Chapter 73 – Give an Inch, Take a Mile—Freeloading Hard

“Lu Chen? Ah, I remember now, he’s that Inner Disciple I recently accepted!”

Speaking of Lu Chen, Jing Gong couldn’t help but reveal a satisfied smile on his face.

After all, not only did Lu Chen possess remarkable talent, but he also handed over the Purple Haze Nourishing Art—a Cultivation Manual that could benefit the entire Sect—to him.

Through his efforts, it was vigorously promoted within the Sect.

This earned him considerable face in front of the Sect Leader and other Golden Core Guardians.

Not only that, but Jing Gong also took to visiting various peaks from time to time afterward.

Under the pretext of supervising the cultivation progress of the disciples within the Sect.

And whenever he saw those disciples looking miserable after practicing the Purple Haze Nourishing Art, Jing Gong would inexplicably feel a sense of joy.

Yes, absolutely right! This is how the Azure Cloud Sect should be!

Lust is a saber hanging over one’s head—what place does romance have for a Cultivator?

Focusing on cultivation is the true path!

Inside the Cave Residence, Jing Gong looked at Red Duster Fairy and asked curiously, “Fairy, what made you suddenly think of arranging a marriage for my Disciple? Logically speaking, since he’s only just joined the Sect, your Mandarin Duck Bureau shouldn’t be arranging his marriage so soon.”

Red Duster Fairy took a sip of the spiritual tea Jing Gong had offered her and, stifling a laugh, said, “Well… a few Direct Lineage Disciples from the Main Peak approached me, saying they wanted Lu Chen to find a Dao Companion sooner rather than later.”

“Direct Lineage Disciples from the Main Peak approached you?”

Jing Gong was taken aback for a moment but quickly caught on.

Seriously? Those brats from the Main Peak are playing such tricks? They actually want Lu Chen to experience the agony of being able to look but not touch. What a sneaky little move!

But then, recalling what he had sensed about Lu Chen’s condition, Jing Gong’s eyes gradually narrowed.

It was true that the Purple Haze Nourishing Art required one to refrain from breaking their cultivation before reaching Major Achievement, but that kid Lu Chen… seemed to have already achieved it long ago.

At this thought, Jing Gong suddenly found the situation becoming rather amusing.

Those brats from the Main Peak might just end up losing the bait along with the fish.

Just as Jing Gong was about to give Red Duster Fairy his reply, a voice suddenly came from outside the Cave Residence.

“Disciple Lu Chen, here to pay respects to Master.”

The two inside the Cave Residence were momentarily stunned by the voice from outside.

Then, the expression on Jing Gong’s face grew even more intrigued.

What a coincidence?

“Come in.”

Hearing the voice from inside the Cave Residence, Lu Chen walked in respectfully.

As soon as he entered, Lu Chen saw Red Duster Fairy drinking tea with Jing Gong.

For a moment, Lu Chen was at a loss for words. Although he had heard of the Mandarin Duck Bureau within the Azure Cloud Sect, which specialized in arranging marriages for Disciples, he had always been focused on his cultivation and had no interest in women.

Thus, he hadn’t paid much attention to the people in the Mandarin Duck Bureau and naturally didn’t recognize Red Duster Fairy, a well-known figure within it.

Fortunately, Jing Gong seemed to have guessed this and proactively said, “Lu Chen, come over here. This is Red Duster Fairy from the Sect’s Mandarin Duck Bureau, a Cultivator of the same generation as your Master.”

Lu Chen nodded and immediately bowed respectfully to Red Duster Fairy, saying, “Disciple Lu Chen pays respects to Junior Martial Uncle Red Duster.”

Red Duster Fairy smiled and nodded, then looked Lu Chen up and down.

It had to be said, Lu Chen was quite exceptional in both appearance and demeanor. Coupled with his steady temperament, he made a very favorable first impression on Red Duster Fairy.While Red Duster Fairy was sizing him up, Lu Chen was also discreetly observing her.

Of course, this observation was limited to not using his Azure Lotus Eyes.

Lu Chen wouldn’t dare rashly use such ocular divine abilities on a Golden Core Stage cultivator like her—it would be considered highly disrespectful.

Even without activating the lotus eyes, Lu Chen could still sense Red Duster Fairy’s restrained yet profound aura.

If the Spirit Fire Daoist beside her appeared to Lu Chen like a blazing fireball,

She seemed to him like a blooming peach blossom—graceful and evoking an inexplicable sense of familiarity.

After a brief observation, Red Duster Fairy smiled and said, “You’ve come at the right time. I was just speaking with your master about you, mentioning that you’ve reached thirty and it’s about time to settle down. What are your thoughts on this?”

“Ah?!”

Lu Chen stared at them in astonishment, never expecting to encounter such a situation in the game.

Without much deliberation, Lu Chen directly replied, “This disciple is wholly devoted to cultivation and has no thoughts of romantic entanglements before achieving Foundation Establishment.”

Seeing Lu Chen’s earnest expression, both knew he wasn’t lying.

Red Duster Fairy didn’t seem particularly surprised by this.

After all, cases like his—wholly dedicated to the Dao with no interest in other matters—were quite common within the Azure Cloud Sect.

So she waved her hand dismissively and said, “No matter, no matter. Since that’s the case, I won’t press further. However, you should take the upcoming Five Peaks Tournament half a year from now seriously.”

“After all, the Five Peaks Tournament occurs only once every five years. Not only will numerous Golden Core Stage Protectors impart their wisdom, but you disciples can also use this opportunity to become better acquainted. Don’t forget about it.”

Hearing this, Lu Chen’s expression turned somewhat peculiar.

Although the Five Peaks Tournament should normally be a standard event where cultivators gather to discuss the Dao,

Coming from Red Duster Fairy’s mouth, it inexplicably gave Lu Chen the impression of an Azure Cloud Sect matchmaking event.

While he had no desire to socialize extensively, the opportunity to hear more Golden Core Stage cultivators expound the Dao was quite appealing, likely to bring him significant gains.

Considering this, Lu Chen immediately nodded and said, “Thank you for the reminder, Junior Martial Uncle. This disciple will keep it in mind.”

“Very well, I’ve said what needed saying. You master and disciple may continue your conversation. I’ll take my leave now.”

“Farewell, Junior Martial Uncle Red Duster.”

After Red Duster Fairy departed, Jing Gong looked at Lu Chen with curiosity.

“Speak up, what brings you here? Knowing your character, you wouldn’t visit without a purpose.”

As he said this, Jing Gong mentally prepared himself to be “farmed for coins” by Lu Chen.

After all, he wasn’t the first to experience this.

Back when Jing Gong was still at the Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment stages, he had also “farmed” plenty of coins from his own master. Now the roles were simply reversed, with him becoming the one being farmed.

“Master, this disciple wishes to request an alchemy furnace from you, to facilitate independent study of alchemy within my cave residence.”

Looking at Lu Chen’s ‘innocent’ expression, Jing Gong’s eye twitched.

Asking for an alchemy furnace right off the bat—this kid’s appetite isn’t small.

However, Jing Gong held rather high expectations for Lu Chen as a disciple.

For no other reason than because this kid clearly understood that feminine charms were stumbling blocks on the path of cultivation, decisively rejecting Red Duster Fairy’s matchmaking attempts.

Thinking this, Jing Gong immediately opened his storage bag and, after some selection, produced a green alchemy furnace.”This Azure Vein Cauldron was something I used in my early years. Although it’s only a first-realm alchemy furnace, it’s among the finest in its class. It’s perfectly suitable for you at your current level. Take it.”

“Thank you, Master.”

Lu Chen received the palm-sized Azure Vein Cauldron and placed it into his storage bag.

Strangely, he didn’t rush to leave but continued staring expectantly at Jing Gong.

This made Jing Gong’s eye twitch uncontrollably.

Was one round of extortion not enough? Did this kid want to do it twice?

“What is it? Do you have something else?”

“Reporting to Master, this disciple wishes to attempt refining Essence Nourishing Pills today. However, having joined recently, I lack sufficient contribution points to exchange for materials within the sect. I wonder if Master…”

“Fine, fine, take it. The herbs in this bottle should last you a while. Use them sparingly – these ingredients aren’t cheap.”

Even after receiving the medicine bottle containing the herbs, Lu Chen still didn’t take his leave, stubbornly remaining rooted to the spot.

This finally made Jing Gong lose his composure completely.

This is too much, really too much! Three rounds of extortion is absolutely excessive!

“What now? What else do you want?”

“Reporting to Master, this disciple recently wanted to practice a divine ability, but…”

As Lu Chen excitedly elaborated on his request, Jing Gong’s expression grew increasingly grim, dark lines forming on his forehead.

Finally, Jing Gong completely erupted.

“Get out! Go back and focus on your cultivation, you brat! I have nothing left to give you!”

Forcibly ejected by Jing Gong, Lu Chen turned back to look at the tightly shut cave residence door and shook his head with some regret.

What a pity. If only he could have gotten Master to cover the cost of learning the divine ability too, he wouldn’t have to worry about cultivation resources for the foreseeable future.

Still… the main objective of this trip had been accomplished.

Lu Chen glanced at the storage bag at his waist, feeling quite pleased.

Though it might seem like taking advantage of his elder, you had to admit… the taste of getting things for free was truly wonderful!

(End of Chapter)