Zhao Bingqian said, "Senior Brother now has some grasp of Foundation Establishment—it feels like only the most crucial step is missing."
He paused here, likely hoping Li Chuan would take the bait and ask.
But Li Chuan would rather spend his energy thinking about Chu Mengyou than bother humoring him.
Seeing Li Chuan sipping tea in silence, Zhao Bingqian had no choice but to continue awkwardly, "Senior Brother feels that what’s lacking now is spiritual energy. If there were a place abundant in spiritual energy to cultivate, I’d surely touch the threshold of Foundation Establishment much faster."
Li Chuan glanced at Zhao Bingqian, set down his teacup, and waited for him to continue.
"Junior Brother Li Chuan," Zhao Bingqian suddenly placed 30 Spirit Stones on the table and said, "I’ve heard that each Elder Peak has dedicated cultivation areas where the spiritual energy is several times denser than in the outer sect."
"Since Junior Brother is acquainted with Senior Sister Chu Xuan of the Seventh Elder Peak, I was wondering if you could put in a good word for me. When the Seventh Elder Peak opens recruitment, perhaps Senior Sister Chu Xuan might consider me."
"Even a temporary position as a menial disciple would suffice. As long as I can cultivate on the Seventh Elder Peak, Senior Brother would have no regrets."
"If this succeeds, I’ll surely repay you handsomely, Junior Brother."
He pushed the Spirit Stones toward Li Chuan.
Looking at them, Li Chuan almost laughed. He currently had over 5,000 Spirit Stones in his Qiankun Bag—what kind of joke was this, offering a mere 30 for his help?
Still, he pocketed them and said, "Rest assured, Senior Brother Zhao. For Senior Sister Mengyou’s sake, I’ll do what I can. But I can’t guarantee Senior Sister Chu Xuan will grant you this opportunity."
Taking 30 Spirit Stones from Zhao Bingqian only to spend them later on Chu Mengyou—Li Chuan considered this a fine internal cycle.
Unaware of Li Chuan’s thoughts, Zhao Bingqian was overjoyed by his words. His grin stretched ear to ear as he repeatedly thanked him. "Then I’ll trouble you, Junior Brother."
Previously, he had lacked connections to the upper echelons. Now, he believed that with the right timing and a few more Spirit Stones sent the right way, securing a menial disciple position on the Seventh Elder Peak wouldn’t be an issue.
Once his strength reached Foundation Establishment, he’d naturally transition into a full disciple of the Seventh Elder Peak.
His career planning was quite clear-cut.
"By the way, Junior Brother, what brings you to see your Senior Sister Mengyou?"
"Oh, I had some questions about cultivation and wanted to consult her."
"Cultivation questions? Then you’ve come to the right person. Senior Brother may not boast much, but when it comes to Qi Refinement cultivation, I have some insights. Since Senior Sister Mengyou isn’t here, you can ask me directly."
Li Chuan smiled faintly at Zhao Bingqian but didn’t refuse his offer.
After all, Zhao Bingqian was at the tenth layer of Qi Refinement and held some reputation in the outer sect as one of its top experts.
His insights wouldn’t be worthless.
This was perfect—he could learn a thing or two from Zhao Bingqian and later test them out on Chu Mengyou.
"Senior Brother, my Yin-Yang Awakening Art has reached the second layer. How should I proceed to cultivate faster?" Li Chuan asked humbly.
Zhao Bingqian replied, "When did you join the sect, Junior Brother? How are you only at the second layer? From what I see, your foundation is solid, and your spiritual energy is refined—progress with the Awakening Art should be swift. Have you not found a Dao Companion yet? You should hurry and seek one. Ideally, someone stronger than you..."
Zhao Bingqian held nothing back, explaining everything in detail—even the intricacies of dual cultivation—leaving Li Chuan greatly enlightened.
Their discussion lasted over an hour. When Li Chuan left, he said, "Senior Brother Zhao, once Senior Sister Mengyou returns, please have her visit my residence. I’d like to hear her insights as well. Cross-referencing advice leads to faster progress."
"Of course. When Senior Sister Mengyou returns, I’ll send her your way." Though Zhao Bingqian agreed outwardly, inwardly he cursed.
The audacity of this junior! Asking for guidance yet demanding the senior come to him—who did he think he was?
But with Li Chuan’s ties to the Seventh Elder’s disciple, Zhao Bingqian could only swallow his frustration.
If he knew Li Chuan’s intentions for summoning Chu Mengyou went far beyond mere cultivation advice, who knew how he’d react.
As luck would have it, shortly after Li Chuan left, Chu Mengyou returned.
Zhao Bingqian said to her, "Senior Sister Mengyou, Junior Brother Li Chuan came looking for you earlier. He asked that you visit him upon your return."
He deliberately omitted the part about cultivation advice, fearing Chu Mengyou might refuse. After all, she wasn’t one to curry favor just because Li Chuan had connections.
Little did he know, his worries were unnecessary. Chu Mengyou wouldn’t flatter Li Chuan for his ties—but she would go for the Spirit Stones he gave her.
"Oh? What does he want?" Chu Mengyou feigned ignorance.
She already knew why he’d summoned her, but appearances had to be maintained.
Zhao Bingqian shrugged. "He didn’t say, but he seemed urgent. You should hurry—best not to delay any important matters."
To his surprise, he even urged her, afraid Li Chuan might grow impatient.
Chu Mengyou gave him a strange look. "Senior Brother, you seem different today. As I recall, you weren’t particularly fond of this Junior Brother Li Chuan before."
Zhao Bingqian forced a smile. "That was before. After your wise words last time, I’ve had an epiphany. Since we’re all fellow disciples, there’s no need for baseless hostility. We should help one another."
Chu Mengyou neither agreed nor disagreed. "If Senior Brother has realized this, it shows your mental cultivation has progressed. May you soon attain the Dao of Foundation Establishment."
Zhao Bingqian straightened solemnly. "Rest assured, Senior Sister. I’ll follow right behind you in Foundation Establishment—I won’t fall behind."
"Then I’ll await you, Senior Brother." With that, Chu Mengyou turned and left, leaving a faint fragrance in her wake.
Zhao Bingqian seized the moment and resumed cultivation immediately.
His desire for Foundation Establishment burned fiercely. Chu Mengyou was one of the outer sect’s Ten Great Beauties—countless disciples longed to be her Dao Companion.
Zhao Bingqian wanted to remain hers indefinitely, so he had to break through quickly. Once Chu Mengyou reached Foundation Establishment, his tenth-layer Qi Refinement would pale in comparison.
After returning to his residence, Li Chuan had barely begun organizing the cultivation insights from Zhao Bingqian when Chu Mengyou arrived.
"Junior Brother, your Spirit Stone-earning speed is truly impressive—even Senior Sister can’t compare."