After I cultivated immortality, I discussed the theory of lifespan with a long-lived spirit.

Chapter 45, Cave Dwelling

With the help of the demonic witch, you successfully obtained your own cave dwelling within the sect. However, this cave dwelling is extremely simple and has no practical function.

[Currently lacking the five elements of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth, please quickly set up a Five Elements Array in your cave to aid your cultivation. Reward: Low-level Five Elements Gathering Array Diagram.]

Cave dwelling?

As soon as Lin Er opened the door with his key, a system notification popped up.

He has now embarked on the path of cultivation and has gained a basic understanding of the Five Elements. The system notification states that only spiritual objects will have an effect, so ordinary items certainly won't work.

"I wonder if the magic stone will have any effect."

Lin Er had previously obtained a piece of Earth Element Crystal, but he didn't need it for the time being, so he hadn't taken it out.

He decided to give it a try and went inside to take a look. There was some basic furniture like tables, chairs, and beds, but it was all very simple.

Even with such a simple environment, it is still much more spacious and comfortable than a single room in a tavern, which is beneficial for cultivation.

Lin Er discovered this when he was sick and staying at Flora's house; a good environment for spiritual practice is indeed very important.

This is one of the reasons why he readily agreed when Flora offered to help him move.

After briefly understanding the layout of the room, Lin Er placed the Earth Element Crystal on a table.

You have already arranged earth-attribute spiritual objects; you are currently lacking metal, wood, water, and fire elements.

"Magical items really do work."

Lin Er then took out his Moonlight Sword to try it out. This was also a magical item. He placed it on the table and waited for a long time before a message finally popped up.

You have already arranged metal-elemental spiritual objects; you are currently lacking wood, water, and fire elements.

Judging from its appearance, it can be considered a magical artifact, but considering the system's response speed, its effects probably aren't that great; it's just something to make do with.

Since the Moonlight Sword should be carried around at all times, it's best to find a suitable alternative.

Lin Er immediately went to Flora's house, got the spirit ginseng, and placed it on the table.

Almost instantly, a system message popped up.

You have already arranged wood-attribute spiritual objects; you are currently lacking water and fire elements.

Now we only lack the spiritual items for water and fire.

Lin Er thought of magic stones and enchanted equipment. These two items were extremely precious, and he would have to wait until he obtained the silver badge before he could get them. They were not so easy to obtain.

Even asking Flora probably wouldn't work; her contract with the guild is weak, and she'd have to pay a price to get these things.

"If all else fails, you can try accepting bounties that might contain magic stones."

This Earth Element Crystal was found during the last goblin raid. However, you should choose your teammates in advance, since magic stones are quite precious, to avoid disputes later.

Lin Er temporarily put aside these thoughts and, taking advantage of the early hour, picked up his sword and went to the courtyard to practice.

Now that I have my own yard, I don't have to run to the woods outside the city every morning, which is much more convenient.

He felt that as a beginner, his swordsmanship had improved more and more in the past month.

……

The day of the date arrived.

Lin Er got up early and went to the tailor shop to pick up the custom-made wanderer's robe. The robe had a simple golden color all over and fit him very well.

He couldn't help but praise the tailor's skills. After paying the final payment, he recycled and disposed of his original clothes, so he didn't lose much money.

These days, clothes are still quite valuable; even old clothes can fetch a price.

After changing into new clothes, Lin Er picked up his sword and headed to the guild.

Today was supposed to be a date, so bringing a weapon is a bit inappropriate.

However, Lin Er wouldn't go out empty-handed; his only hope now lay in his sword, so he couldn't afford to be careless. He could only apologize to Ellie later, hoping she would understand.

When Lin Er arrived at the guild, he was slightly taken aback.

Ellie was wearing a fitted outfit: a white shirt and loose black trousers, with a belt around her waist and a thin sword hanging from it.

I hope she's not planning to go and kill someone on our date today.

Lin Er was quite surprised, thinking that she would still be wearing an elegant long dress, just like last time, looking very beautiful and lovely.

However, judging from the current situation, Ellie also has a certain heroic spirit, which doesn't seem like it's her first time wielding a sword.

Lin Er walked over to her and greeted her.

When Ellie saw Lin Er, she smiled and gave a slight bow.

"Good morning, Lord Lin'er."

The two walked and talked, and this time Ellie took Lin Er's hand, which he did not refuse.

After all, I had already agreed to go on a date with her, and it would be too impolite to refuse her.

Ellie couldn't help but feel a surge of joy after taking Lin Er's hand.

Lin Er asked curiously, "You know swordsmanship?"

Ellie nodded and replied, "I've been practicing swordsmanship since I was a child."

"It must have been tough being a maid in Baron Raven's household."

"It's not too hard. The young lady is never around, and I don't have much to do."

Ellie sighed as she spoke.

Seeing her like this, Lin Er suddenly realized what was going on.

Ellie was originally the maid of the Raven family's eldest daughter, so it seems she held a relatively high position. This finally put his mind at ease.

After they finished their simple breakfast, Ellie spoke up:

"Lord Lin'er, let's go practice our swordsmanship."

Lin Er had thought that they would be going shopping or sightseeing next, but he didn't expect Ellie to make this request. No wonder she looked like this today and even brought a sword.

This was exactly what Lin Er wanted to do, and he had no reason to refuse.

When Ellie saw that Lin Er had agreed, she finally breathed a sigh of relief.

This was something she had recently observed: Lord Lin'er was very fond of swords and carried them everywhere he went.

Having failed to extend an invitation last time, Ellie decided to try a different approach, catering to their preferences.

Seeing the success now, I can't help but feel happy.

Ellie then led him to the west side of the city.

When Lin Er arrived at his destination, he saw that it seemed to be a manor with soldiers guarding the entrance, which prevented ordinary people from entering.

Looking up, the buildings within the manor were in a state of disrepair, with signs of fire. It was unclear what had caused the destruction. The area was a mess of rocks and overgrown weeds.

Ellie whispered, "I know where we can get in."

Upon hearing this, Lin Er followed behind her, took a detour into a small path, and then climbed over the wall and went inside.

The houses here have collapsed, and the remaining buildings are filled with dust and cobwebs, with bats hanging from the roof.

There were no signs of habitation in the manor. It was surrounded by high walls, with a flat open space in the middle, which was perfect for practicing flying sword techniques.

If Ellie hadn't brought him here, he probably wouldn't have known about this wonderful place.

Lin Er saw that Ellie had already drawn her sword and bowed to him.

"Lord Lin'er, how about we have a friendly spar?"

"Please forgive my poor swordsmanship."

Someone invited him to spar with swordsmen, and Lin Er was very happy to accept.

The two sides clashed quickly.

Lin Er didn't realize until they sparred that Ellie's swordsmanship was incredibly fast. Wielding a swift rapier, her attacks were dazzling.

A thought flashed through his mind instantly.

Ellie's swordsmanship is superb.

No, Ellie, you're just a receptionist at the Adventurers' Guild, is it really necessary for you to be this good at fighting?

Is it true that only the strongest female adventurers can become receptionists these days?

In an instant, Lin Er dared not underestimate him anymore.

After a brief exchange of blows.

Lin Er and Ellie each took a step back, resulting in a draw in this sparring match.

After all, it's not a life-or-death struggle; stopping short of a fight is enough.

She was indeed a master swordsman who had been immersed in swordsmanship since childhood.

When Lin Er looked at Ellie again, his gaze had completely changed, filled with respect.

On the other side, Ellie was also very shocked. Although she did not exert her full strength, she had brought her first-level potential to the limit. Even so, she could not suppress Lin Er in terms of swordsmanship.

Ellie bowed respectfully and said, "I started practicing swordsmanship when I was six years old, and only today have I achieved this level of skill. Lord Lin'er, your swordsmanship is truly remarkable; you must have been practicing for over ten years."

Lin Er was about to say that he had only been training for a month, but when he saw the expectant look in Ellie's eyes, he stopped abruptly and couldn't finish his sentence.

"I only practiced one..."

Ellie was startled: "Lord Lin'er, do you mean you've only trained for a year?"

Lin Er nodded helplessly and replied, "Would you believe me if I said I'm still a mage?"

Ellie fell silent, her eyes suddenly becoming complicated.

After a long while, she sighed and muttered to herself:

"Lord Lin'er, the more you act like this, the less confident I become..."

Then, Ellie regained her composure, took a silver badge from her pocket, and handed it over.

"Lord Lin'er, your silver badge is ready."

"So fast?"

This time, it was Lin Er's turn to be a little surprised.