Chu Xingchen withdrew from the secret realm with Luo Yue in tow.
As the secret realm collapsed, the spiritual veins were left completely unrestrained, beginning their unrestrained flow.
At this moment, Li Yingling was assisting Bai Xuanling with her sect’s disciples.
Though it was called "assistance," Bai Xuanling’s supreme cultivation meant she handled most of the work herself.
The collapse of the secret realm was no small disturbance—aside from violent spatial fluctuations, there was also a powerful aftershock.
Of course, the intensity of this aftershock was relative. For San Dong, it was a terrifying force capable of blowing it clear out of the Ten Thousand Blossom Ridge.
But for Bai Xuanling…
With a calm expression, she raised her hand and gently pressed down.
Instantly, the aftershock dissipated into nothingness.
Li Yingling’s gaze turned to Bai Xuanling. Even with her acute sensitivity to spiritual energy, she hadn’t detected the slightest fluctuation of power around Bai Xuanling.
This was a method far beyond her comprehension.
Yet in the next moment, Li Yingling understood that her master had effortlessly resolved the situation.
Because she sensed an immense surge of spiritual energy rushing from the direction of the aftershock.
Bai Xuanling remained composed, continuing her preparations with practiced ease, steadily laying down the formation’s foundation while awaiting the arrival of the spiritual energy.
Soon, the spiritual energy surged forth. The flowers of the Ten Thousand Blossom Ridge, nourished by its flow, seemed to bloom with an extraordinary radiance.
The energy did not rush like a flood but moved slowly, as if intent on saturating every inch of the land.
Thus, one could track the spiritual vein’s path simply by observing where the flowers flourished brightest.
Yet even before the blossoms unfurled, the overwhelming density of spiritual energy was unmistakable.
After a brief moment of sensing it, Bai Xuanling remarked, "Not bad, though it still falls short of other blessed lands."
Li Yingling nearly spoke up—was this merely "not bad"?
She had to admit it wasn’t as rich as the Tianyan Sect’s spiritual energy, but it far surpassed the intensity found in the sects of Yuzhou City.
Still, she had long prepared herself to restrain her breathing in such an environment.
Bai Xuanling’s gaze lifted just as Chu Xingchen arrived in a streak of light.
Under Bai Xuanling’s expert guidance, a grand formation—imbued with both spirit-gathering and protective effects—was already more than halfway complete and had begun circulating with visible results.
However, numerous details still required refinement to perfect the formation.
Naturally, Bai Xuanling left these final adjustments to Chu Xingchen.
As spiritual energy saturated the entire sect, the system’s side quest was fully completed.
The reward, the Shattered Spirit Jade Disc, was deposited into the system-exclusive inventory.
With this, Chu Xingchen had officially established his roots in the Central Continent.
The sect that once dwelled in a dilapidated temple on the Ten-Mile Slope of Xuanwu Kingdom in the Southern Jambu Continent had now successfully set foot in the Central Continent.
Following sect tradition, such a joyous occasion called for celebration.
However, Bai Xuanling declined, citing pressing matters—and she seemed genuinely occupied.
Once her tasks were done, she merely sipped a cup of Chen Baiqing’s tea before hastily taking her leave.
She made no mention of whether Xie Lingyu would return to the Tianyan Sect, only advising her to stay safe before departing.
Accompanying her was Luo Yue, who had her own responsibilities to oversee.
The establishment of the Fairy Homeland was now underway, and without Luo Yue’s personal supervision, future adjustments would be difficult.
Moreover, Luo Yue had no reason to stay for the festivities.
Yet she left behind a sapling.
Perhaps it understood that, unlike the uncertain future of the Fairy Homeland, this sapling at least had a safe place to grow here.
The Tianyan Sect might spare no expense to protect this place, but the same couldn’t be said for the Fairy Homeland.
Having lived a thousand years, even a fool would be honed into wisdom by time’s relentless passage.
Those who didn’t learn would be ground to dust, vanishing without a trace.
This sapling might have sprouted a millennium ago, but it wasn’t destined to become a fairy.
As an apology, Luo Yue left behind a trace of her origin essence—enough to ensure the sapling’s transformation into a fairy.
Fortunately, this tree was not her.
It wouldn’t have to endure the same confusion and unease.
Though Luo Yue hadn’t fully deciphered Chu Xingchen’s nature, some things didn’t require deep understanding.
Whether it was Li Yingling, Chen Baiqing, or even the stern-faced Li Xingtian—who resembled a demonic cultivator—and the other disciples, their feelings toward Chu Xingchen were plain to see.
Trust, respect, and camaraderie akin to close friends.
Though unspoken, Luo Yue was deeply grateful for Chu Xingchen’s intervention on her behalf at the Mysterious Purity Heavenly Sect.
Regardless of his motives—whether tied to the spiritual veins or not—he had indeed helped her immensely.
Bai Xuanling rose without further words, offering no parting advice to Chu Xingchen before departing with Luo Yue in a streak of light toward the Tianyan Sect.
Xie Lingyu did not follow. She knew when it was time to return.
For now, she would celebrate the formal establishment of Chu Xingchen’s sect in the Central Continent.
Chu Xingchen’s expression remained unchanged despite Bai Xuanling and Luo Yue’s departure, his smile unwavering.
San Dong, however, was visibly reluctant to part. Luo Yue was its only fairy friend, and this time, they had barely exchanged words.
San Dong’s emotions were never well-hidden, and Chu Xingchen saw through it immediately.
He placed the sapling Luo Yue had left before San Dong.
"You’re in charge of planting this tree."
San Dong’s eyes lit up. "Really?"
Chu Xingchen grinned. "Of course. You’re the sect’s mascot, after all."
"Mm! San Dong will work hard to be a good mascot!" it declared solemnly, cradling the sapling with delight.
Chu Xingchen’s gaze swept over the others. His disciples wore faint smiles—even Li Xingtian was no exception.
Though Bai Xuanling had left, their pillar remained Chu Xingchen.
As long as he was present, the sect would endure unchanged.
He could leave briefly, but his absence was unthinkable.
"What are you waiting for? Start preparing for tonight’s banquet," Chu Xingchen announced with a wave.
"Li Yingling, you’re in charge of the entertainment. The rest of you, follow her lead. Let’s make this a night to remember."
Li Yingling’s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "Leave it to me, Master."
Standing beside her, Zhang Miaoyu felt a flicker of anticipation.
Since joining the sect, her role as an outer elder had lacked tangible duties—her sole charge was a single disciple, leaving her mostly assisting Li Yingling as before.
But banquets were different.
Back in the Eastern Victory Divine Continent, when Li Yingling was just a leader, she had organized several gatherings.
Her events were always a hit, filled with games and forfeits that even Golden Core cultivators enjoyed.
There was just one regret—Li Yingling never participated herself.
But Zhang Miaoyu knew that the team leader would definitely participate this time.
Tianyan Sect, Tianyan Peak.
Yanyun gracefully brewed tea for her master, Lv Xuan.
Lv Xuan frowned slightly, gently holding a jade slip in his hand.
The great hall was eerily silent, save for the sound of Yanyun preparing the tea.
"Am I late?" Bai Xuanling stepped into the hall.
Lv Xuan pushed the jade slip toward Bai Xuanling with a flick of spiritual energy.
Bai Xuanling caught it without hesitation and turned to leave immediately.
"Wait," Lv Xuan called out.
Bai Xuanling paused but neither turned around nor spoke.
Lv Xuan spoke with solemn emphasis, "The situation is unusual. Be cautious in all matters. If you need anything, contact the sect first. Safety comes before all else."
Bai Xuanling did not respond and strode out without another word.
If there were no danger involved, would such a task even fall to her?
Outside the hall, four elders and six peak masters of the Tianyan Sect were already waiting.
Bai Xuanling gave a slight nod in greeting before speaking in a grave tone:
"Move out."
"Yes!"