Little Yuankong Leaves the Temple

The construction of the sect proceeded smoothly for the most part.

Initially, Li Xingtian oversaw the work, but later it became clear that Ning Kun, with his expertise, was better suited for the task.

Coupled with Ning Kun’s reputation for loyalty and righteousness, Chu Xingchen eventually appointed him as the foreman to oversee the construction of the True Martial Hall.

Chu Xingchen and Li Xingtian only occasionally dropped by to inspect the quality and progress.

Moreover, it was impossible to expect the Qingfeng Sect to fund the entire construction of the hall.

As long as the main structure was completed, they could figure out the rest gradually.

After all, Chu Xingchen had already reached the Nascent Soul realm, making him a pillar of strength even in the Central Continent.

Chen Baiqing’s talent was exceptional—not only had she mastered literacy, but she had also begun preparing to cultivate her foundational techniques, stepping onto the path of immortal cultivation.

The entire sect took a keen interest in Chen Baiqing’s initiation into Qi Refinement, so they decided to collectively guide and observe her progress.

There were still some spirit stones left from Xie Lingyu’s contribution, enough to set up a formation to help Chen Baiqing refine her Qi and lay the foundation for her cultivation.

Although the living quarters in the sect had been completed, the area was too noisy for Chen Baiqing’s first attempt at cultivation. Thus, she chose to practice in the courtyard house instead.

Inside the training room, which had been converted from a storage space, the three master and disciples watched intently as Chen Baiqing sat cross-legged on the bed.

As spiritual energy drifted from the spirit stones and was slowly absorbed into her body, a ripple of Qi emanated from her, prompting sighs of relief from the trio.

Li Yingling’s teaching methods were tailored only for geniuses like herself, so this time, she merely observed without participating in the instruction.

Chu Xingchen had some experience, having cultivated a bit herself, though her knowledge wasn’t particularly extensive.

The main responsibility fell on Li Xingtian, whose cultivation experience was rich. Though he had never taught anyone before, he could still draw parallels from his own practice.

Chu Xingchen excitedly patted her second disciple’s shoulder and said,

"Xingtian, well done! You’re definitely more reliable than your senior sister."

Seeing Chen Baiqing successfully refine her Qi, Li Xingtian nodded in satisfaction—at least he hadn’t let everyone down.

Li Yingling also gave her junior brother an encouraging pat on his broad shoulder. "Great job!"

Li Xingtian quickly returned the compliment, "It’s also thanks to Senior Sister’s solid foundational teachings."

If there was one thing he had truly learned from his master in this life, it was tact.

After all, under the influence of his senior sister and master, it was hard not to pick up some of their ways.

Once Chen Baiqing broke through to the first layer of Qi Refinement, the fluctuations of spiritual energy gradually subsided, and soon she opened her eyes.

She carefully sensed the faint traces of spiritual power circulating within her.

Extending her small hand, a wisp of pale purple spiritual energy slowly materialized in her palm.

With a hint of joy in her voice, she asked, "Master… is this spiritual energy?"

The weakest among the three observers was at the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment, so they might not have noticed Chen Baiqing’s faint purple spiritual energy otherwise—it was truly minuscule.

Li Yingling was the first to step forward, happily ruffling Chen Baiqing’s hair as she praised,

"Little Baiqing is also a cultivation genius! Well done!"

Chen Baiqing glanced at her master before remembering something and smiling.

"Senior Sister is the real genius. Baiqing still has a long way to go."

"Such sweet words!" Li Yingling grinned, pinching Chen Baiqing’s cheeks before adding, "Today, Senior Sister will take you out for some treats!"

Chen Baiqing nodded eagerly.

Her master’s teachings really worked!

Chu Xingchen watched the scene silently. Had her disciple just applied what she’d learned—and directed it at her senior sister, no less?

She didn’t intervene immediately, allowing Li Yingling to prepare to take Chen Baiqing out.

Just as Li Xingtian was about to return to his cultivation, his master called out to him.

"Xingtian, come with us."

Turning back, he saw his master’s unusually serious expression—far from her usual casual demeanor.

Li Xingtian nodded solemnly. "Understood, Master."

Li Yingling, holding Chen Baiqing’s hand, glanced curiously at her master and junior brother, sensing something unusual.

On the streets of Yuzhou City, Li Yingling led Chen Baiqing to a sugar painting stall, where the artisan was crafting a dragon-shaped candy.

As a child with a sweet tooth, Chen Baiqing adored candied fruits and sugar paintings.

Now, she watched intently as the artisan worked.

Once the sugar cooled and solidified, the artisan handed the candy dragon to Chen Baiqing.

"Here you go, little one."

"Thank you." Chen Baiqing accepted it politely.

Before she could take a bite, Chu Xingchen spoke up.

"Let Master have a taste."

Without hesitation, Chen Baiqing handed the sugar painting to her master.

Chu Xingchen took the lifelike candy and promptly devoured it in a few bites, leaving only the stick, which she returned to Chen Baiqing.

The little girl now held nothing but a bare wooden stick, yet her smile remained unchanged.

Li Yingling and Li Xingtian stared at their master in stunned silence.

Chu Xingchen lowered her gaze and asked, "Tell me, Baiqing—are you happy?"

Chen Baiqing glanced at her senior siblings, who remained quiet, before answering cautiously,

"Master… did I do something wrong?"

"Tell me—if I said I’d only take one bite but ate the whole thing, would you be angry?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because you’re my master…"

"And your senior sister isn’t your senior sister? You’ll grow, you’ll learn—good things and bad. But you must understand what knowledge to use with whom, and who will always stand by your side unconditionally."

Chu Xingchen’s tone was firm. "If the sect’s unity breaks, it can never be mended. Your senior brother and sister trust me not because of my cultivation level, but because they know I treat them as family—and they do the same for me."

"Baiqing, I know you’re a good child, but you’re still young. Sometimes it’s hard to distinguish right from wrong. You must think carefully."

After speaking, Chu Xingchen gently patted Chen Baiqing’s head and turned to the sugar painter.

"Make another one."

Chen Baiqing lowered her head slightly, her throat tight with unspoken words.

Her nose tingled with suppressed emotion as she timidly grasped the hems of Li Yingling and Chu Xingchen’s robes.

"Senior Sister…"

Li Yingling responded by gently holding her hand.

When Chen Baiqing looked up, she saw the same warm, sincere smile on her senior sister’s face.

Just as she was about to speak, Li Xingtian’s surprised voice broke the moment.

"Wait… Master, isn’t that the little monk from Zen Forest Temple?"

The four of them turned to see a young monk with a yellow cloth bundle on his back and a wooden staff, walking toward them from the far end of the street.

But their direction led out of the city—was Yuan Kong planning to leave the temple?

Had something gone wrong at Zen Forest Temple again?

The ever-curious Li Yingling suggested, "Should we go ask?"