If You Can, You Do It

Chen Baiqing did not receive any guarantees from Li Xingtian.

It was not that Li Xingtian was unwilling to make a promise, nor was it that Chen Baiqing lacked the means to make her Second Brother give his word.

After Chen Baiqing finished speaking and poured another cup of tea for Li Xingtian, she stood up and took her leave.

Her Second Brother had cared for her a great deal since she was young. If Chen Baiqing forcefully demanded a guarantee, Li Xingtian naturally would not be able to refuse.

But doing so would be somewhat taking advantage of her Second Brother.

Her Second Brother had always valued relationships and loyalty, and he took promises seriously, especially toward people from their own sect.

Leaving some leeway for her Second Brother meant that if he truly did not help her, it would be because he encountered pressure that even he could not withstand.

Rather than making her Second Brother struggle painfully in his heart, it was better to let him tell the truth.

Chen Baiqing naturally understood this and would not harbor any complaints or dissatisfaction afterward.

Stepping out of the courtyard.

Chen Baiqing's goal was also extremely clear.

The fact that Wu Wang did not come today was not actually because he could not hold his composure, as Eldest Senior Sister had judged.

Rather, he had already made his choice.

Even someone as smart as Eldest Senior Sister could easily misjudge the situation without knowing the available intelligence.

Wu Wang had already chosen another path—perhaps he was still conflicted at this very moment.

What Chen Baiqing needed to do was continue reminding Wu Wang: Eldest Senior Sister would not really let things go to extremes. If Wu Wang did nothing, then only failure would await him.

Therefore, Wu Wang had to take the initiative to act and make arrangements.

Only if Wu Wang actively accelerated the process could he render all of Eldest Senior Sister's calculations useless.

After all, Eldest Senior Sister sometimes failed to understand that human nature is inherently self-serving. Sometimes, people would abandon all bottom lines for the sake of their desires.

Even the Buddhas sitting high on their pedestals were like this, let alone a Buddhist Son who had not even fully comprehended his cultivation.

Eldest Senior Sister's journey thus far had been even smoother than their Master's.

To some extent, she had become a bit too conceited.

Tianyan Sect, We Are a Loving Family Peak.

Compared to when all the disciples were present, the peak now seemed much more deserted.

Even Qinghe rarely visited the We Are a Loving Family Peak because Li Yingling and Cui Hao were not around.

Even San Dong said that the tree Luoyue left behind was finally about to birth a tree spirit, so she began dedicating herself entirely to nurturing it and rarely showed her face.

However, liveliness had its benefits, and tranquility had its own charm.

Chu Xingchen rested his face on one hand, his gaze fixed on Xie Lingyu, who sat across from him.

Xie Lingyu felt a bit uncomfortable being stared at, but she kept a straight face and did not speak.

Lady Lingyu... Chu Xingchen suddenly called out.

Hearing this, Xie Lingyu somewhat reluctantly looked toward Chu Xingchen.

Chu Xingchen raised an eyebrow with a lazy expression:

Lady Lingyu, right now there is no one else around on the entire Loving Family Peak. You cannot just take this opportunity to take advantage of me.

Xie Lingyu's expression grew even more dissatisfied.

What did he mean by taking advantage of him? And this Lady Lingyu—since when did Chu Xingchen ever treat her like a lady of high status?

On the surface, this sentence sounded like a rejection from Chu Xingchen, but having heard it dozens of times, Xie Lingyu had long understood its true meaning: Lady Lingyu, there is no one around right now, so why aren't you coming over to give me a kiss?

Did the current Chu Xingchen look anything like a Master?!

Xie Lingyu made up her mind that no matter what, she would not let Chu Xingchen get his way today, lest he push his luck in the future. She decided to cleverly change the subject:

As their Master, aren't you worried about your disciples over in the Southern Jambudvipa?

Chu Xingchen replied in a rather nonchalant tone:

If they teamed up, they could even sell me out. Why would they need me to worry about them?

Are you sure? Xie Lingyu looked suspicious. Weren't you worried about them, which is why you sent Li Yingling to the Southern Jambudvipa?

Chu Xingchen withdrew his playful expression and said calmly:

I sent Yingling because I was worried about Baiqing. I have read every letter the Xuanqing Heavenly Sect sent back regarding Chen Baiqing, and I have formed my own judgment.

Baiqing has grown up enough to want to make her own decisions. As her Master, I naturally have to give her that opportunity. But as her Master, I also have to set a bottom line for this opportunity.

Freedom is a good thing, but Baiqing also needs to understand that freedom does not mean acting without scruples.

Sending Yingling means she can act as a safety net. She has the capability and composure to suppress Baiqing, or at the very least, bring Baiqing back to me. I could not leave this to Xingtian. If that boy does not get smooth-talked into joining Chen Baiqing, it would already be considered an improvement for him.

Another reason is to let my disciples see that they should not think they are the only favored children of heaven who can stir up storms and arrogantly take things for granted.

Hearing this, Xie Lingyu felt genuinely curious and asked:

Are you referring to the Buddhist Sect?

Chu Xingchen sighed softly, then shook his head with a hint of helplessness.

Xie Lingyu was even more puzzled and asked directly:

Then who are you talking about?

Chu Xingchen did not speak. He merely reached out and gently tapped his own cheek, his meaning abundantly clear.

Xie Lingyu instantly became a bit annoyed:

Did you say all that just to pique my interest and demand a reward?!

Lady Lingyu does not actually have to know, does she?

Chu Xingchen!

I am here.

Looking at Chu Xingchen's slightly smug expression, Xie Lingyu sighed helplessly in her heart and said straightforwardly:

Hurry up and tell me.

Naturally, it is Teacher Li. Chu Xingchen said indifferently. Merely implementing the new policies probably is not enough for Teacher Li to become a Sub-Sage. The new policies are just the first step on her path to becoming a Sub-Sage.

Although Li Yingling's letter mentioned that Teacher Li is only compiling enlightenment books—and on the surface, that is true—Li Junzi has probably seen the situation clearly during this time.

With Li Junzi's personality, if she did not genuinely feel she could control the situation, she would not have accepted Zhao Xuan's invitation. After all, the grand trend of the world is built on blood and dry bones.

That is why I had Luoyu express her thoughts and let Zhao Xuan extend the invitation, instead of directly taking Li Junzi to the Black Tortoise Kingdom.

Regardless of who is pushing this matter forward right now, the one who will ultimately control the situation will definitely be Li Junzi.

This time, besides their Master, it is time for someone else to teach them a lesson.

Xie Lingyu listened with deep emotion and slowly nodded in agreement:

I just do not know... where the situation will ultimately lead.

Chu Xingchen spread his hands:

Where the situation will head, and what roles my disciples will play in the midst of it, is indeed impossible to predict. I can only wait for them to return. Whether they should be punished or rewarded can only be decided then.

However... Chu Xingchen paused, then continued, Isn't it time for Lady Lingyu to fulfill her promise?

Xie Lingyu said righteously, What did I promise you?

Chu Xingchen did not speak; he just stared at Xie Lingyu with a profound gaze.

Xie Lingyu was thin-skinned. Even though she interacted with Chu Xingchen a lot, she really had not picked up a certain someone's thick skin.

However...

In truth, she would not really be losing out.

Because in anything, as long as you like it, it is not a loss.

Xie Lingyu leaned her face forward.

Eh... Lingyu, why are you stretching your neck so long?

Xie Lingyu's body stiffened, and her gaze shot toward the direction the voice came from.

Bai Xuanling stood with her arms crossed, her eyes filled with curiosity and pleasant surprise as she sized him up. Her remark was a glaringly obvious rhetorical question.

Chu Xingchen shot her a look of utter disdain.

"Of course we're being affectionate! If you're so capable, why don't you stick yours out too!"

Zap!

"Wait! Sister, let's talk this out! I haven't recovered from my severe injuries yet!"

"We can talk later! Eat my fist first!"