Lin Bingxuan's shaking head caused Xiao Tian and her to exchange glances subconsciously, both somewhat taken aback.

"Actually, I've been reflecting on the previous events during this time, including the many things Linda told me. I believe you were right, even if we don't harm others, we must have the ability to prevent others from harming us!" 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

Seeing the surprised expressions on Xiao Tian and Melinda's faces, Lin Bingxuan smiled: "So, I've decided to seriously enhance my strength to deal with any potential trouble!"

After saying this, Lin Bingxuan walked gracefully to Melinda, sincerely thanking her: "This period must have been quite taxing for you. Thank you so much!"

"Bing, Bingxuan, why are you being so polite!" Melinda quickly snapped out of it, offering, "Really, it's nothing!"

However, Lin Bingxuan responded with a deeply meaningful smile: "Oh? Is that so? Actually, some of the stories you told weren't really yours, were they?"

"Ahem, Bingxuan, you figured it out. Actually, I..." Melinda was slightly embarrassed trying to explain, but Lin Bingxuan cut her off from saying more.

Lin Bingxuan shook her head gently once more, saying: "I understand."

This statement warmed Melinda's heart, and the feeling of being understood made her spontaneously hug Lin Bingxuan, smiling warmly.

Beside them, Xiao Tian watched as the two, who previously seemed hostile towards him, now embraced each other fondly, feeling a bit unsure of his emotions as he awkwardly scratched his nose, then joined in to hug them both.

...

In Sun Bo's grateful eyes, the trio waved goodbye to the elderly man, each carrying large and small bags on their backs.

The three had not disturbed any other villagers; they simply took their things and left in a hurry, leaving Sun Bo somewhat regretful.

Before leaving, Sun Bo's weathered hands tightly grasped Xiao Tian's, speaking in a pleading tone: "The ancient text I entrusted to you, please read through it.

"I don't expect you to carry it forward in a grand way, just hope that if you ever feel tired of it, you can pass it to someone who needs it. If you really can't find anyone... then give it to the country!"

For Sun Bo's request, Xiao Tian naturally agreed earnestly and sincerely.

For some reason, the book contained many strange plant names but recorded highly effective herbs, far more detailed than common ones.

And Xiao Tian always had a feeling that those seemingly fabricated herbs in the book must indeed exist…

——

When the trio returned, they found the elite disciples of the Kunlun Sect resting at the same spot again, among which Yun You was sleeping particularly deeply and sweetly.

Still, it was Celestial Punishment Daoist, along with the Lei Tong brothers and Ghost Face, tasked with perimeter vigilance.

Ji Dantong kept her distance from the crowd and sported a white silk scarf on her face, covering red spots.

Seeing Xiao Tian return, Celestial Punishment Daoist and the others quickly came to greet him, and Ji Dantong's eyes brightened, though she ultimately refrained from stepping forward.

As Xiao Tian and the others casually placed their bundles on the ground, Celestial Punishment Daoist and the Lei Tong brothers froze, staring wide-eyed like statues at the dazzling array of valuable herbs spread out.

This, this was equivalent to half of Kunlun Sect's reserve!

Although the herbs Xiao Tian and his friends had couldn't compare to the wealth of a sect like Kunlun, they had gone from nothing to this, spending less than a month.

Kunlun Sect had only accumulated such reserves over several generations, and the disparity was such that Celestial Punishment Daoist and others couldn't simply describe their feelings as shock!

"No need to be so surprised, in the village ahead of us, there are dozens of medicine gatherers, if you need anything you can buy it!"

Xiao Tian saw the astonishment of Celestial Punishment Daoist and the Lei Tong brothers, taking the opportunity to promote Sun Bo and the others.

Listening to Xiao Tian, Celestial Punishment Daoist and the Lei Tong brothers exchanged glances, and then simultaneously sprang into action, producing a large pile of valuable items in just a few blinks of an eye.

Of course, including some cash, but mostly valuable items like gold, silver, and Jade Pendants carried by disciples.

The three of them, like top-tier thieves, swiftly stripped the elite disciples bare, leaving the rest of the people dumbstruck.

"Thank you for letting us know, we'll go buy some right away." Celestial Punishment Daoist, holding a pile of valuables, bowed to Xiao Tian: "Rest assured, we'll give a fair price!"

Upon finishing, before Xiao Tian could respond, Celestial Punishment Daoist led the Lei Tong brothers, rushing towards Sun Bo's village, as if afraid someone else might beat them to it.

The disciples who were sound asleep didn't notice their elders had swept away their possessions, leaving one to wonder how they'd react upon waking up…

...

After Celestial Punishment Daoist and the Lei Tong brothers left, Lin Bingxuan and Melinda took the opportunity to start adjusting, each reflecting on and understanding the rewards they had gained this time.

Although it seemed that they hadn't gained much materially or made significant breakthroughs in strength, some things were even more precious, such as combat experience and variations during battle.

These things could not be assisted by outsiders, even if Xiao Tian regained his peak strength and then doubled it, he still couldn't help them.

These things, they must truly come to understand on their own!

This is also why Xiao Tian could challenge masters above his level while most others couldn't breakthrough or advance despite a lifetime of efforts.

There is undoubtedly effort involved, but personal talent and insight are indispensable!

Some geniuses need not work hard, yet their strength leaves peers far behind, while others give their all but cannot catch up with genius.

Even if it seems unfair, this is the hard fact, effort plus talent are the foundation of becoming a top-tier expert!

Seeing there was nothing he could assist with, Xiao Tian approached Ji Dantong, coughed twice, and said, "Now, it's time to settle our accounts!"

"I, we don't have any accounts with each other?!"

Ji Dantong said, clearly guilty, otherwise she wouldn't have deliberately avoided Xiao Tian, now that he brought it up, she really didn't know how to defend herself.

"Earlier when I told you to go back and warn everyone to leave quickly, you just ignored my words and followed me instead, running so far." Xiao Tian said: "Do you think your actions were justified?!"

"I just didn't want to…"

Ji Dantong originally wanted to argue, saying, I just didn't want you to take risks alone, but the words couldn't come out, and she just lowered her head as much as possible, her cheeks turning crimson.

"Didn't want what?"