Will go and take a look

With someone's arrival, the topic of the conversation shifted.

Yanyun lightly sipped from a teacup that had long been empty, her gaze subtly appraising the two before her.

Chu Xingchen still wore his usual smile, though it lacked the usual air that made people want to punch him.

So, he could smile properly after all?

Why had he always put on such an arrogant and domineering expression before?

Yanyun’s eyes then turned to Xie Lingyu, and the corners of her lips curled up slightly.

Xie Lingyu’s expression was far gentler than when they first met. Though her little mannerisms hadn’t changed, her demeanor had softened considerably.

This was a brand-new version of Xie Lingyu—it felt novel, and this look suited her much better than before.

Chu Xingchen smiled as he spoke, "I originally planned to visit you at the Tianyan Sect first, but I heard you went into seclusion as soon as you returned."

Xie Lingyu pondered for a moment before replying,

"I had a sudden inspiration, so I devoted myself to cultivation."

Bai Xuanling, holding her teacup, couldn’t help but burst into laughter upon hearing her disciple’s words.

A newly ascended Nascent Soul cultivator—what kind of inspiration could she possibly have?

It was nothing more than feeling pressured after seeing her beloved’s cultivation progress.

Xie Lingyu heard Bai Xuanling’s scoff and silently fixed her gaze on her.

Bai Xuanling leisurely stood up. "Ah, lately, my killing intent has been surging, so I occasionally let out a sinister chuckle or two..."

Halfway through her words, she sighed and shook her head before continuing,

"Pay no mind to your master. You two chat—I’ll go out and clear my murderous thoughts."

Xie Lingyu watched Bai Xuanling’s unhurried steps as she left… there was nothing she could do but let her go.

Her master had always been like this, fond of making flimsy excuses.

But at least in the past, she would put some thought into them. Now, her excuses were getting increasingly half-hearted.

Was that laughter really "sinister"?

No—it was blatant, grating mockery.

Bai Xuanling left without looking back, her departure effortless.

Xie Lingyu’s gaze then shifted to Yanyun, who had been sipping tea for ages.

Had she not taken a sip herself, Xie Lingyu would’ve thought the Mysterious Purity Heavenly Sect’s teacups were some kind of spiritual treasure.

What kind of cup could hold so much tea?

Or was she just licking the cup for fun?

Xie Lingyu asked calmly,

"Should I pour you another cup?"

Yanyun silently set down her teacup. "No need for the trouble..."

Bai Xuanling had just stepped outside the courtyard when she scanned the resplendent Mysterious Purity Heavenly Sect, pondering what to do next—when footsteps sounded behind her.

She didn’t need to turn around or even use her divine sense to know who it was.

"Did they kick you out?"

Yanyun replied evenly, "I just finished my tea."

Bai Xuanling glanced back at Yanyun. Aside from her skills, the sect leader had indeed taught her some useful things.

But the next moment, both of them turned their gazes to the left.

A streak of rainbow light descended from the sky, landing in an instant.

Lv Xuan touched down with a cheerful expression, then looked at the two standing outside the courtyard and asked,

"What are you two doing out here? Has Chu Xingchen returned?"

Bai Xuanling nodded, then gestured toward the courtyard.

"At least the brat knows to come back. I thought he might not show up unless we sent him a letter."

Lv Xuan’s face was radiant with joy, not minding the slightly odd expressions of the other two. Today had finally brought major progress—he’d have a good talk with the boy and make sure he remembered the Tianyan Sect’s kindness.

With his head held high, he strode inside.

Bai Xuanling tilted her head slightly and asked, "How long do you think your master will last in there?"

Yanyun answered coolly, "Two cups of tea."

Bai Xuanling chuckled. "You underestimate your master too much. I’d say three."

Yanyun said nothing, standing silently as she counted in her heart.

By the time she reached two hundred and thirty-seven, Lv Xuan leisurely walked back out.

Bai Xuanling sighed softly.

"You know your master better than I do. I didn’t expect him to be so useless."

Lv Xuan naturally overheard their exchange and shot them a puzzled look. "What are you two talking about?"

Bai Xuanling smiled and asked, "Did they kick you out?"

Yanyun silently glanced at Bai Xuanling and her master—this phrasing was all too familiar.

Lv Xuan lifted his chin, his proud expression unwavering.

"Kick me out? That junior wouldn’t dare! He just thanked me profusely."

Bai Xuanling raised an eyebrow. "Then why are you out here now?"

Lv Xuan replied calmly, "Am I the kind of sect leader who listens to flattery? The boy’s words were too syrupy—I left because I couldn’t stand it."

No one would believe that—not Bai Xuanling, and not even Qinghe, had she been standing there.

But Bai Xuanling played along, nodding solemnly in admiration.

"As expected of the Tianyan Sect’s current leader—your cultivation of detachment is truly profound."

Though the words sounded pleasant, Lv Xuan didn’t take the bait. Bai Xuanling loved setting traps—if he dared respond, she’d reel him in without hesitation.

A cheap compliment for a moment’s satisfaction was enough.

He turned to Yanyun. "The competition is approaching. Win or lose, don’t dwell on it—just fight with spirit."

Yanyun’s expression turned serious.

"Master need not worry. I have confidence—I understand the importance of this matter."

Lv Xuan looked at her earnest face and suddenly realized he hadn’t yet disclosed the full details to her. He’d only had time to discuss it with Bai Xuanling.

After all, once Chu Xingchen won the spar, he’d been busy negotiating specifics with the Mysterious Purity Heavenly Sect’s leader.

Yanyun, meanwhile, had been training under Bai Xuanling’s guidance.

Everyone had been occupied—there’d been no time for heart-to-heart talks.

But… since Yanyun was so determined, perhaps no further explanation was needed.

Giving it her all in battle would be enough.

With that thought, Lv Xuan didn’t elaborate, simply nodding with a smile.

"Do your best—no need to push yourself recklessly."

Yanyun clasped her hands. "As my master commands."

"Qinghe left a house in the Valley of Ten Thousand Blossoms—said that if Bai Xuanling ever kicked her to the foot of the mountain, she’d have a place to sleep."

Chu Xingchen smiled as he poured Xie Lingyu another cup of tea.

He didn’t regale her with tales of his glorious battle against the Mysterious Purity Heavenly Sect’s leader, where he narrowly emerged victorious.

Instead, he spoke casually about mundane, almost domestic matters.

Since their parting in Yuzhou City, their meetings had been few and far between—each reunion required a stroke of fate.

Xie Lingyu lifted her teacup and replied,

"Qinghe’s horns must be itching. Next time I return, I’ll scratch them for her."

"Ah… that might not be necessary." Chu Xingchen coughed lightly. "Qinghe put in a lot of effort. Now I’m the ‘black-hearted brat’—I’d rather not have her call me ‘black-hearted traitor’ next time we meet."

Xie Lingyu ran her fingers along the rim of her cup, then nodded slightly.

She’d refrain from scratching Qinghe’s horns when she returned.

Chu Xingchen looked at Xie Lingyu and suddenly said,

"You left in such a hurry that day, and then you went into seclusion. There was something I didn’t get to discuss with you, so I handled it on your behalf."

Xie Lingyu looked at him curiously. "What is it?"

Chu Xingchen continued, "I reserved a house for you in the Valley of Ten Thousand Blossoms too—not a guest room. Little Baiqing and Cui Hao designed it. If you’d like, you can visit sometime and take a look."

"If there's anything you don't like, you can tell Ying Ling and the others. Changes can still be made before the construction is finished."

Xie Lingyu appeared calm upon hearing this, remaining silent for a long moment. After a pause, she finally spoke in a soft voice:

"I understand. I’ll visit when I have time."