Cultivation Begins with Skill Points-Chapter 217: Giving Gifts

"How is it?"

Ouyang Daoyong suddenly asked.

The First Disciple, Zuo Mu, who had been standing silently by the side, respectfully said, "Spiritual Origin Realm cultivation, Fire Attribute Technique, also equipped with Body Refinement, nothing else unusual found."

Ouyang Daoyong shook his head and said, "If that’s the case, let’s not bother about it. Even if there’s a plot, we have to swallow this poison pill offered by the Fifth Grade Alchemist."

Zuo Mu nodded and said, "Indeed, Pill Master Qingfeng is aging, and Zhong Lin’s arrival has alleviated our urgent need. Even if it’s poison, so what? Not swallowing it would lead to a faster death, and maybe we’re overthinking, perhaps Zhong Lin truly wants to cooperate with us."

"Let’s hope so! The Seven Star Secret Realm is about to open. I hope we can find enough spiritual objects to condense a spirit embryo. You can share the pressure for me then, giving me more time to focus on breaking through in seclusion."

A gleam of determination flashed in Zuo Mu’s eyes, and he said solemnly, "This time in the Secret Realm, I will undoubtedly forge a spirit embryo."

...

"Congratulations, congratulations, Brother Zhong... no, now I should call you Elder Zhong."

Xu Youde was also smiling broadly at this moment, the excitement in his heart evident in his expression.

Attracting a Fifth Grade Alchemist to the sect is indeed a major achievement. Not only will he receive rewards from the sect, but he can also establish a good relationship with Zhong Lin, making him truly thrilled.

Zhong Lin also replied with a smile, "From now on, we are fellow sect members. I hope Brother Xu can look after me."

"You’ve got it the other way around! It should be you, Elder, who looks after me. Please think of me when refining elixirs; I want to break through to the Spirit Sea Realm as soon as possible!"

"No problem, no problem, it’s just a Sea Expansion Pill, I’ll study it later. As long as the materials are provided, I’ll refine it for you in no time," Zhong Lin said proudly.

"That’s great!" Xu Youde exclaimed in delight, "I’ve already collected the materials, don’t worry about failure, I have several sets!"

Amidst their laughter and conversation, the two had arrived at the location of Fire Cloud Palace.

Not far away, on another mountaintop, situated to the direct east of the Purple Cloud Palace’s peak.

The mountain peak rises sharply, imposing like a sword, with Fire Cloud Palace at the very top, splendid and majestic, with pavilions and towers, high eaves, and intricate architecture.

This scene made Zhong Lin happy, and he marveled, "Marvelous. To construct such a palace on such a precipitous peak can only be attributed to the astounding world of Martial Arts."

"Greetings, Elder. Greetings, Seventh Brother."

Just as they arrived before Fire Cloud Palace, many servants came forward and knelt on the ground, paying their respects in grand ceremony.

Xu Youde pointed to the kneeling people and said, "Elder Zhong, these are the attendants assigned to you by the sect to manage some miscellaneous tasks. If you don’t like them, you can dismiss them all and recruit your own in Purple Cloud City."

After speaking, he whispered in Zhong Lin’s ear, "You can also recruit some Inner Sect or Outer Sect disciples to work for you. Compared to outsiders, our own people are more obedient and stronger."

Zhong Lin raised an eyebrow, giving Xu Youde a puzzled look.

So it can be done this way?

Xu Youde chuckled, "Now you are a Sect Elder and a Fifth Grade Alchemist. Many Outer Sect and Inner Sect disciples of the Purple Cloud Sect want to curry favor with you. Even a small benefit from you would be enough for them for a lifetime. Naturally, they are willing to depend on you."

Zhong Lin understood his words.

One wants to connect with a sect elder, the other needs people for work; this combination results in the current situation.

Otherwise, after coming out of seclusion for a few months only to find all the spiritual medicine has died and unable to refine even a single elixir, it would be a waste of this mountain and cave abode.

Zhong Lin nodded and said no more, stepping along the peak, observing the surrounding scenery.

The largest main hall is naturally the Fire Cloud Palace, with adjacent pavilions also splendid, and the ground connected to Earth Fire, which can be used for alchemy.

The only downside is that it’s too cold and lacks vitality, but no hurry. In time, he can cultivate some spiritual medicine and mutant beasts on this peak.

"Someone’s coming."

Xu Youde pointed at the rolling clouds in the distance, soon revealing several figures flying towards them.

At the foot of the mountain, someone was rapidly ascending, the steep cliff like flat ground beneath their feet, leaping tens of feet with each step.

The flying ones were faster; three figures descended from the sky, one of whom Zhong Lin had seen earlier when ascending, Mu Qing, with two men on either side.

Xu Youde whispered, "Elder Zhong, the long-faced one on the left is Second Brother Qiu Ju, the round-faced one on the right is Eighth Brother Li Shang, both at Spirit Sea Realm cultivation. Be cautious of the eighth, he’s very cunning."

The three landed, and Xu Youde smilingly cupped his hands, "Second Brother, Third Sister, Eighth Brother, your information is truly up to date."

Old Eight, Li Shang, laughed and said, "Seventh Brother, you’re too inconsiderate. If it weren’t for the First Brother mentioning it, I wouldn’t have known our sect gained another Fifth Grade Alchemist."

He stepped forward, cupping his hands to Zhong Lin, "Li Shang pays respects to Elder Zhong."

The man’s face was round, always smiling while speaking, giving an impression of being harmless and innocent.

Zhong Lin also smiled, cupping his hands, "Greetings, Young Master Li."

"No need for such titles, just call me Li Shang. First meeting, a small gift as a token of respect."

He waved his right hand, and a few streams of light landed in the servants’ hands nearby.

"Thank you."

Qiu Ju stepped forward, also cupping his hands, "Qiu Ju pays respects to Elder Zhong, a small gift as a token of respect."

He too waved the gift to the servants.

"Thank you."

When it was Mu Qing’s turn, she blinked her sparkling eyes, curiously gazing at Zhong Lin, and said gently, "Old Seventh really wasn’t wrong; you are indeed esteemed by Master, Elder Zhong, we must exchange more in the future!"

After placing down her gift, she stepped lightly, ascending into the clouds like a fairy, disappearing from view.

The other two also cupped their hands and left without lingering much longer.

This was not the best time for interaction; there would be plenty of opportunities later.

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!

Amidst the sound of air being split, those ascending from the mountain’s base had also arrived.

Previously two men and a woman, now two women and a man.

The woman on the left has cherry lips and almond-shaped eyes, her appearance delicate and charming, with a golden jade flower on her forehead, her hair adorned with golden beads and gems, wearing a red dress, her arm draped in veils, with an alluring and graceful bearing.

The woman on the right is tall and slender, dressed in a masculine manner, wearing a dark blue common robe, her black hair simply tied up, her features clean and bright, exuding vibrant energy.

Between them is a young boy, appearing fifteen or sixteen, with a slightly raised chin and sparkling, galaxy-like bright eyes, exuding an aura like a neighbor’s younger brother.

Xu Youde whispered, "Fourth Sister Su Mengmeng, Fifth Sister Lei Jun, Sixth Brother Tong Ming."