Speak of the devil, and he shall appear.
The next day, Pang Tianning summoned Chen Ye to the Peak Master Hall.
This wasn’t Chen Ye’s first time at the Peak Master Hall.
Compared to last time, Pang Tianning’s tone was more gentle: "Taoist Friend Chen, have you heard about the attack on Moon Rhinoceros Lake District by Demon Beasts?"
His face was full of worry, a look of heavy concern.
Chen Ye thought to himself: If it were only a normal Demon Beast attack, a Foundation Establishment Cultivator could guard it easily, why be so anxious?
There is likely more to the matter.
He remembered when Yunxi Lake District was attacked by Demon Cultivators, it started with Demon Beast assaults.
The Emotion Crossing Sect’s Supreme Emotion Crossing Technique excels at controlling emotions and desires.
Manipulating Demon Beasts is precisely their specialty.
He was pondering over numerous thoughts but maintained his calm demeanor: "I have heard about it. Is it that the Peak Master wishes to send me to Moon Rhinoceros Lake District?"
"Indeed. After all, most of the Herb Pavilion’s Guardians are skilled in Spirit Plants. Should you encounter a rare Spirit Plant, it’s good to have a Guardian to assess it."
Pang Tianning hesitated, as if he wanted to say more,
"Of course, you have just saved True Inheritor Bai and contributed greatly to the sect. If you are unwilling to go, no one will compel you..."
He naturally hoped Chen Ye would go to Moon Rhinoceros Lake District.
The Guardians of Herb Peak are either stationed outside or handling Spirit Plant duties within the sect.
Currently, the only one free was the convalescing Chen Ye.
Chen Ye asked seriously: "But I wonder if this Demon Beast incident was caused by Demon Cultivators?"
"Most likely... The Emotion Crossing Sect often instigates Demon Beast assaults on the Market, it’s not a rare occurrence."
Pang Tianning showed anger, he snorted coldly,
"These Demon Cultivators resort to vile tricks, disregarding the lives of market cultivators. This time, they even summoned Foundation Establishment Demon Beasts, accidentally gravely injuring our sect’s Guardian..."
Indeed it was the work of the Emotion Crossing Sect.
But hearing Pang Tianning’s words, such matters are quite common...
Hearing this, Chen Ye felt relieved.
He was worried that the Emotion Crossing Sect might suddenly attack Moon Rhinoceros Lake District, but as it’s a usual harassment, the risk isn’t high.
With this thought, Chen Ye nodded: "I understand. Since the sect has issued an order, it’s only right to comply!"
Pang Tianning was a bit surprised: "You truly wish to go?"
Chen Ye had another reason, but he couldn’t directly reveal it, so he smiled and said:
"The mission is arduous, surely the sect has a generous reward in store."
"I see..."
Pang Tianning laughed knowingly, he clapped his hands,
"Indeed, considering your recent entry into Foundation Establishment, you need a Magical Treasure. For this mission, the sect will grant you an exceptional Magical Treasure in advance!"
...
"Alright. I was just looking for a reason to see Sister Qingzhu."
After bidding farewell to Pang Tianning, Chen Ye pondered quietly.
He initially intended to meet Mao Qingzhu, and seek the Grotto Heaven within the Mao Family.
In any case, he needed to head to Moon Rhinoceros Lake District sooner or later.
Taking on the sect’s task this time would also yield a Magical Treasure, why not go for it?
A single Magical Treasure could cost thousands of Spirit Stones, the sect’s generosity was quite substantial.
Chen Ye felt quite pleased, though the involvement of the Emotion Crossing Sect called for caution.
For this trip, it was best to bring along the little white fox, and first locate the Vine King.
However, upon returning to Luoli Courtyard, he noticed a familiar figure wandering at the entrance.
It was a girl who looked about Qing Jun’s age, wearing a black dress, her black hair pinned up with a jade hairpin that revealed a smooth forehead and a delicate, noble face.
She seemed to want to knock the door, but hesitated, pacing back and forth at the entrance with a conflicted expression.
"Isn’t that... Zhang Chuxi?"
Chen Ye was surprised, slowly descending on his Flying Sword.
Hearing the movement, Zhang Chuxi turned abruptly. Upon seeing Chen Ye, her expression changed surprisingly.
Then she quickly regained composure, gracefully lifted her skirt and bowed to Chen Ye.
Chen Ye muttered inwardly: "This little girl isn’t as arrogant as before, usually quite polite."
As he thought this, Zhang Chuxi pinched her voice, speaking coolly:
"You must be Chen Ye? Open the door, I want to play with your disciple."
Uh...
Incredible, there was actually a child seeking to play with Qing Jun, and it was Zhang Chuxi.
Chen Ye paused: "Is it Peak Master Xu’s request?"
He guessed that Xu Henshan wanted the two not to be true opponents, and wished for them to bond.
Though they fought before, children don’t bear grudges like adults, sometimes bringing them closer.
"Yes."
Zhang Chuxi replied, her eyes fixed on Chen Ye’s, which made him feel slightly uneasy.
Though her eyes are quite beautiful, resembling stars.
Perhaps it’s because her Spirit Body belonged to the starry lineage?
"Ah, a friend of Qing Jun, please come in."
Chen Ye smiled, making a "please" gesture since it’s better to resolve animosities than create them.
Zhang Chuxi furrowed her brows slightly, seemingly dissatisfied with being labeled a "friend," yet she gracefully stepped into the courtyard.
"Qing Jun! You have a visitor!"
Chen Ye called loudly into the house.
As soon as he spoke, a silver figure dashed out from the room.
"Who is it?... It’s you!"
Upon seeing Zhang Chuxi, Qing Jun immediately reacted like a territorial cat, bristling, rushing in front of Chen Ye, guarding him while glaring angrily at Zhang Chuxi: "Why are you here? Want to fight again?"
Seeing her protective stance, Zhang Chuxi seemed unimpressed, crossed her arms, and declared proudly: "I’m here to play with you."
The little girl froze.
This... this was the first time someone came looking to play with her!
Her intense aggression unconsciously lessened, and she merely murmured: "Who asks to play like that..."