yan’er hesitated but eventually nodded in agreement. Her senior sister was right. Elder Xu had gone out of his way to help her. The elder was old, alone, and nearing the end of his life. The least she could do was express her thanks.
Returning to her fragrant, neatly arranged room, Lin Yan’er decided to bring a gift. She selected a box of shortbread cookies her mother had prepared for her before she left her hometown. While not extravagant, it was a sincere gesture of gratitude.
Her heart raced as she carried the beautifully wrapped box down to the mountainside where Elder Xu’s courtyard was located.
Standing nervously outside the gate, she stammered, “Disciple Lin Yan’er… I’ve come to pay my respects to Elder Xu…”
Inside the courtyard, Xu Xiao, reclining on a rocking chair with a cup of tea, had already noticed her presence.
Seeing the youthful girl with her delicate frame and light blue gown, Xu Xiao’s eyes brightened. Her graceful figure, fair complexion, and budding beauty reminded him of a pure green lotus blooming in a tranquil pond.
“So, it’s you, Lin Yan’er. I remember you,” he said warmly, waving her inside. “The courtyard door is unlocked. Come in.”
Just as he anticipated, the Daughter of Luck had arrived at his doorstep.
…
T/N: +20 Adv Chapters are available on Patreon (100% Regular Releases)
Become a member!