C7 I Have Expectations
Lee Xuan presented the Heart Cultivation Method from the previous day to Loong Ling, whose eyes sparkled with excitement.
The others were a mix of skeptical and hopeful, their curiosity piqued.
Loong Ling's trust in Lee Xuan had soared after yesterday's events, prompting her to begin meditating right then and there.
"Just focus on your meditation and cultivation. Don't worry, I'm right here watching over you. Nothing bad will happen," Lee Xuan reassured Loong Ling with such tenderness that her cheeks flushed with warmth.
She felt as if Lee Xuan was a silent guardian angel, ever-present and protective.
As Loong Ling meditated, the Spiritual Qi from the surroundings started to converge around her.
Given their excellent Spirit Roots, the onlookers could clearly observe the Spiritual Qi being drawn to her, as well as the transformations occurring within Loong Ling's body.
Roughly half an hour later, Loong Ling's eyes snapped open, but her initial expression of accomplishment quickly turned to one of disgust.
"Ugh, I smell terrible. It's like I've fallen into a latrine," she exclaimed, nearly passing out from the foul odor as she sniffed her arm.
For a beauty like Loong Ling, it was the first time she had shown such an awkward expression in front of a crowd.
Loong Ling had successfully achieved Foundation Establishment!
Lee Xuan was momentarily too preoccupied listening to the system's voice to react.
"Congratulations to the host! A disciple has successfully established her foundation! You've earned a Frozen Ice Pond, a bottle of Ice Skin Jade Bone Pills, and a Treasure Crafting Secret Scripture!"
These were indeed treasures. Lee Xuan wasted no time in placing the Frozen Ice Pond in the backyard.
Upon hearing Loong Ling's complaint, he immediately directed her to the solution.
"Loong Ling, the odor is from impurities leaving your body. There's no need to feel embarrassed. You can cleanse yourself in the Frozen Ice Pond in the backyard," Lee Xuan advised her. Despite his comforting words, Loong Ling's face remained flushed with shyness.
The impurities Loong Ling had expelled were significantly less than what many others experienced, though she was unaware of this fact.
Loong Ling couldn't bear it for even fifteen minutes before she headed straight to the backyard to bathe.
"Loong Ling has successfully established her foundation. From now on, she will be your eldest senior sister," Lee Xuan announced. They had previously agreed that Loong Ling would assume this role.
Upon hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement.
"Now that she's established her foundation, she can begin to cultivate her techniques. Soon, Loong Ling might even fly with the aid of a sword. But don't worry, if you dedicate yourselves to your studies, you can achieve the same feats as Loong Ling!" Lee Xuan encouraged.
The others exchanged glances, their faces betraying a mix of skepticism and hope, as they had yet to witness Loong Ling's full potential.
It wasn't until Loong Ling's voice broke the silence that they realized her urgency. She whispered, "Sect Master... I... I have no clothes..."
Her clothes had been ruined, and she refused to wear something so foul.
Lee Xuan was momentarily speechless, thinking of the Cold Ice Clothes he had just acquired... But then he reconsidered. After all, Loong Ling was his first disciple to establish her foundation, and her potential was boundless. She would become the face of his sect, and she was already so striking. These were investments in the future.
Muttering to himself, Lee Xuan finally took out the clothes and handed them to Loong Ling with a stoic expression. Although he quickly averted his eyes, he couldn't help but notice her fair skin.
Loong Ling, too shy to look up, quickly dressed in the clothes she was given. Even without sight, anyone could tell that the garment was of exceptional value.
"Sect Master, are you sure I can have this?" she asked.
"What's given to you is yours. As the eldest senior sister, the sect will rely on you for guidance," Lee Xuan replied, instilling a deep sense of duty in Loong Ling.
In that moment, Loong Ling fully embraced her new role. As the sect's foremost eldest senior sister, she would shoulder the responsibilities that came with it.
Once Loong Ling emerged in her new attire, everyone was awestruck. She looked nothing short of an ethereal being.
Loong Ling was already strikingly beautiful, but after she achieved Foundation Establishment, she became even more transcendent. A newfound, ethereal quality radiated from her, and her gaze now held a firm resilience. It was as though she had transformed into someone else entirely. The men around her were practically drooling, yet Qiao Yun approached and touched Loong Ling's skin, utterly astonished.
"Eldest senior sister, your skin... it's so soft and supple, like a peeled egg! It's better than any skincare product I've ever used! Oh my goodness!"
Qiao Yun had spent a small fortune on skincare, willing to subsist on instant noodles as long as she could maintain her beauty regimen. But despite her investment, her skin had not improved; in fact, it had become even rougher. Meanwhile, with just Foundation Establishment, Loong Ling had become stunningly beautiful. Qiao Yun couldn't help but feel envious.
"After Foundation Establishment, the body purges its impurities, resulting in a stronger and more radiant appearance! By eliminating these toxins, you can become as beautiful as Loong Ling," Lee Xuan explained, watching as Qiao Yun affectionately stroked Loong Ling's cheek, taking full advantage of the moment.
The men, including Lee Xuan, could only look on. There were things women could do without judgment, but if a man were to do the same, he'd be labeled a creep.
"Is it really that incredible? I want to give it a try too!"
"Let me have a go! I'm sure I can achieve Foundation Establishment quickly!"
"Me too, me too!"
The group began to meditate right there, their determination palpable. Indeed, setting a good example was crucial. Lee Xuan nodded in approval, pleased to see everyone so eager to cultivate. However, their excitement made it difficult for them to settle into their practice.
Lee Xuan chose not to interrupt, instead observing the varied expressions on their faces. They all had considerable talent, and the spiritual energy that had eluded them the day before was now within their grasp. They were exuberant, yet none of them were ready to begin Foundation Establishment just yet.
"Don't rush," Lee Xuan advised with a knowing smile. "Tomorrow, make sure to rise before the sun does. Otherwise... well, let's just say you'll want to be awake. Hahaha..."
His sly grin sent a chill down their spines; they sensed a deeper meaning behind it. Encouraging them to focus on their cultivation, Lee Xuan turned back to Loong Ling and spoke to her.
"Come with me down the mountain."
"Sect Master, is there something you need?"
Loong Ling, still caught up in her excitement, found it difficult to adjust her demeanor around Lee Xuan.