When I woke up, the entire cultivation world was talking about my master.

As night deepened, the night view of the imperial city unfolded.

Palace lanterns floated in the air, ethereal mist wafted around them, and various colored lights rose and projected onto the dark sky, transforming into a flowing river of light that enveloped everything in a hazy atmosphere.

The number of cultivators coming and going was like clouds. Hua Ling stared at the lively scene, her eyes wide with amazement: "I thought... the palaces of your human race were all those shabby, godforsaken stone houses. I didn't expect them to be even more magnificent than sects."

The palace is not located on the ground, but rather, like a celestial palace in legend, it floats in the air and is shrouded in clouds and mist.

Chu Xianlan straightened her back and followed Yi Chen, looking around and sighing in her heart: No wonder Ji Cheng'an was so arrogant when he first came to Taiyi Sect. Growing up in a place like this, how could he be low-key?

"Master," he asked, turning his head, "have you participated in the Tianyuan Society before?"

Yi Chen replied, "No."

Chu Xianlan was initially surprised, but upon reflection, she realized it was normal; her master disliked such noisy occasions.

Why are you here again this time?

Could it be that because of the Life-Binding Gu, they cannot stray too far, forcing their master to reluctantly accompany them? It must have been incredibly difficult for him...

"You previously said that you wanted to travel with your master and broaden your horizons."

"The Tianyuan Gathering is held every ten years, and it's also an opportunity for the younger generation to broaden their horizons," Yi Chen said, looking down at his disciple. "Ten years ago, you were still young, so I didn't bring you. This is a rare opportunity, so I'll accompany you."

Upon suddenly hearing such a long passage, Chu Xianlan's wild thoughts that had just surfaced were shattered.

He seemed to have said those words... He couldn't even remember it himself, but his master actually remembered.

It turns out that when Master said "there will be other opportunities in the future," he wasn't just making excuses for him.

For a moment, Chu Xianlan's expression was somewhat blank.

"Just in time to keep you company."

Though late, the sarcastic tone arrived.

"You idiot! He means: Disciple, your master is so happy to be able to come out and play with you~" Hua Ling chuckled mischievously and leaned close to his ear to enthusiastically act as a translator.

"Don't talk nonsense." Chu Xianlan was disgusted and turned to poke her forehead.

"Yi Chen didn't object, so why are you getting so worked up about it?"

Hmph, she wasn't wrong.

Further in, it becomes a place that ordinary sect disciples and rogue cultivators cannot set foot in. Those who can enter here are mostly from prestigious families, the direct disciples of sects, or already famous cultivators.

As the two figures stepped into the hall one after the other, everyone sensed a remarkable fluctuation of spiritual energy, and the air seemed to pause for a moment.

Their gazes were drawn to each other simultaneously.

The first thing you see is the young man walking in front. He is tall and straight with handsome features. Even though he is still very young, his eyes and brows already reveal a calm and composed demeanor, as well as an extraordinary temperament like the bright moon and stars.

Half a step behind the boy, a tall figure stood dressed in white, with silver hair like frost. The dark cloak on his shoulders was like a drop of ink on a white cloud. Just walking was like a slowly unfolding ink painting scroll.

Countless eyes turned to them.

Nascent Soul stage... Ice Spirit Root...

This is Immortal Lord Jixue of the Taiyi Sect!

The primary purpose of the major clans participating in the Tianyuan Gathering is to make connections with powerful figures from major sects, paving the way for their clans' members. If they can gain the favor of a powerful figure and be accepted as a personal disciple, that would be even better.

Even though Yi Chen is in seclusion for many years, he can still be recognized whenever he appears.

"Immortal Lord Jixue! I've long admired your name!"

"We have long heard of the Immortal Lord's unparalleled beauty; to see him today is truly our great fortune!"

"Immortal Lord, so you've also come to participate in the Heavenly Origin Gathering..."

These people suddenly swarmed forward, startling Hua Ling. "Yi Chen, are you really that famous?"

Xue Ling covered her ears and simply burrowed into Chu Xianlan's clothes to hide.

Amidst the flattery and pleasantries, Chu Xianlan heard Yi Chen sigh beside her.

A thought struck him, and he was about to speak up to help his master out of the predicament, but before he could say anything, a middle-aged male cultivator dressed in luxurious clothes on his left had a sudden inspiration and, with a smile, steered the conversation towards him:

"This must be Immortal Lord Jixue's personal disciple! I've heard that you've already formed your Golden Core at such a young age, and you're a prodigy in both weapon and sword cultivation. I didn't expect you to be so outstanding in appearance as well. You're truly a handsome man."

Chu Xianlan: "..." Ah, this.

In an instant, the gazes of the powerful families shifted.

"Indeed! No wonder he is a disciple personally taught by Immortal Lord Jixue!"

"A clear vision, a solid foundation... a remarkable young talent, truly remarkable!"

A barrage of inappropriate compliments came crashing down on Chu Xianlan, making her feel extremely uncomfortable. She could only manage an awkward but polite smile.

This smile revealed the gentle shyness unique to young people.

This made the surrounding gazes appear even more benevolent.

A strange feeling arose in everyone's hearts.

"Young friend's temperament... well, it's exceptionally pure and immaculate!"

Chu Xianlan almost choked. Pure and innocent? Is that how you describe me?

"I can't take it anymore, hahahahaha, pure and innocent..." Hua Ling laughed so hard she rolled on the ground.

Chu Xianlan was already overwhelmed. She glanced at her master silently, but instead of seeing any impatience on his face, he remained calm and listened attentively.

Is "..." correct?

Just then, someone suddenly remarked, "Hey? Immortal Lord Jixue's jade pendant is quite extraordinary!"

Yi Chen slightly raised his eyes. "...You mean this jade pendant?"

The man had only offered a casual compliment, but to his surprise, he received a response, which delighted him.

Could this jade pendant be something special?

"Yes, yes, yes!" he quickly added, "The jade pendant is elegant in shape, the carving is exquisite, and the lotus flower entwined with a snake is incredibly lifelike!"

Yi Chen: "Mm."

"Wow... it's a high-grade ice-type magical artifact! Tsk tsk, it truly suits the aura of an immortal lord!"

Yi Chen: "Indeed."

Chu Xianlan listened from the side, her ears practically burning up.

What's going on? Why is Master chatting with him?!

The man vaguely sensed that the immortal lord intended for him to continue speaking, so he cleared his throat and tentatively asked, "If I may be so bold as to ask, where did the immortal lord find this jade pendant, this precious treasure?"

Yi Chen parted his thin lips slightly and said in a low voice, "Made by my own hands, disciple."

All around was quiet.

Immediately, countless hissing sounds of amazement rang out.

"So it was made by his esteemed disciple. Wow, the deep bond between master and disciple is truly touching and heartwarming."

"The immortal lord and his beloved disciple are a legendary tale in the cultivation world. Oh, speaking of legendary..."

Chu Xianlan's head was throbbing, and she wished she could disappear into a crack in the ground.

He was going crazy. This Tianyuan Association was something else entirely; he couldn't stand it for even a second longer!

Seeing that the atmosphere had been built up enough, everyone finally revealed their true intentions, casually saying, "Speaking of which, it seems that Immortal Lord Jixue only has one direct disciple, young friend Chu, right?"

"I wonder... if the Immortal Lord is interested in taking on another disciple, so that my young friend may have a junior sister or brother to keep him company?"

Upon hearing this, Yi Chen's previously composed expression noticeably cooled down.

He remembered the day Chu Xianlan misunderstood his intention to take on a disciple, and how she became flustered and incoherent, her eyes red-rimmed. His heart ached, and his last bit of patience vanished.

"No," he said. "Excuse me, Xianlan, let's go."

After saying that, he turned and left.

Chu Xianlan, who was already eager to escape, quickly followed, only to find herself followed by a devil who asked:

"—Ah, I wonder if young friend Chu has found a Daoist partner yet? Is there someone you admire?"

Many representatives of prominent families had a glint in their eyes.

Yes, that's the important thing too!

Even if one cannot become an apprentice, wouldn't it be a wonderful thing to form a marriage alliance with this young man who has a distinguished lineage and a promising future?

"Yes, yes! Young friend, you're only nineteen this year, aren't you? I happen to have a daughter in my family, eighteen years old, with a gentle temperament, and she's quite talented in alchemy..."

"Ah, Brother Li, you are mistaken! Finding a Daoist partner depends on fate, but even more so on shared interests. My nephew has exceptional talent in weapon crafting, and he and Xianlan are kindred spirits."

"Please wait, gentlemen. Marriage is a serious matter and should not be taken lightly. Why not let them get to know the young men of other families better first, and then discuss it further..."

Seeing that everyone was about to play matchmaker for him on the spot, Chu Xianlan took a deep breath and turned around with a stiff upper lip.

"I am deeply unworthy of your kindness, seniors. However, I am still young and my mind is entirely focused on cultivation. I have not considered matters of the heart at all. I hope you seniors will understand!"

His words were spoken with absolute certainty.

Yi Chen paused slightly and turned to look at him.