Lin Xuan sipped fragrant tea as he admired the paintings hanging around him. It was not a large room, yet it had been arranged with elegant refinement—a reception room Spirit Herb Mountain used to entertain distinguished guests.
Lin Xuan had already waited for nearly an hour, but he was not impatient. From the outer sect disciple, he had subtly probed for and learned more about Spirit Herb Mountain.
The boy had initially been somewhat restrained, but seeing that Lin Xuan spoke kindly, he gradually became willing to converse with him. Winning the favor of a Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator would greatly benefit him; if he could receive one or two items from him, they would serve him for the rest of his life.
Though Lin Xuan had no Spirit Root, he was clever. From the boy's gaze, he had already guessed what was on his mind. After a brief moment of thought, he took a small sword from his robes. The sword was only about a foot long, its cold gleam flashing. Though it was not a Spirit Tool, it could slice through hair blown against its edge and was exceptionally sharp. It also contained a faint trace of spiritual power, making it far superior to ordinary mortal weapons. Lin Xuan had obtained it from the belongings of some unlucky cultivator.
This sword was of little use to cultivators, but to Mortals in the secular world, it was incomparably precious. Lin Xuan gave it to the boy, who was overjoyed. Regarding Lin Xuan's questions, he now knew all and told all, holding nothing back.
Upon learning that several alchemists from Spirit Herb Mountain had recently passed away, Lin Xuan's heart stirred...
Just then, Perfected Master Tongyu entered the reception room. The boy promptly shut his mouth, respectfully bowed, and withdrew.