Chen Baiqing sat on the stone bench, her eyes scanning the blueprint before her. She studied it carefully for a moment before confirming what she was seeing—a design for a minimalist retractable roof powered by spiritual energy?
What was the point of this thing?!
If you didn’t want a roof, couldn’t you just step outside?
Her gaze shifted to San Dong, who sat across from her happily munching on candied fruit, and then to the fifth junior brother, Cui Hao, who lounged nearby as if completely detached from the matter.
The last time their sect was being constructed in Yuzhou City, Chen Baiqing had mostly observed from the sidelines, watching the eldest senior sister and second senior brother handle the work.
This time, she was determined to contribute meaningfully, pouring all her focus into ensuring the branch sect was built well and to their master’s satisfaction.
There was no doubt this design was Cui Hao’s handiwork. San Dong’s brain couldn’t even conceive of such a thing—if it managed to sketch a basic roof, that would already count as a stroke of genius.
The design itself was ingenious, but the materials required were rather expensive, given that they needed to withstand spiritual energy and constant movement.
Back in Yuzhou City, when their master was at his poorest, such a thing would have been impossible to build.
But this time, their master had generously allocated a budget far exceeding expectations.
Still, Chen Baiqing was reluctant to spend it all. She wanted to be frugal with every coin—after all, their master had worked hard to save up these spirit stones and funds.
Before their master started selling pills, he would often take her out for strolls or chat with her, asking if there was anything she wanted to do.
But once he began focusing on pill refining, he often buried himself in the alchemy room.
Chen Baiqing had once hinted—subtly—that he didn’t need to push himself so hard.
Their master had simply smiled and said he was saving up spirit stones so that when Chen Baiqing wanted something expensive, she wouldn’t hesitate to ask.
At the time, seeing his gentle smile, she had thought him the kindest person in the world.
So now, she was tempted to reject this useless design and teach the spendthrift Cui Hao a lesson with a round of "junior brother discipline."
But in the end, she sighed softly.
It wasn’t entirely fair to blame Cui Hao for being wasteful.
He had joined the sect not long before their master started selling pills, so he had never truly experienced the sect’s financial struggles.
Though the sect didn’t provide monthly allowances, all one had to do was ask the master for anything—as long as the purpose was legitimate, or even slightly questionable—and he would approve it, often adding extra spirit stones.
If the master wasn’t around, they could always ask the eldest senior sister.
But everyone preferred going to the master—he was always the most accommodating.
Besides, for this construction project, Cui Hao had actually contributed a significant amount of spirit stones through his own efforts.
When it came to business, his skills were formidable.
In truth, the amount he had earned could cover the cost of replacing every roof in the sect with this design and still leave plenty to spare.
Chen Baiqing asked softly, "Do you really want this roof?"
San Dong’s eyes brightened with hope. "Mhm! But if it’s too much trouble, forget it. A courtyard is fine too."
Chen Baiqing nodded. "It’s not too troublesome. If you want it, we can do it. After all, as junior brother said, a home should be built the way you like it."
San Dong beamed. "Thank you, Baiqing! I really appreciate it. If there’s anything I can help with, don’t hesitate to ask!"
Chen Baiqing smiled in return, but then suddenly sent a private message to San Dong: "There’s something I need the eldest senior sister’s help with. Can you call her here for me? It’s important—keep it secret. Don’t let anyone notice."
San Dong blinked in surprise but then nodded solemnly. Without even a word to Cui Hao, she stood and left.
Cui Hao stared after her, momentarily stunned, before snapping back to reality and opening his mouth to call her back—
But before he could, a small, delicate hand landed lightly on his shoulder. The pressure was gentle, yet undeniable.
He turned his head to see his third senior sister wearing the same warm smile she usually reserved for their master. Her voice was soft.
"Sit. Didn’t you want tea? Third senior sister will make you some."
Cui Hao’s eyes widened. What kind of execution is this? I haven’t even done anything yet! Is this a trial without a crime?!
He stammered, "Wait—senior sister, I haven’t done anything wrong, have I? Drawing a blueprint isn’t a capital offense…"
Chen Baiqing wordlessly withdrew her hand and retrieved a full tea set from her spatial ring. With a wave, she summoned water and began brewing.
"Why are you so nervous? I haven’t said anything. Unless… there’s something you’re hiding?"
Cui Hao watched as she expertly controlled the flames with her spiritual techniques, her movements smooth and practiced. He forced a smile.
"Of course not… Everyone knows third senior sister is the most kindhearted. I’m not nervous at all."
But even as he spoke, his fingers subtly curled into his sleeves.
A smiling third senior sister could mean different things.
When she smiled in front of their master or eldest senior sister, it was the adorable version—harmless and sweet.
But when she smiled at anyone else…
Chen Baiqing remained silent, focusing on brewing the tea. Only after she handed Cui Hao a cup did she finally speak.
"You have a habit of stirring up trouble, but I don’t dislike you for it. Maybe it’s because you’re my junior brother, but more than that, it’s because you own up to your mistakes and don’t make excuses. Everyone has flaws—we all have to be patient with each other."
"San Dong is simple-minded. I know you like teasing her, and as long as it’s harmless fun, I’ve never said anything."
"But using her as a pawn? That, I don’t like."
"Our master once told me: Once a sect’s unity is broken, it can never be mended."
"The reason we trust each other in this sect is because we believe no one here would deceive us. Just as I trust our master, the eldest senior sister, and the second senior brother—if you, fifth junior brother, told me someone wronged you, I’d believe you too."
"But if someone sets a bad precedent, and we stop trusting each other… would this still be the sect you love?"
"San Dong was acknowledged by our master. She’s part of this sect—even if she’s just a mascot, you shouldn’t treat her this way. If you had something to discuss, why not come to me? Or the eldest senior sister?"
"I’ve made mistakes too, but our master corrected me. You’re older and know more than I do, but I’m still your third senior sister. I don’t think I’m overstepping by saying this."
Cui Hao lowered his head silently.
Chen Baiqing’s tone was firm. "So, what was it you originally wanted me to do?"
Cui Hao pulled out another blueprint from his spatial ring and mumbled,
"I wanted to modify my own quarters… but the design might be a bit… extravagant."
Suddenly, a slender hand reached from behind him and plucked the blueprint from his grasp.
Cui Hao spun around to see Li Yingling standing there, her expression unreadable as she unfolded the design.
He hurriedly said, "Eldest senior sister… about the quarters… just forget it. Pretend I never brought it up—"
Li Yingling glanced at the design blueprint—a house so intricate and extravagant that even her master’s residence paled in comparison.
She then looked at Cui Hao before tossing the blueprint to Chen Baiqing and turning away, leaving behind a single remark:
"If you like it, build it."
Chen Baiqing gave a slight nod to acknowledge the instruction before shifting his gaze to Cui Hao.
"Do you understand?"
Cui Hao’s expression was inscrutable, but he nodded earnestly.
A relieved smile crossed Chen Baiqing’s face as he looked into the distance, where the eldest senior sister had already turned back to raise a questioning brow at him.
It was just a house. If they liked it, they could build it.
But it would be even better if someone could rein in this troublemaking fifth junior brother.