Actually, as your master, I'm the one who cares about you the most in the world.

The capital of Xuanwu Kingdom.

Destiny Pavilion, the outpost of Tianyan Sect.

Zheng Xiaofeng frowned as he read the intelligence report handed to him, his eyes scanning the contents before him, feeling a headache coming on.

Li Yingling was from Marquis Li's Residence and an ill-treated illegitimate daughter at that?

Originally meant to be married off to the fool of Minister Wang's second son, only to be whisked away by Chu Xingchen?

What kind of mess was this? Couldn’t she just reveal her identity and cultivation level properly?

And this time, Chu Xingchen had arrived without doing anything else—just heading straight to Marquis Li's Residence to stir trouble.

Except the situation didn’t unfold as expected. There was no grand spectacle, not even a single death.

Was that really it?

Zheng Xiaofeng furrowed his brows in thought. This didn’t seem like Chu Xingchen’s usual style.

Before Xie Lingyu returned to the Central Continent, he had given strict instructions: ensure Chu Xingchen’s trip to the capital went smoothly—without any mishaps.

Especially preventing him from causing chaos.

Zheng Xiaofeng quietly recalled his impression of Chu Xingchen.

There was no denying it—the psychological scars Chu Xingchen had left on him were deep.

Even now, he occasionally dreamed of that casual "Little Zheng" remark.

That man was no pushover, and his grudges ran deep. He was likely scheming behind the scenes to avenge his disciple.

Judging by his past behavior with the demonic cultivators, this matter was far from simple. There was bound to be more to come.

Zheng Xiaofeng felt that if Chu Xingchen were allowed to act unchecked, things could escalate beyond control.

"Ah…"

He sighed softly and tucked the report into his sleeve.

Xie Lingyu’s orders had to be carried out at all costs—every potential risk had to be suppressed.

Among Tianyan Sect’s dispatched personnel this time, apart from the Nascent Soul elders, the Golden Core disciples were generally willing to assist under Xie Lingyu’s name.

They couldn’t exactly be commanded, but they would at least show some face.

Just in case, Zheng Xiaofeng decided to handle this matter himself.

For now, though, there was no need to trouble the Golden Core disciples.

Tianyan Sect also had two Golden Core cultivators assigned by Xuanwu Kingdom as liaisons.

Zheng Xiaofeng walked toward the most secluded room—where the two Golden Core cultivators usually stayed, keeping to themselves unless summoned.

Pushing the door open, the two meditating Golden Core cultivators immediately opened their eyes, their gazes landing on this seemingly ordinary sweeper from Tianyan Sect.

Zheng Xiaofeng cupped his hands slightly. "There are a few matters I’d like the two of you to handle."

Destiny Pavilion could also be considered a regional designation.

To prevent conflicts between sects from the Central Continent, Xuanwu Kingdom had ensured each sect’s outpost was spaced far apart.

Li Yingling held her junior sister’s hand, leisurely pushing open the main gate.

Her junior brother had mentioned eating together, but when it came time, he said the moment wasn’t right—he’d pick a more auspicious time.

Ever since he reached Golden Core, he’d become a little odder.

But Li Yingling didn’t dwell on it. An odd junior brother was still her junior brother.

Wen Qing, the Xuanwu Kingdom liaison, was still overseeing construction work.

Chen Baiqing glanced at her senior sister, noting that her mood had indeed improved—no longer as gloomy as before.

Meanwhile, Qiu Ling trailed behind Chu Xingchen, wearing a strained smile.

"Senior, shouldn’t you confirm the procedures again…?"

She almost regretted not sticking to her grave-watching duties instead.

Chu Xingchen replied with disinterest,

"It’s a banquet. Just go in and eat. Do you expect my second disciple to perform a dance or something?"

Li Xingtian blinked. If anyone were to dance, shouldn’t it be senior sister?

"Of course not…" Qiu Ling forced a smile. "But there will be many activities. Knowing the procedures would make things smoother."

"Don’t worry, I’ll be perfectly smooth."

"Your definition of ‘smooth’… probably differs from mine."

As Qiu Ling followed Chu Xingchen inside and was about to speak again,

Chu Xingchen raised a hand to stop her. "How about this? Write down the key points on paper. I’ll glance at them when I have time. If I forget during the banquet, I’ll just refer to it. Sound good?"

The suggestion made sense.

Qiu Ling nodded in relief, cupped her hands, and retreated to her temporary quarters to jot down the most critical reminders.

Most of these reminders were simply about ensuring sects from the Central Continent didn’t act too disgracefully at the banquet—especially showing basic respect to other factions.

It was an unspoken rule to spare the hosts from awkward interventions.

But after witnessing Chu Xingchen’s behavior on the first day, Qiu Ling decided an extra layer of precaution was necessary.

If anything went wrong, at least she’d have an excuse to shift blame.

With Qiu Ling gone, the courtyard grew quieter.

Li Yingling seemed in better spirits, though what she truly felt, Chu Xingchen couldn’t say.

But in matters like this, excessive advice would only cloud her judgment.

Right now, all she needed was to know he’d stand behind her when she needed support.

With that thought, Chu Xingchen turned his gaze to Li Xingtian.

"Have you made up your mind?"

Li Xingtian looked at his master in surprise—though he shouldn’t be. If anyone could see through him, it was his master. He nodded lightly.

"Timing? Decided yet?" Chu Xingchen pressed.

"After this banquet," Li Xingtian answered.

Chu Xingchen gave a slight nod and said nothing more.

After all, he’d already agreed to Li Xingtian’s decision from the start.

A disciple’s path wasn’t bound to their master’s.

They each had their own destiny.

Li Xingtian was no exception. So was Li Yingling.

Even the youngest, Chen Baiqing, would one day forge her own way.

Li Xingtian studied his master. Now that he’d reached Golden Core, he’d truly stepped onto the immortal path. He couldn’t remain sheltered under his master’s wing forever.

Truthfully, he’d planned to bid farewell upon advancing to Golden Core.

There were things he needed to do.

But then senior sister’s troubles arose. By duty and affection, he couldn’t leave without helping her first.

Still, parting weighed on him.

But it wasn’t as if he’d never return.

In his past life, he’d been a rogue cultivator. But this life was different—he’d met his master.

He had a home now, though far from the Central Continent.

When weary, he’d journey back, no matter the distance.

And one day, he’d finish building the grand hall his master envisioned.

"Planning to tell them last?" Chu Xingchen asked.

Li Xingtian nodded. His senior sister’s heart was still unsettled. Though she might not mind his departure, he didn’t want to add to her burdens.

"Just so you know, your master’s broke. Don’t expect much." Chu Xingchen tossed Li Xingtian a spatial ring. "Don’t complain."

Li Xingtian caught it and probed it with his divine sense.

Inside lay a modest pile of spirit stones.

"Master, you still have senior sister and the others to look after—"

"They’re my disciples. So are you." Chu Xingchen slung an arm around Li Xingtian’s shoulders. "Truth is, I’ve always favored you a little more."

Li Xingtian was momentarily speechless.

Chu Xingchen blinked and transmitted his voice, saying:

"Truth be told, between master and disciple, you and I are the closest in this world."