Watching the Mountain

After Ye Shu came out of seclusion, he only joined Xu Ran and Yue Qingyu for a single meal, which served as his greeting to Yue Qingyu. After that, he disappeared completely, holing up in the Scripture Pavilion. He left early in the morning and returned late at night, his figure nowhere to be seen.

Seeing this, Xu Ran was certain his nephew was overthinking things. He made a point of explaining the situation to him, telling him not to worry. He clarified that Senior Sister Yue was only staying for a short time and would be leaving soon.

However, Ye Shu replied very seriously that he really wasn’t overthinking it. The reason he left early and returned late was because his seclusion had caused him to fall behind in his study of the Tao Scripture.

His mother had instructed him to always persist in studying the Tao Scripture and comprehending its principles, no matter the circumstances. Now, he needed to make up for the time he had lost during his seclusion.

Xu Ran felt quite helpless about the situation.

"That boy has a gentle heart," Yue Qingyu remarked about Ye Shu.

Xu Ran explained with a hint of embarrassment, "That’s true, but sometimes he overthinks things. It’s a headache."

Yue Qingyu, however, was unfazed. She stated calmly, "There’s nothing strange about it. We are a man and a woman living alone together. It’s perfectly normal for others to let their imaginations run wild."

Xu Ran stared at her, slightly taken aback by her composure. "Doesn’t it bother you, Senior Sister?"

Yue Qingyu shook her head. "The judgment of others is merely a shackle one places on oneself; it has no real impact on the individual. We should focus on what we need to do. If we were to be bothered by this, then what would become of Little Xiyue?"

Xu Ran nodded slightly upon hearing her words. ’That certainly sounds like Senior Sister Yue.’

"I appreciate you going to all this trouble for Little Xiyue," he said gratefully.

Yue Qingyu waved her hand dismissively. "I’ve said it before. She isn’t just your disciple; she is also Xiaoque’Er’s child."

After a moment of silence, she looked at Xu Ran and asked, "You met my master before. What was your impression?"

At her words, the Sect Leader’s voice immediately echoed in Xu Ran’s mind. ’Truly worthy of being the one my disciple Qingyu recommended to the Sect!’

After a moment of silence, he replied, "I think I’m quite envious of the Sect Leader."

"Envious of what?" Yue Qingyu gave him a strange look.

Xu Ran replied in all seriousness, "I’m envious that the Sect Leader has such an outstanding disciple as you, Senior Sister."

’Being able to show her off to everyone he meets... That’s certainly something to be envious of.’

Yue Qingyu stared at him with a peculiar expression for a moment, then sighed softly and said, "Junior Brother, you’re being a bit irreverent."

"Huh?" Xu Ran sounded surprised and asked, baffled, "Is... is there a problem with that?"

’I was just envious that the Sect Leader could show off his disciple everywhere he goes. How is that irreverent?’

Yue Qingyu watched him in silence for a moment before shaking her head and smiling. "The name Master Vermilion Bird is far more renowned than mine these days. You are also someone many people envy, Junior Brother."

A flash of pride appeared in Xu Ran’s eyes. He nodded and smiled. "That’s true. Little Xiyue is my pride and joy."

Yue Qingyu smiled lightly at his words and said no more.

*

*

*

"Master Xu, I want to go to the New Domain."

Shen Wuchen rushed to find Xu Ran that day, speaking to him with a solemn expression.

This left Xu Ran stunned. The last time Shen Wuchen had gone to the New Domain, he had nearly died. He only survived because Ye Qingyue had risked her own life to block an attack for him.

Ever since then, he had been unwilling to return to the New Domain. In his own words, he preferred to just quietly focus on improving his cultivation. After all, combat had never been his strong suit.

Xu Ran never expected him to volunteer to go to the New Domain this time, which left him deeply puzzled.

"Why the sudden desire to go to the New Domain?"

Shen Wuchen replied with a serious look, "It’s not sudden. Recently, the pressure in the New Domain has skyrocketed because Senior Brother Zhang is going into seclusion for his breakthrough. Many sects have joined forces to attack us."

"Everyone says their goal is to pressure Senior Brother Zhang, to keep him from being able to focus on his breakthrough."

Xu Ran frowned. He had heard about this. Supposedly, the pressure in the New Domain was immense, and the Sect had already dispatched several Supreme Elders as reinforcements. Even more of the regular Golden Core Elders had been sent; almost all of those who had broken through via the Flying Immortal Stream had gone.

The Evergreen Sword Saint, Zhang Zhentian, had always been a bulwark for the Profound Pure Sect in the New Domain, deterring many forces that wished to compete with them.

Now that the Golden Core First Person was about to break through to the Nascent Soul Stage, these various powers were terrified. If he succeeded, their future in the New Domain would be grim.

Therefore, many forces had allied, hoping to hinder Zhang Zhentian’s breakthrough. If they couldn’t force him to return to the New Domain, they could at least exert some psychological pressure on him.

"Are you sure? It’s very dangerous. You know the current situation," Xu Ran asked, looking at Shen Wuchen.

Shen Wuchen nodded. "Senior Brother Zhang is my goal. If his breakthrough fails, how will I ever defeat him?"

Xu Ran stared at his determined expression and fell silent for a long while before finally nodding. "I understand. In that case, make sure you stay safe."

’He could sense Shen Wuchen’s resolve. He wasn’t asking for permission, just informing me. He would go whether I agreed or not.’

But just as Shen Wuchen was about to respond, a voice suddenly cut in, interrupting their conversation. "I’ll go."

Hearing the unexpected voice, Xu Ran and Shen Wuchen turned to see an exceedingly ordinary-looking young man with an unremarkable presence walking toward them, one step at a time.

The newcomer was none other than Chen Chang’an. He walked up to Xu Ran and said, "Back during the war against the fiends, I said I would protect the Evergreen Sword Saint. That was my promise."

Then he turned to Shen Wuchen. "Your goal is to break through to the Divinity Transformation Stage. You shouldn’t concern yourself with other matters. Besides, your cultivation is at the Nascent Soul Stage. Your participation would only escalate the situation, making it even more dangerous."

Both Xu Ran and Shen Wuchen fell silent, staring at the man who had appeared out of nowhere.

"What are you two staring at me for? This isn’t some private affair between you two; it’s a major event concerning the entire Sect. I’m a member of the Sect. And if we’re talking about seniority, I joined long before you did. Isn’t it only right that I be the one to act?"

Without waiting for either of them to react, he looked at Shen Wuchen and said, "I came here for you. Fight me. When we’re finished, I’ll head to the New Domain."

*

*

*

Chen Chang’an and Shen Wuchen’s battle took place on a deserted island a thousand li from the Profound Pure Sect. The fight lasted for half a day, with no clear winner.

However, Shen Wuchen found it incredibly taxing. It was the most difficult battle he had fought since reaching the Nascent Soul Stage—even more arduous than his previous fight against the Evergreen Sword Saint.

Because Chen Chang’an’s blade was simply too uncanny.

"Over the years, I’ve improved that Sword Technique. When you get stronger, I’ll perform it for you."

Chen Chang’an said to Xu Ran before departing with an effortless grace.