Chapter 84 The North 1 Shen Du has liked you for a long time, haven't you noticed...
After the demonic beasts in the secret realm were cleared out, the elders of the Flowing Cloud Sect, disregarding their own injuries, immediately began to heal the wounded disciples as soon as they emerged. The remaining healthy disciples quickly devoted themselves to rebuilding the Flowing Cloud Sect.
Having received the Flowing Cloud Sword and 200,000 spirit stones, Xu Xing felt indebted and not only generously gifted them some pills but also volunteered to take on the task of clearing out the remaining demonic beasts.
So Zuoqiu Xu stayed at Liuyun Sect to look after Xiang Yuquan, while Xu Xing, Shen Du, and Wen Yao went out to find all the demonic beasts blocking the main routes of Liuyun Sect and kill them on the spot to prevent future troubles.
Wen Yao thought she could be the first to take the lead and use her whip to reap the lives of magical beasts during this training, but in reality...
Shen Du was at the forefront, killing monsters, while she and Xu Xing walked slowly behind, eating spirit fruits and chatting casually.
Wen Yao, holding Xu Xing's arm, glanced at the sword cultivator with imposing sword intent in front of her, then at Xu Xing, whose gaze had never left him. She felt that something was amiss. "Xu Xu, why did you give the Flowing Cloud Sword to Senior Brother Chen?"
Xu Xing gave the Flowing Cloud Sword to Chen Du a few days ago. Although she didn't tell anyone else, she didn't hide it from Wen Yao when she asked to see the Flowing Cloud Sword.
Xu Xing replied matter-of-factly, "Senior brother is a sword cultivator, so I only need the Snowless Sword."
The Snowless Sword exudes a chilling aura, its blade gleaming with silvery-white frost, and its hilt resembling an icicle. Not only is it extremely lethal, but it is also remarkably beautiful. Xu Xing cherishes it dearly, and after acquiring this sword, he finds himself spending even more time practicing.
That's true, but isn't Xu Xu being a little too nice to Senior Brother Shen Du? That's a dragon scale! The sect leader of Liuyun Sect said that Liuyun Sword isn't much stronger than Xue Wu Sword, which is far too modest.
The dragon race has been extinct for many years, and with its extinction, no cultivators have ascended to immortality on the Spirit Martial Continent for many years. Many people speculate that this may be closely related to the cause of the dragon race's demise. Therefore, everything related to dragons is shrouded in mystery, even a single dragon scale.
Wen Yao was still unwilling to give up, "But the Flowing Cloud Sword is forged from dragon scales. For low-level magical beasts, the sword wounds it leaves behind cannot even heal. You..."
Before Wen Yao could finish speaking, Xu Xing's eyes lit up, and he happily strode forward, "Senior Brother!"
"It should be cleaned up by now."
Shen Du approached with his sword drawn, his gaze towards Xu Xing very gentle.
Xu Xing looked up at him and took the Xuan Yue Sword from his hand quite naturally. "It really needs maintenance. Fortunately, I brought all the necessary materials, so I can guarantee that I can return a brand new Xuan Yue Sword to my senior brother tomorrow!"
Looking into her bright eyes, Chen Du moved his left hand slightly and said softly, "No need to rush."
Watching the two silently, Wen Yao stared at Xu Xing's overly bright smile, and a thought flashed through her mind: Could Xu Xu be...?
You like Senior Brother Chen Du too, right?
Wen Yao glanced at the storage ring on Chen Du's left hand, and the more she thought about it, the more she felt that she had seen through everything. Her expression suddenly became meaningful.
Upon returning to the Liuyun Sect, Wen Yao secretly slipped into Xu Xing's room that very night.
"Xu Xu, tell me honestly, what exactly is going on between you and Senior Brother Shen?"
"What's wrong?" Xu Xing was polishing the Xuan Yue Sword and didn't even look up when he heard this. "What do you mean, what happened?"
Seeing that she was still "playing dumb," Wen Yao suddenly pointed to the door and exclaimed, "Senior Brother Chen, what brings you here?!"
Xu Xing immediately put down the Xuan Yue Sword, smiling before even speaking, "Senior Brother..."
Turning my head, I saw that there was no one at the door.
Xu Xing pouted and looked at Wen Yao, accusingly saying, "A Yao, did you come here so late just to tease me?"
"You still say it's nothing!" Wen Yao almost jumped up. "You clearly like Chen Du!"
"Like?" Xu Xing blinked. "Of course I like Senior Brother, I like you too, I like Senior Brother Zuoqiu, I like..."
"Stop it! Stop it!" Wen Yao said, annoyed. "Don't give me that! Can you call this kind of liking the same thing?"
Her eyes darted around, and she leaned closer to Xu Xing, saying mysteriously, "Let me put it another way, Chen Du has liked you for a long time, haven't you noticed yet?"
Before Xu Xing could speak, Wen Yao began to list all the strange things about Shen Du.
"Even when everyone is walking together, he insists on walking next to you and keeps glancing at you! It's the same when we're killing monsters; he always eliminates any threats near you first."
"Besides you, who else has Senior Brother Chen Du smiled at? There's always a smile in his eyes when he looks at you!"
"And the storage ring on his left hand was a gift from you, wasn't it? Didn't you notice? He keeps turning the ring around; he clearly cherishes it!"
"You mean this..."
Xu Xing breathed a sigh of relief and explained, "You know that Senior Brother used to lose things inexplicably. He was just worried about losing his storage ring."
Wen Yao's eyes widened, speechless with emotion. "What's there to worry about with his empty storage ring? Aren't all the spirit stones and magic artifacts here with you?"
During their journey together, she had long since discovered that Shen Du had entrusted all his resources to Xu Xing, and that he was lucky to have two magical artifacts in his own storage ring!
Xu Xing would bring out whatever Shen Du needed. When they killed monsters on the road, Shen Du would take the valuables off the monsters, wash them clean, and then hand them to Xu Xing. Xu Xing always took things very naturally.
At first, Wen Yao was quite surprised, but to her surprise, the two parties involved were completely at ease. Zuo Qiuxu was such a blockhead that Wen Yao had been holding it in all the way, and when she finally found an opportunity to talk to Xu Xing about it, he was completely unaware!
“We’re senior and junior classmates, isn’t that normal?” Xu Xing earnestly “educated” Wen Yao, “Don’t overthink it.”
"..."
Unable to reason with her, Wen Yao left, seemingly lost in thought.
Xu Xu and Zuo Qiu should be fellow disciples, they're both such blockheads!
That night, Xu Xing lay in bed preparing to sleep, but tossed and turned and couldn't fall asleep.
After tossing and turning for a long time, she finally got up and continued to upgrade and enchant the Xuan Yue Sword. Stroking the moonstone on the hilt, Xu Xing fell into deep thought.
Ayao said her senior brother likes her? Really...?
After resting for more than half a month, with the help of Xu Xing's pills, Xiang Yuquan has recovered a lot. "The monster threat to Liuyun Sect is over. What are your plans?"
Some time ago, they completed their registration and training mission, while most of the cultivators who came from other places to help had already returned home after receiving a gift of thanks from the Flowing Cloud Sect.
Having prepared himself to stay away for a year or two, Xu Xing certainly didn't want to go back so soon. "Since we're here to gain experience, how can this little time be enough?"
Senior brother needs to hone his sword intent in battle, and her gold mining level also needs to be improved. There are many monsters and demons in the North, so it would be good to explore the depths of Xunfeng Forest first; it's time to put her treasure hunting skills to use.
"There are several mines west of Xunfeng Forest. I'd like to go mining there. What about you?"
Chen Du spoke first: "I'll go with you."
Wen Yao curled her lip, thinking to herself, "They're talking so fast, as if no one wants to be with Xu Xu!"
Not to be outdone, she immediately retorted, "Of course I'll go with you!"
"And me too! Don't even think about leaving me behind this time!"
Zuo Qiuxu gritted his teeth. He hadn't killed many magical beasts during this time. The three of them were killing monsters on the outskirts of Xunfeng Forest from time to time, but he had been staying in Liuyun Sect. He was so bored he was practically going to rot!
Xiang Yuquan smiled and said, "Then let's all go together."
The group bid farewell to Kong Lan.
Looking at the several spirited young people, Kong Lan smiled, "You are all outstanding young people, I have nothing to say to you."
"The Flowing Cloud Sword Technique was passed down by our patriarch. I hope it will help you comprehend the way of the sword." Kong Lan raised her hand and gently touched the foreheads of the four people, and a complete set of the Flowing Cloud Sword Technique appeared in their minds.
May your path to immortality be smooth and all things go well.
"Senior Kong..."
The brief contact allowed Xu Xing to immediately notice that something was wrong with Kong Lan's body; she had actually become so depleted.
Kong Lan hid her slightly trembling right hand in her sleeve, smiled and said goodbye, "Go."
Kong Lan watched the backs of the group. They were young and energetic, with light steps, about to head to the next battlefield. Perhaps it wouldn't be long before their names would be heard throughout the entire Lingwu Continent.
Although she probably won't live to see that day...
As the group walked outside the hall, Min Huaisi, who had been waiting, stepped forward and handed Xu Xing a storage bag. "I noticed that you seem to enjoy eating, so I prepared some local specialties from the north. They're all inexpensive, just something to pass the time on the road."
Xu Xing opened it and saw that it was full of food, with a wide variety of kinds, which looked very delicious. She immediately smiled and said, "Thank you, Senior Sister Min!"
She even called herself her senior sister...
Min Huaisi, who had been worried that Xu Xing would look down on her, blushed slightly and said earnestly, "I will definitely go to Dongji to find you in the future!"
Xu Xing also liked this senior sister who cared deeply for her fellow disciples and was capable and reliable. She picked out some pills from her bag and gave them to Min Huaisi as a return gift.
She then handed her a plain little box that she had prepared earlier, saying, "By the way, this is a return gift for Senior Kong. Please ask Senior Sister Min to deliver it for me. We'll take our leave now."
Min Huaisi stood there until they flew away on their swords, turning into black dots in the sky and disappearing from sight, before returning to the palace with the small wooden box in his hands.
"Sect Master, the Flowing Cloud Sect has suffered heavy losses in this battle. Would it be appropriate for you to gift the Flowing Cloud Sword to young friend Xu...?"
The elders of the Liuyun Sect never questioned Kong Lan's decisions in front of outsiders, but now that Xu Xing and the others had left, they asked with some concern.
"I have already sent a message to the Immortal Alliance. This matter involves the Erosion Abyss and is too suspicious. In addition, the Seven Luminaries Mountain was destroyed for no reason. The Immortal Alliance will not sit idly by. They will definitely investigate in secret." If the Seven Luminaries Mountain and the Flowing Cloud Sect had only lost disciples, the Immortal Alliance would not care. But the destruction of a sect is no small matter.
Since the other party has the ability to send the demonic beasts in the Abyss into the sect using spatial artifacts, who knows if they won't target other sects as well.
As for the Flowing Cloud Sword...
Kong Lan's gaze lingered, recalling the day she channeled spiritual energy into Xu Xing. At that time, she had faintly sensed an aura within Xu Xing that resembled the Flowing Cloud Sword. That aura was extremely well-hidden; had Kong Lan not used the Flowing Cloud Sword for many years, she would have found it very difficult to detect.
Thinking about the materials used to forge the Flowing Cloud Sword, she dared not delve into it, nor did she mention it to anyone.
But from that moment on, Kong Lan decided that no matter what the fate of the Liuyun Sect was, she would give the Liuyun Sword to Xu Xing.
Fortunately, the Flowing Cloud Sect was saved.
"I will activate the sect's protective formation... cough cough... cough cough!" Kong Lan suddenly coughed violently. She covered her mouth with her hand, but blood oozed from between her fingers, causing the elders beside her to turn pale with horror.
"metropolitan!"
"It's alright."
Kong Lan waved her hand, her expression calm. "I have already explained everything about the reconstruction of the Liuyun Sect to Junior Brother Xinglan. After I am gone, Xinglan will be the next sect leader."
She would use her last bit of strength to do something for the Liuyun Sect.
Dong Xinglan closed his eyes, his heart filled with sorrow.
At this moment, everyone heard Min Huaisi request an audience, saying that Xu Xing had left something for the sect leader.
Kong Lan casually opened the small wooden box, and inside was a lustrous and translucent elixir.
In an instant, the unique fragrance of the elixir filled the entire hall, invigorating all the elders who smelled it.
Dong Xinglan was utterly shocked, even his long beard trembled uncontrollably, "The Great Rejuvenation Pill?!"
After taking this pill, the sect leader's body will surely be fully restored!
Kong Lan stared blankly into space for a long time before smiling gently, "It seems we'll have to add another hefty sum to this IOU..."
After leaving the Liuyun Sect, Xu Xing and his companions ventured deep into the Xunfeng Forest, where they not only discovered many rare and precious natural treasures hidden in remote areas, but also slew many rampaging demonic beasts.
After traveling at various stops for three months, they finally left the Xunfeng Forest and arrived at the northwest side of the Sumeru Mountains, where there is a mountain called Chixia Mountain that produces materials for refining weapons, such as Rainbow Stone and Crimson Flame Ore.
As soon as they reached the foot of the mountain, they noticed an unusually high temperature, and the surrounding air was distorted by the scorching heat.
"Coming to mine? There are Flame Lion Beasts on the mountain, be careful."
High-level cultivators wouldn't waste their cultivation time mining; if they wanted it, someone would offer it to them. Therefore, most of the cultivators who came to Crimson Cloud Mountain specifically to mine were low-level cultivators who wanted to earn some spirit stones. They generally wouldn't actively approach the territory of the Flame Lion Beast, even though there were better quality ores there.
The Flame Lion Beast and the Azure Flame Beast are very similar, both being demonic beasts with strange flames on their bodies. However, the Flame Lion Beast is more ferocious and has an extremely strong sense of territory. From time to time, cultivators who think they can escape by chance will boldly approach, only to end up being devoured by the beast.
Seeing that this group of people had an extraordinary demeanor, and that there were two sword cultivators among them whose strengths were hard to discern, several cultivators from the northern lands who had just come down from the mountain kindly offered a word of advice.
With a thought, Xu Xing took out several bottles of second-tier Spirit Gathering Pills and stepped forward to inquire, "Do any of you fellow Daoists know where I can find Rainbow Cloud Essence Crystals?"
Although her eyes were a rather unusual color, she had a pretty and delicate appearance, and her smile was exceptionally endearing, making it hard for anyone to feel any ill will towards her, especially since she had taken out some kind of elixir.
A Foundation Establishment cultivator, dragging a large bag and covered in sweat, spoke up, "The essence crystal is on the western hillside. There's a large rock nearby, about the height of two people, which is very conspicuous. But if you go any further in, you'll reach the territory of the Flame Lion Beast. It's best not to get too close."
"Thank you, fellow Daoist." Xu Xing smiled and placed the Spirit Gathering Pill into his hand.
Upon receiving the pills, the cultivator visibly became delighted and added a few more words, "There is a large array set up by the Zichen Immortal Sect on the mountain, so the ore cannot be put into storage bags and must be carried down the mountain by yourselves. Therefore, please act according to your ability and do not mine too much."
While Chixia Mountain appears to be accessible to everyone, it is actually one of the resources controlled by nearby immortal sects. Since ores cannot be stored in storage bags, the collection speed is naturally greatly reduced.
Xu Xing seemed to be deep in thought. Since the storage bag couldn't be used, he wondered if her backpack would work.
She returned to Chen Du and the others, saying, "Let's go!"
Shen Du understood, "Go to the West Slope?"
Xu Xing laughed and said, "Of course! If you're going to mine, you have to mine the best quality!"
She silently added to herself, "After all, higher quality ore gives more experience."
"Exactly!" Zuo Qiuxu became interested. He rolled up his sleeves and said enthusiastically, "Xu Xu, don't worry, I will definitely help you carry down more ore!"
Chen Du looked down at her and said, "Just pick whatever you want. Don't worry about not being able to carry it all. I'll help you."
Wen Yao nudged Xu Xing with her elbow, winking and making her eyes wide open: Look at you! You even have to fight with Senior Brother Zuoqiu to carry a piece of ore!
They're both cultivators, yet she and her senior brother Xiang can recite it too!
Xu Xing ignored her, looked up at the sky, but his gaze couldn't help but sneakily drift towards Chen Du.
It's perfectly normal for a senior brother to care for his junior sister! It's all A Yao's fault for talking nonsense, which has caused her to have all sorts of wild thoughts lately.
Noticing her gaze, Chen Du tilted his head slightly and asked gently, "What's wrong?"
Xu Xing immediately looked away. "It's nothing! Let's go mining!"
With that, she pulled Wen Yao up and rushed towards the mountain first.
Not to be outdone, Zuo Qiuxu also ran up the mountain, shouting that he wanted to carry the most ore.
Xiang Yuquan walked at the back, carefully surveying Chixia Mountain. He smiled gently as he watched the others disappear into the distance.
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Author's Note: I heard Jinjiang now lets you send emoticons? Kiss my little cuties! (づ￣3￣)づ╭～
Thank you to Blue Feather Tears, Too Many Bugs Are Terrifying, Jade Ball's Knife, Rabbit Demon Osmanthus Cake, Ruby_, Little Ink VS Big White, Fanma Hanma, Lychee Without Peel, Liyun Moon Sea, Sleep a Little Longer, Xuanhuang, Zhizhi, Smoke and Millet, and Flower Blossom for the nutrient solution~
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