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Xu Taiping nodded and opened the envelope in his hand—
"Commissioned by Empress Qi of White Tree Nation, in three months, the Sixth Princess will travel to Black Vulture Nation for peace talks. Both White Tree Nation and Black Vulture Nation are doing their utmost to prevent these talks, so the journey will be fraught with danger. Xu Taiping, you must ensure the Sixth Princess's safe arrival in Black Vulture Nation and, after the talks are concluded, escort her safely back to White Tree Nation."
After reading the letter, both Zhao Linglong and Dugu Qingxiao visibly relaxed.
"I've been to both White Tree Nation and Black Vulture Nation. They are mundane countries where the citizens mainly practice martial arts. There are some cultivators, but not many, and their strength is mostly around the Opening Realm, with only one or two Gazing Abyss Realm cultivators in the palace."
Dugu Qingxiao briefed Xu Taiping.
"That's right, if it's just an escort mission, it shouldn't be too difficult. I'm just worried about encountering demon-slaying or exorcism tasks."
Zhao Linglong nodded in agreement.
"A demon-slaying task? It's unlikely they would send a disciple alone."
Dugu Qingxiao shook his head.
"Even so, Taiping, you still need to learn more about White Tree Nation and Black Vulture Nation. You can purchase intelligence on these two countries through the bronze mirror," he continued.
"Don't worry, Senior Brother, I will investigate thoroughly."
Xu Taiping nodded and put away the letter.
It was just an escort mission for a mundane nation; he felt he could handle it. Plus, having not left the mountain for three years, he was looking forward to seeing the secular world again.
"Alright, Junior Brother, you tidy up the courtyard first. Your Senior Sister and I won't disturb you any longer."
Dugu Qingxiao, taking Zhao Linglong with him, prepared to leave.
"Junior Brother, take care of yourself. If you need anything, send me a message."
Zhao Linglong wanted to stay longer, but she couldn't overrule Dugu Qingxiao, so she waved goodbye to Xu Taiping.
"Mhm, see you later, Senior Sister."
Xu Taiping nodded.
He indeed had many things to do.
***
That night, in the stone tower of Qi Yue Xuan.
"Fairy Lingyue, I feel that the Danxia Scripture complements the shortcomings of the Fading Sunset Scripture quite well. For instance, the time it takes to condense the Xuanbing Armor has been reduced to within five breaths, and the strength of the armor can be enhanced with more True Essence infused."
"Moreover, the speed at which I refine the spiritual energy of heaven and earth has also significantly improved. Previously, I couldn't complete a full cycle in an hour, but now I can do it in half an hour."
After running the Danxia Scripture for a full cycle, Xu Taiping excitedly shared his insights with Fairy Lingyue.
"You've grasped it quickly."
Fairy Lingyue smiled and nodded.
While praising Xu Taiping, she couldn't help but marvel again at the wonders of his clear and enlightened mind, which allowed him to comprehend the Danxia Scripture in such a short time.
"However, compared to a Black Spirit Bone, or even a normal White Spirit Bone, my cultivation speed is still at the bottom."
Xu Taiping scratched his head and sighed.
His current cultivation speed had improved a lot compared to before, but that was only relative to his own past pace.
"Don't rush, you still have plenty of Dragon Gall Wine left, enough for you to break through to the Profound Realm."
Fairy Lingyue consoled Xu Taiping with a smile, then added, "Besides, we can start preparing the materials for the 'Channel Opening Elixir' soup. Like the Bone Cleansing and Marrow Washing Soup, it can further accelerate your cultivation speed."
"Mhm!"
Xu Taiping nodded vigorously.
After his last purchase of techniques, he had 10,000 points of merit left, plus his own remaining 1,000 points, which should be enough to buy a good knife and some medicinal ingredients.
"I've planted plenty of materials for the Gathering Qi Elixir in the medicinal garden of my Green Bamboo Residence, enough to refine about ten pills. However, I still need to buy an elixir furnace."
He continued to plan.
In addition to what he had just discussed with Fairy Lingyue, he also needed to prepare the elixir materials required for breaking through to the Profound Realm, the True Fire talisman for burning the seed of the earth fruit, and the nutrients for grafting the earth fruit.
The more he planned, the more he felt that the merit points he had earned were not enough.
"I'll come by later to set up a small Spirit Gathering Array for your ten or so acres of Immortal Field and medicinal garden. Occasionally nourishing the spiritual herbs in the garden with Dragon Gall Wine, I should be able to help you earn one or two ten thousand points of merit a year."
Fairy Lingyue also began to calculate for Xu Taiping.
"With Fairy Lingyue's help, I can't just sit idle. After this trial down the mountain, I'll see if I can take on more merit-earning tasks without falling behind in my cultivation."
According to Senior Brother Dugu Qingxiao, a sect mission of A-level difficulty could earn at least 30,000 points of merit, which is how most Inner Disciples accumulate their points.
"According to the letter, after completing this trial mission, I can also earn 6,000 points of merit, which should be enough to buy a decent True Fire talisman."
Xu Taiping suddenly muttered to himself.
"There's no need for a True Fire talisman."
Fairy Lingyue smiled and shook her head.
"No need?"
Xu Taiping was puzzled.
Cultivating the earth fruit was a top priority for both him and Fairy Lingyue.
"I've prepared a technique for you to refine True Fire."
Fairy Lingyue said with a smile.
"But Fairy Lingyue, if your enemies discover that I'm practicing your technique, what then?"
Xu Taiping asked with some concern.
"That's why you can only use this technique when burning the seed for the earth fruit and when your life is in danger. Can you do that?"
Fairy Lingyue asked Xu Taiping very seriously.
"I definitely can!"
Xu Taiping nodded firmly.
Three years of companionship had built his complete trust in Fairy Lingyue, and after ascending the mountain, he felt the importance of having strong cultivation more than ever. So with such an opportunity before him, he certainly wouldn't refuse.
Hearing this, Fairy Lingyue revealed a very beautiful smile.
In fact, by deciding to teach this technique to Xu Taiping, she had already accepted the risk of her enemies discovering her identity. After all, accidents can happen.
Yet even so, she was willing to take this risk, simply because Xu Taiping was worth it.
"Come closer."
Fairy Lingyue beckoned Xu Taiping.
Xu Taiping immediately moved closer to her.
Then, just like the last time, Fairy Lingyue extended a finger and lightly touched Xu Taiping's forehead.
"Humming…"
A buzzing sound, like tinnitus, echoed in Xu Taiping's mind.
Immediately after, large segments of the technique's essence flooded into Xu Taiping's brain like a tide.
Moments later.
Xu Taiping finally opened his eyes, then said with some excitement:
"Fairy Lingyue, the Chihu Golden Flame Scripture you've given me, is it actually a heavenly-grade technique?"