A max-level player in Jade Dynasty: Awakening the Innate Dao at the start.

Morning light streamed through the carved wooden windows of Shoujing Hall, cutting bright patches of light onto the bluestone floor.

Within the light spots, fine dust particles drifted slowly, like some lazy, living creature.

Four dishes and a soup were laid out on the bamboo table.

Stir-fried bamboo shoots; the bamboo shoots are freshly sprouted spring bamboo shoots from the back hill.

Peel off the outer skin, take only the tenderest core, slice it thinly, stir-fry it quickly in hot oil, and sprinkle a pinch of fine salt before serving.

The bamboo shoot slices were crisp and had a pale yellow luster like jade.

Stir-fried cured pork with bracken fern: The cured pork is a mix of lean and fatty meat, sliced ​​thinly, and fried in a pan until the oil is rendered out, giving it a glossy sheen.

The bracken fern was picked by Tian Ling'er on the back hill yesterday; it was so tender you could squeeze water out of it.

Stir-fry it together with cured pork; the salty aroma of the cured pork blends with the slightly bitter taste of the bracken.

It lingered in the air with an alluring scent.

Braised crucian carp; the fish was caught by Song Daren from the mountain stream early in the morning.

The pieces, about the size of a palm, have their scales removed, are pan-fried until golden brown on both sides, then drizzled with sauce and slowly stewed.

The broth had thickened to a rich, glossy, dark brown color, and the fish skin was slightly curled up, revealing the snow-white fish meat underneath.

There was also a dish of cold wood ear mushrooms, which were soaked in spring water until softened, then mixed with minced garlic, vinegar, and a few drops of sesame oil.

Finally, there was a large bowl of tofu and mushroom soup. The soup was milky white, the tofu was so tender it seemed to tremble, and the mushrooms were thinly sliced ​​and floated in the soup.

Tian Ling'er picked up a slice of bamboo shoot, put it in her mouth, and her eyes immediately narrowed: "Mmm—delicious!"

Her cheeks were bulging, like a squirrel stealing food.

Her chopsticks kept moving; she picked up cured meat and fish.

He tasted a bite of everything, then sighed contentedly.

"Xiao Fan, if you go down the mountain and open a restaurant in the future, you'll definitely make a fortune."

Song Daren kept his head down and ate his rice, the rice in the bowl decreasing at a visible rate.

He Dazhi ate slowly, but his chopsticks never stopped.

Wu Dayi mumbled as he ate:

"Now that our sixth junior brother has come down the mountain, our stomachs are finally saved."

Zhang Xiaofan didn't say anything, he just ate his meal quietly.

He ate slowly, chewing each bite carefully, but the food in his bowl steadily decreased.

On his shoulder, Little Grey squatted, its paws clutching a piece of fish, its mouth glistening with oil as it ate.

At my feet, Big Yellow was lying down, with a bamboo bowl in front of it.

The bowl contained rice mixed with fish bones, which it ate with a loud "slurping" sound.

Su Ru picked up a piece of fish belly meat for Tian Buyi.

He also tasted a piece of bamboo shoot and nodded:

"Xiao Fan's cooking skills are truly impeccable."

Tian Buyi grunted in response, took a bite of rice, and suddenly said:

"After dinner, I need to go to Tongtian Peak. My senior brother, the sect leader, has sent word that he has something to discuss with me."

He paused, then looked at Su Ru: "And you?"

Su Ru put down her chopsticks and wiped her mouth:

"I'll take Ling'er to Xiaozhu Peak."

Senior Sister Shuiyue sent a message a few days ago, saying she missed Ling'er.

Tian Buyi frowned: "Going again? Didn't you just go last month?"

"You know how much your senior sister dotes on Ling'er."

Su Ru smiled.

"Besides, Ling'er hasn't seen Wenmin in a long time, let the two girls have a chat."

Tian Buyi didn't say anything more and continued eating.

Su Ru's gaze shifted and landed on Zhang Xiaofan: "Xiaofan, come along too."

"cough--"

Song Daren choked on a mouthful of food and coughed violently.

He Dazhi quickly patted his back, while Wu Dayi stared wide-eyed at Su Ru.

Tian Ling'er was also stunned, her chopsticks stopping in mid-air.

Zhang Xiaofan raised his head, his face expressionless, but a hint of doubt flashed in his eyes.

Xiaozhu Peak is the only one among the seven branches of the Qingyun Sect that is entirely populated by female disciples.

The sect has strict rules, and male disciples are strictly forbidden from setting foot here.

Even the heads of various factions cannot enter casually unless there is something urgent to attend to.

Su Ru was well aware of everyone's surprise.

She picked up her teacup, took a sip, and then slowly said:

"Senior Sister Shuiyue has heard about Xiaofan's situation."

"What is it?" Tian Ling'er asked.

"Three months, Jade Purity Realm Level 3."

Su Ru put down her teacup and her gaze fell on Zhang Xiaofan.

"Senior sister doesn't believe it. She said that even Senior Brother Wan Jianyi back then didn't have this speed."

She wanted to see for herself if the child was truly that miraculous.

The hall fell silent.

The only sounds were the "smacking" of Big Yellow licking the bowl and the "crunching" of Little Gray gnawing on the fish bones.

Tian Buyi put down his bowl, wiped his mouth, and looked at Zhang Xiaofan: "Want to go?"

Zhang Xiaofan thought for a moment and nodded: "I will follow my master's wife's arrangements."

When the Ink Snow Sword was drawn, it brought with it a sliver of cold, clear light.

The sword is slender and long, and its entire body is as black as ink.

But there was a thin, silvery-white line along the spine of the sword, like a snow line streaking across the night sky.

Su Ru leaped onto the sword, and the Ink Snow Sword dipped slightly before settling firmly.

She turned around and looked at Tian Ling'er and Zhang Xiaofan: "Come on."

Tian Ling'er offered up the Amber Crimson Silk.

The crimson ribbon unfurled, and she lightly leaped onto it, then reached out her hand to Zhang Xiaofan.

Zhang Xiaofan didn't answer.

He pulled the black fire poker out of his pocket.

The stick felt warm and heavy in my hand.

A thought struck him, and the staff emitted a faint bluish-gold halo, then hovered three feet above the ground.

He jumped up and stood firm.

On his shoulder, Little Gray gripped his collar tightly, its tail wagging excitedly.

Su Ru glanced at the fire poker, said nothing, only said, "Stay close."

Three streaks of light shot into the sky.

The Ink Snow Sword led the way, its light as cold and clear as moonlight.

The trailing flame was silvery-white, like a shooting star streaking across the night sky.

In the center, the amber silk was as red as blood, dazzlingly bright under the sunlight.

The fire poker... barely managed to emit a dull, grayish light; the bluish-gold hue was very faint.

It was almost invisible, blending into the sheen of the black stick itself.

Xiaozhufeng is not far away.

After flying for about half an incense stick's time, a verdant mountain range appeared ahead.

There were no bamboo trees on the peak, only all sorts of flowering trees—peach, plum, apricot, and cherry.

It was the season for flowers to bloom, and from a distance, the entire mountain peak looked as if it were shrouded in a pink and white cloud.

When you get close, you can smell the fragrance of flowers carried on the wind.

It's not just one scent, it's a blend of countless floral fragrances.

It's a little too sweet, yet it has a refreshing, minty coolness to it.

The three landed on the plaza at the summit.

The square was paved with white jade, so smooth it was like a mirror, reflecting people's images.

At this moment, several hundred female disciples stood neatly in the square.

They were all dressed in identical moon-white Taoist robes, holding long swords in their hands, practicing swordsmanship.

The sword flashed like snow, and the robes fluttered in the wind.

Hundreds of people moved in perfect unison, thrusting, picking, chopping, and flicking, each movement carrying a certain rhythmic beauty.

The sounds of longswords cutting through the air merged into one, like silkworms eating mulberry leaves, making a rustling sound.

The sound of swords clashing stopped the moment the three landed.

All the female disciples turned their heads at the same time, and hundreds of eyes shot over and focused on Zhang Xiaofan.

The air froze for three breaths.

Then, with a "boom," it exploded.

"man?!"

"How could a man go up Xiaozhu Peak?"

"That's... a fire poker? A royal fire poker?"

"Is that a monkey on his shoulder? Can you bring a monkey up a mountain?"

The murmurs rose up like a tide, buzzing incessantly.

The female disciples whispered among themselves, pointing and gesturing, their eyes filled with curiosity.

There was surprise, but also undisguised scrutiny and... vigilance.

Standing at the edge of the square, Zhang Xiaofan felt those gazes piercing his body like needles.

He gripped the fire poker tightly; the warmth emanating from the poker calmed him down a little.

At that moment, a woman wearing a light blue dress walked out from the crowd.

She appeared to be in her early twenties, with delicate features and gentle eyes.

His eyes were calm, and he possessed an imposing aura that commanded respect without anger.

She walked up to Su Ru, bowed slightly, and said, "Wenmin greets Martial Aunt Su."

The sound was clear and melodious, like water from a mountain stream striking jade.

Su Ru smiled: "Wenmin, it's been a long time."

Wen Min straightened up, turned her gaze to Tian Ling'er, and a genuine smile appeared on her face:

"Junior Sister Ling'er, you've grown taller again."

Tian Ling'er hopped over and grabbed her hand:

"Senior Sister Wenmin! I miss you so much!"

Wenmin patted her hand, and then her gaze finally fell on Zhang Xiaofan.

She sized him up for two seconds, her brow furrowing almost imperceptibly.

But his tone remained polite: "And this junior brother is...?"

"My junior brother!" Tian Ling'er answered quickly, her voice filled with barely suppressed pride.

"Zhang Xiaofan! After three years of training, he has reached the sixth level of the Jade Purity Realm!"

"..."

The square fell silent once again.

This time it was truly deathly silent.

All the female disciples stared wide-eyed, mouths agape, as if they had heard something utterly unbelievable.

Wen Min's expression froze; she stared at Zhang Xiaofan.

His pupils contracted slightly, and his fingers gripping the sword hilt tightened, his knuckles turning white.

Three breaths later, she took a deep breath, her voice trembling slightly:

"Junior Sister Ling'er, what...what did you say?"

"Sixth level of the Jade Purity Realm!"

Tian Ling'er repeated it, raising her chin.

"My junior brother reached the third level in three months and the sixth level in three years! Amazing, right?"

Wenmin didn't say anything.

She looked at Zhang Xiaofan with a complex expression, like a spilled palette of colors.

Shock, doubt, inquiry, and finally a profound, indescribable... newfound respect.

She has cultivated for over twenty years, and is only at the sixth level of the Jade Purity Realm.

And this boy in front of her, who looks no more than fifteen or sixteen years old, has caught up with her twenty years of hard work in just three years?

Zhang Xiaofan felt a little uncomfortable under her gaze, so he looked away and pretended to be observing the female disciples in the square.

Upon taking a closer look, his heart skipped a beat.

Little Bamboo Peak... truly lives up to its name.

The moon-white Taoist robes were very loose, but when worn by these female disciples, their curves were still visible.

They come in all shapes and sizes, tall and short, fat and thin, but without exception, they all have great figures.

When practicing swordsmanship, the movements are fluid, the waist twists, and the legs take long strides.

The hem of the Taoist robe fluttered up, occasionally revealing a section of pale ankle.

Senior Sister Wenmin... well, she's managed her figure well; she has everything she should have and nothing she shouldn't.

Suddenly, the description of Lu Xueqi from the original novel popped into Zhang Xiaofan's mind—"Naiqi".

He quickly shook his head, trying to banish the inappropriate thought. But a slight smile still crept onto his lips.

Little Bamboo Peak, or perhaps it should be called... Big Bamboo Peak?

"cough."

Wenmin's cough brought him back to reality.

Her face regained its composure, but the base of her ears turned slightly red, clearly indicating that she had noticed Zhang Xiaofan's scrutinizing gaze.

She turned to the side and gestured "please": "Uncle Su, Master is waiting in the main hall."

The group crossed the square.

Wherever they passed, the female disciples automatically made way for them.

But his gaze remained fixed on Zhang Xiaofan, as if he were looking at some rare animal.

Whispers swirled in the air like mosquitoes:

"Is he the one who went up to the third floor in three months?"

"It looks pretty ordinary..."

"What's with that firewood stick?"

"The monkeys are so cute..."

Zhang Xiaofan followed Su Ru forward without looking to the side.

The main hall is built at the highest point of the peak, with upturned eaves and carved beams and painted rafters, making it much more magnificent than the Shoujing Hall on Dazhu Peak.

The temple doors were open, and the interior was somewhat dimly lit. You could see the statue of a deity enshrined in the center, with wisps of smoke rising from the incense burner.

Just as I reached the entrance of the hall, a clear, cold female voice came from inside:

"Su Ru! You heartless bastard! How long has it been since you last came to see me?"

As soon as the voice fell, a woman in a moon-white Taoist robe strode out from inside.

She looked to be in her early thirties, and was extremely beautiful.

It's beautiful yet a little cold, like a snow lotus on a high mountain, only to be admired from afar.

He has long, slender eyebrows and eyes, a straight nose, and thin lips that are pressed into a straight line.

Her skin was as white as porcelain, and in the dim light of the hall, it shone with a jade-like luster.

What's most striking is her figure.

The Taoist robe was tailored to fit perfectly, with a slender waist.

Downwards, her hips were round and full; upwards, her chest was bulging, stretching her Taoist robe into a breathtaking curve.

When walking, her waist sways gently, like willow branches swaying in the wind.

It carries a certain languid yet deadly charm unique to mature women.

Shuiyue Zhenren.

She walked a few steps to Su Ru and grabbed her hand.

Her eyes, however, glanced at Tian Ling'er behind her, and the icy expression on her face instantly melted away.

A genuine smile appeared on his face: "Ling'er! Come here quickly and let your master take a look!"

Tian Ling'er rushed over and was pulled into her arms.

Master Shuiyue stroked her head, his eyes so tender they seemed to overflow with affection.

"You've grown even more beautiful. Your figure and face are more attractive than your mother's back then."

Su Ru laughed and scolded, "Senior sister, what nonsense are you talking about?"

"Did I say something wrong?" Master Shuiyue raised an eyebrow before turning her gaze to Zhang Xiaofan.

She looked him up and down, from head to toe, her eyes so sharp they seemed to be able to scrape off a layer of skin.

After looking at him for a while, she nodded: "Hmm, he has a decent appearance and clear eyes, unlike some of the ugly children raised by short, fat men."

Su Ru sighed, "Senior sister..."

Master Shuiyue ignored her and continued to look at Zhang Xiaofan, her tone scrutinizing:

"You're Zhang Xiaofan, the one who went from three months to the third floor?"

Zhang Xiaofan bowed and said, "Disciple Zhang Xiaofan greets Senior Uncle Shuiyue."

Shuiyue Zhenren hummed in agreement and took half a step forward, getting closer to him.

She had a faint, cool fragrance about her, like plum blossoms after a snowfall—clear, refreshing, and very pleasant.

"I heard you're at the sixth level of Jade Purity now?" she asked.

"Yes."

"Three years, six floors."

Shuiyue Zhenren repeated it, her eyes fixed on him.

"My most outstanding disciple from Xiaozhu Peak, Lu Xueqi, only reached the fifth level after three years. You are faster than her."

Zhang Xiaofan remained silent.

Master Shuiyue then asked, "How did your short, fat master teach you?"

Zhang Xiaofan thought for a moment, then raised his head, looked at Shuiyue Zhenren, and said seriously:

"Master taught his disciples to cultivate diligently and practice assiduously, and to be down-to-earth."

But after seeing my senior master today, I feel that Master has overlooked one thing in his teaching.

"Oh?" Master Shuiyue raised an eyebrow. "What did you miss?"

Zhang Xiaofan took a deep breath and said, word by word:

"My master didn't tell me that this world..."

There are indeed women who are so beautiful that they take your breath away, and whose figures are so good that you can't take your eyes off them.

Meeting my senior master today has truly broadened my horizons.

"..."

Dead silence.

Su Ru's smile froze.

Tian Ling'er stared wide-eyed, her mouth agape.

Wenmin stood at the palace gate, her fingers digging into the door frame, screaming inwardly:

How dare you?! How dare you speak to your master like that?!

The expression on Shuiyue Zhenren's face went from scrutiny to doubt to understanding, and finally froze completely.

She stared at Zhang Xiaofan for a full five breaths.

Then, he squeezed out two words through his teeth:

"Fieldwork is not easy."

Zhang Xiaofan looked completely innocent: "Uncle-Master?"

Master Shuiyue took a deep breath, his chest heaving violently, his Taoist robe stretching so much it was about to tear.

Her eyes were icy cold, like two icicles, as if she wanted to nail Zhang Xiaofan to the ground.

"Thick-skinned."

She concluded that every word was like it had been pulled from an ice cellar, "just like your master."

Zhang Xiaofan lowered his head, his shoulders trembling slightly.

It's not fear.

It's about suppressing a laugh.