At this point, He Qing had already sensed that Yu Ci intended to go out, and found it rather strange. "You want to leave?"
"Yes. This disciple formed a Seed Golden Talisman in the Sword Garden, and his cultivation has improved somewhat. Now that there is also this opportunity at Star Picking Tower, I feel I should not spend all my time recovering from my injuries, but should seize the chance to advance further. Therefore, this disciple plans to visit Lingxiao Pavilion and seek instruction from Old Mr. Zhu."
Yu Ci's manner was thoroughly respectful, and his reasons were quite sufficient. Yet he was still not satisfied. With a smile, he added, "This disciple also found a sword embryo in the Sword Garden, along with the corresponding sword-forging method. I wish to use Starlight Stone to refine it, and I also intend to ask about this matter at the mountain gate."
The two matters he raised in succession were the best possible cover, leaving He Qing with no further suspicions. Instead, she was rather approving. "Sharpening the knife does not delay the chopping of firewood. You are right to do this. I hear Old Mr. Zhu passed the 'Flying Stars of the Heavens' technique on to you. It happens to complement the Xuan Yuan Gen Ben Qi Fa. As for sword forging, Senior Brother Lu returned with my group. You may go seek his help. I imagine he will be willing enough."
"Uncle-Master Lu returned as well?"
The man they meant was Lu De, who was exceptionally close to Yu Zhou. He was the foremost artifact-refining master within the sect. Together with Xie Yan, Xie Liang, and Daoist Qianbao, they formed a highly influential group within the sect, a force among the third-generation disciples that could not be overlooked.
He