Since hatching, the Green Snake had pondered many things.
From the moment it laid eyes on Ning Qianqian and Ning Kun—two individuals who had dropped out of their respective sects' prenatal cultivation programs—it began planning its future as a serpent.
After all, something had felt off about those two from the start.
To prepare, the Green Snake dedicated itself to cultivation, meticulously strategizing in its mind.
First, it would showcase its unparalleled talent, convincing the Sect Leader to invest resources in its growth.
Then, it would demonstrate its intelligence, proving the value of a sharp mind.
Once it earned the Sect Leader’s trust, it would consolidate resources and expand the sect.
Starting from this humble little sect, it would climb all the way to the pinnacle of serpentkind!
To this end, the Green Snake made thorough preparations.
Yet, it never expected… things to spiral completely out of its control.
Good news—the Sect Leader was shrewd and ruthless.
Bad news—too shrewd, too ruthless.
Before it could even take human form, the Green Snake was sent to work at a construction site.
Lifting its tail, it channeled spiritual energy to neatly slice a log into planks.
Most of the wood here was spiritwood, impervious to ordinary mortal tools. Only cultivators could process it.
For a cultivator, this was mindless, effortless labor.
And for such a simple task, the Sect Leader had the audacity to claim—"This is to hone your spiritual energy control."
Though the Green Snake knew it was just an excuse, the Sect Leader’s dismissive expression made one thing clear: refuse this "opportunity," and there would be no more favors.
Circumstances forced compliance—still better than learning characters under Chen Baiqing’s whip!
With another flick of its tail, the Green Snake cleanly split another log.
Admittedly, it could feel its control over spiritual energy improving.
Just as it mechanically raised its tail again, an overwhelming pressure suddenly surged beside it.
The spiritual energy was dense and refined, far beyond what any ordinary laborer here could muster.
At the very least… this had to be a Golden Core cultivator or higher.
Turning its head, the Green Snake saw a horned girl gripping a sword, her face alight with enthusiasm as she leaped up and reduced an entire stack of logs into planks.
Then, with a wave of spiritual energy, she swiftly arranged the planks into their designated spots.
Sect Leader Chu Xingchen clapped in approval.
"Excellent work, Qinghe! As expected of you. Once you’re done here, report to Ning Kun—he’ll assign your next task. Finish everything, and come find me tonight."
Qinghe nodded solemnly. "Understood. I’ll ensure everything is completed!"
Satisfied, Chu Xingchen gave a faint nod before casting a glance at the stunned Green Snake. With a slight shake of his head, he turned and walked away—as if thoroughly unimpressed by its sluggish progress.
The Green Snake stared blankly at his retreating figure, then turned its bewildered gaze to Qinghe, who was still smiling cheerfully.
Sensing a faint familiarity, the Green Snake focused its perception and confirmed Qinghe’s true identity—
This… this was a flood dragon!
At least Golden Core realm or higher, yet here she was, cutting lumber like a common laborer?
And why did she seem so willing—even happy—about it?
Qinghe noticed the Green Snake’s confusion and glanced over, sizing it up briefly before resuming her work.
Just a measly Qi Condensation serpent. Probably another poor soul the black-hearted brat had tricked into joining. Not worth Qinghe’s attention.
As a Nascent Soul flood dragon, slicing wood and stacking planks was child’s play.
Once she finished, that black-hearted brat had promised her a meal.
Plus, when Grandma Bai inevitably noticed her absence, he’d cover for her.
She didn’t know how he treated others, but when it came to his own people, Chu Xingchen kept his word.
After a moment, the Green Snake hesitantly asked, "Are you… our sect’s flood dragon?"
Qinghe paused, frowning. "Of course not. This place is tiny and broke. Qinghe belongs to the Tianyan Sect."
The Green Snake tilted its head. "How much spirit stones did the Sect Leader pay you?"
What kind of construction guild was this Tianyan Sect? Its inherited memories insisted flood dragons were rare and proud—so why was one here, doing manual labor?
Were its memories wrong?
"Spirit stones?" Qinghe scoffed. "Asking that black-hearted brat for payment is like asking him to cut off his own head."
The Green Snake grew even more confused. If she wasn’t part of their sect and wasn’t being paid… was she here out of sheer goodwill?
Was the world really this… charitable?
Qinghe swung her sword, effortlessly cleaving another batch of logs. Noticing the Green Snake’s dumbfounded expression, she sighed and decided to explain.
"Qinghe is helping because your Sect Leader promised that once this branch sect is built, one room will belong to me."
If Grandma Bai ever banished her to the foot of the mountain, at least she’d have a place to sleep.
A backup plan, so to speak.
The cunning little brat had also promised to treat her to a lavish dinner tonight. Since everyone else was busy and had no time to entertain her, she might as well get some work done and reap some benefits.
Green Snake observed Qinghe’s calm and composed demeanor, as if everything was under control.
This dragon was clearly no fool—despite belonging to another sect, it had somehow managed to secure a private room here.
And all this under the watchful, suspicious eyes of their own Sect Leader.
No doubt… it had some tricks up its sleeve.
After all, as a dragon, none of them could be simpletons!
Green Snake pondered for a moment and decided to engage with this dragon properly. Who knows, she might even learn a thing or two from it.
In a gentle tone, she said, "Lord Qinghe, as a mighty dragon, you still deign to handle such trivial matters personally. Truly admirable."
Qinghe glanced sideways at Green Snake upon hearing this. Though inwardly pleased, its expression remained serene as it maneuvered the lumber into place. Then, mimicking Bai Xuanling’s tone and manner, it replied coolly,
"Regardless of the task’s scale, dedication is what truly matters."
Green Snake’s eyes shone with admiration as she listened.
Chu Xingchen could naturally hear the exchange between Qinghe and Green Snake.
But he paid little attention.
One lacked intelligence, the other lacked experience.
Let them chat—it wasn’t likely to lead anywhere significant. As long as they didn’t cause trouble, he’d leave them be.
He approached San Dong, who was watching the sect’s construction from the cliffside.
Pointing at the conversing dragon and snake, Chu Xingchen instructed,
"San Dong, keep an eye on those two. If they cause trouble or refuse to cooperate, notify me with a talisman."
San Dong nodded solemnly. "Understood."
Chu Xingchen smiled warmly. "Good. I knew I could count on you. I’ll leave everything here in your capable hands."
San Dong nodded again, determination flashing across its face.
What San Dong didn’t know was that Chu Xingchen had already set up numerous observation arrays to monitor the situation. Assigning San Dong this task was merely to give it a sense of involvement, ensuring it wouldn’t feel left out.
With a faint nod, Chu Xingchen transformed into a streak of light and departed.
His eldest disciple was already on the way back.
Once Li Yingling returned, he’d leave matters here in their hands.
It seemed something had happened at the Mysterious Purity Heavenly Sect—Bai Xuanling had sent a message asking if Chu Xingchen was available.
If Bai Xuanling was reaching out, it likely wasn’t something trivial.
But this also gave Chu Xingchen time to prepare.
The Mysterious Purity Heavenly Sect… the first top-tier sect to claim a spiritual vein.
Just how much of its former glory did it still possess?