Bai Jinge's Guard Came Looking

"Yes," Pan Ming replied respectfully. "Miss Bai, rest assured, I know what to do."

He took out a Formation Plate, which was dark blue-black in color and engraved with fine silver array patterns.

Pan Ming handed the Formation Plate to Song Wen, saying something along the way.

"Bamboo-Hidden Ravine has been vacant and unguarded for many years. To prevent rogue Rogue Cultivator from taking over its nest, the sect has set up the 'Grand Void Sealing Heaven Restriction Formation.' This array is a first-grade immortal-level array, effective in defending against and sealing off the dissipation of Immortal Spiritual Qi. It uses the Immortal Spiritual Qi emanating from the Earth Veins in Bamboo-Hidden Ravine as its energy source to maintain the array's operation."

"However, since the great formation is ultimately unattended, its protective range is limited, only covering an area of about two thousand miles around the core of Bamboo-Hidden Ravine. The outer areas of Bamboo-Hidden Ravine have been neglected for many years and are mostly abandoned."

"Every few years, the sect sends out people to patrol these unoccupied Grotto-Heaven and Blessed Land. According to the results of previous patrols, there should be Rogue Cultivator entrenched in the outer area of Bamboo-Hidden Ravine, but they are quite cunning and probably have some spies within the sect. Whenever the patrol envoys arrive, they have already fled in advance, thus saving their lives."

"Extreme Yin, now that you've rented Bamboo-Hidden Ravine, you'll inevitably face that Rogue Cultivator. If you're outmatched, you can temporarily avoid his advance using the 'Grand Void Sealing Heaven Restriction Formation' and then seek help from the External Affairs Hall. Rest assured, the External Affairs Hall will not stand idly by."

"And this Formation Plate is the control Formation Plate of the 'Grand Void Sealing Heaven Restriction Formation'."

After Pan Ming finished speaking, he handed the Formation Plate to Song Wen.

"Fellow Daoist Pan, thank you for the reminder." Song Wen took the Formation Plate and handed over a Storage Bag. "Here are ten thousand Low-grade Immortal Spirit Stones. Use them to pay ten years' rent for Bamboo-Hidden Ravine."

"Okay." Pan Ming took the Storage Bag.

Bai Jinge got up and walked out of the room.

"Extreme Yin, now that the matter is settled, we should be leaving."

Pan Ming hurriedly said, "Miss Bai, please stay a little longer so I can do my best to be a good host."

"No need. You're still on duty, so just focus on your post," Bai Jinge refused.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Song Wen and Bai Jinge left.

But as soon as the two stepped out of the pavilion and took off, a figure sped towards them.

The newcomer was a woman with Late Lingxu Dao Immortal Stage cultivation; she went straight for Bai Jinge.

"Miss, we've finally found you."

"Elder Hu, what brings you here?" Bai Jinge asked.

"Where have you been these past few days? Why haven't you replied to any of my messages?" the woman said. "If I can't find you soon, I'll have to report this to the sect leader."

A hint of guilt flashed in Bai Jinge's eyes, but she quickly regained her composure.

"Uh... maybe I didn't notice the activity on the Message Jade Slip. I've been staying at the sect lately, only occasionally strolling around Central Mu City, and haven't gone out at all."

The woman was clearly annoyed, but she controlled her emotions and spoke kindly.

"Miss Bai, even if you're just strolling Central Mu City, you have to invite me along. What if something unexpected happens? How am I supposed to explain this to the Sect Master?"

"What kind of accident could happen in Central Mu City!" Bai Jinge knew her behavior was inappropriate, but she could only grit her teeth and continue, "Besides, I'm alive and well, aren't I!"

The woman was somewhat helpless and could only let out a sigh.

Her gaze shifted to Song Wen beside Bai Jinge, and her expression instantly became alert.

Who is this?

Bai Jinge said, "I almost forgot to introduce you. This is Extreme Yin, a friend of mine for many years. This is Hu Rui, a guard my father arranged for me; she is Outer Sect Elder of the sect."

Hu Rui's vigilance did not diminish because of Bai Jinge's words; her sharp eyes continued to scrutinize Song Wen from head to toe.

"So it's you, Fellow Daoist Extreme Yin... May I ask where you cultivate? Why have I never seen you before, and why do you look so unfamiliar?"

Before Song Wen could speak, Bai Jinge spoke up first to defend him.

"Extreme Yin is Rogue Cultivator who just arrived in Central Mu City and hasn't cultivated in this area before. Elder Hu, you naturally haven't seen him before."

"Oh? I see." Hu Rui clearly wasn't going to give up easily, and pressed on, "It's just... introducing an identity, why didn't you answer yourself, instead of having Miss Bai do it for you?"

Song Wen smiled faintly and clasped his hands in greeting.

"Greetings, Elder Hu. I am new here and hope you will take good care of me."

The doubt in Hu Rui's eyes had not subsided, and she wanted to ask her more questions.

But Bai Jinge said, "Alright, Elder Hu. I know you're worried about my safety, but Extreme Yin has been my friend for many years and has saved my life several times. He won't harm me."

At this point, Bai Jinge tossed out her identity token and added.

"Elder Hu, you've come at the right time. I urgently need some cultivation supplies. Please use my token to make a trip back to the sect to retrieve them."

Hu Rui took the token and asked.

"Miss Bai, what would you like to obtain?"

Bai Jinge said, "First, go to the Spirit Herb Hall and get several kinds of Immortal-Rank Spirit Medicine seeds, the more the better. They should be the spirit medicine that mature quickly in one or two hundred years. Then go to the Artifact Refining Hall and get a Heaven and Earth Treasure Hall. After that, go to the Treasure Hall and get Immortal-grade Spirit Tea, Meditation Cushion, Jade Couch, and other items to aid cultivation."

Hu Rui looked suspicious. "Miss, what do you need these things for? Are you dissatisfied with your current cave abode and planning to rebuild one?"

"Just do as I say, and don't ask any more questions," Bai Jinge said.

Hu Rui gripped the token tightly, her hand unconsciously tightening its hold.

"Miss, you're not planning to send me away again and leave on your own, are you?"

"Of course not," Bai Jinge said. "I will be heading to Central Mu City soon. Go quickly and come back to find me in the city."

"Please don't go back on your word, Miss." Hu Rui turned and left, quickly disappearing without a trace.

"Extreme Yin, let's go together and stroll around Central Mu City. We've never gone out for a walk together before."

After Bai Jinge finished speaking, he excitedly rushed towards the city.

Song Wen followed beside him, but deliberately maintained a suitable distance.

The two wandered around the city, buying nothing related to cultivation, only trivial items such as beautiful robes, strong spiritual wine, and sweet honey... but the cost was still considerable.

At Bai Jinge's insistence, she paid for all of these things, including the ten sets of Immortal-grade Daoist Robe she bought for Song Wen.

This made Song Wen feel like he was living off a woman.

But this feeling seems pretty good.