Transition

Hearing this, Fatty Wang scratched his head in embarrassment, but then his small eyes widened as he retorted self-righteously, "Big brother! You're talking about me! Aren't you guys exactly the same!

Each of your names sounds so majestic—'Battle Asura', 'Sword in White', 'Cyan Rakshasa'!

But what about the reality? I didn't even know your real names or what you actually looked like! If it weren't for today's apprenticeship ceremony, I'd still be kept in the dark!"

The more he spoke, the more justified he felt. Spreading his chubby hands, he said, "I'd say we are even now, right?"

Xiao Ruobai, Fang Hanyu, and Ling Xi paused slightly upon hearing this, all unable to hold back a smile.

He wasn't wrong; when the three of them were out in the world previously, they had indeed been using disguises.

"Haha, good boy, you know how to turn the tables!"

Xiao Ruobai laughed aloud, vigorously rubbing Fatty Wang's hair. "Alright! Let's not hide anything today! Your senior brothers and sister will set an example for you first!"

Before his voice faded, a faint light flashed around Xiao Ruobai, Fang Hanyu, and Ling Xi as they restored their truest appearances and auras.

Xiao Ruobai's figure seemed to grow even taller and straighter. His features were heroic, with sword-like eyebrows and starry eyes. Although the battle intent of a battlefield God of War between his brows was now restrained, it appeared even more profound and majestic, exuding a commanding presence without anger.

The faint, chaotic sword intent surrounding Fang Hanyu became purer. His face was cold and sharply contoured, making him look like a peerless divine sword hidden in an ancient scabbard—chilling and dangerous.

But the one who amazed Fatty Wang the most was Ling Xi!

The ordinary disguise on her face faded away like ripples of water, revealing her original appearance. Her black hair cascaded like a waterfall, her skin and bones were lustrous like jade, and her eyes were like cold stars falling into a deep pool—so ethereal and aloof that she didn't seem to belong to the mortal realm.

Her facial features were flawless, as if gathering all the spiritual elegance and moonlight of heaven and earth, yet carrying an inviolable indifference and majesty, as though she stood high above the nine heavens.

Fatty Wang was completely dumbfounded. His eyes went wide and round, his mind turning completely blank.

Looking at his dazed expression, Xiao Ruobai smiled, "Let's formally introduce ourselves. I am Xiao Ruobai."

Fang Hanyu said, "Fang Hanyu."

Ling Xi said, "Ling Xi."

Fatty Wang finally snapped out of it, swallowing hard as he muttered, "Xiao Ruobai... Fang Hanyu... Ling Xi... Great names... Great names..."

"Alright, it's your turn, junior brother."

Xiao Ruobai raised an eyebrow, gesturing for him to hurry up.

Fatty Wang took a deep breath, a rare look of solemnity appearing on his chubby face.

With a thought, the illusion spell around him used to disguise himself as Fatty Wang slowly faded away like rippling water.

As the spell dissipated, a youthful figure completely different from the round and simple-minded "Fatty Wang" appeared before everyone.

Although his figure was still slightly plump, it had shed that deliberately crafted greasy fatness, becoming well-proportioned and upright.

His facial contours were clear, with a high nose bridge and slightly thin lips. His bright and spirited eyes actually carried a bit of handsomeness and intelligence.

Even though a trace of weather-beaten weariness and caution remained between his brows, overall, he was quite a handsome young man!

His looks were only slightly inferior to those of you great readers.

However, deep within his eyes hid an imperceptible stubbornness and loneliness that belonged to "Qin Yuechen."

A flash of surprise passed through Xiao Ruobai's eyes before he laughed, "Good boy! So you actually look quite decent! That simple and fat appearance from before was indeed an act!"

Fang Hanyu also raised his eyebrows slightly, seemingly a bit surprised.

Even Ling Xi's cold gaze lingered on his face for a moment.

Fatty Wang (although his name was Qin Yuechen, calling him Fatty Wang still rolled off the tongue better) touched his finally "resurfaced" face, sighing with a bit of lament, "When you're out mingling in the world, you always need some protective coloring... Being fatter is safer, it doesn't attract trouble easily."

At this moment, he truly integrated into the Purple Bamboo Peak lineage with a brand-new identity.

Gu Changge sat high above, taking in the entire scene. His gaze rested for a moment on Qin Yuechen, who had restored his true appearance. A flash of understanding crossed his eyes, but he said nothing more, simply picking up his teacup and taking a gentle sip.

Only when the young phoenix sheds its disguised feathers does it reveal its true nature to soar into the clouds.

"Alright, since we are all a family now, let's not just stand around here."

Xiao Ruobai smiled and threw an arm around Fatty Wang's shoulders, "Come on, junior brother, your senior brothers will first help you find a good spot on this Purple Bamboo Peak to build a residence and settle down!"

"Right, right, right! Thank you, eldest senior brother!"

Fatty Wang nodded hastily, his heart feeling warm and fuzzy.

Chatting and laughing, the group turned to walk out of the courtyard, preparing to plan a cave dwelling for this newly arrived junior brother.

However, when they looked around the courtyard and cast their gazes toward the Purple Bamboo Peak again, they all froze involuntarily.

The scene before their eyes was vastly different from before they had left!

The originally somewhat empty Purple Bamboo Peak now had quite a few exquisite and elegant pavilions, terraces, and small courtyards!

These buildings were constructed along the mountain's terrain, scattered neatly and hidden among the purple bamboo. They did not lose their natural charm while adding a great deal of grandeur.

"This..." A hint of surprise flashed in Xiao Ruobai's eyes, "How long have we even been gone? How has Purple Bamboo Peak changed so much?"

Fang Hanyu also revealed astonishment in his eyes, clearly noticing the transformation as well.

Sitting upright in the courtyard, Gu Changge seemed to hear their confusion, and his calm voice slowly drifted over:

"Mhm. A few days ago, I had the Sect Master find some people to add a few residences. Now that there are gradually more people on the peak, we always need some places to settle down."

Gu Changge nodded slightly, as if remembering something, and added, "Additionally, a new elder has arrived on the peak."

As soon as he finished speaking.

Not far from the group, the shadow of a purple bamboo stalk swayed slightly. A figure dressed in a simple gray robe had silently appeared standing beneath the bamboo at some unknown point.

His appearance was extremely natural, as if he had always been standing there, only no one had noticed him earlier.

Xiao Ruobai and the others were slightly startled, only then noticing this suddenly materialized elder.

Fatty Wang also looked over curiously, only to see that this elder had an ordinary face, a peaceful expression, and a restrained aura. He looked like nothing special, resembling an ordinary sect deacon.

Xiao Ruobai cupped his fists and said, "Disciple Xiao Ruobai greets the elder. May I ask how to address you, Elder?"

A faint smile appeared on the gray-robed man's face. "My name is Jimie. Under the orders of His Excellency, I am temporarily residing on this peak to handle some miscellaneous chores."

His tone was flat, revealing no emotion.

"So it is Elder Jimie," Xiao Ruobai said respectfully. "We disciples have just returned to the mountain."

Jimie nodded, his gaze sweeping over the group as he sighed in admiration, "Mhm, all good seedlings. The residences on the peak are newly built, you may go and choose a place to your liking."

After saying this, he spoke no more. He turned and slowly walked away, his figure quickly disappearing into the purple bamboo forest, as if he were merely passing by.

Watching Elder Jimie disappear deep into the bamboo forest, and then looking at the brand-new pavilions and terraces in the distance, Xiao Ruobai couldn't help but smile and shake his head. He patted Fatty Wang's shoulder beside him, his tone carrying a bit of teasing:

"Little Fatty, you sure are lucky! Back when we first arrived at Purple Bamboo Peak, there was nothing here but Master's courtyard and a patch of purple bamboo. We had to build our own thatched huts with our bare hands just to have a roof over our heads to shelter us from the wind and rain.

But look at you! You haven't even officially become a disciple yet, and Master has already prepared a house for you!"

This chapter is a bit of filler!