Chapter 41: Judging Right from Wrong, Building the Foundation in Confusion

Hu Wanzhi lowered her head and approached. It was not her first time seeing a Foundation Establishment cultivator, but her innate timid nature made her dare not lift her eyes to look at the person seated upon the throne.

Behind her, Fang Erlang was trembling even more visibly, his eyes filled with terror and his lips pale from dryness. At a single glance, Xu Feng could tell this man had a guilty conscience; he gave him a brief appraisal before withdrawing his gaze.

Zhao Chun spoke up to introduce her: "This is my Senior Sister, Hu Wanzhi. Although she is an outer disciple, in my heart, she is as dear to me as a sworn sister."

Xu Feng observed that her cultivation was only at the second level of Qi Refinement, yet she was already past twenty years of age. He understood her true status, and hearing Zhao Chun describe her as "as dear as a sworn sister," his expression softened slightly, and he gave her a slight nod.

Filled with trepidation, Hu Wanzhi hurriedly said, "A mere blade of grass like myself would not dare to trouble your Excellency's gaze."

With a wave of his large hand, Xu Feng went straight to the point: "I heard that the rift between my son and Junior Sister Zhao was connected to you. I wish to ask what exactly happened, so that I, as a father, may have something to address."

Seeing his politeness, Hu Wanzhi felt a bit flustered. Only after catching Zhao Chun's nod did she compose her thoughts and recount in detail how Xu Kuangrui had bribed a handyman to plant drugs in the soil.

Xu Feng had come from humble beginnings, and when he first entered the sect, he had also endured significant hardships. He understood quite well the struggles faced by low-level cultivators.

Sighing softly, he thought that while Xu Kuangrui's methods were inexcusable and insidious, they might not have cost Hu Wanzhi her life, but if left unchecked, the supervisor of the Spirit Plant Garden would surely harbor resentment. If she were stripped of her duties then, it would be a much harsher blow.

With Fang Erlang as a witness and the undelivered abortifacient as physical evidence, Xu Feng's face showed signs of anger. For many years, he had often had to divert his attention to settle Xu Kuangrui's affairs. The long-accumulated conflicts caused his anger to surge, leaving him momentarily unsure of how to speak.

"I will have my son visit you on another day to offer his apologies, and I shall certainly impose restrictions upon him in the future," Xu Feng said, steadying himself and taking a long breath.

Zhao Chun was satisfied with this outcome. After all, the other party was a Foundation Establishment cultivator; for him to deign to handle this matter personally was already not easy. Although Xu Kuangrui was not seen receiving a formal punishment, judging by Xu Feng's attitude, he would certainly not let the matter slide privately.

With his word, Hu Wanzhi was truly settled. The heavy stone in her heart lifted, and she hurriedly bowed to thank Xu Feng, her entire being no longer clouded by the previous gloom.

Since the matter was concluded, Zhao Chun intended to take the two and take their leave, but unexpectedly, Xu Feng's words held her back. She could only call forth her smoke boat first to send the two back, remaining alone at Wangduan Cliff. She asked, "Does Senior Brother have further business?"

Xu Feng smiled calmly and said, "Since achieving Foundation Establishment, it is indeed as you said, Junior Sister—I have received countless letters of greeting. Among them, many were more urgent or more sincere than yours, yet I chose to meet with you first. Do you know why?"

Zhao Chun had not failed to wonder about this. Achieving Foundation Establishment at such a young age and being rated "Upper B" in the Great Examination meant that those in the inner sect wishing to curry favor with Xu Feng were as numerous as carp crossing a river. That he had specifically picked Zhao Chun's letter must have had a deeper meaning.

Zhao Chun's eyes shifted. "I ask Senior Brother to speak plainly."

Placing his hands on his knees, Xu Feng said, "Does Junior Sister still remember Meng Han?"

"Senior Brother Meng? Of course. If not for his help, I would have lost my life in the Zhifeng Forest long ago."

"Haha!" Xu Feng laughed loudly. "Both of you claim he saved your lives; I am not sure who saved whom!" His tone was different from before, sounding more intimate. Zhao Chun guessed this was due to the connection with Meng Han.

Before she could ask, Xu Feng answered for her: "I have known Meng Han for a long time, like a brother. During this recent journey abroad, I was traveling with him to search for Foundation Establishment spiritual items. I heard him say once that your intellect is extraordinary and that you must possess great talent, which is why I remembered your name."

Zhao Chun offered a few humble words, then heard Xu Feng explain that it was because Meng Han was unwilling to use the spiritual fruits of Huiming Villa as his foundation and insisted on finding his own spiritual items, which had caused such a delay.

Those spiritual fruits belonged to the Earth element; they were balanced and peaceful, making Foundation Establishment relatively easy, though the quality of the spiritual foundation would be merely mediocre. Meng Han had originally been satisfied, but after the incident with Yue Cuan, his ambition was ignited. He insisted on finding a more suitable Rock Jade Stone Root before attempting Foundation Establishment.

This item was one of the most precious among Earth-element spiritual items. To obtain it from the sect would require an unknown amount of treasures in exchange. Being short on funds, Meng Han invited his close friend Xu Feng to go treasure hunting together. Unexpectedly, he actually found it; though the quantity was not large, it was sufficient for Foundation Establishment.

"And Senior Brother Meng?"

"He achieved Foundation Establishment half a month ago and is currently participating in the Great Examination. His foundation is solid; he is guaranteed an Upper-Middle B, and perhaps even an Upper-Lower A." As for anything higher, Xu Feng did not dare to guarantee.

Zhao Chun hurriedly asked him to convey her congratulations, then heard him say, "There is one more thing. I heard that you have been inquiring about the Earth-Fire Casting Furnace recently. Do you wish to learn the 'Fire Forging Furnace Technique'?"

Inquiring about another's techniques was actually quite offensive. Although he was Meng Han's friend, they had only known each other for a short time. However, through this interaction, she could tell he was not the type to speak rashly, so she held her tongue and waited for his explanation.

Knowing his words were blunt, Xu Feng explained, "I will not play coy with you, Junior Sister, and will speak plainly. My three spiritual roots primarily cultivate the Metal element, so such elemental techniques are rare. I happen to have learned this technique, and seeing that you are currently at the fifth level of Qi Refinement, I felt compelled to remind you."

"The Earth-Fire Casting Furnace consumes a massive amount of spiritual energy; a slight oversight could harm your body. Since you possess a Fire spiritual root, I fear you may not be able to withstand it. Wait until you have reached the perfection of the sixth level of Qi Refinement before attempting this technique."

Such cultivation secrets were generally not shared with others; his willingness to advise Zhao Chun was, in part, out of respect for Meng Han.

"So that is how it is. I was ignorant," Zhao Chun said, rising to thank him. She felt a slight sense of shame, thinking to herself that it was fortunate this visit had allowed her to learn this, otherwise she might have stepped into a pit and damaged her cultivation.

Seeing that she was young and surely had many unknowns, Xu Feng went on to explain several more intricacies regarding techniques and cultivation levels, which proved immensely beneficial to Zhao Chun.