Wow...

Central Continent, Tianyan Sect.

"Wow..."

"Wow..."

San Dong sat perched on Cui Hao's shoulder, wide-eyed as she took in everything within the Tianyan Sect, continuously uttering single-word exclamations of awe.

Whether it was the flood dragons coiled beneath the mountain peaks, the white cranes soaring through the skies, or even the Tianyan Sect disciples hurrying past—everything captivated her.

Most Tianyan Sect disciples would pause and greet Chu Xingchen's group before continuing on their way. Given the sheer number of greetings, a simple nod usually sufficed.

Only San Dong would return each greeting with earnest politeness.

Her eyes sparkled as she gazed at the wonders of Tianyan Sect.

She had thought she'd already seen the height of sophistication back in the sect at Wanhua Ridge—Cui Hao's house with its retractable roof, the underground spring-fed pond, the extravagantly expensive fish, and the highly cultivated seniors.

But this trip to another sect for friendly exchanges turned out to be the first step in truly broadening her horizons.

Especially the density of spiritual energy here—it was so rich that San Dong almost felt like hugging a spirit stone to absorb it all.

It was... just too incredible.

"Wow..."

She gasped again as she took in the towering peaks piercing the clouds and the floating grand halls suspended midair.

Qinghe was the most sensitive to San Dong's exclamations along the way.

Tilting her chin up proudly, Qinghe declared, "See, little San Dong? This is what a true top-tier major sect looks like!"

San Dong nodded enthusiastically.

"It does look amazing, but for San Dong, being together with everyone is still more important."

Chu Xingchen glanced at her and chuckled.

"As expected of our sect's mascot—your words truly capture the essence of our teachings."

Cui Hao smoothly clasped his hands and chimed in, "Reporting to Master, this disciple has a humble suggestion."

"Oh? What might that be, my beloved disciple?" Chu Xingchen played along seamlessly.

Chen Baiqing, walking beside his master, couldn't help but smile at the familiar banter—his master did have a playful side.

Xie Lingyu sighed softly, watching the two.

Cui Hao, with utmost solemnity, declared,

"Given San Dong's immense contributions to the sect, and today's golden words uniting us all, this disciple humbly proposes promoting our mascot by two ranks."

San Dong's eyes lit up with surprise and gratitude, but she quickly waved her tiny hands.

"Being a mascot is already an honor! San Dong is very happy as is!"

Li Yingling side-eyed the genuinely moved San Dong—this little flower spirit hadn't improved at all over the years. She still hadn't realized she'd become a prop in her master and Cui Hao's heartwarming master-disciple performances.

"Merits must be rewarded, regardless of satisfaction," Chu Xingchen declared, waving a hand. "Cui Hao makes a fair point. But what should the new title be?"

Cui Hao bowed again. "Naturally, it should be 'Peerless, Heaven-and-Earth-Defying Guardian Mascot of the Sect.'"

"Approved!" Chu Xingchen laughed, retrieving a Moon Essence from his spatial ring and floating it over to San Dong with a flick of spiritual energy. "From now on, the sect's safety is in your hands. Your daily stipend will include an extra Moon Essence."

At the word "stipend," Li Yingling perked up.

"The sect finally has stipends? Who do we collect them from?"

Without even turning, Chu Xingchen replied swiftly, "You still owe me. Once you've repaid your debts, I'll let you know when to collect."

Li Yingling's face fell. "Just say there aren't any, why make up—"

"Hmm? What was that, my dear disciple Li?" Chu Xingchen cut in, fixing her with a look.

Li Yingling clasped her hands resignedly. "As Master commands..."

San Dong, cradling the Moon Essence, tilted her head curiously.

"Then where does San Dong collect the Moon Essence?"

Chu Xingchen answered without missing a beat.

"From Cui Hao, of course."

"Me?" Cui Hao pointed at himself in surprise.

Li Xingtian and Lin Luoyu trailed at the back of the group, watching their master and Cui Hao's antics.

With interesting people gathered, there was never a dull moment.

Any journey became short when shared with good company.

Before they knew it, the group had arrived at Tianyan Sect's main peak—Tianyan Peak.

Yanyun stood at the grand hall's entrance, watching as Chu Xingchen essentially brought his entire sect along. Seeing the group approach, especially Chu Xingchen's overly enthusiastic "long-time-no-see" greeting, her earlier calm evaporated.

The urge to punch him felt overwhelmingly real.

But she quickly suppressed it. According to Sect Leader Lü, Chu Xingchen and his disciples would be staying at Tianyan Sect for a while.

Losing her composure right away would reflect poorly on her dignity.

Yanyun steadied herself, nodding slightly to Xie Lingyu first before speaking.

"Welcome, fellow Daoists."

San Dong reacted fastest, clasping her hands.

"Greetings, fellow Daoist! We appreciate your hospitality."

Yanyun's gaze lingered on the tiny flower spirit perched on Cui Hao's shoulder, momentarily wary—why so polite?

One glance confirmed this was a genuine flower spirit.

And those eyes—utterly guileless.

There was an air of refreshingly naive simplicity about her, but Yanyun refused to believe it was entirely sincere.

Flower spirits were typically innocent, but none could stay that way long under a sect leader like Chu Xingchen.

Honestly, even a wild boar spirit would turn into a troublemaker after a few days with him.

The other disciples—Li Yingling included—returned the greeting a beat slower but just as properly.

Chu Xingchen gave a slight nod in acknowledgment, smiling.

"No need for formalities among friends. Is Sect Leader Lü inside?"

Yanyun shook her head. "Master is occupied with urgent matters. Today, I’ll be hosting you all."

"Please, come inside."

Chu Xingchen agreed.

San Dong marveled at the grand hall's exquisite decorations and let out another soft—"Wow..."

As Yanyun led them in, she added,

"Tianyan Sect has prepared a new mountain peak for your stay."

Xie Lingyu frowned slightly.

"Our numbers are few. Zhuji Peak should suffice."

Yanyun offered a gentle smile. "For a short stay, certainly. But since you'll be here longer, it’s best to be prepared."

"Besides, all peaks are within Tianyan Sect. A short walk is all it takes to visit."

Xie Lingyu nodded—Yanyun's reasoning was sound.

San Dong piped up eagerly.

"Will the mountain assigned to us have space for planting spirit herbs and trees?"

Yanyun's gaze shifted toward San Dong upon hearing the remark.

At its core, it was a trivial matter—with ample spiritual energy, one could plant whatever they pleased.

But the question had been posed by a flower spirit brought by Chu Xingchen…

If he were fooled by those innocent eyes… his master would likely never let him hear the end of it for the next century.

Best to tread carefully!