Immortality begins with raising apprentices

Chapter 193 Disciple's Heartbreak, Shuyao Arrives, Qi Refining Level Nine (8k)
Behind the mountain, by the pool.

Chen Ye lay on the rock with his arm as a pillow, squinting at the clear blue sky.

In his mind, the images of his two disciples were not static.

at first,

Back in the Yunxi Fang shantytown, his apprentice at that time left him with the impression of being gloomy, mysterious, and even... a little fearful. After all, the image of the "big villain" and "big savior" in the original game's storyline had left a deep shadow on him.

But as they got to know each other better,

He also realized that, no matter what the future holds, in the present moment, they are ultimately just two little girls.

Not only is he completely naive, but his mind is also still immature.

gradually,
Chen Ye then realized that his two disciples were nothing more than harmless little white rabbits, obedient and docile, posing no threat whatsoever.

Can……

Just then, he suddenly realized that this harmless little white rabbit was secretly watching him!

To be honest, this sent a chill down Chen Ye's spine and filled him with suspicion.

He wondered how much of Zhiwei's innocent appearance was an act.

Humans are always confused about things beyond their control.

Chen Ye was no exception.

"Ugh……"

He sighed heavily again, his voice tinged with bitterness.

Zhiwei, oh Zhiwei, what should your teacher do?

Behind me came the pleasant voice of my eldest disciple.

"Teacher...master?"

The girl with black hair spoke calmly, but there was a hint of excitement in her voice.

She wore a white dress, her black hair cascading down her back, exuding both cuteness and an inexplicable air of aloofness.

Holding a small food box, he said nonchalantly:
"Master, have you eaten yet? This is a dish that Zhiwei recently learned from Granny Li. It's said to be a specialty from Granny Li's hometown. If you don't like it, Master..."

She spoke softly for a long time, then suddenly sensed something was wrong. She saw her master looking at her with a cold expression.

"Master...Master?" Zhiwei felt inexplicably flustered.

"What is this?" Chen Ye waved the jade pendant in front of her.

"Master...are you hungry? I made you...I made you something to eat..."

"I have a question for you."

"This is Aunt Mao's jade pendant..."

"Oh, so it's Mao Qingzhu. Master will settle accounts with her later."

"..."

"Why don't you speak?"

"It has nothing to do with Aunt Mao, Master, listen..."

She wanted to explain, but her tongue seemed to be frozen.

Since accidentally discovering the mystery of this jade pendant, what started as mere curiosity gradually turned into an addiction, like drinking poison to quench thirst.

She hid by the pillow, listening to her master's sighs when he was alone, trying to guess his worries;

Listening to my master's footsteps as he went out, I worried about his safety...

These became her solace hidden by her pillow... She thought her master would never know.

Zhiwei hugged the food box tightly, her throat choked with emotion, and a thousand words were swallowed back.

"When did this happen?" Chen Ye stroked the jade pendant, his tone calm, yet it seemed to freeze the surrounding air. "Was it fun to spy on your teacher?"

"No...no, Master!" Zhiwei suddenly looked up, tears welling up in her eyes. "I...I just...just wanted to know what Master was doing, wanted to hear Master's voice more..."

Listening to this almost earnest explanation,

Chen Ye's thoughts were churning. He remembered how she followed closely behind him, and how she pretended to be asleep and casually clung to him in an intimate way...

These memories now felt like thorns, piercing his heart and chilling him to the bone.

This excessive attachment and voyeurism must be nipped in the bud!

A loving mother often loses her sons.

He was too indulgent in the past, which was a mistake on my part as a teacher.

The cultivation world allows no room for luck. Today she eavesdropped because of her attachment, but tomorrow she may make an irreparable mistake!

"Don't cry!" Chen Ye's voice suddenly became stern.

The stern voice, unlike anything she had ever heard before, instantly silenced Zhiwei's cries, leaving only soft sobs as she stared at him in terror.

What she feared was not her master's punishment, but the thought that her master would despise her from then on.

Although she was young, she knew that spying on others in the cultivation world was a major taboo!
Even between blood relatives, one must not cross the line, let alone between teacher and student.
Chen Ye expressionlessly untied a whip from his waist—a short whip about three feet long, entirely black, its blade neither leather nor tan, but rather seemingly made of metal and animal bone, and icy cold.

"Since you know fear, you should remember what is forbidden!" Chen Ye gripped the whip handle, his voice as cold as ice. "Stretch out your hand! Ten times!"

The familiar whip brought back memories of the past.

Even though she was not afraid of pain, the fear in her memory was a torment inflicted on her soul.

She trembled as she slowly extended her delicate, fair palm, spreading it upwards.

"Snapped!"

The first whip lashed down, swift as lightning!

Without any blood or flesh flying everywhere, the fine bone spikes on the whip seemed to be alive, instantly piercing the skin and bringing an excruciating pain!

The whip's shadow in memory overlaps with the whip's shadow in reality.

It felt like a direct hit to the very core of her heart!
"Well--!"

Zhiwei screamed, her body trembling violently. She seemed to be nailed to the spot, and her palms instantly became covered with dense, bright red pinprick-like blood spots. Her temples were soaked with cold sweat.

"...Do you know you're wrong?" Chen Ye paused, gripping the whip handle and looking at her coldly.

Master is heartbroken! He must be heartbroken!

Clever as she is, she noticed that subtle pause.

Suddenly, she didn't want to admit her mistake.

What's wrong?

If it were anyone else, who could resist listening?

This is human nature; it's an irresistible temptation!

How could I be wrong?!

“Zhiwei is right…” the black-haired girl blurted out without hesitation.

Unexpectedly, the anticipated forgiveness turned into a joke.

Without the slightest hesitation, the man casually asked a question and then continued to lash the whip with an iron will.

Snapped!Snapped!Snapped!
The crisp, sharp crack of the whip echoed around the pool, each strike accompanied by Zhiwei's agonizing groans, which were abruptly cut short.

His arm was twitching uncontrollably, his palm was a mess of red bloodstains.

The excruciating pain was like a demon gnawing at her, and her knees could no longer support her. With a thud, she collapsed onto the meadow, her black hair disheveled and plastered to her forehead, which was covered in cold sweat. Her small body trembled violently.

After ten lashes, Chen Ye put away the whip with a swift and decisive motion.

Chen Ye looked down at her and said coldly:
"This pain, can it penetrate to the bone? Today's pain is to remind you that spying on your teachers and harboring evil thoughts are major taboos in cultivation! Considering this is your first offense and your motives are still somewhat naive, I will only punish your palm today. If you commit this offense again... you will be expelled from the sect! Now, do you know you were wrong?"

Zhiwei shuddered violently. Expelled from the sect?!
The older girl raised her small face in disbelief, looking at her master through teary eyes. Enduring the excruciating pain, she choked out her reply with all her might:

"Oh... I... I understand... Your disciple... will never dare to do it again... Master..."

She felt utterly hopeless—her master… didn’t care about her at all.

If it were my master in the past, how could he... how could he bear to hit her? Let alone utter the words "expel her from the sect"...

The excruciating pain churned within my body, and the feeling of heartbreak was a hundred times worse than the physical agony.

She stared at the food box that had rolled to the side, the freshly baked pastries scattered on the muddy ground. These were the pastries she had practiced countless times to get Granny Li to nod in approval, and the joy she felt as she wanted to share them with her master...

Chen Ye sighed as he watched the older girl stagger and disappear into the depths of the path.

Today's punishment should teach her a lesson.

In his view, he had done nothing wrong.

Who hasn't been disciplined by their parents in their childhood?

In his mind, Zhiwei had made too many mistakes.

Firstly, it's about recklessly spying on him—no matter how deep the feelings are, Chen Ye has his own bottom line; he is not his disciple's slave.

Excessive attachment between the two is not a good thing—admittedly, it's a good thing for Chen Ye, but not for Zhiwei. Chen Ye doesn't want his disciple to become someone's appendage, not even himself.

The third one was a subtle reminder to Zhiwei.

You can do bad things, but remember not to get caught, otherwise the consequences will be unacceptable.

Today I've fallen into Chen Ye's hands, but it's only a few lashes; tomorrow I'll fall into someone else's hands...

The four... Without the four, there could never be the four...

Chen Ye shook his head and wrapped the whip back around his waist.

He never forgot that he was a mentor, and that he had not only the responsibility to take care of them, but also the responsibility to educate them.

Therefore, even though the bone-scraping whip had long since lost its use and was merely a low-grade first-level magic weapon, he always kept it wrapped around his waist to discipline his disciples.

Only pain can leave a lasting impression.

……

When Zhiwei staggered back to the courtyard, she was greeted by Qingjun's cheerful little face.

"Senior sister, senior sister! Look! Aunt Mao taught me how to make a flower wreath!"

The silver-haired little girl fluttered over like a butterfly, presenting Zhiwei with a slightly crooked wreath woven from vines and wildflowers, as if offering a treasure.
"So lovely!"

The little girl proudly straightened her back.

A beautiful senior sister, wearing a beautiful flower wreath, is absolutely stunning!
The kind of beauty that everyone loves!
But her senior sister's face was frighteningly pale, her lips were white, and she only managed a stiff smile: "Qingjun is really amazing..."

Although, I received praise from my senior sister.

But the little girl wasn't happy. She tilted her head and finally realized something was wrong:
"Sister?"

Suddenly, the senior sister lowered her head, her long, black hair obscuring all her expressions: "Senior sister is alright."

"Senior sister, what's wrong?" Qingjun panicked a little. She grabbed Zhiwei's hand, trying to get her to look up.

But the moment she touched Zhiwei's hand, her expression changed instantly.

The texture... feels off.

"Zhiwei?"

Mao Qingzhu, who was sitting at the stone table, also noticed the unusual situation. She put down her teacup and walked over slowly, her gentle and beautiful eyes falling on Zhiwei.

She was a Foundation Establishment True Person, and with just a little perception, she could sense Zhiwei's weakness.

"Zhiwei, let Auntie see your hands." She squatted down next to Zhiwei, her voice gentle.

Zhiwei subconsciously hid her injured hand behind her back, stubbornly shaking her head:
"It's really okay..."

But the more she acted this way, the more suspicious Mao Qingzhu became.

Without saying anything more, she reached out and grasped Zhiwei's intact wrist, then pulled out her small hand that had been hidden behind her back.

The moment that bluish-purple hand was exposed to the air.

Her pupils contracted: "What...what's going on?"

"Ah...it's...it's the bone-scraping whip!"

Qingjun's face was completely drained of color, and the injuries were too obvious. The dense, bright red, needle-like blood spots must have been from the bone-scraping whip!
Master, why did you hit my senior sister?
"Damn it, Senior Sister, I'm going to confront Master! He... he actually hit you..."

The little girl was very angry.

Although her intuition told her that her master wouldn't hit her senior sister for no reason.

But she just couldn't bear to see her senior sister get hurt!

Mao Qingzhu's expression also looked rather unpleasant.

What's going on, Yedi?

How could he be so cruel to a child who depended on him so wholeheartedly!
Even if Zhiwei made a mistake, this lesson is far too harsh.

With Zhiwei's intelligence, she could understand her master's good intentions with just a verbal instruction from Chen Ye. Why resort to corporal punishment?

Moreover,

Can a child like Zhiwei make mistakes?

She could understand if Qingjun made a mistake...

anyway,

Even if it involves some overstepping of boundaries, she still has to ask her questions!
……

[Grandmaster of Evergreen Kung Fu: 2708/3200]

"Phew, as expected, with the help of the pills, my cultivation speed is much faster."

Chen Ye swallowed a two-pattern Qi-Nourishing Pill.

Although it was only made from a low-grade first-order spiritual plant, its superior quality made it a considerable aid to Chen Ye, who was at the eighth level of Qi Refining.

in fact,

By simply consuming pills and cultivating, he could break through to the ninth level of Qi Refining in less than two months.

However, now that the Evergreen Technique is about to reach the Profound Realm, Chen Ye certainly won't be foolish enough to rely on his own slow cultivation.

Other than that,

To Chen Ye's surprise and delight, both his Body Reinforcement Technique and Geng Metal Qi advanced.

[Master of Body Regeneration: 2/1600]

[Geng Metal Qi Master: 5/3200]

Chen Ye broke through the Heavy Body Technique when he whipped Zhiwei. However, for Chen Ye now, the difference between the Heavy Body Technique and the Master Technique is not significant.

It only slightly enhanced the strength of the body, making it roughly comparable to a body cultivator at the fifth level of Qi Refining.

As for the Geng Metal Qi, it was a pleasant surprise for Chen Ye. After breaking through to the Grandmaster level, its power increased significantly. A single wisp of Geng Metal Qi was equivalent to the spell of a Qi Refining Stage 7 cultivator.

It may not sound powerful, but Chen Ye can unleash dozens of Gengjin Qi at once, which is equivalent to dozens of Qi Refining Stage 7 cultivators casting spells simultaneously!
Although it poses little threat to cultivators at higher levels.

However, it is very effective at eliminating miscellaneous soldiers.

When Tao Lin was assassinated, Chen Ye was able to use his Geng Metal Qi to quickly kill those cultivators with low cultivation levels, thus avoiding being surrounded and killed.

"Everything has settled down... at least temporarily. I need to take advantage of the month that Sister Qingzhu is staying in Linsong Valley to break through to the ninth level of Qi Refining as soon as possible. That way, even if Sister Qingzhu leaves, having the strength of the ninth level of Qi Refining will be enough to face most threats."

After a moment's thought, Chen Ye decided to spend the next month in seclusion trying to break through to the ninth level of Qi Refining!

"I'll be at the ninth level of Qi Refining soon... I'm not far from Foundation Establishment!"

Just as he made his plan and prepared to begin a new round of arduous training, a sharp sword light approached from afar and landed by the pool.

Chen Ye felt a blur before his eyes.

Then a white fluffy ball of fur came rushing towards him like a tiger pouncing on its prey, and flew straight into his arms.

A pair of delicate white hands instantly gripped his neck tightly and shook him violently.

The little feet, suspended in mid-air, weren't idle either, kicking and thrashing about wildly:

"You wicked master, why are you bullying my senior sister!"

Qingjun, looking like a pufferfish about to explode with rage, clung to him and questioned him aggressively.

"You brat! When did it become your place to tell your disciple what to do?" Chen Ye feigned displeasure.

This is actually why he hardened his heart... He had been far too indulgent with his two disciples.

In other master-disciple relationships, it is only natural for a master to discipline his disciple, and who would dare to object?

Even if I break my disciple's leg, no one will blame me!
"No...that's not how it is..."

The little girl's eyelashes fluttered, and her eyes gradually became confused.

Her master's nonchalant tone... Listening to her master's dissatisfying reprimand, she vaguely sensed something was amiss.

Even if... even if Senior Sister really deserves to be hit, does Master not care at all about Senior Sister's feelings after hitting her?

"What's wrong?" Chen Ye reached out and lifted the little girl down, then lightly flicked her forehead. "The bone-scraping whip hurts, but it won't damage your body. Just bear with it and it will pass. Don't worry, I know what I'm doing and won't really hurt your senior sister."

Qingjun was so caught up in her own thoughts that she forgot all about settling scores with her master.

Her soft eyebrows were furrowed together.

She felt something was wrong. Master, it was as if you were covering something up.
"Brother Ye..."

Mao Qingzhu murmured, feeling the same way.

Ye Di is a person who is always cold and aloof to outsiders but gentle to insiders. He doesn't seem like the kind of person who would be so ruthless as to whip Zhi Wei.

His behavior today seems to have been triggered by something, which is why he acted so irrationally.

What's even stranger is that
She seemed to sense a kind of fear from Ye Di. What was he afraid of?
The two little dumplings looked at each other, understanding each other perfectly.

"Sister Qingzhu, I know you don't understand."

Chen Ye sighed sadly, his tone bitter.

"However, this matter concerns Zhiwei, and I cannot explain it to you in detail."

“Even if Zhiwei made a mistake…” Mao Qingzhu tried to persuade her.

“It’s not as simple as making a mistake,” Chen Ye interrupted.

Mao Qingzhu choked for a moment, then said, "Do you know how smart Wei is..."

“It’s precisely because she’s so intelligent that she made this mistake.” Chen Ye’s eyes were deep. “She probably thought that even if this matter were exposed, it wouldn’t be a big deal, and perhaps… she was even looking forward to my reaction after it was exposed… No, at the last point, perhaps I’m just overthinking it…”

Mao Qingzhu was completely speechless.

Regardless, she was ultimately an outsider, and asking one more question was already the limit. Given Chen Ye's resolute attitude, pressing further would be her overstepping her bounds.

"By the way, Qingjun, how has your cultivation been lately?" Chen Ye suddenly changed the subject and looked at the little girl.

"Eh...eh..."

The little girl shrank her neck and replied instinctively.
"With Master's pills, my senior sister and I are cultivating very fast now. In another month, we should be able to reach the sixth level of Qi Refining!"

Chen Ye nodded: "That's right. I hope that you can all break through to the late stage of Qi Refining within a year. Hmm, maybe you can even break Sister Su Su's record."

Bai Susu achieved foundational cultivation at the age of nineteen, a feat that ordinary people could only dream of.

However, if the two disciples can reach the seventh level of Qi Refining around the age of eleven, breaking this record will be just around the corner.

"Damn it... Master, why are you still asking about cultivation? Shouldn't you be concerned about Senior Sister?"

The little girl then realized that the topic had been changed again, and annoyed that she had answered too quickly. She puffed out her cheeks and said seriously.
"Master, why are you asking about cultivation right now? You should be comforting Senior Sister! If you go, she definitely won't be sad anymore!"

"Once you embark on the path of cultivation and your cultivation level has reached the fifth level of Qi Refining, you are a cultivator."

Chen Ye's voice was calm.

“Cultivators defy the heavens and fight against fate, so why should they need comfort from others in every situation? Besides, she herself sowed the seeds of this bitter fruit.”

He wanted to reach out and ruffle Qingjun's hair, but the little girl turned away in a huff, quickly slipping behind Mao Qingzhu and peeking out half her head:

"Hmph! Master is so mean!"

“Alright, alright… Master is bad. That’s why Master can’t always protect you. You’ll have to learn to adapt to life without Master sooner rather than later.” Chen Ye smiled.

Qingjun paused, wanting to continue cursing her bad master, but her throat felt blocked by something, and she could no longer speak.

Master... is really bad.

……

Since that confrontation by the mountain stream, the Linsong Valley has fallen into an unprecedented silence.

Chen Ye kept his word and actually began a month-long period of seclusion and arduous training.

He entrusted all affairs within the valley to Duan Ling and his two subordinates, while he himself completely disappeared from everyone's sight, focusing wholeheartedly on breaking through the bottleneck of the ninth level of Qi Refining.

Fortunately, after spending a month painstakingly managing Linsong Valley, Chen Ye no longer needed to pay attention to everything there; otherwise, he really wouldn't have had time to cultivate.

Mao Qingzhu didn't understand his heartless nature, but she was helpless. All she could do was channel all her heartache into taking meticulous care of the two children.

Qingjun was still as loud and boisterous as ever, but she would always sneak up to her master's meditation room when no one was looking. However, she didn't dare to disturb him and could only stand there silently for a while before quietly leaving.

Zhiwei, on the other hand, remained as silent as ever.

Since that day, she has completely shut herself off.

Apart from her daily cultivation, she no longer spoke or stepped out of her room.

Time passes slowly.

More than half a month has passed in the blink of an eye.

The sky was clear and the air was crisp on this day.

A blazing sword light landed at the entrance of Linsong Valley.

The newcomer was thin and frail, accompanied by a timid little girl.

"I, He, have come to pay my respects to Steward Chen."

He politely clasped his hands in greeting towards the protective array at the valley entrance.

Soon, the formation silently opened a gap.

Duan Ling came out from inside and, seeing that it was He Qi, showed a hint of surprise on his face: "Fellow Daoist He? What brings you here?"

This person was none other than He Qi.

Under the rule of the Lingyin Sect, He Qi could be considered one of the most prominent figures among the independent cultivators.

Six years ago, he had already reached the eighth level of Qi Refining and possessed considerable combat power.

Among independent cultivators, they are among the few who have the potential to establish their foundation.

"Hehe," He Qi chuckled, "It's been a while since I've seen Deacon Chen, and I've been thinking of him, so I came to pay my respects. I wonder... if Deacon Chen is available?"

Although He Qi said so, Duan Ling understood in his heart.

Who would come to visit, especially with their daughter?

He glanced at Xiao Shuyao.

Little Shuyao was very shy. When she saw a stranger looking at her, she clutched the hem of her clothes with her little hands and said in a voice as soft as a mosquito's buzz, "Uncle Duan... Uncle Duan."

"Haha... a few years have passed in the blink of an eye, and Shuyao is almost a grown-up young woman."

Duan Ling laughed somewhat awkwardly. He was only in his early twenties, yet he was being called "uncle"...

After greeting He Shuyao, Duan Ling turned to He Qi, a troubled expression on his face:
"To be honest, Fellow Daoist He, the steward... has been in seclusion for nearly a month and has not yet emerged."

"Retreat?"

Upon hearing this, He Qi was shaken to his core.

He knew that a year ago, Chen Ye was just an ordinary rogue cultivator.

Now that he has gone into seclusion, he must be trying to break through to the ninth level of Qi Refining!
This……

Upon further reflection, He Qi understood. He remembered that Chen Ye's concealment technique was extremely advanced and could easily deceive him.

Perhaps, back in Yunxi Workshop a year ago, this guy had already concealed his cultivation level!

He Qi thought about it more and more and it made more sense, because in his impression, Chen Ye was the kind of cultivator who was extremely cautious, so it was normal for him to play dumb to take advantage of others.

Just as the two were talking, a gentle voice came from behind them:
"Since you are Yedi's guest, please come in."

Duan Ling turned around and saw Mao Qingzhu approaching gracefully. She addressed He Qi politely, saying, "Fellow Daoist, you have come from afar. My brother Ye is currently in seclusion. As his sworn sister, I am here to entertain you. I hope you will not find it offensive."

"A Foundation Establishment cultivator?!"

He Qi was startled again when he saw the slender woman with a thin veil over her face.

Who is this Foundation Establishment cultivator?
She's supposed to be my sworn sister, living in Brother Chen's Linsong Valley, she's probably not his girlfriend...

This Brother Chen is truly skilled!

He Qi was genuinely impressed and greeted her warmly: "Oh, so you're Brother Chen's sworn sister! We're all family!"

Mao Qingzhu was secretly embarrassed and annoyed. This bastard was making faces and knew he was no good!

Please don't let him lead Yedi astray.

Although... although Ye Di is bad enough.

She was only supposed to stay in Linsong Valley for a month, yet he went into seclusion!
Although Mao Qingzhu was slightly displeased with He Qi's overly familiar attitude, he was still Ye Di's friend. She maintained a gentle and proper smile and invited He Qi and his daughter into the inner valley courtyard.

After serving the spiritual tea, He Qi exchanged a few pleasantries with Mao Qingzhu, his words full of admiration for Chen Ye and flattery for Mao Qingzhu, his "sworn sister," his posture extremely humble.

“Senior,” He Qi put down his teacup, his expression turned serious, and he finally revealed the true purpose of his trip, “To be honest, I have come here today to ask you for a favor.”

"Please speak freely, Fellow Daoist He," Mao Qingzhu said calmly.

He Qi sighed, a solemn look on his face: "Having cultivated for so long, I feel that I have reached the bottleneck of Qi Refining. I want to venture into the depths of the Three Thousand Mountains, do some dangerous business, and gather some resources in order to prepare for the opportunity to establish my foundation and lay the foundation for my daughter."

Foundation building requires much more than just Foundation Building Pills.

If Foundation Establishment Pills could create Foundation Establishment cultivators in large quantities, there would be Foundation Establishment cultivators as numerous as dogs in the world.

Upon hearing this, a knowing glint flashed in Mao Qingzhu's beautiful eyes.

The path to Foundation Establishment is fraught with difficulties and dangers, and for independent cultivators, it is even more so a matter of life and death. It is normal for He Qi to have such thoughts.

He Qi continued, "However... this journey is fraught with danger, and I am not entirely confident of success. The only thing I am worried about is my little daughter, Shuyao."

As he spoke, he affectionately patted his daughter's head beside him. The little girl, who had been keeping her head down, trembled slightly upon hearing this and gripped her father's clothes even tighter.

“Therefore,” He Qi stood up and bowed deeply to Mao Qingzhu, “I humbly request that Deacon Chen take care of my daughter. I will repay this kindness handsomely upon my return from the Three Thousand Mountains! Regardless of whether this is successful or not, I will never forget the kindness shown to me by Deacon Chen and the senior!”

His words were earnest, filled with the worries of a father.

Mao Qingzhu looked at him, then at the girl beside him who looked like a frightened fawn, and her heart softened.

She thought that Lin Song Valley was now well-equipped and safe. Taking care of another child would be a simple matter.

Moreover, He Qi is a top expert in the late stage of Qi Refining. If he successfully establishes his foundation in the future, he will be a great help to Ye Di.

Even disregarding these interests, the fact that He Qi entrusted his daughter to Chen Ye shows that the two have a very good relationship.

Judging solely from their friendship, I should agree on behalf of Yedi.

Thinking of this, she no longer hesitated and said gently, "Fellow Daoist He, you flatter me. Since you are Yedi's friend and your daughter is also our family, you can rest assured that Shuyao will stay in the valley."

"Thank you, senior!"

Upon hearing this, He Qi was overjoyed and bowed repeatedly.

He pulled his daughter aside, gave her a few words of advice, and then, turning back every few steps, transformed into a streak of crimson sword light and sped off towards the Three Thousand Mountains.

"Uh……"

The little girl in front of me was beautiful and lovely, with big eyes like a fawn submerged in water, timid and endearing.

Mao Qingzhu liked her very much, but seeing Xiao Shuyao's frightened appearance, which was about to cry, she didn't know how to approach her for a moment.

She tried to soften her voice and showed what she thought was her kindest smile: "Shuyao, don't be afraid. From now on, this will be your home."

But Xiao Shuyao just buried her head even lower, and her small body trembled even more violently.

This continued for several days in a row.

No matter how gentle Mao Qingzhu was or how many novel gadgets she brought out, He Shuyao just hid in a corner, silent, like a frightened rabbit.

Even the lively and outgoing Qingjun, who tried several times to pull her into playing together, was scared away by her terrified eyes.

The atmosphere in the entire inner valley became increasingly subtle because of this new little guest.

Mao Qingzhu, a dignified Foundation Establishment cultivator, was completely helpless in the face of such a defenseless little girl, and couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

Raising children is such a difficult thing... How exactly did Ye Di manage to teach his two disciples so well?
Just when Mao Qingzhu was at her wit's end, on this day, a powerful surge of spiritual energy suddenly rose into the sky from the direction of the back mountain!

That spiritual pressure, pure and condensed, instantly swept across the entire Linsong Valley!

"This is... the ninth level of Qi Refining?!"

Mao Qingzhu suddenly stood up, her beautiful eyes filled with surprise.

"Brother Ye...he's out of seclusion!"

"Yes. I'm out of quarantine."

A figure in blue appeared silently in the courtyard.

After a month of seclusion, his aura became increasingly calm and restrained, and his eyes shone with a sharp light as he opened and closed them.

"Uncle Chen... Uncle Chen..."

A faint, almost inaudible voice was heard. Chen Ye turned around and his expression froze.
"Shuyao, what are you doing here?"

　Thank you to readers 20240122013350582 and Elvisua for the 100 coins!

　　I took my first day off today, and I'll take my second day off tomorrow.
　　
　
(End of this chapter)