Answering the Call of Nature

Chu Xingchen's expression remained relatively calm, though his right hand had already begun fidgeting on the table before him.

He had expected that after the initial arrogance, there would be a passionate and intense exchange of mutual disdain and insults. Then, led by the Tianyan Sect, the gathered sects would collectively pressure the Mysterious Purity Heavenly Sect.

Yet once everyone was seated, they abruptly shifted to lofty visions of the future, spouting empty platitudes.

Talk of how the stability of the Central Continent relied on everyone, how cultivation required balance and harmony—basically, a heap of meaningless drivel.

The Mysterious Purity Heavenly Sect’s leader spoke first, followed by Lv Xuan.

Chu Xingchen had assumed Lv Xuan would lash out with sarcasm—or at the very least, drop some veiled metaphors to humiliate the Mysterious Purity Heavenly Sect. Instead, he too delivered hollow formalities.

The most infuriating part was that after Lv Xuan finished, even the smaller sects—those without a sect leader present—felt compelled to chime in with their own speeches.

As if wasting time with nonsense wasn’t a problem as long as it wasn’t their time being wasted.

Chu Xingchen sat through it all, enduring the endless stream of empty words.

He glanced sideways and noticed Bai Xuanling’s unusually serene expression, as if he were entirely accustomed to such meaningless formalities.

This was surprising. Chu Xingchen had assumed Bai Xuanling had little patience for this kind of nonsense, yet his tolerance seemed remarkably high.

Even Yanyun appeared somewhat uncomfortable.

Chu Xingchen’s gaze shifted further to Daoist Yuyang, only to find the man completely absorbed in his own thoughts, not listening to a single word.

As for Ye Antao, she had already closed her eyes, slipping into a meditative state.

Chu Xingchen sent a mental message to Bai Xuanling: "How much longer?"

Bai Xuanling looked at him, then seemed to briefly tune into the current speaker before replying telepathically:

"Still early. This is likely just the beginning. I’m tired of this too—got an idea?"

Without hesitation, Chu Xingchen stood up.

The Vast Heaven Palace elder’s speech was abruptly cut short as every gaze in the hall snapped toward him.

Facing the stares, Chu Xingchen spoke coolly: "Nature calls."

With that, he turned and strode out.

Bai Xuanling gave a slight nod, as if accepting Chu Xingchen’s absurd excuse without question.

Never mind that after reaching the Foundation Establishment stage, cultivators no longer needed to eat—and even if they did, the concept of "nature calls" was laughable.

The sudden silence jolted Ye Antao out of her reverie. She blinked in surprise at Chu Xingchen, watching as he ambled leisurely toward the exit—only to pause near the Taidao Sect, his gaze settling on one person.

Chu Xingchen looked at Daoist Yuyang and asked casually:

"Hey, you coming?"

Daoist Yuyang was momentarily taken aback by the unexpected question. He studied Chu Xingchen’s faintly raised brow.

Ye Antao’s expression twisted in bewilderment—Was he deliberately stirring trouble? There’s no way Daoist Yuyang would—

"Sure."

Daoist Yuyang stood, took two swift steps forward, then clasped his hands in a brief bow. "Apologies. Temporary leave."

Chu Xingchen smirked in satisfaction before walking out alongside him.

The two moved close together, seemingly engaged in quiet conversation.

A faint murmur reached the hall—something that sounded like "utter fools."

Daoist Yuyang’s eyes flickered briefly toward Xu Jin, still seated inside.

Ye Antao frowned—Do all top-tier geniuses have such bizarre thought processes?

Before she could make sense of the situation, Yanyun of the Tianyan Sect suddenly rose to her feet.

Ye Antao’s eyes widened—You too? Nature calls?