Whispering Stone

Before long, a visitor arrived.

The stone door opened, and a woman in a light blue long dress, with her hair in a cloud bun, entered carrying a bamboo basket. Her chest was full and round, and the curves of her waist and hips were alluring, like a ripe peach.

Even Wu Tian was stunned for a moment before he recognized her as Aunt Wu. She had tidied herself up today, changed her clothes, styled her hair, and washed away the smell of cooking oil. Despite her age, she was still charming and graceful.

"Hahaha, Junior Sister Wu, it's been a long time since I've seen you looking so radiant!" Master Man Xiong said with emotion as he led the guest into the cave and personally served Bitter Bamboo tea. "When you first joined the sect, so many disciples vied for your attention."

"Now, decades have flown by, and I am old and frail, yet Junior Sister, you are still so captivating!"

"Senior Brother is too kind." Wu Lian's expression was quite calm. She knew her Immortal root aptitude was mediocre, and she had no hope of reaching Foundation Establishment in this lifetime. Thus, she placed all her hopes on her daughter.

"A physical body is merely an external thing. We all cultivate the Hundred Beasts Yin Soul Path, and transforming into birds and beasts is commonplace. A human's skin is no different from that of a beast."

"Not to mention that the Sect Leader's direct disciples are said to be able to cultivate human forms. I heard that Second Senior Sister cultivates the eighteen beautiful forms, and Senior Brother cultivates twenty-eight forms."

"I've spent decades in Qi Nurturing without achieving perfection. How can I compare to Senior Brother, who has successfully reached Foundation Establishment, entered the Law Refining Realm, and now has hope on the Great Dao?"

These words were sincere and reflected her true feelings. For cultivators, the physical body was just an external vessel. Only by pursuing higher realms was fundamental. Not to mention power, even lifespan alone was something to covet.

Achieving Qi Nurturing perfection granted immunity to illness and disaster, extending life to a hundred years.

Completing Foundation Establishment allowed for a metamorphosis, granting a lifespan of 180 years.

The Law Refining Realm did not increase lifespan, but it allowed one to borrow the power of heaven and earth, summon clouds and mist, control water and fire, and manipulate wind and thunder, earning the title of a Spell Master.

If one could cultivate a Nascent Embryo, that would grant a lifespan of 300 years.

As for True Person of Nascent Soul, the legend said the longest-lived among them reached 800 years.

Who wouldn't yearn for such a path to longevity?

To know that the Great Dao of Longevity exists, yet be unable to attain it, was the most cruel punishment in the world.

Wu Lian's fleeting moment of sadness passed, and she smiled again, saying, "Senior Brother, I made some Osmanthus cakes in my spare time. Although they are not rare treasures, they have the effect of nourishing the body and spirit."

"I brought some for you to try, Senior Brother."

Master Man Xiong knew about the Osmanthus cakes. The reason this couple was able to stay in the Canteen was precisely because of their skill in making these cakes. The cakes required Osmanthus as the main ingredient, and it was said there were seventy-two other auxiliary ingredients. The production process was complex and quite rare.

Cultivators in the Qi Nourishing Realm benefited greatly from consuming them.

However, they were of little use to him now.

Master Man Xiong said, "It's not easy for Junior Sister to make these Osmanthus cakes. Sending them to me is just for a taste, it's too wasteful."

"Besides, when I was in seclusion, it was thanks to Junior Sister taking care of White Dragon. I should have come to thank you myself."

Although Master Man Xiong spoke politely, Wu Lian did not dare to take it lightly. Those in the Law Refining Realm were already qualified to be Elders, especially in Qiyun Cave, which had few inhabitants. He was destined to be an Elder of Qiyun Cave.

The gap in their status was enormous. It was already fortunate for her to establish a connection with him.

Wu Lian smiled and said, "Senior Brother is too polite. I also like that little fellow White Dragon very much. It was just a matter of providing an extra meal, there's no need for thanks."

As she spoke, she beckoned to Wu Tian, "You little fellow, you didn't even eat the python meat I saved for you a few days ago and just ran off."

"What, have you become a monster and don't recognize me anymore?"

Her tone was a little chiding. Wu Tian recalled the past care and walked forward.

Wu Lian hugged him into her arms, and he immediately felt a soft warmth. Indeed, her bosom was ample, unlike anything a young girl could compare to.

Holding Wu Tian with one arm, she took out a piece of green stone from her sleeve pouch with the other. It was only the size of a thumb. "This is the Wind Resonance Stone from Fire Crow Cave. It has a slight effect of gathering the essence of wind. Xia'er knew I was coming and specifically asked me to bring it to you."

Wu Tian looked at the Wind-Chiming Stone and fell silent.

After the pleasantries, Wu Lian stroked Wu Tian's white fur and got straight to the point. "Senior Brother, besides visiting White Dragon, I also wanted to ask if you still have any Yin Soul Silk?"

"I'm preparing to refine a Wind Fire Whip for Xia'er, and I'm still short on Yin Soul Silk."

She and Master Man Xiong did not have a deep friendship. Beating around the bush would only be annoying.

Master Man Xiong asked, "May I ask how much Junior Sister still needs?"

"I just need two more three-foot lengths of Yin Soul Silk." Wu Lian tidied her hair with her left hand. "I can exchange it with Merit points."

Master Man Xiong thought for a moment and said, "The Yin Soul Silk I refined previously was all used to forge Law Artifacts, and I don't have much left."

"May I ask if Junior Sister needs it urgently?"

Wu Lian quickly waved her hand. "It's just for that girl Xia'er. She's just entered Qi Nurturing and hasn't opened her Apertures yet. It'll be fine if I can finish refining it when she starts circulating Qi. So, collecting it within a year or so is sufficient."

Master Man Xiong chuckled upon hearing this. "If that's the case, I have an idea. I was planning to teach White Dragon the Qiyun Cave techniques anyway. Why not have him help Xia'er extract the silk? It will hone his Incantation skills and also be of assistance."

"As for Merit points, there's no need. If you and your husband get along well with him, just take care of him for me more often."

This was clearly for Wu Tian's benefit. Wu Xia'er's ability to reach Foundation Establishment in three years and then enter Fire Crow Cave was considered quite good aptitude. If they could establish a connection, it would be a form of support within the sect.

Wu Lian's eyes flickered upon hearing this. She had originally thought that Master Man Xiong was keeping White Dragon merely as a cultivation resource, like other disciples, and would skin and soul him when the time came.

She hadn't expected Master Man Xiong to teach him techniques. This was different...

She couldn't help but stroke Wu Tian's head and laugh. "You dog, you have such good fortune to be valued by Senior Brother and taught techniques. If you can shed your beast form in the future, you might even become a guardian of Qiyun Cave."

"So, are you willing to refine some Yin Soul Silk for Xia'er?"

After a moment of silence, Wu Tian nodded in agreement.

He had no grievances with Aunt Wu or Wu Xia'er. A little Yin Soul Silk would be a way to settle the favor, and then they would have no further ties.

As for the entanglement with Fatty Huang, a reckoning will surely come in the future.

"Then it's settled," Man Xiongmu also chuckled.

"Speaking of which, Xia'er is only eight this year, right? To reach Foundation Establishment completion and nurture True Qi in just three years, she might have a chance at Law Refining in the future!"

"Haha, thank you for your kind words, Senior Brother. I hope this little girl can cultivate diligently like you, Senior Brother, and have hope for the Great Dao..."

After the two exchanged pleasantries for a while, Wu Lian got up to take her leave.

After she left, Wu Tian circulated his True Qi and spoke to Man Xiongmu via a Sound Transmission Talisman, "Master Man Xiong, could I trouble you to stay in the cave for a few more days before heading down the mountain?"

"I've been sensing a dangerous aura approaching these past two days. Especially today, when Master said he was leaving, I felt a jolt of fear, as if a great disaster was imminent."

Upon hearing this, Man Xiongmu's expression turned solemn. The White Dogs in the village could already predict danger, and White Dragon was now a monster, so its talent in this regard was likely even more outstanding.

If he said danger was approaching, it probably wasn't an idle remark.