Chapter 47

Lin Du felt that something was off.

As an formation master, why was she receiving so many challenge letters?

The cultivators in Zhong Zhou seemed excessively combative.

After rejecting three challenge letters, Lin Du sighed and turned to Xia Tianwu, “Can we spread the news that I only have a year left to live?”

“If you were only left with a year, the people seeking to challenge you would definitely be endless. Beating the number one talent before you die would give them bragging rights for a lifetime.”

Lin Du pondered for a moment, “Even if the victory isn’t earned through proper means? I’m a patient, after all.”

“You don’t look much like a patient when you’re in the secret realm,” Yan Qing remarked sincerely, “especially when you’re crushing the skulls of high-level cultivators.”

“That skull? It wasn’t as hard as Luo Ze’s ice surface,” Lin Du lazily adjusted her cloak. “Why hasn’t Senior Brother recovered yet? If we don’t head back soon, those who challenge us will really be lining up at the gates of Dingjiu City.”

Yan Qing politely accepted one of the challenge letters, his voice steady. “Whoever challenges someone on the Qing Yun or Chong Xiao Rankings, as long as the Heaven’s Will deems the match fair, the winner’s name will replace the challenged person’s name.”

“So, newcomers on each list will inevitably receive challenge letters; it’s almost a tradition in Zhong Zhou.”

“Almost no one in the Supreme Sect escapes receiving challenge letters.”

Lin Du was surprised. “Even my Fifth Senior Brother?”

“There was someone who waited at the base of our mountain for a hundred years just to duel with Uncle Jiang Liang in alchemy, hoping to replace him on the Chong Xiao Ranking.”

Lin Du asked, “And then?”

“That person never got the chance. Master never came down from the mountain for a hundred years, and they never saw a living soul.” Xia Tianwu added.

Lin Du smirked; she already knew.

The four of them, carrying a pile of challenge letters, boarded the spirit ship after the “parent-teacher conference,” paying no attention to the elder reading out the rankings and points list.

After all, their names were neatly listed at the top, and the Supreme Sect still held the first position in the sect rankings.

“So, how many challenge letters did Junior Uncle receive?”

Lin Du removed her cloak. “I don’t know. I’ve been refusing them all, claiming my illness prevents me from using my spiritual energy.”

Apart from the one stamped by Wu Xi while someone wasn’t paying attention, the rest weren’t pressuring her.

“Among us four, Yan Qing should have received the most.”

Yan Qing nodded helplessly. “I’m just a scholar, yet they insist on challenging me with fights.”

He said this while his mind moved, and a stack of challenge letters appeared in his hand, neatly arranged and varying in color and size, but stacked as thick as a brick.

Lin Du touched her chin and looked at Yuan Ye.

In a swift motion, the young man produced five challenge letters, shaking them like a fan. “Just five, nothing to fear.”

Most of his opponents were sound cultivators, engaged in literary battles rather than martial ones like Yan Qing.

“What about Jin Xuan?”

Ni Jin Xuan counted on her fingers. “Not too many, seven in total. One battle per month, and by July when the phoenix flowers bloom, it’ll be all done.”

Lin Du raised an eyebrow, noting that even the schedule was planned out. It seemed that the disciples of the Supreme Sect who were in seclusion really did so to avoid challenge letters.

The four of them reclined on their chairs, chatting casually while sorting through the herbs they had brought back.

“Does Junior Uncle need any herbs?” Ni Jin Xuan asked, sorting through her collected herbs and looking at Xia Tianwu.

Xia Tianwu glanced at them. “That one celestial-grade Stone Flower could be used to refine a pill for replenishing congenital deficiencies. The rest can be used, but their effects are minimal. You might as well keep them for yourself.”

“Aside from the 30% to be handed over to the sect, the rest should be given to Junior Uncle!” Ni Jin Xuan quickly decided.

Lin Du, who had been lazily leaning on the couch and scribbling, lifted her eyelids. “You can, but it’s not necessary. Keep it for yourself, or sell it at the sect’s consignment store for a high price and buy something beneficial for your cultivation.”

Although the sect lacked nothing, money wasn’t earned like this.

“But—”

“No buts. I, Lin Du, don’t like to owe anyone favors. If you want to give it to me, I can offer an equivalent exchange.”

“But I’m giving it to you willingly! No need for any return.” Ni Jin Xuan’s eyes widened in protest.

Lin Du put down her pen and sat up. “I know you’re not lacking, but the path of cultivation is long. Save some assets for yourself.”

“Today, Junior Uncle will teach you a saying: ‘A favor of a liter of rice can lead to enmity over a liter of rice.’”

She wasn’t sitting properly, one leg raised and the other still dangling, smiling on the outside but with a hint of melancholy in her eyes. “There’s another saying: ‘Great favor leads to great enmity.’”

“Your Junior Uncle doesn’t want to be your enemy, and I hope you don’t end up nurturing more enemies in the future.”

“Everyone has their fate. If Junior Uncle’s illness required you to steal sect treasures, would you still go against the sect rules?”

Initially, Ju Yuan, who hadn’t spoken during the children’s playful banter, couldn’t help but interject as Lin Du’s remarks became increasingly outrageous. “It’s not as serious as you’re saying. The child is still young and just wants what’s best for you.”

“Besides, we in the Supreme Sect are like family. Any sect treasures are meant for our own people.”

After saying this, he privately realized something was off. Lin Du was even younger than Ni Jin Xuan.

Seeing the little girl’s previously excited face slowly showing confusion and melancholy, Lin Du sighed and softened her tone, waving her hand. “I appreciate the sect’s camaraderie. But as the saying goes, ‘Even for brothers, clear accounts are necessary.’ Be good.”

She couldn’t help but doubt that Ni Jin Xuan, regardless of whether the target was a demon lord, would assist in stealing sect treasures.

The child was too innocent and kind-hearted.

In the plot, the demon lord had shared hardships with the little girl, but she had done nothing herself and received such a bright sunflower. It wasn’t quite right.

The little girl obediently walked to Lin Du’s couch and received a box with six spirit crystals.

“Consider that Stone Flower as my purchase. Is that alright?” Lin Du said, pinching her hairpin. “I don’t lack money, and you don’t lack herbs. Let’s collaborate for mutual benefit.”

Ni Jin Xuan knew Lin Du’s voice was gentle but her attitude firm, so she reluctantly accepted.

She didn’t quite understand why “great favor leads to great enmity,” but since Junior Uncle said so, she would follow it as she would finish eating whatever Junior Uncle prepared, even if she didn’t know what it was, and digest it slowly in the future.

Ultimately, Junior Uncle wouldn’t harm her, and one day, she would understand the weighty and enigmatic words of Lin Du.

“By the way, Junior Sister,” Ju Yuan suddenly recalled something, “where did you get so much money?”

Lin Du replied casually, “My master has a bit of spare money, and I also found a lot in the ancient city. Why?”

Ju Yuan looked away and sighed, “Then it’s nothing.”

That’s how a master is—playing the role of both father and mother, and still providing money.

Although formation masters don’t have many fighting skills, they are truly wealthy.

“Hey, Junior Uncle, if you need any herbs, I also have some…”

Yuan Ye was about to speak with a smile when suddenly a heavy impact was heard. The spiritual barrier made a sharp, scraping noise, and the spirit ship rocked violently. Yuan Ye lost his balance and fell off his chair with a thud.

Ju Yuan’s expression turned serious, and he stood up. “It seems someone has collided with our ship. Tian Wu, come with me. You four stay inside and don’t act recklessly.”