Danwu Refining Spirit

Chapter Fifty-Eight: Re-entering the Martial Fortune Pavilion

The cloud boat was indeed fast, covering dozens of miles in no time. When they passed the Martial Fortune Pavilion, the boatman let Xiao Chong off and went about his business, while Xiao Chong headed straight for the pavilion.

Upon arriving at the gate, after stating his name and explaining the situation, the two disciples on duty, upon hearing that it was Xiao Chong, who had shone brightly in the hunting competition, dared not neglect him. One of them stayed behind to accompany him, while the other went in to report.

A moment later, the disciple hurriedly came out and said, "The clan leader is having tea with several elders. Hearing that Junior Brother Xiao Chong has come, he specially invited you to come in and see him."

"Thank you both, senior brothers." Xiao Chong said politely, and then followed the disciple into the Martial Fortune Pavilion.

In a tea room of Wuyun Pavilion, Xiao Kaixin was chatting with several elders while holding a teacup, and a middle-aged cultivator was busy serving tea.

Upon seeing the middle-aged cultivator, Xiao Chong was delighted, for this man was the one who had helped him cultivate his cultivation last time, namely Yin Feng's father, named Yin Changkong.

Xiao Chong learned this name from Yin Feng; it was a very ordinary name, but he liked the person very much.

Look, he recognized my extraordinary qualities at our first meeting and went to such lengths to save his son's life, regardless of his own reputation. What a high level of awareness and wisdom that is! He's far superior to those blind fools like Xiao Banqiu!

After exchanging greetings with Xiao Kaixin and several elders, Xiao Chong nodded to Yin Changkong in return.

Seeing this, Xiao Kaixin was a little puzzled and asked, "Chang Kong, are you and Xiao Chong very familiar? I remember you two should have only met once."

"When he came to choose a cultivation technique last time, I casually gave him an extra, inexpensive machete. I never expected that this would lead to such a good relationship, as he saved my son's life during the hunting competition," Yin Changkong replied with a smile.

There was a hint of embarrassment in that smile, the reason for which only Xiao Chong understood. A dignified martial arts master, exhausted like a dead dog while performing Qi replenishment on a disciple who had just undergone body tempering—how could such a thing be tolerated if word got out?

However, this also has its advantages. The old steward isn't a gossip, Yin Changkong is afraid of losing face and wouldn't dare to spread the word, and Xiao Chong certainly wouldn't be foolish enough to let it slip. Otherwise, his reputation as a genius would be greatly diminished.

"Although the knife was broken during the competition, it helped my nephew a lot, so I still want to thank Uncle Yin for his kindness."

Xiao Chong naturally referred to his uncle as Yin Feng. He never hesitated to praise those who had helped him and never lacked politeness.

Of course, that's not the point. The point is that the knife is broken and needs to be replaced. Xiao Chong smiled calmly, but turned his head towards Xiao Kaixin.

"So there's such a winding story behind it, it's quite a tale indeed." Xiao Kaixin put down his teacup upon hearing this and said, "Well then, Changkong, go and copy the complete set of 'Nine Transformations of the Stars' over here, and then we'll go to the armory together and let Xiao Chong choose another one."

Xiao Chong is so thoughtful, even saving you the trouble of copying. But won't this cause others to be dissatisfied or even hostile? Xiao Chong smiled helplessly at Yin Changkong, his smile full of apology.

Yin Changkong agreed and left, his face full of sullenness. His lonely figure looked like a resentful woman who had been deprived for ten thousand years.

The elders present were also somewhat dissatisfied. He was just a mere Martial Apprentice, ostensibly a genius, and had achieved some success, but did he really need a bunch of old men accompanying him? Shouldn't they just let him follow Yin Changkong to retrieve the cultivation techniques and weapons and leave on his own?

It has to be the clan leader; his way of thinking is definitely different from ordinary people. Xiao Kaixin pretended not to notice the displeasure on the elders' faces.

He just smiled and said to Xiao Chong, "So you and Chang Kong have such a connection. How about Chang Kong accompanies you on this trip to the Southern Wilderness?"

That's excellent, exactly what I was thinking! Originally, Yin Feng was one of the best candidates for the trip to the Southern Wilderness. Now that his father is also on the war chariot, wouldn't Yin Changkong risk his life?

"That is indeed my wish, but I dare not ask you." Thinking of his smugness, Xiao Chong used a literary phrase to express his appreciation for Xiao Kaixin's performance today, which was as if he could read Xiao Kaixin's mind.

"That's good. I also think Changkong is the most suitable candidate. You can rest assured about his cultivation, character, and relationship with you."

Xiao Kaixin thought for a moment, then said earnestly, "This time, I'm entrusting the search for new spiritual veins in the Southern Wilderness to you. But you must remember, while finding spiritual veins is important, it's nothing compared to your life. Therefore..."

"If anything goes wrong, flee a thousand miles away immediately. I understand, I understand completely!" Xiao Chong quickly cut off Xiao Kaixin's words to prevent him from saying anything he didn't want to hear.

What a pair of old foxes! The old one wins people over with a calm and collected demeanor, while the young one seizes opportunities without hesitation. It seems we've wasted our lives like dogs. The elders, sitting at the table sipping their tea in silence, sighed inwardly.

As they were talking, Yin Changkong returned from the library, holding a book without a cover, which was presumably a copy of "Seven Transformations of the Stars".

Xiao Kaixin eagerly took the book and personally handed it to Xiao Chong. He smiled at everyone and said, "Let's go to the armory together and see what kind of weapon Xiao Chong will take."

The group arrived at the armory, but their feelings were all different.

Xiao Chong walked at the front, his steps steady and his bearing imposing, his face beaming with excitement. Xiao Kaixin and Yin Changkong followed closely behind.

In contrast, the elders were slow and listless, their faces clearly showing their displeasure, as if their mothers had just died.

It's no wonder they act this way. In their minds, although you, Xiao Kaixin, are the clan leader, we, as clan elders, are no less important than you.

We're doing you a favor by having tea and chatting with you, but what do you mean by asking us to accompany a young disciple to choose weapons? Do you really think we're bored out of our minds?

Therefore, after entering the armory, the elders didn't even bother to say much, hoping that Xiao Chong would just pick one item and leave quickly.

"We could use this time to cultivate a little longer, and maybe we can break through to the next realm." Several elders yawned repeatedly.

Xiao Chong simply ignored this situation. Choosing a good weapon was the most important thing; who wanted to see your sour faces? It would be more pleasing to the eye to look at a few old chrysanthemums.

Xiao Chong paced back and forth among the weapon racks, his eyes scanning the surroundings.

"This Immortal-Slaying Sword is still the best. High-end, grand, and classy!" As he walked to the wooden platform in the middle, Xiao Chong's eyes gleamed with longing as he gazed at the three-foot-long sword lying quietly on it.

It's said that only the virtuous possess divine weapons. I wonder if my virtue is enough? But I can at least touch it, right? With this in mind, Xiao Chong gently reached out his hand towards the Immortal-Slaying Sword.