In the clean and tidy small courtyard.
A figure moved swiftly like a black civet cat.
The spiritual sword in his hand swung like rain, with cold lights intertwining, transforming the entire courtyard into a sharp sword domain.
This person was Lu Fan.
With scarce resources and unable to rapidly improve his Cultivation, he could only diligently practice Movement Techniques and sword skills.
Over the past two months, he had practiced the Swimming Dragon Movement Technique and Fallen Dust Swordplay, taught by the Tower Spirit, countless times.
Every day he practiced until his arms and legs were swollen, and after the swelling subsided the next day, he would grit his teeth and persevere again.
No matter how tired he was, his nightly meditation and Cultivation never ceased.
Although not as rapid as Cultivating with the Nine Nether Reincarnation Tower, the accumulated spiritual Qi absorbed from heaven and earth was better than nothing.
Swish!
As a sword sharply struck to his right-rear, the crisp and familiar call from outside the courtyard rang out as expected.
“Fan Ge, Fan Ge…”
Lu Fan's movements paused, and the Tower Spirit's cold reprimand immediately sounded in his mind.
“Cultivation is like fighting; can external things disturb your mind? If this were a battlefield, you would already be a corpse!”
“I was wrong.” Lu Fan honestly admitted his mistake.
“Hmph, you say you're sorry, but the next time that girl calls, you'll forget again. Never mind, that's enough for today.”
Lu Fan chuckled, put away his spiritual sword, and quickly pulled open the courtyard door.
Jiang Zhiyu was standing prettily outside the door, holding a plate.
For the past six months, she and Er Hu had taken turns bringing him meals, each one abundant, making his body much stronger, no longer the scrawny figure he once was.
Today's meal was especially tempting… five steaming hot large meat buns, their rich meaty aroma making Lu Fan subconsciously swallow.
“Come in quickly.”
He stepped aside, letting Jiang Zhiyu walk into the courtyard with the plate, her small mouth slightly pouted as she playfully chided:
“The day before yesterday, I casually mentioned to Aunt Jiang that you wanted to eat meat buns.
As a result, she specially walked for two hours yesterday to the town to buy meat, and made them for you this morning.
Hmph, Aunt Jiang is more biased towards you than me. Anyone who didn't know would truly think you were her biological son.”
Lu Fan had already grabbed a bun and was wolfing it down.
Hearing her words, he chuckled foolishly: “If Aunt Jiang is willing, I’m happy to be her adopted son.”
These words came from the heart.
His Master had been gone for a long time, and during this period, he had relied entirely on Er Hu’s mother and Aunt Jiang for care.
Aunt Jiang not only had Zhi Yu bring him meals daily but also sewed him new clothes. He kept this kindness deeply in his heart.
“Dream on! I don’t want you as my older brother.” Jiang Zhiyu tossed her ponytail proudly and turned her face away.
Lu Fan was accustomed to her mannerisms, so he smiled and said no more, focusing on the remaining buns.
After devouring the five large buns like a whirlwind, it drew another murmur from the girl: “So much food, you’ll turn into a pig sooner or later… Let's see who will want you then.”
“If no one wants me, I’ll just send myself to you.” Lu Fan blurted out jokingly, then realized his slip of the tongue and looked embarrassed.
Jiang Zhiyu was visibly stunned, her pretty face instantly flushing red.
“Pah… Who, who wants you! Shameless!” She grabbed the empty plate and turned to run, like a startled fawn.
Lu Fan scratched his head helplessly.
The Tower Spirit’s teasing voice rang out at the opportune moment: “Tsk, you’ve improved.”
“This girl has decent talent. If you truly have the intention, I can reluctantly accept her as a Named Disciple, that’s not impossible.”
Lu Fan’s face grew warm, but the Tower Spirit’s words made his heart stir.
Zhi Yu Meimei and Aunt Jiang treated him extremely well. If he could guide her onto the path of Cultivation, it would undoubtedly be an excellent way to repay them.
And Er Hu, that honest boy also treated him like a real brother…
Just as he was about to speak, the Tower Spirit’s voice turned solemn:
“But for now, don’t think about it. We don’t have any Cultivation resources at all. You can barely protect yourself, let alone help others.”
After a pause, the Tower Spirit’s tone became grave as he delivered a more urgent message: “There’s something I intended to tell you later, but now I have no choice but to say it.”
“These past two months, the Nine Nether Reincarnation Tower has not been able to absorb any energy and has begun to consume its Origin.
If there is no replenishment, I will fall into a deep sleep, and the Reincarnation Tower will be sealed again.
At that time, everything will be up to you.”
Lu Fan’s heart tightened, and he quickly asked: “Tower Spirit, how could this be? If you fall into a deep sleep, how long will it take to awaken?”
Over the past six months, he had understood too well the importance of the Tower Spirit and the Nine Nether Reincarnation Tower.
If he lost them, his Dao path would be arduous, and he would have no chance of competing with those Prodigies.
The Tower Spirit sighed: “A century at the shortest, or… a millennium at the longest.”
A century? A millennium? By then, the Tower might still exist, but he, Lu Fan, would likely have long turned to dust!
No! This must not happen!
“Tower Spirit, if there are enough resources, will you and the Reincarnation Tower be able to stay awake?”
“Naturally.”
“Good! Then wait three more days! If Master still hasn't returned after three days… I will go out on my own to find resources!”
Since he knew the location of Xinghua Village, he could just return after finding resources outside.
If Master returned then, he could have Er Hu or Zhi Yu inform him.
Having made up his mind, Lu Fan cast aside distracting thoughts and once again dedicated himself to diligent practice.
Three days passed in a flash.
On the fourth day at noon, Lu Fan finished his last move, stood with his sword sheathed, and sighed softly as he looked towards the village entrance.
He turned and went back to his house, beginning to pack his simple belongings, preparing to embark on an unknown journey.
Just then.
Outside the courtyard gate, there was a sudden, urgent knocking, accompanied by Er Hu’s familiar but panicked shouts…