The two returned to Xu Qingtong's cave abode. As Xu Qingtong looked around the home he had not lived in for six years, he felt a trace of familiarity and warmth.
"That lad Xingzhi came by your cave abode every few days to check on it and tidy and clean it for you!"
Xu Qingtong nodded. Fu Xingzhi's character was beyond reproach; the boy was simply too wooden.
"Senior Sister, you've gotten thinner!" Looking at Du Siwen, Xu Qingtong suddenly remembered how he had nearly killed her during his Heart Tribulation. Guilt welled up unbidden, and he spoke in a low voice.
"Thinner? Where have I gotten thinner?" With that, she deliberately thrust out her chest.
Xu Qingtong blushed and hastily changed the subject. "Senior Sister, how has Lei Wei's cultivation progressed these past few years?"
"Him? Seeing me achieve Core Formation seemed to spur him on. He's been cultivating like mad every day, and he's now reached the Foundation Establishment Late Stage. He should be able to achieve Core Formation within ten years!"
"What about Sister Ruoling?"
"Ruo Ling's cultivation method is unusual, so she progresses rather slowly. She's only just reached the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage. Still, despite her low cultivation, her fighting strength is impressive. Even at the Foundation Establishment Late Stage, Lei Wei can't beat her!"
"And that disciple of yours might seem wooden, but he can endure hardship. He doesn't chase fame and just cultivates quietly. His foundation is extremely solid!" Du Siwen said. "My disciple Mei Xianghan can hardly last thirty exchanges against him, even when he doesn't use a magical artifact!"
Xu Qingtong suddenly remembered that Fu Xingzhi still had no magical artifact suited to him. He had promised to refine one for him but had never had the chance. This time, he