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As expected, after revealing his identity, the Jiaolong who called himself Qinghe in front of him quieted down considerably and didn’t bother to ask whether he had come to poach people in person.

Bai Xuanling had a notorious reputation, but that didn’t mean everyone was afraid of him.

At least the Mysterious Purity Heavenly Sect wasn’t intimidated. After all, in truth, the Mysterious Purity Heavenly Sect had been far more ruthless than Bai Xuanling back in the day.

With Qinghe falling silent, Xu Jin’s gaze swept around the sect’s surroundings.

After walking for a while, the man and the Jiaolong suddenly stopped. Qinghe pointed ahead at the main hall and said, “The black-hearted brat is inside that hall. You can go in yourself.”

“No trouble at all,” Xu Jin said with a slight bow. Without further words, he strode toward the main hall. Before he even stepped inside, Chu Xingchen’s voice came from within:

“Long time no see, Brother Xu.”

Xu Jin looked up. Chu Xingchen frowned slightly, his gaze fixed on the documents on the table. A woman in white sat there, her expression calm and elegant, holding a book in her hands.

Xu Jin recognized this woman—Xie Lingyu, Bai Xuanling’s only disciple.

“Long time no see. Although it seems I’ve come at an inconvenient time,” Xu Jin said with a slight bow, then turned his gaze to Xie Lingyu.

“Daoist Xie, it’s been a while.”

Xie Lingyu set the book down and returned the salute with a raised hand. “Long time no see.”

Though Xu Jin found it a bit odd that Xie Lingyu was here now, he had no intention of prying into their affairs.

Even if the two had become Daoist companions, it was none of Xu Jin’s business. Whether or not he got involved was like eating a melon—he generally didn’t partake in such gossip.

“We’re practically acquaintances by now, so let’s skip the formalities,” Chu Xingchen said, raising his head with a somewhat casual tone. “Besides my lap, you can sit wherever you want.”

Xu Jin understood and nodded, making himself comfortable in a random seat.

After all, they had been through thick and thin together, and Chu Xingchen didn’t betray others when it mattered. He was always willing to take the fall for the team.

A straightforward person, naturally unconcerned with trivial formalities.

Back in the days at the Mysterious Purity Heavenly Sect, Chu Xingchen had even talked with Yanyun and Daoist Yuyang about scrapping all those cumbersome, useless rules.

Xu Jin had listened with great enthusiasm back then.

It was the kind of temperament that made for genuine friendships—free and easy. Being bound by etiquette was something only Confucian scholars cared about.

Chu Xingchen’s curious gaze turned to Xu Jin as he asked, “Did you find something in Western Ox Continent to report to me? I thought you were just being polite back then.”

Xu Jin shook his head and sighed softly. “Not really. Ever since you left, the Buddhist sect in Western Ox Continent has gone into full lockdown, acting much more cautiously. They’ve basically stopped revealing any useful clues. It’s not a good time right now. I’m planning to wait until the storm calms down before going back.”

He looked at Chu Xingchen, expecting to see some hint of regret on his face. But Chu Xingchen remained calm and indifferent, as if he had already anticipated this outcome.

Xu Jin suddenly realized, “Could it be that you knew all along? That’s why you gave up halfway through your investigation?”

“I didn’t. Don’t say nonsense,” Chu Xingchen said seriously. “We’re brothers—how can you use your petty mind to judge my noble heart?”

Xu Jin looked at Chu Xingchen’s earnest expression and, after a moment of thought, cupped his hands together in apology:

“My apologies, Brother Chu. I was mistaken.”

“You really are hopeless, huh,” Chu Xingchen sighed softly again. “We’re all brothers here, what else can I do? I’ll let your little schemes slide this time.”

Xie Lingyu’s gaze shifted — Hey, speak properly! Why do you talk like that?

Chu Xingchen’s face showed a hint of innocence — Xu Jin always falls for this.

Since spending more time at Wanhua Ridge, Xie Lingyu had also learned the secret art of communicating through glances. Most of the time, she could understand what was being conveyed just by their eyes.

After all, the teasing and casual chatter among this group of master and disciples often relied on silent exchanges of glances.

At first, it was confusing, but once she mastered it, Xie Lingyu found it quite interesting.

This wasn’t about random guessing; it was about people who knew each other well, reading subtle changes in expression to understand each other’s thoughts.

Only through familiarity can one truly comprehend.

And the messages conveyed through the eyes are the most sincere.

So, facing Chu Xingchen’s reply at this moment, Xie Lingyu’s gaze was suspicious — Are you trying to fool me?

Chu Xingchen didn’t answer this question because Xu Jin was about to answer for him.

“Sorry about that,” Xu Jin said with a slightly guilty expression, then got straight to the point: “Actually, this visit is to fulfill a promise.”

Chu Xingchen was a bit puzzled this time, thinking carefully, he really couldn’t recall any agreement with Xu Jin.

Xu Jin didn’t keep him in suspense and straightforwardly replied:

“It was on the road last time—I invited Brother Chu to visit the Mysterious Purity Heavenly Sect.”

Chu Xingchen quickly recalled and then nodded with understanding — So this little guy isn’t one to hold back.

When Xu Jin said this before, Chu Xingchen thought he was just being polite. After all, he had been to the Mysterious Purity Heavenly Sect before; there wasn’t much fun in going there again for no reason.

But now, Xu Jin was using that polite tone as a way to hold him to his word?

Chu Xingchen chuckled lightly and nodded: “Once I have the time, I will definitely make a trip to the Mysterious Purity Heavenly Sect.”

“Brother Chu, do you have something important to attend to right now?”

“Guarding the home counts, right?”

Xu Jin’s expression grew a little more serious: “There are some things at the Mysterious Purity Heavenly Sect that Brother Chu should see sooner rather than later. If you have the time, it’s best to go as soon as possible.”

Chu Xingchen looked at Xu Jin suspiciously, then cautiously asked:

“Is it about those things we’ve been investigating?”

Xu Jin nodded solemnly: “Exactly. And I believe it will be useful to you.”

Chu Xingchen then turned his gaze to Xie Lingyu, but only saw her gently nodding with calm eyes — If you’re going, then go. The sect has me.

He could go… but naturally, he wouldn’t go alone.

Mysterious Purity Heavenly Sect, main hall.

Li Moze’s eyes were closed, surrounded by an aura of profound mystery, with occasional streaks of exquisite white light flickering past like shooting stars.

Suddenly, Li Moze, still with eyes shut, spoke:

“Disciple Chu, long time no see.”

Before Chu Xingchen could respond, a familiar yet somewhat irritating cold female voice rang out:

“If you’re not strong enough, don’t imitate others by closing your eyes while speaking.”

Li Moze opened his eyes to see, besides Chu Xingchen, Bai Xuanling standing below with a slightly impatient expression, while on the other side stood Xu Jin, looking somewhat helpless.

There was no denying that the concealment technique of the Tianyan Sect was unparalleled. Even with their cultivation suppressed and his divine sense focused elsewhere just moments ago, he hadn’t detected their presence—standing right there without raising any suspicion was truly impressive.

Chu Xingchen gave a slight bow and said, “It’s been a long time, Chief Li.”

Though Bai Xuanling’s expression was clearly one of impatience, inside, she remained calm.

Sometimes, a facial expression doesn’t just reveal one’s attitude—it can also mask insecurity.

Chu Xingchen could seem a bit sly at times, but his cunning was always precise. Coming alone to the Mysterious Purity Heavenly Sect was obviously not a wise choice.

Better to personally escort the young man than to gamble on the goodwill of others.

After all, no matter how ruthless the “Demon” might be, that threat was in the future. This young man was a crucial asset in the present—absolutely no mistakes could be allowed.

If the information was to be heard, then Bai Xuanling naturally had to ensure his safety.

Maintaining suspicion toward everyone was the only way to survive long.