"As for self-defense weapons and equipment, there are plenty in the Sect's treasure house, but you must have a Sect Leader's order to open it. With your current situation, it's very difficult to obtain what's inside," Wang Xuanwu said, her tone filled with confidence.
"However, leave it to me. I'll deal with the old man—my senior brother—and help you get the equipment and weapons you need."
Wang Xuanwu patted her chest confidently, her expression determined.
Li Taixing quickly averted his eyes, ignoring the view in front of him, and instead looked elsewhere. "Alright, Master. I'll count on you for the equipment and weapons then."
"Mm," Wang Xuanwu hummed in response.
The next morning, Li Taixing set out to visit both Tiesen Mountain to see the Third Elder and Wanhua Mountain to meet the Seventh Elder. However, before leaving, he prepared another ring for Wang Xuanwu. This time, it was filled with food and drink, and only a small amount of Spirit Stones for her to keep as spare.
Wang Xuanwu's eyes lit up the moment she saw the contents of the ring. This time, without any hesitation or stress, she readily accepted it.
"Don't worry, disciple. I promise I'll get you the best equipment and weapons!" she said cheerfully before flying off to find Zhao Wentian, the Sect Leader.
Xuantian Peak----
Zhao Wentian sat cross-legged in meditation, but suddenly, an inexplicable feeling of dread washed over him, disturbing his cultivation. His eyes snapped open, filled with anxiety.
"Dammit... it must be that troublesome woman, Wang Xuanwu!" he muttered, shaking his head.
Meanwhile, Li Taixing had decided to visit Wanhua Mountain first, as it was closer to Scarlet Peak. Choosing to walk instead of flying or teleporting, he made his way toward the foot of the mountain.
Wanhua Mountain was breathtakingly beautiful, with its vibrant trees and bright colors giving it the appearance of an ethereal fairyland. The sight left Li Taixing in awe as he compared it to his own Scarlet Peak, which resembled a barren, hairless rooster in contrast. He covered his face in embarrassment, barely holding back tears of frustration.
As Li Taixing approached the base of Wanhua Mountain, a female disciple greeted him.
"Are you Junior Brother Li? Li Taixing, the direct disciple of the Fifth Elder?" she asked, sounding both curious and respectful.
Surprised that they recognized him, Li Taixing nodded politely and cupped his hands in greeting. "Yes, that's me."
"The Fifth Elder already informed us that you would be coming. Please proceed up the mountain. Our master is waiting for you," the disciple said, gesturing for him to continue.
"Thank you," Li Taixing replied, before making his way up the mountain.
As he walked away, he could hear the female disciples at the gate whispering amongst themselves.
"Is he really the disciple of the Fifth Elder?" one murmured.
"He seems elegant, but they say he's nothing but a waste," another added.
"Yeah, I have no idea why the Fifth Elder would accept someone like that as her disciple."
"Well, the Fifth Elder has always been eccentric. You never know what surprising things she'll do next," someone else said, giggling.
Li Taixing overheard every word clearly, thanks to his recently enhanced perception. He couldn't help but wonder why Wang Xuanwu had chosen him as her disciple.
'Forget it,' he thought to himself. 'It's no use thinking about it.'
Continuing up the mountain, he encountered several other female disciples, all of whom seemed equally surprised to see him. Some whispered among themselves, but he remained polite, greeting each one as he passed by. After a slow journey of stopping and greeting, he finally reached the top of Wanhua Mountain.
The scene before him was enchanting. The peaks, rocks, streams, and vibrant plants all blended together in perfect harmony with the buildings, making the area seem like a true Immortal Realm. The air itself was fragrant, filling him with energy and relaxation.
In contrast, his Scarlet Peak was a desolate wasteland, and every time he thought about it, he pictured a bald rooster. The thought almost made him cry.
'No, I have to turn Scarlet Peak into an Immortal Realm as soon as possible,' he resolved.
"Hello, Junior Brother!" A soft, melodious voice broke his thoughts.
Li Taixing turned to see a beautiful young woman with long, flowing hair that cascaded down to her waist. Her delicate features were accentuated by a gentle smile, and her fitted white dress gave her an otherworldly, pure elegance. She looked like a fairy descended to the mortal world.
"Senior Sister, hello!" Li Taixing greeted her with a respectful bow, out of habit.
"Mm." Her voice was like a song, graceful and soothing. "My name is Lu Xuerou. You can call me Senior Sister Lu."
"Of course, Senior Sister Lu."
"Follow me. Master is currently in the Medicine Pill library," Lu Xuerou instructed, her voice as gentle as her appearance.
Li Taixing followed her to the Medicine Pill library, noticing that it was protected by a powerful magic formation. Ordinary people wouldn't be able to approach it without the permission of either Lu Xuerou or the Seventh Elder.
Lu Xuerou saluted toward the library and spoke softly, "Master, Junior Brother Li has arrived."
"Good, bring him in," a calm, authoritative voice answered from inside.
The formation rippled, creating a space just wide enough for one person to pass through.
"Please, Junior Brother Li," Lu Xuerou said, gesturing for him to go ahead.
"Thank you, Senior Sister Lu," Li Taixing said, bowing slightly before stepping through the formation. Lu Xuerou followed closely behind him.
Inside, the strong scent of medicinal herbs filled the air, immediately calming Li Taixing's nerves and refreshing his body.
"Master," Lu Xuerou greeted.
"Greetings, Seventh Elder," Li Taixing added, bowing deeply.
Zhu Qing, the Seventh Elder, set down her notebook and smiled warmly at them. "Taixing, your master has already informed me about your needs. What Medicine Pills are you looking for?"
Li Taixing felt no intimidation from Zhu Qing, only a comforting warmth, as if she were a kind relative.
"Seventh Elder, I'm seeking Medicine Pills for healing, detoxification, and recovery. Essentially, anything that can be used for life-saving purposes," Li Taixing explained.
"There are many varieties for those purposes," Zhu Qing replied thoughtfully. "Xuerou will take you to look through them."
"Thank you, Seventh Elder," Li Taixing said gratefully.
"You're welcome. I'll leave you two to it. I still have some matters to attend to," Zhu Qing said before giving Lu Xuerou some instructions and departing.
As they walked together, Li Taixing turned to his Senior Sister. "Senior Sister Lu, it seems like your master and mine are on very good terms."
Lu Xuerou smiled. "Indeed. Your master has helped my master greatly, even saving her life once. They've been close friends ever since."
Li Taixing was stunned. He had no idea Wang Xuanwu had any close friends, let alone that she'd saved someone's life.
'I guess I don't know as much about Master as I thought,' he mused to himself, feeling a newfound respect for her.