Starting from iron smelting

Xuan Huanzi's arrival made Lu Xiuyuan wary, but he also understood that Xuan Huanzi's intention was not to find him directly. Instead, Xuan Huanzi went to Xuan Jizi's residence, which made Lu Xiuyuan even more anxious. Xuan Jizi was his teacher and an important elder of the sect. The relationship between the two was complicated and subtle. Xuan Huanzi's arrival might mean that there were important matters to be discussed within the sect.

Lu Xiuyuan secretly observed Xuan Huanzi's every move, trying to find a clue from it. His heart was full of contradictions and anxiety, not knowing whether this unexpected visit would bring him trouble. He knew that Xuan Huanzi was a powerful figure in the sect, and his arrival might affect his safety and future.

Xuanjizi was unaware of Xuanhuanzi's arrival and was very surprised by the sudden visit of this sect elder. However, he did not show much emotion, but just smiled and signaled Xuanhuanzi to come in. Xuanjizi was well aware of Xuanhuanzi's status and influence, and he knew that this visit must have important things to discuss. He decided to wait for Xuanhuanzi to speak and see what he wanted to talk about.

When Xuan Huanzi appeared in the sect, a depressing atmosphere suddenly enveloped the air, as if suggesting that something ominous was about to happen. Lu Xiuyuan felt heavy and nervous. He knew that the arrival of this sect elder was not well-intentioned, but meaningful. Perhaps it was related to the opening of Beiya Cave, or the power struggle within the sect. All this made him feel a little uneasy.

Although he was filled with anxiety, Lu Xiuyuan's eyes were full of determination. He would never let Xuan Huanzi succeed. Even in the face of difficulties and dangers, he would stick to his beliefs and protect the interests of himself and the sect. He knew that this confrontation might be a life-and-death contest, but he was willing to take on everything for his beliefs.

Xuan Huanzi's arrival broke the originally peaceful atmosphere, and he walked straight to Xuan Jizi's residence. Lu Xiuyuan secretly observed his every move, trying to find a clue from it. Although Xuan Huanzi's greeting was plain, Lu Xiuyuan could feel the hidden meaning in it. He knew that Xuan Huanzi was not here to say hello, but had other purposes.

"Brother, how have you been lately?" Xuanhuanzi asked in a calm and indifferent tone.

Xuanjizi replied with a smile: "It's okay, everything is still the same." Although his expression was relaxed, Lu Xiuyuan clearly felt the uneasiness in it.

This brief conversation did not conceal Xuanjizi's inner worries. He knew that Xuanhuanzi's arrival meant turmoil within the sect, and it was likely that he himself would be involved. Despite this, he remained calm and did not show too much emotion.

Lu Xiuyuan secretly observed all this, his heart full of contradictions and anxiety. He knew that he had to stay alert at all times to prevent Xuan Huanzi's intentions from causing danger to himself.

Xuan Huanzi's relaxed laughter echoed in the room, revealing a hint of uninhibitedness and confidence, as if he knew everything in front of him. His eyes flashed with a playful light, revealing a cynical attitude. He continued to ask: "How are your disciples?"

Xuanjizi smiled slightly and replied calmly, "It's just like that."

Xuan Huanzi smiled softly, turned his gaze to Lu Xiuyuan, and said with a hint of appreciation: "Your new outsourced disciple is very good."

Lu Xiuyuan was shocked. He didn't expect Xuan Huanzi to say such a good thing about him. He said hesitantly, "How is it good? I am a mediocre disciple. It was only by chance that I started the path of cultivation."

Xuanjizi smiled and explained, "I saw that he was kind-hearted and smart, so I took him in as my disciple."

When Lu Xiuyuan heard these words, he couldn't help but feel emotional. He originally thought that he was just an ordinary disciple, and even felt a little inferior, but he didn't expect Xuanjizi to think so highly of him.

After hearing Xuanjizi's words, Xuanhuanzi couldn't help but chuckle, revealing a hint of irony and disdain, as if he was not completely convinced by Xuanjizi's explanation. He glanced at Xuanjizi with a hint of provocation in his eyes, and then said coldly: "Half a year ago, you were still a mortal with no cultivation ability, but now you have reached the strength of the middle stage of Qi training. You have really cultivated a miracle. I want to hear how this "honest and loyal" disciple of yours has made such rapid progress."

When Xuanjizi heard this, his expression became a little awkward, but he remained calm. He sighed softly and replied, "Brother, you misunderstood. I didn't give him any special treasures. You know my disciple. He is honest and loyal. He doesn't cheat. I have always assigned him to work in the firewood room. I have never had contact with him. How could it be me? This is all Lu Xiuyuan's own efforts."

After hearing this, Xuan Huanzi frowned slightly, as if he didn't completely believe Xuan Jizi's words. He pondered for a moment, and then chatted with Xuan Jizi about this and that, as if he didn't intend to let go of this topic easily. This made Xuan Jizi feel a little embarrassed, because he knew that Xuan Huanzi was not a person who could be easily provoked.

Lu Xiuyuan sat quietly in the side room, listening attentively to every word of the conversation between Xuanhuanzi and Xuanjizi, as if he was feeling a storm in his heart. Every word was like a needle tip, piercing his heart deeply, stirring up the turbulent emotions in his heart. He was clearly aware of Xuanhuanzi's hostility towards him, and understood that the other party's intention was to put him in a desperate situation, making it difficult for him to escape the vortex of life and death. This conspiracy was hidden deep in Xuanhuanzi's heart. It seemed calm, but in fact it was hiding endless conspiracies, just to cover up its own secrets and put Lu Xiuyuan into a deeper crisis.

Faced with the current situation, Lu Xiuyuan decided to wait and see for the time being and not to easily expose his actions. He knew clearly that his situation was extremely dangerous, but at the same time he was also convinced that his master Xuanjizi would fully support him. As the elder in charge of the sect, Xuanjizi had considerable power and status. He would never stand idly by, but would take decisive actions to protect his disciples. This trust comforted Lu Xiuyuan and strengthened his trust in his master. He prayed silently, hoping that he could successfully survive the crisis and be safe and sound.

Lu Xiuyuan sat quietly in the corner of the side room, and every breath he took seemed to be accompanied by a hint of nervousness. He closed his eyes tightly and listened attentively to the conversation between Xuan Huanzi and his master, his heart full of expectation and worry.

Xuanhuanzi said to Xuanjizi in a firm tone, "You know what happened recently. Beiya Cave has been opened as scheduled after 500 years. Our Juling Sect exists to protect Beiya Cave. We must not sit idly by and watch such a great opportunity, let alone let others take it away easily."

Xuanjizi frowned slightly after hearing this, but he remained calm. He nodded and said, "Yes, I know about this, too. Just tell me what you are planning to do."

Lu Xiuyuan sat there quietly. He could feel the atmosphere in the room becoming heavy. The conversation between Xuanhuanzi and Xuanjizi was like a gust of cold wind blowing through his heart, causing turbulence in his heart. He understood the importance of Beiya Cave and the responsibility of Juling Sect for it. The news of the opening of Beiya Cave was undoubtedly a shock, and there would inevitably be intense turmoil within the sect. Lu Xiuyuan prayed silently, hoping that the sect could survive this storm and that the turmoil in Beiya Cave would not affect him.

Xuan Huanzi's words hit Lu Xiuyuan's heart like a heavy hammer, causing him to tremble. The stern statement of the sect elder made Lu Xiuyuan clearly realize that the opportunity of opening the North Cliff Cave was extremely precious and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Only cultivators below the foundation-building stage could enter it, and cultivators of other levels would face a life-and-death test. Such a test was undoubtedly an unprecedented challenge for cultivators in the Qi training stage, and they had to be fully prepared to deal with the various dangers involved.

Xuanjizi pondered for a moment and nodded, saying, "I understand. What you said makes sense. We should select more disciples in the late stage of Qi training, so that we can increase the probability of our sect obtaining opportunities. Only when the sect can grow and develop can we have our own foothold on this continent and have more chances of winning in the struggle between humans and monsters."

Lu Xiuyuan listened silently. He knew that Xuanjizi's words were not without reason. As a member of the sect, he also felt a great sense of responsibility. However, he still had a trace of doubt in his heart. Xuanhuanzi's sudden appearance and his change of attitude made Lu Xiuyuan vaguely feel that there might be a deeper intention. He was secretly alert and realized that Xuanhuanzi was not a kind person.

Xuanjizi listened to Xuanhuanzi's words with a serious expression. He knew that the situation was serious and he couldn't take it lightly. After thinking for a moment, he answered seriously: "You are right. This opportunity is indeed rare. I will consider how to take the interests of the sect into consideration."

Xuanhuanzi nodded and looked at Xuanjizi with satisfaction, secretly glad that he had found the right person. He knew that Xuanjizi was a responsible and thoughtful person who could consider the interests of the sect.

Lu Xiuyuan quietly observed their conversation from the side, and felt something was wrong. He knew that Xuan Huanzi would never come for the benefit of the sect, and must have other intentions. This made him more alert to what was about to happen.

Xuanjizi frowned, and he was aware of Xuanhuanzi's intention, but he remained calm. He knew that the situation was very sensitive and he could not act rashly, otherwise it might cause a bigger disturbance.

"Xuan Huanzi, what do you mean?" Xuan Jizi spoke calmly, but his heart was in turmoil. He knew that Xuan Huanzi would not mention this matter for no reason, and there must be a deep meaning behind it.

Xuan Huanzi smiled, with a cunning light in his eyes. "I think you should know why I mentioned Beiya Cave, right?" His tone was a little sarcastic, as if he had seen through Xuan Jizi's thoughts.

Lu Xiuyuan was secretly alert, and a bad feeling rose in his heart. He knew that Xuan Huanzi's target was him, and the opening of the North Cliff Cave was probably an opportunity to frame him. He decided to stay alert and be ready to face the danger that might come at any time.

After thinking for a while, Xuanjizi decided to call Lu Xiuyuan out to talk alone. He realized that the situation was very delicate and must be handled carefully to avoid greater trouble.

"Lu Xiuyuan, come to my study. I have something to talk to you about." Xuanjizi said in a calm tone, but there was a hint of seriousness in his eyes.

Lu Xiuyuan was startled, but he remained calm and followed Xuanjizi to the study. He knew that he was summoned alone this time because there must be something important to discuss.

"Master, what do you want me to do?" Lu Xiuyuan asked, trying his best to make his voice sound calm.

After Xuanjizi and Lu Xiuyuan entered the study, Xuanhuanzi followed them, unexpectedly breaking the originally quiet atmosphere. His appearance startled Lu Xiuyuan, who vaguely felt that things might not be simple.

"Lu Xiuyuan," Xuan Huanzi's voice came, full of magnetism and persuasiveness, "I want to talk to you about Beiya Cave."

Lu Xiuyuan's heart moved. He knew the importance of Beiya Cave to the sect, but he also knew the dangers. However, the enthusiasm and recommendation revealed in Xuanhuanzi's words made him a little confused.

"Beiya Cave?" Lu Xiuyuan felt something was wrong. "Should I go?"

Xuan Huanzi smiled widely, seemingly not caring about Lu Xiuyuan's hesitation. "Of course, Beiya Cave is the treasure of our Juling Sect. As a member of our sect, you should also participate."

Xuanjizi was watching quietly from the side, but he felt a little uneasy. He knew that Xuanhuanzi's action was not out of kindness, but had other purposes.

Xuan Huanzi's eyes flashed with an alluring light, and he continued to seduce Lu Xiuyuan: "Going to Beiya Cave is a great opportunity for you, and you can get immeasurable benefits. I can assure you that as long as you succeed, the sect will give you generous rewards, and even consider transferring you to an outer disciple."

"You can consider this. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for you." Xuan Huanzi's voice was gentle and seductive. "As long as you dare to meet the challenge, the road ahead will be even more glorious."

Although Lu Xiuyuan was furious, he knew he couldn't show it. He suppressed his anger and cursed Xuan Huanzi in his heart: "This beast is worse than a pig or a dog! What he did is simply outrageous! He actually wanted to tempt me with the promise of becoming an outer disciple. Who is he trying to disgust? Who cares?"

Lu Xiuyuan knew Xuan Huanzi's insidiousness and cunningness, but he also knew that showing anger would only put himself in a more dangerous situation. Therefore, he forced himself to remain calm and secretly decided to act cautiously and never be easily influenced by Xuan Huanzi.

Although Lu Xiuyuan was angry inside, he remained calm on the surface. He sorted out his thoughts clearly, and his heart was full of disgust and disdain for Xuan Huanzi. Facing Xuan Huanzi's recommendation, he did not directly express his anger, but rejected his proposal with a reasonable and well-founded attitude.