Number One Bestie with You

Although Cui Hao was always kept firmly in check by his Third Senior Sister, he still had a general understanding of her temperament.

Since she said she wasn't here for him, as long as the ensuing topic didn't touch upon her core interests, she definitely wouldn't cause him any real trouble. She wouldn't even utter a word to expose his lies.

When it came to credibility alone, Third Senior Sister's was extremely high.

Eldest Senior Sister might resort to entrapment, but Third Senior Sister would always gather concrete evidence before carrying out the procedures of justice.

However...

Even so, Third Senior Sister's authority was simply too intimidating.

Cui Hao's expression gradually faded from exultant to ordinary, and the nonsense spouting from his mouth also reined in quite a bit.

Chen Baiqing only listened to Cui Hao's first two sentences before realizing that this Fifth Junior Brother was once again showing off his glib tongue. However, this was a common occurrence. She lowered her eyes and listened while taking out a tea set and some tea from her spatial ring.

Seeing this, Cui Hao raised his brows, realizing he had made the right choice coming here today. He could once again freeload some tea brewed by his Third Senior Sister.

Was Third Senior Sister in a pretty good mood today?

After Chen Baiqing finished brewing the tea, she first respectfully offered a cup to her master before distributing it to the others. Having done all this, she spoke in a soft tone that blended into Cui Hao's chatter:

"Master, Baiqing has already firmly tempered her Nascent Soul realm and plans to go out to gain experience."

Although her voice was mixed in the background, Chen Baiqing knew her master could hear her.

After all, Cui Hao's words had also come to a halt.

Chen Baiqing glanced over at him. "You keep talking. I will speak with Master."

"Oh..." Cui Hao nodded repeatedly.

Holding the teacup in his hands, Chu Xingchen asked,

"Have you already made up your mind?"

Chen Baiqing simply nodded in agreement.

"Yes, your disciple plans to go to the Profound Purity Heavenly Sect. They have a more detailed experiential learning program for the Nascent Soul realm."

Chu Xingchen didn't speak immediately. Instead, he calmly gazed at the downcast Chen Baiqing.

Facing his gaze, Chen Baiqing understood the unasked question of her master—the Heavenly Divination Sect wasn't necessarily any worse than the Profound Purity Heavenly Sect, so why seek afar what was close at hand? Moreover, in terms of interpersonal relationships alone, the Heavenly Divination Sect was the better choice.

Since things were out of the ordinary, she naturally had another purpose.

Her master's silence meant he was waiting to see if she was willing to answer.

Naturally, Chen Baiqing only had one option.

"Going to the Profound Purity Heavenly Sect naturally serves another purpose," Chen Baiqing added. "Master's relationship with the Heavenly Divination Sect is too close. The Profound Purity Heavenly Sect also carried the Mandate of Heaven in the past. It is not a good thing for Master to be too biased towards the Heavenly Divination Sect."

"By going there, your disciple will be expressing an attitude on your behalf, which will also better stabilize the relationship between the Profound Purity Heavenly Sect and Master."

"Furthermore, it will clear up the rumors and gossip outside."

Cui Hao kept talking, but he pricked up his ears, listening carefully.

Chu Xingchen held his teacup, thought for a moment, and said,

"Master can handle these matters."

"Baiqing understands." Chen Baiqing raised her gaze, looking directly into her master's eyes. "But sharing the burdens that should be shared for Master is both what Baiqing wants to do and what a disciple ought to do."

Faced with the passionate and resolute look in Chen Baiqing's eyes, Chu Xingchen took a gentle sip of his tea.

"Master, Baiqing cannot remain sheltered under your wings forever," Chen Baiqing said firmly. "Many things cannot be allowed to repeat themselves."

Chu Xingchen finished his tea. Holding the empty cup, he chuckled softly.

"You know that just like your Fifth Junior Brother, Master is also helpless against you."

Chen Baiqing breathed a sigh of relief inwardly. Although she knew her master definitely wouldn't refuse, she still felt a weight lift off her chest the moment she heard it.

The hardest step had been taken; theoretically, the rest wouldn't be difficult.

Chen Baiqing continued, "Master, for this trip to the Profound Purity Heavenly Sect, Second Senior Brother also plans to go with me."

Chu Xingchen placed the teacup back on the table and softly asked,

"Did you invite your Second Senior Brother?"

Chen Baiqing nodded gently and replied,

"Yes, and Second Senior Brother agreed. He is also at the Nascent Soul realm now. While he needs to gain experience, he is already very resourceful."

Chu Xingchen suddenly called out,

"Little Baiqing."

"Here..." Chen Baiqing responded subconsciously, instinctively meeting her master's gaze.

It was calm and affectionate, yet it also carried a look of knowing clarity.

Chen Baiqing's expression changed involuntarily, revealing an instinctual panic and unease.

Even though she quickly composed herself, she knew that none of this could escape her master's eyes.

What she said was true, but naturally, she hadn't revealed everything she truly thought in her heart.

She wanted to take Second Senior Brother along not only because he was reliable, but also because he could Dream of the moments when Master was in danger.

As long as Second Senior Brother could Dream of it, Chen Baiqing would have a way to resolve the risks for her master. Furthermore, Second Senior Brother cared deeply for Master and trusted her. If something really happened, it would be much simpler to coordinate with him.

Beyond that, there were naturally deeper reasons.

For example, they couldn't fully trust the Heavenly Divination Sect; at the very least, they needed an alternative way out.

Many of these were reasons she couldn't speak aloud.

Compared to all of this, none of it was as important as Master's personal safety.

The unease in Chen Baiqing's heart stemmed entirely from her master's past teachings—try not to hide things from your own family.

Perhaps she truly was a born demoness.

Even with her master teaching her so, she could still cast aside this teaching.

Chen Baiqing's mind was in turmoil, unsure if her master would completely reject her proposal.

Until the next moment.

A warm, large hand gently patted Chen Baiqing's head.

"Little Baiqing has completely grown up," Chu Xingchen said with a light chuckle. "Only adults hide secrets in their hearts that they cannot let others know."

Hearing this, Chen Baiqing looked shocked, staring blankly at Chu Xingchen.

Chu Xingchen blinked gently. "Children cannot keep secrets. Only adults will harbor secrets in their hearts that they can tell no one. When you have such a secret, you become an adult."

"Do not doubt it. Master also has secrets in his heart that he can tell no one, not even Baiqing."

"Therefore, there is no need to be so conflicted. Baiqing hasn't gone bad; she has merely grown up."

Chen Baiqing's voice choked up, her emotions surging relentlessly.

"Master..."

"Although you call me Master very sweetly, and Master loves hearing it, your Second Senior Brother cannot go with you." Chu Xingchen withdrew his hand and gently pinched Chen Baiqing's cheek. "Your Second Senior Brother has another important use. But don't worry, Master will provide you with an excellent right-hand man as a replacement, one who also needs to gain experience."

With her cheek pinched, Chen Baiqing mumbled,

"Who...?"

Chu Xingchen cast his gaze toward Cui Hao, who was beside them.

This time, Cui Hao truly couldn't speak even if he wanted to. He looked at his master in utter shock.

Chen Baiqing was also a bit surprised. "Fifth Junior Brother is only at the Golden Core realm..."

"You also went out to gain experience when you were at the Golden Core realm," Chu Xingchen interrupted her. "Moreover, your Fifth Junior Brother's desire to go out and gain experience is burning hot."

Cui Hao glanced at his Third Senior Sister, who was acting so obediently in front of their master right now, and hurriedly whispered,

"It's not that hot anymore."

It was true that he wanted to gain experience, but he didn't want to do it under his Third Senior Sister's thumb.

Chu Xingchen shot him a glare, and Cui Hao immediately shut his mouth.

"If you do not take your Fifth Junior Brother along, no matter how much your master dotes on you, I will not agree to it."

Chen Baiqing glanced at Cui Hao, and ultimately could only nod in resignation.

Seeing this, Chu Xingchen also nodded in satisfaction. A wisp of white light flashed, and the artifact Wanban transformed into a white jade embroidery needle in his hand. He then reached out and offered it to Cui Hao beside him.

Seeing his master handing Wanban over to him, Cui Hao's expression blanked for a moment, not understanding what his master intended to do.

Chu Xingchen did not hesitate, placing Wanban directly into Cui Hao's hands:

"Although your cultivation progress falls behind that of your fellow disciples, your master has never looked down on you. On the contrary, your master has always thought highly of you."

"For the time being, your master will not be needing Wanban. Besides, I still owe you a spiritual treasure, so let Wanban serve as a temporary substitute."

"You are highly capable when it comes to handling matters, your master has always known this. This time, it is about time you opened your Third Senior Sister's eyes."

Cui Hao's voice suddenly choked with emotion:

"Master..."

Chu Xingchen did not reply, but gently blinked.

Master was truly playing unfair; how could anyone refuse him like this?

Cui Hao tightened his grip on Wanban, believing he had completely understood the look in his master's eyes.

Your master and you are the closest in the whole world.