The next day, Lin Dongming still hadn’t received any news from Duyuan Peak, let alone been able to question anyone.
“It seems the situation at Duyuan Peak hasn’t been uncovered yet, so there’s no need to worry for now.”
As he dressed and washed up, Lin Dongming organized his thoughts, occasionally muttering to himself—a habit he kept every day.
“The demonic matters are more troublesome than I imagined, but they probably aren’t targeting us specifically. No need to be overly concerned at the moment.”
Lin Dongming knew more about this matter than he let on, but he kept silent to avoid bringing trouble upon himself.
—At the very least, if certain information were to be leaked, he would have to explain how he came to know it.
Still, when he recalled Elder Tuoba’s attitude and the condition of those few from Duyuan Peak, Lin Dongming felt a strange unease.
—It must be the demonic arts of the Hehuan Sect. But why would the Hehuan Sect interfere with Heavenly Extreme Sword Sect affairs?
The current Heavenly Extreme Sword Sect isn’t exactly weak. It’s not a good opportunity for an ambush.
Lin Dongming planned to find a chance in a few days to meet those Duyuan Peak lackeys again—to nip any danger in the bud.
“After all, since I’m taking money to solve people’s troubles, I should try to eliminate risks as early as possible.”
But obviously, these next few days were not suitable—at least, he had to wait until the Hong Xing incident calmed down.
Knowing Hong Xing’s personality, he’d definitely go complain to his Elder father. Without any leads, orders to increase vigilance would probably spread among Duyuan Peak disciples.
Lin Dongming pushed open the door, summoned his sword, and flew to the waterfall area where he had been the night before. There, he saw White Zhiqing already waiting.
“Oh, you’re later than I expected today.”
The little fox teased, her attitude much warmer than when they first met.
“I slept until the sun was high, then came straight here.” Lin Dongming said frankly.
“Training goes faster here. I want to improve my cultivation as much as possible before the Cangzhou Trial.”
“Not bad, not bad. Admirable ambition.” White Zhiqing suddenly blinked.
“Lin Senior Brother, your cultivation seems a bit stronger than last night… Have you broken through?”
Lin Dongming thought for a moment, then decided to be as honest with her as possible.
“Your perception is really sharp, just sensing the spiritual energy I’m releasing shows that. I guess it’s a gift that helps your cultivation in many ways.”
“Looks like Lin Senior Brother doesn’t deny it.”
“I went to swallow thunder last night. I drew in the thunder essence from the Thunder Dragon Xuanting’s lightning.”
Lin Dongming nodded. “It’s an extreme body tempering method. Don’t imitate it unless you’re confident—it can seriously injure you or even be fatal.”
“Thunder essence from the Thunder Dragon at the Consolidation stage?”
White Zhiqing was stunned. “Are you crazy?”
“Of course, I chose the weakest thunder essence.” Lin Dongming shrugged. “I’m quite fond of my life.”
“…It really seems like a feasible method.” White Zhiqing stared at Lin Dongming’s body.
“If, as you said, the main effect is body tempering and the cultivation boost is just a side effect, and that effect is already so obvious, then I want to try it too.”
Lin Dongming twitched at the corner of his eye. “Did you just ignore what I said? This is extremely, extremely dangerous.”
“I heard you.” White Zhiqing was indifferent. “But if Lin Senior Brother can do it, I probably won’t have a problem.”
Lin Dongming sighed helplessly. “A spoiled rich kid who’s never been beaten down by life won’t understand. Why not choose a safer method? It’ll just be slower.”
White Zhiqing smiled faintly. “After everything that happened, Lin Senior Brother should know I’m not a complete spoiled rich kid, right? As you’ve seen, Elder Tuoba doesn’t always stand by me. I need to get stronger fast.”
“Fine.” Lin Dongming sighed. “If you really want to do it, take me with you. If necessary, I’ll share half the thunder essence with you.”
After all, he had a duty to protect her. It wouldn’t be worth it to fail his mission over something like this.
“Really? Then thank you, Lin Senior Brother.” White Zhiqing looked a little surprised. “I’m starting to understand why those female cultivators like you so much.”
“Of course it’s true.” Lin Dongming said. “I keep my word.”
“Then it’s really strange that Senior Sister Han doesn’t like you.” White Zhiqing’s eyes turned playful. “Or has she regretted it?”
Lin Dongming didn’t care much for her teasing and just sat down to meditate.
“Who knows? Rich kids who haven’t been beaten by life tend to be arrogant until they meet someone who can keep them in check.”
For some reason, Lin Dongming felt White Zhiqing cared a lot about Han Xiangjun. When Han Xiangjun was around yesterday, she deliberately got close to him to show affection.
“Maybe it’s you, Senior Brother?”
White Zhiqing teased.
“Most likely not.” Lin Dongming closed his eyes. “I think it’s more like you.”
“I saw it, you know.” White Zhiqing whispered. “Senior Sister Han was pestering you under the Artifact Refining Peak.”
A bead of sweat rolled down Lin Dongming’s forehead. “Really? What a coincidence.”
Han Xiangjun appeared in their line of sight.
“Speak of the devil.” White Zhiqing glanced at Han Xiangjun in the corner. “What a coincidence.”
Though Han Xiangjun was still a bit away from the two, Lin Dongming already felt awkward. What was she doing here?
Before Han Xiangjun could say anything, White Zhiqing started teasing: “Senior Sister Han, what brings you here?”
“This shouldn’t be an Elder’s courtyard, right? It should be a public area?”
Han Xiangjun quickly caught the implication in White Zhiqing’s words.
“It’s true it’s not.” White Zhiqing shook her head. “But Senior Sister Han never comes here, does she? What wind blew you here?”
“The spiritual energy here is rich, and the Thunder Dragon roams at night. It’s very suitable for training. Is there a problem?”
Han Xiangjun’s gaze showed a trace of displeasure.
But White Zhiqing seemed to take pleasure in her displeasure, unconcerned. “I see. Then please, Senior Sister Han. I’ll go ask Lin Senior Brother about training methods.”
She deliberately moved to Lin Dongming’s side. “Lin Senior Brother, the rapid cultivation method you mentioned just now sounds reasonable. Tell me more.”
Lin Dongming: “…………” He got goosebumps all over.
And she deliberately moved so close that not only their cheeks were almost touching, but her ample chest was pressed against his chest.
If Lin Dongming didn’t always hold the attitude of “Don’t fall in love with clients, don’t let clients fall in love with me,” he’d surely be stirred by her in a dangerous way.
Sure enough, Lin Dongming soon felt a piercing gaze shoot from beside them, filled with a trace of resentment.