kvmb Chapter 43 Turning Point
Chapter 43 Turning Point
Just as Xu Xiaoxiao and Yuan Mengyao were being pulled by the vortex of spiritual energy and were on the verge of despair, Xu Xiaoxiao inadvertently caught a glimpse of a strange light flashing at the bottom of the boulder. A thought struck her, and she shouted, "Senior Sister Yuan, there's something strange under this rock. Maybe it's a trail to the exit. Let's take a chance and move it!"
Although Yuan Mengyao was full of doubts, she had no other choice, so she gritted her teeth and replied, "Fine, I'll give it a shot, I'll trust you this time!"
The two of them worked together to gather all the remaining spiritual energy in their bodies into their palms. Yuan Mengyao's face turned red as she muttered, "This stone is so heavy, I hope it doesn't screw us over."
Xu Xiaoxiao, her eyes burning with determination, said, "It will definitely work. Heaven won't cut off our path to survival."
After a great deal of effort, the boulder was finally moved, revealing a narrow opening underneath, from which a faint, eerie light emanated.
Xu Xiaoxiao looked delighted and was about to go inside when Yuan Mengyao grabbed her arm: "Wait, what if there's danger inside?"
Xu Xiaoxiao pondered for a moment, then took out the concealment talisman her senior brother had given her from her Qiankun bag and patted it on her body: "Senior Sister Yuan, use this to conceal your aura. Just be careful when you go in."
Yuan Mengyao nodded and followed him into the cave.
The cave was filled with warm spiritual energy. Xu Xiaoxiao greedily inhaled a few breaths, and the chaotic spiritual energy in her body calmed down a bit. She whispered with delight, "Senior Sister Yuan, the spiritual energy here is gentle and conducive to recovery. Let's regulate our breathing first."
Yuan Mengyao also felt comfortable all over and sat down cross-legged: "It's a blessing from heaven, but we must not be careless, there may be hidden dangers."
While adjusting her breathing, Yuan Mengyao stole a glance at Xu Xiaoxiao and thought to herself: This girl is clever and decisive, she's a good prospect. I underestimated her before.
Xu Xiaoxiao thought to herself: It's all thanks to Senior Sister Yuan for being with me, otherwise I wouldn't have been able to hold on by myself.
After their spiritual energy had recovered by half, they continued forward for a short while and suddenly a strange garden of spiritual plants appeared before them, the plants swaying and shining brightly.
Yuan Mengyao's eyes lit up with excitement. Just as she was about to take a step, Xu Xiaoxiao grabbed her: "Senior Sister Yuan, how could the Spirit Plant Garden not have guardian beasts? Let's explore first."
Sure enough, a guardian beast resembling a Qilin roared and appeared.
Xu Xiaoxiao had a sudden inspiration. She took out the last bit of dried spirit meat from her bosom and threw it far away, luring the guardian beast away.
Taking advantage of the opportunity, Yuan Mengyao picked a few high-grade spiritual plants and grinned, saying, "Girl, you're really something!"
Xu Xiaoxiao smiled shyly: "Senior Sister Yuan, let's finish this quickly, we shouldn't stay here any longer."
The two had made a great harvest and continued their search. Finally, they found an exit rune on the cave wall. After activating it, a flash of light appeared, and they returned to the secret realm.
As soon as they landed, the elder in charge glanced over, and Yuan Mengyao quickly stuffed most of the spiritual plants into Xu Xiaoxiao's arms, whispering, "You're in the limelight, take these out to make a good impression, don't forget that I helped out."
Xu Xiaoxiao was taken aback, her eyes reddening: "Senior Sister Yuan, this won't do..."
Yuan Mengyao glared at her: "Stop talking nonsense, let's go outside and talk. There will be plenty of opportunities to pay me back later."
Xu Xiaoxiao nodded emphatically, her heart filled with warmth, and she secretly vowed not to let her senior sister down.
As everyone gathered, the elder in charge, with his majestic gaze and the jade slip in his hand shimmering with spiritual light, began to count the spiritual items brought by everyone and to rank them.
Xu Xiaoxiao and Yuan Mengyao stood to the side, their palms slightly sweaty. Yuan Mengyao unconsciously clutched the hem of her clothes, her heart pounding: "Although we obtained some spiritual plants, the secret realm is fraught with danger. Others may have gained even more. We'll be grateful if we can get a mid-range ranking this time."
Xu Xiaoxiao pursed her lips, her eyes fixed on the elder, and secretly encouraged herself: "After going through so many hardships, how can I live up to my senior brothers' expectations if I don't get a good ranking?"
The elder surveyed the crowd and slowly spoke: "In this trial of the secret realm, some returned empty-handed, some gained very little, and only a few disciples performed exceptionally well. The third place winner, Zhao Xuan, returned with a thousand-year-old spiritual ginseng and several spiritual items. The spiritual ginseng has rare and precious effects, and his contribution is indispensable."
A chorus of praise rose from the crowd, and Zhao Xuan proudly raised his head.
Xu Xiaoxiao and Yuan Mengyao exchanged a glance, both seeing nervousness and anticipation in each other's eyes.
"Second place..." The elder deliberately dragged out the words. Xu Xiaoxiao's heart pounded like thunder, and Yuan Mengyao gripped her arm so tightly that her nails almost dug into her flesh.
"Xu Xiaoxiao and Yuan Mengyao brought out several high-level spiritual plants together and escaped danger many times. With their tacit understanding and good fortune, they deserved to win this ranking."
Xu Xiaoxiao's eyes widened, filled with surprise and disbelief, and her eyes instantly reddened: "Senior Sister Yuan, we did it!"
Yuan Mengyao was taken aback at first, then her face lit up with joy. She patted Xu Xiaoxiao on the shoulder and laughed, "Haha, good for you, you really make us proud!"
He thought to himself: I thought the ranking was uncertain, but I didn't expect to get second place. I can hold my head high in the sect now. It's all thanks to this clever girl, otherwise I wouldn't have this glory.
After the cheers from the crowd subsided, the elder turned his gaze to them: "You two helped each other escape danger in the secret realm and brought back a full load of spiritual treasures. The sect has always valued cooperation and appreciated opportunities. I hope you will continue to work hard in the future."
Xu Xiaoxiao quickly bowed and said, "Thank you for your praise, Elder. I am only able to achieve this because of Senior Sister Yuan's care. I will live up to the sect's expectations."
Yuan Mengyao also bowed, but said proudly, "Of course, with this girl working with me in the future, I guarantee that all the sect's missions will be completed excellently."
Just then, the winner was announced, and someone muttered sourly, "It's just good luck that he stumbled upon the Spirit Plant Garden."
Yuan Mengyao raised her eyebrows, about to argue, when Xu Xiaoxiao pulled her back and said softly, "Senior Sister Yuan, it's not worth it. Let's let our strength speak for itself. There will be plenty of opportunities in the future."
Yuan Mengyao snorted coldly: "Hmph, next time I'll definitely take first place and shut them up!"
Xu Xiaoxiao nodded emphatically, a determined glint in her eyes: "Don't worry, Senior Sister, we'll definitely be able to do it if we practice diligently!"
At this moment, the two were filled with anticipation and fighting spirit for the trials to come.
Xu Xiaoxiao achieved a good ranking in the new disciple trial and repeatedly defeated opponents whose cultivation levels were several levels higher than hers, making her famous overnight. Many people in the Huitian Sect realized that this eleven-year-old girl was no ordinary person.
After the elders announced the commendation in public, the sect's stewards personally summoned Xu Xiaoxiao to the stewards' hall that same day.
Along the way, Xu Xiaoxiao was filled with trepidation yet couldn't hide her anticipation, secretly wondering, "What kind of opportunity will the sect give me this time? It must be an extremely precious item; I can't let them down."
Upon entering the Hall of Deacons, the elder deacon stroked his beard, his expression amiable. On the table sat a crystal-clear jade slip brimming with spiritual energy and an exquisite brocade box.
Upon seeing Xu Xiaoxiao arrive, the elder smiled and said, "Xu Xiaoxiao, you and Yuan Mengyao performed exceptionally well in the secret realm this time. The sect has specially bestowed upon you this jade slip of the 'Lingxiao Sword Manual.' This is an ancient sword manual fragment, which has been repaired and perfected by the sect's predecessors. Its power is unparalleled and it is compatible with most spiritual root attributes. You can study it carefully. If you can comprehend it, the circulation of spiritual power and the sharpness of your moves will definitely improve significantly."
Xu Xiaoxiao's eyes widened as she excitedly accepted the jade slip. It felt warm and smooth to the touch, with sword shadows shimmering within, as if it contained endless secrets of the sword path. Her eyes reddened, and she bowed deeply, saying, "Thank you, Elder, and thank you for the sect's kindness. I will study it diligently!"
The elder then pointed to the brocade box: "Inside are three Spirit Essence Pills, each made with the painstaking efforts of several alchemy masters and refined with dozens of rare and precious materials."
After consumption, it can help you quickly absorb and condense spiritual energy, solidify your foundation, and stabilize your cultivation realm. It is a rare and excellent cultivation aid.
Xu Xiaoxiao carefully opened the brocade box. The pills shone brightly, and their fragrance was refreshing. She thanked them repeatedly, pondering when would be the best time to take them.
"Not only that," the elder said solemnly, "the sect has allocated a quiet room for you to cultivate in seclusion for a month. That quiet room is equipped with a spirit-gathering array, and the concentration of spiritual energy is several times that of the outside world. During this time, there will also be disciples in charge to protect you and ensure that your cultivation is undisturbed."
After you emerge from seclusion, there will be another sparring session with the core disciples. Gaining experience through real combat will be of great benefit to you.
Don't underestimate the sect's arrangements this time. Whether you can rise to a higher level in the future depends on how you seize this opportunity.
Xu Xiaoxiao was filled with excitement. She clenched her fists and looked on with burning eyes: "Elder, rest assured, I will definitely go into seclusion to cultivate diligently and do my best to demonstrate what I have learned in the sparring, so as not to let down the precious opportunity given to me by the sect!"
Filled with gratitude and high morale, Xu Xiaoxiao quickly left the Hall of Affairs, ready to devote herself wholeheartedly to her cultivation, determined to make the most of these opportunities and make rapid progress in her strength.