The Knowledge Chen Baiqing Learned

In the side hall.

Jiang Zhiming, who possessed the trait of being silver-tongued, wore an expression as if bathed in spring breeze, his demeanor radiating the joy of meeting a kindred spirit.

Never had he expected a true disciple of the Tianyan Sect to speak so pleasingly.

"Brother Jiang! I feel like we’ve been friends for years at first sight!" Chu Xingchen said with genuine sincerity. "After just this brief conversation, I can’t help but think someone of your talent is truly wasted in the Qingfeng Sect!"

Jiang Zhiming waved his hand lightly, his expression earnest.

"To have been nurtured by the sect leader and granted the position of elder is already an exceptional promotion. I dare not ask for more."

"Truly admirable, Brother Jiang! Such noble integrity!" Chu Xingchen exclaimed with admiration. "It’s only a pity we didn’t meet sooner."

Jiang Zhiming’s face brightened with delight, though he humbly waved off the praise.

The satisfaction derived from flattery varied depending on who delivered it.

If a starving beggar on the street lavished praise, calling you a prodigy destined for greatness, you’d suspect he only wanted a handout.

But if a titan of commerce earnestly told you, a penniless nobody, that he regretted not meeting you earlier and that you were bound for success—

You’d simply think: He’s absolutely right!

Different people offered different emotional value. In Jiang Zhiming’s eyes, Chu Xingchen—a Tianyan Sect true disciple who had even outmaneuvered the Qingfeng Sect leader—was akin to that very titan.

Chen Baiqing sat beside Chu Xingchen, listening to their mutual flattery before studying her master closely.

Then, as if enlightened, she nodded to herself.

So this is how it’s done… Pleasant words speed up bonding.

Chu Xingchen gave a slight nod before speaking candidly:

"Since Brother Jiang treats me as a gentleman, I shall be frank as well."

Jiang Zhiming’s expression turned serious. "Please speak freely, Brother Chu."

"My main purpose here is to oversee the Qingfeng Sect’s construction efforts. After all, this matter…"

Chu Xingchen left his sentence hanging, offering Jiang Zhiming a knowing look—allowing him to fill in the blanks.

Jiang Zhiming sighed in understanding.

"As the newly appointed reception elder, I have no authority over this matter. The most I can do for Brother Chu is make an introduction."

"Ah, Brother Jiang," Chu Xingchen said solemnly. "I would never put you in a difficult position. A simple introduction to point me in the right direction is all I ask—just so I’m not left floundering in the dark."

"The rest I’ll handle myself. Why would I ever make you the villain?"

Then, as if struck by sudden realization, Chu Xingchen’s tone turned indignant:

"Brother Jiang, why would you doubt me like this? Do you truly think so little of our bond? Or do you take me for some scheming opportunist?"

Faced with this barrage, Jiang Zhiming was left speechless under Chu Xingchen’s wounded gaze.

I merely stated a neutral fact—how did we end up here?

After a long pause, Jiang Zhiming hastily clasped his hands in apology.

"I meant no offense, I assure you!"

"Truly?"

"Absolutely."

Chu Xingchen’s expression softened. "Then I misunderstood Brother Jiang."

When someone refused you, apply pressure. When they complied, offer a small reward.

Repeat this a few times, and they would naturally gravitate toward acquiescence.

After all, people were creatures of habit, always leaning toward the path of least resistance.

And so, a subtle psychological seed was planted in Jiang Zhiming’s mind.

Chen Baiqing watched her master curiously, then glanced at Jiang Zhiming, who exhaled in relief.

Again, she nodded in realization.

So this is what Master meant to teach me… Got it.

Later, Jiang Zhiming introduced Chu Xingchen to Elder Wang, the sect’s financial overseer.

With Jiang Zhiming setting the tone, the three conversed amicably.

Elder Wang assured them he would prioritize quality control.

Chu Xingchen didn’t press further, exchanging only a few pleasantries before wrapping things up—much to Jiang Zhiming’s relief.

After a brief tour of the sect, they parted ways with laughter and smiles.

At the Qingfeng Sect’s mountain gate, Chu Xingchen clasped his hands.

"Meeting Brother Jiang has been the highlight of my visit here."

Jiang Zhiming echoed the sentiment. "The honor is mine. The thought of parting already weighs on my heart."

Chu Xingchen nodded, moved.

"No need for sorrow. I’ll return tomorrow."

"Ah?"

"Hm?" Chu Xingchen tilted his head. "Brother Jiang isn’t pleased?"

Jiang Zhiming quickly shook his head. "Of course not! I’ll prepare a warm welcome for your return."

Satisfied, Chu Xingchen bid farewell once more before leading Chen Baiqing away.

Watching their retreating figures, Jiang Zhiming sighed deeply.

Chu Xingchen was reasonable, his words like a balm—but occasionally…

Well, nobody’s perfect. At least today went smoothly.

His position as reception elder seemed secure for now.

Just as he relaxed, Jiang Zhiming turned to find the Qingfeng Sect leader standing nearby, staring at him with piercing eyes that seemed to say:

Xiao Jiang… care to explain?

——

On the road back, Chu Xingchen asked Chen Baiqing:

"Little Baiqing, what did you learn today?"

After a moment’s thought, she answered firmly:

"One must wear two faces—kind to the face, ruthless behind the back."

Chu Xingchen blinked. "Where did you get that?!"

Chen Baiqing lifted her chin, hesitated, then admitted:

"Right after we left, Master called Elder Jiang an idiot who’s easily fooled."

Chu Xingchen took a deep breath.

"Forget that part. What else did you learn?"

"That it’s fine to trick fools without guilt?"

Struck speechless, Chu Xingchen looked down at her innocent eyes and couldn’t bring himself to scold her.

"Good… but not the lesson I intended."

Chen Baiqing nodded seriously. "Then what was Master teaching me?"

"To think thrice before acting, to beware those who deceive, and to guard against treachery!"

Another nod of understanding, followed by her earnest observation:

"So Master is the ‘bad example’ Senior Sister mentioned?"

"…Today never happened. You learned nothing. Erase it all."

Defeated, Chu Xingchen quickened his pace toward their new sect location.

——

Meanwhile, Li Yingling studied the construction plans with concern.

"Junior Brother, do you think Master might corrupt Little Sister?"

Li Xingtian measured the land before replying:

"Master would never. Even he has his limits."

Just then, a cheerful voice called out:

"Sister Yingling!"

Li Yingling turned around with a puzzled gaze, only to see Ning Qianqian among the group of laborers, dressed in coarse hemp clothes and carrying an axe, her face lit with joy as she waved at him.

Standing right beside her was Ning Qianqian's father, his expression equally fervent as he watched the two of them.