Chapter 9: Grasp with both hands, both hands must be strong
Lu Bai put away his Qiankun Bag, with his magic robe and Flying Sword inside.
He turned and left, ignoring the complex gazes of the crowd.
Back at his small courtyard on Chixiao Peak.
Lu Bai first took out the Flying Sword, and after half an incense stick of practice, he was able to fly as he pleased.
It was much more convenient than the Lingzhou (Spirit Boat) his Shiniang had customized for him.
However, Lu Bai was only at Qi Training First Rank, and his elemental Qi was limited; he could only sustain Flying Sword flight for a short while before becoming exhausted.
The Lingzhou (Spirit Boat) was still more durable!
As for the magic robe, he didn't even look at it. The one he was wearing, given by his Shiniang, was better than the one the Sect issued.
Lu Bai had officially embarked on the Righteous Path of Cultivation. What was next for him?
Of course, it was to strive to become stronger!
And how to become stronger?
For others, it was nothing more than diligent Cultivation and seeking Opportunity.
But Lu Bai was different; he had a System!
While focusing on his own Cultivation, he also needed to increase his Affection Rank.
Raising his Heartbeat Rank was equivalent to increasing his strength.
He needed to grasp both, and both hands needed to be firm!
Currently.
His threads of affection only entwined two people.
You Lianruo was not in the Xuanqing Sect, so he couldn't increase her affection even if he wanted to.
So, he would start with Senior Sister!
Senior Sister still had a black heart towards him, so he had to turn negative to positive first, otherwise, he would never be able to use the Swallowing Skill.
Ever since that 'confession' day, Lu Bai hadn't dared to see Ji Fuyao.
But hiding wasn't a solution; he had to face it eventually.
Therefore, Lu Bai decided to go all out!
...
Main Peak.
Phantom Demon Hall!
One of the main Cultivation places for Xuanqing Sect Disciples, it was a Secret Realm evolved from the Sacred Artifact 'Phantom Demon Pearl'.
It was divided into three areas: outer, middle, and inner. The outer area corresponded to the Qi Training Stage, the middle area to the Foundation Establishment Stage, and the inner area, only Golden Core Stage Cultivators dared to enter.
Ji Fuyao spent most of her time inside and was a well-known Cultivation fanatic in the Sect!
It's worth mentioning that entering the 'Phantom Demon Hall' had quotas and time limits, allocated by peak.
However, besides Ji Fuyao, no one from Chixiao Peak would come here.
So, she monopolized it all.
This day.
Ji Fuyao, as usual, arrived before the Secret Realm even opened.
"Senior Sister!" Lu Bai suddenly appeared and called out to her.
Ji Fuyao was slightly startled, not expecting to run into Lu Bai here.
As soon as she saw him, she couldn't help but recall the scene from that day.
Ji Fuyao asked coldly, "What are you doing here?"
Lu Bai saw that Senior Sister wasn't furious about what happened that day, and his heart eased slightly. He replied, "I have advanced to the Qi Training Stage and want to come to the Phantom Demon Hall to hone myself."
"Nonsense!" Ji Fuyao reprimanded, "Entering at Qi Training First Rank? Are you trying to die?"
Although the Disciples who entered would be given a jade token by the Elder in charge, which could be crushed to teleport out in case of danger.
But there were also special circumstances.
For example, if they encountered a sudden attack and didn't have time to react, there was a risk of losing their lives!
"Senior Sister, don't worry, I'll just wander around the outermost layer."
Then, Lu Bai's expression turned serious, and he said with confidence, "How can Cultivators of our generation fear death? We should strive forward with vigor!"
After speaking, Lu Bai secretly observed Senior Sister's expression.
Indeed, a hint of surprise and praise appeared in her eyes.
"Senior Sister, just let me go in!"
Lu Bai's gaze was burning: "I want to share Senior Sister's burden; I don't want to see you struggle so hard alone!"
Ji Fuyao's face immediately darkened. She thought Lu Bai was trying to confess again.
Lu Bai observed her expression and secretly cried out, "Not good!"
He was too eager, which made him seem presumptuous. He should proceed slowly and steadily!
Creak!
At this moment, the Phantom Demon Hall's main door opened.
Lu Bai, before Ji Fuyao could get angry, said, "The door is open, let's go quickly!"
With that, his figure flashed, and he darted inside.
Ji Fuyao pondered for a moment, then followed him in.
Once inside, all the Disciples lined up to receive their jade tokens. The managing Elder handed them out one by one. When it was Lu Bai's turn, the Elder was somewhat surprised but didn't say much.
However, the Elder's pause drew many gazes.
"Lu Bai?"
Many people only then noticed Lu Bai's presence. He was quite famous in the Xuanqing Sect; few people didn't recognize him.
"You don't want to go in too, do you?"
"What, can't I?" Lu Bai calmly retorted.
"You can, but I'm afraid you'll wet your pants in there, hahaha!" The crowd burst into mockery.
The news of Lu Bai and Fu Ziming both advancing to the Qi Training Stage had already spread throughout the Sect. Neither of them had followed the Righteous Path, so everyone felt contempt.
"Hmph!"
Ji Fuyao let out a cold snort. Her powerful aura spread, and those who were mocking Lu Bai trembled instantly, daring not to make another sound.
Lu Bai's heart warmed.
In front of outsiders, Senior Sister still protected him well.
He turned to the group and said, "Your Cultivation is all higher than mine. If you go in and don't go as far as I do, that would be embarrassing!"
We're not as good as you?
Disdain appeared in the eyes of that group. But deterred by Ji Fuyao's authority, they didn't retort.
As they spoke, the Secret Realm officially opened!
The glowing barrier hanging above was the entrance, and figures crashed into it one after another.
Ji Fuyao glanced at Lu Bai, then flashed up.
Lu Bai took a deep breath and silently followed.
Buzz!
As soon as he landed, Lu Bai felt a crushing force surge towards him.
Fortunately, Lu Bai was prepared and immediately circulated his elemental Qi to resist it.
Although he withstood it, he was still slightly surprised in his heart!
As expected of the Phantom Demon Hall, the entrance alone had such strong pressure.
"Senior Sister, aren't you going to the middle area?"
Lu Bai looked at Ji Fuyao. Since entering, her eyes hadn't left him, clearly afraid that something might happen to him.
Ji Fuyao replied, "It's your first time in, I'll accompany you to adapt first."
Lu Bai smiled inwardly, it was just as he expected!
Even for Shiniang's sake, she wouldn't feel at ease letting him venture alone.
"Senior Sister, there's no need for this. I can manage on my own." Lu Bai mentally shouted 'yes', but his mouth was not honest at all.
Ji Fuyao looked ahead, silent.
Her personality was like that; once she decided something, she wouldn't easily waver.
"Alas! Delaying Senior Sister's Cultivation, Junior Brother feels guilty!" Lu Bai sighed guiltily!
Then, he composed himself and tried to take his first step!
Entering the Phantom Demon Hall, Lu Bai had two goals: to change Ji Fuyao's impression of him, and to Cultivate.
Two birds with one stone, to become stronger faster.
Boom!
Don't underestimate that small step, but the pressure endured was double what it was just now.
Lu Bai didn't dare to walk too fast; his foundation was too weak after all.
If he accidentally messed up, he would lose points with Senior Sister again. This was a situation he absolutely would not allow to happen. If he lost more, would it be two black hearts?
Lu Bai took more than ten seconds to steady himself, then began to prepare for the second step.
Just like that!
He took more than ten steps in a row!
Although it only took a few minutes, the perception was as if several days had passed.
At this moment, fine beads of sweat had already appeared on Lu Bai's forehead.
He secretly glanced at Senior Sister and found that she was still completely calm.
Good!
Lu Bai was really afraid she would lose patience and just leave!
After resting for a moment!
Lu Bai continued to walk forward.
After another dozen steps, he felt his limbs weaken and a dizzy spell!
Ji Fuyao spoke, "It's already commendable that you've made it this far. Crush the jade token and leave!"
She estimated that Lu Bai's limit was almost reached.
Lu Bai looked at her, unwilling to give up!
Can he only go this far?
Boom!
At this moment, the Spiritual Bone in Lu Bai's chest vibrated, and threads of warm current surged out, instantly spreading throughout his body.
His depleted body received replenishment and was immediately full of energy again!
Lu Bai was stunned, then overjoyed.
He said, "Senior Sister, I think I can still do it!"
Ji Fuyao frowned and reprimanded, "Don't push yourself!"
Lu Bai insisted, "We'll know if I try. Senior Sister can stop me anytime, how about it?"
Ji Fuyao pondered for a moment, then hummed in agreement.
Lu Bai lifted his foot and continued to walk forward, even faster than before!
A subtle hint of triumph appeared on his face as he thought, Senior Sister must have been slightly shocked by me.
"Be careful!" At this moment, Ji Fuyao suddenly shouted a warning.
As her words fell, she pointed her fingers like a sword and slashed forward.
Roar! Roar! Roar!
Three black shadow demons materialized out of thin air, baring their fangs and claws to bite Lu Bai's neck. But before they could get within three zhang of him, they were cut in half by a flash of sword light.
"In the Phantom Demon Hall, the pressure is secondary; the unpredictable phantom demons are the greatest threat!" Ji Fuyao said seriously.
Lu Bai nodded.
However, just now, even if Ji Fuyao hadn't acted, he was confident he could handle it.
After entering, Lu Bai had kept his Flying Sword in hand, ready to strike at any moment.
After the three shadow demons appeared, he immediately felt an instinctive urge. He clearly envisioned in his mind the angle and manner in which the Flying Sword should strike.
Unfortunately, he ultimately didn't get the chance to use it!
"Senior Sister, next time a phantom demon attacks, can I handle it alone?" Lu Bai's tone was full of confidence.
"You?" Ji Fuyao glanced at him, again feeling that he was being reckless.
"Alright." But she agreed.
She thought, giving him a lesson migh
t be good, lest he not know his place!