Chen Shuangbai originally had only the aptitude of a second-class student, and it was only under the influence of the [ Dao Fruit ] that he acquired the Spirit Root aptitude.
Such talent is considered average.
It is naturally much faster than those with third-grade aptitude, but much slower than those with first-grade geniuses.
In the cultivation world, cultivators with such aptitude are often neither outstanding nor beneath their station.
But ever since he condensed that First Month Divine Manifestation, everything has changed.
As soon as the First Month Divine Manifestation solidified, it was as if two versions of Chen Shuangbai were cultivating.
Such achievements are naturally much faster than before... even somewhat unbelievable.
Even though she left the blessed land of the Jade Spring Sect, which was full of spiritual energy, Chen Shuangbai's cultivation speed did not fall behind at all, and was even faster than before.
That night.
The sky was clear and the air was crisp, without a single cloud in the sky.
A crescent moon hung in the sky, casting its boundless light upon the earth.
The Moon Lord Divine Manifestation, with a dragon's head and a human body, silently appeared behind Chen Shuangbai. He lightly tapped the blue jade tablet in his hand towards the night sky a few times, and the moonlight rippled like water.
Chen Shuangbai released the illuminating Law Power he had cultivated using the " Moon-Worshipping Clear Illumination Method," which swirled around his body like smoke and mist, with twelve moon phases seemingly rotating within it before finally settling on the First Month.
Buzz!
A soft chirp.
The vital energy of water and wood gathered in the bamboo forest moved without wind, slowly converging into the Listening to the Waves Pavilion.
But that's still not enough.
Chen Shuangbai's need for Spiritual Qi is much greater than before.
He took out the pills that aided his cultivation, and also took out the remaining Water Moon Jade Crystal that had already had their moonlight absorbed by the [ Dao Fruit ]. He let Zou Yue Shen Xiang behind him touch the First Month Divine Manifestation in his hand, melting it into streams of pure essence.
The First Month Divine Manifestation aided in cultivation, filling the pavilion with light that converged on the handsome and dashing Daoist in the center, flowing into his body through his mouth and nose...
The next day.
Chen Shuangbai attended the banquet as promised.
The Azure Flood Dragon Society's banquet for Chen Shuangbai was held not within the county, but outside the county.
Continue upstream from the ferry crossing for about three miles, and you'll find a place that dips into the land, resembling a small bay.
There is a simple and elegant mountain villa here.
The villa is built by the water and has the style of a Jiangnan water town. It used to be the private property of a wealthy family in Wind Howling County, but the Azure Flood Dragon Society swallowed it up by some unknown means.
As Chen Shuangbai descended from the sky, servants stood guard outside the door and respectfully ushered her inside.
"Governor, my master has instructed us to stand guard here long ago. Please, sir, do me the honor of entering."
Chen Shuangbai remained noncommittal.
Not long after.
Chen Shuangbai was ushered into the lakeside pavilion in the manor by the servant. Inside, there were two maids dressed scantily. When they poured tea and bowed, large swathes of their cleavage were exposed, revealing their ill intentions.
Chen Shuangbai pretended not to see it, and smiled as she looked at the handsome young man in front of her.
"I remember the invitation was signed by Master Bai... How come it's now called Second Master Bai?"
Bai Xiuyuan smiled and said, "To be honest, I used my brother's name to arrange this meeting with the garrison commander. I hope you will understand."
Chen Shuangbai raised an eyebrow slightly and asked, "What is the purpose of Second Master Bai's actions?"
Bai Xiuyuan's face was full of smiles, True Intention and earnest. He looked at Chen Shuangbai as if he were looking at an old friend he hadn't seen for many years, and even personally poured wine for her. "Governor Chen, I'm so grateful that you're so forgiving. Then I'll get straight to the point."
"The conflict between you and my elder brother is not irreconcilable, but my brother is too shy to apologize. He wants to apologize, but he can't bring himself to do so. Only I, as his younger brother, can apologize to you on his behalf."
Chen Shuangbai raised her hand, stopping Bai Xiuyuan continuing.
"An apology is unnecessary. The invitation stated that your Azure Flood Dragon Society willing to submit. If that's true, then please do as you say and hand over the ferry crossing. When my senior brother from the Evil Hunting Hall arrives, perhaps he can spare your lives."
That's quite a blunt statement.
It could even be described as bossy and domineering.
Bai Xiuyuan cursed inwardly, almost unable to suppress his killing intent.
He forcibly suppressed his anger and murderous intent, put on a respectful smile, and hunched his body slightly, giving off an expression that said, "You're right."
You mean...?
" Wind Howling Ford is your clan's territory. We did make a mistake before, but now we realize our error and are willing to submit. We beg Garrison Commander Chen to show mercy and spare our lives."
Chen Shuangbai looked at Bai Xiuyuan's "obsequious" appearance, her expression unchanged, but she became increasingly wary.
The Bai Xiuyuan Nengren and the more respectful he was, the greater his ambitions must have been, which also suggests that a vast and inescapable trap had probably already been laid within the lakeside manor.
The other party's current submissive demeanor was merely a smokescreen to lower his guard.
"No problem."
Chen Shuangbai still had a smile on her face, and lifted the other person's hunched hand, staging an unconventional scene of brotherly affection.
"If you realize your mistake and turn back, then everything is fine."
Bai Xiuyuan was overjoyed, thinking that Chen Shuangbai had been bewitched by him, and his face immediately showed a grateful expression.
"The garrison commander is broad-minded and a true cultivator of the Way; we are far inferior to him."
"Governor, this is Azure Wave Spirit Wine, which has countless benefits for cultivation. I toast you!"
Bai Xiuyuan held the jade wine cup with both hands, his face full of eager smiles, but a barely perceptible expectation flashed deep in his eyes.
Chen Shuangbai's gaze fell on the clear, emerald-green wine. There was indeed a fragrant aroma of wine between his nose and mouth; it was a rare and exquisite wine.
But he knew that something must have been placed inside.
Bai Xiuyuan Chen Shuangbai wasn't in a hurry. He took the lead, tilted his head back, and drank the wine in his cup in one gulp. He even showed Chen Shuangbai his empty cup to indicate that the wine was not poisoned.
"Commander Chen, my brother and I have sincerely submitted. Are you not even going to grant us this small favor?"
As he spoke, a hint of anger appeared on Bai Xiuyuan's face, clearly indicating that he was somewhat upset.
But Chen Shuangbai just watched him quietly.
Immediately, Bai Xiuyuan heard the young man in front of him chuckle softly and say this.
"Compared to your elder brother, Bai Xiuyuan... you certainly lack shrewdness."
"Are you in such a hurry because you really want everyone to not know you've poisoned it?"
Bai Xiuyuan's feigned anger froze for a moment, but he still said, "Governor Chen, what do you mean by this...? My Azure Flood Dragon Society the intention to submit, is this how you treat people?"
The smile on Chen Shuangbai's face faded, and her eyes became deep and unfathomable, like a cold pool.
"Stubborn and incorrigible."
That's all.
Chen Shuangbai raised his left hand, spun around, and disappeared from the spot. In his place were three arrows, which were deeply embedded in the ground of the pavilion, almost piercing it through and corroding a large pit.
Chen Shuangbai's figure appeared on the courtyard wall not far away, with the Flame Shadow Space-Escape Flag hanging beside her.
Upon seeing Bai Xiuyuan's face turned completely gloomy.
"Charge!"