Chapter 45: Coveting More After Gaining Some

Tu Xiaomeng and Pinecone were absorbed in their studies when suddenly, the ecstatic cheers of Bai Xiaoyue startled them both. They turned their heads in alarm to see Bai Xiaoyue gripping a brand-new mattock in her hands. Realizing that she had just activated it using the Paper Talisman Art, they couldn't help but rejoice with her.

Tu Xiaomeng immediately put down her book, beaming as she hurried over to Bai Xiaoyue. While stroking the mattock, she laughed and exclaimed, "Sister Bai, you’re amazing! Your Paper Talisman Art has improved so quickly—you actually managed to activate a mattock! This is wonderful news!"

"Hehe..." Bai Xiaoyue could barely contain her delight. "It's all thanks to the spirit stones; without them, my Paper Talisman Art would never have improved so fast! Xiaomeng, your brother Yan was right—cultivating with spiritual energy really does yield twice the results with half the effort! I must share this good news with him, too, so he can be happy for us!"

"Yes!" Tu Xiaomeng nodded at once. "Sister Bai, send him a message with a paper crane right now! Tell Brother Yan not only about your progress, but also about my own great improvements..."

"And me, too," Pinecone interjected, sidling up before Xiaomeng could finish. "Sister Bai, when you write to Brother Yan, don’t forget to mention me..."

"What do you have to say for yourself?" Tu Xiaomeng teased, cutting him off with a grin. "You’re all thumbs—no matter how you use the spirit stones, you can’t absorb spiritual energy properly. I still have to teach you step by step, yet you want to boast?"

At this, Pinecone’s face flushed a deep red, and he chuckled sheepishly. "Hehe, Xiaomeng, I know I’m clumsy compared to you, but I really have made a lot of progress lately!"

"Pinecone is right!" Bai Xiaoyue quickly stepped in to smooth things over. "Xiaomeng, ever since we got the spirit stones, all of us have advanced a great deal in our cultivation! Pinecone especially has made remarkable progress... So when I go to the Pure Serenity Monastery to see Brother Yan later, I will definitely..."

"Oh? Sister Bai, you’re not sending the paper crane? You’re going to see Brother Yan in person?" Tu Xiaomeng interrupted before Bai Xiaoyue could finish.

Bai Xiaoyue nodded. "Yes, Xiaomeng. I’ve long wanted to visit the Pure Serenity Monastery, but never had the chance. Today is the perfect opportunity, so I’m going now..."

Tu Xiaomeng was instantly excited. "Sister Bai, I want to go with you!"

"Me too!" Pinecone chimed in.

But Bai Xiaoyue shook her head. "No, Xiaomeng, Pinecone—you both still have lessons to study."

"Sister Bai, I already learned everything you taught me today. What’s the point of studying more?" Tu Xiaomeng protested.

Bai Xiaoyue was taken aback. She gazed into Tu Xiaomeng’s bright, spirited eyes, half-skeptical. "Really? Well then, let me quiz you. If you answer everything correctly, I’ll take you both to the Pure Serenity Monastery."

"Deal!" Tu Xiaomeng replied loudly. "Sister Bai, ask away!"

Bai Xiaoyue set down the mattock and asked offhandedly, "What is the courtesy name of Gongye Chang? Which country was he from? Where was he born?..."

"Gongye Chang’s courtesy name is Zichang. He was a native of the State of Lu during the Eastern Zhou dynasty, of the Huaxia people, and born in the State of Qi. He believed in Confucianism, was a disciple of Confucius, and one of the seventy-two worthies. Throughout his life, Gongye Chang was diligent and devoted to scholarship, never seeking office. The ruler of Lu invited him to become a minister several times, but he always refused. He upheld Confucius’ legacy, educating others and becoming a renowned scholar. Moreover, Gongye Chang could speak the language of birds and understand the sounds of all creatures..." Tu Xiaomeng rattled off fluently, her words flowing like a lecture rather than an answer.

After narrating Gongye Chang’s life story, she even recited the original “Gongye Chang” passage word for word in one breath. Pinecone stared, dumbfounded, while Bai Xiaoyue clapped her hands in delight.

Grinning, Tu Xiaomeng asked, "Sister Bai, any more questions?"

"No, no more," Bai Xiaoyue replied repeatedly. She wanted to praise Tu Xiaomeng but found herself at a loss for words.

Tu Xiaomeng smiled, "Since there are no more questions, Sister Bai, let’s hurry and go see Brother Yan!"

"Alright!" Bai Xiaoyue agreed readily. "But it’s freezing outside. Let me use the Paper Talisman Art to activate a scarf for each of you. Once you’re both bundled up, we’ll set out."

Tu Xiaomeng was overjoyed. "Wonderful! You’re so thoughtful, Sister Bai. Thank you!"

Pinecone echoed with a hearty, "Hehe, thank you, Sister Bai!"

"Xiaomeng, Pinecone, don’t mention it. Taking care of you both is only right," Bai Xiaoyue replied with a smile. She picked up her cinnabar brush, pondered a moment, then drew two scarves on a talisman paper. Setting down the brush, she picked up the talisman, grasped one corner, and gave it a sharp flick. In a flash of golden light, two fluffy scarves sprang into existence.

Tu Xiaomeng cheered, "Ah, such beautiful scarves! Sister Bai, you’re getting more powerful by the day! Give me one, please—I want to try it on!"

Bai Xiaoyue happily handed a scarf to each of them. Pinecone, unsure how to wear it, glanced at Tu Xiaomeng for guidance.

Tu Xiaomeng swiftly wrapped the scarf around her neck and beamed, "Sister Bai, this scarf is so warm and cozy!"

"Really? I’ll try mine on too!" Pinecone laughed, hastily imitating Tu Xiaomeng. He found it indeed to be delightfully warm and comfortable, and couldn’t help but chuckle contentedly.

Seeing the joy on their faces, Bai Xiaoyue was pleased, though she sighed, "Xiaomeng, Pinecone, your clothes are too thin. I wanted to activate a cloak for each of you, but I can’t yet. For me, a cloak is still too complex—my Paper Talisman Art isn’t strong enough to bring one forth. But honestly, I wish I could give you both cloaks right now!"

Bai Xiaoyue spoke with such sincerity that Tu Xiaomeng felt deeply moved. She’d meant to express her gratitude, but instead teased, "Hehe, Sister Bai, you’re so greedy! You just activated a mattock and two scarves, and you’re still not satisfied—you want to make two cloaks as well? You really never know when to stop!"

At this, Bai Xiaoyue’s cheeks turned rosy. "Haha, Xiaomeng, you’re right—I am a little insatiable. But let’s not waste any more time. Xiaomeng, Pinecone, let’s set out for the Pure Serenity Monastery!"