Still the Same as Before

Central Continent, Ten Thousand Blossoms Ridge.

Bai Xuanling didn’t say much. Upon hearing that Xie Lingyu and Qinghe were not at the Tianyan Sect but instead at Ten Thousand Blossoms Ridge, she decided to head there first before returning to the Tianyan Sect.

Chu Xingchen naturally had no objections to this decision, though he did briefly inquire whether Bai Xuanling’s current condition could withstand the journey.

Bai Xuanling’s response was as succinct and domineering as ever—she had never been in a state where she couldn’t handle something.

After a moment of hesitation, Chu Xingchen ultimately agreed with Bai Xuanling’s plan.

After all, the thoughts of this senior figure were not something he could easily sway. Moreover, while Bai Xuanling might be stubborn, she wasn’t reckless—she wouldn’t pay an unreasonable price just to see her disciple.

As for Yuan Kong, the other follower, his lowly status and the hefty debt of spirit stones he owed left him with no say in the matter. Chu Xingchen simply took him along without further discussion.

Regarding Yuan Kong, Chu Xingchen didn’t force him to become his disciple just to complete some system-assigned task.

In fact, Chu Xingchen felt that the system’s prompt wasn’t a demand but a reminder—there was only one slot left for a true disciple the system could support.

Yuan Kong might be a good candidate, but if he had his own path to follow, staying with Chu Xingchen might not be the best choice.

At the very least, the last disciple didn’t have to be him.

For now, though, he needed to be taken back for a check-up to ensure nothing was amiss. If he wished to leave afterward, Chu Xingchen, out of respect for Yuan Jing, could still offer some assistance.

The three of them entered the sect together.

Yuan Kong had spent most of his journey in ascetic hardship. In the beginning, before reaching the Foundation Establishment stage, he had traversed desolate wilderness, eating whatever he could find—sometimes nearly becoming food himself.

After reaching Foundation Establishment, life improved slightly—at least he no longer had to worry about starvation.

Though, strictly speaking, he still hadn’t experienced much comfort.

Now, seeing this new sect, far grander than Chu Xingchen’s establishment in Yuzhou City, a flicker of awe naturally surfaced in his eyes, and he couldn’t help but sigh inwardly—wealth truly was a wonderful thing.

If he’d had money back then, he wouldn’t have had to survive on half a steamed bun every two days.

Chu Xingchen led Bai Xuanling and Yuan Kong deeper into the sect.

“It’s been a while since you last visited, hasn’t it, Elder Sister Bai?”

“My Zhuji Peak has only two people and one dragon apart from me, and now all of them have ended up here with you,” Bai Xuanling remarked, her tone laced with amusement.

“Had I known this would happen, I’d have come sooner. Before long, you’ll have whisked away both my disciples and my gate-guarding spirit beast, leaving me as the lone elder on Zhuji Peak.”

Chu Xingchen smiled gently. “How could Zhuji Peak be left with just you? Isn’t this place just as much your sect? If you don’t mind, you could take on the honorary title of Supreme Elder here.”

Bai Xuanling’s expression turned slightly disdainful. “Even without the title, you’ve already taken plenty of advantage of me. If I were to become a Supreme Elder, even in name only, I’d probably end up working myself to the bone for this little sect of yours.”

Before Chu Xingchen could respond, she shifted the topic. “Still, it’s not entirely out of the question. Let’s see how you perform.”

As she spoke, her brows arched slightly, and the fierce grin from earlier softened into something more roguishly charming.

Chu Xingchen’s expression brightened briefly, though his mood remained as composed as ever.

Truly, the older, the wiser. Anyone else might have jumped at the opportunity to pledge their life for such a remark.

The trio continued onward until they reached a small, man-made pond dug out by Li Xingtian.

Bai Xuanling glanced around, noting the absence of anyone by the pond. Though she wasn’t a frequent visitor, she was well aware of Chen Baiqing’s usual spot.

“Is Baiqing not here?”

“She’s out training with her senior sister.”

“Li Yingling? That child is a bit rash. Having Baiqing along should temper her impulsiveness.” Bai Xuanling sighed lightly. “I was hoping to enjoy a cup of tea brewed by that girl to soothe my restless heart.”

Yuan Kong’s gaze flickered in confusion. If he remembered correctly, wasn’t Li Yingling the senior sister? And wasn’t Baiqing the quiet girl who rarely showed expression to outsiders?

He glanced at Chu Xingchen, only to see the man nodding in agreement, as if Bai Xuanling’s words were entirely accurate.

For a moment, Yuan Kong felt utterly lost—had he been away so long that he’d mixed things up?

Chu Xingchen gestured toward the stone chairs by the pond. “Though Baiqing isn’t here, tea is still available if you’d like some.”

Bai Xuanling scanned the area before walking over to the stone chairs. As she drew closer, recognition flickered in her eyes.

“Only now do I realize—these were brought over from Yuzhou City?”

“Yes. Baiqing is sentimental. These were originally just ordinary stone chairs and a table from a small courtyard. They were first moved to the sect in Yuzhou City, then later brought here. This pond was also her idea.”

“Sentimentality is good. One must never forget their roots to remain true to themselves.” Bai Xuanling gave a slight nod before sitting down. Her gaze settled on Chu Xingchen. “But not just anyone’s tea qualifies as tea. If you brew it, I doubt I could stomach it.”

Chu Xingchen chuckled wordlessly, retrieving two teapots sealed with talismans from his spatial ring.

“Baiqing brewed these. I stored them with preservation talismans in case I missed her tea while she was away. The flavor might not be as good as fresh, but it’s still better than anything I could make.”

“Baiqing is truly thoughtful.” Bai Xuanling nodded approvingly, then cast a glance behind Chu Xingchen before asking curiously, “How did you raise Baiqing? Do you think Lingyu could learn a thing or two from her?”

Chu Xingchen peeled off the talisman and poured tea for Bai Xuanling. “Lingyu has her own merits. Even if she could emulate Baiqing, wouldn’t you find it a pity to change her?”

“You do know how to talk.” Bai Xuanling lifted the cup and took a sip.

Chu Xingchen’s smile remained, but then Xie Lingyu’s voice rang out from behind him.

“Master, why didn’t you notify me of your return?”

Qinghe’s dissatisfied voice followed immediately.

“Exactly! At least you could’ve told me!”

Chu Xingchen didn’t turn around. His cultivation was high enough that even without actively extending his divine sense, he could instinctively perceive those nearby.

Though he had known they were approaching, his earlier words still held true.

Every person was different—and that was what made life interesting.

Appreciating those differences was the hidden romance within that fascination.

Bai Xuanling exhaled slowly, her gaze shifting to Xie Lingyu with a smile.

“Isn’t this a pleasant surprise? I learned this trick from this Chu fellow.”

Xie Lingyu didn’t linger where she stood. Instead, she strode forward, her eyes locked onto Bai Xuanling’s.

“You’ve…”

Before she could finish, Bai Xuanling raised a hand to stop her. “This master will be returning to the Tianyan Sect shortly. If you wish to lecture me, go ahead—I’ll listen.”

“But right now, I’d rather talk about something else. I’ve missed you dearly.”

Xie Lingyu pressed her lips together but eventually took a seat, her gaze unwavering as she stared at Bai Xuanling without speaking.

Bai Xuanling gazed at Xie Lingyu, then after a moment, a knowing smile graced his lips.

"Still the same little girl as all those years ago."

"But that’s just as well—this master’s heart can rest easy."