Facing Xiao Ning, Liu Zixi felt extremely uncomfortable, and her expression was very awkward.
Back when Xiao Ning went up the mountain, he was just a little kid. He cultivated on the mountain for nearly ten years but still didn't get the basics.
Little did anyone know that a dragon lies hidden in the abyss. One day, it encountered a storm and rose into the sky, becoming a great figure appointed by the Heavenly Court as a Heavenly Emperor, whose name spread throughout the Three Realms.
"You're too kind, Your Majesty!"
Despite having previously helped Xiao Ning, Liu Zixi was very self-aware and never mentioned it.
"Elder Liu took me up the mountain back then to save me from a violent death, which was like a second life for him. After Xiao Ning regained his memories of his past life, he never took care of me. I wonder if Elder Liu has ever had any complaints?"
Xiao Ning took a sip of tea and said leisurely.
Liu Zixi replied, "If it weren't for the Supreme Elder's repeated lectures and explanations of the Dharma, how could the Abbot have advanced to the Golden Core Realm? And all the Peak Masters would have been stuck at the Grandmaster level without making any progress. How could I, Liu, be an ungrateful person!"
Xiao Ning glanced at him. Although he mentioned that he had given back to the sect, he didn't mention himself. It seemed that he still harbored resentment.
That's true. Putting yourself in his shoes, anyone in his position would feel uncomfortable, and Xiao Ning can certainly understand that.
He thought for a moment and asked, "Elder Liu, if I remember correctly, you've been stuck at the Grandmaster level for more than five years, haven't you?"
Upon hearing this, Liu Zixi looked somewhat desolate. He was already sixty-eight years old this year, and with his Grandmaster-level cultivation, he originally looked no different from a middle-aged man.
However, now he seems to be old and frail, with a gloomy and lifeless air.
This is very abnormal.
"Yes, I've been stuck at the Grandmaster level for the past five years, and my cultivation hasn't improved an inch!"
"Some time ago, I risked breaking through to the next level and almost died from qi deviation. If it weren't for the timely rescue by the abbot, I would already be one of the many graves on the mountain!"
Liu Zixi sighed and told her what had happened.
It turned out that Liu Zixi had been stuck for years without making any progress, while her friends were all advancing. She was anxious to see this.
One year ago, he decided to force a breakthrough.
Unfortunately, the idea was good, but the ending was tragic.
If it weren't for the timely arrival of Abbot Qingxu after receiving the news, the grass on his grave would have already grown tall and lush.
Suffering such a severe blow, Liu Zixi looked as if she had aged 20 years.
Now that Xiao Ning had asked him, he no longer cared about his slight embarrassment.
He harbored a sliver of hope that Xiao Ning might help him out of consideration for their past relationship.
"Hmm...I see!"
Well, Xiao Ning thought there was more to the story, but it turns out he was just overthinking it.
"How about this, I have some spiritual fruits here, I'll give you one, enough to increase your cultivation by five hundred years, as a way to repay Elder Liu's kindness back then!"
Then, Xiao Ning took out an apple-shaped spiritual fruit from his storage ring and handed it to Liu Zixi.
Although these spiritual fruits are derived from the enemy's magical power, spirit, and blood, their effects vary depending on the enemy's cultivation level.
Some are only suitable for consumption in the Acquired Realm, some are suitable for consumption in the Transcendent Realm, and some are suitable for consumption in the Longevity Realm.
The effects also vary; some can increase cultivation level, some can increase lifespan, and some can increase physical strength...
It can be said that they are diverse and varied.
At this moment, the one that Xiao Ning handed to Liu Zixi could increase his cultivation by five hundred years, enough to allow him to break through to the second-tier Longevity Realm.
"This... is far too valuable!"
Looking at the spiritual fruit brimming with spiritual energy before her, Liu Zixi swallowed hard, her face filled with shock.
Although he had a vague desire for it before, he was not too greedy. However, he never expected that Xiao Ning would be so generous.
It will increase my cultivation by five hundred years!
Liu Zixi never dared to imagine it; she had never even heard of such a spiritual fruit that could increase one's cultivation by five hundred years.
Of course, a slight doubt flashed through his mind, but he quickly dismissed it.
Given Xiao Ning's current status and position, there's no need for him to lie.
"It's not valuable at all. If Elder Liu hadn't brought me up the mountain back then, I wouldn't be where I am today. Please accept it. If you need anything in the future, feel free to contact me anytime!"
After Xiao Ning finished speaking, he handed over another jade talisman.
"This is a communication jade talisman containing a trace of my divine consciousness. Once Elder Liu advances to the Profound Realm of Magic Power, he can use it to contact me!"
This is practically a rudimentary version of a walkie-talkie from a fantasy world.
"Very well, since that's the case, I won't refuse!"
After much deliberation, Liu Zixi finally accepted the offer and put away the spiritual fruit and the jade talisman.
"Elder Liu, why don't you take it now? With me here, I can still help you out!"
Seeing that he accepted it, Xiao Ning nodded in satisfaction and said.
"Excellent!"
Liu Zixi readily accepted the advice, and he was slightly pleased. He had obviously thought of this as well. With Xiao Ning looking after him, everything would be fine.