The Changle Project Officially Launches

In the corridor outside the grand hall.

Having received Third Senior Sister’s orders, Cui Hao was currently the only one heading toward the grand hall—both to sound out their master’s mood and to inform him that Li Junzi had arrived.

After all, their master was in a bad mood, and bringing a stranger to meet him directly wouldn’t be appropriate.

Cui Hao quickly ran through a mental simulation of how his upcoming conversation with his master might unfold.

After pondering for a while, he concluded that his master’s train of thought was simply beyond his grasp.

Trying to outmaneuver his master was practically impossible. The man was likely to see right through any scheme.

And once he did, he wouldn’t outright expose it. Instead, he’d let you think he’d fallen for your ploy.

The answers and responses you sought would seem just within reach—as if a little more prodding would make him spill everything.

But just as he was about to reveal anything, he’d effortlessly steer the conversation elsewhere.

Only when he couldn’t suppress a smirk would you realize you’d been played all along.

Having been bested twice, Cui Hao had since learned to behave in front of his master.

Others might not know, but Cui Hao genuinely felt a rare kinship with his master. There were very few in this world who could keep up with his own way of thinking.

First Senior Sister could be considered one, though he’d never really shown his full mental agility in front of her.

That was because First Senior Sister’s thoughts were so abundant that even Cui Hao found them overwhelming.

Only his master was different. It wasn’t that his master kept up with his thoughts—rather, Cui Hao had to struggle to keep up with his master’s.

His master seemed to know a little about everything, able to discuss any topic with ease, as if he’d dabbled in every field of knowledge imaginable.

In his master’s presence, Cui Hao felt, for the first time, that he was still far too young.

Though his master looked youthful now, he was probably centuries old.

So rather than trying to fish for information, it’d be better to play the sympathy card later.

At the entrance of the hall, Cui Hao peered inside.

His master was indeed there—Chu Xingchen was currently writing something with a brush in hand.

The good news was, First Senior Sister wasn’t present.

Chu Xingchen had naturally noticed Cui Hao’s arrival, but he didn’t turn around. Continuing to write, he asked,

"You’re back? You didn’t lose your senior sister along the way, did you?"

Cui Hao stepped in with a smile and clasped his hands in greeting. "Reporting to Master, all went well. Fourth Senior Sister even remembered to bring me back."

"Oh?" Chu Xingchen glanced sideways at him. If he still had the energy for cheeky remarks, then nothing serious must have happened.

"So, do you have some favor to ask of me?"

Cui Hao approached him, still smiling.

"Nothing in particular. I just heard Master’s been in a bad mood lately, so I came to check on you."

Chu Xingchen raised a brow. "A bad mood? Did Bai Qing tell you that?"

"If Master’s asking, then no." Cui Hao gave him a knowing look. "As your disciple, I can’t just let you care for me all the time. I should look out for you too."

Chu Xingchen turned his gaze back to the paper, continuing to write as he replied nonchalantly,

"If you’d stir up less trouble and get scolded less by your First Senior Sister, that’d be comfort enough for me."

With anyone else, Cui Hao would’ve danced around the topic, but facing his master—who could easily outmaneuver him—he cut straight to the point.

"If Master has something weighing on your mind, you can always share it with this disciple."

A faint smile tugged at Chu Xingchen’s lips as he looked back at Cui Hao.

"So what you’re saying is, you’re willing to share my burdens?"

Cui Hao felt like he’d smoothly—and seamlessly—fallen right into another of his master’s traps.

Could it be that everything Third Senior Sister had told him earlier was just part of his master’s setup?

"Naturally, I’ll do whatever I can to ease Master’s troubles."

Cui Hao declared righteously, then swiftly pivoted with a sly grin. "Is it about First Senior Sister?"

"You’re quite well-informed." Chu Xingchen set down his brush. "Has Luo Yu returned as well?"

"Yes. Fourth Senior Sister’s worldly mentor has also come—a Confucian cultivator at the Rujing stage." Cui Hao’s expression turned serious. "Though I don’t know the details, their bond seems deep."

"However, that mentor seems to be struggling with his mental state. He’s here mostly to clear his mind."

Chu Xingchen picked up the paper filled with plans. "Where is this mentor now?"

"By the deep pool, with Third Senior Sister," Cui Hao answered.

"A guest must be greeted properly." Chu Xingchen stored the plans back into his spatial ring. "Since everyone’s here, I might as well announce my grand scheme."

Cui Hao blinked. "Huh? Shouldn’t we call First Senior Sister too?"

Chu Xingchen strode past him, flicking Cui Hao’s forehead as he went.

"Since you’re clearly smarter than me, why don’t you take over as sect leader?"

Rubbing his forehead, Cui Hao obediently trailed after Chu Xingchen as they headed toward the deep pool.

What did First Senior Sister do this time? Usually, whenever their master had a plan, she was the first to be consulted. Now, he was deliberately excluding her.

But for now, he’d better set thoughts of First Senior Sister aside and focus on whatever their master had in store...

Li Junzi now understood why Cui Hao had reacted the way he did after tasting his tea.

If he’d been drinking Chen Baiqing’s brews daily, his own tea would’ve been rendered unpalatable too.

This tea seemed infused with a unique charm that belonged solely to Chen Baiqing.

It was hard to tell whether it was the tea leaves or the water that made it exceptional, but even her brewing motions were a pleasure to behold.

In short, everything about it was simply good.

Truly the work of an immortal disciple—so young, yet already refined to such a level.

The more Li Junzi observed Chen Baiqing, the more he found to admire. There wasn’t a single flaw to dislike.

A gentle male voice spoke up from behind him.

"You must be Master Li?"

Li Junzi already knew who it was. Rising to his feet, he turned—only to see Cui Hao standing behind a strikingly handsome young man.

The youth wore a warm smile, his posture upright, exuding an air of effortless grace that instantly put others at ease.

Li Junzi was slightly taken aback. He’d expected someone middle-aged, but this man looked far too youthful.

"That’s correct. You must be Sect Leader Chu." Li Junzi clasped his hands in greeting. "Thank you for taking care of Luo Yu all this time."

Chu Xingchen gestured for everyone to sit. "No trouble at all. It’s only my duty."

As they settled, Chu Xingchen extended his spiritual sense briefly, confirming his eldest disciple’s absence.

Still uneasy, he erected a barrier with his spiritual energy, ensuring their conversation would remain absolutely private.

The others were momentarily baffled by his actions.

"Since Master Li is Luo Yu’s mentor, you’re practically family. Let’s skip the formalities—I have a top-secret mission for all of you."

With that, Chu Xingchen retrieved the plan he’d written earlier from his spatial ring and placed it on the table.

All eyes turned to the sheet of paper Chu Xingchen had placed on the table, then back to him with puzzled expressions.

Li Junzi was especially baffled—what was going on here?

He had just arrived, and already he was being assigned a mission?!

This wasn’t just skipping pleasantries—it was outright dispensing with them.

With a grave expression, Chu Xingchen tapped the plan in front of him and declared:

"This top-secret operation, which I have named—Project Everjoy, will be led by me personally. Failure is not an option!"

Apart from Li Junzi, the others had never seen their master so solemn and serious before.

They immediately understood the gravity of the situation.

Even Cui Hao wore a stern expression now.

Chen Baiqing’s face even showed a faint trace of killing intent.

Chu Xingchen continued in a weighty tone: "Eight days from now will be your eldest senior sister’s birthday. Due to certain circumstances, I attach great importance to this year’s celebration."

"The basic plan is written here. You’ll review it shortly. Cui Hao, you’ll be responsible for notifying Ning Qianqian to join this operation."

"As for Mr. Li, since you’ve arrived at just the right time, if you’re available, you may team up with Luo Yu for this mission."

"Only those present here are aware of this operation. If anyone leaks the details—I’ll offer Cui Hao as a sacrifice to the flag!"

Cui Hao stiffened and immediately stood up. "Why me?!"

Chu Xingchen raised a hand calmly. "Tell me, among those here, who’s most likely to let something slip?"

Cui Hao fell silent, then sat back down meekly.

Clapping his hands, Chu Xingchen announced: "Your eldest senior sister has always treated everyone well. Now, it’s our turn to give her a surprise!"

"Everyone—are you confident in completing this mission?"

Lin Luoyu nodded firmly. The memory of how her senior sister had celebrated her own birthday was still vivid in her mind. Now, she would give it her all in return.

Chen Baiqing’s murderous aura faded, replaced by a sincere smile as he eagerly nodded.

Cui Hao grinned broadly and thumped his chest. "Mission guaranteed!"

Li Junzi observed the scene before him. It all sounded a bit absurd, yet somehow…

It seemed rather fun?

With a slight bow, he said, "Since we’re skipping formalities, let me contribute as well."

Chu Xingchen’s face lit up with satisfaction as he proclaimed:

"Then I declare—Project Everjoy officially begins!"