Perhaps Yun Shuying never expected that one day she would have to teach someone how to run away.
As a genius, she usually fought head-on, even against opponents with higher cultivation levels.
“Among the things I just gave you, there’s a High-Grade Illusory Doppelganger Jade Talisman. It’s not only able to create phantom images but also physical doubles, though their strength is inferior to the original.”
“If used wisely, it’s not only effective for escape but also for facing enemies. Go back and study how to use it.”
Though her feelings were complicated, Yun Shuying still didn’t want Lin Dongming to die in the Forbidden Land Trial.
“Alright, thank you, Elder Yun!”
Lin Dongming was overjoyed.
A seasoned bootlicker never forgets to give proper feedback, especially when receiving gifts—Licking Dog Notebook.
Providing emotional value to a rich lady is far more rewarding than giving it to others, because the rich lady is wealthy, and a casual flick of her finger is enough to let money trickle down for an ordinary person to spend for a long time.
It’s just like in a previous life, when you work for a big company—the big company is wealthy and can offer several times the salary for the same position.
***
On the other side, Mo Qingxue had used the excuse of delivering Ling Material to visit the Heavenly Extreme Sword Sect again.
The Elder of Wenxin Tianzong who assigned the task was probably puzzled as to why such a minor, low-reward task would attract a core disciple like Mo Qingxue.
After all, the Ling Material delivered wasn’t important.
He could only assume that Mo Qingxue had her own business at the Heavenly Extreme Sword Sect and simply accepted a task along the way.
Of course, it would be hard for him to guess that Mo Qingxue came here just to meet Lin Dongming.
After arriving at the Heavenly Extreme Sword Sect, Mo Qingxue completed her task at Starsea Peak, then strolled casually along Starsea Long Street, asking about the recent competition between Wenxin Tianzong and Heavenly Extreme Sword Sect.
Starsea Peak is the gate of the Heavenly Extreme Sword Sect, connecting to the mortal town of Starsea Town at the foot of the mountain.
Starsea Long Street is a trading area within the sect, divided into Internal Street and External Street.
External Street is at the base of the mountain, connected to Starsea Town, where trade is done with mortal currency, gold, and silver—mostly mundane goods.
There are also some pills for martial arts cultivation sold here, and occasionally Ling Material from the mountain, though their quality can’t compare to those from above.
Internal Street is on the mountain, a marketplace where disciples from surrounding sects can trade, and even rogue cultivators can buy decent Ling Material.
For example, Youtiao—hard as iron, edible, and also good for hitting people.
Or Shaobing, equally hard, which can serve as a protective heart mirror or a boomerang.
Though their durability can’t match specialized Lingqi or Magic Treasure, they’re versatile and affordable, making them highly cost-effective.
Aside from these distinctive items, Starsea Long Street, built as a scenic promenade, is also beautiful.
Not only does it exude ancient charm with corridors and pavilions on ordinary days, but during holidays, it becomes a spectacle of lanterns and paper umbrellas, ablaze with lights and festive decorations, enough to enchant any visitor.
“Goodness, no wonder Father came back looking unhappy.
It turns out Wenxin Tianzong not only lost three matches in a row, but two were especially miserable.”
Though few disciples were present that day, it wasn’t a confidential matter.
There’s no wall in the world that the wind can’t penetrate; the details of the competition quickly spread and were even exaggerated.
After asking around carefully, Mo Qingxue understood—the cultivation of Yu Jianyi was extraordinary, and Song Yumian had won by overwhelming her opponent with money.
Even Han Xiangjun, whose strength was a bit showy, narrowly defeated her rival.
Wenxin Tianzong had lost face.
To be honest, both Wenxin Tianzong and Heavenly Extreme Sword Sect faced a talent drought.
It was even worse for Wenxin Tianzong—they didn’t even have a top genius like Yu Jianyi.
“Who was that sword cultivator that night, anyway?”
Mo Qingxue wondered.
“Judging by strength alone, besides Yu Jianyi, few of the younger generation could match him.
How could he be so unknown?”
At least he was much stronger than Han Xiangjun.
As her best friend, Mo Qingxue knew Han Xiangjun well—she could handle smooth sailing, but in adversity, she couldn’t hold out.
Originally, Mo Qingxue thought Han Xiangjun would lose the match.
——If only I could lure that person to Wenxin Tianzong.
Such a thought even crossed Mo Qingxue’s mind.
“For now, I should just find this person first.”
As she was thinking this, a familiar figure appeared before her.
“Xiangjun?”
Mo Qingxue stepped forward and patted her shoulder.
Sure enough, it was Han Xiangjun.
She linked her arm with hers.
“What are you doing here?”
Han Xiangjun was startled.
“I came to buy something.
What about you—why did you come from Wenxin Tianzong again?”
Mo Qingxue had expected Han Xiangjun to ask.
“I just happened to take a task to deliver Ling Material, so I came over.”
Though she wanted to ask about Lin Dongming right away, Mo Qingxue didn’t want to make her intentions obvious.
“I heard you won the match? Congratulations! Shall I treat you to a meal to celebrate?”
Han Xiangjun instantly beamed.
“Sure! Let’s go to Tianxiang Pavilion up ahead! Order the most expensive dishes!”
Mo Qingxue’s face darkened.
“Have some mercy on your sister’s wallet.”
But Han Xiangjun still dragged her into Tianxiang Pavilion, though she didn’t pick the most expensive private room or set meal, sparing Mo Qingxue from bankruptcy.
“So, how did you win?”
Mo Qingxue grinned.
“Did you use a bunch of talismans again?”
“No way!”
Han Xiangjun was a bit aggrieved by the accusation.
“Song Shijie used too many talismans in her previous match, so the Sect Master wouldn’t let me use them.”
Mo Qingxue was surprised.
“So you won by yourself? Impressive.”
But she quickly changed the subject.
“Did you get advice from a master? Who was it?”
“I wouldn’t call it advice from a master.”
Han Xiangjun brushed her hair.
“Lin Dongming just said a few words to me before the match.”
“Oh?”
Mo Qingxue smirked.
“You two are still connected? That guy’s pretty sharp. What did he say?”
“He just said…the opponent excels at formations but not at spell duels, so I should focus my Lingqi and aim for a quick victory.”
Han Xiangjun recalled as best she could.
“That’s pretty accurate. He really is amazing.”
Mo Qingxue nudged Han Xiangjun.
“You might have lost a good Dao Companion?”
“Stop joking—I haven’t lost anything yet.”
Han Xiangjun grumbled, sipping some spiritual wine.
“Huh?
That’s your focus?
Shouldn’t you be saying you’re not Dao Companions yet?”
Han Xiangjun froze, her ears visibly reddening.
“Mind your own business! I just misspoke!”
“It’s fine, it’s fine.”
Mo Qingxue gave an auntie-like smile.
“Losing such a good Dao Companion really would be a pity. Besides, it seems you like him quite a bit. As your sister, I support you!”
Han Xiangjun blushed even more.
“Keep your voice down! There are lots of people here, what if someone overhears!”
Mo Qingxue grinned mischievously.
“Is that the point? So you’re admitting it?”