Medicine Puppet

The flying boat sped rapidly, quickly arriving at the Spirit Cuisine Hall.

A large number of Disciples swarmed out, and it was unclear if Li Yan had recognized the two of them.

At Wang Longzhi’s suggestion, the tokens were hung at their waists, and by this method, they indeed avoided many unnecessary troubles.

When the crowd saw the dark green tokens, they consciously moved aside, fearing they might incur the two’s displeasure.

Of course, there was no lack of bold Senior Sisters and Junior Sisters; they were very proactive with these Geniuses, and throwing themselves into their arms was just a very common minor matter.

During this time, Li Tan and Wang Longzhi were approached by countless beautiful Senior Sisters and Junior Sisters seeking to befriend them.

The methods of befriending were varied and diverse: frankness, subtle hints, and even revealing their vulnerable side… attempting to ignite the male chauvinism in the two men’s hearts.

Every time he encountered such a situation, Wang Longzhi would blush deeply, stammering for a long time without making a sound.

There was no need to wait in the long queue; the two were like harbingers of doom, wherever they went… the crowd would scatter and flee.

A low-level Disciple looked at the large piece of meat on Li Tan’s plate, then looked at his own plate.

It was the size of a fist, not an inch more, and it was the result of much pleading on his part.

"Wang Longzhi, what kind of Yao Beast meat is this? The bones are long and slender, the skin is thin, the meat is solid, and there’s even very little fat."

Li Tan’s eyes were full of surprise; even though he had read many books, he didn’t know what was before him.

Wang Longzhi frowned and said softly:

"The Meridians are long and thin, and the bones are very fragile; they break with a snap, and there are even tiny green scales hidden within the flesh and blood."

"No matter from what angle, this Yao Beast’s Physique must not be large, and its body should also be very weak, easily hunted and killed by Cultivators."

To prove his theory, Wang Longzhi used both hands to snap it.

"Crack…"

Sure enough, it broke with a snap.

Green liquid was mixed in at the bone’s fracture, and the fluctuation of Spiritual Qi could faintly be perceived.

"This is truly strange; I clearly didn’t use even one-tenth of my strength, yet this bone is so fragile."

While the two were greatly puzzled, a sweet-looking young girl walked towards them.

She naturally sat beside Li Tan, blinking her big eyes as if greeting him.

Wang Longzhi, who was usually fearless, dared not look directly at the delicate young girl at this moment, his comical appearance quite amusing.

Li Tan spoke first:

"Miss, may I ask if you are here to make an acquaintance?"

Seeing Wang Longzhi’s flushed Face, the young girl chuckled softly, looking enchanting.

She said somewhat slyly: "Two distinguished high-level Disciples, allow me to introduce myself; my name is Mu Xinling."

"Ordinary acquaintances would surely not enter your Dharma Eye, so I have come with sincerity this time."

"Oh? What do you mean, Miss?"

Such a unique girl brightened Li Tan’s eyes, and his heart was filled with strong interest in her.

Mu Xinling slowly said:

"The meat on the plate comes from a medicinal puppet, containing a large amount of Spiritual Qi; frequent consumption is very beneficial for Cultivation."

"It also has many other uses, such as strengthening the Physique, healing injuries, serving as Materials…"

"And this piece of medicinal puppet meat on your plate, which is the size of a human head, has a Cultivation of up to Qi Refinement fifth layer; it must be because of your noble status that the person in charge of the Spirit Cuisine Hall is willing to give you Face."

Li Tan listened, deep in thought.

This medicinal puppet could not only enhance a Cultivator’s own abilities but also be used as Materials, so its value would surely not be low.

It was just unclear whether this medicinal puppet belonged to a Yao Beast or a spiritual plant.

And the most important point! Why was Mu Xinling approaching him, and for what purpose?

After much consideration, Li Tan decided to take the initiative: "Miss Mu, how do you know so much about this medicinal puppet?"

"Could it be that you have had contact with it in the past?"

Mu Xinling said casually: "To be honest, Senior Brother, this Junior Sister has apprenticed under an Elder skilled in refining Talismans, and this medicinal puppet happens to be a Material required for refining Talismans."

"I presume Senior Brother is still unaware of the true nature of this medicinal puppet, so this Junior Sister took the liberty of speaking."

"The preciousness of this medicinal puppet is linked to its Cultivation; the least valuable ones are those cultivated from Mortals, and then there are those cultivated from Cultivators."

"I occasionally heard Revered Master mention that this medicinal puppet can reach up to Foundation Establishment ninth layer! As for the cultivation method, it is controlled by the high-ranking officials within the Sect."

Li Tan suddenly realized.

He had previously naively thought that this medicinal puppet was a Yao Beast or a spiritual plant; this was clearly a living person!

Even Cultivators could not escape being refined into medicinal puppets, even Foundation Establishment grand experts!

Li Tan stared into Mu Xinling’s eyes and said with a somewhat serious tone: "Miss Mu, I, Tan, thank you here; you are one of the most special girls I have ever met."

Li Tan’s firm gaze and misleading words made Mu Xinling’s heart flutter.

Being in a period of innocent awakening, it was natural to develop some fondness for interesting members of the opposite sex around her.

Of course, these vague feelings were not love…

Mu Xinling shyly lowered her head, and after a long while, managed to squeeze out: "Senior Brother Tan, you are also very special."

"Me?"

Li Tan was full of confusion and couldn’t help but ask.

Mu Xinling realized she had said something wrong and was even more ashamed, her Face flushing red.

Before she decided to befriend the two, she had considered all possible sudden situations and had privately rehearsed them countless times.

This allowed her to sit calmly beside Li Tan, but unforeseen circumstances always arise.

Just a thoughtless remark from Li Tan disrupted all her planned routes.

Sensing the awkward atmosphere, Wang Longzhi squinted his eyes, secretly observing the scene outside, and seeing Mu Xinling in a similar state to himself, he secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Then, he mustered his courage and boldly revealed his entire Face, where a faint blush could still be vaguely seen.

He had intended to say hello, but unexpectedly, his gaze met Mu Xinling’s.

Instantly, Wang Longzhi felt his Face and ears flush, his mind went blank, and the courage he had built up for so long deflated like a punctured ball.

He hid behind Li Tan, unwilling to show his Face for a long time.

Li Tan said softly:

"Miss Mu, this is my communication stone; regarding knowledge of Talismans, I may have to trouble you in the future."

Mu Xinling accepted the communication stone with a smile on her Face; they had now officially become acquainted.

The communication stones came in a pair, one large and one small, corresponding to parent and child, allowing for mutual sensing, and their price was fair; Cultivators usually carried several spares.

As for the knowledge of Talismans, this was not something Li Tan was speaking idly about, but indeed true.

Earlier this morning, Xu Yan had informed everyone that they would be learning about Talismans, which served as a kind of preventative measure.

It wouldn’t be long before they would have to attempt drawing Talismans for the first time.

He had already fallen behind in the Dao of the Sword, so he naturally couldn’t be indifferent to Talismans; it would certainly be good to gain Revered Master’s favor.

"When Young Master Tan needs me, this Junior Sister will certainly make time from her busy schedule to answer your questions."

"Calling me Young Master Tan is too formal, Miss Mu; if you don’t mind, just call me Brother Tan."

...