For two consecutive days, Zhuge Xiang dedicated himself to imitating Lu Yuling's Clear Wave Palm by the lake. Lu Yuling showed no signs of disapproval toward Zhuge Xiang's imitation. As she had mentioned before, the Clear Wave Palm was a martial art accessible to disciples only after comprehending Qi Force. It was not a unique secret technique. In addition to taking breaks, Lu Yuling would occasionally point out errors in Zhuge Xiang's execution of the Clear Wave Palm, which greatly accelerated his understanding of the technique.
Although Zhuge Xiang could not use the essence of this palm technique without Qi force, at least in terms of movements and moves, he was already familiar with it.
During these two days, Lu Yuling did not disturb him during his cultivation. Moreover, despite being aware of his identity, Zhuge Xiang had no intention of trying to curry favor with her. After all, humans thrived in communities. Hence, during their breaks, Lu Yuling engaged in conversations to alleviate boredom.
Every day, the two of them would cultivate by the lake until late at night before leaving. Zhuge Xiang, who had not comprehended Qi, naturally did not dare to slack off. On the other hand, Lu Yuling, who had long comprehended Qi, was equally hardworking. She let Zhuge Xiang understand that even if she was talented, her achievements were the result of her own hard work.
"Senior Sister Lu, I'm taking my leave. Please help yourself." Zhuge Xiang bid farewell to Lu Yuling, even though it was only evening. The sky was adorned with crimson clouds.
Having witnessed Zhuge Xiang's diligence over the past few days, Lu Yuling was taken aback by his early departure. Had something happened? She looked at him in surprise. However, Lu Yuling preferred not to pry into others' thoughts. She nodded, indicating her understanding.
On the way back, Li Bin's footsteps were light and his face was flushed with excitement. These few days, he had been carefully taught by Zhao Feiyun. Although he had not comprehended Qi and could not obtain the true essence of the Ghostly Steps, he still remembered the footwork. However, Li Bin believed that he could not even touch the hem of his clothes when dealing with Zhuge Xiang.
He reached into his pocket and took out a packet of medicinal powder. Li Bin's eyes were filled with coldness. Then, he smiled coldly and carefully placed it close to his chest.
It was a packet of Gut Cutting Powder. If one took it, the poison would not immediately come into effect. It would only cause one to lose consciousness and make their limbs go weak. It would only completely act up a day later. One's tendons and bones would be broken and one would die an unnatural death. Naturally, there was no such poison in the Asura Sect. This was something that Zhao Feiyun had spent a lot of effort to obtain.
In Zhao Feiyun's opinion, he had to be fully prepared for everything. With this bag of Gut Cutting Powder and his Ghostly Steps, Li Bin did not believe that he could not win even if he did this. Moreover, in order to prevent the news of the Blood Spirit Fruit from being leaked, he could not let him live. Niu Geng was no exception.
At the thought of Niu Geng, Li Bin smiled. Li Bin appreciated such a straightforward man. As long as he said that they were all friends and that it was only right for them to help each other, he would be happy to help him. Li Bin was a little reluctant to lose someone to serve him.
However, after he consumed the Blood Spirit Fruit and became an official disciple of the Asura Sect, the sect would naturally arrange for maidservants. Li Bin felt relieved. Official disciples of the Asura Sect only needed to cultivate. They would have maidservants to take care of their daily lives. This was the benefit that disciples of large sects could enjoy.
Niu Geng had also finished his training early today. He got some food from the dining hall where the Asura Sect disciples ate and returned to his room. There was a hint of worry etched on his face, clearly indicating his concern about the conflict between Zhuge Xiang and Li Bin.
In his opinion, they were all living under the same roof, and that was a rare fate. They were supposed to be friends, so there was truly no need for things to escalate to this point.
"Niu Geng, you're here? That's great." At that moment, the door was pushed open. When Li Bin saw Niu Geng, he looked delighted. He held a small wine gourd in his hand, its contents unknown.
"This is the Spiritual Fruit Pulp I just got from my brother. You and Zhuge Xiang can split it equally. I've been thinking about it for the past few days. We're friends, after all. There's no need to make things so awkward. Besides, you've been serving me tea for the past year, and I haven't been able to give you anything in return." Li Bin wore a guilty expression as he handed the small wine gourd to Niu Geng.
"Spiritual Fruit Pulp?!" Niu Geng's eyes widened at Li Bin's words.
As a large sect, the Asura Sect's living conditions were very good even for reserve disciples like Niu Geng. They could indulge in as much fish and meat as they wanted and drink as much good wine as they wanted. However, this Spiritual Fruit Pulp was a rare thing. Other than the disciples who had comprehended Qi Force, Niu Geng and the other reserve disciples could only receive a small cup every month.
The Spiritual Fruit Pulp was refined from dozens of spiritual fruits and spiritual herbs through a complicated process. Although it could not help people to comprehend Qi force, it was easy for hardworking people to leave some hidden injuries in their bodies through cultivation. The function of the Spiritual Fruit Pulp was to eliminate the hidden injuries in their bodies to prevent them from accumulating and affecting their future cultivation path. It could be seen how precious the Spiritual Fruit Pulp was. Although it was only a small wine gourd, Niu Geng could feel that this gourd was more than what he had obtained in a year.
"You said it yourself. We're friends, and Zhuge Xiang isn't one to hold grudges. Let's resolve the misunderstanding. This Spiritual Fruit Pulp is too precious. You should keep it," Niu Geng expressed, hoping for a reconciliation between Zhuge Xiang and Li Bin. Though the spiritual fruit pulp held great value, Niu Geng did not desire it for himself.
Li Bin's expression darkened as he pretended to be unhappy. "Why? Do you look down on my apology? If you consider me a friend, don't reject my good intentions."
"Alright then." Seeing Li Bin's reaction, Niu Geng nodded. He could only accept it helplessly. He opened the lid of the wine gourd and a refreshing fragrance filled the air.
Niu Geng inhaled deeply and looked intoxicated. However, he was not in a hurry to drink it. Instead, he smiled honestly. "This Spiritual Fruit Pulp is mainly a witness to you and Zhuge Xiang burying the hatchet. I think I'd better not drink it."
"Don't you treat me as a friend?" Li Bin said with a straight face, looking displeased.
"Alright, then I'll take advantage of it. I'll go and find Zhuge Xiang and drink with him now." Since Li Bin had good intentions, Niu Geng did not insist further. He carried the Spiritual Fruit Pulp in his wine gourd and went to look for Zhuge Xiang happily.
"By the way, don't mention that I gave him the Spiritual Fruit Pulp. I still have a competition with Zhuge Xiang tomorrow, and I want to gauge his true strength when he's giving it his all. I don't want him to hold back," Li Bin instructed upon seeing Niu Geng happily searching for Zhuge Xiang.
"It's mine. Don't worry, I won't say anything." Niu Geng looked serious as he patted his chest and promised. Then, he turned around excitedly and left the room.
After Niu Geng rushed out of the room, he did not see the cold glint in Li Bin's eyes as he said coldly, "Hehe, if you know about the Blood Spirit Fruit, you can't let any of you off."
Li Bin had no concerns about Niu Geng wasting the Spiritual Fruit Pulp, nor did he worry about him denying Zhuge Xiang access to it. Having spent a year together, Li Bin was well acquainted with Niu Geng's honest and straightforward nature. The Spiritual Fruit Pulp contained the Gut Cutting Powder. Once consumed, it would lead to certain death.
After about two hours, Niu Geng still had not returned, but Zhuge Xiang returned first. They both glanced at each other and then averted their gaze, choosing to ignore one another. Just as this occurred, Niu Geng returned, brimming with excitement.
"Zhuge Xiang, I looked for you outside. I didn't expect you to come back first. I obtained some Spiritual Fruit Pulp, shall we split it?" Niu Geng looked at Zhuge Xiang and said happily. He waved the wine gourd containing the Spiritual Fruit Pulp in his hand.
"Spiritual Fruit Pulp?" Zhuge Xiang's eyes widened as he looked at the Spiritual Fruit Pulp in Niu Geng's hand. Zhuge Xiang could not believe that he actually had such a small gourd. As he spoke, Niu Geng had already picked up the cup and poured three cups. During this process, Niu Geng had asked Li Bin if he wanted some, but Li Bin shook his head and declined.
Would he give up such a good opportunity to take advantage of him? Zhuge Xiang looked at him in surprise. He felt that he was really abnormal today. However, Zhuge Xiang did not think too much about Niu Geng's trust. It was good that he did not drink it, lest it was wasted. Zhuge Xiang and Niu Geng drank the Spiritual Fruit Pulp one cup at a time.
"This Spiritual Fruit Pulp is really delicious. When I become an official disciple of the Asura Sect, I'll be able to drink it every day," Zhuge Xiang remarked, wiping his mouth.
Zhuge Xiang was only a reserve disciple, but he was already able to have a great life. Upon becoming an official disciple, he would receive even better treatment. He would lead a carefree existence, surpassing others. This was the driving force behind Zhuge Xiang's cultivation and his reason for joining the Asura Sect.
Li Bin, who was beside him, saw him drink the Spiritual Fruit Pulp with Gut Cutting Powder. When he heard his words, a vicious and cold smile appeared on his face. Official disciple? In your next life, drink the Gut Cutting Powder. You would definitely not live past tomorrow…