Chapter 005: The Eve of the Duel, Li Bin's Conspiracy

For two consecutive days, Zhuge Xiang diligently practiced imitating Lu Yuling's Qingbo Palm by the small lake. Lu Yuling did not show any aversion to Zhuge Xiang's imitation. Clearly, as she stated, Qingbo Palm is a martial art that these disciples can learn after comprehending the energy technique; it is not a unique secret skill. Even during breaks, Lu Yuling would occasionally point out some mistakes in Zhuge Xiang's practice of Qingbo Palm, which significantly accelerated his understanding of the technique.

This is the spirit fruit paste I just received from my brother. You and Zhuge Xiang can share it equally. I have been thinking about it these past few days; we are all friends, and there is no need to make things so tense. Moreover, you have been serving me tea and water over the past year, and I haven't really repaid you for that. After meeting Niu Geng, Li Bin directly handed the small wine gourd in his hand to Niu Geng, speaking with a hint of guilt in his expression.

As a large sect, the Xiu Luo Sect provides its disciples, including those like Niu Geng who are still in training, with very good living conditions. They can eat as much meat and fish as they like and drink fine wine freely. However, the spirit fruit juice is a rare and precious item. Apart from the disciples who have comprehended the Qi energy, Niu Geng and his fellow trainees can only receive a small cup of it each month

Such a good opportunity to take advantage of, would he really give it up? Zhuge Xiang looked at him with some surprise, feeling that he was indeed acting unusually today. However, due to his trust in Niu Geng, Zhuge Xiang did not think too much about it. Since he wasn't drinking, it was just as well to avoid waste. Zhuge Xiang and Niu Geng each took turns drinking the spirit fruit juice until not a drop was left.

"The diagram book is correct, and please do not mention that the spirit fruit juice was sent by me. Tomorrow, I have a match with Zhuge Xiang, and I also want to see how serious he can be in terms of his strength. I certainly do not wish for him to hold back during the competition." Looking at Niu Geng happily going to find Zhuge Xiang, Li Bin instructed.

Li Bin, who was beside him, witnessed him drinking the spirit fruit juice laced with the Heartbreak Powder. Upon hearing his words, a trace of a cruel and cold smile appeared at the corner of his mouth. Formal disciple? ... Perhaps in the next life. Having consumed the Heartbreak Powder, you will certainly not survive until tomorrow.

This spirit fruit juice is truly delicious. Once I become an official disciple of the Shura Sect, I will be able to drink it every day," Zhuge Xiang said, wiping his mouth, still savoring the taste.

According to Zhao Feiyun, one must be fully prepared for any situation. With this bag of Duanchang Powder and his own Ghostly Steps, Li Bin does not believe he cannot win. Moreover, knowing the news about the Blood Spirit Fruit, he must ensure that this information does not leak, and therefore, he cannot allow him to live, not even Niu Geng is an exception

"My dear, rest assured, I will definitely not speak of it," Niu Geng said with a serious expression, patting his chest in assurance, and then he excitedly turned around and left the room

Every day, the two would practice by the lake until late at night before leaving. Zhuge Xiang, who had not yet comprehended the energy force, naturally did not dare to be negligent. On the other hand, Lu Yuling, who had already grasped the energy force, was equally diligent, making Zhuge Xiang realize that what is known as genius, even with excellent talent, is also the result of one's own hard work.

As merely a preparatory disciple, one can enjoy a life of abundance, but upon becoming a formal disciple, the treatment is even better, leading to a life free from worries about food and clothing, and becoming a person of distinction who is not bullied by others. This is the motivation for Zhuge Xiang's cultivation and the reason he came to the Shura Sect

Well then, I shall take advantage of this. I will go find Zhuge Xiang to drink together. Since Li Bin has shown such goodwill, Niu Geng decided not to insist any longer. With the spirit fruit juice in the wine gourd, he happily went to find Zhuge Xiang

Well then. Seeing Li Bin react this way, Niu Geng could only helplessly accept it, as he opened the lid of the wine gourd, and a refreshing aroma wafted out.

However, once he consumed the Blood Spirit Fruit and became an official disciple of the Shura Sect, the sect would naturally arrange for a maidservant. Li Bin felt relieved; as an official disciple of the Shura Sect, he only needed to focus on cultivation, while the maidservant would take care of his daily life. This is the benefit that disciples of major sects can enjoy

"Lingguo pulp!" Li Bin's words left Niu Geng wide-eyed

In his view, everyone lives under the same roof, which is a rare fate; everyone is a friend, and it is truly unnecessary to have come to this point.

"Spirit Fruit Juice?" Zhuge Xiang's eyes widened slightly as he looked at the Spirit Fruit Juice in Niu Geng's hand. Zhuge Xiang found it hard to believe that he actually had such a small gourd. While speaking, Niu Geng had already picked up the cup and poured three cups. During this time, Niu Geng asked Li Bin if he wanted to drink, but Li Bin shook his head to indicate that he did not want any.

Niu Geng took a deep breath, his nostrils flaring as he savored the aroma, appearing utterly entranced. However, he did not rush to drink; instead, he smiled earnestly and said, "These spirit fruit juices are primarily a testament to the reconciliation between you and Zhuge Xiang. I think I will refrain from drinking it."

In recent days, Zhuge Xiang's diligence has not gone unnoticed by Lu Yuling, who often practices to the point of exhaustion. However, today he has to leave early. Could it be that something is amiss? Lu Yuling looked at him with some surprise, but she did not have a penchant for prying into others' thoughts, merely nodding to indicate her understanding

This is a packet of Duanchang Powder. If taken, it will not cause immediate poisoning; rather, it will lead to symptoms such as confusion, blurred consciousness, and weakness in the limbs. It will only fully manifest after one day, resulting in severed tendons and rotting bones, leading to an untimely death. Such a poison does not exist in the Ashura Sect, and it was only through great effort that Zhao Feiyun managed to obtain it.

During the two days, while cultivating, I was not disturbed. Moreover, even though Zhuge Xiang was aware of my identity, he did not show any intention of currying favor. After all, humans are social animals, so during breaks, Lu Yuling was still able to engage in a few casual conversations with him to alleviate the monotony

Li Bin walked on his way back, his steps light and his face filled with excitement, glowing with joy. Over the past few days, under the careful guidance of Zhao Feiyun, although he had not grasped the essence of Qi energy and could not attain the true mastery of the Ghostly Step, the footwork remained etched in his mind. However, when it came to dealing with Zhuge Xiang, Li Bin was confident that he would not even be able to touch the hem of his own clothes.

With a frown, Li Bin feigned displeasure, "What? Do you look down on my apology? If you consider me a friend and a book, then do not refuse my goodwill"

Zhuge Xiang, I searched for you everywhere outside, but I didn't expect you to return first. I obtained some spirit fruit juice; shall we share it together?" Looking at Zhuge Xiang, Niu Geng said happily, raising the gourd filled with spirit fruit juice in his hand

He reached into his bosom and took out a packet of powder. A deep cold light flickered in Li Bin's eyes, followed by a chilling smile as he carefully tucked it away close to his body

"Hehe, once I learn about the Blood Spirit Fruit, none of you will escape." After Niu Geng rushed out of the room, he did not notice the flickering cold light in Li Bin's eyes as he spoke in a chilling tone

Thinking of Niu Geng, Li Bin smiled. He quite liked this straightforward and boorish man. Whenever Li Bin said a word about being friends and that it was only right to help each other, Niu Geng would be more than willing to assist him. With the absence of such a person to attend to him, Li Bin felt a bit reluctant.

You also mentioned that everyone is friends, and Zhuge Xiang is not a petty person. As long as everyone resolves their misunderstandings, that is sufficient. This spirit fruit syrup is too precious; you should take it back. Whether it is Zhuge Xiang or Li Bin, as long as one party can put aside their grievances, that is what Niu Geng wishes to see the most. Although the spirit fruit syrup is very valuable, Niu Geng is not greedy for it

Lingguo syrup, Li Bin is not afraid that Niu Geng will waste it, nor is he afraid that he will not let Zhuge Xiang drink it. After a year of interaction, Li Bin is quite clear about his loyal and straightforward nature. The syrup contains Duanchang powder, and once consumed, they are doomed.

Today, Tu Shuniu and Geng completed their training early. They brought some food from the dining hall where the disciples of the Shura Sect were eating back to their room, with a hint of worry etched on their brows, clearly concerned about the conflict between Zhuge Xiang and Li Bin

"Do you not consider me a friend?" With a stern expression, Li Bin appeared displeased

Spirit Fruit Essence is derived from dozens of spirit fruits and herbs through a complex process. Although it cannot help one comprehend vital energy, for those who are diligent, intense training often leaves the body with hidden injuries. The function of Spirit Fruit Essence is to eliminate these hidden injuries, preventing them from accumulating and adversely affecting future cultivation. This highlights the preciousness of Spirit Fruit Essence. Although it comes in a small gourd, when held in hand, Niu Geng can feel that this single gourd is worth more than what he has gained in an entire year.

Although lacking in vital energy, he cannot fully express the essence of this set of palm techniques; however, at least in terms of the movements and techniques, Zhuge Xiang has already mastered them with ease.

"Sister Lu, I am leaving now, please feel free to do as you wish." It was only this evening, during the time when the sky was filled with red clouds, that Zhuge Xiang spoke to bid farewell to Lu Yuling.

About an hour had passed, and Niu Geng had not yet returned. Instead, Zhuge Xiang came back first. He glanced at Li Bin, and the two turned their heads away from each other, ignoring one another. At that moment, Niu Geng returned with great enthusiasm.

Niu Geng, are you here? That's wonderful. At that moment, the door was pushed open, and Li Bin saw Niu Geng, looking delighted, holding a small wine gourd in his hand, though it was unclear what it contained