Riding Clouds to the Imperial Capital, First-Class in the Mortal World

After emerging from the miniature world, Li Mo headed to Ying Bing's chamber in the Autumn Water Pavilion. Pushing open the door to her private quarters, he found the "ice block" still clad in yesterday's moonlit skirt, though the sheer dark gauze that had draped her legs was now absent, revealing delicate pink toes like budding flower buds.

Her unkempt hair from the previous night cascaded over her lips and neck, her gaze still slightly dazed. The mischievous "ice block" from last night had inexplicably transformed into a dazed one today.

"Hammer Baby, stop fussing," Li Mo suddenly muttered.

"......"

Ying Bing's palm seemed to recall the scalding heat of yesterday's hammer, and she instinctively withdrew her feet, curling up slightly.

"?"

Li Mo sighed. "It really is Hammer Baby. He's in my... uh, grotto-heaven, throwing a tantrum because he wants to play with Little Yue."

Truth be told, Hammer Baby had been restless since yesterday, and today his antics had escalated.

Not that Li Mo could be blamed—given yesterday's circumstances, who could spare attention for a hammer?

Besides, summoning Hammer Baby was still a hassle, requiring him to channel the power of the world.

Little Yue buzzed twice in response.

"How about letting them play in the grotto-heaven for a while?"

"Mm."

Ying Bing gave a slight nod, watching as the lunar yin essence vanished into Li Mo's palm before slipping on her shoes.

Li Mo took her hand, and the two rode out on a somersault cloud, soon arriving at the main peak's grand hall.

"Apologies for keeping the elders waiting."

Nearly all the elders of the Qingyuan Sect were present. Li Mo clasped his hands in greeting.

"Preparing for the Hidden Dragon Assembly calls for conserving energy," Sect Master Shangguan Wencang said with a chuckle, showing no sign of impatience.

The other elders shared similar sentiments, their expressions a mix of admiration and complexity as they regarded the two juniors who had joined the sect just a year prior.

"Since we can't accompany you to the Imperial Capital, we've prepared some items for your journey."

The elders weren't going to the Imperial Capital—partly because it was unnecessary, and partly because they'd be of little use there.

In the Purple Sun Prefecture, Inner Realm cultivators were formidable, but in the Imperial Capital, they'd struggle to even secure a guard position in a noble household.

Moreover, in terms of pure strength, these elders likely paled in comparison to the two youngsters—except for Sect Master Shangguan, who had to remain and oversee the sect.

What would be the point of going? To become deadweight?

"Ahem..."

Elder Xue Jing fumbled in his robes, about to speak.

"Elder Xue, the journey to the Imperial Capital is long—it'll take at least ten days to half a month."

Li Mo produced a jade box and a booklet from his sleeve.

"I've prepared some things for you. Keep them as a safeguard."

Xue Jing: "?"

Why was this kid stealing his lines?

He was about to wave it off, but the box was already shoved into his hands.

The iron-willed Elder Xue peeked inside, then silently tucked it away.

"Since Li Mo is so sincere, this old man will reluctantly accept."

"Weren't you supposed to give the juniors some emergency supplies? How shameless, taking from them instead!" Elder Hanhe snorted disapprovingly.

Then his eyes were dazzled by several rare, mystical ores.

"Elder Hanhe, thanks to your guidance in weapon-forging, these materials might just help you ascend to the rank of a grandmaster smith."

Each was a component used in crafting precious or even divine weapons.

"......"

Elder Hanhe froze, lips parting. His conscience protested, but his mouth refused to obey.

Wait—since when had his hands already pocketed the items?

"Elder Qian, this chest holds high-denomination banknotes, and that one contains mystic crystals. Since your martial arts thrive on wealth-qi, may they aid your breakthrough."

"Oh, and Sect Master, this Longevity Pill is for you. Don't hoard it—take it when needed."

"Elder Su, I obtained the Swordplay of Heavenly Subtlety from Xiang Tianmiao. Study it for inspiration—I hope to see you master its basics by the time I return."

......

Li Mo had long since used his Heavenly Fate Divine Eye to discern the elders' needs, tailoring his gifts accordingly.

The elders clutched their presents, exchanging bewildered glances.

This... this wasn't how it was supposed to go.

Wasn't it customary for seniors to bestow protective items and parting advice upon juniors embarking on a journey?

An awkward silence settled over the hall.

"Thank you, Li Mo."

Elder Xue Jing cleared his throat, accepting his gift with relative ease. He'd refined precious pills anyway—most of which he'd leave for Li Mo.

After a long pause, the prideful Elder Hanhe grudgingly pulled out a black iron token from his robes.

"With this, you may participate in the Heavenly Mountain Weapon-Forging Conference. Visit if you find time."

"I intended to."

"This..."

Sect Master Shangguan took a few puffs from his pipe.

"Master, I leave her in your care. She tends to act rebellious when I'm away."

Li Mo then handed a wine-filled spatial pouch to Qian Bufan.

"Don't give her all the wine at once, or she'll finish it too quickly."

"Got it."

Qian Bufan scratched his head, storing the pouch away.

"I also have something to leave behind."

A familiar voice chimed in.

Li Mo and the elders turned to see the ever-calm Ying Bing retrieving a stack of booklets from her oversized doll pouch.

"These note the flaws in each elder's martial techniques, along with corrections. Practice diligently to advance further."

When had the "ice block" prepared these?

Li Mo blinked in surprise before feeling inexplicably pleased.

"......"

The elders grew even more abashed.

Wasn't it said that children of hardship matured early?

Ah, but compared to these two, the Qingyuan Sect was practically destitute—in every conceivable aspect...

"May all elders thrive in martial prosperity."

Li Mo clasped his hands, his tone thick with earnest hope for their success.

"Y-yes! We'll certainly train hard!"

"Indeed! At seventy-plus, I'm still in my prime!"

"We must live up to the juniors' expectations!"

"Youth waits for no one—let's set forth now!"

The farewell was deeply moving.

Though something felt slightly off.

Elder Qian, swept up in the moment, strode out of the hall—only to be yanked back by Elder Xue.

"Where do you think you're going? You're no Hidden Dragon—more like the Turtle Prime Minister!"

Snapped back to reality, Elder Qian's youthful fervor shattered on the spot.

"Then we'll take our leave."

Li Mo chuckled, taking Ying Bing's hand before glancing at Qin Yuzhi.

Being an elder of the Qingyuan Sect was merely Qin Yuzhi's side gig—her main role remained as an employee of the Myriad Phenomena Immortal Sect. Managing the power of sentient beings was impossible without her.

A cloud formed beneath them, lifting the trio skyward.

"Return soon!"

Sect Master Shangguan, Xue Jing, Qian Bufan, and the other elders waved vigorously.

Watching the two figures soar into the azure, their thoughts stretched into the distance.

They recalled Li Mo's frail, sickly demeanor upon joining the sect—now he stood tall against the wind, his bearing indomitable, though his sunny smile remained unchanged. The once-ailing young master had truly grown into a gentleman.

Beside him, the girl had blossomed into an ethereal beauty—a lofty, ice-cold immortal maiden standing quietly by his side.

The greatest difference was that both were now renowned across the heavens and earth.

Now, riding clouds to the capital, they would vie to stand above all others.

Elder Qian muttered wistfully:

"When will the Hidden Dragon Assembly add an elder division..."