Ten... Three...

The autumn winds scattered the leaves as the sun and moon shuttled back and forth. Thirteen years had passed by in a flash, feeling like nothing more than a fleeting dream.

Within the Xuanqing Heaven Sect, a streak of azure light darted through the air, heading straight for the sect's grand hall.

As the azure light settled, Chen Baiqing's figure was revealed. The aura of a mid-to-late Nascent Soul stage cultivator slowly retracted into her body. She stood in place and waited for a moment before the hurried figure of Cui Hao finally arrived.

Having pushed his spiritual energy to the limit to catch up all the way here, Cui Hao could not conceal the aura of his peak Golden Core stage.

Looking slightly exhausted, Cui Hao said, "Senior Sister, there's no need to be in such a rush... We just finished the job, didn't we? Even beasts of burden get a moment to drink some water."

Chen Baiqing stepped toward the hall. "Where would we find so much time? We didn't come to the Xuanqing Heaven Sect to rest."

"Senior Sister, saying that is underestimating yourself a bit too much." Cui Hao quickly stepped up to follow her. "Right now, who in the entire Xuanqing Heaven Sect doesn't know your great name? I feel like if you work hard for a few more years, you might just take over Uncle-Master Xu Jin's position as a core disciple."

"When that time comes, I'll call you Uncle-Master, and you can call our Master your brother."

Chen Baiqing didn't waste her breath. The Azure Heaven Treasure Ring on her wrist flashed with light, and immediately after, Cui Hao's groan of pain sounded from beside her.

Even after over a decade, Cui Hao was still as unreliable and flippant as ever.

Fortunately, Chen Baiqing had found the correct way to communicate with him.

Naturally, Cui Hao had also grown a lot compared to the past, and his previously foolish ideas had decreased significantly.

Overall, although he couldn't compare to the decisiveness and efficiency of Second Senior Brother, he wouldn't mess things up either; it was just a matter of speed.

In their own sect, there truly were no absolute fools.

Cui Hao cried out in pain, but he was long used to it. His Senior Sister didn't hit him hard; crying out was just a way to spare himself from another strike.

"Senior Sister, what exactly is so urgent?" Cui Hao continued while clutching his head. "We were clearly taking a steady approach earlier. Why did you suddenly choose to take a huge risk and steamroll through halfway?"

"When things are abnormal, there must be a reason. We're already at the Xuanqing Heaven Sect, and I've been holding it in the whole way. Senior Sister, it's time you gave me the bottom line."

Chen Baiqing glanced at the entrance of the grand hall, which was close at hand. At the same time, she gave a light nod to return the greetings of the Xuanqing Heaven Sect disciples bowing to her. Then, she sent a telepathic message:

"Eldest Senior Sister is on the verge of a breakthrough. The Soul Formation stage will be reached within the next few days."

"At the same time, let me remind you—do you remember what Eldest Senior Sister told you last time?"

Cui Hao froze in a daze, then followed Chen Baiqing into the grand hall of the Xuanqing Heaven Sect.

Li Moze sat high on the main seat, calmly watching Chen Baiqing cup her hands in greeting and Cui Hao subconsciously mimic the motion. He naturally understood the purpose of Chen Baiqing's visit and chuckled softly:

"You've worked hard. Don't worry about the rest; just leave it to us. It's fine to rest for a few more days."

Since Chen Baiqing had come to the Xuanqing Heaven Sect, Li Moze naturally paid extra attention to her.

After all, while Chen Baiqing might be easy to talk to, Chu Xingchen would never let his precious disciple suffer any grievances.

Li Moze had also heard Xu Jin's evaluation of Chen Baiqing—naturally, she had the talent of a heaven-chosen genius.

Li Moze had mentally prepared himself for this, but clearly, Chen Baiqing's performance had exceeded his expectations.

At least in Li Moze's current view, if Chen Baiqing could remain this consistent and were a disciple of his own sect, Xu Jin would indeed have another challenger.

A heaven-chosen cultivator who was far colder and calmer than Xu Jin, with an extremely penetrating view of things.

With clear goals, she was like a born helmsman.

Cui Hao's performance was also quite good, not disgracing his status as Chu Xingchen's disciple. However, compared to Chen Baiqing, he was ultimately still lacking a bit.

But in many matters, that tiny bit of difference was everything.

Chen Baiqing did not decline the offer. Meeting Li Moze first upon her arrival was purely out of courtesy.

"Sorry for the trouble."

After cupping her hands, Chen Baiqing immediately turned and left.

Cui Hao blankly followed after her again.

Only after the two walked out of the hall doors did Cui Hao whisper,

"Senior Sister, what was that matter you mentioned Eldest Senior Sister told me about?"

Chen Baiqing's tone was calm. "Do you remember what Eldest Senior Sister told you a few years ago when Fourth Junior Sister broke through to the Nascent Soul stage?"

A hint of panic appeared on Cui Hao's face.

On that day, Eldest Senior Sister had said that if Yun Li broke through to the Nascent Soul stage and he had not yet broken through, she would personally drill Cui Hao.

Those words were naturally nonsense.

What kind of monster was Yun Li? She was a pure cultivation maniac, a character far more ruthless than Second Senior Brother.

Any pill Second Senior Brother dared to pop, Yun Li dared to pop too.

Cultivation retreats that Second Senior Brother didn't dare attempt, Yun Li treated like taking a nap.

Against such a cultivation maniac with obviously outstanding talent, Cui Hao naturally couldn't out-compete her.

Anyway, when Yun Li broke through to the Nascent Soul stage two years ago, Cui Hao managed to avoid Eldest Senior Sister's drilling by arguing fiercely and invoking their Master's authority.

Naturally, Eldest Senior Sister didn't let him off easily.

When Cui Hao left, he received a notice from Eldest Senior Sister—if she reached the Soul Formation stage and Cui Hao was still not at the Nascent Soul stage, then their Master's ultimate pill-feeding method would be waiting for him.

At the time, Cui Hao treated it as a joke. What a joke, Eldest Senior Sister was underestimating him too much.

Back then, Cui Hao, who was already at the late Golden Core stage, was full of confidence, feeling it would be a piece of cake.

But obviously, breaking through realms wasn't just a matter of piling up cultivation base to achieve perfect success.

A forced, unstable breakthrough was naturally not allowed, and Cui Hao wasn't that stupid either.

It was just... what should he do this time?

Cui Hao planned to seek Third Senior Sister's protection first. After all, with over a decade of working together, Third Senior Sister had long developed a good sect camaraderie with him.

He said in a mournful tone, "Eldest Senior Sister was joking, right? What kind of talent does she have, and what kind of talent do I have? Compared to her, I'm somewhat inexperienced. It would be an unfair victory for her."

Chen Baiqing glanced at him. "If Eldest Senior Sister finds you pleasing to the eye, then naturally she was joking. But if you have a little grudge with her..."

"Damn it!" Cui Hao subconsciously cursed in a low voice, then immediately followed up, "Third Senior Sister, I've been running errands for you hand and foot, which is why my cultivation progress was slightly delayed. You have to speak up for me."

"You should have said that earlier." Chen Baiqing nodded in satisfaction. "When we get back, I'll report this to Master and have him send someone else, lest I delay the progress of the great genius Cui. I couldn't bear such a massive sin."

Cui Hao's eyes widened. "Senior Sister, that's not what I meant..."

"Whether it is or isn't doesn't matter," Chen Baiqing interrupted him. "I know very well how your progress is going, and you know in your heart whether you've been slacking off in your cultivation."

"Go back to the sect and have a good drill with Eldest Senior Sister. Once you enter the Nascent Soul stage, only then can you roam freely in this world."

As Chen Baiqing spoke, she stepped toward the teleportation array.

Cui Hao followed closely behind, speaking earnestly, "Third Senior Sister, save me! From now on, Master will like you the absolute best in the world, okay?"

Chen Baiqing didn't even turn her head. "There is no need for you to repeat a fact."