Chapter 5

For two consecutive days, Zhuge Xiang diligently imitated Lu Yuling's Clear Wave Palm by the small lake. Lu Yuling did not show any aversion to Zhuge Xiang's imitation; clearly, as she had said, the Clear Wave Palm was a martial art that all disciples could learn after comprehending the Qi force, not a secret technique. Even during breaks, Lu Yuling would occasionally point out some mistakes in Zhuge Xiang's Clear Wave Palm, which greatly accelerated his understanding of the technique.

Although he did not have the Qi force and could not fully grasp the essence of the palm technique, at least in terms of movements and techniques, Zhuge Xiang had become proficient and fluent.

For two days, no one disturbed him during his practice. Even though Zhuge Xiang knew her identity, he did not try to curry favor with her. After all, humans are social animals, so during breaks, Lu Yuling could still chat with him a bit to relieve the monotony.

Every day, both of them would practice by the lake until late at night before leaving. Zhuge Xiang, who had not yet comprehended the Qi force, naturally did not dare to slack off. Lu Yuling, who had already comprehended the Qi force, was equally diligent, making Zhuge Xiang realize that so-called geniuses, even with excellent talent, still achieved their success through hard work.

"Senior Sister Lu, I'm leaving. Please do as you please," but today, it was only evening, with the sky full of red clouds, when Zhuge Xiang said goodbye to Lu Yuling.

Lu Yuling had seen Zhuge Xiang's diligence these past few days, often practicing until he was exhausted. But today he was leaving early? Could something have happened? Lu Yuling looked at him with some surprise but did not like to pry into others' affairs, nodding to show she understood.

Li Bin walked back with a light step, his face filled with excitement and a ruddy glow. These past few days, with Zhao Feiyun's careful guidance, although he had not comprehended the Qi force and could not grasp the true essence of the Phantom Step, he had memorized the steps. Li Bin believed that even if he tried, he could not even touch Zhuge Xiang's clothes.

Reaching into his chest, he felt a packet of powder, his eyes filled with a cold and intense look. He then smiled coldly and carefully placed it in his chest.

This was a packet of Intestine-Cutting Powder. Taking it would not immediately cause poisoning, but it would lead to confusion, blurred consciousness, and weak limbs. It would not fully take effect until a day later, causing the tendons to rot and bones to decay, leading to a painful death. In the Asura Sect, there were no such poisons, and Zhao Feiyun had to go to great lengths to obtain it.

According to Zhao Feiyun, one must be fully prepared for anything. With this packet of Intestine-Cutting Powder and his Phantom Step, Li Bin did not believe he could lose. Moreover, knowing the information about the Blood Spirit Fruit, to prevent the news from leaking, he could not let them live, not even Niu Geng.

Thinking of Niu Geng, Li Bin smiled. He liked this straightforward and honest man. Whenever he needed tea or water, he would happily do it for him, saying that they were friends and should help each other. Losing such a person to serve him, Li Bin felt a bit reluctant.

However, once he took the Blood Spirit Fruit and became a formal disciple of the Asura Sect, the sect would naturally arrange for maids. Li Bin was relieved; as a formal disciple, he only needed to focus on cultivation, and his daily life would be taken care of by the maids. This was the benefit that disciples of a major sect could enjoy.

Today, Niu Geng had also finished his training early. He returned to his room with some food from the dining hall, his brows furrowed with worry, clearly concerned about the conflict between Zhuge Xiang and Li Bin.

In his view, they all lived under the same roof, a rare bond. They were all friends, and there was no need for such a conflict.

"Niugeng, you're here? That's great," at this moment, the door was pushed open, and Li Bin, looking delighted, saw Niu Geng. He held a small wine flask, not knowing what was inside.

"This is the spirit fruit juice I just got from my brother. You and Zhuge Xiang can share it. I've been thinking these past few days, we are all friends, and there's no need to be so stiff. And for the past year, you've been helping me with tea and water, and I haven't had a chance to thank you," seeing Niu Geng, Li Bin directly handed the small wine flask to him, his face showing a hint of guilt.

"Spirit fruit juice!?" Li Bin's words made Niu Geng's eyes widen.

As a large sect, the Asura Sect provided excellent living conditions for even the preparatory disciples like Niu Geng. They could eat large fish and meat and drink fine wine freely. However, spirit fruit juice was a rare and precious item. Apart from the disciples who had comprehended the Qi force, Niu Geng and the other preparatory disciples could only receive a small cup each month.

Spirit fruit juice was made from dozens of spirit fruits and herbs through a complex process. Although it could not help one comprehend the Qi force, it could eliminate hidden injuries from intense cultivation, preventing them from accumulating and affecting future cultivation. The value of spirit fruit juice was evident. Even though it was just a small wine flask, Niu Geng could feel that this amount was more than he received in a year.

"You said it yourself, we are all friends, and Zhuge Xiang is not a petty person. If we resolve our misunderstandings, everything will be fine. This spirit fruit juice is too precious; you should take it back," regardless of whether it was Zhuge Xiang or Li Bin, as long as one of them could make amends, this was what Niu Geng most wanted to see. Although the spirit fruit juice was precious, Niu Geng did not covet it.

Li Bin's face darkened, and he pretended to be displeased, "What? Do you look down on my apology? If you consider me a friend, don't refuse my offer."

"Alright then," seeing Li Bin's reaction, Niu Geng nodded and reluctantly accepted, opening the wine flask. A refreshing aroma filled the air.

Niu Geng sniffed, savoring the scent, but did not drink it immediately. He smiled honestly, "This spirit fruit juice is mainly a symbol of reconciliation between you and Zhuge Xiang. I won't drink it."

"Do you not consider me a friend?" Li Bin frowned, looking displeased.

"Alright, then I'll take advantage of it. I'll go find Zhuge Xiang to drink it together," since Li Bin was so sincere, Niu Geng no longer insisted. He happily went to find Zhuge Xiang, holding the spirit fruit juice in the wine flask.

"By the way, don't tell him the spirit fruit juice is from me. I have a match with Zhuge Xiang tomorrow, and I want to see how serious he is. I don't want him to hold back," watching Niu Geng leave happily, Li Bin instructed.

"Got it, I won't say a word," Niu Geng solemnly promised, patting his chest, and then left the room excitedly.

"Hehe, knowing the information about the Blood Spirit Fruit, I can't let either of you off," after Niu Geng left, Li Bin's eyes flashed with a cold light, and he said coldly.

Li Bin was not worried that Niu Geng would waste the spirit fruit juice or not give it to Zhuge Xiang. After a year of interaction, he knew Niu Geng's loyal and straightforward nature. The spirit fruit juice laced with Intestine-Cutting Powder would surely kill them once they drank it.

After about an hour, Niu Geng had not returned, but Zhuge Xiang came back first. They glanced at each other and turned away, ignoring each other. At this moment, Niu Geng returned excitedly.

"Zhuge Xiang, I looked for you everywhere, but I didn't expect you to be back first. I got some spirit fruit juice, let's share it," looking at Zhuge Xiang, Niu Geng said happily, waving the wine flask in his hand.

"Spirit fruit juice?" Zhuge Xiang's eyes widened, looking at the spirit fruit juice in Niu Geng's hand. He found it hard to believe that Niu Geng had such a small flask. As Niu Geng picked up a cup and poured three cups, he asked Li Bin if he wanted to drink, but Li Bin shook his head, indicating he did not want to.

Would he give up such a good opportunity to benefit? Zhuge Xiang was surprised by his behavior today, finding it quite unusual. However, trusting Niu Geng, he did not think much about it. Not drinking was fine, so he and Niu Geng drank the spirit fruit juice, one cup each, until it was all gone.

"This spirit fruit juice is really delicious. Once I become a formal disciple of the Asura Sect, I can drink it every day," wiping his mouth, Zhuge Xiang said, still savoring the taste.

Even as a preparatory disciple, he could enjoy fine food and wine. As a formal disciple, the treatment would be even better, living a carefree life, becoming a person of high status, and not being bullied. This was Zhuge Xiang's motivation for cultivation and the reason he came to the Asura Sect.

Li Bin, standing beside him, saw him drink the spirit fruit juice laced with Intestine-Cutting Powder. Hearing his words, a cruel and cold smile appeared on his lips. Formal disciple? In your next life. Drinking the Intestine-Cutting Powder, you won't last until tomorrow...

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