One Is One

Southern Vulture Continent, Sect Grounds.

Chu Xingchen landed gracefully, his gaze sweeping over the grand hall.

Though he knew his eldest disciple had a good sense of judgment, as the sect leader, it was his duty to ensure everything remained in order.

Hmm, good—everything was exactly as he left it.

A quick sweep of his spiritual sense confirmed that none of his disciples were missing, all alive and lively as ever.

Chen Baiqing had been sitting on a stone bench, idly watching fish swim in circles, when she heard movement behind her. She turned quickly.

It was her master!

Her face lit up as she hurried over to Chu Xingchen.

"Master, you're back!"

Chu Xingchen reached out and ruffled her hair. "Mn. Were you well-behaved while I was gone?"

"Mm-hmm! I listened to Senior Sister the whole time!"

"Did your senior sister do anything… unusual while I was away?"

Chen Baiqing thought for a moment before answering honestly.

"Not really. She was just overly cautious, worried something might happen to us."

Chu Xingchen nodded slightly before retrieving candied fruits and other snacks from his spatial ring—purchased from Sunset Valley—and handing them to Chen Baiqing.

"These are from the Central Continent, just for you."

Chen Baiqing used her spiritual energy to levitate the treats, then peeked behind her master before hesitantly asking,

"Master… where’s Second Senior Brother?"

Chu Xingchen scoffed and shook his head. "Your second senior brother is fine. The fool mixed up his talismans—used the wrong one without checking properly."

"Wasted one of my protective talismans for nothing. Made me worry and rush over for no reason."

"He’s still handling business in the Central Continent. Since he was fine, I came back—had to make sure little Baiqing was taken care of."

Chen Baiqing exhaled in relief. As long as Second Senior Brother was safe, she was happy. A bright smile spread across her face.

"Mm-hmm! Baiqing definitely needs Master."

This girl… knew just what to say. Her emotional support was impeccable.

"Master has some matters to discuss with your senior sister. Go play for now."

"Okay! Senior Sister is in the grand hall talking with Yuan Kong."

Chu Xingchen gave a slight nod before turning toward the grand hall.

He pushed open the doors.

His eyes immediately settled on Li Yingling, seated at the head of the hall—unchanged as ever.

But then…

Who was this towering, broad-shouldered monk with bronze skin and a solemn expression?!

Li Yingling’s face brightened as she stood and hurried over. "Master, you’re back!"

Then, noticing Li Xingtian’s absence, she frowned.

"Where’s Second Junior Brother?"

Chu Xingchen repeated the same explanation he’d given Chen Baiqing.

Li Yingling nodded in understanding, accepting the story without question.

"Who’s this?" Chu Xingchen eyed the monk before asking, puzzled, "Your third junior sister said Yuan Kong was here. Where is he? I’ve got pills ready for him."

The large monk immediately stood and bowed deeply, his voice resonant.

"This humble monk shall take his leave and not disturb you further."

Li Yingling pointed at him without hesitation.

"That’s Yuan Kong!"

"N-no! I’m not—I didn’t—!"

Chu Xingchen instantly cast a immobilizing spell on Yuan Kong.

[Target: Yuan Kong]

[Cultivation: Qi Refinement (Peak)]

[Golden Trait: Born Buddha Child]

[Purple Trait: Eyes That See Through Illusions]

[Blue Trait: Wisdom]

[Blue Trait: Compassionate Heart]

[Temporary Gray Trait: Reforged Body]

[Does Not Meet Disciple Recruitment Criteria]

Chu Xingchen studied him. So, the abbot actually succeeded. This body must still be unstable, freshly formed.

Who knew if Yuan Kong would meet the disciple criteria once the gray trait faded?

Not that it mattered—he still had plenty of experimental pills for the monk to test.

Yuan Kong, frozen in place, regretted his life choices. If he’d known Chu Xingchen would return today, he would’ve stayed far away.

Chu Xingchen frowned. "Why run? I’m not feeding you anything today."

Yuan Kong relaxed—only to tense again when Chu Xingchen added,

"Take a day off. Come back tomorrow for your dose."

With that, he released the immobilization spell.

Yuan Kong could only sigh and stand there helplessly.

Ignoring him, Chu Xingchen retrieved an unconscious Li Zi from his qiankun pouch.

Li Yingling’s gaze locked onto Li Zi. The abdominal binding technique looked suspiciously like her second junior brother’s work.

She frowned. "This is…?"

Chu Xingchen answered bluntly, "I think this woman has something going on with your junior brother."

Li Yingling’s eyes widened. "He actually likes men?!"

"...She’s a woman."

Li Yingling gave him a skeptical look before scanning Li Zi with her spiritual sense. Oh. She really was.

"Is she badly injured? Master, didn’t you give her any healing pills?"

Chu Xingchen sighed. "I did. But her sea of consciousness might be damaged. No telling if she’ll wake up."

Li Yingling shook her head sadly—whether pitying her junior brother or the unconscious Li Zi, it was hard to say.

Hearing this, Yuan Kong stepped forward, examining Li Zi closely before reaching out to touch her forehead.

"What are you doing? She may look like a man, but she's genuinely a woman."

Chu Xingchen glanced at the burly monk. Honestly, it was hard to associate this hulking figure with the somewhat adorable Yuan Kong.

Yuan Kong didn’t respond immediately, instead carefully sensing Li Zi’s spiritual consciousness before speaking:

"Her mind is in complete chaos. Recovery on her own or through ordinary medicines won’t work."

Chu Xingchen replied, "Tell us something we don’t already know."

"Our Buddhist sect has some methods… Though not guaranteed, we could still give it a try?"

"Fine, take her and try then."

Li Yingling gave her master a deadpan look… You agreed way too casually! Are you even sure she’s your second disciple’s sweetheart?!

Yuan Kong was equally surprised by Chu Xingchen’s straightforward response, his expression one of disbelief.

Chu Xingchen sighed. "Before returning, I’d already consulted a few people—none had a solution. Leaving her here is just letting her rot. If you can treat her, then take her back and try."

"Just don’t let her die. When your second disciple returns, he can figure it out himself."

"That’s fine, but I have a condition! No more making me test your pills."

The burly Yuan Kong puffed out his cheeks, clearly still unaccustomed to his own imposing appearance.

Both Chu Xingchen and Li Yingling looked at him with undisguised disdain.

"Fine, from two pills a day to just one."

"No, not even one."

"Then forget it. I’ll handle her myself. Come back tomorrow and take two."

Yuan Kong choked at the words, watching as Chu Xingchen made to stuff Li Zi back into his spatial pouch. He hastily blurted out:

"One pill it is!"

"Thanks, everyone~"