Chapter 34: Grandfather's Instructions

At dusk, the sunset's glow bathed the small courtyard.

Lin Tianming and his sister, Lin Tianyue, were sitting at the stone table. After guiding his sister through her daily cultivation, Lin Tianyue insisted on hearing about his experiences guarding Qingfeng Town.

Unable to refuse, Lin Tianming began recounting his adventures, starting from when he left the family residence.

As he narrated, half an hour passed. He spoke of patrol missions, forced counterattacks, and the battle where he killed the red-robed man.

At this point, Lin Tianyue's rosy, pretty face turned pale, as if she were experiencing the events herself.

Lin Tianming continued, describing the battle with the patterned crocodile, the secret gathering of earth spirit mushrooms, and the frantic escape from the territory of the spiritual python.

He carefully omitted details about his cultivation techniques, knowing that fewer people aware of these details was safer. However, he did not shy away from describing the thrilling and life-threatening experiences he had faced.

Understanding the reality of the cultivation world was essential for Lin Tianyue, ensuring she could adapt quickly in the future.

Lin Tianyue was deeply moved. Growing up in a comfortable environment, protected and guided by their grandfather, a skilled alchemist, and their parents, both cultivators, she had never faced real danger. Her brother's tales made her realize the cultivation world was fraught with danger and opportunities, where the law of the jungle prevailed.

Time flew by as the siblings talked. Before they knew it, the sun had set, and the sky was growing dark.

After half a month of seclusion, Ren Yuxuan opened her beautiful eyes, her delicate face showing a hint of joy.

Finally, she had reached the eighth level of Qi Refining. In the past five years, she had rarely used pills, dedicating her time to teaching and caring for Lin Tianming and Lin Tianyue. With the help of a substantial number of pills, she had finally broken through naturally, her overall aura now much stronger.

Knowing her son would leave the family the day after tomorrow, Ren Yuxuan emerged from seclusion to see him off.

She left the secret room and walked down the long corridor, appearing in the courtyard.

Seeing their mother, Lin Tianming and Lin Tianyue immediately stepped forward to greet her.

"Mother, congratulations on reaching the eighth level of Qi Refining!" Lin Tianming exclaimed.

Lin Tianming's sharp senses had detected his mother's breakthrough, even though Lin Tianyue couldn't. His spiritual sense was probably even stronger than Ren Yuxuan's, despite her higher level.

Hearing the news, Lin Tianyue was overjoyed, clinging to her mother's arm like a little girl.

"Alright, I'll make a delicious meal tonight. We can all sit down and have a good meal together. Tianming, send a message to your grandfather and ask him to join us for dinner."

"Yes, Mother," Lin Tianming replied.

Just as he was about to send the message, his grandfather, Lin Shigong, pushed open the door and entered the courtyard, sitting at the stone table.

Lin Tianming and Lin Tianyue hurriedly greeted him.

Lin Shigong motioned for them to sit down and then said, "Tianming, you will depart early the day after tomorrow. This journey is long and far from the family's influence. Qianchuan Market is filled with experts, including Core Formation seniors. Be cautious in everything you do and always seek your Fifteenth Uncle's advice. He has traveled frequently and possesses considerable skills. Do not act recklessly and avoid causing trouble for the family."

Lin Tianming earnestly replied, "Grandfather, rest assured. I will follow Fifteenth Uncle closely, avoid unnecessary risks, and not cause any trouble."

Lin Shigong was pleased. After a year of guarding Qingfeng Town, his grandson had matured significantly. He had fought against cultivators and beasts, demonstrating his strength and resilience. Though he didn't know what cultivation techniques Tianming practiced, he knew his grandson's abilities were formidable. Coupled with extraordinary luck, Tianming was now capable of surviving independently in the cultivation world.

Lin Shigong continued, "Ye Pinghai is an old friend of mine. Though we haven't met in over a decade, our family has always visited him when in Qianchuan Market, often asking for his help with refining pills. He owes me a favor from when he was still in the Qi Refining stage, but he has repaid it many times over by helping us refine pills. He is a talented late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator and a second-tier alchemist. You must treat him with respect and never offend him. If you can gain his personal guidance, it will be highly beneficial."

Lin Tianming assured his grandfather that he would be respectful and follow all advice, which eased Lin Shigong's concerns.

Tianming was eager to visit Qianchuan Market and see the renowned market in southern Wei State, and to meet its powerful cultivators.

The three discussed for half an hour. Ren Yuxuan prepared a delicious meal, and the family enjoyed dinner together, except for Lin Xingrong, who was still in Luoyun Market.

After dinner, everyone retired to their rooms, and Lin Shigong returned to the Alchemy Hall to continue his cultivation.

In his room, Lin Tianming carefully reviewed the contents of his storage pouch to ensure he had everything he needed.

He had over twenty Lingyuan Pills, several Huiyuan, Huadu, and Guyuan Pills, and ample consumable pills for the short term. He had fifty sets of Lingyuan Pill materials, twenty-five sets each of the auxiliary herbs for Qi Refining and Body Refining Pills, and planned to refine these in Qianchuan Market to aid his cultivation of the Tian Gang Ba Body Art. Without these pills, enduring the increasing pain as his cultivation advanced would be nearly impossible.

His combat capabilities were strong, thanks to his advanced techniques, the Disha Sword Array, ten high-grade talismans, and three high-grade defensive spiritual weapons. He could easily handle an eighth-level Qi Refining opponent and even had a chance against a ninth-level one.

After organizing his resources, Lin Tianming lay down on his stone bed and fell into a deep sleep.