Begin your practice with the crane-shaped stance.

After returning to the city, Xia Dong did not rush back to his residence to wash away the dust of his journey. Instead, he turned around and went directly to the Hundred Household Office of the Eagle Wolf Guard stationed in Pingyang County.

Walking on the bustling street, Xia Dong had a sudden thought, and the Divine Treasury Chapter of the "Eternal Spring Qi Circulation Technique" within his body quietly began to operate.

In an instant, his profound and pure Xuan Yin power vanished without a trace, leaving only the blood and qi cultivation of an Inner Strength Realm martial artist visible on his body.

This method is truly wondrous and extraordinary.

As long as Xia Dong is willing to conceal his magical power, divine sense, and even his qi and blood, cultivators below the late stage of Qi Refining will definitely not be able to see through his true nature.

As for great cultivators in the late Qi Refining stage or even the Foundation Establishment stage?

Xia Dong's principle has always been to avoid each other if possible, and she absolutely does not want to run into each other.

After all, he felt completely unsafe when he saw someone with a higher cultivation level than himself.

Upon entering the inner hall of the Hundred Households Office, Xia Dong immediately spotted Zhao Ting sitting in a grand chair, drinking tea.

With a slight sense of unease, Xia Dong's heart stirred.

Zhao Ting originally possessed a mixed spiritual root of four elements, with mediocre talent, and his cultivation progress was originally very slow.

But now, following Xia Dong in this business of reselling pills and talismans, he has made a fortune. Not only has he gained the appreciation of important figures above him, but he also seems to have had another opportunity recently, and he has actually broken through from the fourth level of Qi Refining to the fifth level.

However, although his cultivation level has improved, Zhao Ting is still far inferior to Xia Dong, who has a more solid foundation, in terms of spiritual awareness and resilience.

Therefore, when Xia Dong withdrew his magic power and stood in front of him, this newly promoted Qi Refining Level 5 cultivator did not notice anything amiss.

"Oh dear! Brother Xueyi."

As soon as Zhao Ting saw Xia Dong step across the threshold, he immediately put down his teacup and greeted her with a big smile.

Zhao Ting has been enjoying great success in recent years.

Since entering the mid-stage of Qi Refining, and with the stable source of income from Xia Dong, his status within the family has also risen significantly.

He knew perfectly well that all these benefits were brought about by this "Brother Xia" in front of him.

Therefore, when Zhao Ting saw Xia Dong, his affection was genuine.

These aren't business partners; they're his closest friends, family, and brothers.

In Zhao Ting's view, within the territory of Pingyang County, others may make him unhappy, but he cannot allow Brother Xia to suffer the slightest grievance!

"Xueyi, I was wondering why I heard the magpies chirping in the yard so early this morning. Turns out you're coming!" Zhao Ting warmly pulled Xia Dong to a seat and personally poured him a cup of the finest tea.

Xia Dong usually keeps to himself and doesn't like unnecessary socializing. When he's not at home, he only tells others that he's gone to the deep mountains and forests to collect herbs.

Zhao Ting kept these habits firmly in mind. Unless it would interfere with the important matter of handing over talismans and pills, Zhao Ting would never disturb this "God of Wealth's" quiet cultivation.

Moreover, to avoid suspicion, he even strictly ordered his Eagle Wolf Guard agents not to monitor Xia Dong's movements, fearing that Xia Dong would find out and harbor resentment, thus cutting off this lucrative source of income.

After exchanging pleasantries for a while, Xia Dong took out a heavy package from his pocket and pushed it in front of Zhao Ting. Unwrapping the package revealed a batch of high-quality low-level talismans and several jade bottles filled with Qi Gathering Pills.

These items are genuine hard currency in the cultivation world and within the Eagle Wolf Guard. Qi Gathering Pills, in particular, are always in high demand and short supply for lower-level cultivators.

Moreover, even if a secular martial artist without spiritual roots cannot refine spiritual energy, as long as their cultivation reaches the Bone Forging Realm or above, taking this Qi Gathering Pill can nourish their blood and qi, which is quite beneficial to their martial arts cultivation.

Zhao Ting didn't count the items; he simply smiled and put the package into his storage pouch.

Having finished handing over the important matters, Xia Dong picked up his teacup to moisten his throat, then lowered his voice and inquired of Zhao Ting about the true purpose of his visit: "Brother Zhao, I've come today with another request. Do you know any reliable weapon refiners?"

Zhao Ting was slowly skimming the foam from his teacup when Xia Dong suddenly asked about "weapon refiners." His movements froze slightly, and he raised an eyebrow, looking at Xia Dong with some surprise.

"A weapon refiner? Xueyi, why are you asking about those arrogant guys?" Zhao Ting put down his teacup and leaned forward.

Xia Dong calmly pulled out a pre-prepared excuse: "A few days ago, a friend of mine was lucky enough to encounter a severely wounded and dying demon beast. He risked his life to obtain a decent-quality demon hide. So, he asked me to inquire whether he could find a reliable weapon refiner to forge this hide into a close-fitting inner armor, which would be a life-saving trump card."

"A monster hide? And in perfect condition?" Zhao Ting's eyes lit up instantly, and his breathing became heavier.

If it's damaged, that's fine, but a demon hide in good condition not only means powerful defense, but it's also a rare and valuable raw material in the eyes of a weapon refiner. Such a material will also increase the success rate and quality of the magic weapon being refined.

Zhao Ting leaned closer and lowered his voice, saying, "Leave this to me. I'll let you know as soon as I have a definite answer."

Seeing Zhao Ting agree so readily, Xia Dong felt relieved. He knew that with Zhao Ting's current status in the Eagle Wolf Guard and his adeptness at maneuvering, this matter was most likely to succeed.

"Then I'll have to trouble you, brother. My friend will definitely reward you handsomely once it's done." Xia Dong stood up and sincerely cupped his hands in greeting.

"Hey! We're brothers, don't be so formal!" Zhao Ting waved his hand dismissively and escorted Xia Dong all the way to the gate of the Hundred Household Office.

After saying goodbye to Zhao Ting, Xia Dong walked home, feeling her steps become much lighter.

Recalling the snake slough that gleamed with a cold, bluish light, Xia Dong felt a surge of anticipation. Having a decent inner armor would be like having half a life extra.

Before long, Xia Dong returned to her quiet little courtyard.

He closed the courtyard gate, habitually surveyed the surroundings, and only relaxed after confirming everything was in order.

During this free time while waiting for Zhao Ting's news, he planned to organize and understand the major and minor events that had recently occurred within Lin Yuan Prefecture.

After all, it's easy to suffer losses if you're completely unaware of the external winds.

Just as Xia Dong was secretly considering which aspects to start with, a light knock came from outside the courtyard gate.

"Knock, knock, knock." The knocking was neither hurried nor slow, and quite polite.

Xia Dong raised an eyebrow, his first thought being that Xiao Hong had returned. However, due to his ingrained cautiousness, he subconsciously stirred his consciousness, and an invisible mental fluctuation spread outwards from the courtyard like a gentle breeze.

However, when Xia Dong's divine sense swept over the figure outside the door, his expression couldn't help but pause.

This ethereal magical energy fluctuation, faintly carrying a trace of lightning attribute... it feels very familiar!

Is it her?

Xia Dong was immediately surprised.

It should be noted that, in order to avoid suspicion and for safety, the two of them always met at fixed, secret locations. This was the first time she had ever taken the initiative to find his secular residence.

Xia Dong suppressed her surprise, put down her teacup, and quickly walked across the courtyard to open the door.

As the wooden door creaked open, a beautiful figure came into view. Today, she was not wearing the sect's eye-catching Taoist robe, but rather a simple blue casual dress. Her long, flowing hair was simply tied up with a wooden hairpin, yet it still couldn't conceal her increasingly aloof and otherworldly temperament.

The person who arrived was Qin Wan.

Upon seeing Xia Dong open the door, Qin Wan bowed slightly, her usually gentle and serene face now bearing a hint of apology.

"Brother Xia, I'm sorry to bother you."

Before Xia Dong could exchange pleasantries, Qin Wan raised her eyes and got straight to the point: "I've recently run into some trouble within the sect and have to leave to take up a post in a remote place. This trip will take at least three to five years, and afterwards... I'm afraid I won't be able to help you with those spiritual herbs and talismans anymore. I came to inform you before I leave."