Before long, a visitor arrived.
The stone door opened, and a woman in a pale blue long dress stepped inside, carrying a bamboo basket. Her hair was arranged in elegant cloud-shaped buns, her figure full and graceful—rounded curves at her chest and hips like a ripened peach.
Even Wu Tian froze for a moment before realizing—
It was Aunt Wu.
Today, she was clearly dressed with care. Her clothes were freshly changed, her hair neatly arranged, and the usual smell of smoke and oil was gone. Though no longer young, she still carried a mature, captivating charm.
"Hahaha! Junior Sister Wu, it's been a long time since I've seen you looking so radiant," Man Xiong said with a laugh as he welcomed her inside and personally poured her a cup of bitter bamboo tea."When you first entered the sect, who knows how many disciples were competing for your attention."
"Decades pass in the blink of an eye. I'm already growing old, yet Junior Sister still carries such elegance."
"You flatter me, Senior Brother," Wu Lian replied calmly.
She knew her own spiritual roots were mediocre. Her path had long been set—no hope of forging a cauldron. All her expectations were now placed on her daughter.
"A physical appearance is nothing more than an external shell," she said softly."We cultivate the Path of Beasts and Yin Souls. Taking the forms of birds and beasts is commonplace—what difference is there between human skin and animal hide?"
"Not to mention that the sect master's direct disciples are said to cultivate human forms. Second Senior Sister practices the Eighteen Beauties Form, while Eldest Senior Brother cultivates the Twenty-Eight Aspects."
"I've spent decades in the Nurturing Qi Realm without reaching completion. How could I compare to you, Senior Brother—having successfully forged a cauldron and entered the Refining Law Realm, with the Great Dao finally within reach?"
Her words were sincere—true to her heart.
To cultivators, appearances meant nothing. Only higher realms mattered.
Nurturing Qi granted freedom from illness and a lifespan of a hundred years.Forging a cauldron allowed rebirth and three hundred years of life.Refining Law did not extend lifespan, but granted control over wind, fire, clouds, and lightning—true sorcerous power.If one could nurture a Dao Embryo, they would gain another three centuries.As for Primordial Spirit True Masters—legend spoke of one who lived eight hundred years.
Who wouldn't yearn for such longevity?
To know the path to immortality exists, yet be unable to walk it—this was the cruelest punishment of all.
A trace of sorrow flickered through Wu Lian's heart, but she quickly smiled again.
"Senior Brother, during my free time I made some Osmanthus Cakes. They're not rare treasures, but they do nourish body and spirit."
"I brought some for you to try."
Man Xiong knew well how difficult it was to make these cakes. The reason Wu Lian and her husband were allowed to remain at the mess hall was precisely because of this craft.
Osmanthus cakes used osmanthus flowers as the main ingredient, along with seventy-two auxiliary materials. The process was complex and the results rare.
They were beneficial to Nurturing Qi cultivators.
However, they were of little use to him now.
"Junior Sister, making these cakes is no easy task," Man Xiong said."Giving them to me is merely letting me taste something novel—it's a waste."
"Besides, while I was in seclusion, White Dragon was well cared for by you. If anything, I should be the one visiting to give thanks."
Though Man Xiong spoke politely, Wu Lian did not dare take it lightly.A Refining Law cultivator already qualified as an elder—especially in a sparsely populated lineage like Qiyun Cave. This man was all but confirmed as its future elder.
The gap in status was immense.
Wu Lian smiled and replied,"Senior Brother is too kind. I simply liked the little fellow. It was nothing more than an extra bowl of food—hardly worth thanks."
She then looked at Wu Tian and beckoned him over.
"You little rascal. A few days ago I saved some python meat for you, and you didn't even eat it—you just ran off."
"What? Now that you've become a spirit creature, you don't recognize me anymore?"
Her tone carried a hint of reproach.
Remembering her past kindness, Wu Tian stepped forward.
Wu Lian hugged him into her arms—warm and soft, far more generous than a young girl's embrace.
Holding him with one arm, she reached into her sleeve with the other and took out a thumb-sized piece of green stone.
"This is a Wind-Chiming Stone from Fire Crow Cave," she said."It has a slight ability to gather wind essence. Xia'er knew I was coming and insisted I bring it to you."
Wu Tian stared at the stone, falling silent.
After some casual conversation, Wu Lian gently stroked his snow-white fur and finally spoke directly.
"Senior Brother, besides visiting White Dragon, I also wanted to ask—do you still have any Yin Soul Silk?"
"I'm preparing to refine a Wind-Fire Whip for Xia'er, but I'm still short."
Her relationship with Man Xiong wasn't close. Beating around the bush would only be annoying.
Man Xiong asked,"How much do you need?"
"Just two strands, each three feet long," Wu Lian said, adjusting her hair."I can exchange merit points for them."
Man Xiong pondered for a moment.
"Most of my Yin Soul Silk was used to refine artifacts. I don't have much left."
"Is it urgent?"
Wu Lian waved her hand."It's only preparation. She just entered the Nurturing Qi Realm and hasn't begun circulating Qi yet. As long as it's ready within a year or so, that's enough."
Man Xiong smiled.
"In that case, I have an idea. I was planning to pass the Qiyun Cave methods to White Dragon anyway. Why not let him help Xia'er extract the silk?"
"It'll temper his mantras and help you at the same time."
"As for merit points—no need. If you and your family are on good terms with him, just take care of him for me."
His words were clearly meant for Wu Tian's future.
Wu Xia'er had completed Foundation Establishment in three years and entered Fire Crow Cave—her aptitude was indeed respectable. If Wu Tian formed ties with her, it would give him support within the sect.
Wu Lian's eyes flickered.
She had always thought Man Xiong kept White Dragon merely as cultivation material—something to be skinned and refined when the time came.
She hadn't expected him to teach him cultivation methods.
This changed everything.
She gently patted Wu Tian's head and smiled.
"You really are a lucky little fellow—to be valued by Senior Brother and taught cultivation."
"If you can one day shed your beast body, you might even become a protector of Qiyun Cave."
"Well? Are you willing to help Xia'er refine some Yin Soul Silk?"
Wu Tian hesitated briefly, then nodded.
He owed Wu Lian and Wu Xia'er kindness.A little Yin Soul Silk was enough to settle that bond.
As for Huang the Fatty—
That debt would be settled another day.
"Then it's settled," Man Xiong said with a smile.
"Xia'er is only eight this year, right? Completing Foundation Establishment in just three years—she may very well reach the Refining Law Realm in the future!"
"Haha, may your words come true, Senior Brother. I only hope that girl can cultivate diligently like you and one day glimpse the Great Dao…"
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Wu Lian stood and took her leave.
After she departed, Wu Tian circulated his Qi and activated the transmission talisman.
"Master Man Xiong… could you stay in the cave for a few more days before going down the mountain?"
"These past two days, I've sensed danger approaching. Especially today—when you mentioned leaving, my heart started racing, as if a great calamity were imminent."
Man Xiong's expression immediately turned solemn.
White dogs of the village were known for sensing danger.Now that White Dragon had become a spirit creature, such instincts would only be stronger.
If he said danger was coming—
It was unlikely to be empty talk.
(End of Chapter)