Does It Count as Running Away

Chu Xingchen strolled leisurely through the Wanhua Ridge, with Xie Lingyu walking calmly by his side.

With a smile, Chu Xingchen remarked,

"I never really noticed how beautiful this place was before—maybe I wasn’t paying attention. But today, it truly feels like it has its own unique charm. What do you think?"

Xie Lingyu gave a slight nod. "It is indeed lovely. Are you sure you want to establish the… branch sect here?"

"Of course," Chu Xingchen replied cheerfully. "This area still falls under the Tianyan Sect’s territory, and it’s close to the main sect too." He grinned. "In the future, I’ll have to rely on your guidance, Lingyu. Our little sect will be counting on you."

"That depends on your performance," Xie Lingyu said coolly.

"What, if I perform poorly, will you make things difficult for me?"

Xie Lingyu didn’t answer. Instead, she quickened her pace, moving ahead toward Li Yingling and the others.

Chu Xingchen chuckled and shook his head slightly before following after her.

Among the group, Chen Baiqing was the first to notice them. Her gaze drifted leisurely toward her master.

Seeing that their private conversation had ended, Chen Baiqing waved cheerfully at Chu Xingchen.

Cui Hao also turned around, eager to show off his work.

"Master, what do you think of my design?"

Chu Xingchen had initially planned to offer a perfunctory compliment and move on, but upon closer inspection—huh! The kid actually had some skill.

The design… had an impressive flair, though it bore a striking resemblance to the Tianyan Sect’s architectural style.

But so what? Even the main sect in Yuzhou City had been personally endorsed by Bai Xuanling as having the Tianyan Sect’s aesthetic.

As long as it looked good, that was all that mattered!

Besides, having a Tianyan Sect-like style had its advantages. From a distance, people might mistake it for an official branch of the Tianyan Sect.

That alone would strike fear into anyone who saw it!

Xie Lingyu had also been about to offer praise when the jade bracelet on her wrist began to shimmer faintly. She sent her divine sense into it and received a message from Bai Xuanling.

"Master says the preparations are nearly complete," Xie Lingyu said, turning to Luo Yue. "We can set off back to the Tianyan Sect now."

Luo Yue’s expression remained calm as she gently patted San Dong’s shoulder and advised,

"Take care of yourself."

"What’s the Tianyan Sect’s stance on this?" Chu Xingchen pressed.

If they were relying solely on Bai Xuanling’s authority, that might be pushing things too far.

Xie Lingyu hesitated slightly but answered truthfully, "The Tianyan Sect is deeply concerned about the Mysterious Purity Heavenly Sect’s betrayal of trust. Also… the sect master has already begun rallying support."

"My master said… the sect master has held a grudge against the Mysterious Purity Heavenly Sect for a long time. This is the perfect opportunity for revenge."

"Even if we can’t reclaim justice, we can at least make them suffer a little."

Chu Xingchen’s eyes gleamed with understanding—as expected of a major sect’s leader. Truly ruthless.

Xie Lingyu sighed faintly. Yet another petty side of her sect had been exposed.

But it didn’t matter much—Chu Xingchen was cut from the same cloth anyway.

"Since my master has summoned me, I won’t linger any longer. And you all have preparations to make for the new sect, so I won’t disturb you further."

Xie Lingyu reached out and gently shielded Luo Yue in her palm. "I’ll return once I’ve settled Luo Yue’s matters."

San Dong stared for a moment before finally realizing—Luo Yue was leaving?

"Wait… Luo Yue is going?"

San Dong immediately turned a pitiful gaze toward Luo Yue—what was this? Hadn’t their little follower only just arrived? And now they were running off with someone else?

Seeing San Dong’s expression, Luo Yue inexplicably softened and reassured,

"I have important matters to attend to. Once I’m done, I’ll come back. Just… be more cautious. Actually, never mind—just stay close to this group."

Chu Xingchen looked at Xie Lingyu, wanting to say something playful. He had never been fond of farewells.

But after struggling for a moment, all he managed was:

"I’ll visit you at the Tianyan Sect when I have time."

Xie Lingyu nodded slightly before offering a simple reminder:

"Be careful in everything you do here. Don’t take unnecessary risks."

Chu Xingchen grinned and nodded. "As you command, Lingyu."

With Luo Yue safely in her grasp, Xie Lingyu transformed into a streak of light and soared toward the Tianyan Sect.

Cui Hao watched the departing light, stroking his chin thoughtfully before suddenly suggesting,

"Master, why not leave this place to us? You could just head straight to the Tianyan Sect."

The moment he spoke, everyone’s eyes instinctively turned toward him.

"Uh…" Cui Hao immediately adopted San Dong’s most innocent smile. "I was just possessed by San Dong."

San Dong’s eyes widened in outrage.

"San Dong did no such thing! Don’t slander San Dong! San Dong doesn’t even know how to do that!"

Li Yingling casually pulled the aggrieved San Dong into a half-hug, then glanced at the unusually silent Zhang Miaoyu. After exchanging a meaningful look, she continued forward, scouting for any other suitable locations.

After all, their master was lenient with his disciples. At worst, he’d mercilessly mock Cui Hao’s fragile ego—physical punishment was unlikely.

Though watching Cui Hao squirm was amusing, she decided to let it go. As the senior disciple, she ought to spare him some dignity.

Zhang Miaoyu, well-versed in reading cues, naturally followed Li Yingling.

The two of them, along with the little spirit, were the first to leave.

Zhou Ping glanced at Cui Hao, instinctively wanting to defend the man who had taught him to read.

But before he could think of the right words—

Chu Xingchen spoke in a slow, ominous tone. "Oh? Your soul doesn’t seem strong enough for possession. I happen to have a pill that can fortify the spirit. Care to try one?"

Cui Hao hastily protested, "Master! Surely you understand your disciple’s good intentions?"

Chu Xingchen nodded sagely. "Of course I do. But do you understand your master’s good intentions?"

Cui Hao’s lips pressed together involuntarily—even without tasting it, he could already feel the bitterness… and the sheer terror it evoked.

"Just joking," Chu Xingchen said, his expression relaxing as he patted Cui Hao’s shoulder. "Your design is quite impressive. I like it. But building this… won’t it be expensive?"

Cui Hao immediately regained his confidence. "As long as Master gives me free rein, it shouldn’t be a problem."

Chen Baiqing sighed softly. Their master was still too soft-hearted.

But soon, her gaze shifted toward the horizon as she reported,

"Master, Second Brother and Fourth Sister are back."

Chu Xingchen looked up as well, spotting a streak of rainbow light speeding toward them. A smile spread across his face.

Was this another case of fleeing and relocating?