Chapter 1267
A Beauty's Heart Flutters, Both Are Frank with Each Other
"Xiaoyao Sect" is located in the courtyard on the north side of the back mountain.
Li Mufeng sat upright at the stone table, opposite a middle-aged man with a full beard, his eyes fixed on the chessboard in front of them.
He couldn't make a move for a long time.
"One hundred and sixteen moves!"
"Junior Brother Feng has only been learning chess for a few decades, yet he has become my equal. It is truly amazing."
Given time, there should be few in the sect who can rival you.
"Hmph! Your cultivation is inferior to others, so what's so great about just being good at chess?"
Hearing Li Mufeng's praise, "Wind Ape" showed no sign of happiness.
He took the chess piece back from his hand and threw it directly into the chess box next to him.
Seeing this, Li Mufeng quickly said, "Junior Brother Feng has only been in the Nascent Soul stage for less than two hundred years, yet he has already reached the peak of the second level of the Nascent Soul stage."
Although she is not as good as Junior Brother Song and Junior Sister Bai, she is still not worse than the others in the sect.
My junior brother's lifespan is far longer than ours. If he finds an opportunity in the future, he may well catch up with them. Why be so disappointed?
After successfully forming his Nascent Soul, "Wind Ape" stayed at "Free and Unfettered Sect" as agreed.
After two hundred years of cultivation, his cultivation level has only just reached the peak of the second level of the Nascent Soul stage.
This cultivation speed is unmatched, let alone compared to Song Qingming and Bai Yuxian.
Even though Xu Ziyan and Zhou Ziyang, who reached the Nascent Soul stage later than "Wind Ape," have gradually surpassed him in cultivation.
The only advantage it has is that it is a demon.
In terms of lifespan, "Wind Ape" is far more than other Nascent Soul elders in the sect, so there is no need to worry too much about his future path.
"If you're not as good as others, then you're not as good as them. What's there to be disappointed about?"
"But the Grand Elder's chess skills seem to have declined quite a bit lately. Could it be that he's intentionally letting me win?"
"Alas, once a move is made on the chessboard, there is no going back. How could I possibly intentionally let someone win a move in front of me?"
Ultimately, he was old and frail and lacked energy.
A decline in chess skills is inevitable.
I don't know how many more days I have left to play chess with my junior brother. These days, I'm just living one day at a time."
Looking at Li Mufeng, whose hair was now completely white, "Wind Ape" said nonchalantly, "Junior Sister Xu just brought back a high-grade longevity pill from the cultivation world of the East Sea."
I think the Grand Elder will live at least another sixty or seventy years!
"Although high-grade longevity pills can help cultivators extend their lives by twenty years, I have already taken several before, and the effect is far less than before."
It can only last for another thirty or forty years at most; it can't compare to before.
Li Mufeng gently shook his head, then said, "If you don't reach a certain level of cultivation, this day will eventually come."
Fortunately, the sect is now thriving, and all my fellow disciples are capable and competent. I have no regrets.
"The Grand Elder is right. Even though the sect is full of talented people now, apart from that one from Qingyun Mountain, how many of them truly have the potential to ascend to the Nascent Soul stage?"
However, I would like to ask one more question today.
If the Grand Elder is no longer here, who will take over the sect in the future?
Before "Wind Ape" could finish speaking, a streak of light appeared in the distance and quickly approached them, landing in front of them.
"Senior Uncle Li, Junior Uncle Song has arrived! He just got to Xiaoyao Palace!"
"Yeah! I understand."
Nodding slightly to the person in front of him, Li Mufeng then turned his gaze to "Wind Ape" and said, "No matter what happens to the sect in the future, as long as you can keep your promise, Junior Brother, that's fine."
"Whether you choose to stay or leave, I will make sure to explain things to Junior Sister Bai and grant you your freedom."
".
"Guyang Mountain", Xiaoyao Palace.
Song Qingming sat upright in the side hall, while Yao Muling personally served him spiritual tea and respectfully placed it in front of him.
"Please wait a moment, Master. I have already arranged for someone to go to the back mountain to deliver the message."
This is top-grade Immortal Mist Spirit Tea that the General Affairs Hall brought back from Shangyang Kingdom this year. I happen to have some on hand, so I would be honored if my senior master would do me the honor of tasting it first.”
"Hmm! This tea is refreshing and tastes really good, just what I wanted."
If there are any more in the sect, send some to Qingyun Mountain later. Just tell Jingyun how many merit points are needed.
"It's just some ordinary spiritual tea. It's our blessing that you like it, Master. We wouldn't dare trouble you. I'll arrange it right away and send it to Qingyun Mountain."
Seeing that Song Qingming seemed quite satisfied with the spiritual tea she had offered, Yao Muling, who was standing to the side, suddenly felt excited and quickly bowed and left.
".
Watching Yao Muling leave with a joyful expression, Song Qingming put down his teacup, about to say something, but saw that she had already walked away quickly. He smiled helplessly.
Although he disliked accepting gifts from people without a reason, as a Nascent Soul ancestor of a sect, Song Qingming was already used to this situation.
Especially for disciples like Yao Muling, who are facing the challenge of breaking through to the Nascent Soul realm and need the support of their sect.
Having finally met Song Qingming, the sect's most influential patriarch, they naturally wouldn't miss any opportunity to make a good impression on him.
When Song Qingming first entered the "Xiaoyao Hall", a large crowd had already gathered around him, so he took the initiative to hide in a quieter side hall.
Just after Yao Muling left, another figure walked in shortly afterward.
He thought it was another disciple trying to curry favor with him.
Song Qingming calmly looked up and saw a stunning white figure appear at the doorway, slowly walking towards him.
A fitted white dress accentuated her incredibly graceful figure.
Several hairpins held up all her jet-black hair, leaving only a few strands hanging down in front of her full head, with dazzling blue and white earrings hanging on both sides.
This was the first time Song Qingming had seen Bai Yuxian dressed like this, and he couldn't help but look surprised.
For a moment, he was slightly lost in thought as he looked at the other person.
".
"Junior Brother Song, have you not recognized me after so long?"
"Please forgive me, senior sister."
"I thought it was Senior Brother Li, but it turned out to be Senior Sister Bai." Upon hearing Bai Yuxian's reminder, Song Qingming immediately came to his senses and bowed to her.
"Congratulations on your advanced cultivation, Senior Sister Bai. It's a pity that I didn't know beforehand and I'm a bit late. Please forgive me."
"Actually, I just came out of quarantine myself."
I have been in seclusion in my cave for many years and have not gone out for a long time. If you feel that you are late and want to apologize to me, junior brother.
Why don't we go for a walk down the mountain with my senior sister?
"what."
Upon hearing Bai Yuxian's invitation, Song Qingming was slightly taken aback, and quickly replied:
"Senior Sister Bai, Senior Brother Li specifically sent a message to me to discuss something. I just arrived here and haven't seen him yet. Perhaps we should wait for him first!"
"Ok!"
"I know."
His expression was resolute, as if he already knew why Li Mufeng had come to him, and his gaze left no room for refusal.
Song Qingming was at a loss for words.
Only after a moment did he put on a relaxed expression with a smile and gently raise his hand.
"Senior sister, please!"
".
The two walked out of the "Xiaoyao Palace," and Bai Yuxian raised her hand to summon a flying chariot, and they got on together.
Half an hour later, the escaping light arrived at the market town at the foot of the mountain.
After reaching the Nascent Soul realm, Song Qingming spent most of his time cultivating in his cave or traveling.
Aside from the occasional need to use a teleportation array, he rarely goes out for leisure.
He couldn't remember how long it had been since he last visited "Yangshanfang," and looking at the newly renovated entrance, he felt a sense of unfamiliarity.
Meanwhile, Bai Yuxian's eyes flashed with excitement.
"Junior Brother Song, it's rare that you have time to accompany me for a stroll today."
We agreed beforehand that no matter what, you're not allowed to rush me back!
"Alright! Even if the sky falls, Junior Brother should do his best to hold it up and won't bother Senior Sister."
The two exchanged a smile, immediately concealed their auras, and transformed into two ordinary Qi Refining cultivators as they entered the market.
Already possessing outstanding beauty, and further enhanced by her meticulous attire, Bai Yuxian's appearance on the market street quickly attracted the attention of many cultivators in the surrounding area.
This Nascent Soul ancestor, who had been concealing his cultivation level, did not seem to care too much about this.
With a joyful expression, she walked side by side with Song Qingming, the two looking like a young couple who had just entered the world of cultivation.
This made Song Qingming, who was already of average appearance, suddenly feel a chill in his surroundings, as strange gazes, like blades, shot towards him from all directions.
Fortunately, Yangshanfang was the largest market town in Weiguo, and it was located at the foot of Guyang Mountain. The market town was patrolled by law enforcement cultivators from the Xiaoyao Sect.
Although I sensed a hostile gaze.
For the time being, Song Qingming was not worried about the defenses of Yangshanfang, or that anyone would be so audacious as to disturb them in public.
As a Nascent Soul Ancestor, Song Qingming was already used to the respect shown to him by the cultivators around him.
Walking down the street, surrounded by so many cultivators who looked at him with envy, he felt a little awkward and couldn't help but release his divine sense to explore his surroundings.
In a teahouse not far away, two men sat on the second floor enjoying tea, but their eyes were fixed on the street below.
"Brother Liu, look at that boy, he actually has such a beautiful Daoist partner by his side."
Come to think of it, the world is truly unfair; why am I not so lucky?
"Hehe! I'm telling you, Brother Liu, don't you even use your brain to think about it?"
This man is of average appearance and only has a cultivation level of seven Qi Refining. How could he possibly win the heart of such a stunning beauty? This is nothing but wishful thinking.
I suspect this man has a powerful background; he might be the son of some wealthy family in the mountains.
"Yes! Brother Liu is absolutely right. This kid looks very naive. He's so arrogant in such a crowded place, and he doesn't seem afraid at all."
If it weren't for Yangshanfang, it would probably have been targeted by someone long ago in any other place.
It's such a pity that such a beautiful woman would fall for such a vulgar man.
".
The conversation between the two could not possibly escape the notice of Song Qingming, whose cultivation was already just one step away from the Nascent Soul realm, and he heard it all.
Facing the two people filled with jealousy and resentment, Song Qingming deliberately stopped and moved closer to Bai Yuxian as he passed below the restaurant, which once again provoked a flurry of flashing swords from the surrounding area.
Bai Yuxian, on the other hand, was quickly attracted by the novel things around her once she arrived at the market, and had no interest in paying attention to the gazes of other cultivators around her.
I'll stop and appreciate anything that seems interesting.
Every now and then, they would haggle with the shopkeeper over a few spirit stones.
Even though he had long since become a high-ranking Nascent Soul Ancestor, his personality remained the same as before.
Sometimes, they even need Song Qingming to help them cover for them and negotiate the price, which they thoroughly enjoy.
Fortunately, the people coming and going in this "Yangshanfang" are usually Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment cultivators, so basically no one can recognize them.
Otherwise, if the many disciples on the mountain were to see their two high-ranking Nascent Soul stage elders...
They actually managed to make a mere Qi Refining stage shopkeeper blush with embarrassment over the price of just two or three spirit stones.
It's estimated that the Golden Core elders in the "Free and Unfettered Sect" would be utterly astonished by this.
The two walked and stopped frequently, and most of the day passed quickly. Bai Yuxian, who was already quite satisfied, then led Song Qingming to the restaurant next door.
Ordering a table of food and drinks was a way of rewarding Song Qingming for his "hard work".
"Junior Brother Song, I remember Junior Sister Xu saying that the first time you came here, it was for Foundation Establishment, right?"
Back then, you were just a Qi Refining cultivator, and you traveled thousands of miles to Guyang Mountain to take a gamble.
Have you ever thought about being afraid?
"Yes! I am a little scared."
However, at that time, he only thought that if he could not establish his foundation, his path in this life might come to an end.
Although they knew the road ahead was dangerous, they dared not retreat a single step.
Fortunately, I was quite lucky.
Otherwise, if I had failed, I would never have had the chance to meet you senior sisters in this lifetime.
".."
When Song Qingming first came to Yangshanfang, he was also a mere Qi Refining stage cultivator.
In order to obtain a chance to establish his foundation, Song Qingming risked leaving home and came to the most prosperous market in the cultivation world of Wei Kingdom at that time to search for news about the Foundation Establishment Pill.
With the help of Xu Ziyan and others, he was able to successfully exchange for two "Foundation Building Pills" and successfully establish his foundation.
It was from this moment that Song Qingming and his entire family began to develop rapidly, step by step reaching the top of the cultivation world in Weiguo.
This happened 600 years ago.
Upon hearing Bai Yuxian ask about this matter, Song Qingming spoke while recalling what happened back then.
Familiar figures quickly flashed through his mind; they were all people he had dealt with in "Guyang Mountain".
Unfortunately, even now...
Third Brother "Song Qingze", "Bai Yunhua", "Li Wutong"... those old friends from back then, their figures have long since turned into bones.
Apart from Xu Ziyan, Bai Yuxian, Li Mufeng, and others, Song Qingming's old friends from Guyang Mountain are now few and far between.
Even if you return to "Yangshanfang", it is difficult to find the familiar feeling from your memories.
".
"I remember Junior Sister Xu saying that Junior Brother's spiritual root talent was not outstanding back then, and he came from a small family."
Back when I was building my foundation, I spent several years in Yangshanfang, and it was extremely difficult to obtain the Foundation Building Pill to achieve the Great Dao.
In terms of spiritual cultivation, my junior brother is indeed much stronger than me.
Even if everyone thinks that way, I don't believe that my junior brother's success today is merely due to good luck.
As Song Qingming began to explain, Bai Yuxian interrupted him with a firm gaze.
As a cultivator with a Heavenly Spiritual Root, Bai Yuxian was a prodigy from childhood, a genius that appears only once every thousand years.
He began cultivating at a young age and was groomed by the "Free and Unfettered Sect" to be their future leader.
Apart from failing once when facing the Nascent Soul stage, his path to cultivation was almost without much hindrance, and he easily cultivated to the Nascent Soul realm.
Having never experienced anything like this before, she never looked down on Song Qingming, who was less talented than her but had already taken the lead.
"It's rare for my senior sister to think so highly of me, and I've also satisfied my appetite. Today's trip was definitely worthwhile."
Seeing this, Song Qingming nodded slightly and took the initiative to pick up his wine glass and look at the other person.
Sitting opposite her, Bai Yuxian smiled slightly and raised her cup to drink with him.
After drinking the spirit wine, Bai Yuxian's cheeks flushed slightly. She slowly put down her wine cup and looked at the other person with a serious expression.
"Junior Brother Song, do you know why Senior Brother Li summoned you to Guyang Mountain?"
Faced with Bai Yuxian's earnest question, Song Qingming gently shook his head.
Then Bai Yuxian continued softly, "Senior Brother Li's lifespan is running out; I'm afraid he won't last much longer."
He wanted us to hold a dual cultivation celebration first and make this public.
I've already promised my senior brother; I wonder if my junior brother has any thoughts on this?
"Senior Sister Bai, you..."
Back when Li Mufeng went to Qingyun Mountain to try and matchmake him with Bai Yuxian, Song Qingming had already told him that he didn't want to force the matter in person.
Unfortunately, Li Mufeng, the sect's Grand Elder, was quite persistent about this.
Song Qingming couldn't persuade the other party in person, so he could only ask Bai Yuxian to tell him what she thought, thinking that Li Mufeng would back down.
Hearing that Bai Yuxian had actually agreed to the matter caught Song Qingming somewhat off guard.
As a cultivator with a Heavenly Spiritual Root and a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, Bai Yuxian was a suitable Daoist partner for Song Qingming, which was certainly not considered unworthy of him.
Moreover, Song Qingming and Bai Yuxian had supported each other for many years, so how could they not have any affection for each other?
Seeing Bai Yuxian bring up the matter herself, Song Qingming was somewhat excited, but he quickly suppressed it.
"Senior Sister Bai, I want to know, did you agree to this because of Senior Brother?"
Seeing Song Qingming looking at her, Bai Yuxian immediately fell silent.
"If you're having trouble answering, Senior Sister, you don't have to!"
"When I get back, I will go and talk to my senior brother about this in person."
Although I am currently residing on Mount Qingyun, I am still a Supreme Elder of the sect. Regardless of what my senior brother thinks, I will do my best to persuade him.
As soon as Song Qingming finished speaking, Bai Yuxian immediately shook her head at him.
“Junior Brother Song, you know that Senior Brother has taken great care of me since we started cultivating. He is practically my elder brother.”
"Now that his lifespan is nearing its end, he is worried and unable to let go of me and the sect, which is why he specifically brought this up with you."
"After so many years of cultivation, Senior Sister has never considered the matter of a Daoist partner; her mind is still focused on cultivation."
But what Senior Brother Li said is not without reason. If we can support each other in the future, it may not be a bad thing for the sect.
How could I not understand these things?
"Don't worry, I'm only focused on spiritual cultivation."
Even if we hold a dual cultivation celebration together, I will not make things difficult for Junior Sister Li and Junior Sister Huang, nor will I interfere in the affairs of Qingyun Mountain.
If Junior Brother has any thoughts after Senior Brother Li passes away.
We can consider separating then, don't worry about it, your senior sister won't hinder your cultivation!
After Bai Yuxian finished speaking, the tense expression on her face relaxed slightly.
He then looked at the other person with a calm expression.
When Li Mufeng tried to matchmake the two of them, Bai Yuxian was single-mindedly devoted to the Dao and had no interest in becoming a Daoist partner.
However, Bai Yuxian, as an elder of the sect, also had her own concerns about this sect's Grand Elder.
If Song Qingming were not talented, his cultivation would only remain at the mid-Nascent Soul stage for his entire life.
Bai Yuxian wasn't too worried about when the other party might suddenly leave and have too much impact on the "Xiaoyao Sect".
However, facing Song Qingming, who is now one of the few cultivators in the entire "Eastern Phoenix Immortal Continent" to have stepped into the half-step Nascent Soul realm and has the potential to become a Nascent Soul cultivator.
Neither Li Mufeng nor Bai Yuxian had enough confidence that their sects would be able to retain them in the future.
Moreover, given Song Qingming's current status and the influence of the Song family within the sect.
Once he chooses to leave the sect for his own path, Song Qingyu, Huang Siyuan, Li Xuanyi, Song Yuanhao, and others will have no reason to stay.
The entire sect will instantly lose more than half of its Nascent Soul elders.
The "Xiaoyao Sect" will also fall from its current status as a top-tier Nascent Soul sect back to its position hundreds of years ago, perhaps even less than the "Wanling Sect" in its heyday.
As someone who had been a disciple of the "Free and Unfettered Sect" since childhood and had long regarded this place as her own home, Bai Yuxian also found it difficult to accept this reality.
She and Song Qingming already had mutual affection, and they were both senior elders of their respective sects.
The union of the two parties is in the best interests of the sect and is a reasonable and justifiable matter.
If Song Qingming hadn't already had two Daoist partners by his side, Li Mufeng would probably have considered arranging the marriage as soon as Song Qingming reached the Nascent Soul stage.
Seeing that Bai Yuxian had spoken all her thoughts in one breath, and that she seemed to be worried that Song Qingming would reject her.
Knowing that the other party had made up their mind, Song Qingming immediately understood and fell into deep thought.
Song Qingming was naturally aware of the worries in Li Mufeng and Bai Yuxian's hearts.
However, although he already had a Daoist partner by his side, he was not a casual person.
If Bai Yuxian is truly willing to become his Daoist partner, then supporting each other in the future will naturally follow.
But if it was because Elder Li Mufeng forced her to have some reservations that she rashly chose to be with him.
Even if Song Qingming rejected the beauty before him, he would not force the matter.
After all, having reached his level, he was no longer someone who indulged in pleasure or was easily seduced by beauty.
In all matters, one should prioritize one's own cultivation. Whether one has one more or one less Daoist partner in the future will not have a significant impact on Song Qingming.
Seeing that Song Qingming still hadn't answered her after a while, Bai Yuxian's eyes flickered, and she couldn't help but ask again:
"Junior Brother Song, is there still something on your mind?"
"Senior Sister Bai, to be honest, I have never had any concerns about you, nor am I worried that it will hinder my cultivation in the future."
I'm just worried that if you make a hasty decision, you might regret it later.
In this way, I have wronged the beauty and I am sorry to both Senior Brother Li and you.
If Senior Sister is truly willing, Junior Brother will certainly not let you down.
Hearing Song Qingming's sincere words, Bai Yuxian finally breathed a slight sigh of relief and looked at him calmly again.
"Don't worry, junior brother, I'm not such a reckless person."
"..." (End of Chapter)