Yaoqin didn't receive the praise she expected from Chu Xingchen.

Instead, Chu Xingchen's expression quickly mirrored that of Li Yingling, who stood behind him.

It was as if this news, rather than being good, struck him like a bolt from the blue.

Yaoqin, puzzled, asked, "What's wrong? Just using a bit of Wish Power should be enough to handle it."

Judging by the Spirit Stones in the ring, if he truly used all the Wish Power to purify them, Chu Xingchen would certainly earn the title of "Peerless Philanthropist."

That's simply unrealistic! If he really had to work hard to earn Wish Power just to purify Spirit Stones, how would that be different from having a job?

I've embarked on the path of cultivation, and yet I still have to work like a laborer?

And pay myself with my own money?

Chu Xingchen could only request, "Could you think of another way besides using Wish Power?"

Yaoqin quickly caught on, casting a suspicious glance at Chu Xingchen.

"Do you have a batch of these Blood Qi Spirit Stones? Is your real goal to purify them for spending?"

Chu Xingchen replied sheepishly, "A little bit..."

"How many? Two or three hundred? If it's just that many, I can trade with you. My sect might take some for research."

Chu Xingchen lowered his head, looking slightly embarrassed: "..."

"A thousand or two?!" Yaoqin was first shocked, then sighed, "It shouldn't be a big problem. Other sects might also take some for research. I'll see if I can help you make some connections."

Chu Xingchen still didn't lift his head: "..."

Yaoqin took a deep breath, thinking that Chu Xingchen never failed to surprise her.

Thick-skinned, Chu Xingchen took out a Blood Qi Spirit Stone from the ring and placed it on the table:

"Dear Yaoqin, could you study it a bit more?"

Yaoqin hesitated, then sighed, picking up the Blood Qi Spirit Stone from the table:

"If we don't use Wish Power, it might be slow, and it might not succeed. You should be mentally prepared."

Chu Xingchen was taken aback, not expecting Yaoqin to agree so readily.

Yaoqin tossed a purified Spirit Stone back to Chu Xingchen: "Here's one back for you."

Catching the tossed Spirit Stone, Chu Xingchen looked at Yaoqin.

Yaoqin didn't seem too angry; her beautiful face just looked a bit troubled as she gazed at the Blood Qi Spirit Stone in her hand.

Chu Xingchen asked, "Stay for a meal today?"

"Next time," Yaoqin gently shook her head, declining, "I have other matters to attend to today."

"Alright then, let's arrange a meal when you're free."

Yaoqin nodded lightly, then bid farewell to Li Yingling before turning to leave.

After Yaoqin left.

Chu Xingchen sighed, owing her another favor.

But it's alright, it's not like he hasn't owed before.

Debts, when many, don't weigh you down.

————————

As soon as Yaoqin returned to her room in the Bamboo-Jade Courtyard, her maid Little Ling hurriedly handed her a secret letter.

"Miss, the reply from the sect has arrived."

Reaching out to take the secret letter, Yaoqin glanced at the pale yellow envelope surrounded by spell techniques, a unique anti-leakage method of the sect.

After confirming the spell hadn't been tampered with, Yaoqin opened the envelope.

Little Ling, understanding the situation, left the room and closed the door.

As the spell was lifted, the writing on the front of the pale yellow envelope appeared.

[To my beloved disciple, Xie Lingyu]

Yaoqin gently caressed the words "Xie Lingyu" as if reminiscing, then opened the letter.

[Your letter has been received. Regarding the issue of the Evil Cultivators in Central State, the sect has reported it to the Central Immortal Alliance.]

[According to instructions, you are to fully represent the sect in handling this matter, ensuring the situation doesn't escalate, and await the sect's reinforcements.]

[For this operation, the Bamboo-Jade Courtyard is under your command.]

[After the mission, your punishment will end, and you can return to the sect.]

[No matter the past, let it go for now. You've wasted years in that remote place, and it pains me.]

[But don't worry, I will seek justice for you.]

[Just wish you peace and safety. I await you in Central State. Remember to use the jade pendant I gave you if in danger.]

[Personally penned by your Master, Bai Xuanling.]

After reading the letter, Yaoqin infused it with a bit of spiritual energy.

As the spiritual energy was infused, the letter slowly turned into spiritual light and dissipated into the air.

Master... it has indeed been a long time.

After a while, Yaoqin sighed softly, "Little Ling."

Little Ling's voice came from outside the door, "What are your orders, Miss?"

"From today, close the entire Bamboo-Jade Courtyard and notify all cultivators above Foundation Establishment to gather."

Little Ling's voice, slightly excited, responded:

"Yes."

Listening to Little Ling's footsteps gradually fade away.

Yaoqin took out the new Blood Qi Spirit Stone given by Chu Xingchen, examined it carefully, and then silently put it away.

This promise to him, I might break for the first time...

Yaoqin didn't dwell on it, stood up, and pushed open the door to leave.

Her room was on the highest seventh floor, with a hollowed-out corridor in the middle. She walked to the railing and looked down.

Seventeen Foundation Establishment cultivators and one Golden Core cultivator were already standing below, ready and waiting.

Yaoqin issued her orders:

"By the sect's decree, we are to stop the Evil Cultivators' activities and await the sect's reinforcements."

"Groups of five, search the surrounding villages. If you encounter Evil Cultivators, retreat immediately regardless of the situation."

"The remaining two Foundation Establishment and Golden Core cultivators form a team."

"I will liaise with the Demon Suppression Bureau to eliminate suspicious sects."

"Remember, in any situation, prioritize your safety."

The female cultivators below responded in unison:

"Yes, thank you, Martial Aunt!"

——————

In the courtyard house, Li Yingling was engrossed in reading the Complete Guide to Basic Cultivation Knowledge.

Chu Xingchen lay on a rocking chair, resting with his eyes closed.

Li Xingtian was also in the courtyard, holding a wooden sword, contemplating the Divine Ability given by his master.

After all, sitting in meditation all the time can be quite tedious.

Occasionally switching up the training can help relieve Li Xingtian's mood.

Knock, knock.

The sound of knocking on the door echoed, and Li Xingtian put away the wooden sword and went to open the door.

Chu Xingchen waited for a while, noticing that Li Xingtian didn't speak, nor did the person knocking, so he got up and looked over.

As expected, it was Yaoqin.

However, she had changed her clothes, no longer wearing a dress.

Instead, she wore a blue outfit resembling a combat uniform, her black, smooth hair tied back, giving her a capable look.

She held a longsword, her gaze sharp, her tone calm: "So, it seems you have time today?"

Why did she change her clothes, and why did her tone seem different?

She seemed more confident and proud.

Although a bit puzzled, Chu Xingchen replied, "I have time, why?"

"I've helped you so many times, now you help me once."

"What do you need help with?"

"Help me catch those damned Evil Cultivators."

"Ah?"

...