Too Smart Chu Xingchen

However, the real shock came after entering the true mountain-protecting formation.

Leaving aside Chen Baiqing and Lin Luoyu, who had better aptitudes, even Cui Hao couldn’t help but take a few extra deep breaths.

Even Chu Xingchen could sense a qualitative difference—it was like suddenly leaping from a desert into a tropical rainforest.

The grandeur of the Tianyan Sect’s structures behind the formation could be summed up simply: it was something Chu Xingchen wouldn’t even dare to wish for in his wildest dreams.

What was even more outrageously extravagant was that the Tianyan Sect had constructed teleportation formations.

While this was partly due to the sect’s vast size, the sheer number of high-quality teleportation formations, built as if money were no object, was staggering.

Along the way, Qinghe gave a somewhat perfunctory overview of the Tianyan Sect’s general layout.

"See that tallest peak over there? That’s Tianyan Peak, the main peak of the sect. The sect leader resides there, and he keeps a Nascent Soul-stage guard dog—ferocious thing. Be careful if you wander around there."

"And that peak with the peach blossoms? That’s the Female Peak, home to all the female cultivators. If you go peeking, be discreet. If you get caught, don’t say you know me—just claim you’re the sect leader’s man."

"See that mountain to the left covered in boulders? That’s the Male Peak. Be cautious if you go there—wear thick pants. There are some… strange rumors floating around. Honestly, I wouldn’t recommend visiting if you can avoid it."

At first, Chu Xingchen listened attentively, but soon it became clear that Qinghe was just amusing himself with increasingly absurd tales.

Like how the Punishment Elder had a grudge against the sect leader and occasionally liked to trip him up.

What kind of baseless gossip was this? How could the Tianyan Sect’s leader possibly be in such a pathetic state? Even as a minor sect leader, Chu Xingchen himself commanded absolute authority in his own domain.

Let alone a top-tier cultivator who had risen to lead the Tianyan Sect—how could they be someone so easily trifled with?

Qinghe’s explanations weren’t about the Tianyan Sect’s founding or glorious history either—just a stream of salacious rumors.

What use was this information? Was he supposed to blackmail some unknown high-level peak lords with it?

Chances were, before he could even utter the words, "You wouldn’t want others to know about this," he’d be silenced permanently within the Tianyan Sect’s grounds.

Qinghe had managed to say nothing useful while rambling endlessly.

Among the group, only Cui Hao nodded along and occasionally chimed in.

But Chu Xingchen suspected Cui Hao wasn’t actually interested in the gossip—he just had a habit of keeping conversations alive, like a straight man in a comedy duo.

Ignoring Qinghe’s nonsense, Chu Xingchen took a moment to observe his surroundings.

He witnessed firsthand the awe-inspiring spectacle of the Tianyan Sect siphoning spiritual veins—now he understood why the Central Continent stood above all other regions.

This was like fishing with a net that left nothing behind.

The teleportation formation wasn’t far. Soon, the group stepped onto it and were instantly transported to Bai Xuanling’s—Pearl Summit.

The formation was built at the mountain’s base, but from here, they could fly directly.

Several streaks of light shot up from the ground, heading straight for the floating palace atop the peak.

As Qinghe led Chu Xingchen toward Bai Xuanling’s location, he casually pointed out landmarks on Pearl Summit.

"That’s where Little Lingyu used to practice her divine abilities. Back then, she wasn’t so tough—more of a little crybaby, really."

"Adorable, though. But as she grew up, she stopped smiling. Hmph, I bet it was Bai… er, Master’s influence."

Qinghe suddenly felt a chill down his spine.

He’d slipped up too many times in front of Chu Xingchen, calling Bai Xuanling "Granny Bai." This wasn’t like back in Yuzhou City, where Granny Bai wasn’t around. At her Tribulation Transcendence-stage power, even whispering at the mountain’s base would be heard.

If Granny Bai caught wind of this…

Goosebumps rose on Qinghe’s skin, and he promptly shut his mouth, hurrying Chu Xingchen along.

Moments later, Chu Xingchen saw Bai Xuanling seated alone, sipping tea.

"Sit," she said calmly, her gaze resting on Chu Xingchen and the others.

Chu Xingchen nodded and took a seat without ceremony.

Bai Xuanling skipped the small talk, personally pouring tea brewed by Qinghe for each of them, and cut straight to the point.

"You wrote in your letter some days ago, saying you wanted to come to the Central Continent to find a prime location for a branch sect?"

Qinghe shot a bewildered look—this was sheer absurdity.

What kind of sect had its main headquarters in some backwater while establishing a branch in the Central Continent?

Chu Xingchen’s disciples, familiar with their master’s ways, knew this wasn’t their moment to speak. They silently picked up their teacups and began drinking.

"Just an idea. After all, didn’t you say last time, Sister Bai, that a remote place couldn’t contain a hidden dragon like me?" Chu Xingchen replied with a smile.

Bai Xuanling gave a slight nod. "I do know of a place. There’s a spot you might want to check out."

Qinghe's eyes flickered with slight surprise upon hearing this... Even their own Bai Xuanling was so effortlessly smooth when it came to deceiving others.

Considering what Bai Xuanling had said not long ago, this place was most likely the mission location.

Bai Xuanling’s ruthlessness hadn’t diminished over the years—not only was she making others work for her, but she also ensured they felt indebted to her.

Qinghe sighed inwardly. Indeed, people only grew more cunning with age. Even that scheming brat Chu Xingchen would probably end up bowing to Bai Xuanling’s whims.

Chu Xingchen, however, didn’t react with wild excitement. Instead, he glanced up at Bai Xuanling, only to find her expression calm, with no intention of extorting a hefty sum of pills or promises from him.

Bai Xuanling might be kind, but she shouldn’t... be this kind.

“No need to rush. I’d like to look around first,” Chu Xingchen replied cautiously, his tone laced with suspicion.

Bai Xuanling’s gaze met his.

The boy’s intelligence was both his greatest strength and his greatest flaw.

Had he arrived earlier, she might have had time to try deceiving him again.

But his timing was just a little too coincidental—there wasn’t enough time to fool such a sharp mind.

In that case, Chu Xingchen’s luck truly was remarkable.

His arrival was perfectly timed, and he was the right person for this task.

Bai Xuanling lifted her teacup. “A thirty-seventy split.”

“I get seventy?!”

“Hah!”

“No way. At least forty-sixty!”

Bai Xuanling nodded lightly. “Deal.”

Chu Xingchen didn’t feel too aggrieved by her quick agreement. Now that he understood Bai Xuanling’s bargaining rules, he could negotiate for better terms next time.

And by ensuring Bai Xuanling profited enough this time, there would be more missions in the future.

Completing this task would also repay some of the past favors he owed her.

It wasn’t a loss, really.

After all, only parents gave without expecting anything in return.

Any relationship built solely on taking would never last.