'Jun? It sounds familiar. Where did I hear this name?'
Bing Xiumei looked at Jun, but she couldn't link his face to someone she knew. However, she couldn't be blamed for this though. Within these three years, Jun has changed greatly.
He was skinny, small, and tanned before. After living in this mountain for three years, his skin became more glossy and brown, he also gained weight, and his height could now compare to a young adult's. If Jun was on earth, his figure was enough to be a model and be successful.
It was natural that she couldn't recall him.
Bing Xiumei shook her head and focused on the present. There was a question bothering her, so she said: "Sir Jun, are there any dangers outside? It seems we're inside a house..."
"There is, but not in this mountain peak." Jun expected her to ask this question, so he answered calmly. Is there anything I can help her with?
Jun was wondering inwardly. He was racking his brain how to restore her dantian. He wondered if the system have such an elixir. But then again, there was no way it would give him what he wanted that easily. There were many elixirs, treasure, scriptures, techniques... ... in this world. If there was an elixir to rebuild dantian, the chances of getting it was almost 0.1℅. It was basically a lottery draw where luck was involved.
"Not in the mountain peak?" Bing Xiumei asked.
"This mountain peak is unusual. Beasts are afraid to step in this area, though I don't have any idea why." Jun said.
Bing Xiumei finally understood why. But she cannot help but speculate the reason for that. Many had once ventured the desolate mountain which includes the Imperial Dynasty. Obviously, its landscape was already recorded on a map and was disseminated by the Imperial Dynasty.
Xiumei once studied the map and knew there were no safe zones in the Desolate Mountain. Hearing that this place was a safezone within the Desolate Mountain, her interest was naturally piqued. Could it be it has something to do with this man? Is he a hidden expert?
She became more respectful as she thought about this hypothesis. She heard many bigshots were living away from the mundane affairs, never showing up unless the continent was threatened. To think that she would meet one here.
Jun's eyes were transfixed to her expression and he could see the changes within the span of a breath. 'Don't tell me she's treating me like those reclusive experts, no? Should I reveal my identity?'
Jun's eyebrows furrowed. He was contemplating whether to tell her or not. Her misconception can be said a good thing for Jun. It was like killing two birds with one; while he pretend to be an expert, he was giving her a trace of hope, at the same time, waiting for the time the system rewards him with the elixir that could repair her dantian.
This expert's eyes were fixed upon her, and Bing Xiumei couldn't help but feel panicked. If this person chased her out, she would never have the chance to see the light again!
She felt the opportunity to restore her cultivation was in his hands.
"You haven't eaten yet. Come in the dining room, we'll talk as you eat."
Bing Xiumei eased up. It seemed she was overthinking. She nodded and followed him.
The two of them went to the dining room and the french fries which had obviously become cold didn't look as appealing as before. Nevertheless, Bing Xiumei didn't complain as she silently ate. Her mouth munched the food, swallowing it quickly. She didn't expect this thing to taste good. The sauce also added a layer of taste which made it even more delicious.
"This is called french fries. You have to boil the potatoes for a certain duration, and the sauce is made from ground tomatoes. Of course, there are many ingredients included, if you want to learn it, just tell me." Jun also took one and ate.
'Was that a sign? He wanted me to stay by his side?' Bing Xiumei felt he was giving her an opportunity. If her service satisfied this bigshot, she would be handsomely rewarded. There was even a chance her dantian will be restored.
"Then, I'll be in your care, sir!"
Bing Xiumei said enthusiastically.
Jun breathed in relief. Fortunately, she was witty and noticed the hint almost immediately. For now, he needed time. Getting a restoration elixir was not as easy as drinking water. There was no way he could get it within a few months. At the very least, he needed a few years or even decades.
"How did you end up this miserably?"
Jun finally went to the main point. Those who injured her couldn't be forgiven! She almost died and her dantian was even crippled. The one responsible for this was obviously ruthless and disregarded her life.
Bing Xiumei sighed as she recalled the matter. She didn't feel keeping this as a secret, after all, it seemed this big shot already knew of the situation outside.
"I was careless."
She sighed, "There were devil experts who were waiting for an ambush. Thus, I fell from the trap and sustained heavy injuries. They chased me, so I ran in this place, and everything arrived at this point."
'The devil race?'
Jun was shocked. He had never gone out after finding the hidden passage on the west a year ago. He only stepped outside once, so he didn't have any idea there were devil races outside. Three years ago, this was also the reason why Bing Xiumei departed so urgently.
'Have they invaded?'
Jun couldn't keep calm. As expected, the outside world wasn't a safe place. Living a secluded life was the greatest choice. He would have been miserable if he used his knowledge to live as a merchant.
"The Imperial Dynasty didn't help?"
"There's an imperial decree already. All the sects have to hunt the devils which sneaked in the borders. As for the imperial army, they took the frontiers. The war has already been going for a year." Bing Xiumei looked helpless.
"As long as the imperial dynasty doesn't fall, there are no immediate worries." Jun said, "How about you? Which superpower are you from?"
"I'm from the Sacred Ice Palace." Bing Xiumei clenched her fist. She was obviously worried about the well-being of her sect. The devil experts which have sneaked inside have targeted the State of Shu, the territory of Sacred Ice Palace. She only hoped that her sect could withstand the bombardment before reinforcement came.
'The Desolate Mountain is located in the State of Shu. Doesn't that mean I'm not safe?'
Jun frowned as he thought more of this. But even though he was worried, he had to keep his composure. It was best if he began to earnestly cultivate and reach a higher realm of cultivation. Wars usually lasted for decades, so he had plenty of time.
Jun stood up and waved his hand. A flash of light flickered, and a scroll appeared in his hand.
"It's not safe outside, you better stay here for the time being. And take this, this might help you."
Jun handed her the scroll. And then looked at her. "If you need anything else, just tell me."
Bing Xiumei nodded and took the scroll. Jun didn't remain and hurriedly departed. The news of the war made him feel uneasy. If the State of Shu fell in the devil's hand, he could die before invincibility was in his reach.
After Jun departed, Bing Xiumei relaxed. She felt afraid facing the big shot. The difference in strength was obvious, and she had to be careful not to offend him. Fortunately, everything went smoothly.
She looked at the scroll which was given to her and opened it. Her eyes widened like saucers.
"This... this is amazing."
Was this the world of big shots? A supreme body scripture was nothing in front of his eyes?
Bing Xiumei thought. However, she felt that wasn't the case. There was no way anyone would just give a stranger on their first meeting. It feels as if that person was simply too nice to her. Did he have ulterior motives?
'Worrying is groundless. The point is that I was given an opportunity. This [Ancient Refinement Scripture] is suitable for my condition. Even if my internal cultivation is gone, as long as I show progress with this technique, I can still rise. Reaching the Full Moon Body is enough to become invincible in the continent!"
Bing Xiumei folded the scroll, standing up as she bowed to the direction of Jun.