Good Things Are Worth the Wait

Outside Jiaxiang Town.

Li Xingtian's figure darted swiftly toward the agreed-upon location. It hadn’t even been half a day since he sent his message.

Though Wanhua Ridge was also in the Central Continent, it was far enough from Jiaxiang Town that only his master, pushing himself to the limit in a mad dash, could arrive within half a day.

His master was always like this—whenever his disciples needed him, he would drop everything, spare no cost, and rush to their aid without hesitation.

A warmth stirred in Li Xingtian’s heart, an indescribable gratitude.

This kind of help, given not for profit but out of pure care, was what truly touched the soul.

Li Xingtian’s figure crested the hill, his gaze eagerly sweeping toward the meeting spot.

But in an instant, the excitement in his eyes vanished.

Before him stood a dense crowd, lined up in formation. At the forefront, his master was deep in discussion with Daoist Yuyang.

His senior sister, Li Yingling, spotted him and waved.

His third junior sister, wearing a faint, elegant smile, gave him a slight nod.

The warmth in Li Xingtian’s heart was replaced by an overwhelming sense of shame.

After the rumor spread in the sect that he was a fool who couldn’t even use talismans correctly, he was now going to earn another nickname—Second Senior Brother, the Lustful Oaf.

The first rumor, he could dismiss—he knew it wasn’t true. But if he got branded as a lecher, there’d be no defending himself.

His reputation was utterly ruined.

His senior sister would never let him live this down.

He had made few mistakes in his life, but this one alone was enough to destroy his standing.

Master! It’s just one demoness—was this much force really necessary?

Bringing Bai Qing was understandable, but why did he have to drag Senior Sister along? How was he supposed to return to the sect after this?

The urge to turn and flee nearly overtook him, but his desire for vengeance overpowered the humiliation.

He landed slowly, took a deep breath, and approached his master.

"Master..."

Chu Xingchen gave a slight nod and asked, "You’re late because you went for reinforcements, right? More people mean less chance of her escaping. The demoness hasn’t fled yet, has she?"

"She shouldn’t have. But Master, how did you get here so quickly?"

"The Tianyan Sect’s teleportation array is nearby in the Haotian Sect’s territory. I borrowed it to reach Haotian Sect first, then rushed here. Daoist Yuyang even vouched for us so we could bring Tianyan’s elites along."

Li Xingtian sucked in a sharp breath. After this, he’d be infamous across the entire Central Continent.

Seeing his disciple’s expression, Chu Xingchen guessed his thoughts and quickly sent a mental message:

Relax. I told them we’re here to hunt a demon, not to avenge you. Stand tall—don’t look like the sky’s fallen.

Only then did Li Xingtian snap out of it. He gave his master a grateful nod and continued,

"I told the demoness we’d explore the nearby ruins together tomorrow."

Chu Xingchen nodded in understanding.

He was well aware of his disciple’s fondness for tomb raiding. The way they met was almost… poetic.

The first time I saw you, I knew we wouldn’t meet again—because I’d be the one sending you off.

Seeing the usually composed Li Xingtian so flustered, Chu Xingchen couldn’t resist teasing him. He sent another mental message:

So, how do you plan to deal with the demoness? Want to hold her hand first?

Li Xingtian’s face burned. He groaned, "Master!"

Chu Xingchen chuckled and patted his shoulder.

"I’m here."

"Please… just stop."

Li Yingling, the ever-curious "Inquisitive Immortal," had been listening to their cryptic exchange and finally couldn’t hold back.

"What’s this about stopping? Second Junior Brother, why’s your face so red?"

"Your junior brother is just moved," Chu Xingchen said, grinning. "Right, Xingtian?"

Li Xingtian nodded, heavy-hearted and resigned.

---

Deep in the forests near Jiaxiang Town.

"La-la-la~"

Xu Linglong hummed a tune, leaning against a towering tree.

The soil at her feet churned, and soon, a head made of earth rose from the ground.

"Did it go smoothly?" the earthen head asked.

"He’s no fool, but it shouldn’t be a problem," Xu Linglong replied, pressing her foot down on the head. "The aura of fortune around him is extraordinary, and his blood energy is even more impressive… which means his master, Chu Xingchen, must be our real target."

"Heaven really has it out for us."

The moment she finished speaking, the earthen head beneath her foot crumbled apart.

The branches and leaves above her twisted and grew, reshaping into a human-like head that dangled before her.

The leafy head spoke in a colder tone:

"Let me remind you—Li Xingtian is off-limits for now. Our priority is Chu Xingchen and the intelligence."

Xu Linglong scoffed. "Oh? Since when do you give me orders?"

"Eight Great Heavenly Demons—some hiding, some cowering, one even playing monk in the Buddhist sects, too cowardly to act openly. Now the Eastern Victory Divine Land’s secrets are exposed, and you come begging me to clean up the mess, yet you dare speak to me like this?"

The head fell silent for a moment before replying,

"The flames will reach you eventually. The situation is critical—we can’t afford any more mistakes."

Xu Linglong’s voice dripped with disdain.

"How many years have I wandered this world? How much fortune have I gathered? And yet, with all that, you still managed to bungle everything?"

"You incompetents never admit your failures, yet you lecture me about urgency?"

"Bark all you want, then get lost. Don’t ruin my mood. I’ll handle things my way."

The leafy head lingered for a moment before crumbling into withered leaves, scattering to the ground.

Xu Linglong snorted and turned her gaze toward Jiaxiang Town in the distance.

But then, another patch of soil shifted nearby, as if there was more to say.

Without even looking, she snapped her fingers.

The spot exploded into a crater, dirt flying everywhere.

---

Two days later, at dawn.

Outside the tavern, Li Xingtian waited early.

Xu Linglong, concealed by stealth, watched him from a distance, her eyes narrowed.

She hadn’t been idle these past two days—she had set up numerous traps around Jiaxiang Town to monitor whether Li Xingtian had any ulterior motives.

The result? The man was surprisingly honest. At least within the town, no reinforcements had arrived.

Adjusting her mood, Xu Linglong removed her veiled hat, revealing her striking features. A bold smile played on her lips as she stepped forward, revealing herself.

"Daoist Li, you’re here early. Have you been waiting long?"

Li Xingtian turned to her, his smile sharp.

"I have, indeed."

Xu Linglong’s grin didn’t waver at his slightly menacing expression. Her tone was light, almost playful.

"Good things are worth the wait. Let’s hope today brings us great fortune."

Li Xingtian nodded.

"Good things are indeed worth waiting for."