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Chapter 171: A Token of Gratitude from Xu Ziyang

"Seven Veins Flower."

"Frosty Cloudleaf."

"..."

Chu Liang and Lin Bei carefully searched the valley for a while, harvesting the matured spirit plants. When they felt satisfied, they started getting ready to leave.

"Let's sell these precious materials at the Hall of Alchemy when we get back, and we'll split the earnings fifty-fifty," Chu Liang suggested.

"Oh, that's really not necessary," Lin Bei scratched his head, saying, "You did most of the work this time; I hardly did anything."

"But if it weren't for you leading me to this valley, I wouldn't have even gotten the Sword-Leaf Dark Sunflower," Chu Liang said with a smile. "Don't be courteous with me."

"Hehehe," Lin Bei chuckled heartily. "When we go back, I'll lend you all my privately stored art books[1]."

"Uh... no need for that," Chu Liang smiled, politely declining.

Chu Liang was worried that if he had read those books owned by Lin Bei, he would end up writing a journal on sexual abstinence.

After confirming that they hadn't missed anything, the two mounted the Golden-Furred Hou and left.

Although many spirit plants were present in the valley, they all required several decades to several hundred years to mature. Typically, having one such treasure of nature in a valley was already considered a rare occurrence.

Yet, so many matured spirit plants existed in this land on the Black Whale Mountain, which was very unusual.

Chu Liang couldn't determine the exact value of these treasures of nature, but he was certain the profit would be substantial. Moreover, rare and extraordinary items were usually considered priceless. If he had sold them outside to the Taotie Pavilion instead of the Hall of Alchemy, he would have earned double or even more.

However, smart disciples of Mount Shu wouldn't have done such a thing.

If individuals had been motivated solely by greed for higher prices and allowed resources to leave the Mount Shu Sect, this practice would have become widespread. In the long run, members of the sect would have faced significant challenges in obtaining any resources.

That was the order of the Mount Shu Sect.

The human race possessed a significant advantage over the demon race in that human society had already established a well-functioning order, including convenient resource circulation.

Chu Liang and Lin Bei stumbled upon matured treasures of nature. While they might not have an immediate need for them, there was no reason to delay the harvest. They also didn't have to stay and guard the treasures, as there was no threat of others attempting to seize them.

Because of the existence of the market, they could trade these treasures of nature and exchange them for the resources they needed. This way, everyone could obtain what they desired.

The human race's long-standing dominance over other species was firmly rooted in this foundational structure.

Order had been established with the intention of benefiting everyone.

Individuals like those from the diabolical sects, who engaged in burning, killing, looting, and various other nefarious activities for the sake of profit, might indeed benefit in the short term. However, in the long run, once the foundational order was disrupted and everyone no longer abided by it, the pursuit of personal gain would ultimately result in mutual harm for all.

Therefore, maintaining order was also essential.

Under the vast expanse of clouds, Chu Liang and Lin Bei returned to Mount Shu in the afternoon.

...

When Chu Liang arrived at the Silver Sword Peak, he didn't rush to sell the treasures of nature. Instead, he prepared to open his reward first.

The koi had been bored on her own. When she saw the return of the Golden-Furred Hou, she was really happy.

Immediately, she bounced over and patted its large head.

With the koi here, Chu Liang felt a bit more at ease.

He immediately closed his eyes and focused his mind, allowing his divine consciousness to enter the White Pagoda.

Inside the space within the pagoda, two large-headed dolls sat side by side. One of them had its eyes closed, while the other had been diligently working for days, emitting magnificent smoke and mist, creating an otherworldly scene.

The sight of this made Chu Liang worried. Has this thing been performing the circulation of qi a bit too fast? Does it need a rest? He thought to himself.

He reached out and touched the large head of the doll. Feeling no sign of heat, he became more reassured.

He stepped before the iron cage and pressed refine.

Boom!

Radiance flashed, and three thin strands of white light floated out.

So small?

For a moment, Chu Liang felt puzzled.

[Golden Hair Strand: Able to transform into an identical clone for three hours. The clone has no autonomous ability and can be used for various scenarios, including daily life and combat. However, some special scenarios are not permitted as they might result in damage.]

A clone lasting for three hours?

At first glance, Chu Liang was somewhat excited. Isn't this the same as being able to use the immortal art External Manifestation three times?

But upon second thought, he realized it was different.

Those who mastered the immortal art External Manifestation had the ability to split and control two bodies simultaneously, effectively doubling their strength. However, without training in the corresponding divine art, Chu Liang couldn't control both his body and the clone simultaneously. If he used the clone, it would be equivalent to transferring his divine consciousness from the main body to the clone.

This was essentially switching bodies.

In certain situations, such as exploring dangerous terrain, this could be useful. However, in combat, it wasn't as powerful as the immortal art External Manifestation.

No matter what, this was a good reward.

He stowed away the three strands of golden hair and opened his eyes. He was about to head to the Hall of Alchemy to sell the precious materials when he noticed a sword light suddenly descending to the ground.

A figure appeared before him.

The individual boasted straight eyebrows reminiscent of the elegance of a finely crafted sword and stood tall and straight. With starry eyes and an intense gaze, he exuded unparalleled sharpness.

"Senior Brother Xu?" Chu Liang seemed a bit cautious.

The leading figure of the Jade Sword Peak suddenly appeared in the territory of the Silver Sword Peak. Chu Liang's immediate reaction was to wonder if this visit harbored any intentions of causing trouble.

Although Chu Liang himself held the position of the eldest senior brother of the Silver Sword Peak, there was a difference between him and an actual eldest senior brother.

"I heard from Lin Bei that you came back so I came to see you right away," Xu Ziyang said expressionlessly.

This marked the first occasion Chu Liang engaged in a direct one-on-one conversation with Xu Ziyang. While the latter didn't initiate any overtly imposing actions, the pressure conveyed through each gaze was truly awe-inspiring.

That feeling was like... he was too sharp!

He was like an extraordinary sword without a sheath, quietly hanging in front. Even though this sword had yet to inflict any injuries, there was still a worry about being accidentally grazed by its edge.

Despite the feeling of apprehension, Chu Liang still maintained a non-submissive demeanor as he asked, "Senior Brother Xu, do you have something to discuss with me?"

"I came to thank you," Xu Ziyang replied.

Hah? Chu Liang was somewhat surprised by this statement. Do the people from Jade Sword Peak all express gratitude with a debt-collector face?

"Thanks to your guidance last time, I went back and ingested pills that can boost my vitality, qi, and spirit. Finally, I touched the threshold of the Perfect Qi Circulation," Xu Ziyang continued.

I see. Upon hearing this, Chu Liang felt a sense of relief.

He smiled and replied, "Senior Brother Xu, your achievements are a result of your exceptional talent. However, achieving the state of Perfect Qi Circulation through this method comes with a high cost and is not suitable for regular cultivation. It doesn't offer much long-term benefit, so there's no need for excessive gratitude."

Xu Ziyang explained, "It's not advisable to cultivate this way regularly. However, in crucial situations, it is acceptable to rely on pills to achieve the desired effect.

"Indeed." Chu Liang nodded.

"And so, I was wondering how I should show my gratitude," Xu Ziyang said.

"Hehe. Senior Brother Xu, you are being too courteous." Chu Liang waved his hand and said, "As a disciple of the Mount Shu Sect, it is my duty to share the insights I gained during cultivation. Senior Sister Jiang is really the person you should thank."

"You are really the person I should thank." Xu Ziyang stared at Chu Liang as he said, "I heard that you will start your Core Formation process soon and that you are probably going to try your luck in the Immortals' Marsh. I can be your guardian."

Ah? Chu Liang once again felt surprised.

In the tradition of the Mount Shu Sect, before disciples went through the Core Formation process, they would typically venture to the Immortals' Marsh, hoping that the goddess of luck would bless them with a chance to find the Celestial Herb of Ascension. Since there were usually multiple disciples forming their cores at around the same time, they would often team up for the journey.

However, the Immortals' Marsh was filled with dangers. Usually, a fifth-realm disciple would serve as the guardian and leader of the team during such expeditions.

Is Xu Ziyang saying this because he has already reached the fifth realm? Chu Liang thought to himself. This seemed a bit unbelievable. If that were true, why bother with competing at the Mount Shu Summit? They should just hand him the award.

"I also have another question," Xu Ziyang asked when he noticed that Chu Liang was lost in thought.

"What question?" Chu Liang snapped back to attention.

Xu Ziyang, displaying an unusual hint of embarrassment, hesitated for a moment before finally asking, "I wanted to know, do you have a girl you like?"

Chu Liang: "?"

1. Lin Bei's rated-R manga. ☜