All are incredibly adorable

Morning.

Li Xingtian slowly pushed open the door and gently shook his pure white sleeves.

Third Junior Sister’s illusion skills were indeed top-notch. Though the aura of blood qi remained unchanged, the color had turned white—effective against anyone below the Golden Core stage.

For those above Golden Core, the blood qi would be unmistakable by aura alone, and any attempt to conceal it would be as futile as covering one’s ears to steal a bell.

Still, looking a bit more presentable was always good. At least it pleased his own eyes.

Regarding the improvement in his innate talent, though he didn’t fully grasp what his master had done or what had awakened his latent potential, he had to admit—his aptitude had soared dramatically.

The sheer volume of spiritual energy he could channel was now on an entirely different level, and his control over blood qi had become far more effortless.

Naturally, his attempt to rid himself of the blood qi had failed. His master’s "peppercorn deodorizing method" proved utterly useless.

Fortunately, Li Xingtian had braced himself when taking the pills. As long as he didn’t grow horns, his eyes didn’t turn red, and he didn’t start spitting blood when speaking, it could already be considered a resounding success.

Maintaining his current state while also enhancing his bone structure was nothing short of his master’s unparalleled skill.

Li Xingtian strode toward the deep pool.

The bone refinement had taken only two days, but luckily, the cassia bark and star anise were mundane ingredients, easily resisted by his Nascent Soul-stage skin.

Though marinated for two days, he hadn’t been pickled into a walking spice jar.

Now paired with the robes gifted by Third Junior Sister—despite white not quite suiting him—Li Xingtian was certain he wouldn’t take them off unless absolutely necessary.

Admittedly, it was a bit embarrassing, making him look like a self-aware demonic cultivator, but he’d wear them regardless.

As he walked down the corridor, before even reaching the pool, he saw Cui Hao waving enthusiastically, a bright smile on his face.

"Morning, Second Senior Brother! Are those robes from Third Senior Sister? They suit you so well—utterly dashing!"

Li Xingtian waved a hand awkwardly.

"Just passable... This look of mine hardly counts as 'dashing.'"

Cui Hao quickened his pace to walk beside him, grinning.

"Second Senior Brother, don’t sell yourself short. Would your fifth junior brother lie to you?"

Li Xingtian met Cui Hao’s seemingly earnest gaze and very nearly replied—Yes, you would.

After all, the entire sect knew Cui Hao’s silver tongue had inherited at least half their master’s knack for nonsense.

Still, the intent was clearly kind. Li Xingtian gave a slight nod of acknowledgment—words were unnecessary, as speaking against his conscience was no easy feat.

Cui Hao didn’t mind the silence. Second Senior Brother had always been reticent. With another cheerful wave, he urged,

"Come on, let’s go! Third Senior Sister rarely visits. With you here, she’s more likely to share her tea."

Li Xingtian didn’t refuse. He’d been heading to the pool anyway.

The two walked together, and soon the deep pool came into view. Seated on a stone chair by the water’s edge, Chen Baiqing was absorbed in a book, while Qinghe sat beside her, idly trailing her fingers through the water.

Li Xingtian paused, his gaze lingering on Chen Baiqing—no longer a child, her demeanor now poised and mature.

For some reason, he felt as though everyone had grown while he remained unchanged.

Especially when faced with the now-grown Chen Baiqing.

Five years, fleeting as a wave, had crystallized into something tangible in her presence.

Sensing his stare, Chen Baiqing lowered her book and met his eyes. In an instant, she deciphered the uncomplicated thoughts of her guileless senior brother.

With a smile, she picked up a piece of candied fruit from the tray—absent for so long—and held out the largest one.

"Second Senior Brother, would you like some?"

Li Xingtian’s lips curved. In his eyes, the girl from years past and the now-unfamiliar Chen Baiqing overlapped seamlessly.

He stepped forward to accept it. After so long without eating, the sweetness of the treat bloomed vividly on his tongue.

Only after finishing did he speak. "Very sweet. Delicious."

Chen Baiqing was still Chen Baiqing—still his third junior sister, unchanged by time or appearance.

Cui Hao plopped down familiarly and held out his hand. "Third Senior Sister, where’s mine?"

Chen Baiqing handed him a piece.

"Third Senior Sister, don’t you think Second Senior Brother looks dashing in those robes?" Cui Hao popped the candy into his mouth as he spoke.

Chen Baiqing’s eyes swept over Li Xingtian, and she answered with sincerity, "Of course. Do you like them, Second Senior Brother?"

Li Xingtian took a seat and nodded slightly.

"Good." Chen Baiqing deftly lifted the teapot to prepare the brew.

Back when the sect had only four members, Second Senior Brother had helped her endlessly—patiently guiding her cultivation, never scolding her for slow progress.

She still remembered how Elder Senior Sister had called her stupid.

Then Second Senior Brother took over, praising her cleverness with endless patience.

Cui Hao stayed silent, his grin widening—Heh, more tea for me.

Qinghe, catching the aroma, turned her head. "Pour one for Qinghe too!"

Farther off, in a pavilion, Chu Xingchen leaned against the railing, watching his disciples enjoy their leisure.

"Aren’t you joining them?" Xie Lingyu asked, teacup in hand.

Chu Xingchen glanced back. "I have Lingyu to brew for me."

Xie Lingyu poured tea into a cup and slid it toward him. "Mine isn’t as good as Baiqing’s."

Chu Xingchen accepted it, smiling. "Sometimes fondness isn’t about taste. If the brewer isn’t right, even the finest tea loses its charm."

Xie Lingyu lifted her gaze to his, then looked away after a moment. "You’ve always been smooth with words."

"Isn’t that what Lingyu likes about me?"

"Only somewhat."

"Oh? Then perhaps I have other merits you favor more?"

Chu Xingchen’s grin deepened.

Some things were better left unsaid—like the faint fluster on Xie Lingyu’s face, far more amusing than any admission.

Without intent, even a thousand promises dissolve like ripples at a touch.

With intent, mountains and seas shrink to a single step.

Sometimes answers need no words. A glance is enough.

Chu Xingchen was no fool, and neither was Xie Lingyu.

Xie Lingyu averted her eyes, steering the topic elsewhere. "Did you receive Sect Leader Lü’s letter?"

"I did. We’ll go later." Chu Xingchen’s gaze returned to the pool. "Given Xingtian’s nature, he’ll soon set off to train again."

"Wait until he leaves. Let him wander without worrying over you."

In Chu Xingchen’s eyes, even Li Xingtian’s fierce smile held a certain charm.

Ah, well—all his disciples were endearing in their own ways.