Ch.5 Li Bin's Conspiracy

For two consecutive days, Zhuge Xiang tried his best to imitate Lu Yuling's Qingbo Palm by the small lake. Lu Yuling showed no signs of disapproval toward Zhuge Xiang's imitation. Clearly, as she had mentioned, Qingbo Palm was merely a martial art that disciples comprehended as part of their Qi cultivation training. It wasn't a closely guarded secret skill. Even during their breaks, Lu Yuling would occasionally offer Zhuge Xiang pointers, significantly enhancing his understanding of Qingbo Palm.

Though he lacked Qi and couldn't unleash the full potential of this palm technique, Zhuge Xiang had become proficient in the movements over these two days.

During their practice sessions, there was no unnecessary conversation, even though Zhuge Xiang was aware of Lu Yuling's status. Nonetheless, as they lived within the same community, Lu Yuling would engage in small talk with him during their breaks, helping pass the time.

Every day, they practiced by the lake until late at night before departing. Zhuge Xiang, without the ability to comprehend Qi, dared not slack off. Meanwhile, Lu Yuling, who had already comprehended Qi, trained just as diligently, demonstrating that even so-called geniuses owed their success to hard work.

"Senior Sister Lu, I'll take my leave. Please take care," Zhuge Xiang bid farewell to Lu Yuling one evening as the sky turned crimson with sunset.

Lu Yuling had noticed Zhuge Xiang's commitment over the past few days. He often practiced to the point of exhaustion. But why did he want to leave early today? Lu Yuling glanced at him with surprise, but she wasn't one to pry into others' thoughts. She simply nodded to acknowledge his departure.

Li Bin made his way back, his steps light, his face flushed with excitement. Over the past few days, Zhao Feiyun had provided him with careful instruction. Although Li Bin couldn't comprehend Qi energy or grasp the essence of the Ghost Walk technique, he had internalized the footwork. He was confident that he could easily handle Zhuge Xiang during their upcoming confrontation.

Reaching into his pocket, Li Bin retrieved a packet of powdered poison. His eyes gleamed with cold determination as he concealed it close to his chest.

This was a package of Heartbreak Powder. When ingested, it wouldn't take immediate effect. Instead, it induced symptoms such as confusion, disorientation, and weakness in the hands and feet. The full impact would only manifest a day later. Of course, there was no actual poison in it, and obtaining it had required a considerable effort on Zhao Feiyun's part.

According to Zhao Feiyun, one must be fully prepared for anything. Armed with the Heartbreak Powder and his knowledge of the Ghost Walk, Li Bin was convinced that he could secure victory. Furthermore, to safeguard the secrecy of the Blood Spirit Fruit news, no one could be allowed to live, not even Niu Geng.

Thinking of Niu Geng, Li Bin smiled. He still held a fondness for such an upright man who served him humbly, but he would soon have his own maids once he became an official disciple of the Shura Sect. At that point, he would no longer need to serve himself. Formal disciples of the Shura Sect had maids to attend to their daily needs, a perk enjoyed by disciples of major sects.

However, Niu Geng had completed his training early that day. He prepared some food in the dining hall where the Shura Sect disciples ate and returned to his room with a worried expression. It was apparent he was concerned about the impending conflict between Zhuge Xiang and Li Bin.

In his view, they all resided under the same roof and were friends. There was no need to escalate the situation to such an extent.

"Niu Geng, why are you here?" At that moment, the room's door swung open, and Li Bin's face lit up when he saw Niu Geng. Li Bin knew what was inside.

"This is the Spirit Fruit Pulp I just obtained for you and Zhuge Xiang to share. I've been thinking over the past few days that since we are friends, there's no need for such a fierce competition. Also, you've served me diligently, and I haven't had a chance to repay you," Niu Geng said with a guilty expression as he extended a small wine gourd toward Li Bin.

"Spirit Fruit Pulp!?" Li Bin's words left Niu Geng wide-eyed with astonishment.

The Shura Sect was a sizable sect, and even preparatory disciples like Niu Geng enjoyed good living conditions. They could dine on sumptuous meals and drink fine wine at their leisure. However, Spirit Fruit Pulp was a rare and precious commodity. Preparatory disciples like Niu Geng only received a small cup of it each month.

Spirit Fruit Pulp was derived from numerous spiritual fruits and herbs, undergoing a complex refinement process. While it couldn't help one comprehend Qi, it was beneficial for the body, assisting in healing minor internal injuries accumulated during cultivation. This made Spirit Fruit Pulp highly valuable. Even a small wine gourd was worth more than what Niu Geng received in a year.

"Do you look down on my apology?" Li Bin's face darkened, and he feigned displeasure. "If you consider me a friend, don't refuse my goodwill."

"Alright then," Niu Geng agreed reluctantly, knowing that Li Bin was sincere. He lifted the wine gourd's lid, and a delightful fragrance wafted out.

Niu Geng sniffed the aroma and seemed to relish it but refrained from drinking immediately. Instead, he smiled and said, "I appreciate your kind offer, but I prefer to wait until Zhuge Xiang is here. It just feels right to enjoy it together."

"Don't you consider me a friend?" Li Bin responded with a stern expression.

"Okay then," Niu Geng conceded, realizing that Li Bin genuinely wanted to mend their relationship. He raised the wine gourd, poured three cups, and asked Li Bin if he'd like one, but Li Bin declined.

"Alright, I'll go find Zhuge Xiang and have a drink with him now," Niu Geng exclaimed happily after Li Bin's offer of the Spirit Fruit Pulp. With the gourd of Spirit Fruit Pulp in hand, he left the room eagerly.

"By the way, don't mention that I gave you the Spirit Fruit Pulp. Tomorrow, I'll be having a competition with Zhuge Xiang. I want to see how strong he is. I don't want him to give up by then," Li Bin instructed before Niu Geng's departure.

"Don't worry, I won't say anything," Niu Geng assured solemnly, patting his chest. He then turned and exited the room, brimming with excitement.

"Hehe, neither of you can let go of the news about the Blood Spirit Fruit," Li Bin muttered with a sinister tone once Niu Geng had left the room.

Li Bin wasn't concerned about wasting the Spirit Fruit Pulp, nor did he fear that Zhuge Xiang wouldn't drink it. After a year of getting to know him, Li Bin was well aware of Zhuge Xiang's honest and upright character. Once he drank it, there was no turning back. They were both doomed.

After about an hour, Niu Geng had not returned yet, but Zhuge Xiang arrived first. The two of them exchanged glances with Li Bin and then averted their eyes, ignoring each other. Just at that moment, Niu Geng returned, bubbling with excitement.

"Zhuge Xiang, I searched for you outside. I didn't expect you to return first. I managed to get some Spirit Fruit Pulp. Let's enjoy it together," Niu Geng said cheerfully, holding a gourd filled with Spirit Fruit Pulp.

"Spirit Fruit Pulp?" Zhuge Xiang's eyes widened in surprise as he gazed at the gourd in Niu Geng's hand. He couldn't believe that Niu Geng had acquired such a precious commodity. Niu Geng had already poured three cups of the pulp by the time he spoke. He also offered Li Bin a chance to drink it, but Li Bin declined with a shake of his head.

Was he really giving up such a golden opportunity? Zhuge Xiang wondered with astonishment. Niu Geng's trust today seemed unusual, but Zhuge Xiang didn't dwell on it. It was best for Li Bin not to drink it; otherwise, it would go to waste. Zhuge Xiang savored the Spirit Fruit Pulp, drinking it one cup at a time until not a drop remained.

"This Spirit Fruit Pulp is truly delicious. Once I become an official disciple of the Shura Sect, I'll enjoy it every day," Zhuge Xiang remarked as he wiped his mouth.

The prospect of becoming a full-fledged disciple offered prosperity, better treatment, a life free from worries about sustenance, and protection from bullying. These incentives fueled Zhuge Xiang's dedication to practice and were the very reasons he had joined the Shura Sect.

Li Bin, who was standing nearby, observed Zhuge Xiang drinking the Spirit Fruit Pulp that he had laced with Heartbreak powder. As he listened to Zhuge Xiang's words, a sinister and malevolent smile crept across the corner of Li Bin's lips. An official disciple? In his next life, Zhuge Xiang would taste the bitterness of the Broken Heart Powder. He wouldn't live to see another day...