Chen Ping's Sword

Recalling a book of ancient tales read on the island, Fang Qingzhu’s eyes flickered slightly.

...

"Miss Fang, Young Master Mu has come to visit. Do you think we should refuse him?"

A petite, sweet-looking girl about thirteen or fourteen years old walked over. She wore a lake-green dress, moving with a light and buoyant gait. Despite her age, there was a calm maturity in her demeanor, speaking with formality and poise.

"Oh, it’s Xiaoyuan. Did your master say not to see outside guests?"

Fang Qingzhu knew that this little girl should not be underestimated. Rumors had it she was a disciple of the Primordial Sect, yet unlike other disciples, she did not toil tirelessly for future prospects or social status by honing peerless skills.

Her greatest hope seemed rather laughable; it was merely to become the most capable servant girl at Chen Ping’s side, serving him well as her greatest dream.

As for martial arts and status, she didn’t seem to care much.

’Could someone really be born dreaming of serving others?’

In private, Fang Qingzhu couldn’t understand it.

Nevertheless, it didn’t stop her from respectfully acknowledging the girl’s aspirations. Without a word of persuasion, whenever Zuo Xiaoyuan was around, Fang Qingzhu would be on full alert.

Afraid of being maneuvered, since this girl was Chen Ping’s informant, moreover, a highly trusted one. Saying the wrong thing could lead to her reporting to Chen Ping later.

One must be careful when speaking to her.

"Miss Fang, my lord instructed before leaving that you are a distinguished guest, to be treated with the respect due a master.

Not to mention meeting guests, even if you wish to go out of town or travel afar, it’s not a problem. Just be careful on the road to avoid any worry for my lord."

Look at how considerate those words are, making it impossible to find fault.

Would you believe that half a year ago, this little fellow was a poor person fleeing and captured?

If her brother were still alive and saw his sister like this, he would surely feel immensely complicated, unable to utter a word.

"Alright, then please trouble Xiaoyuan to bring that Master Mu over. After all, it’s his fifth visit, and it wouldn’t be right not to see him."

After some thought, Fang Qingzhu reached into her personal incense bag, pulled out a bead the size of a thumb, and handed it over, smiling, "This is a Colorful Clam Fragrance Pearl. It has no other purpose, just helps clear the mind. Having it on during cultivation might have benefits, so I’ll give it to you for amusement."

For some reason, seeing Zuo Xiaoyuan like this, her heart was touched slightly.

If she hadn’t been picked up by her master from the island, no matter where she drifted, she might not have fared better than this girl.

Such is the unpredictable nature of life.

"My lord said it’s not appropriate to accept Miss Fang’s precious gift."

Zuo Xiaoyuan appeared troubled.

"Just accept it, it’s just a small trinket, nothing valuable. Xiaoyu and I are counting on you to prepare more tasty dishes for us."

Yes, Xiaoyuan was not only Chen Ping’s personal maid but also the deaconess of Cuihu Residence. Despite her young age, she was exceptionally capable, adeptly managing the entire household, earning prestige, a testament to her prowess.

Whatever dishes the kitchen prepares is naturally decided by her as well.

"Then I shall humbly accept it. Thank you, sister, for your generous gift."

Zuo Xiaoyuan smiled sweetly, gave a small bow, and swiftly walked out of the garden, quickly returning with a young, tall, sword-bearing Daoist whose face was as refined as jade.

The young Daoist smiled and performed a Daoist salute, "I’ve long heard that Miss Fang is staying at Cuihu Residence. I’ve been meaning to visit but haven’t had the opportunity. I’m sorry for intruding today, and I hope Miss won’t find Master Mu’s visit offensive."

This person had an extraordinary bearing, his Qi mechanism deep as an abyss, clearly a master himself.

This was evident from the Hidden Dragon List.

The June list naturally had Chen Ping, Hero Chen Righteousness Reaches the Heavens, unchallenged at the top of the Hidden Dragon List.

In theory, Chen Ping had already surpassed the Unity Realm, having reclaimed the land of the Three Prefectures and slain one hundred thousand Rushing Wolf Cavalry, taking control of one county and seven prefectures in Jiangnan, becoming a lord of the land. His ranking on the Hidden Dragon List seemed a bit misplaced.

Considering his ability to decimate a Celestial List grandmaster, Divine Master Duran, within a military array, placing him on the Hidden Dragon List now is, to some extent, disrespectful to him.

Secretly, the unpublished Wind and Cloud List of the Celestial List might have quietly placed Chen Ping on it.

Thus, it has made the Earth List quite awkward.

But the overseers of the Wind and Cloud List can’t be blamed. This session of the Hidden Dragon List was hard to arrange.

For those under the age of twenty-five, some have skyrocketed in strength beyond conventional comprehension.

Notably, Chen Ping is not even eighteen yet, regardless of the depth of his cultivation realm, his age speaks for itself, and his achievements are indisputable, impossible to obscure.

Without him on the Hidden Dragon List, the credibility of the list would be called into question.

Besides Chen Ping, the rankings of the many young experts on the Hidden Dragon List have changed, with the top rankings filled with many unfamiliar names.

For instance, Ji Mingyue, who now leaps to third place.

While Fang Qingzhu remains second.

As for the eighth place, a new name, Han Xiaoru, appears, without much notice.