Eloquent Ascent

The tray contained a pouch filled with spirit stones, each one having a deep, resonant multicolored glow that seemed to pulse with life. These were high-grade elemental stones.

Xu Qi's eyes lit up at the sight of them. He'd only seen a low-grade one that was among the resources he regularly received as an outer court disciple. It was not as valuable as Elemental Synthesis pills since they could also be used as currencies but Xu Qi knew that this was what he needed.

They contained dense primal elements that were mostly used to aid in cultivation. One such high-grade stone was equivalent to ten thousand low-grade stones. That's why Xu Qi couldn't help but gulp down at their sight.

It's too much. Way too much for someone at his level.

He'd be happy for an intermediate-grade stone or two but several high-grade stones? Xu Qi thought he was going to get drowned by it.

He spied a small smile forming on Elder Liu's lips as she was pleased at seeing his flabbergasted reaction.

Xu Qi took a deep breath and composed himself to see the other items.

Next to the elemental stones are two rolled-up scrolls, their papers shimmering with a hint of qi in them, and a jade talisman

Not wanting him to wait any longer, Elder Liu unfurled one, revealing an intricate pattern of swirling energy.

"This is the Wind Whisper Art. It's a basic wind-based martial art suitable for your current realm. Your expertise in resonating with the primal element of wind will also help you master this quite quickly. Use it wisely, young Xu Qi," She said as she rolled it and placed it back on the tray.

Next, she picked up the small, square-shaped jade talisman with an etching of a phoenix in flight. It was intricately drawn that Xu Qi could feel the heat coming from it and the primal elements of fire happily surrounding it.

"This is the Phoenix Flight Talisman. This is a one-time use talisman that can be used to grant you a temporary flight for a short distance. It will come in handy during the test and perhaps beyond if you pass without ever using this one," With a meaningful smile, she placed it back down.

The final item was another scroll. Unlike the martial art scroll or the jade talisman, this one hummed with more pulsation of qi and the swirling of primal elements.

"This is the Flamebird Sprite." Elder Liu partially unfurled it to reveal the complex script written within. Each character is seemingly alive and fluttering with the fire of an undying phoenix. "This is a rare spell that exists in our Wandering Palace. I procured this years ago from the Inner Court's Scripture Vault for a disciple. Alas, I never had the chance to give this to her."

"I've heard the whispers about you and I believe this can possibly complement your... enlightened path. This is a spell that allows the caster to manipulate the very essence of the primal element of fire, shaping it into a fiery flamebird to serve as a protector in combat." Elder Liu finished as she flicked her fingers. From her fingertips, Xu Qi saw the primal element of fire resonating with her qi and forming the spell.

In a few seconds, a small bird made of flames made up entirely of primal elements of fire started flapping its wings as it flew around the enigmatic elder.

Xu Qi's eyes widened in disbelief. A martial art technique, a talisman and even a rare spell scroll?

The resources Elder Liu was giving him were more than generous even for an inner court disciple, let alone someone who had just broken through to the third stage of Elemental Awakener.

Xu Qi couldn't help but wonder.

Was this influenced by his charms? Or was it simply Elder Liu's generosity? The high-quality elementals were already too much but to add these three… Did he win the jackpot?

This felt like he walked into a bank to withdraw 100 bucks only to leave the said bank with the key to its vault and a bag full of cash.

Elder Liu's gifts were more than Xu Qi could have ever dreamed of.

"Many thanks, Elder!" Xu Qi said with genuine gratitude, his voice carrying the sincerity that could melt the coldest of hearts.

Although he could spend all day thinking of the reason why Elder Liu gave him such a favor, Xu Qi wouldn't reject it.

Even if this would put him in her debt, he was willing to go through to acquire it. He has confidence gained from his Celestial Eloquence and the effectiveness of his words to women. Sooner or later, he believed he could also charm his way to this stoic Elder's heart.

"Cultivate well and pass the test," Elder Liu said, her voice as soft as a whisper yet carrying the weight of an edict.

Xu Qi looked at her, his eyes shining with determination. He knew he had to reciprocate her kindness somehow.

"Elder, I am deeply grateful for your generosity. Is there anything I can do to repay you?"

Elder Liu raised an eyebrow as her eyes sparkled with a hint of interest. "Ah, you wish to repay me? Very well. If you truly wish to do so, then I require a promise from you."

Xu Qi felt his heart flutter, unsure of what she might ask of him. Like he just thought, in the world of cultivation, favors often came with strings attached.

He nodded solemnly, his expression unwavering. "I am yours to command, Elder Liu."

Her smile grew as a hint of mischief played at the corners of her mouth, "Forget it. I merely wish for you to succeed, disciple Xu Qi."

She paused for a moment as her gaze bore into him again. With her voice like a silken caress that sent him shivering down to his very bones, "Should you find yourself in need of guidance, do not hesitate to seek me out. I can take some time out for a promising disciple."

Unusual it might be, but Elder Liu found herself naturally delivering those words. Unbeknownst to Xu Qi, the stoic elder was also shaken at how much his voice and charm were affecting her.

"I will!" Xu Qi said as he tried to stand up and bow to express his gratitude.

However, because of his haste, his knee hit the table, stumbling forward. Elder Liu's reflex was quick as she reached out, steadying him with a gentle hand.

In some sort of a lucky pervert instance, Xu Qi's face squarely landed on top of her bosom. The warmth and softness of her body made him freeze in his spot, his cheeks burning hotter than the sun at high noon.

It was a different feeling than Ling Lian's or Xiao Yue's. It was firmer, more elastic which screamed out the mature allure of the stoic elder.

As he regained his wits, Xu Qi hurriedly straightened his back and apologized.

"Elder Liu, I'm so sorry," Xu Qi stuttered.

Elder Liu giggled at his reaction. Her was like a melody, light and airy, yet it filled the chamber with a warmth that seemed to melt the tension.

She sat back down gracefully as if that episode was a fleeting instance that wasn't enough to make her fluster. Her hand lingered on his cheek for a few seconds before he, too, was forced back to sit down.

"No need for apologies, young one," She said, her eyes gleaming with something Xu Qi couldn't quite read. "Inspect the resources before you go and hurry on to practice. Time won't wait for you."

"Yes!" Xu Qi bowed respectfully once more as he followed her words.

Xu Qi knew that all of this might have to do again with his innate charm. What would happen if he also weaved his Celestial Eloquence, would it progress in another way?

After a while, Elder Liu left the chamber first. As she stepped out of the room, she placed a hand on her chest. The same place Xu Qi's face had just been on. She couldn't help but feel a twinge of something she hadn't felt in a long time. Her eyes glanced back to the form of the young man still busy on the table, noticing the way his robes handsomely stuck to him, revealing a hint of his youthful vitality.

As she walked away, she couldn't help but muse that the encounter had been more... invigorating than she had expected.