16: Chapter 16 Liu Qingxu of the Cloud Mist Sect

In the blink of an eye, Li Xiue's baby bump became visible, and her figure grew more curvaceous.

Xu Changkun's cultivation did not fall behind either.

[Name: Xu Changkun]

[Age: 83]

[Lifespan: 55]

[Spiritual Root: White]

[Cultivation: Fifth Level of Qi Refinement]

[Alchemy: Novice]

[Techniques: Yin-Yang Guidance Technique (Intermediate), Lesser Cloud and Rain Art (Not yet learned)]

[Wives and Concubines: 3]

[Children: 0]

"My lifespan has increased to fifty-five years, and I look quite a bit younger."

Xu Changkun stroked his chin; his eyes were bright and spirited, no longer showing the decrepitude of his former self.

His gaze fell upon the Lesser Cloud and Rain Art: "It's time to find some spirit herbs and try planting them."

The next day, Xu Changkun headed to Qinghe Town to gather information.

Manager Zhou was busy checking the accounts and hurriedly stood up. "Brother Changkun! You’ve finally arrived! My stock of pills has nearly run dry these past few days, and many distinguished guests are waiting."

Xu Changkun understood and asked, "Has there been any other news?"

"A female cultivator came by a few days ago," Manager Zhou said with a look of awe. "She specifically asked for peiyuan pills, praised their excellent quality, and asked who the alchemist was."

Just then, a shop assistant came in to report, "Manager, that fairy has returned."

Xu Changkun nodded. "Please invite her in."

A moment later, a woman stepped into the back hall.

She appeared to be about twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, with a pure and beautiful face. Her dark hair was elegantly tied up, her figure was slender, and her simple robes further highlighted her refined and ethereal air.

Xu Changkun quietly activated the system's detection, and a green light immediately appeared above the woman's head.

The woman's gaze swept over Manager Zhou and rested on Xu Changkun, to whom she gave a slight nod.

"This is..."

Manager Zhou quickly introduced them. "This is the refiner of the peiyuan pills, Xu Changkun. Brother Changkun, this is Fairy Senior Sister Liu Qingxu of the Yunxia Sect."

Xu Changkun stood up and cupped his hands. "I have long heard of you. I am Xu Changkun, a mere rogue cultivator."

Liu Qingxu returned the gesture. "Fellow Daoist, you are too modest. Since you can refine peiyuan pills, it is clear your skill in alchemy is exceptional. Why do you choose to reside in such a place?"

"I merely happened upon a pill formula; it cannot compare to the orthodox teachings of your sect, Fairy."

Liu Qingxu nodded and said, "Life as a rogue cultivator is not easy. If you are interested, you may come to the sect in the future to exchange insights on alchemy."

"I am under orders from my master to find a few types of spirit herbs. I heard that low-grade spirit herbs occasionally appear in the Luoxia Mountain Range. Do you know anything about this, Fellow Daoist Xu?"

Hearing news of spirit herbs, Xu Changkun felt a secret joy, but his expression remained unchanged.

"I have heard a bit. However, demonic beasts roam the depths of the mountain range. My cultivation is low, so I have never ventured deep inside."

"I need jade marrow lingzhi and dew condensing grass. If you enter the mountains, please keep an eye out. If you find any, I am willing to exchange spirit stones for them."

The two spoke for a while. Upon her departure, Senior Sister Liu Qingxu, intending to recruit him, left behind a jade slip.

"If there is an opportunity in the future, you can use this to find me at the Yunxia Sect." Having said that, she cupped her hands and departed.

Manager Zhou wiped his sweat and said, "This Fairy Liu has an extraordinary presence."

Xu Changkun remained noncommittal and turned to ask, "Old Zhou, what do you know about the Luoxia Mountain Range?"

Manager Zhou shook his head. "Ordinary people only wander the outskirts at most. There are fierce beasts in the depths, so people don't dare to go there lightly."

"That girl Xiaoyun used to go into the mountains a few times with her grandfather; she recognizes many medicinal herbs."

Xu Changkun said as if casually, "Miss Xiaoyun should be eighteen this year, right? Is she betrothed to anyone?"

Manager Zhou was stunned for a moment, then proceeded to refill Xu Changkun's tea.

"Brother Changkun, to tell you the truth..."

"Xiaoyun has loved tinkering with medicinal herbs since she was a child. It's not that there haven't been marriage proposals, but she... sigh."

He stole a glance at Xu Changkun. "Ever since you started coming to the shop frequently, though she doesn't say it, that girl Xiaoyun... admires you very much."

"I, Zhou, am being thick-skinned here, but if you don't find Xiaoyun too plain, could you... take her into your household? My Jishitang Pharmacy could then rightfully rely on you in the future... Of course, it all depends on your wishes!"

Having finished, he looked at Xu Changkun nervously.

Xu Changkun picked up his teacup and sipped slowly.

Thinking of the girl who always quietly handed him medicine—green aptitude—she was indeed a good candidate.

Xu Changkun smiled slightly. "Miss Xiaoyun is both intelligent and kind-hearted. If she is willing, I shall marry her properly and certainly will not wrong her."

Manager Zhou was overjoyed. "She's willing! She's definitely willing!"

Just as he spoke, the door curtain rustled, and Zhou Xiaoyun walked in carrying tea and snacks.

She had clearly overheard some of it outside; her pretty face was now flushed crimson, and she kept her head down, not daring to look at anyone.

"Father... Un—Uncle Xu..." Her voice was as faint as a mosquito's buzz.

Xu Changkun said gently, "Miss Xiaoyun, regarding what I just said to your father, are you willing?"

Zhou Xiaoyun lowered her head even further, even her neck turning pink.

She twisted the corner of her clothes. "It's all up to... all up to Father and Uncle Xu to decide." After saying that, she turned and ran out as if fleeing.

Manager Zhou smiled so broadly his eyes were nearly closed. "The child is shy! Brother Changkun, you see..."

"In that case, let us choose an auspicious day."

"However, before that, I wish to visit the Luoxia Mountain Range. Since Xiaoyun recognizes medicinal herbs, I wonder if she would be willing to accompany me?"

Manager Zhou was quick to agree. "It is her blessing to be able to help you!"