Stop grinding, I'm really just a free spirit.

Chapter 56 "A single thought arises, and all is silent"

Only one day remains until the agreed-upon day for the trip to the Ten Directions Mountains.

Chen Baigang had just returned from Chiye Residence with the seal.

Pushing open the courtyard gate, one could see a bluish-green shadow lying beside the large water vat in the courtyard.

Hearing the noise, the light and shadow lazily propped itself up halfway and tilted its head to look in his direction.

It's sixth grade.

Ever since Chen Bai refined this spirit crow into a beast spirit, it has been staying in his dantian, eating and drinking for free.

Normally, at least one-tenth of the embryonic energy that Chen Bai releases during cultivation ends up in this glutton's stomach.

Fortunately, with the blessing of the Demon Essence and the "Fetal Breathing Scripture", his cultivation speed did not slow down.

After half a month, Xiao Liu's figure was a whole size bigger than when it was first formed.

The blue fire crow, which was originally the size of a palm, has now grown to the length of a forearm, and the blue flames on its body are much more solid than before, with the patterns of its feathers faintly visible.

"Slacking off again," Chen Bai said with a laugh.

"Ah—"

Little Six tilted its head and let out a very low cry, the sound like the soft popping of a light.

It flapped its wings, which were made of solidified flames, twice, flew to Chen Bai's shoulder, and rubbed its little head, made of blue flames, against his earlobe.

A warm, not scalding, touch came, carrying a hint of intimacy.

Chen Bai stretched out a finger and scratched the few clusters of flames that formed feathers on Xiao Liu's head.

Over time, he had thoroughly figured out the habits of this crow—

Although it was just a beast spirit with an intelligence equivalent to that of a three- or four-year-old child, its innate dependence and affection were no different from those of a living being.

Especially when he was cultivating, after Xiao Liu finished eating, he would always consciously emerge from his dantian and squat quietly to the side, as if protecting him.

"Alright, alright, stop acting cute."

Chen Bai took the spirit crow off his shoulder, held it in his palm and weighed it in his hand. "It's gotten quite a bit heavier."

"Once we enter the Ten Directions Mountains, it will be your turn to lend a hand."

Xiao Liu seemed to understand his words, let out a clear chirp, and flapped its wings to fly out of the yard.

It circled once above the courtyard wall, then landed back on the edge of the water vat, tilting its head to continue looking at the sky.

Chen Bai smiled, turned around and went into the room, where he sat cross-legged on the bed.

Several talismans drawn this morning were still on the table, the ink already completely dry.

These past few days, he has been drawing talismans every morning and practicing meditation in the afternoon, living a busy and organized life.

Although drawing talismans may not earn you a lot of money, it's a steady stream of income. You can earn two or three spirit stones a day, or four or five at most. After seven or eight days, it adds up to a considerable sum.

"Knock knock knock..."

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.

"Is Fellow Daoist Chen here?"

The voice was gentle and pleasant, with a familiar tone.

Chen Bai's heart stirred, and he got up and quickly walked to the courtyard gate. He opened the gate and saw a familiar figure in light green standing on the stone steps outside.

She wore an elegant moon-white long dress, with a light blue gauze cloak over it.

Her hair was as black as clouds, styled in a flowing bun, with two wisps of hair hanging down by her ears. She looked a little thinner than she had been at the tea party, but with a fresh, natural look without any makeup.

"It's Fairy Yueyi..."

Chen Bai was stunned; he hadn't expected her to come to his door in person.

She arrived alone today without any maids, a faint smile on her face, her skin as white as snow.

"Fellow Daoist, won't you invite me in?"

Chen Bai snapped out of his daze and stepped aside to clear the doorway. "Why didn't you send someone to let me know beforehand? Please come in."

Fairy Yueyi didn't stand on ceremony and stepped into the courtyard.

She glanced around the courtyard.

An old locust tree stood in the corner of the courtyard, along with a water vat, a stone table, stone benches... It seemed that there was no trace of anyone else besides him.

The yard wasn't big, but it was kept neat and tidy.

Chen Bai turned around and saw that Xiao Liu had already hidden herself, so he was relieved: "What brings you here today, Fairy?"

"I just happened to be passing by and thought I'd drop by to see you," said Fairy Yueyi, stopping in front of the stone table.

It seemed he had anticipated this, as he didn't even have tea sets for entertaining guests.

Leyi took out a palm-sized fine porcelain teapot from her sleeve and placed it on the stone table, then took out two small white porcelain teacups.

As soon as the teapot lid was lifted, a delicate aroma of tea wafted out.

It is Lingju Qingcha, with a sweet and fragrant aroma and a subtle, lingering bitterness.

She poured a cup of tea for each of them, pushing one of the cups towards Chen Bai before speaking:

"I've come today for two reasons: first, to see how your preparations are going, and second, to tell you some good news."

"What good news?" Chen Bai took the teacup and sat down on the stone bench opposite him.

Fairy Yueyi picked up her teacup and took a sip.

After setting down the cup, he leaned slightly forward, lowered his voice, and spoke with a mischievous smile:

"I received news a few days ago that the Spirit Sword Sect has assigned three inner disciples to accompany them and provide support."

Fellow Daoist Chen, why don't you guess who these three are?

Chen Bai's heart skipped a beat, and he blurted out, "Fairy Zhang Ruxue?"

You guessed right.

Fairy Yueyi laughed, her eyes full of cunning. "You've seen Ru Xue's cold face before. Young Master Wei doesn't even dare to breathe loudly in front of her."

"With her here, what kind of monsters could possibly cause trouble on the outskirts of the Ten Directions Mountains?"

Chen Bai's heart stirred slightly.

He had personally witnessed Zhang Ruxue's strength, which was comparable to the late stage of the Fetal Breathing Realm.

The power of that frosty white sword aura still sends chills down one's spine to this day.

With such a master in charge, the safety factor of this trip to the Ten Directions Mountains has indeed been greatly improved.

However, upon further reflection, he realized that given Zhang Ruxue's personality, even if Fairy Leyi asked her to take care of her, she would most likely do so casually and wouldn't specifically look after her.

"Zhang Xianzi's swordsmanship is profound; it would be good to have her accompany us."

Chen Bai smiled and said, "It is your kind intentions, Fairy, that are truly precious to me. I am really unworthy of such a gift."

When Fairy Yueyi heard him say this, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes, and then her smile deepened.

"..."

She picked up her teacup again, took a sip, and when she looked up again, her eyes held a somewhat indescribable expression.

Next.

The conversation abruptly shifted from their previous topic, and they began chatting about recent interesting events in the market and their own current situations...

Compared to their initial awkwardness upon first meeting, both of them were clearly much more relaxed.

Chen Bai used all his tricks to amuse Fairy Yueyi, who would occasionally cover her mouth and giggle.

They chatted until sunset, when all the tea in their cups was gone.

Sunlight streamed down from behind her, casting a soft halo around her silhouette. Chen Bai couldn't see her expression clearly, but he could hear her gentle voice mingling with the rustling of leaves.

"Feed..."

"You little scoundrel, why aren't you saying anything...?"

Chen Bai looked at her and suddenly felt a subtle emotion.

"A single thought arises, and all is silent."

This feeling came out of nowhere and went without a trace.

Seeing that Chen Bai didn't respond but just kept staring at her, Yueyi blushed slightly. Her pink earlobes were translucent, like a piece of beautiful jade.