I'm not going to eat you, what are you afraid of

Zhang Miaoyu took deep breaths—not out of nervousness, but because of the overwhelming density of spiritual energy. To exaggerate a little, it felt like every inhale was akin to absorbing spirit stones.

She had, of course, indulged in countless fantasies about the legendary Eighteen Immortal Sects.

Lavish palaces, high-ranking cultivators, rare and exotic beasts, breathtaking landscapes.

The Tianyan Sect had all of these, unsurprisingly—and then some. It was the kind of place that made one think, Wait, this exists? Is this even real?

Zhang Miaoyu finally understood the saying: One can never imagine what they’ve never seen before.

Perhaps it was due to her limited experience, but everything about the Tianyan Sect felt like a bizarre, surreal dream to her.

Especially when she saw the massive spiritual veins, flowing like rushing rivers of energy, only to crash against the sect’s protective mountain array in an awe-inspiring spectacle.

At that moment, shock was the only emotion Zhang Miaoyu could muster.

Only now did she truly comprehend what the Eighteen Immortal Sects of the Central Continent represented.

It was a realm so far beyond reach that even a lifetime of cultivation wouldn’t bridge the gap.

Of course, she wasn’t the only one stunned.

Li Yingling and Li Xingtian, both first-time visitors, were equally astonished.

Li Yingling, however, maintained an air of effortless composure—perhaps to avoid appearing like a country bumpkin in front of Zhang Miaoyu, or maybe to keep Li Xingtian from laughing at her.

She breathed with measured restraint, her gaze calm and appreciative as she took in the surroundings.

Li Xingtian, ever expressionless, remained so now—but the way his eyes darted around betrayed his amazement.

Chu Xingchen, having spent some time here already, had long since gotten over his initial shock.

Thus, among the four of them, Zhang Miaoyu stood out as the most visibly overwhelmed, her steps even a little unsteady.

Using his Tianyan Sect token, Chu Xingchen led the group to the teleportation array for Zhuji Peak.

Unlike other areas, Zhuji Peak was frequented by Tianyan Sect disciples, all exuding an air of steady confidence. Many wore friendly expressions, and most in the sect had at least heard of Chu Xingchen.

After all, being allowed to stay on Elder Bai’s Zhuji Peak for an extended period was enough to leave a lasting impression.

Or perhaps it was that infamous "Sister Bai" address, which some reception disciple had spread far and wide.

As they walked, Tianyan Sect cultivators cast glances their way, and a few even bowed respectfully to Chu Xingchen—clearly giving face to Bai Xuanling’s reputation.

After a while, Chu Xingchen grew accustomed to the attention. Li Yingling and Li Xingtian, confident in their own cultivation paths and unshaken by the sect’s prestige, carried themselves naturally.

Or maybe they’d just picked up a bit of their master’s thick skin.

Zhang Miaoyu, however, struggled. Under so many gazes, she trembled the entire way.

Only after stepping onto Zhuji Peak, free from prying eyes, did she finally relax.

Glancing around at the unassuming mountain, she hesitantly asked,

"Is this… our sect’s territory?"

Chu Xingchen sighed. "I have no plans to establish a sect within the Tianyan Sect, so no, this isn’t ours."

Li Yingling surveyed the area. Given that their master likely only knew Bai Xuanling and Xie Lingyu here, she ventured,

"This is Sister Bai’s peak, right?"

"Correct. Cui Hao and the others are all here too. Aside from Ning Qianqian and Ning Kun, our entire sect is gathered at the Tianyan Sect now."

Chu Xingchen led the group toward the buildings, soaring through the air.

Li Yingling brightened. "Perfect. I brought plenty of candied fruits for Baiqing—just the thing for her."

Hearing that everyone was assembled, Li Xingtian’s lips curled slightly.

Once, he had believed that being alone meant freedom—no attachments, no vulnerabilities.

Now, he realized that attachments meant having a place to return to, and people to rely on.

There was a time when Li Xingtian would beat up some junior, only to have their master come knocking.

But now…

His gaze settled on Chu Xingchen’s back.

Noticing the brief silence, Zhang Miaoyu’s mind raced with wild, improbable guesses. She whispered timidly,

"Sister Bai… could she be that renowned figure from the Central Continent?"

Before she could finish, Chu Xingchen landed with the group and strode into the courtyard, answering casually,

"Yep. Exactly who you’re thinking of."

As he pushed open the gate, Zhang Miaoyu’s nervous eyes darted inside.

Cui Hao was bent over, answering a simple question from Zhou Ping.

Chen Baiqing emerged from a room, congratulated Xie Lingyu, then began brewing tea for everyone.

Qinghe, ever eager, poured tea for Bai Xuanling—tea that Chen Baiqing had prepared.

Lin Luoyu, having received word, had hurried back and was now quietly sipping tea while reviewing Zhou Ping’s exam papers.

Xie Lingyu, dressed in pristine white, stood with a serene gaze fixed on Chu Xingchen at the gate.

Bai Xuanling also turned her attention their way, setting down her teacup with a remark:

"You’ve arrived at just the right time."

Chen Baiqing’s eyes lit up at the sight of her master.

Chu Xingchen stepped forward, his gaze landing first on Xie Lingyu as he teased,

"Lingyu’s now a Nascent Soul grandmaster. Guess I’ll have to keep relying on the ever-capable Lingyu."

"Stop talking nonsense," Xie Lingyu chided, though the corners of her lips lifted slightly.

Li Yingling quickly stepped up, smiling. "Congratulations, Senior Xie, on reaching the Nascent Soul realm!"

Li Xingtian clasped his hands in salute, echoing the sentiment.

Zhang Miaoyu, flustered, hastily followed suit. "C-congratulations, Senior, on your breakthrough!"

Chu Xingchen gestured toward her. "This is Zhang Miaoyu, our new outer sect guest elder. She’ll oversee outer sect affairs from now on."

"Welcome, welcome!" Cui Hao’s eyes sparkled as he greeted her, then turned to Chu Xingchen. "Master, does this mean Zhou Ping can be handed over to Elder Zhang now?"

"Keep guiding him for now," Chu Xingchen dismissed casually before introducing the others to Zhang Miaoyu.

Li Yingling and Li Xingtian needed no introduction.

When Chen Baiqing was mentioned, Zhang Miaoyu recalled the candied fruits Li Yingling had bought everywhere.

At Cui Hao’s introduction, she remembered Li Yingling’s description of him—the rebellious junior who’d written tens of thousands of words, half of which were spent nitpicking.

Xie Lingyu and Zhou Ping were new to her; she only knew one was a Nascent Soul expert from the Tianyan Sect, and the other was the sole outer disciple awaiting her guidance.

As for Bai Xuanling… Chu Xingchen didn’t even need to introduce her.

The moment Zhang Miaoyu entered the courtyard, her eyes had instinctively avoided Bai Xuanling.

She hadn’t even dared to look at her face.

But now, refusing to meet her gaze would be outright rude.

Zhang Miaoyu lifted her head and faced the legendary figure—Bai Xuanling.

Bai Xuanling regarded her with tranquil, fathomless eyes, taking a slow sip of tea.

Zhang Miaoyu’s mind went blank.

"B-B-Bai…"

Bai Xuanling chuckled.

"I won’t bite. What’s there to fear?"