Chapter 66: I Treat You to Eggs

"Greetings, Deacon Li." As the young man appeared, both the dispatchers and the water guides ceased their actions, their expressions filled with reverence. Some among them recognized his identity and immediately saluted him.

At the same time, Zhao Zhongheng swiftly emerged from inside the Dispatch Division. His expression changed slightly, and he quickly bowed towards the figure in mid-air.

Upon witnessing this, Xu Qing's eyes narrowed. He felt an astonishing fluctuation from the person in mid-air. Comparing it to the Vajra Sect Patriarch in his memory, Xu Qing quickly realized that the newcomer seemed even more formidable.

While Xu Qing observed, Deacon Li, still in mid-air, spoke with a cold expression.

"By order of the Elder, all disciples from the Dispatch Division and Water Guiding Division who participated in this conflict are to be fined three months' salary. Water guides, your shares remain as before!"

"And Zhao Zhongheng, the Elder summons you. Come with me!"

As he spoke, Deacon Li's gaze fell upon Zhao Zhongheng. Though his expression remained unchanged, a hint of disappointment lingered in his heart.

He knew the reason for all this: the Elder's grandson had acted foolishly. Despite being a core disciple and possessing an incredibly noble status, he had managed to stir up such a mass incident even while serving a temporary post.

"How could such a wise Elder have such a foolish descendant?"

Deacon Li withdrew his gaze and reached out. Immediately, Zhao Zhongheng, whose face had turned pale and whose eyes showed terror upon hearing the words, was seized by him and whisked away towards the distant Seventh Peak.

With his departure, the conflict between the Dispatch Division and the Water Guiding Division was immediately resolved. However, the blood-soaked ground and the dead bodies meant that the animosity between the two sides was only temporarily suppressed. The fierce glares in their eyes were still evident.

"Alright, the show's over. Let's go," the Captain said, taking a bite of his apple. "That person just now was Deacon Li Diling, a favorite of Elder Zhao. Since he personally took Zhao Zhongheng away, Zhao Zhongheng is in for a rough time this time."

Team Six followed. Xu Qing looked back, glancing at Huang Yan, who was surrounded by Water Guiding Division disciples and seemed to be discussing something with them. He then withdrew his gaze and slowly walked away.

At that moment, the sea breeze blew, fluttering the long hair from Xu Qing's forehead, revealing his slender eyes, and the clear distinction of gratitude and grudges within them.

The day's patrol gradually faded as the lingering rays of the setting sun spread and dusk descended.

After his shift, Xu Qing, bathed in the twilight glow, stealthily followed the Merman youth, but unfortunately, still found no opportunity. He then returned to his berthed Dharma boat and began cultivating.

Life in the Seven Blood Eyes Sect was far more vibrant than in the Scavenger's Camp. Yet, Xu Qing's frequency of cultivation remained unchanged. He knew very well that this was his foundation.

Furthermore, his plan to venture out to sea was drawing near, coinciding with his imminent cultivation breakthrough.

"Breaking through in cultivation isn't difficult; it's just that I can't afford the materials to upgrade my Dharma boat to Rank Seven yet," Xu Qing murmured. He took a wine flask from his leather pouch and took a sip.

He didn't know when he had developed a fondness for the taste of wine. As he drank, he pondered whether he should make another trip to Plankspring Road to earn money. However, after much thought, he decided against alarming the opponent too much before he was confident he could defeat them.

Xu Qing took another sip of wine, then shook the flask and found it empty.

As it was already dark, Xu Qing didn't want to go out to buy more wine. He simply set the flask aside and closed his eyes to meditate.

Time passed quickly, and soon the bright moon hung high in the sky. Moonlight spilled onto the sea, reflecting off the harbor waters like a mirror in the night, creating a mysterious beauty.

In the darkness of the night, Xu Qing, who was meditating cross-legged, suddenly opened his eyes and looked outside the cabin.

Shortly after, footsteps came from the shore, gradually approaching the Dharma boat. Just as a sharp gleam appeared in Xu Qing's eyes, a familiar voice came from outside.

"Brother Xu Qing, are you there? It's Huang Yan from the Water Guiding Division."

Hearing the voice, Xu Qing's sharp gaze receded. He rose and walked out of the cabin, seeing the plump young man standing by the shore under the moonlight, his gray robe gathered in folds around his belly.

Upon seeing Xu Qing, the plump young man's face broke into a smile. After the Water Guiding Division matter was resolved, he had encountered something extremely joyous on his way back. Thus, he had excitedly drunk some wine that evening, and in his slight intoxication, he recalled the day's events. He had then inquired, learned Xu Qing's name and berth, and come to express his gratitude.

"Brother Xu Qing, thank you for today's matter."

Xu Qing looked at the plump young man, nodded, and spoke calmly.

"No need to thank me. You gave me seven spirit-condensing leaves at the pharmacy that day."

"Huh?" Huang Yan was taken aback. After thinking for a moment, he seemed to recall the incident. He then scratched his head and asked curiously.

"Because I gave you some spirit-condensing leaves that day? Is that why you helped me today?"

"Not some, but seven stalks," Xu Qing replied earnestly.

Huang Yan blinked and carefully scrutinized Xu Qing. As he looked, he began to smile. Originally, he had only come to express his gratitude and hadn't intended to interact much with Xu Qing, at most offering a sufficient gift.

But now, he suddenly felt that Xu Qing, standing before him, was quite interesting.

He then took out two palm-sized eggs from his leather pouch. The shells of these eggs were bluish-white, shimmering with a crystalline glow under the moonlight.

"Brother, you're quite interesting. Let me treat you to an egg."

As he spoke, he tossed one over. Strangely, the egg passed right through Xu Qing's protective barrier.

Xu Qing's eyes narrowed. With a wave of his hand, numerous water droplets appeared, enveloping the egg densely and making it float. He carefully inspected it, finding the egg completely intact, without the slightest damage. He then looked up at Huang Yan.

"What is this?"

"A small trinket."

Huang Yan chuckled and raised his right index finger. He wet it with saliva in his mouth, then pressed it onto the egg, puncturing it instantly. He swirled his finger inside, then pulled it out, brought the egg to his mouth, took a sip, and looked utterly engrossed.

As the eggshell broke, a refreshing fragrance spread. Even through his protective barrier, Xu Qing faintly smelled it. His cultivation within his body began to circulate on its own, as if drawn by it. A feeling stemming from his life's instincts made him realize that this egg was extraordinary.

So, after a moment of hesitation, he thought about it and also poked the egg with his finger. He found the eggshell extremely hard; even with slight force, he couldn't break it open at all.

This piqued Xu Qing's curiosity, and a sharp gleam appeared in his eyes.

"You need to wet it with saliva. This thing is quite peculiar; if you don't wet it and use too much force, it'll just burst open," the plump young man hiccupped.

Xu Qing hesitated for a moment, then wet his finger with saliva and easily poked a small hole in the eggshell. Immediately, an even richer fragrance spread, causing his cultivation to rapidly circulate within him. Even his flesh and blood seemed to emanate a craving for a higher level of life.

Xu Qing's breathing slightly quickened. He brought the egg to his mouth and took a sip. His eyes immediately narrowed. He looked down at the egg, then took another large gulp.

The plump young man sat beside him with anticipation, watching Xu Qing as if awaiting his evaluation.

However, after waiting for a long time, Xu Qing remained silent.

"So, how is this egg of mine? Is it good to drink?" Huang Yan waited a while longer, then couldn't help but ask.

"It's quite good."

Xu Qing nodded, feeling a warm current surge through his entire body. A faint sweat appeared on his forehead.

"Of course! I went through a lot of trouble to get this egg. My senior sister loves drinking it the most. I'm letting you try it today."

Huang Yan looked smugly at Xu Qing. He felt he had a better grasp of Xu Qing's personality. He then took a large gulp himself and said nothing more.

Xu Qing also remained silent, quietly drinking.

Time passed, and silence settled between them. One was on the shore, the other on the boat, and there was a subtle sense of mutual non-interference.

This feeling was novel to Huang Yan, and his body and mind slowly began to relax. The intoxication silently clouded his eyes, making Huang Yan's gaze gradually blur. Under the moonlight, he scanned Xu Qing's exceptionally handsome face and couldn't help but comment.

"Ah, Xu Qing," he began, "your appearance isn't very advantageous when you try to pursue someone you like later on. It makes people feel too insecure. Someone like me is what makes women feel stable."

Xu Qing remained silent, sitting there and sipping the egg, gulp after gulp, not letting a single drop go to waste.

Ignoring Xu Qing's silence, Huang Yan simply lay down beside him, with his hands behind his head, basking in the moonlight, gazing at the bright moon in the sky. As if thinking of someone in his heart, he sighed and spoke.

"Xu Qing, do you have someone you like?"

Xu Qing now subtly understood Huang Yan's way of speaking. The other party was likely very casual and easily familiar. He shook his head.

"See? I told you. With your appearance, it's hard to pursue women. I'm different. Let me tell you, I'm extremely happy today, not because the Water Guiding Division got their rewards back, but because I found out my senior sister actually still cares about me. That's why I drank a bit more tonight."

"Do you know, Xu Qing, all these years I've been constantly giving my senior sister various things. Today, she finally got what she wanted, and she specifically asked me to send it to her as soon as possible. I was so touched; I found that I like her even more."

Xu Qing hesitated. He didn't have anyone he liked, nor did he know how one should express affection for someone. But he vaguely felt that the other person's words were somewhat off.

He skeptically glanced at Huang Yan, whose expression was tinged with intoxication, and after confirming he wasn't being sarcastic, Xu Qing fell silent.

The pharmacy owner's words, about Huang Yan relentlessly pursuing a female disciple for seven or eight years, flashed through his mind.

After a long while, Xu Qing felt he should say something. He took a sip of the egg and spoke earnestly.

"Congratulations."

Hearing this, Huang Yan became even happier and slapped his belly.

"Xu Qing, I can tell your words are sincere, unlike others!"

"I, Huang Yan, repay kindness. You helped me today, and I won't let your help be in vain." With that, Huang Yan rummaged through his belongings, took out a leather pouch, and handed it to Xu Qing.

"Inside are a few Dharma boat materials; consider them a welcoming gift."

"Alright, I'm off. See you around."

As he spoke, Huang Yan scrambled to his feet, his head swaying. As he walked away, he took out a jade slip and began sending incessant voice messages...

Xu Qing started to speak but then stopped. Watching the other party's actions of sending messages and giggling at the same time, he decided it was best not to disturb him at that moment. After watching Huang Yan walk away, Xu Qing turned and headed into the cabin.

At that moment, the sea breeze blew, caressing his body and rustling through his black hair, carrying his scent as it drifted towards the Seven Blood Eyes main city under the cover of night.

It swept past buildings and along streets, witnessing various forms of unusual prosperity in the night. The lingering force of the wind gradually dissipated, finally settling on a person currently ascending the sixth mountain peak in the southern part of the city, lifting a few strands of the person's long hair from their forehead and revealing an aged face.

If the wind had a spirit and could carry this scene back to Xu Qing, Xu Qing would instantly recognize this person... as none other than the Vajra Sect Patriarch.

At this moment, the Vajra Sect Patriarch silently walked the mountain steps.

Under the moonlight, the wrinkles on his face seemed more pronounced.

It was as if deep sorrow was nestled within each crease, accumulating to make the entire Vajra Sect Patriarch appear utterly bitter.

He walked silently until he reached a cave dwelling halfway up the Sixth Peak, where he stopped.

The stone gate of the cave dwelling was arched, lowered, and closed. Lush green grass surrounded it. Above the gate, three characters were inscribed in a flourishing, dragon-and-phoenix style.

"Leisure Gate Cave."

From the name, one could tell that the resident of this cave dwelling must be serene and elegant, reflecting a tranquil and reclusive disposition, like spring grass closing a secluded gate.

Outside the cave, the Vajra Sect Patriarch took a deep breath, cupped his fists, and bowed.

"Fellow Daoist Xianyun, an old acquaintance has come to visit. May I see you?"