When Bao Qingping saw Xu Qingtong take out the Talent Recruitment Order, understanding dawned on his face. "So you have a Talent Recruitment Order, Senior! That makes things easy!"
He paused briefly, then continued, "Please put your spirit stones away, Senior. If all you want is for me to come here and check on Duoduo, there's no need for spirit stones. The girl is so lovable that I'd come by often even if you hadn't asked!"
Xu Qingtong said, "I've taught Duoduo talisman crafting, and she's perfectly capable of supporting herself now! But she's still young, and I'm afraid someone wicked might scheme against her. That's why I'm asking you to look after her, fellow Daoist!"
Bao Qingping could hardly believe that Duoduo could craft talismans. Only after watching her draw a Fireball Talisman with his own eyes did he say, "Rest assured, Senior. As long as I'm in Zhonglü City, I won't let anyone bully Duoduo!"
The next day, before dawn, Xu Qingtong quietly rose and left the courtyard.
Juxian Academy was not inside Zhonglü City, but on Tianhua Mountain, thirty li east of the city.
Xu Qingtong left through the East Gate, summoned the Cloud-Howling Sword, and flew unhurriedly toward Tianhua Mountain.
Before long, he reached the foot of Tianhua Mountain. Looking up, he saw that the academy had been built along the mountainside, its buildings packed like fish scales and comb teeth from bottom to top. There were at least a thousand of them.
At the foot of the mountain stood an enormous ceremonial arch, inlaid with the large characters for "Juxian Academy." Their strokes were vigorous and forceful, their presence majestic.
Beyond the arch stood a wall four or five zhang high, built along the contours of the mountain. In its center was an enormous stone