I have the face of a great demon.

Chapter 285 Going for a Clear Mind

After experiencing the monster riot and the withering of the spirit fields, Liu Xingchen and his two companions decided to live a secluded life and focus on cultivation in order to avoid further trouble.

They even stopped taking on sect missions, fearing they might accidentally get caught up in some trouble again.

Although their contribution level will gradually decrease if they don't do sect missions for a long time, and the cultivation resources they receive each month will also decrease accordingly, and they may even only receive the minimum resources, they can't care about these things anymore.

To avoid suspicion, they preferred to live this austere life.

Anyway, they still had some spirit stones and pills obtained from the Wuji Sect, enough for them to use for several years.

Inside their dwelling, Liu Xingchen sat cross-legged, his eyes slightly closed, surrounded by a faint layer of spiritual energy. His breathing was steady and long, as if he were one with the heavens and earth.

Despite the rumors circulating outside, he remained calm and focused on his cultivation. He knew that only strength could prove everything, and only strength could completely silence those doubting voices.

Tie Zhu, meanwhile, was practicing his martial arts by punching the air. The wind from his punches howled, making the air buzz.

His shamanic bloodline gave him a physique far exceeding that of ordinary people, and every punch he threw contained astonishing power.

However, a hint of irritation lingered on his face. The prolonged confinement at home was stifling him, but he knew he had no choice but to endure it for now.

Ye Sisi sat by the window, holding a jade slip in her hands, studying it intently.

She was meticulous and thoughtful. In her spare time, she also studied various classic texts within the sect, trying to find ways to improve her strength.

Several months passed quietly, and the three of them steadily improved their cultivation through arduous training. However, their lives were as if bound by an invisible shackle, dull and oppressive.

Then one day, a familiar sound of footsteps came from outside the door, followed by a knock.

"Junior Brother Liu, Tiezhu, Junior Sister Ye, are you there?" Liu Qingfeng's voice came from outside the door, gentle and clear.

Liu Xingchen opened his eyes, got up, and opened the door.

Liu Qingfeng stood outside the door, dressed in a blue robe, holding a folding fan, a faint smile on his face. His gaze swept over the three of them, a hint of concern flashing in his eyes: "You've been staying indoors all this time, not even doing sect missions. This can't go on."

Tie Zhu scratched his head and said helplessly, "Senior Brother Liu, we have no choice. People outside are pointing fingers at us, and we don't want to cause any more trouble."

Ye Sisi closed the ancient book in her hand and said softly, "Senior Brother Liu, we just want to avoid suspicion and prevent any further trouble."

Liu Qingfeng shook his head slightly, his tone carrying a hint of consolation.

“I understand what you’re thinking, but hiding isn’t a solution. Cultivation is important, but relaxation of mind is equally crucial.”

"The weather is nice today. I'll take you for a walk in the Spirit Fox Bamboo Forest behind the mountain. Spirit foxes can bring good luck, and perhaps they can help dispel the gloom in your hearts."

Liu Xingchen hesitated for a moment, then said in a low voice, "Senior Brother Liu, if we go out... won't we cause trouble again?"

Liu Qingfeng smiled and patted his shoulder: "Don't worry, I'm here, everything will be fine. Besides, the Spirit Fox Bamboo Forest is a quiet place within the sect, and few people go there on weekdays, so you can relax a bit."

Upon hearing this, Tie Zhu's eyes lit up immediately: "A spirit fox? The kind of spirit beast that brings good luck? I've been wanting to see one for a long time!"

Ye Sisi nodded, her tone filled with anticipation: "Senior Brother Liu is right, we do need to go out for a walk and adjust our mindset."

Seeing that the two of them had agreed, Liu Xingchen stopped refusing and nodded, saying, "Alright, then I'll trouble you, Senior Brother Liu."

Liu Qingfeng smiled slightly, turned around and said, "Let's go, I'll show you the charm of the spirit fox."

The three followed Liu Qingfeng out of his residence. The long-awaited sunshine shone on them, as if dispelling the gloom of the past few days.

Liu Xingchen took a deep breath, feeling the spiritual energy permeating the air, and gradually relaxed.

Liu Qingfeng led Liu Xingchen and the other two through the path behind the sect's mountain, where the surrounding scenery gradually became serene and tranquil.

The dense bamboo forest swayed gently in the breeze, making a rustling sound.

A faint spiritual aura permeated the air, making people feel refreshed and relaxed.

After walking for about fifteen minutes, the four of them arrived at a bamboo grove surrounded by a tall courtyard wall.

At the entrance, an old man dressed in a gray robe with white hair and beard sat cross-legged on a huge rock, his eyes slightly closed, exuding an unfathomable aura.

The old man was the guardian elder of the Spirit Fox Bamboo Forest, a man of profound cultivation who rarely appeared in public.

Liu Qingfeng stepped forward and bowed respectfully: "Disciple Liu Qingfeng greets Elder."

The old man slowly opened his eyes, his gaze sweeping over Liu Qingfeng, Liu Xingchen, and the other two with lightning speed. His voice was deep and authoritative: "The Spirit Fox Bamboo Forest is a sacred place of the sect. Only those with jade tokens are allowed to enter. Do you have any jade tokens?"

Liu Qingfeng took out a crystal-clear jade token from his sleeve and handed it to the old man with both hands: "This disciple has used contribution points to exchange for the qualification to enter the bamboo forest. This is the jade token. Please take a look, Elder."

The old man took the jade token, examined it carefully, and then nodded, his tone softening slightly: "Hmm, the jade token is correct. However, only three people can enter the Spirit Fox Bamboo Forest at a time, and it seems you have one extra."

Liu Qingfeng smiled slightly and explained, "Elder, this jade token was specially exchanged by this disciple. It can bring three people in. Junior Brother Liu, Tiezhu, and Junior Sister Ye are all disciples of the sect. This disciple brought them here in the hope that they can use the power of the spirit fox to adjust their state of mind."

"As for disciple Liu Qingfeng, he once won the honor of being the number one newcomer in a thousand years in the sect competition, and can enter the Spirit Fox Bamboo Forest without restrictions. This is disciple's identity jade token, please check it, elder."

Upon hearing this, the old man glanced at the jade tablet, then his gaze lingered on Liu Xingchen and the other two for a moment. When he saw Liu Xingchen, his brows furrowed slightly, as if he were somewhat sensitive to his appearance.

He didn't say much, only nodded slightly: "In that case, you may go in. Remember, the spirit fox is docile, but you must not disturb it too much. If you violate the rules, I will not let you off lightly."

Liu Qingfeng respectfully replied, "Disciple understands, thank you Elder."

The old man waved his hand, indicating that they could enter. The four bowed to the old man and then stepped into the bamboo forest.

As soon as Liu Xingchen entered the bamboo forest, he felt a strong spiritual energy rushing towards him. He felt as if he was enveloped by a warm power, and the depression and unease of the past few days seemed to be dispelled.

Tie Zhu looked around excitedly and whispered, "This place is really wonderful! The spiritual energy is so abundant, no wonder the spirit fox lives here!"

Ye Sisi sighed softly, "The Spirit Fox Bamboo Forest truly lives up to its reputation; no wonder the opportunity to enter is so precious."

Liu Qingfeng walked ahead, explaining with a smile, "The Spirit Fox Bamboo Forest is one of the most precious cultivation grounds in the sect. There is only one spirit fox here, but it has a special ability—it can bring good luck, help cultivators adjust their state of mind, and even help them break through cultivation bottlenecks. Because of this, the sect manages the Spirit Fox Bamboo Forest very strictly. Each time you enter, you need to exchange contribution points for a jade token, and the number of places is limited."

Upon hearing this, Liu Xingchen immediately felt uneasy and quickly said, "Senior Brother Liu, this is too much trouble! How can we let you exchange contribution points for this opportunity?"

Ye Sisi also said softly, "Yes, Senior Brother Liu, this opportunity in the Spirit Fox Bamboo Forest is so precious, we really don't deserve it."

Liu Qingfeng waved his hand, his tone gentle yet firm: "You don't need to be so polite. To avoid suspicion these days, you've been staying indoors all day, not even doing sect missions, so naturally you haven't accumulated any contribution points. As your senior brother, it's only right that I bring you here to relax. Besides, your improvement in cultivation is also a good thing for the sect."

Tie Zhu scratched his head, somewhat embarrassed, and said, "Senior Brother Liu, you're so kind to us! We really don't know how to thank you."

Liu Qingfeng smiled and patted Tiezhu on the shoulder: "Alright, don't be so formal. You are my junior brothers and sisters, it's only right that I take care of you. Now, enjoy the peace and good fortune brought by the spirit fox."

After saying that, he pointed to the depths of the bamboo forest and said, "Spirit foxes usually roam deep within the bamboo forest. Let's walk over slowly and not disturb them. Whether you can see a spirit fox or not depends on your luck."