After observing for some time, Qin Chu was certain that the Vermilion Bird Stone contained a secret. The reason it hadn't been discovered yet was that the time wasn't right. He felt that the Vermilion Bird Holy Fire was the key to discovering the Vermilion Bird Stone; as long as he continued to nourish it, the secret would surface.
While nourishing the Vermilion Bird Stone, Qin Chu also didn't neglect his Cultivation. He Cultivated while consuming top-grade Heavenly Origin Medicinal Pills, and his Origin Qi's improvement was unaffected. Additionally, his Saint Bone was still growing, just at a slower pace.
The core area of the Vermilion Bird Holy Land was completed, but the outer areas were still under construction, presenting a bustling scene. However, Qin Chu's Little Sparrow Courtyard was relatively quiet. Qin Longhan had instructed the Clan members not to disturb Qin Chu without good reason.
While Qin Chu Cultivated, Lang Lang and Qian Xun were also Cultivating. Lang Lang used to just drift along, not caring about anything, but that was no longer the case. Qin Chu had put pressure on him; Qin Chu's improvement was like he had taken a potent medicine. In fact, top-grade Medicinal Pills were indeed potent medicine, but the main factor was his effort—Qin Chu was diligent enough.
In less than a month, the Vermilion Bird Holy Land Elder who went to Nanyan State returned, bringing back two young men.
Upon seeing one of the young men, Qin Chu was extremely excited and went over to give him a big hug.
This young man was none other than Bai Yu! The other was not Er Pang, but Yan Yi, an outstanding Disciple of the Azure Cloud Sect and a Disciple of Luo Zhen.
After hugging Bai Yu, Qin Chu cupped his fists at Yan Yi, “Senior Brother Yan!”
“Nanyan State is very peaceful, so I decided to come to Central State to make a name for myself. I came with the Senior of Junior Brother's Family. I apologize for the abrupt intrusion; I hope Junior Brother doesn't mind.” Yan Yi looked at Qin Chu, his eyes filled with shock, as he couldn't discern Qin Chu's depth.
“Senior Brother Yan, you are too polite. Stay in the Vermilion Bird Holy Land for now, and then we can make further plans. Bai Yu, why didn't Er Pang come?” Qin Chu looked at Bai Yu, inquiring about Er Pang's situation. In the Azure Cloud Sect, Bai Yu and Er Pang were the ones he worried about and cared for the most.
“Er Pang is doing very well. The Sect Master offered to promote him several times, but he refused each time. He just wants to guard the Miscellaneous Affairs Hall. He says that with him there, the Miscellaneous Affairs Hall will forever be a Miscellaneous Affairs Hall that isn't bullied. Also, Er Pang will have great prospects later. He didn't have much Cultivation Aptitude in previous years, but in the past year or so, his cultivation has rapidly improved, and he has already entered the Fourth Rank.” Bai Yu introduced Er Pang's situation to Qin Chu.
“That guy, he really intends to stick with it to the end. That's good. Central State is a good place, but it's also full of bloodshed and may not be suitable for him. We haven't seen each other in a long time. We must gather tonight, and I'll also introduce you to our two other good friends.” Qin Chu said with a smile.
In the evening, Qin Chu arranged a banquet, inviting Bai Yu and Yan Yi, as well as Lang Lang and Qian Xun. Qin Chu introduced the two groups to each other.
Qin Chu didn't know much about Yan Yi, mainly because Yan Yi had always Cultivated behind closed doors in the Azure Cloud Sect and didn't interact much with anyone. His first interaction with Qin Chu was when he helped Qin Chu out of a predicament.
“Qin Chu, this drink is my apology to you, Bai Yu, and Er Pang. I am the chief Disciple of Green Bamboo Peak, but I didn't stand up when you were being bullied by others, nor did I advocate for you. This is where I failed.” Yan Yi held a cup of wine, raised it to Qin Chu and Bai Yu, then raised it towards the direction of Nanyan State, and drank it in one gulp.
“Senior Brother Yan, you exaggerate. The main reason was that we were too reckless at the time; who would have believed us!” Bai Yu said with a smile.
“At that time, the Azure Cloud Sect was being ostracized by other forces, and I just wanted to Cultivate diligently, so I didn't get involved in your affairs.” Yan Yi's eyes were full of apology.
“Senior Brother Yan, don't overthink it, let's drink!” Qin Chu said. Although Yan Yi didn't interact much with him and Bai Yu, he cared deeply about the honor of Green Bamboo Peak, which showed that he was a person of conviction and integrity.
“Qin Chu, after you left, there was no news. I kept thinking about when we brothers could live together side by side. I waited and waited until the Elder of the Vermilion Bird Holy Land arrived. My wait was not in vain!” Bai Yu said, looking at Qin Chu.
“I'm very sorry, I haven't had a moment's peace since I came to Central State.” Qin Chu said to Bai Yu.
Drinking and chatting, everyone was very happy, and they only dispersed after getting a bit tipsy!
During subsequent conversations, Qin Chu learned that both Yan Yi and Bai Yu planned to go to Heavenly Sword Mountain. They had heard about Heavenly Sword Mountain from Mo Daozi and yearned to go there.
Qin Chu told the two that it was useless to go to Heavenly Sword Mountain if their Sword Intent hadn't reached the entry level, and they should first Cultivate with him at Little Sparrow Mountain Villa.
Initially, Yan Yi and Bai Yu didn't quite understand, but when Qin Chu sat in meditation and Cultivated in front of them, they realized that the Sword Intent emanating from Qin Chu was enough for them to comprehend.
“Heavenly Sword Mountain cannot be entered without a foundational, formed Sword Intent. You should first observe and comprehend the Sword Intent from Qin Chu.” Lang Lang said to Yan Yi and Bai Yu.
When Qin Chu Cultivated, Yan Yi and Bai Yu sat in meditation to observe. As for Qian Xun, his Sword Intent was already Intermediate Sword Intent, so the Elementary Sword Intent displayed by Qin Chu was of little use to him.
Life passed steadily. After half a month of observation, Yan Yi and Bai Yu successively comprehended Sword Intent. This was mainly because the Sword Intent displayed by Qin Chu was the easiest to accept and comprehend. Additionally, during breaks, Qin Chu also explained to them what his understanding of Sword Intent was like.
The entry into Sword Intent made Yan Yi and Bai Yu very happy, because after comprehending Sword Intent, they became true Sword Cultivators.
After staying in the Vermilion Bird Holy Land for a while, Lang Lang's restless spirit resurfaced, and he bid farewell to Qin Chu.
“Where are you going?” Qin Chu asked.
“I don't know, perhaps Heavenly Sword City, perhaps Holy Martial City.” Lang Lang thought for a moment and said.
“Then let's go to Heavenly Sword City. It's perfect since Qian Xun, Senior Brother Yan, and Bai Yu all want to Cultivate Sword Intent.” Qin Chu said.
“You're going too? Aren't you staying home?” Lang Lang looked at Qin Chu in surprise, thinking that Qin Chu should be staying in the Vermilion Bird Holy Land right now.
“Haha! The outside world is so lively, of course, I have to go out and explore.” Qin Chu said with a smile.
Just as Qin Chu was about to tell Qin Longhan and Qin Lingxi that he was leaving, Qin Lingxi arrived. She informed Qin Chu that a Sealed restricted area had appeared in the Sword North Forest, north of Heavenly Sword City. Currently, no one could enter that restricted area, but there was intense fire energy within it. According to the analysis of the situation, it might be the emergence of a fire-attributed exotic treasure, or even an exotic fire!
Upon hearing this news, Qin Chu's face showed surprise, followed by joy. He needed both fire-attributed exotic treasures and exotic fires. His Vermilion Bird Holy Fire needed these to grow rapidly. Once the Vermilion Bird Holy Fire improved, the secret of the Vermilion Bird Stone would manifest even faster.
Recently, the Vermilion Bird Stone's reactions had been growing stronger, with its light flickering like a beating heart.