Under the vast sky, majestic mountains stood tall, shrouded in mist, with each peak like a sentinel towering between heaven and earth, exuding an awe-inspiring presence.

In the central area, there were three peaks arranged in a triad.

In a side hall on a peak adorned with purple bamboo, known for its pleasant scenery, sat three individuals.

Duan Shuang and an elderly man with a lean build and dark skin sat above.

The elder, with a Mid-Stage Foundation Establishment cultivation, had thick, orderly brows that slightly arched, exuding an undeniable authority.

Seated below was a handsome young man dressed in a green robe, with a jade pendant hanging at his waist, resembling a suave gentleman.

"Fellow Daoist Duan, is there anyone more qualified to reside in Purple Bamboo Mountain?" the handsome young man softly inquired, yet his tone carried a strong confidence.

He indeed had the right to be so confident. His name was Bai Kun, a cultivator at the peak of Mid-Stage Foundation Establishment and also a Second-stage Middle Grade Talisman Master.

"Fellow Daoist Bai, as I've already mentioned, another peak of Purple Bamboo Mountain has been rented to another Daoist. You should look for another venue." Duan Shuang spoke indifferently.

"Oh? May I inquire who the Daoist renting the other peak is?

Perhaps you could introduce us, and maybe, after some exchange, this Daoist might voluntarily let me have the peak." Bai Kun remained unconcerned and smiled slightly.

Hearing this, Duan Shuang's eyes turned cold, but just as she was about to speak, she was interrupted by the elder beside her:

"Fellow Daoist Bai, no need to rush; this fellow Daoist hasn't arrived yet, so it's inconvenient for us to reveal his name. It's not too late to introduce you once he comes. Besides, Purple Bamboo Mountain has already agreed to rent it to him; how could we go back on our word?"

"Why not wait until he arrives, and then we can discuss it together!" the elder chuckled.

Upon hearing this, Bai Kun showed a gentle smile. "Fellow Daoist Gong's words make sense. I'll wait for this Daoist to arrive."

After a few more casual exchanges, Bai Kun took his leave.

Duan Shuang watched Bai Kun's departing silhouette with cold eyes, without saying a word.

"Fellow Daoist Duan, though Bai Kun has sinister intentions towards you, it would be wise not to overly offend him," the elder advised once Bai Kun vanished from their sight.

"I understand." Duan Shuang nodded helplessly.

He had been pestering her ever since discovering she possessed a Pure Yin Body.

A Pure Yin Body is a special type of Spirit Body that, before its pure yin is broken, can significantly enhance oneself.

But once the pure yin is broken, the cultivation speed will drastically decrease, barely comparable to ordinary Mid-grade Spirit Root levels.

The male cultivator who seizes her pure yin, however, stands to gain a lot.

First, he can slightly enhance his own aptitude, and second, he has a chance to break through his own bottleneck.

Even though she knew he had ulterior motives, they at Purple Bamboo Mountain dared not easily offend him.

Not only was he a peak Mid-Stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, but he also had a Late-Stage Foundation Establishment friend in the Song family.

"When Fellow Daoist Xu arrives, there's no need to notify Bai Kun. Let him settle in Purple Bamboo Mountain directly. With his Early-Stage Foundation Establishment cultivation and mastery of Sword Qi Thunder Sound, he surely won't be coerced by Bai Kun." The elder's eyes gleamed with cunning.

"But using Fellow Daoist Xu like this seems a bit unfair? He did save my life," Duan Shuang's expression showed some hesitation.

"How could this be considered exploitation? It's mutually beneficial. At most, we can compensate Fellow Daoist Xu later by waiving his rent for a few years." The elder chuckled.

"Alas, I hope Fellow Daoist Xu won't blame me," Duan Shuang sighed helplessly.

If she weren't forced into a corner, she wouldn't have resorted to this. Initially, a reputable Foundation Establishment fellow cultivator had agreed to reside in Purple Bamboo Mountain, but to her surprise, Bai Kun learned of it. She had no idea what means he used, but he managed to make that fellow cultivator back out.

From what she knew, Bai Kun quietly released word that only he was entitled to reside in Purple Bamboo Mountain. Other interested fellow cultivators preferred not to offend him and thus backed out.

This undoubtedly infuriated Duan Shuang, making her grind her teeth in anger. If she could, she would have taught him a lesson.

Completely unaware of these matters, Xu Ping was diligently making his way there.

...

...

Three months later.

A vast stretch of barren mountains loomed into Xu Ping's view.

"I've finally arrived at Purple Bamboo Mountain!"

Xu Ping gazed at the looming fog-covered ridges ahead, sensing the dense spiritual energy from the ground.

Throughout the journey, he maintained a steady pace to conserve both Mana and Divine Sense.

Long-distance flight couldn't be compared to the rapid escape speed used in dueling with other cultivators.

True high-speed flight consumed terrifying amounts of energy, unsustainable even with his abundant Mana.

The speeds of the two approaches differed by at least several times.

He flew on for a few more hundred miles.

Three main peaks arranged in a straight line emerged, faintly visible, resembling prehistoric beasts hidden in the mist.

Xu Ping navigated through the clouds and entered the picturesque Purple Bamboo Mountain, heading straight for the central three main peaks.

Swoosh!

At that moment, two Escape Lights shot out from Purple Bamboo Mountain, approaching Xu Ping.

As the lights dissipated, a young, beautiful woman and an elderly man with dark skin emerged.

"Fellow Daoist Xu, Fellow Daoist Xu!" The two greeted Xu Ping with smiles and cupped hands.

"You two are too courteous; there's no need to greet me specially." Xu Ping returned the gesture with a smile.

"You must be Gong Yang, Fellow Daoist Gong!" Xu Ping's gaze fell on the dark-skinned elder.

"Indeed, it's me. I've long heard of your illustrious name, Fellow Daoist Xu. Seeing you now, your reputation truly precedes you." Gong Yang replied cheerfully.

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