“Crimson Jade Flower Branch.”

“Spirit Snake Hidden Immortal Grass.”

“Seven-Vein Morning Glory.”

“White Frost Unfolding Cloud Leaf.”

“……”

Chu Liang and Lin Bei carefully searched the valley for a while, picking four mature spiritual plants before they were ready to leave, satisfied.

“We’ll sell these treasures to the Dan Ding Pavilion when we get back, and we’ll split the profits fifty-fifty,” Chu Liang said.

“That’s too kind of you,” Lin Bei scratched his head, “You did most of the work this time, I didn’t do much.”

“But if it wasn’t for you leading me to this valley, I wouldn’t have been able to get the Swordleaf Mysteria,” Chu Liang smiled, “Don’t be so polite.”

“Alright, alright,” Lin Bei laughed, “When we get back, I’ll lend you my private collection of picture books.”

“Uh… That’s not necessary,” Chu Liang declined with a smile.

Looking at Lin Bei’s stuff, he was afraid that one day he would have to write a diary of abstinence.

After making sure they hadn’t missed anything, the two rode their Golden Fur Beast and left.

Although the valley was rich in spiritual plants, they all required decades, if not centuries, to mature. It was rare for a valley to have even one such treasure. It was unknown what kind of spiritual anomaly existed within Black Whale Mountain that allowed so many spiritual plants to grow in such a piece of land.

Chu Liang couldn’t estimate the value of these treasures, but he knew they were worth a lot. They were all rare items, usually priceless. If they were sold at the Glutton Pavilion outside, the price might be one or two times higher than at the Dan Ding Pavilion.

But smart disciples of Shu Mountain wouldn’t do that.

If one were to sell resources outside of Shu Mountain for a higher price, then everyone could do the same. Over time, one would also be unable to obtain any resources within the Shu Mountain Sect.

This was the order of Shu Mountain.

Compared to the demon race, one of the great advantages of the human race was that they had established a good order, including the circulation of resources.

When Chu Liang and the others found mature treasures, even though they couldn’t use them themselves, they didn’t have to wait until they needed them to use them. They didn’t have to stay here to guard the treasures, living in fear of others stealing them.

Because of the existence of the “market”, they could trade these treasures for the resources they needed, so everyone could get what they wanted.

The human race had been able to stand above all races for many years, and these basic constructions were crucial.

Order was established for the benefit of all.

Like the people in the Demon Sect, they might profit in the short term by burning, killing, and looting for their own benefit, doing all kinds of evil. But in the long run, once the foundation of order is destroyed and everyone stops obeying, everyone will suffer.

So maintaining order is also essential.

After a long journey, it was afternoon when the two returned to the Shu Mountain Sect.

……

After arriving at Silver Sword Peak, Chu Liang didn’t rush to sell the treasures, but decided to open the reward first.

The little girl was bored on her own, and was happy to see the Golden Fur Beast return. She hopped over to pet its big head.

With the Koi here, Chu Liang felt a little more at ease.

He immediately closed his eyes and focused, his consciousness sinking into the white tower.

Inside the tower, two big-headed dolls sat side by side. One of them hadn’t opened its eyes yet, while the other had been spinning for several days, its brilliant smoke and mist making the surroundings seem like a fairyland.

Chu Liang was a bit worried. Would this thing burn out from spinning too fast? Should he let it rest?

He reached out and touched the big head, finding no signs of overheating, and then he felt a little relieved.

Then he went to the iron cage and pressed it lightly.

Boom——

A flash of light, and three tiny white lights flew out.

So small?

Chu Liang was a bit puzzled.

【Golden Hair】: Can transform into a clone identical to oneself, lasting for three hours. The clone has no autonomous ability and can be used in various scenarios such as daily life and combat. However, it does not include some special scenarios, and there is a possibility of damage.

A clone that lasts for three hours?

At first glance, Chu Liang was a bit excited. Wasn’t this equivalent to being able to use the Immortal Body Outside the Body technique three times?

But on second thought, it wasn’t the same.

Those who had cultivated the Body Outside the Body technique had the ability to split their consciousness and control two bodies at the same time, effectively doubling their strength.

But he hadn’t practiced the corresponding divine power, so even if he had an extra clone, he wouldn’t be able to control them at the same time. If he used the clone, it would be equivalent to moving his consciousness from his body to the clone… just changing bodies.

In some situations, such as exploring dangerous areas, it could be useful. In combat, it wasn’t as powerful as the Immortal Body Outside the Body technique.

But no matter what, it was a good reward.

He put away the three golden hairs, opened his eyes, and was about to go to the Dan Ding Pavilion to sell the treasures, when he saw a sword light suddenly fall.

There was an extra figure in front of him.

With sword-like eyebrows and star-like eyes, a tall and straight figure, and eyes as sharp as lightning, the whole person exuded an unparalleled sharpness.

“Brother Xu?” Chu Liang was slightly on guard.

The head of Jade Sword Peak suddenly came to Silver Sword Peak’s territory, his first reaction was whether the other party was here to make trouble?

Although he was also the senior brother of Silver Sword Peak, there was a gap between senior brothers.

“I heard from Lin Bei that you were back, so I came to find you right away,” Xu Ziyang said expressionlessly.

This was the first time Chu Liang had a direct conversation with Xu Ziyang. Although the other party didn’t make any oppressive moves, the pressure from each of his gazes was terrifying.

The feeling was… he was too sharp!It was like an unparalleled sword without a sheath, quietly hanging in front of you. Even if it didn’t stab you, you would worry about accidentally brushing against its sharp edge.

Chu Liang was wary in his heart, but he still managed to maintain a calm demeanor on his face. He asked, “Brother Xu, do you need something from me?”

“I came to thank you,” Xu Ziyang said.

Huh?

This statement took Chu Liang by surprise. Was this how the people from Jade Sword Peak expressed their gratitude, with a face that looked like they were collecting debts?

“Last time, thanks to your advice, I went back and used elixirs to simultaneously boost my spirit, energy, and mind. I finally touched the threshold of the Perfect Cycle,” Xu Ziyang continued.

So that’s how it was.

Chu Liang finally relaxed and smiled, “It’s still Brother Xu’s extraordinary talent that allowed you to achieve this. However, achieving the Perfect Cycle in this way comes at a great cost and is not suitable for daily cultivation. The benefits are not significant, so Brother Xu, you don’t need to thank me.”

Xu Ziyang said, “Although I can’t always do this, at some critical moments, taking elixirs to achieve the effect is still possible.”

“Indeed,” Chu Liang nodded.

“So, I want to thank you,” Xu Ziyang added.

“Heh, Brother Xu, you’re being too polite,” Chu Liang waved his hand, “Sharing cultivation insights among fellow disciples is a given. If anyone should be thanked, it should be Sister Jiang.”

“If I need to thank you, I will thank you,” Xu Ziyang stared at Chu Liang, “I heard that you’re about to form your Golden Core. You should be going to Immortal’s Marsh to try your luck. I can protect you.”

Huh?

This surprised Chu Liang again.

According to the tradition of Shu Mountain, before a disciple forms their Golden Core, they would go to Immortal’s Marsh to try their luck, hoping to have a chance to obtain the Ascension Grass. Since there would not be only one disciple forming their Golden Core in each period, those who were forming their Golden Cores at the same time would often form a group to go together.

But Immortal’s Marsh was full of dangers, so there would usually be a fifth realm disciple leading the team to protect them.

When Xu Ziyang said this, did it mean that he had reached the Five Elements Realm?

That was a bit exaggerated.

Why would Shu Mountain even bother with the competition? They might as well just give him the award directly.

“Also, I have another question,” Xu Ziyang saw Chu Liang in a daze and asked again.

“What’s the question?” Chu Liang came back to his senses.

Xu Ziyang rarely showed a hint of awkwardness. He paused before asking, “I want to ask, do you have a girl you like?”

Chu Liang: “?”

Good morning.

Still owe 17 chapters.

(End of the chapter)