"In my entire life, I, Chen Ye, have acted with integrity and honesty; I am not one to cling to the powerful! No more nonsense!"
Chen Ye spoke sternly, with righteous authority.
The young girl was taken aback by his sudden seriousness but quickly realized he was distancing himself from the topic.
She couldn’t help but softly scoff, her cheeks slightly flushed, "Who said it was about you? Uncle Chen, don’t take it personally. I was just remarking that Guardian Zhao has high standards and ordinary people aren’t worth her time."
"That’s better then."
Chen Ye let out a sigh of relief, but then something felt off.
Why did this girl seem to be hinting at him?
As he looked into the bright, smiling eyes of the young girl, he shook his head helplessly.
Forget it, arguing with these clever little girls, he never comes out ahead.
Even Qing Jun often left him speechless.
The two chatted for a while longer, exchanging some interesting anecdotes from the sect and insights on cultivation.
Once they left Danxia Peak, Li Qiuyun finally took her leave:
"Uncle Chen, I’ll head back to Purple Cloud Peak first. My father is waiting for my report, and he’s been worried about you."
Chen Ye paused, remembering Li Yanfeng, who had taught him the Flying Sword Technique in his early days.
But now, just arriving at the sect, he was still entangled with many matters and couldn’t leave yet.
So, he smiled and said, "Once I wrap things up at Danxia, I’ll personally bring a gift and visit."
The young girl bit her lip slightly, her eyes shy, "You... you better not come!"
After saying this, she stepped onto her flying sword and transformed into a streak of light.
"Little brat, and you say Zhao Tong lacks manners, you’re not much better!"
Chen Ye muttered.
This girl, she doesn’t even want him visiting her home!
...
On the way, Chen Ye walked and stopped, admiring the scenery.
Occasionally, he ran into some old acquaintances from Yunxi District and stopped to chat warmly for a while.
Though there were many delays along the way, before long, he saw Luoli Courtyard just ahead.
"Wow... home already?"
Chen Ye felt a bit uneasy, hesitating for a moment.
After that unexpected event this morning, he had dodged Qing Jun and escaped directly to Danxia Peak, leaving him there for the entire day.
And knowing Qing Jun’s jealousy, she was likely seething all day long.
After spending so much time outside, he’d likely face quite the storm upon returning...
"Oh well, if it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be. If it’s not, I can’t avoid it. Besides, how can one maintain peace in the whole world when there’s no peace at home?"
Steeling himself, Chen Ye headed toward the small courtyard.
After all, it’s just a small test along the path to becoming the world’s top cultivator expert.
Unexpectedly,
As soon as he entered the small courtyard, it was exceptionally quiet, with no little girl waiting to confront him at the door.
He pushed open the gate and found the courtyard immaculately tidy.
By the stone table, Qing Jun sat obediently, with an array of exquisite Spirit Food in front of her, exuding a tantalizing aroma.
Upon seeing Chen Ye, she immediately jumped down from her stone bench and dashed towards him like a joyous little bird.
"Master! You’re back!" She hugged Chen Ye’s arm, looking up with a face full of glee, "Qing Jun knew Master worked hard today and specially prepared dinner for you! It’s all your favorites!"
Chen Ye shivered slightly, feeling uneasy at the little girl’s enthusiasm.
Could it be that Qing Jun poisoned the food? Once she rendered her master unconscious, she’d seek revenge?
He suspiciously glanced at the dishes on the table—they were indeed his usual favorites and seemed normal.
But... since when did this girl become so considerate?
Without giving him a chance to protest, Qing Jun pulled Chen Ye to sit by the stone table, eagerly serving him:
"Master, try it! Qing Jun spent the whole afternoon preparing this!"
Her big, bright eyes were full of anticipation, never mentioning anyone else.
Chen Ye couldn’t help feeling there’s more to the little girl.
Since she hadn’t poisoned it, could it be... had Zhiwei fallen victim?
It’s known that Qing Jun, from the original storyline, became the world’s number one demon, ruthless and vicious, targeting her senior sister and nearly killing her.
Feigning casualness, Chen Ye asked, "Where’s Zhiwei? Our senior sister should get to taste Qing Jun’s cooking too; we mustn’t waste it."
The little girl was dumbstruck, silently lamenting: Clearly, Qing Jun cooked the meal, but in the master’s heart, there’s only the senior sister! But she was the composed Qing Jun! She couldn’t show dissatisfaction in front of her master...
So, mustering all her strength, she managed to squeeze out a smile, "Senior sister is in the Quiet Chamber reading. Master, eat first!"
Chen Ye hesitantly glanced at the little girl.
Seeing her fair face almost scrunched up, glaring fiercely at him,
His hands trembled, stuffing a bite into his mouth, praising, "Delicious, delicious!"
Then the little girl finally beamed a happier smile.
Resting her chin in her hands, she leaned on the stone table, watching her master with happiness, "I’ve been with the Xu Family this past half year, and I must have starved Master thin, seems senior sister has been a bit neglectful; this half year, Qing Jun is determined to fatten Master up!"
What kind of talk is this...
Why does he sound like the disciple here?
Chen Ye’s heart felt a bit warm, just as he was about to speak, Qing Jun, as if predicting his thoughts, widened her eyes again:
"Master, don’t worry about senior sister. She says that as cultivators, we should be pure in mind and free from desires, not swayed by the cravings of food. Master, eat quickly, or it’ll get cold."
Chen Ye was at a loss for words, neither asking nor refraining from asking.
Under the intense gaze of the little girl, he had no choice but to keep eating.
It truly tasted good.
Since Yunxi District’s slum days, he only cooked occasionally; most of the time, Qing Jun eagerly took on the task.
Though Zhiwei cherished her junior sister, seeing her enjoy it so much, she couldn’t take that joy away from her.
Who would’ve thought that the little girl would get hooked on cooking?
It’s quite odd, considering she’s quite lazy but surprisingly passionate about cooking.