Mortal: The Path to Immortality

After Xiao Suxin and Xin Ruyin entered the inner courtyard, the front hall became much quieter, leaving only the three of them, each with their own thoughts.

Qi Yunxiao was clearly restless. He paced back and forth at the entrance of the corridor, glancing into the inner courtyard every few breaths, looking extremely anxious.

Han Li, on the other hand, appeared much calmer. He chose a chair by the window, sat down, and lowered his eyes, as if in a meditative state. This contrasted sharply with Qi Yunxiao's restlessness.

Before long, spiritual energy suddenly rose from the direction of the inner courtyard.

Seeing this, Lu Nanzhu knew that the spell was on track, so he sat down next to Han Li, picked up the teapot, poured two cups, pushed one over, and broke the silence first.

"Brother Han, you must have come here not only to retrieve the formation, but also for some other important matter?"

"Hmm." Han Li reached out and took the teacup, whispering, "I've got the array, but the magic artifacts Brother Yunxiao promised to forge for me are still at Yunxiao Pavilion. I was planning to wait for him to go back and get them together. But judging from his current state of mind..."

"It's alright. Senior Xiao is skilled in medicine. Although this secret method is complicated, she can complete it in less than half an hour with her abilities," Lu Nanzhu said, taking a sip of tea.

Han Li gave Lu Nanzhu a deep look and nodded slightly: "Very well, then let's wait a little longer."

After drinking together for a while, Lu Nanzhu seemed to remember something, his expression suddenly turned serious, and he lowered his voice to ask, "Brother Han, may I have a word with you in private?"

A hint of doubt flashed in Han Li's eyes, but he had always had a good impression of Lu Nanzhu, so he got up and followed him out of the courtyard.

The two broke free of the barrier and arrived at a secluded bamboo grove.

Having confirmed that this place was outside the range of other people's divine senses, Lu Nanzhu flicked his sleeves, and several array flags landed, instantly setting up a simple array to isolate divine sense probes.

Seeing Lu Nanzhu's caution, Han Li raised an eyebrow slightly, his hand already subtly resting on his storage bag: "Brother Lu, what is so urgent that it requires such a great deal of trouble?"

Lu Nanzhu said solemnly, "To be honest, Brother Han, I need some techniques and materials to enhance spiritual sense. I've searched extensively within the sect, but none of the spiritual sense techniques have satisfied me."

"Brother Han, please don't be offended. I do have a private request," Lu Nanzhu said solemnly.

"I've recently been studying esoteric techniques and need to find some methods or materials to enhance my spiritual sense. I've searched around Spirit Beast Mountain, but the ordinary items available to cultivators are all unacceptable. Therefore, I'd like to ask Brother Han to inquire around in Yellow Maple Valley for me. If there are any suitable ones, I'm willing to offer a hefty sum in exchange!"

Han Li's heart stirred slightly:

"It's quite a coincidence that before coming here, I had just obtained the 'Great Evolution Technique' by chance during a battle. It is a cultivation method for cultivating divine sense and puppets."

It was precisely because the Inverted Five Elements Formation, which he had purchased from Xin Ruyin, proved so helpful in defending his cave during this battle that he decided to order another set here, just in case.

And then, by sheer coincidence, I encountered Junior Brother Lu searching for cultivation techniques related to spiritual sense. Could such a coincidence truly exist?

He looked at Lu Nanzhu with some suspicion, hesitating whether to take out the cultivation technique and what price to ask for, before subtly probing:

"Junior Brother Lu is truly a diligent learner. I dare not guarantee that I can obtain a top-tier cultivation technique, but I can only do my best. However, if I want any news, I need to know how much you are offering so that I can have an idea of ​​what to expect."

"Junior brother, I've been practicing secret techniques recently, but my spiritual sense is holding me back. In desperation, I turned to you, senior brother." Lu Nanzhu smiled awkwardly, then took out a wooden box with talismans attached from his storage bag.

The box lid was lifted, and a piece of wood about the thickness of a bowl, purplish-black in color, lay quietly inside, with golden threads winding around it, vaguely outlining patterns like star trails.

(Han Ligang's eyes widened the moment he saw the wood. After obtaining the "Great Evolution Technique," he had secretly begun to cultivate its contents, including the crafting of puppets. He immediately recognized it as the finest material for crafting puppets—mysterious sandalwood, far more valuable than ironwood. Puppets crafted from this material were not only more powerful and agile, but also easier to control, as if they were extensions of one's own body, and completely unrestrained.)

Even if not used to make puppets, they are excellent for crafting top-grade magical artifacts; high-aged ones are also superb for crafting magical treasures.

Han Li glanced at it, and his pupils widened considerably. He had been engrossed in studying puppetry lately; how could he not recognize this treasure?

"This... its bark is like purplish ink, its grain like star trails, this is... black sandalwood!! Judging by its appearance, it's over five hundred years old." Han Li exclaimed in surprise, then realized his overreaction and took a deep breath.

"It is said that this thing is almost extinct in the south. If it is used to make puppets, not only will they be more powerful and agile, but they will also be easier to control and manipulate. Its value is far greater than that of ironwood."

"My junior brother actually got it! He really got a great opportunity."

Lu Nanzhu quickly made a shushing gesture, put away the wooden box with his back hand, and whispered:

"It's good that Brother Han recognizes this item. Now that I've revealed all my secrets to you, Senior Brother, we'll have to rely on you to put in more effort over Huangfeng Valley."

As he spoke, Lu Nanzhu made a gesture to remove the formation, but Han Li stopped him with a gesture.

"Brother Lu, please wait a moment." Han Li seemed to have made a great decision, and took out a jade slip from his storage bag. "I am willing to do a business deal with you, junior brother."

To be honest, I recently obtained a spiritual cultivation technique from some ruins. I've been practicing it in my spare time, and the results have been quite good. If you don't mind, junior brother, you're welcome to take a look."

Lu Nanzhu took the jade slip, probed it with his divine sense, and confirmed that it was the fourth-level incomplete copy of the "Great Evolution Technique" that had shaken the Zhenqianzhu Sect. A great weight was lifted from his heart, but he exclaimed in surprise:

"The martial arts of the Thousand Bamboo Sect in the far west? Brother Han's luck is truly enviable."

Although Lu Nanzhu had a photographic memory and had memorized the technique, he could easily have rejected the deal. However, one shouldn't be so dishonest. If he were found out later, he would have unjustly offended a good friend, which would be a greater loss than gain.

The transaction should still proceed. Fortunately, Han Li hadn't yet grasped the true value of the "Great Evolution Technique," but the Xuan Tan wood he provided was indeed a priceless treasure. Lu Nanzhu thought Han Li wasn't at a disadvantage.

He immediately handed the wooden box to Han Li, made a copy of the jade slip, and returned the original.

"Why let the good stuff go to outsiders? Brother Han's cultivation technique is exactly what I need! Deal!"

Han Li took the wooden box and carefully examined the piece of black sandalwood. After confirming that there were still several "budding points" on it that could be further cultivated, he was overjoyed, and a long-lost smile finally appeared on his face:

"Brother Lu is straightforward!"

When the two returned to the front yard, Qi Yunxiao, perhaps exhausted from days of travel, leaned back in his chair and fell into a deep sleep.

The two smiled at each other and sat down side by side to continue enjoying their tea.

After an unknown amount of time, the spiritual energy rising in the backyard gradually subsided and everything returned to peace.

For some reason, Han Li, who was standing to the side, also felt a strong sense of drowsiness and fell asleep on the table.

Just as Lu Nanzhu was feeling surprised, he saw Xiao Suxin walk out of the inner courtyard with a tired look on her face and light steps.

He quickly stood up and bowed respectfully.

Xiao Suxin walked up to Lu Nanzhu, her eyes looking him up and down with a hint of amusement.

"I have completely cured that girl's physical weakness; she will be fine after a few days of rest. However," she paused, then continued,

"It's best not to let anyone else know about this. I've already used magic to erase their memories of me. Consider them people you saved."

"Thank you so much, senior, for personally coming to my rescue from so far away! You helped Nanzhu fulfill your promise! I will remember this kindness forever." Lu Nanzhu said earnestly.

Xiao Suxin gave a haughty snort and turned her head away:

"I only helped that girl because I saw she had some talent in array formations and I couldn't bear to see such a genius perish. It wasn't to help you fulfill any promise. Don't flatter yourself."

"Yes, yes, Senior Xiao is a benevolent doctor. I admire him greatly," Lu Nanzhu said, stroking his hair.

Xiao Suxin's expression softened slightly. She looked back at Lu Nanzhu, as if she had a thousand words to say, but in the end, she only let out a soft sigh.

"Alright, this matter is settled. I must also go out and seek some opportunities. Take care of yourself."

Before she finished speaking, she had already transformed into a ray of light and soared into the sky, leaving Lu Nanzhu alone in the house, staring blankly at the receding light.