Unexpected Gains

Two black eagles, one large and one small, flew towards Li Qingqiu. The large one was Xiao Ba, whom he raised, and the small one was raised by Li Sijin and named Xiao Jiu, a name chosen in imitation of Xiao Ba.

Originally, Li Qingqiu had intended to experiment with the Thousand Spirit Fruit on chickens or pigs. However, Xiao Jiu happened to fall gravely ill, and could only be kept alive with the Spring Return Ghost Immortal Needle. Li Sijin was heartbroken. Thus, Li Qingqiu decided to try anything to save Xiao Jiu, bringing it along.

As a result, after consuming the Thousand Spirit Fruit, Xiao Jiu not only recovered but also became lively and energetic. According to Li Qingqiu's observations, its vitality greatly increased, and its bones and muscles were slowly strengthening.

The Thousand Spirit Fruit could be considered a miraculous healing medicine, and it could also enhance the physique. As for the limit to how many fruits could be consumed, it was not yet known.

After consuming the Thousand Spirit Fruit, Xiao Jiu also successfully followed in Xiao Ba's footsteps, becoming better able to absorb Li Sijin's Origin Energy.

Previously, Li Qingqiu had asked his junior brothers and sisters to imitate him in infusing Origin Energy into wild creatures, but none had managed to cultivate their own Origin Energy like Xiao Ba.

This also indicated that Xiao Ba possessed extraordinary talent.

The two black eagles landed before Li Qingqiu. Xiao Ba stood with its wings folded, already nearly as tall as him. Although Xiao Jiu was much smaller, its head was almost at his waist.

Xiao Ba affectionately rubbed its head against Li Qingqiu's, while Xiao Jiu flapped its wings, full of vitality.

The two little creatures had already developed rudimentary intelligence, especially Xiao Ba. Li Qingqiu felt it had the intelligence of a child several years old.

"What did you steal and eat again?"

Li Qingqiu noticed blood and flesh on Xiao Ba's beak and couldn't help but ask.

Xiao Ba spread its wings, which spanned nearly thirty feet wide. It let out a chirping sound. Although it didn't speak human language, Li Qingqiu could understand it.

This kind of tacit understanding was something even Li Qingqiu couldn't explain, possibly due to his Origin Energy within Xiao Ba.

"A snake? How big a snake?"

"Chirp—coo—"

"That big? Then you must drive them away and prevent them from coming near this area."

"Chirp chirp—"

Hearing its promise, Li Qingqiu smiled in satisfaction and reached out to ruffle its head.

Afterward, the two black eagles leaped into the air, stirring up a gust of wind that blew Li Qingqiu's robes. He watched as the two eagles disappeared into the dense fog.

Li Qingqiu had stationed the two eagles here to drive away beasts from the dense fog and to guard the Thousand Spirit Blessed Land.

Of course, he would check the Thousand Spirit Tree every time to prevent the two eagles from stealing any, but fortunately, if he wasn't present, the eagles wouldn't dare approach the Thousand Spirit Tree, as its vines were aggressive.

Strangely, the Thousand Spirit Tree only seemed to be close to Li Qingqiu. No one else had ever been touched by its vines. Perhaps it was because Li Qingqiu was the first person to discover it.

There were many human remains in the dense fog outside, but no one had managed to reach this place. The dense fog seemed to be a trial set by the Thousand Spirit Tree, and Li Qingqiu was the first to pass it.

White snow covered the mountains and rivers for thousands of miles. The winter in the Tai Kun Mountain Range was as cold as ever.

Zhu Yan, her face veiled, sat on a cliff with her ancient zither placed before her. She was draped in a large robe made of animal fur. Snowflakes drifted down as the zither music soared, creating a unique artistic conception.

Su Xiling, dressed in a green robe, stood not far away, looking down from the cliff. She wasn't dressed warmly, her attire not much different from that of summer or autumn.

When the song ended, Zhu Yan withdrew her hands and asked, "Xiling, what are you looking at so intently?"

Su Xiling replied without turning her head, "I'm watching the Qingxiao Sect disciples practice their sword formations. Those disciples are called the Thirteen Sword Spirits. What a cumbersome name, 'Sword Fiends'? I must say, the sword formation they practice looks quite impressive."

"The Thirteen Swords of Li, are they disciples of that Jiang Zhaoxia?" Zhu Yan asked.

"That's right. Jiang Zhaoxia is also below, but he's been meditating on a rock for half an hour and hasn't practiced his sword once."

Su Xiling answered, her tone laced with confusion towards the end.

Zhu Yan, however, was unfazed and said softly, "Peerless geniuses like him are beyond ordinary comprehension. It's like that Xu Ning, have you ever seen her practice martial arts?"

"That's true. Huh, what powerful sword energy!"

Su Xiling had just responded when she suddenly exclaimed in surprise.

Following her gaze, the one who unleashed the sword energy was Xue Jin, the leader of the Thirteen Sword Sect.

Xue Jin's sword strike left a five-zhang-long gash on the snowy ground. After unleashing this blow, he knelt down, somewhat exhausted.

The twelve disciples surrounding him immediately gathered around, all very excited.

"What domineering sword energy, Senior Brother Xue, you succeeded!"

"This Heavenly Net Sword Formation is indeed exquisite. We are the void, and you are the substance. Who could withstand such sword energy?"

"Senior Brother, you are truly amazing. We all started practicing swords on the same day, and let alone sword energy like this, I'd be overjoyed to even produce a trace of it."

"Yes, without Senior Brother, the sword formation we perform is simply a joke."

As the disciples discussed, Xue Jin looked up, a wry smile on his face, but he was inwardly delighted.

The Primordial Scripture is truly incredible!

At this moment, he was filled with gratitude towards Li Qingqiu. Without the Primordial Scripture, his martial arts would be no stronger than any other junior brother or sister.

He slowly got up and said, "There's still time. Let's strive for everyone to produce sword energy before the New Year."

Jiang Zhaoxia had already told them that they would descend the mountain for training after the New Year, and everyone might face danger. Therefore, they were both excited and felt a sense of urgency.

In the distance.

Jiang Zhaoxia glanced at Xue Jin, secretly pleased. He had to admire Li Qingqiu once again.

The twelve people he chose did not satisfy him; instead, the disciples Li Qingqiu insisted on recommending brought him pleasant surprises.

He already considered Xue Jin a true disciple, knowing that the future achievements of Thirteen Sword's Li would depend on Xue Jin's martial arts prowess.

He closed his eyes again, continuing to ponder sword techniques.

Over the past two months, his sparring with Li Qingqiu had given him many ideas. He had created the Heavenly Net Sword Formation, but he felt it wasn't enough. He wanted to create more sword techniques for Qingxiao Sect, thereby establishing it as a Sword Sect.

Meanwhile.

Inside the Lingxiao Courtyard above the mountain gate, Li Qingqiu was listening to Zhang Yuchun recount matters from below the mountain.

As Qingxiao Sect's courtyards grew, the initial three courtyards were named Lingxiao Courtyard by Li Qingqiu. Ordinary disciples were forbidden from entering without permission, a rule insisted upon by Yang Jueding and Zhang Yu.

Some time ago, Zhang Yuchun, who had broken through to the Yangyuan Realm Second Layer, led people down the mountain again. However, this time he didn't bring the Qingxiao Seven Sons but other older disciples. On this trip, they recruited eight more disciples.

"The rebels in Guzhou have been pacified. I saw the imperial army in the county town; they are posting notices everywhere, vowing to eradicate the rebels completely. At the same time, they have also issued some disaster relief regulations. Senior Brother, it seems the world is about to enter an era of peace."

Zhang Yuchun was quite excited. Leaving Tai Kun Mountain Range, it was easy to encounter wars. Under such circumstances, most of the disciples he recruited were orphans, and the number of disciples was limited.

With peace in the world, he wouldn't have to worry about war. He could lead disciples to spread the word of Qingxiao Sect everywhere, and he was confident he could double the number of disciples.

Li Qingqiu listened while carving wood with the Flying Fish Blade.

"Senior Brother, currently, our animal husbandry, farmland, horse farms, fish ponds, and hunting grounds have all been put on the right track, but we still need manpower. The rebels have just been suppressed, but there are still many bandits and mountain thieves in various regions. I want Li Sifeng to lead people down the mountain to suppress the bandits and promote the fame of Qingxiao Sect, which will attract more people to join," Zhang Yuchun said earnestly.

Li Sifeng was already fifteen years old and would turn sixteen in half a year. He had already reached the Nourishing Yuan Realm Third Layer. Back then, Jiang Zhaoxia had already started killing enemies at his age.

Li Qingqiu said, "Have Cheng Canghai accompany him. Although Sifeng has gone out several times and experienced many things, he is still not fully grown."

"Cheng Canghai? That's fine. He has performed very well since joining. Then I'll let Man'er go with them too," Zhang Yuchun pondered.

Wu Man'er also had the cultivation of the Nourishing Yuan Realm Third Layer, but in terms of strength, Li Sifeng was no match for him.

Li Qingqiu said, "You arrange it. You can have them operate around Tai Kun Mountain Range first and return before the New Year."

"No problem!"

Upon receiving Li Qingqiu's approval, Zhang Yuchun immediately got up to make arrangements.

"Wait, have them bring Bai Ninger along," Li Qingqiu suddenly said.

Zhang Yuchun was surprised and turned his head to ask, "Is that the disciple who is quite close to Miss Su?"

He didn't have a deep impression of Bai Ninger, but he paid considerable attention to Zhu Yan and Su Xiling.

"Yes, that's him."

Hearing Li Qingqiu's answer, although Zhang Yuchun was confused, he still nodded in agreement and then quickly left.

In fact, it was Li Sifeng who took the initiative to request to go down the mountain, so when Zhang Yuchun informed him that the Eldest Senior Brother had agreed, he was overjoyed.

That day, the two began selecting disciples and packing their belongings, then rushed down the mountain.

Li Sifeng, Wu Man'er, and Cheng Canghai led nine disciples down the mountain to eliminate bandits. This matter was privately discussed among the disciples within Qingxiao Sect. The disciples were very excited, all looking forward to the day when the sect would assign them such a mission.

Acting righteously was what the vast majority of martial artists yearned for; it allowed them to display their strength while accumulating a good reputation.

A month passed quickly. In the Lingxiao Courtyard, Li Qingqiu was feeding Yuan Li Thousand Spirit Fruits, while Li Dongyue stood on the eaves, gazing into the distance.

Heavy snow fell, and the world was vast and bleak. The flying snow melted as it approached her.

Li Qingqiu smiled when he saw Yuan Li proactively holding the Thousand Spirit Fruit. He then looked at Li Dongyue and asked, "Junior Sister, come down. They won't be in any trouble."

Li Dongyue turned to look at him, her brows furrowed. "Tomorrow is the New Year, and there is less than an hour until night. If they haven't returned, should we go down the mountain to look for them?"

Just as Li Qingqiu was about to answer, he suddenly sensed something. He turned his head to look into the distance and said, "They're back."

Upon hearing this, Li Dongyue was overjoyed. She didn't doubt Li Qingqiu's words. She leaped up, vaulted over the courtyard wall, and rushed towards the mountain gate.

Li Qingqiu did not get up. He turned his head to watch Yuan Li eat the Thousand Spirit Fruit.

Yuan Li sat on a small stool, holding the Thousand Spirit Fruit in both hands, very well-behaved.

After a while, a clamor could be heard. Li Sifeng was the first to run into the courtyard. His robes were slightly torn, but he was full of spirit.

He came to Li Qingqiu's side, grabbed Li Qingqiu's arm, and said proudly, "Eldest Senior Brother, come quickly and see our haul! You absolutely wouldn't guess!"

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