"Fellow cultivators, long time no see."
Chen Ye glanced around at the few Outer Sect disciples. These young men looked awkward, never expecting that the loose cultivator they had teased not long ago would suddenly become a steward.
One of the disciples wore a smile plastered on his face:
"Steward Chen, earlier it was I who failed to recognize Mt. Tai, I was disrespectful, please forgive me! A small token, nothing much, but please accept it as a congratulatory gift from a fellow cultivator."
As he spoke, he took a small jade box out of his storage bag and stuffed it into Chen Ye’s hands without further ado.
The other disciples also came forward one by one, either offering apologies with cupped hands or presenting small gifts.
Chen Ye looked at the overly enthusiastic Outer Sect disciples and then at his hands, now full of various jade boxes and small bags, feeling both amused and helpless.
He was not one to hold grudges, and the minor disputes from before had long been forgotten.
After all, one doesn’t hit a smiling face.
Chen Ye accepted the congratulatory gifts one by one and exchanged polite words with everyone.
It was then that Li Qiuyun finally made her way through the crowd and stood before Chen Ye.
Known for her cold demeanor, she had a slightly flushed face as she gave a respectful salute to Chen Ye, her voice tinged with a rare shyness:
"Steward Chen, congratulations on passing the assessment..."
She paused and finally mustered the courage:
"According to sect’s rules, the newly promoted steward can designate an Outer Sect disciple to assist and guide them in getting acquainted with sect affairs. Li Qiuyun, though unworthy, is willing to serve Steward Chen. I wonder... if Steward Chen would agree?"
Upon hearing this, not only did Junior Brother Liu’s expression change dramatically,
but even the surrounding Outer Sect disciples looked at Chen Ye with eyes full of envy and jealousy.
Who was Li Qiuyun?
She was the famous ice beauty among the Outer Sect disciples!
Not only was she beautiful with a proud figure, but she was also at the sixth layer of Qi Cultivation, only twenty-three years old, and on the verge of breaking through to the late stage of Qi Cultivation.
Whereas Chen Ye had truly become a steward, Li Qiuyun was sooner or later bound to enter the Inner Sect, with limitless future prospects, not something a Spirit Plant Master steward could compare to.
Moreover, though it was merely as an accompanying disciple,
during this period, the two would have intimate contact for three months, which already made many Outer Sect disciples envious.
Notably, Senior Sister Li was usually cold and indifferent, rarely speaking more than necessary, even when teased by disciples with intentions...
Chen Ye naturally noticed the unfriendly eyes around and Junior Brother Liu’s glare, almost spitting fire.
But he just smiled slightly, his gaze falling on Li Qiuyun’s slightly anxious and expectant face.
In truth, he had a favorable impression of Li Qiuyun.
Of course, the most important thing was that he owed Li Qiuyun a favor...
"In that case, I shall trouble Taoist Friend Li." Chen Ye said with a cupped hand in a smiling manner.
Upon hearing this, Li Qiuyun’s tense face immediately blossomed into a delightful smile, like the first thaw of snow in spring.
That smile made some nearby male disciples’ hearts ripple.
Junior Brother Liu took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing his discontent.
So be it.
Senior Sister Li is merely accompanying for three months.
With her nature, it’s impossible for anything ambiguous to happen with someone old enough to be her father.
"Taoist Friend Chen, let’s return to the station first; it’s too crowded and not a place for conversation. Oh... Taoist Friend Chen seems to be allowing Qiuyun to accompany him? Then let Qiuyun come along as well."
A steady voice interrupted Junior Brother Liu’s fanciful thoughts.
The speaker was none other than Steward Tian.
The crowd dared not delay and quickly paid respect to Steward Tian.
Steward Tian nodded slightly, with a hint of approval in his gaze towards Chen Ye:
"Taoist Friend Chen, oh no, you should now be addressed as Steward Chen. Your performance in the assessment was truly eye-opening for Tian. In the future, should we have the leisure, I hope to exchange insights on Spirit Plants with Steward Chen more often."
Chen Ye replied politely: "Steward Tian, you flatter me. It was merely a stroke of luck for Chen. I shall need Steward Tian’s guidance in the future."
Steward Tian laughed aloud: "You’re welcome, you’re welcome. Let’s go; this place is not for lingering."
With that, he turned around first, leading the crowd towards the market.
The group left the bustling square, passed through a few cobblestone streets, and arrived at a secluded courtyard at the heart of the market.
This courtyard evidently belonged to the Lingyin Sect in the Yunxi District, and two late-stage Qi Cultivation disciples guarded the gate, greeting Tian Nong respectfully upon seeing him.
Steward Tian nodded slightly and led Chen Ye and the others straight inside.
The courtyard was quite spacious, paved with blue bricks, with a few green bamboo trees dotted around, creating an elegant and tranquil atmosphere.
Outer Sect disciples were already waiting there; seeing the group enter, they quickly stepped forward to guide them, arranging a tasteful guest room for Chen Ye and Li Qiuyun to rest temporarily.
"Steward Chen, Senior Sister Li, please rest here for a while," the guiding Outer Sect disciple said respectfully.
"Thank you," Chen Ye nodded in response.
Once the disciple withdrew, only Chen Ye and Li Qiuyun were left in the guest room.
The atmosphere became somewhat delicate.
After all, Li Qiuyun was a woman, and this was her first time alone in a room with a man. Despite her usually cold demeanor, her face couldn’t help but show signs of nervousness, her eyes somewhat evasive.
She secretly glanced at Chen Ye, seeing his expression as calm as ever.
Inwardly chastising herself for being petty, she took the initiative to break the silence: "Steward Chen, regarding today, thank you for not bearing grudges; Qiuyun is greatly indebted to you."
Chen Ye waved his hand, smiling: "Taoist Friend Li, you’re too kind. Since we are now fellow sect members, trivial matters are not worth mentioning. To be honest, I am the one who should thank you for being willing to assist. Otherwise, being new to the sect, I would have been quite lost."