C25 Become Friends

"Brother Shaotian, since you're a resident of Purple Gold City, you must be quite familiar with the area. Are there any good spots for a soak? We've been on the road for days and are worn out," Yuu Mo inquired, setting down his wine cup.

Yuu Mo's got a point. We haven't had a chance to bathe and we're all feeling a bit grimy. How about you take us for a proper soak later?" Ling Yunfan chimed in, right on the heels of Yuu Mo's question.

Pann Shaotian paused to consider their request before responding, "Indeed, I know just the place for a rejuvenating bath. Why don't we head there now?"

Upon learning there was a bathhouse in Purple Gold City, Ling Yunfan's face lit up with delight as he eagerly suggested, "Then let's go and enjoy a good soak."

"Bath time, here we come!"

"At last, a chance to relax and freshen up."

Ye Tianwen and Yuu Mo also exclaimed, their faces brimming with excitement.

Pann Shaotian promptly rose to his feet, pulled out a hefty bag of silver coins from his Universe Bag, and tossed it to the innkeeper. Then he led Ling Yunfan and the others outside.

"The strength of these folks is one thing, but to become friends with Young Master Pann Shaotian? Simply astonishing," the innkeeper mused in awe, clutching the bag of silver as he watched them depart.

After Ling Yunfan and his companions left, the inn's waitstaff began tidying up.

Meanwhile, the news that Pann Shaohuang, the Second Young Master of one of Purple Gold City's five great clans, had been beaten, spread like wildfire throughout the city in less than half an hour.

However, since Ling Yunfan had already departed the inn with Pann Shaotian, there were few who had seen the incident and even fewer who believed it.

When they arrived at their destination, Pann Shaotian halted and gestured towards the storefront. "This is the place I recommend for a bath," he announced.

The trio noticed the unusual name and Ling Yunfan asked with a hint of amusement, "Warm Monkey Bathhouse? Is this establishment specifically for monkey baths?"

"Hehe, you've got it all wrong. The Warm Monkey Bathhouse gets its name because the warm water is blended with a special spirit liquid produced by Spirit Monkeys. It has remarkable healing properties and can alleviate fatigue," Pann Shaotian explained with a smile when Ling Yunfan inquired.

With Pann Shaotian's clarification, the trio nodded in understanding before proceeding inside.

...

"This is incredibly relaxing! I never imagined the warm water would feel this amazing," Ling Yunfan remarked contentedly as he soaked in the pool.

"Absolutely. After days of non-stop travel, soaking in this warm bath is just heavenly," Ye Tianwen agreed, grinning from ear to ear.

Watching them revel in the experience, Pann Shaotian chuckled and added, "I frequent this place, particularly after a strenuous cultivation session. A bath here washes away all traces of weariness." A thought then struck him, and he turned to them, "We also serve low-level Original Liquid Wine here. Would you care for a few cups?"

Upon hearing about the Original Liquid Wine, Ye Tianwen was quick to respond, "Definitely! Brother Shaotian, would you mind ordering for us?"

Ye Tianwen's excitement was understandable; despite being made from low-level Spirit Medicine, Original Liquid Wine's effects were significantly stronger than those of Human Rank High Level Cultivation Spirit Medicine, only slightly inferior to Profound Rank Low Level.

"Not a problem. I'll also get a jar for Miss Yuu Mo," Pann Shaotian replied with a smile, then called out, "Let's have a jar of Original Liquid Wine for each of us, four in total. Please bring them quickly!"

Shortly after, a woman arrived with three jars of Original Liquid Wine. She set them down and promptly departed.

Ling Yunfan and his companions didn't pay much mind to her exit. They eagerly opened a jar of Original Liquid Wine, and the aroma that wafted out was so invigorating that even a mere whiff seemed to rejuvenate the spirit.

"Cheers."

No longer able to contain their excitement, the trio eagerly grabbed their wine jars and clinked them together before taking hearty swigs.

Meanwhile, Yuu Mo, also enjoying a bath, sipped her Original Liquid Wine with a more reserved air than Ling Yunfan and the others, savoring each cup.

"Father, you were right. Attending the Dragon Hidden Sect's examination will surely allow me to forge many friendships. It's wonderful to have met Mr. Yunfan and the rest!" Yuu Mo, with a smile on her face, spoke softly to herself after downing three cups of the wine.

She continued in a murmur, "I hope I can pass the examination alongside Mr. Yunfan and the others, or else our meetings will be few and far between. Plus, we're departing for the Dragon Hidden Sect in just two days. I must advance to Essence Gathering Level Two before then!"

With that, Yuu Mo, still in her bath, closed her eyes and took a large gulp of the wine, immediately channeling her cultivation technique to train.

......

"Brother Yunfan, aside from us, do you think there will be other young disciples with even stronger abilities at the assessment?" Pann Shaotian inquired after a sip of Original Liquid Wine.

"I haven't seen them myself, so I can't say for certain. But I'm sure there will be. There's always someone out there who's better. We can't rest on our laurels; we need to look beyond them. Remember, even if there are those with greater cultivation talents than us, we mustn't abandon our training. The essence of cultivation is perseverance, and that's the path I've followed," Ling Yunfan replied solemnly.

Taking in Ling Yunfan's advice, Pann Shaotian responded with a look of earnest respect, "Your words hold much wisdom, Brother Yunfan. Let's make sure to support each other during the assessment."

"Absolutely, Shaotian. No worries there. As friends, we're bound to look out for one another. What kind of friends would we be if we didn't? Loyalty is key." Ye Tianwen chimed in, not missing a beat as he continued to guzzle his Original Liquid Wine.

"Absolutely, let's keep the toasts coming," Pann Shaotian said with excitement, lifting his jar after seeing the deep bond between the two men.

The trio then clinked their glasses and downed the Original Liquid Wine in one swift motion.

Having finished their drinks, they each lay back in the pond to rest.

Time passed, and a steadily intensifying aura from nearby abruptly roused Ling Yunfan from his meditative state.

Upon opening his eyes, he noticed that Pann Shaohuang and Ye Tianwen were also stirring awake.

Exchanging glances, they simultaneously realized, "Yuu Mo is attempting a breakthrough in her cultivation!"

Quickly dressing, they rushed out and headed straight to Yuu Mo's room to stand guard.

They knew that a martial artist must not be disturbed during a breakthrough; any interruption at a critical juncture could lead to failure, resulting in injury or even death.

"Brother Yunfan, Brother Tianwen, let's combine our spiritual forces to create a protective shield. This will ensure Miss Yuu Mo has a secure environment for her breakthrough," Pann Shaotian suggested suddenly.

"Agreed."

With nods of understanding, Ling Yunfan and Ye Tianwen joined Pann Shaotian in releasing their spiritual force. Together, they wove it into a pale golden dome that enveloped Yuu Mo's entire room, safeguarding her as she sought to advance her powers.