In the main hall, there were over a dozen Outer Sect Elders dressed in simir attire.

  Among them were both men and women, all high-ranking officials overseeing the affairs of the Misty Sect's Outer Sect.

  Their expressions were simir to Lu Danian's, but more peculiar and awkward.

  The entire Outer Mountain was abuzz with rumors, and their disciples had already reported the matter to them.

  An elderly man couldn't help but speak first, "Um... Elder Lu... since you're close to Elder Xu, perhaps you should consult him and get some crity."

  "If it's just a rumor, we should act quickly to prevent it from spreading..."

  "After all, Elder Xu is highly respected in our sect. If such rumors aren't stopped, they could have a significant impact on both our Misty Sect and Elder Xu."

  The Outer Sect Elders were skeptical at heart.

  Xu Xiao was a senior figure, highly esteemed.

  In a thousand years, he had no blemishes within the sect.

  Now, they're saying that Elder Xu, who is nearing the end of his life, is involved in improper retions with young female disciples of the Outer Sect?

  And possibly using cultivation resources to support them??

  They couldn't believe such things would happen to the venerable Elder Xu.

  Elder Xu was almost at the end of his life; even if he had the intention, did he have the ability?

  Impossible, they wouldn't believe it even if the sky fell!

  Lu Danian looked at the surrounding high-ranking Outer Sect Elders, his expression turning somewhat awkward.

  He had witnessed his master’s actions firsthand; it was indeed inexplicable how he was giving gifts to pretty female cultivators...

  Supporting female disciples... that seemed inevitable...

  "Fellow Elders!"

  Lu Danian spoke solemnly, "I don't think we need to ask Elder Xu about this matter. Elder Xu has little time left and is lonely in our Outer Mountain."

  "Do you really want to disturb our highly respected Elder Xu with these foolish matters? It's absurd!"

  The dozen or so Outer Sect Elders furrowed their brows and nodded silently.

  Indeed, it was too absurd, and they were embarrassed to ask Elder Xu themselves.

  Lu Danian continued righteously, "Moreover, Elder Xu is now old and not very mobile. What harm is there in befriending a few female disciples he finds pleasing and giving them some gifts?"

  "Elder Xu has lived a life of hardship, and now that he has failed the Lightning Tribution, can't he have a few female disciples to take care of him in his old age?"

  "Fellow Elders, these rampant rumors in the Outer Sect must be stopped immediately. Please advise your disciples not to speak further!"

  After Lu Danian finished speaking, the surrounding elders initially nodded in agreement, but upon further thought, they looked at Lu Danian with shock.

  What was Elder Lu saying??

  From his tone, could it be that Elder Xu really had contact with female disciples??

  The elders' expressions gradually turned strange, filled with disbelief.

  They couldn't believe that Elder Xu would do such a thing!

  Impossible!

  Sensing the unusual reactions of the surrounding elders, Lu Danian awkwardly added, "The Sect Master has already informed me that soon, a Dao Companion will be found for Elder Xu, so he can retire peacefully within the sect and leave behind descendants."

  "Everyone, before Elder Xu's Dao Companion enters the sect, these rumors in the Outer Sect must be stopped!"

  "We can't let these rumors affect Elder Xu's union, so I ask for your cooperation."

  This bombshell left the surrounding elders both shocked and bewildered.

  A Dao Companion??

  Elder Xu, who was almost at the end of his life, still needed a Dao Companion to leave descendants??

  Shocked, even terrified.

  The expressions of the Outer Sect Elders were extremely colorful, but no one dared to refute.

  Elder Lu's words reflected the Sect Master's intentions.

  What could they say?

  Even if they didn't believe it, they now harbored some doubts.

  Could it be that Elder Xu, in his twilight years, suddenly developed an interest in women???

  Too surreal!

  Too bizarre!

  But outwardly, the elders said nothing more, all expressing agreement.

  Regardless of whether Elder Xu was truly supporting female disciples, at least, the rumors couldn't spread.

  The scandal needed to be suppressed quickly...

  ...

  Over the next month, the Outer Sect focused on tightening the disciples' tongues, strictly prohibiting public discussions of the rumors about Xu Xiao.

  At least on the surface, the disciples were intimidated into silence.

  During this time, Xu Xiao began cultivating with both High-Grade Spirit Stones and Foundation Establishment Pills.

  With a dual approach, his cultivation reached the Seventh Level of Foundation Establishment.

  He used three High-Grade Spirit Stones and ten Foundation Establishment Pills.

  Advancing two levels in a month, his cultivation speed stabilized.

  But even stabilized, it was a speed that most cultivators could only dream of.

  Not everyone could have an almost unlimited supply of High-Grade Spirit Stones and Foundation Establishment Pills at the Foundation Establishment Stage.

  During this period, Jin Liuxiang visited him twice, serving him with utmost dedication at night, her actions becoming increasingly bold.

  Moreover, she seemed to start enjoying her meetings with Xu Xiao, even showing some fondness for them.

  Xu Xiao, within reason, gifted her twenty Foundation Establishment Pills, receiving forty Gold-Nurturing Pills for Core Formation Cultivators in return, a win-win.

  Under Xu Xiao's support, Jin Liuxiang reached the Third Level of Foundation Establishment.

  As for Lin Yan'er, she hadn't been seen for a month, likely still in seclusion, attempting to break through the Foundation Establishment Stage.

  Breaking through a major realm was challenging; a month, even half a year or a year of seclusion wasn't uncommon.

  That evening, as Jin Liuxiang's supply of Foundation Establishment Pills was about to run out, she dressed up in her fragrant room and happily headed to Xu Xiao's courtyard.

  With an unlimited supply of Foundation Establishment Pills, her cultivation improved rapidly.

  With a charming face and graceful steps, she wore a smile, looking forward to her meeting with Xu Xiao.

  The old man appeared aged, yet his body was inexplicably robust.

  Now, Jin Liuxiang felt that her dealings with Elder Xu were truly worthwhile!

  Initially, the Outer Sect disciples had some words against her, but eventually, they all fell silent, looking at her with reverence.

  Even some female disciples gazed at her with extreme envy.

  Not only did she gain tangible benefits, but her vanity was also greatly satisfied.

  Now, even if Xu Xiao publicly acknowledged their retionship, she wouldn't refuse, and she even looked forward to it.

  Elder Xu was the true big shot she wanted to rely on!

  Thinking of her master, Zhou Xiao, now made Jin Liuxiang feel disgusted.

  In fact, she hadn't wanted to see him at all this month.

  As Jin Liuxiang left the living quarters and headed towards Xu Xiao's courtyard, a young man quietly appeared not far behind her.

  "Junior Sister Jin... going to see Elder Xu again! How many times has it been?! It's infuriating! What's so good about that decrepit old man?!"

  The young man watched her alluring figure sway, nearly bursting with rage!

  The thought of his charming junior sister in bed with that old man made him tremble with anger, almost spitting blood!

  "Junior Sister, this time Master won't let you get away with it!"

  "Bitch couple!!"