After being jilted by the saintess at the beginning, why is she crying?

"Even—legend has it that cultivating the Purple Thunder Token to its ultimate level can unleash the legendary Purple Heaven Divine Thunder!"

"Purple Heaven Divine Lightning?" Lin Fengmian frowned. "What is that?"

Li Bao's voice carried a hint of awe:

"That's something legendary. It's said that the Purple Heaven Divine Lightning is a type of heavenly tribulation, and even cultivators in the Tribulation Transcending stage can't withstand it."

"Of course, that's just a legend. In all my years in the Spirit Realm, I've never seen anyone cultivate to that level."

Lin Fengmian took a deep breath, suppressing his excitement.

A mid-grade Heavenly Rank cultivation technique.

Nine Heavens Purple Thunder.

Purple Thunder Order.

Zixiao Shenlei.

Any one of these items would be enough to make cultivators in the lower realms fight tooth and nail for them.

And now-

Everything was laid out before him.

"nice one."

Lin Fengmian's lips curled into a smile as he patted Li Bao's remnant soul (though he couldn't quite reach it), his tone unusually gentle:

"Hmm, not bad, Elder Li. This technique does sound quite good."

Li Bao was so frightened by his slap that he almost lost his mind, and quickly smiled apologetically:

"I'm glad you're satisfied, young friend... I'm glad you're satisfied..."

Lin Fengmian stood up and looked down at him:

"Write down the technique and engrave it in a jade tube."

Li Bao nodded hurriedly, not daring to be negligent in the slightest.

With a thought, Lin Fengmian produced a blank jade tube in his hand and handed it to Li Bao.

Li Bao took the jade tube, and the spiritual light within his remnant soul surged as he began to meticulously inscribe the complete method of the "Nine Heavens Purple Thunder Technique" into it.

Lin Fengmian watched him busy and pondered in his heart.

This old thing is truly a walking treasure trove.

Heavenly-rank cultivation techniques, spiritual treasures, secrets of the spirit world, intelligence on major powers...

Who knows how many good things he's hiding inside?

and so--

We can't let him die.

Not at least not now.

"Old Li."

Lin Fengmian spoke, his tone unusually sincere.

"Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on the Soul-Nourishing Wood too."

Upon hearing this, Li Bao paused slightly in his act of inscribing the cultivation technique.

He raised his head and looked at Lin Fengmian.

A complex emotion flashed in those murky, remnant soul's eyes.

I am grateful.

There was an unexpected incident.

Somewhat—

An indescribable meaning.

"Thank you, young friend."

Li Bao said in a low voice, continuing to inscribe the cultivation technique with his head down.

Lin Fengmian didn't say anything more, but just stood quietly to the side, watching the golden runes gradually emerge from the jade tube.

Heavenly Rank Cultivation Techniques —

This was the first time he had met him.

-

After an incense stick has burned.

Li Bao handed the completed jade tube to Lin Fengmian, his remnant soul so weak he could barely speak.

Lin Fengmian took the jade tube and probed it with his divine sense.

[Nine Heavens Purple Thunder Technique]

Four ancient characters entered his mind, each one seemingly containing the power of thunder, causing his consciousness to tremble slightly.

It really is—good stuff!

Lin Fengmian suppressed his excitement, put the jade tube into his pocket, and turned to leave the jade pendant space.

-

Dongfuzhong.

Lin Fengmian opened his eyes and let out a long breath.

He has made great gains in the past two months.

His cultivation level broke through from the early stage of Foundation Establishment to the late stage of Foundation Establishment.

I obtained a rare spiritual treasure, the Purple Lightning Whip.

They also extracted a mid-grade Heaven-rank cultivation technique from Li Bao.

Next, it's time to cultivate the "Nine Heavens Purple Thunder Technique," and—

Preparing to participate in the Qingzhou Grand Competition.

Lin Fengmian stood up, walked to the entrance of the cave, and pushed open the stone door.

The sunlight streamed in, somewhat dazzling.

He squinted and looked into the distance.

For the past two months, he has been immersed in cultivation and is completely unaware of what has happened in the outside world.

At this moment, the sound transmission array at the entrance of the cave was densely covered with various sound transmission jade tubes and letters.

Lin Fengmian picked one up casually and probed it with his divine sense.

"Brother Fengmian, are you alright? Caiyue is very worried about you. Remember to write to me when you come out of seclusion. —Caiyue"

Her voice was gentle as water, with a hint of caution.

again.

"Lin Fengmian, you bastard! You went into seclusion without a word! I've been worried sick for so long! When you come out, I'll see how I deal with you!" — Xiao Xiyue

His voice was cool, yet it carried an undisguised concern.

Lin Fengmian's lips curled up slightly.

These two women...

He picked up another one.

"Brother Fengmian, how have you been lately? I have something to tell you. In twenty days, the grand competition for the most outstanding talents from all the major sects in Qingzhou will begin. This is a grand event held once every ten years in Qingzhou, and the most outstanding talents from all the major sects will participate. The rewards are generous and there are many opportunities. I hope you can come and participate. —Chu Qingyi"

Her voice carried a hint of anticipation, as well as a touch of cautious probing.

Lin Fengmian remained silent for a moment.

The Qingzhou Grand Competition.

Of course he had heard of it.

This is a grand event held once every ten years in Qingzhou, where talented disciples from various sects gather to compete in strength and vie for opportunities.

The rewards are indeed generous.

It is said that the first place winner will receive a top-grade Foundation Establishment Pill, a high-grade spiritual weapon, and even a spot to enter an ancient secret realm.

But what Lin Fengmian cared about more was not the reward.

But -

This is a great opportunity to hone your skills.

While secluded cultivation can certainly improve one's cultivation level, true strength is honed in battle.

Although his cultivation has reached the late stage of Foundation Establishment, his practical combat experience is still far from sufficient.

not to mention--

He promised Li'er that he would become stronger.

He was strong enough to go to the spirit world to find her.

"The Qingzhou Grand Competition..."

Lin Fengmian murmured, his gaze gradually hardening.

"Then let's go."

He put away the communication jade tube and turned to walk back to his cave.

Twenty days left.

In these twenty days, he will master the basics of the "Nine Heavens Purple Thunder Technique," completely refine the Purple Lightning Whip, and adjust his condition to its best.

Then--

Go to Qingzhou.

Let's meet those so-called prodigies.

Lin Fengmian was about to turn around and walk back to his cave dwelling—

Suddenly, a whooshing sound came from afar.

He looked up and saw a moon-white figure rushing from the horizon, landing on the top of Qingyue Peak in an instant.

The newcomer wore a long, moon-white dress, her black hair cascading down her back, and her skin as smooth as jade. Her face, usually cold and aloof, now displayed a rare, joyful smile.

It was Xiao Xiyue.

"Junior Brother Lin!"

Her voice remained cool and clear, yet it carried an undisguised hint of joy.

"You're finally out of seclusion!"

Xiao Xiyue walked quickly to Lin Fengmian and looked him up and down. Her clear, cool eyes were full of concern and joy.

It's been two months.

For two whole months, he locked himself in his cave and there was no news of him.

She would send greetings to the sound transmission array every day, but never received a reply.

Several times, she couldn't resist the urge to break down the door and see if something had happened to him.

But each time she reached the entrance of the cave, she forced herself to stay still.

He needs time.

She told herself that.

Now, seeing him standing unharmed before her, the weight that had been hanging over her heart for two months finally lifted.