The years in the mountains are short.

In the blink of an eye, three months have passed.

During these three months, Xu Taiping lived a very leisurely life.

In addition to practicing the residual glow technique at fixed times every day, as well as practicing several martial arts and techniques, the rest of the time was spent watering herbs, catching insects, fertilizing, and teaching the little monkey Ping’an to speak and read.

Due to the relationship with the spiritual bones, the progress of the residual glow technique was as slow as he expected. The sea of qi in the dantian has not yet formed, still shrouded in mist.

But Xu Taiping was not in a hurry. After all, the current situation was beyond his control. He could only wait for the Earth-Hiding Fruit to mature and see if there was a way to resolve it.

In addition to Snow Root Polygonum multiflorum, he also planted many medicinal materials needed for the Gathering Qi Pill. After maturing within a year, it would be enough for him to refine ten Gathering Qi Pills.

“Among the most expensive medicinal materials that outer disciples can buy, the Snow Root Polygonum multiflorum is the most expensive. In other words, if the outer disciples do not compete for it, they can earn at most two to three hundred merit coins in three years. It seems that everything has been calculated by the Qingxuan Sect in advance.”

After practicing the residual glow technique for two hours, Xu Taiping got out of bed and began to think about this year’s income.

“Xu Taiping, I watered the plants, swept the yard, and washed the vegetables today. Can you play chess with me?”

At this time, the little monkey Ping’an suddenly poked his head in, with a pair of round eyes blinking at Xu Taiping.

“Okay, after dinner, I will play with you.”

Xu Taiping stood up with a smile.

More than a year has passed, and he is no longer the weak boy he was when he first arrived on the mountain.

Not only has he grown to six feet tall, but his body has also become very strong and well-proportioned. His originally tender face has also become more angular, with a few traces of youthful charm.

“Yay!”

Hearing that Xu Taiping was going to play chess with it, little monkey Ping’an happily jumped onto a nearby stool.

Although only three months have passed, this little monkey with the bloodline of a spiritual beast is exceptionally intelligent. Not only has it learned to speak, but it also loves to play chess with Xu Taiping.

In addition, this little monkey is so well-behaved that Xu Taiping often forgets that it is a monster.

In addition to reading and writing as requested by Xu Taiping every day, it also helps Xu Taiping take care of the herb garden and do housework. Recently, it has even learned to make fires and cook.

“By the way, Xu Taiping, that person has come again. He asked me to tell you that he will come again.”

As the little monkey spoke, it jumped onto Xu Taiping’s shoulder.

“If he comes again, tell him that I just want to practice in peace and have no interest in joining the Cloud Pavilion.”

Xu Taiping patted the little monkey’s head.

The so-called Cloud Pavilion is actually an organization of outer disciples of the Yunlu Mountain. After joining the organization, outer disciple disciples can receive the protection of the Cloud Pavilion. For example, if Xu Taiping encounters a monster attack like last time, he can seek help from them.

At first, he also considered whether to join this organization, after all, it would provide him with an additional guarantee. But after inquiring about the Cloud Pavilion from Bai Yu, he changed his mind.

First, after joining the Cloud Pavilion, the income from the herb garden or the immortal field must be handed over to the Qingxuan Sect, and then another third must be handed over to the Cloud Pavilion.

Second, you must obey the orders of the Cloud Pavilion and follow the cultivators of the organization to hunt and kill monsters.

Although there is a reward for killing monsters, most of it still has to be handed over to the Cloud Pavilion.

In addition to the above two points, what completely dispelled Xu Taiping’s idea of joining was Bai Yu’s warning to him: “Most of the Cloud Pavilion’s cultivators who become disciples of the Seventh Peak will be threatened by the Cloud Pavilion, forcing them to provide information about the sect and hand over a large number of merit coins.”

It was for this reason that Xu Taiping decided not to pay attention to them.

According to Bai Yu, as long as you do not show yourself, these people will automatically leave after harassing you for a period of time, without needing to worry about them.

“Ping’an, when you talk to that person, don’t leave the yard.”

Xu Taiping then warned the little monkey.

“Okay, Xu Taiping.”

The little monkey nodded earnestly.

“Let’s go. Let’s go to the backyard to see the gourd vine. If everything goes well, Sister Lingyue should wake up tonight.”

Xu Taiping took the little monkey off his shoulder and walked towards the backyard herb garden.

…

In the herb garden.

The herb garden, which was once desolate three months ago, has become lush and fragrant with the scent of spiritual herbs.

In this sea of swaying herbs, a vine with green leaves and three different-colored gourds on it is particularly eye-catching.

These three gourds are the fruits of the Earth-Hiding Fruit after the second transformation.

“Xu Taiping, this gourd smells so good.”

The little monkey sniffed it with its nose, licking its lips hungrily.”Little monkey, do you dare to eat me, not fearing that I’ll burrow into your stomach and churn your intestines into a mess?”

Xu Taiping was just about to scold the little monkey when suddenly, a voice came from the green gourd among the three gourds, and it was the pleasant voice of a woman.

Hearing this voice, Xu Taiping immediately smiled, looking very happy as he turned towards the gourd and said:

“Sister Lingyue, you’ve finally awakened.”