Well, I guess I'll reluctantly help you then.

Inside the soundproof barrier of Wanhua Restaurant's private chamber,

Zhang Miaoyu sat uneasily on her chair, pressing close to Li Yingling's side.

She cautiously glanced up and saw the leader of the Tianyan Sect explaining the current situation with clear logic, sharing his analysis of the circumstances and outlining some preliminary plans.

Li Yingling remained as composed as ever, nodding slightly in response.

What was unusual, however, was that their own leader didn’t interrupt even once, listening to the report with an unreadable calm.

In the past, whenever their leader listened to team reports, he would often frown and demand they get to the point.

But one had to admit, this Tianyan Sect disciple’s report was exceptionally detailed and surprisingly easy to follow.

Even Zhang Miaoyu, who had only been half-listening, grasped the gist of the situation.

In the past, Zhang Miaoyu, like many rogue cultivators, had looked down on disciples of the Eighteen Immortal Sects—thinking they merely relied on resources. If they had to live like us, they’d probably fare even worse.

Now, she realized she might have been overthinking things.

Come to think of it, how could the Eighteen Immortal Sects ever lack talent?

What kind of genius could resist the allure of joining one of the eighteen great sects of the Central Plains?

If given the choice, who wouldn’t want to be part of them?

These top-tier sects didn’t just recruit based on innate talent—they surely had standards for intellect as well.

To join the Eighteen Immortal Sects, one had to be a one-in-ten-thousand genius among geniuses.

Though she knew their leader likely held some status within the Tianyan Sect, facing such an elite sect for the first time left Zhang Miaoyu feeling more than just awestruck—she was nervous.

It was like a rookie suddenly thrust into a high-stakes game, surrounded by all-powerful teammates ready to dominate, while she could only stand there and cheer weakly.

Li Yingling nodded in understanding. It seemed the situation wasn’t due to the authority of Elder Bai’s Tianyan Token, but rather that these Tianyan Sect disciples were simply waiting for their assigned commander.

A minor misunderstanding, but the mission itself sounded quite intriguing.

Li Yingling nodded again. "So, to summarize, you’re here to deal with a group of rogue cultivators who fled here, their motives still unclear?"

The leader, Wang Lin, nodded.

"Correct. They’re just a band of Nascent Soul-stage cultivators, but the trouble they’ve stirred up is significant—and the backlash has been severe. Someone petitioned the sect for aid, and the higher-ups demanded we handle it swiftly and decisively. We’re currently awaiting the commander assigned by the sect."

Just a group of Nascent Soul cultivators?

Zhang Miaoyu shot him an incredulous look—Spoken like a true elite sect disciple, so full of confidence.

"But… you’re really not the commander Elder Bai sent?" Wang Lin asked, eyeing Li Yingling with suspicion. Why else would she show up with a Tianyan Token, looking so relaxed?

Surely she wasn’t just here for a meal?

Li Yingling didn’t humor the assumption. They had a legitimate mission, and she wasn’t about to mess around with something as serious as rogue cultivators—who were, by nature, utterly ruthless.

She shook her head lightly. "Just passing through. But I might have some insights to share about your mission. Consider it mutual assistance."

Wang Lin’s expression remained neutral as he prepared to politely decline—when suddenly, someone stepped through the soundproof barrier. His gaze turned icy as he took in the sight of a black-clad man with a fierce demeanor.

"Senior Sister? What are you doing here?"

Li Yingling turned at the familiar voice, her eyes widening in surprise.

"Second Junior Brother… why are you here?"

Li Xingtian’s face lit up with delight, but his hands moved swiftly as he retrieved a Tianyan Token from his spatial ring and placed it on the table.

Wang Lin stared at the token, momentarily stunned—then did a double-take.

Another Tianyan Token issued by Elder Bai?!

Whose sect is this?! Why does it seem like everyone has one? Shouldn’t even having one per sect be considered a blessing?

Did Elder Bai suddenly start mass-producing these things?

Please don’t tell me he’s also just here to say hello…

Zhang Miaoyu studied Li Yingling’s second junior brother. Regardless of anything else, his appearance alone screamed dangerous.

Li Xingtian sighed slightly. "There’s been a development. I’m here to take command."

Li Yingling nodded knowingly. At least Second Junior Brother isn’t completely hopeless.

He knows to call for backup when needed. At least he’s recouped some of Master’s wasted spending.

She exhaled dramatically, then said with exaggerated resignation,

"Tsk tsk… Ah, what a disappointment, Second Junior Brother. Well, what can I say? As your senior sister, I suppose I’ll reluctantly lend you a hand."

Li Xingtian opened his mouth—he had been about to say he didn’t need her help. After all, they were just dealing with a few Nascent Soul cultivators.

But then he reconsidered.

Maybe it’s better not to say that.