NOVEL NEXT Chapter 78: Progression Point
Chapter 78: Progression Point
[Name: Xu Lian]
[Cultivation Stage: Bright Strength Phase, Level 1]
[Skill: Breaking Wind Sword Technique, Volume 1]
[Items: None (1-star longsword, not equipped)]
[Notes: Xu Xiaomei’s affection rating increased from 85/100 to 90/100.
You have earned 1 progression point. Choose between upgrading cultivation stage, skill proficiency, or equipping an item.]
Reuniting with Xiao Mei and alleviating the pain of longing had borne fruit for Xu Lian, as expected.
Xiao Mei’s unwavering devotion, evidenced by her starting affection of 85/100, had rapidly propelled her feelings forward. Xu Lian could hardly believe how quickly she had grown even closer to him.
They walked hand in hand through the small courtyard, exchanging heartfelt words. Xiao Mei’s radiant smile filled Xu Lian’s heart with warmth and determination – he decided to stay in Stone Town for at least two more days.
He explained his plans to Xiao Mei before heading into town to retrieve Lin Wan and Qin Liu from the tea stall.
At noon, Xu Lian and Qin Liu returned from the market, arms laden with fresh ingredients.
Xiao Mei greeted them at the door, taking the provisions into the kitchen and beginning to prepare lunch.
Lin Wan followed her in. “Let me help you,” she offered.
Xiao Mei turned to look at her, slightly surprised. “You’re a guest – it doesn’t feel right for you to help with the cooking.”
Lin Wan smiled gracefully, rolling up her sleeves to reveal her fair wrists. “It’s fine. Xu Lian and I are good friends.”
Xiao Mei blinked, sensing an unspoken meaning in Lin Wan’s words, but chose not to dwell on it. Instead, she asked curiously, “You’re able to move around freely during the day – are you a cultivator?”
Lin Wan nodded slightly. “More or less.”
The two women chatted as they worked, quickly forming a bond. By the time the meal was ready, they were calling each other “sister,” thanks in no small part to Lin Wan’s deliberate efforts to build a relationship. She clearly understood her place and sought to approach Xiao Mei with sincerity.
Lunch was a feast: chicken, duck, fish, and meat, all in abundance. While the spread was considered luxurious by Stone Town standards, it was merely an ordinary meal for someone like Lin Wan.
The four of them ate and drank together, sharing stories and even indulging in a bit of wine.
After dinner, they gathered in the living room for tea.
Since Xiao Mei couldn’t stay outdoors for long during the day, Xu Lian stayed at home to keep her company. This meant that Lin Wan and Qin Liu also stayed behind, lounging and chatting.
In the evening, after dinner, the group ventured out for a walk and eventually found themselves at the dock.
Xu Lian and Xiao Mei exchanged knowing smiles. Only the two of them truly understood the significance this place held in their hearts.
They sat by the ferry dock, gazing at the stars and talking about trivial matters.
Lin Wan would occasionally join in, adding a comment here and there to maintain a sense of inclusion.
Qin Liu, however, felt completely out of place. Despite his talent for storytelling, he realized that this wasn’t the time to speak. In his mind, he felt like an awkwardly bright star in the midst of a serene night sky.
It wasn’t until late that the four returned to the courtyard.
This night, as before, belonged to Xiao Mei and Xu Lian. The phrase “absence makes the heart grow fonder” had never been more apt.
[Notes: Xu Xiaomei’s affection rating increased from 90/100 to 91/100.
You have gained one more progress point. You can choose to upgrade your cultivation stage, skill, or equip an item]
The next day, Xu Lian received another message. Seeing Xiao Mei’s affection continue to grow, he was both overjoyed and deeply touched. He couldn’t help but feel an even greater sense of responsibility toward her.
With these thoughts in mind, he decided to extend his stay in Stone Town to five full days.
Each day, he spent his mornings and afternoons with Xiao Mei, ensuring that she felt cherished. In the evenings, they ventured out together, exploring the nearby mountains and rivers until late at night.
Their time together passed in a blissful haze, strengthening the bond between them even further.
During those five days, Xu Lian made sure not to neglect Lin Wan too much and visited her once.
On the morning of the sixth day, Xu Lian finally sent Xiao Mei back to her family and set out with Lin Wan and Qin Liu for Green Bamboo Town.
They crossed mountains and wilderness.
For cultivators like Xu Lian and Lin Wan at the Bright Strength stage, such a journey was nothing, but for Qin Liu, it was grueling, leaving him utterly exhausted.
When they arrived in Green Bamboo Town, Xu Lian headed to the mine first. Seeing that Pu Ling had managed the site in an orderly manner, he felt relieved.
Probably no other mine supervisor was as carefree as Xu Lian, wandering around the world while others stayed local. At most, other overseers might visit the Lichun Brothel in town to enjoy a show, but they still inspected the mines twice a day. Xu Lian, on the other hand, was the epitome of a hands-off boss.
Upon returning to town, Xu Lian saw Yang Ye leading three men on a patrol around the new house on the main street.
Seeing Xu Lian, Yang Ye quickly ran over and greeted him, “Son-in-law, you’re back!”
Xu Lian asked, “Is everything okay at home?”
Yang Ye dutifully replied, “Son-in-law, don’t worry, everything is fine. I personally lead the patrols every day.”
The three men following Yang Ye also hurried over to bow and thank Xu Lian for giving them such a great job.
It really was a good job – patrolling the house every day without breaking a sweat, and yet earning more rations than the stone carriers at the mine.
Xu Lian said to Yang Ye, “Father-in-law, from now on, you will still be in charge of the security of the house. I’ve gained some recognition from the higher-ups and will have to travel frequently.”
“Yes,” Yang Ye agreed with a smile. For him, whether working as an overseer at the mine or leading a patrol here, it was all the same – as long as Xu Lian stayed safe, Yang Ye’s days would continue to be prosperous. He was fully aware of that.
Passersby couldn’t help but notice Lin Wan, a young and beautiful woman. Her extraordinary looks and bearing, combined with her attire and martial demeanor, clearly set her apart from ordinary women.
After dealing with Yang Ye, Xu Lian brought Lin Wan and Qin Liu into the house.
When Li Xiya and Yang Chan’er saw Xu Lian return, they wanted to greet him happily, but noticed the male guests and retreated shyly.
“This lady is so beautiful,” Wang Cuiyun remarked as she warmly greeted them, enthusiastically holding Lin Wan’s hands while shrewdly assessing her attire and aura.
As for Qin Liu, who was standing on the other side of Xu Lian, his plain clothing and shifty-eyed demeanor led Wang Cuiyun to outright ignore him, assuming that he was either a servant or an errand boy for Xu Lian or Lin Wan.
Lin Wan called her “Aunt”, which delighted Wang Cuiyun. Having someone of Lin Wan’s stature address her so respectfully was something she’d never dared to dream of before.
Knowing that Wang Cuiyun’s old habits had resurfaced, Xu Lian didn’t say much and prepared rooms for Lin Wan and Qin Liu.
Since he had stayed in Stone Town for five days, he felt it inappropriate to stay in Green Bamboo Town for too short a time.
Over the next three days, Xu Lian focused on deepening his bond with Li Xiya and Chan’er.
The following two days were split: one and a half days with Pei Zhaoxi, the fiery little beauty, and half a day visiting Chuntao. It wasn’t favoritism; Chuntao was busy daily with her singing and dancing lessons, leaving little free time.
Xu Lian’s schedule was packed, and being a master of time management was not just a saying.
It’s worth mentioning that Pei Zhaoxi’s affection for him rose from 50 to 60, an impressive improvement. She was gradually falling for the youthful charm of Xu Lian, much to his satisfaction.
Chuntao’s affection also increased by five points to 65.
Everything was progressing positively, and Xu Lian believed that it was only a matter of time before these gradual changes would lead to a breakthrough.
On the sixth day, Xu Lian left Green Bamboo Town with Lin Wan and Qin Liu, taking a ferry toward Pingyang County.
His focus would increasingly shift to Pingyang County. Green Bamboo Town was too remote and lacked cultivation resources. The materials he needed for his advancement were only available in Pingyang County.
Of the progression points he had obtained from Xiao Mei, he allocated one to his stage advancement. The result showed that he required two Condensation Pills to advance to the second level of the Bright Strength stage, revealing how challenging future requirements would become.
He was even considering moving his household to Pingyang County to avoid the hassle of traveling back and forth.
Of course, this depended on establishing a solid foothold in Pingyang County and creating a stable environment before relocating his family.