In the world of cultivation, one grinds for proficiency and longevity.

"I wouldn't dare again." Qian Jinbao nodded vigorously.

Then, looking at Chen Changqing, he said, "Fellow Daoist Chen, I will repay your life-saving grace in the future."

Having lost the match and nearly lost his life, Qian Jinbao was utterly humiliated. Coupled with the impending side effects of taking the "Fierce Sun Pill," he thanked Chen Changqing and then hurriedly left the scene, making an excuse.

As an apprentice alchemist, he should have had some pills on him, but he didn't take any out to repay his benefactor, which is enough to prove that his pills were not presentable, confirming Chen Changqing's suspicions.

"I'm sorry, it's all my fault. I invited him without your permission."

The group returned to their seats, and Wang Feng apologized to everyone, especially Nian Qiu, by drinking wine instead of tea.

"It's not your fault." Yu Nianqiu scraped the lid off the teapot. "Who could have predicted that in just a few years, the timid and cowardly person would become so arrogant?"

"It seems that even if you have a great stroke of luck, you might not be able to seize the opportunity if your foundation isn't strong."

Bullying colleagues, selling inferior pills... After observing for only half a day, Chen Changqing had already predicted that even if this person became an alchemist apprentice, he would not achieve much in the future.

Then, he looked at Yu Nianqiu and said, "Fellow Daoist Yu, you are quite strong. The fact that you're being harassed by this person must be due to the rules of your sect, right?"

"Yes, Brother Chen is right."

Yu Nianqiu sighed softly, "Outer disciples are not allowed to fight each other. If he hadn't brought it up first, I don't know when I would have been able to get my revenge!"

"That's true, but Qian Jinbao is a scoundrel, and I'm worried he'll be resentful," Chen Changqing said, expressing his concern.

"I'm not afraid. As long as he's still an outer disciple, I'm not afraid of him!" Yu Nianqiu said firmly.

"He's an alchemy apprentice, so he'll have a better chance of becoming an inner disciple than you, right?" Li Erniu interjected from the side.

Upon hearing this, Yu Nianqiu lowered her head and did not refute. After a moment, she spoke again:

"I will work hard. This time when I came out, I also took on a sect mission to exterminate ghosts in the mortal world. If I complete it successfully, I can earn more than ten spirit stones."

"Isn't it dangerous for you to deal with ghosts alone?" Chen Changqing asked rhetorically.

"I was supposed to have my senior brother accompany me, but I've decided to go it alone. It's alright, I've brought some special equipment from the sect for dealing with ghosts."

It seems that life is tough for cultivators at the bottom, not just for independent cultivators, but also for those in sects.

While sighing, Chen Changqing was also thinking to himself that Yu Nianqiu was ambitious, capable, and of good character. He also had some spare spirit stones. If he could use them to help her become an inner disciple in the future, it would be a good investment.

He just lacks an opportunity; he can't very well ask someone if they want to borrow spirit stones, can he?

That would seem somewhat unappreciative.

Even without Qian Jinbao, the group chatted happily, and the atmosphere gradually became harmonious. When they talked about Li Erniu...

"Fellow Daoist Li, Brother Chen entered the Foundation Establishment family at the same time as you, so why is your cultivation level so much higher than his?"

Yu Nianqiu seemed quite curious about this.

"That's because Brother Chen refused to marry into the Zhou family and have children. He doesn't have as many cultivation resources as I do, so naturally he can't advance as fast as I do," Li Erniu explained for Chen Changqing.

He refuses to marry and have children?

Yu Nianqiu gave Chen Changqing a meaningful look, then, as if remembering something, said, "Oh right, I haven't had a chance to thank Brother Chen yet. Brother Chen, would you like to come in for a moment?"

After speaking, Yu Nianqiu took the lead and moved to the private room, to the restroom for washing hands.

Although it's for convenience, with incense burning and the windows open, it's quite clean.

Chen Changqing declined several times, saying there was no need for thanks. However, he couldn't resist Yu Nianqiu's repeated persuasion, and under the envious gazes of Li Erniu and Wang Feng, he entered the latrine where Yu Nianqiu was.

At the latter's request, he closed the door.

"Thank you... why can't it be done openly and honestly? It's not the kind of thank you I'm thinking of, is it?" Wang Feng pinched his thigh hard.

"Uh...maybe, otherwise, why would they avoid us?" Li Erniu said, lost in thought.

"Sigh, I'm so envious and jealous..."

Actually, Yu Nianqiu thought that Chen Changqing was short of spirit stones based on their conversation, so she thought of giving him three and a half spirit stones to thank him for his help.

There are too many people outside, and she's afraid Chen Changqing won't accept her. She also doesn't want anyone to notice that she's actually living a very frugal life in the major sects.

That's how this scene came about.

"It was just a small favor. We are both from Chenghua Avenue, so there's no need for such formality."

Faced with the spirit stones offered by Nianqiu, Chen Changqing refused to accept them no matter what.

"Is it because Brother Chen thinks it's not enough? If so, I can add two more. But I don't have any more than that; I need to use the rest for something else."

Yu Nianqiu's ears turned red, and she looked embarrassed.

"Fellow Daoist Yu, that's not what I meant. Just because you called me 'Brother Chen,' I have to help you. Becoming an inner disciple requires a lot of spirit stones, right?"

"Help me? What do you mean?" Yu Nianqiu was confused, but still replied, "To become an inner disciple, one must at least reach the late stage of Qi Refining, which does require a lot of spirit stones."

"I'll lend you thirty spirit stones today. You can pay me back slowly when you're capable in the future."

Chen Changqing had a total of over 170 spirit stones on him and originally wanted to borrow more. However, having lived two lives, he deeply understood the principle of "a little kindness is appreciated, but too much kindness breeds resentment," so he gave up the idea.

"Huh?!" Yu Nianqiu exclaimed in genuine surprise.

Seeing Yu Nianqiu's incredulous expression, Chen Changqing casually took out three talismans and handed them to her: "These two low-grade fireball talismans and one mid-grade lightness talisman were all drawn by me. I'm sure you'll find them useful."

"Brother Chen can draw mid-grade talismans?!"

"Currently, only 10% or 20% is achieved, which is negligible."

"Not worth mentioning..."

Yu Nianqiu took the talisman and examined it carefully. Its quality was better than those on the market. In other words, it wouldn't be long before Chen Changqing would become a mid-grade first-level talisman master.

Using a mid-grade talisman, his strength is almost equivalent to the late stage of Qi Refining, which means that Chen Changqing will be highly sought after wherever he goes.

"Don't be too surprised. My current identity is a talisman master. Please accept this. When you become an inner disciple in the future, I will need your help."

Yu Nianqiu stared intently at Chen Changqing, as if trying to re-evaluate the man, and after a long while, she continued speaking:

"Indeed, outstanding people are outstanding wherever they go. Congratulations on becoming a talisman master, Brother Chen. In that case, I won't stand on ceremony."

Knowing that Chen Changqing was good at drawing talismans and could earn spirit stones, and that as an outer disciple, she was in dire need of spirit stones to buy resources due to the fierce competition for inner sect spots, she accepted the money without hesitation: "No one's spirit stones come from thin air. I'll write an IOU for Brother Chen later."

"it is good."

Chen Changqing did not refuse on this point and reaffirmed the other party's character.

Just as the two were about to come out, Li Erniu and Wang Feng, who had noticed the commotion at the door, quickly withdrew their ears from the wall and scurried back to their seats, both putting on an upright and gentlemanly appearance.

Just now, when Yu Nianqiu uttered that "ah", the two exchanged a glance and, as if on cue, quietly went to eavesdrop together.

After all, they were all cultivators at the third level of Qi Refining or above, so it would be too impolite to release their divine sense rashly.

When Nianqiu reappeared in front of everyone, she not only had a bright smile but also a rosy complexion, which inevitably led to some speculation.

Four years ago, she was already a beauty, and now she is simply like a fairy.

Every smile and frown exudes the aura of an unparalleled beauty.

"How come she changed completely after being inside for a short while?"

Seeing this, some people felt a mixture of envy and admiration for Chen Changqing, but also a sense of bewilderment. Among them, Li Erniu jokingly remarked:

"Brother Chen, aren't you moving too fast?"