"From now on, I will be reassigned to Baopu Peak; it’s in the Inner Sect, with a better environment, more suitable for your cultivation. When the time comes, Zhiwei should go too."
The environment of Baopu Peak is much better than that of Herb Peak.
Though he had long developed feelings for Luoli Courtyard, after all, it still belonged to him, and if he wishes to return in the future, he can come back anytime.
...
An hour later, he had packed a simple luggage.
As for Lin Qiongyu.
Chen Ye initially wanted to bring her along, but she seemed somewhat resistant to going to the Inner Sect, wanting to stay at Herb Peak.
He changed his mind, thinking it would be just right to leave Lin Qiongyu to take care of Luoli Courtyard.
Moreover, his disciples were now old enough to take care of themselves; if they were served all day, he feared they might develop an overbearing temperament.
Chen Ye summoned the Jade Treasure Sword, its blade expanding to several zhang wide, the whole body as black as ink, faintly glowing with golden light.
He lifted Lin Jin, who hadn’t fully regained his mobility, onto the flying sword, settling him in the most stable middle position, and also had Zhiwei and Qing Jun sit properly.
"Let’s go, to our new home!"
Qing Jun shouted excitedly, showing great enthusiasm about moving house.
After all.
She originally had to cultivate on Baopu Peak every day; if they made a home there, she could stay with her master and senior sister even during the day!
Chen Ye performed a sword technique, and the Jade Treasure Sword transformed into a stream of light, carrying the four of them up into the sky, flying towards the cloud-enshrouded Baopu Peak of the Inner Sect.
Watching the gradually diminishing Luoli Courtyard below, Chen Ye felt a bit sentimental.
In those days, when he became the guardian of Herb Peak, he had always lived in Luoli Courtyard.
From a cultivator in the Qi Cultivation Stage to now having successfully established his foundation, this place carried too many of his memories.
However...
With the old gone, comes the new.
He silently bid farewell in his heart, then turned his head to look forward.
There, a "good student" was waiting for him.
Thinking of Zhang Chuxi, that wicked little rascal, Chen Ye was already contemplating how to educate her.
...
On Baopu Peak, at a side courtyard halfway up the mountain.
This was the residence prepared for him by Bai Susu, more spacious and magnificent than Luoli Courtyard, with a richer spiritual aura, truly a treasure place for cultivation.
"Although Luoli Courtyard is good, it’s still in the Outer Sect, the environment is not as good as in the Inner Sect."
Chen Ye mused.
Furthermore, the environment of Baopu Peak is much purer compared to Herb Peak.
The disciples here are still young, of distinguished status, all focused on their studies.
At this moment, the courtyard gate was closed, with no one else around.
Beside the gate stood a stone tablet, engraved with the words "Luoli Courtyard."
"We’re here."
Chen Ye maneuvered the Jade Treasure Sword to gently land, stopping steadily inside the courtyard.
"Wow! What a big courtyard!"
Qing Jun was the first to jump down, running around like a frolicking little beast, touching here and there,
"Master, master! The spiritual energy here feels so comfortable! And there are so many beautiful houses!"
She pointed to a delicate pavilion next to the main house and loudly declared her claim:
"I want to live in the tallest one! I want to enjoy the view from there every day!"
"Alright, alright, as you wish."
Chen Ye shook his head helplessly, then turned to look behind him.
Zhiwei was already helping Lin Jin slowly get off the flying sword; she glanced at the stone tablet, somewhat puzzled:
"Master, the name of the new home is somewhat similar to Luoli Courtyard... both have the word ’Li’ in them."
"It is indeed a coincidence, perhaps True Inheritor Bai specially chose this courtyard."
Chen Ye nodded, looking around.
Luoli Courtyard had a unique location.
Normally, instructors lived at the foot of the mountain, and this mid-mountain location should be reserved for disciples...
Yet Luoli Courtyard occupied one of the most spiritually abundant spots on vast Baopu Peak, seemingly not fitting for an instructor’s treatment.
What puzzled Chen Ye even more was that next to Luoli Courtyard, there was another side courtyard.
That courtyard was slightly smaller than Luoli Courtyard, but equally exquisite, with blue tiles and white walls, filled with precious star flowers in the courtyard, glowing with a twinkling light under the sun.
The two courtyards were separated by only a low wall, one could say they were a wall apart.
"What is that?"
Chen Ye looked at the neighboring courtyard, secretly thinking something might be wrong.
Could it be Bai Susu’s home?
No.
Though Bai Susu had once cultivated at Baopu Peak, she now resides at Mingxia Peak.
Previously, Bai Susu had even asked him to move to Mingxia Peak...
As for Mingxia Peak, it does not belong to the Twelve Peaks of the Inner Sect, it is merely a Spirit Mountain within the Inner Sect, uniquely belonging to Bai Susu.
"Master, that courtyard is so beautiful!"
Qing Jun also noticed the place next door. She leaned against the wall, curiously looking inside,
"There seems to be no one inside, but those flowers smell so lovely... huh? What’s this?"
She reached out and plucked a Star Flower that had grown over the wall, bringing it to her nose for a sniff,
"Such a familiar scent... where have I smelled it before?"
Chen Ye was stirred, his Divine Sense quietly spread out.
The restrictions on the neighboring courtyard were not fully activated, so his Divine Sense easily penetrated the walls.
Hanging above the main house’s door was a small plaque engraved with "Listening Rain Pavilion."
"Hiss... Could this be Zhang Chuxi’s courtyard on Baopu Peak? Why did Bai Susu set me up here?"
Chen Ye mused to himself.
He remembered the scent; wasn’t it exactly the fragrance from Zhang Chuxi?
The more he thought about it, the stranger it seemed.
"Master, what are you thinking? Your expression looks so odd!" The little girl turned back and shivered when she saw her master’s peculiar expression.
Chen Ye gathered his thoughts and said solemnly, "I was just thinking about how to better teach you all, so you can succeed soon."
"Humph, liar!"
Qing Jun pouted, clearly not believing him.
After settling his three disciples, Chen Ye finally found some free time.
"Phew... finally some peace."
He wiped non-existent sweat from his forehead, gazing toward the distant Outer Sect.
Since he returned to the sect and took a leisurely position, it was only right to visit old friends.
Especially the Li Family.
Li Yanfeng had taught him sword techniques and was like a mentor; Li Qiuyun had an even deeper connection with him. During this sect calamity, he wondered about the state of Purple Cloud Peak, and whether the father and daughter were safe.
"I’ll be back soon, you all stay put and don’t cause any trouble, especially you, Qing Jun!"
Chen Ye called out to Qing Jun on the wall.
"Got it, got it! Master, you’re so naggy!"
Qing Jun waved her hand without turning her head, sitting on the wall, her eyes squinting at the neighbors next door.
She suspected it was the home of a girl!
...
Purple Cloud Peak.
As the strongest battle peak of the Outer Sect, Purple Cloud Peak bore the brunt of the Demon Cultivators’ invasion, suffering considerable damage.
The Sword Square, once shrouded in mist, was now covered with potholes and scars from magical battles; many sword pavilions had collapsed, and the sharp Sword Qi still lingered in the air.
Chen Ye walked familiarly to the small courtyard of the Li Family.
The courtyard door was half-open, and the old pine tree inside had half its crown cut off, appearing somewhat desolate.
"Brother Li?"
Chen Ye pushed the door open gently, calling out.
"Cough cough... Is that Younger Brother Chen? Come in."
Li Yanfeng’s slightly weak voice came from inside the house.
Chen Ye’s heart tightened, and he quickly stepped inside.
He saw Li Yanfeng leaning on a lounge chair, his left arm wrapped in thick bandages stained with blood, his face pale but his spirit still intact.
Li Qiuyun was sitting beside him, carefully changing her father’s bandage. Startled by the noise, she turned around abruptly.
Upon seeing the figure she had thought of day and night standing unharmed at the doorway, her hands almost dropped the medicine bottle, and her eyes instantly reddened.
"Uncle Chen..."
She choked out, wanting to stand but was held back by the bandaging, leaving her flustered and at a loss.
"I’m fine, just came to check on you both."
Chen Ye smiled warmly at her, indicating she should continue, then walked up to Li Yanfeng and asked with concern,
"Brother Li, how is your injury?"
"Not fatal."
Li Yanfeng laughed heartily; despite his injuries, his sword cultivator spirit was undiminished,
"When the Demon Cultivators attacked the mountain, I took down two Qi Cultivation Eighth Layer demon brats, not a bad trade! But you, I heard you caused a great stir in Black Cliff City and Moon Rhinoceros Lake District, even that demoness Mei Suxin fell by your hand?"
"Just luck," Chen Ye replied modestly.
"What luck! That’s pure skill!"
Li Yanfeng gave him a sideways glance, eyes full of admiration,
"When I taught you Flying Sword Technique, I knew you were destined for greatness. Now that you’re a Foundation Establishment Guardian, your future is unlimited."
At this, he glanced at his daughter and sighed,
"It’s just unfortunate... my girl here still hasn’t touched the threshold of Foundation Establishment. She claims to be single-mindedly pursuing the Dao, unwilling to marry, yet neither the Dao nor a partner has materialized."
"Dad! What are you saying!"
Li Qiuyun shot her father a reproachful look, her cheeks flushed, whether from embarrassment or frustration.
She finished bandaging the wound, stood up to pour Chen Ye a cup of tea, her actions skillful, though her fingertips trembled slightly.
"Uncle Chen, please have some tea."