Chapter 8: The Girl in Purple

He casually revealed a secret that had been vigorously concealed by the head of the Bai family

For Liu Ming, this level of danger is hardly worth mentioning compared to the life-and-death experiences he faced on the treacherous island years ago

Time passed little by little, and before long the sun rose high, reaching noon.

Upon seeing that there were already people at the mountain top, the five were momentarily taken aback. However, after carefully scrutinizing Liu Ming and the other two for a few moments, the elder casually uttered a few words.

"Guan Da, you haven't come to the wrong place, have you? This is the designated pickup location, isn't it?" Liu Ming furrowed her brow and asked.

Upon seeing this, Gu Lao San and Guan Lao Da exchanged a glance, their expressions turning wary as they looked towards the newcomer

This mountain path is exceptionally perilous, with sheer cliffs on both sides that plunge into unfathomable depths. It is also very narrow, allowing only one person to pass at a time. Furthermore, the stone steps, which have been untraveled for many years, are covered in dark green moss, making the path exceedingly slippery.

However, even so, Boss Guan and Third Master Gu walked away with trepidation, and before long, they were drenched in sweat

The girl in the purple dress, seemingly only eleven or twelve years old, was extraordinarily cute. Her exquisitely sculpted face featured two large, dark eyes that, when they moved, occasionally revealed a hint of a peculiar and mischievous expression.

At that moment, suddenly footsteps were heard from another direction on the mountaintop. The three individuals, Liu Ming and the others, who were meditating, immediately perked up and hurriedly looked over.

The youth walking between the two seemed calm throughout, as if he regarded the dangers he encountered with indifference

Fortunately, all of this was concealed by the long sleeves of the robe, so outsiders could not discern anything.

Two burly men, an elderly man, a middle-aged woman, and a young girl in purple attire surrounded by them

When engaging in combat, regardless of the means one intends to employ using talismans, it is essential to calculate the number of times one can utilize them. As Qi Refiners, we cannot compare ourselves to true Spirit Disciples and Spirit Masters, as our internal energy is quite limited. Each use of a talisman represents a significant expenditure. Especially for a junior Qi Refiner like yourself, it is likely that after activating a talisman three or four times in a single confrontation, your energy will be completely depleted. Without energy, a Qi Refiner is merely slightly stronger than an ordinary person. This is particularly true for a junior Qi Refiner like yourself, who may find that after activating a talisman three or four times in a single battle, your energy will be exhausted. Without energy, a Qi Refiner is merely slightly stronger than an ordinary person. You must keep this in mind, young master!" Gu Lao San also spoke in a reminding tone.

There are still two days, right? This time it was said by Gu Laosan at the interface.

Oh, what a pity. Then let us wait until the visit, and my young lady can have a conversation with Young Master Bai then. The well-dressed man was somewhat surprised, and after giving Liu Ming a deep glance, he did not insist further. After clasping his fist in salute, he turned and walked back.

The old man was dressed in a blue long robe, with a thin appearance, slightly squinting eyes, and sporting a goatee.

After carefully examining the results, the three of them were somewhat taken aback

At the exit of another path leading to the mountain peak, a figure flickered, and five people walked up at once

However, not long after, a robust man in a yellowish brocade robe suddenly stood up and walked directly towards Liu Ming and the other two.

I am Tie Yun, a guest of the Mu family in Guangling City, sent by Miss Mingzhu to extend greetings to the three of you. May I ask who the three of you are..." The well-dressed man did not approach too closely, stopping about seven or eight zhang away from Liu Ming and the others, and politely inquired with his arms crossed.

Thank you both for your guidance; I finally understand some things now, and I will certainly pay attention to these in the future. Liu Ming said with a solemn expression, cupping his hands together.

Generally speaking, this is the case. After all, the elemental energy of low to mid-level Qi Refiners is limited; no matter how many talismans they possess, they have little effect. However, for high-level top-tier Qi Refiners, the situation is different. Their elemental energy is profound, and if they have several different types of talismans at their disposal, they can naturally employ various strategies flexibly to defeat their opponents. Nevertheless, regardless of which strategy they wish to employ, they can only activate one talisman at a time. It is said that those visiting spiritual apprentices and spiritual masters seem to have means to break this limitation. However, such specifics are beyond the knowledge of ordinary Qi Refiners like Gu San and me" Old Man Guan said with a serious expression.

What is the background of the Guangling Mu family? Are they very famous?" After the well-dressed Han left, Liu Ming finally spoke up.

Thus, several individuals found a clean rock on the mountain and began to sit in meditation and rest upon it

So it turns out to be the young master of the Bai family, this is truly wonderful. Our two families have quite a friendship; would you like to accompany your esteemed young master over for a visit? The man in fine clothes was initially taken aback, but his face soon broke into a broad smile as he reacted.

Liu Ming also opened his eyes, having sensed something.

"Young Master, this matter is of such great importance, how could I possibly remember the wrong location? Perhaps the envoy has not yet arrived," Old Guan said, wiping the sweat from his forehead with a bitter smile.

"In that case, aside from one method of attack, the remaining two should focus on self-preservation. I will choose the Elemental Barrier Technique and the Lightness Technique." Liu Ming clearly had already considered this and replied without hesitation.

"Young master, there is no need to worry. They are not from the Barbarian Ghost Sect; they must be disciples from other noble families waiting here to receive the envoy. Hehe, it seems we have not come to the wrong place," said Old Man Guan with a low chuckle.

Liu Ming observed this scene, feeling a hint of confusion in his heart. He could not help but turn his head and look at Boss Guan and the other two with a questioning gaze

At this moment, he appears to be resting, but in reality, the vital energy within him is continuously circulating according to a certain special pattern, causing the tiger-bite ring on his wrist to flicker and fluctuate slightly.

This should not be the case. During the previous generation's head of the family, the Bai family indeed had some interactions with the Mu family, but since the current head took over, for some unknown reason, the two families have had very little contact. The members of the Mu family have at most heard your name, but they have definitely never seen you in person

The woman had an ordinary appearance, but her skin was somewhat fairer than that of most people, dressed in a green maid's outfit

Hmph, the head of the Bai family back then wronged my aunt, so it is not too surprising that such things happen now. However, this head of the Bai family truly values this illegitimate child, to the extent that he managed to persuade the elders to send him to participate in this awakening ceremony. The young girl curled her lip and said with a hint of disdain.

After walking for a full two hours, the three finally arrived at the summit of the giant mountain

Although the mountaintop has a flat area of several acres, it is completely empty with no signs of any people.

Thus, the four of them surrounded the young girl and walked to the other side of the mountain peak, where they found a few rocks to sit on and rest, faintly suggesting a distant confrontation with Liu Ming and the other two.

Meanwhile, among the Mu family on the opposite side, the young girl in purple named Mu Mingzhu, having just heard the response from the man in splendid attire, displayed a hint of surprise on her face

Under the astonishment of the two, they could not help but secretly admire his courage to some extent

Two burly men were exceptionally fierce, clad in brocade garments, with swords hanging at their waists

If that is the case, we alchemists do not need a second talisman. It is not the case that the more talismans one possesses, the better it is. Liu Ming was somewhat surprised.

Bai Congtian. Yes, there is indeed such a young master in the Bai family; he is likely the illegitimate son of the head of the Bai family, who later adopted him under the guise of a foster son.

Since the young master has already grasped the basics of controlling elemental techniques, it is now possible to learn other life-saving methods using talismans. However, if one wishes to master them in a short period, it is best not to be overly ambitious. I suggest starting with just two or three types, as what we are learning are the most basic techniques. Once you enter the higher ranks, there will certainly be better methods for activating talismans for you to choose from," suggested Elder Guan.

The method of attack does not require selection; the attack patterns of each type of talisman are almost fixed. It merely involves concentrating the internal elemental energy and then releasing it through the talisman. For instance, my gauntlet-type talisman emits attacks in the form of elemental energy spheres. Gu Laosan's sword and blade talismans generate attacks such as sword light and blade energy formed from condensed elemental energy. As for the Young Master's Tiger Bite Ring, it is a relatively rare type that I have not seen with my own eyes. However, its power should definitely be considerable. Later, I will share several techniques with you for your own study. If you have any questions, both of us can provide answers at any time.

Not only are they famous! The Bai family is truly a top-tier Qi refining family in the Great Xuan Kingdom. The Mu family and the Bai family may seem similar, but their foundational differences are immense. It is estimated that three or four Bai families would be needed to match the Mu family. I have heard that there are as many as four spiritual disciples from the Mu family who have joined other sects.

So it turns out to be the renowned Mu family. I am Guan Da, a guest of the Bai family from Yumu City. This is my young master, Bai Congtian, from hetushucom.com. Guan Lao Da's expression changed, and he quickly stood up to return the greeting.

If it were not for the fact that all three of them are Qi Refiners, possessing agility far surpassing that of others, they would have likely fallen numerous times and plunged into the abyss below, with their lives hanging in the balance

How much time is left until the deadline mentioned for the visit?" Liu Ming pondered for a moment and then asked

This is difficult to say; it depends on which prominent families are in the nearby area and whether they are willing to allocate the necessary resources to purchase the quota for the spiritual ceremony.

Seeing this situation, Liu Ming naturally felt relieved in his heart

Two months later, on the rugged mountain path of a dark, towering mountain, Liu Ming and his two companions were slowly making their way upward

I see, but what does he mean by the two families being on good terms? Surely they won't notice any flaws in that

Old Master Guan and Old Master Gu naturally would not oppose and readily agreed.

At this moment, he has evidently fully embraced the role of the young master of the Bai family

"Uncle Tie, they are actually from the Bai family. What a remarkable coincidence! I believe I've heard my father mention the name Bai Congtian once, but I don't have a very deep impression of it. Third Uncle, do you know this young master of the Bai family?" The young girl turned her delicate face to ask the thin old man beside her.

Liu Ming nodded slightly, no longer asking further questions, and closed his eyes to enter a meditative state once again

Since there is still time, let us wait here for a while before proceeding. Liu Ming glanced around the mountaintop and then resolutely stated.

... ...

The old man Gu San beside him also nodded repeatedly

"Well, my son is feeling a bit unwell, so I won't disturb Miss Mingzhu." After a moment of hesitation, Old Master Guan politely declined.

I see, so that means there will be others coming as well said Liu Ming with a thoughtful expression