At that moment, Li Xing Tian had successfully refined the Millennium Bone Jade. He felt the flow of energy through his meridians, a sensation that brought a heavy sigh of relief. It felt strange; why did this rebirth seem more difficult than his previous life?
As for his senior sister's words, he shrugged them off. He knew his own abilities better than anyone. It wasn't that his new master was lacking; having experienced various situations and met many kinds of people, Li Xing Tian could sense that his master genuinely cared for him. Especially with that cultivation technique he had received—such a level of technique could stir a storm even in the Central Region.
Slowly standing up and stretching, he caught the eager gaze of his master. "Master, what's… what's up?"
Chu Xingchen expanded his divine sense, confirming that Li Yingling was not nearby. It wasn't that he couldn't let her hear, but if she found out that Li Xing Tian was a reborn individual, who knew what kind of trouble she might stir up? For now, it was best to play it safe.
A smile crept onto Chu Xingchen's face as he spoke with enthusiasm, "Disciple, you must have had quite a few adventures in your past life, right?"
"Uh, yeah, a few," Li Xing Tian replied cautiously.
"Then do you know of any secret realms nearby, or perhaps some heavenly materials?" Chu Xingchen pressed, watching him intently.
Li Xing Tian relaxed a bit; these were minor concerns. "The secret realms around here have long been cleared out by various sects. As for adventures…" He thought carefully, then shook his head. "True adventures will only come after we reach the Central Region. That's where the spiritual veins gather."
"So there's not even a place to earn some spirit stones?" Chu Xingchen pressed further.
"Master, do you need spirit stones?" Li Xing Tian asked, genuinely curious.
Without hesitation, Chu Xingchen replied, "I plan to build a spirit-gathering formation and need some spirit stones for materials."
Upon hearing this, Li Xing Tian pondered for a moment. "If you trust me, there's a mine belonging to the Qingfeng Sect where we can get a lot of spirit stones. I worked there for three years and know how the mine operates; there's only one Golden Core cultivator stationed there."
Chu Xingchen did not immediately agree; he scrutinized Li Xing Tian's expression. Realizing his master was assessing him, Li Xing Tian cupped his hands. "I have no intention of seeking revenge for myself."
"Not…" Chu Xingchen shook his head, "Remember, we're not going for spirit stones; we're avenging you. And also seeking justice for those oppressed by the Qingfeng Sect."
Chu Xingchen's expression turned serious as he spoke earnestly, "As a disciple of the Tiandao Alliance, you must broaden your perspective."
"Uh?" Li Xing Tian stared blankly at his master, somewhat at a loss. He wasn't sure if his master wanted both money and a righteous facade, or if he simply sought a legitimate reason for their actions.
But whatever the case, it seemed his master had no doubts about him.
A smile involuntarily crept onto Li Xing Tian's face as he replied, "Yes, Master."
"Now tell me where the mine is located, and I'll scout it out!"
Li Xing Tian picked up a half-burned branch and began sketching a map on the ground. "From the North Creek Mountain range, head north, cross this small stream, then go west. It should be around here."
His drawing was decent, clearly marking notable landmarks.
"Great, let's not delay. I'll check it out. You two focus on your cultivation here," Chu Xingchen said, nodding. He handed Li Xing Tian two teleportation talismans. "These are distance teleportation talismans. If you run into trouble, don't listen to your sister—just take her and run. Remember to use both; don't be greedy. I'll sense the location and come to you."
The desolate Ten-Mile Slope was rarely visited, given its sparse spirit energy and lack of medicinal herbs. Ordinary mortals wouldn't bother with it, and anyone who did likely came looking for trouble.
With the direction pointed out by Li Xing Tian, even he would need a day's journey. A round trip would take two days. Since Wang Shangshu was just a mortal, it was unlikely he could summon a powerful cultivator to search for Li Yingling. But having a contingency plan against the Qingfeng Sect was wise; otherwise, he might return to find two corpses hanging at the temple entrance.
At this moment, Li Xing Tian was deep in thought. Especially about that elder who was already tormented by inner demons—who knew how twisted he had become now.
He didn't hesitate to accept the teleportation talisman from his master, saying seriously, "Master's advice, I will remember it."
After all, the person in front of him was also a reborn individual, having weathered many storms. He would likely be thorough in his actions.
Yet, a sense of unease lingered in Chu Xingchen's heart. He handed over a protective talisman that he had fastened to his waist. "This talisman can withstand attacks from Golden Core cultivators. Use it immediately if things go awry."
Back when he was still at the Foundation Establishment stage, he had relied on this talisman multiple times to escape peril. However, as a Golden Core cultivator, it was less useful to him now. It was better to give it to Li Xing Tian.
Li Xing Tian accepted the talisman without hesitation.
Chu Xingchen continued to instruct, "I won't say much more. Your senior sister is still young, so you must take good care of her. And remember, under no circumstances should you leave her behind."
"I will keep that in mind!" Li Xing Tian replied earnestly.
Chu Xingchen nodded, then stepped outside.
Li Xing Tian took a deep breath, looking down at the protective talisman in his hand. He had only known his master for a few days, yet his master trusted him so completely, even giving him such important items without fear he might run off with them. A talisman that could withstand attacks from Golden Core cultivators might not be rare in the Central Region, but here, it was quite precious.
As for whether his master came from a sect in the Central Region, or what his cultivation level was, Li Xing Tian didn't care much. He had always been clear about his likes and dislikes.
For him, cultivation was all about clarity of thought. Feeling his master's trust was enough for him.
Taking a deep breath, he tucked the talisman into his robes and took out the "Hunyuan Demon Bone Refinement Technique" his master had given him. He had been somewhat hesitant before, but now he decided to dive right in.
As soon as he began practicing, he felt an immediate difference. He could sense the completeness of his Dao body being activated, something he had never achieved in his previous life. This cultivation method seemed to fit him perfectly.
His master had truly given him a treasure.
Engrossed in his practice, he lost track of time. When he finally opened his eyes again, it was already dark, and his senior sister had returned, sitting by the fire.
Li Yingling noticed that Li Xing Tian had finished his training and looked over, asking, "Where's Master? Where did he go?"
Li Xing Tian didn't hide anything and answered seriously, "Master went to scout the Qingfeng Sect's mine. He should be back in about two days."
Upon hearing this, Li Yingling's mood seemed to dip a little, but she didn't say more. Instead, she picked up a wild chicken she had caught earlier that day.
"Senior brother, you haven't reached Foundation Establishment yet, so you can't fast. You must be hungry, right?"
"A bit," Li Xing Tian admitted.
"Then you should cook this chicken," she said, handing it to him.
Li Xing Tian wasn't well-versed in cooking and was about to refuse when he remembered his master's words about taking care of his younger sister. With a sigh, he accepted the wild chicken and began to prepare it.
Half an hour later…
"Senior brother?! What in the world did you cook? Are you trying to poison me?" Li Yingling exclaimed, her expression one of horror as she stared at the charred, unrecognizable mass before her.
Li Xing Tian looked at the unfortunate chicken, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "I… I followed the steps you mentioned…"
"But you're supposed to clean it first! This looks like it fought back!" she cried, pointing at the smoky remains.
Realizing his blunder, Li Xing Tian could only scratch his head, feeling a mix of embarrassment and amusement. "I'll get it right next time!"
"Next time?! There won't be a next time if you keep this up!" she retorted, trying to hold back a laugh.
Though the situation was comical, it was a reminder of the responsibilities now resting on Li Xing Tian's shoulders, and he was determined to do better.