Xu Qingtong handed Duoduo two materials from fifth-tier demon beasts.
"Duoduo, neither you nor your senior brother has a defensive spirit artifact. These two materials could have been refined into treasures. I'm giving them to you now. Refine them into spirit artifacts, give one to your senior brother, and keep one for yourself."
"Master, wouldn't that be too wasteful?" Duoduo asked.
"Compared to your safety, these materials are nothing. I have plenty more!" Xu Qingtong said.
"Oh, then I'll head back!"
After sending Duoduo off, Xu Qingtong was just about to sort through his gains from the Black Tortoise Secret Realm when he received a voice transmission from Sect Master Shen Haotian, asking him to come to Cloudwater Retreat.
Xu Qingtong could only leave his cave abode and head straight for Cloudwater Retreat.
"Oh! Isn't this my dear little brother Qingtong? When did you get back? Why didn't you come sit with your big sister?"
Xu Qingtong turned to look. It was Wang Yuning, deputy hall master of the Internal Affairs Hall.
"Ah, Deputy Hall Master Wang. My respects!" Xu Qingtong said, hastily cupping his fist toward Wang Yuning.
"Brother Qingtong, how did your mission go?"
"Thank you for your concern. It went fairly smoothly!" Xu Qingtong said.
"Oh, have you heard? After Dongfang Hui of the Jade Sound Pavilion returned from the Wuji Sect, her master confined her. Apparently, she won't be allowed out until she reaches the Nascent Soul realm!"
"Fairy Wang, the Sect Master has summoned me on some business. Could we talk when I return?" Xu Qingtong asked.
"Oh! You have something to do! Then go about your business. Come see your big sister when you have time, and we'll talk!" With that, Wang Yuning walked away, swaying like a flowering branch trembling in the breeze.