Xie Lingyu

Yaoqin did not receive the praise she expected from Chu Xingchen. Instead, his expression quickly shifted to match that of Li Yingling, who stood behind him. It seemed that, to him, the news was less of a good thing and more like a bolt from the blue.

Yaoqin, looking puzzled, asked, “...What’s wrong? Just gathering a bit of wish power should be enough to handle it.”

If one considered the state of the spirit stones in the ring, truly purifying them with wish power would undoubtedly earn Chu Xingchen a title—the Ultimate Philanthropist.

But that was utterly unrealistic! If he were to work hard to gather wish power just to purify the spirit stones, how would that be any different from being a laborer?

I’ve cultivated to become an immortal, and now I’m supposed to be a wage worker?

And what’s more, paying myself with my own money?

Chu Xingchen had no choice but to make a request: “Could you please think of another method besides using wish power?”

Yaoqin immediately caught on, her gaze turning suspicious as she looked at Chu Xingchen:

“Do you have a batch of these blood-tainted spirit stones in your possession? Is your real goal to purify them so you can spend them?”

Chu Xingchen replied sheepishly, “I do have a few...”

“How many? Two or three hundred? If it’s just that many, I can exchange them for you. My sect might take some for research purposes.”

Chu Xingchen lowered his head, his expression slightly awkward: “...”

“One or two thousand?!” Yaoqin was first shocked, then sighed. “It shouldn’t be too big of a problem. Other sects might also take some for research. Let me see if I can help you make some connections.”

Chu Xingchen still didn’t lift his head: “...”

Yaoqin took a deep breath. It was just like Chu Xingchen to occasionally shatter her peace of mind.

With a thick skin, Chu Xingchen took out another blood-tainted spirit stone from his ring and placed it on the table:

“Good Yaoqin, could you take another look at this?”

Yaoqin’s expression was hesitant, but she eventually sighed, picked up the blood-tainted spirit stone from the table, and said:

“If we don’t use wish power, it might take a long time, and success isn’t guaranteed. You’ll need to prepare yourself for that.”

Chu Xingchen was momentarily stunned, not expecting Yaoqin to agree so readily.

Yaoqin tossed the purified spirit stone back to Chu Xingchen: “Here, take this one back first.”

As he caught the stone, Chu Xingchen looked at Yaoqin.

She didn’t seem particularly angry. Her stunning face merely showed a hint of frustration as she examined the blood-tainted spirit stone in her hand.

Chu Xingchen spoke up: “Would you like to stay for dinner today?”

“Next time,” Yaoqin gently declined, shaking her head. “I have other matters to attend to today.”

“Alright then. Let’s plan a meal when you’re free.”

Yaoqin nodded lightly, then bid farewell to Li Yingling before turning to leave.

After Yaoqin left, Chu Xingchen sighed. He owed her yet another favor.

But oh well, it wasn’t like he hadn’t owed her plenty before.

What’s one more debt when you’re already drowning in them?

As soon as Yaoqin returned to her room in the Bamboo Jade Pavilion, her maid, Little Ling, hurriedly handed her a sealed letter.

“Miss, the reply from the sect has arrived.”

Taking the letter, Yaoqin glanced at the pale yellow envelope surrounded by spells—a unique anti-leakage measure used by her sect.

After confirming that the spells hadn’t been tampered with, Yaoqin opened the envelope.

Little Ling, understanding the situation, quietly left the room and closed the door behind her.

As the spells dissipated, the handwriting on the front of the envelope became visible:

[To My Beloved Disciple Xie Lingyu]

Yaoqin gently traced the characters “Xie Lingyu” with a hint of nostalgia before opening the letter.

[I have received your letter. Regarding the matter of the demonic cultivators wreaking havoc in the Central Continent, the sect has already reported it to the Central Continent Immortal Alliance.]

[According to their instructions, you are to take full responsibility for handling this matter on behalf of the sect. Your task is to prevent the situation from escalating while awaiting the arrival of reinforcements from the sect.]

[The Bamboo Jade Pavilion is under your command for this mission.]

[Once the mission is completed, your punishment will be lifted, and you may return to the sect.]

[No matter what happened in the past, let it be for now. You have already wasted several years in that remote place, and it pains me greatly.]

[However, do not worry. I will still seek justice for you.]

[I only wish for your safety. I await your return in the Central Continent. If you encounter danger, remember to use the jade pendant I gave you.]

[Written by your master, Bai Xuanling.]

After reading the letter, Yaoqin infused it with a bit of spiritual energy.

As the energy flowed into the paper, the letter gradually turned into a glowing light and dissipated into the air.

Master... it’s been a long time since I’ve seen you.

After a long while, Yaoqin sighed softly: “Little Ling.”

Little Ling’s voice came from outside the door: “What do you need, Miss?”

“From today onward, the Bamboo Jade Pavilion will be closed. Notify all cultivators at the Foundation Establishment level and above to assemble.”

Little Ling’s voice, noticeably more excited, replied:

“Understood.”

Listening to the sound of Little Ling’s footsteps fading away, Yaoqin took out the new blood-tainted spirit stone Chu Xingchen had given her. She examined it carefully for a moment before silently putting it away.

It seemed she would have to break her promise to him for the first time...

Without dwelling on it further, Yaoqin stood up, pushed open the door, and walked out.

Her room was on the seventh floor, the highest level, with a large open corridor in the center. She walked to the railing and looked down.

Seventeen Foundation Establishment cultivators and one Golden Core cultivator, all female, were already standing at attention below.

Yaoqin issued her orders:

“By the command of the sect, we are to prevent the demonic cultivators from spreading further while awaiting reinforcements.”

“Form groups of five and search the surrounding villages. If you encounter demonic cultivators, retreat immediately, no matter the situation.”

“The remaining two Foundation Establishment cultivators and the Golden Core cultivator will form their own team.”

“I will coordinate with the Demon Suppression Bureau to investigate suspicious sects.”

“Remember, no matter what happens, prioritize your own safety.”

The assembled cultivators below responded in unison:

“Yes, Senior Sister Xie!”

In the courtyard, Li Yingling sat on a stone chair, engrossed in a book titled The Complete Guide to Cultivation Basics.

Chu Xingchen lay on a rocking chair, eyes closed, resting.

Li Xingtian was also in the courtyard, holding a wooden sword as he practiced a technique his master had taught him.

After all, sitting in meditation all day could get quite monotonous.

Switching up his training routine helped Li Xingtian relax.

Knock knock.

The sound of knocking came from the gate. Li Xingtian put away his wooden sword and went to open the door.

Chu Xingchen waited for a moment, but neither Li Xingtian nor the person at the door spoke. Curious, he got up and looked over.

As expected, it was Yaoqin.

However, her attire had changed. She was no longer wearing a dress.

Instead, she was clad in a blue, martial-style outfit, her long black hair tied back neatly, giving her a sharp and efficient appearance.

She held a longsword in her hand, her gaze piercing, and her tone calm as she said, “It seems you’re free today?”

Why had her demeanor changed along with her clothes?

She seemed more confident and aloof now.

Though puzzled, Chu Xingchen replied, “I am. What’s the matter?”

“I’ve helped you many times. Now it’s your turn to help me.”

“With what?”

“Help me catch those damned demonic cultivators.”

“Huh?”

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