The Best Master in the World

The misty waves dissipated.

The flowers all turned into smoke and scattered.

A shattered purple pearl floated before Chu Xingchen, who hesitated slightly before reaching out to tap it. A pale green barrier sealed the pearl.

Only after reinforcing the seal multiple times did Chu Xingchen finally store the purple pearl away.

He had no intention of studying it himself—instead, he planned to hand it directly to Bai Xuanling.

That woman’s strength did not lie in any so-called "Ten Thousand Blossoms Technique."

Rather, it was something akin to Chen Baiqing’s "Illusory Moon and Flowers" art. The woman’s domain subtly pulled at one’s consciousness, and prolonged exposure could lead to unforeseen consequences if one failed to react in time.

Moreover, every flower within the barrier emitted a strange energy that permeated the surrounding spiritual power.

Once contaminated, it would form a medium, silently draining spiritual energy within the barrier.

At the very least, Chu Xingchen had seen Wang Lin fall victim to this medium.

Thanks to Chen Baiqing’s diligent cultivation of the Baiqing Great Method, Chu Xingchen had easily seen through these crude tricks.

The pearl itself held little significance—it wasn’t particularly suitable for Li Xingtian or Li Yingling.

The only fitting candidate, Chen Baiqing, didn’t lack such things either.

Besides, this thing was practically a ticking time bomb—no method could guarantee its containment.

Though Chu Xingchen trusted Chen Baiqing’s ability to subdue it, Baiqing was still young. Such matters could wait for the future…

Earlier, Mist Mystic Temple had mentioned sharing the spoils, but nothing had come of it. This pearl was peculiar, with mysteries of its own.

Neither fully object nor person.

Handing it to Bai Xuanling served two purposes: first, Bai Xuanling had the means to deal with it, and second, it could compensate Mist Mystic Temple for their promised share.

As the pearl was secured, the illusory barrier collapsed with a resounding crash.

Now, the valley lay in ruins.

Chu Xingchen swiftly flew toward Li Xingtian.

By now, Li Yingling had already stored the memory crystal and punched Li Xingtian’s shoulder lightly.

"If you’re weak, just train harder! No need to act recklessly! Good thing Master arrived in time!"

Chu Xingchen landed beside them, watching as Li Yingling exuded the full authority of a senior sister. He chuckled and shook his head slightly, joining in the teasing:

"Well, at least he knew to call for his master, right?"

Li Xingtian laughed awkwardly, recognizing the jest, and quickly defended himself:

"I just didn’t want to trouble Master… Besides, it wasn’t that serious. Tianyan Sect had already called for reinforcements…"

Chu Xingchen snorted lightly. "Hmph, and who do you think Tianyan Sect’s reinforcement was? Me. Bai Xuanling almost came too—still think it wasn’t serious?"

Li Xingtian immediately clasped his hands in apology.

Chu Xingchen shot Li Yingling a look that said, "He’s your problem now."

After all, he wasn’t afraid of his disciples relying on him—he was afraid they wouldn’t, even in dire situations.

Chu Xingchen had rushed here at breakneck speed, nearly exhausting himself, but he didn’t mention it, fearing his disciples might hesitate to call for him in the future.

Staying alive was what mattered most.

Li Yingling’s emergency call had been the right move. Later, he’d hold a full sect meeting to discuss this and commend her properly.

Li Yingling nodded in understanding before resuming her stern senior sister demeanor.

Chu Xingchen’s gaze shifted toward Wang Lin’s group. The Tianyan Sect disciples had already regrouped into formation.

Wang Lin wore a faint smile. Noticing Chu Xingchen’s attention, he quickly cupped his hands in respect.

"Many thanks for your timely assistance, Senior."

Chu Xingchen gave a slight nod. "My disciple caused you trouble. I’ll mention your efforts to Elder Bai later."

Wang Lin’s eyes brightened at once. Just these few words confirmed that this senior—Li Xingtian’s master—was not only sharp but also well-versed in the ways of the world.

For disciples like them, no amount of spirit stones or pills could compare to a single opportunity to catch the attention of a top-tier elder like Bai Xuanling.

Even a passing remark might be worth more than countless contributions.

"Many thanks for your consideration, Senior."

Wang Lin bowed again, his gratitude genuine.

Inside the inn.

Zhang Miaoyu was feeling restless. In past missions, she had always been a key force, directly under Li Yingling’s command.

They always tackled the toughest challenges.

But now, barely stepping into the Central Plains, she had been deemed too weak and left behind at the inn for safety.

Zhang Miaoyu wanted to argue but found no words.

With so many Nascent Soul cultivators from Tianyan Sect—one of the Central Plains’ eighteen great sects—present, she doubted she could last a single move against any of them.

The only thing she could contribute was cheering from the sidelines.

This stark difference made her painfully aware of one thing—she and Li Yingling were not from the same world.

Li Yingling’s talent and background far surpassed hers.

The only reason she could still follow Li Yingling was sheer stubbornness.

As time passed, Zhang Miaoyu’s mood darkened further.

Maybe once the mission ended, Li Yingling wouldn’t even return.

This might be the perfect chance to shake her off.

After all, in the Central Plains, what use was a rogue Golden Core cultivator like her?

With Tianyan Sect disciples at her command, why would Li Yingling need her?

Zhang Miaoyu lifted her head and slapped her cheeks hard.

Just wait a little longer!

If she didn’t come back, so be it…

Hadn’t she reached the Golden Core realm through her own efforts?

All meetings ended in partings. She should just cherish the memories.

Zhang Miaoyu forced a smile, but it quickly faded.

But…

Before she could sink deeper into her thoughts, the door swung open.

Her eyes lit up with hope—only to see her team leader standing beside a strikingly handsome man, smiling brightly.

Behind them were Li Xingtian and Wang Lin’s group of Tianyan Sect disciples.

Zhang Miaoyu instantly understood that Chu Xingchen’s status was extraordinary—she had never seen Li Yingling wear such an expression before.

She scrambled to her feet, her gaze instinctively seeking the person she trusted most.

"Team leader…"

The group entered the room.

Li Yingling gestured toward Zhang Miaoyu as she introduced her to her master. "This is Zhang Miaoyu—a great companion I met on my journey."

"Miaoyu, this is my master… and the sect leader of our sect!"

Chu Xingchen nodded with a warm smile.

"My eldest disciple has always been a handful. Thank you for looking after her."

Zhang Miaoyu shook her head hurriedly. "No, it was the team leader who took care of me… She’s amazing."

Chu Xingchen noticed her nervousness and chuckled, teasing his disciple further.

"She used to be quite the troublemaker. I was just hoping she could take care of herself—let alone others."

Li Yingling pouted. "Master, who are you looking down on now?"

Zhang Miaoyu watched as her usually composed team leader transformed into a completely different person—yet it didn’t feel strange. Instead, both Li Yingling and Chu Xingchen seemed more approachable.

Chu Xingchen humored her. "Alright, alright, you’re the best."

"Master, our sect doesn’t have many members…" Li Yingling hesitated before continuing carefully, "Do you think… Zhang Miaoyu could…?"

Master was always meticulous in selecting disciples, and by pure talent alone, Zhang Miaoyu certainly wouldn’t meet his standards.

However, Master had already taken in Ning Qianqian and Ning Kun. Though they were initially hired externally, they had essentially become full members of the sect.

Still… it was unclear whether Master would be willing to accept Zhang Miaoyu.

After all, the decision to admit someone into the sect rested solely with Master himself.

Though Master was unfailingly kind to everyone, it wouldn’t be unusual if he refused to indulge in this matter.

Li Yingling had even prepared herself for the possibility of being reprimanded by Master afterward.

Chu Xingchen’s gaze lingered on Zhang Miaoyu for a moment before he smiled and said,

"Your Golden Core cultivation is quite solid. The outer sect could use an advisor—would you be willing…?"

Zhang Miaoyu quickly nodded. "Yes! Just being able to stay by the leader’s side is enough for me!"

Li Yingling also looked at her master with moved eyes. The sect was so small—what "outer sect" was there to speak of?

From the founding of the sect until now, she had never even heard of an outer sect.

Master had clearly invented this "outer sect" on the spot—just for her sake.

Truly, he was the best master in the world!