Chen Ye had a plan in mind.
His doubts mainly stemmed from the unique position of Black Cliff City.
This city is a major port in the East Sea, attracting visitors from all directions, and has even been graced by a Nascent Soul True Monarch.
Therefore,
though Black Cliff City belongs to the territory of the Emotion Crossing Sect, within the city, there are powers from other nations, even from the two nations of Ling and Xu.
To seize this city is not an easy task.
For this reason,
over the past centuries, in the battle between the two sects, the Lingyin Sect has mostly been passive, simply because they cannot overcome the barrier that is Black Cliff City.
Aunt Lan is currently surrounded by people, making it inappropriate for him to interject.
"Now is not the time to ask questions..."
Chen Ye stood with his hands behind his back at a distance, quietly watching Zhang Chuxi sobbing like a tearful mess, observing the surrounding disciples crowding around this master and servant pair as they left, waiting until the crowd gradually dispersed.
It was only then he flicked his sleeves:
"It’s about time to give Zhang Chuxi some supplementary lessons these days..."
It is only by starting with Zhang Chuxi that a breakthrough can be made.
Otherwise, given his relationship with Aunt Lan, this woman would likely not reveal any information to him.
...
Three days later.
On the way to Baopu Hall.
"Master, Master!"
It seemed he heard a little girl’s cheerful voice, and Chen Ye was startled for a moment as he looked up.
It turned out to be Jin’er calling him softly.
Since Qing Jun had become an egg that needs incubating.
These days, it was only Jin’er accompanying him to Baopu Hall for cultivation.
However,
this girl was like an introverted gourd, never saying a word to her master on the way to school every day.
Today was an exception.
Chen Ye gently asked, "What’s the matter?"
Jin’er looked at her toes, "Master, when will Senior Sister Qing Jun emerge from seclusion..."
Hearing this,
he was quite surprised; he didn’t expect Jin’er to actually miss Qing Jun?
He remembered Qing Jun being mischievous, with a personality completely opposite to Jin’er’s, often bothering her.
Chen Ye teased,
"It’s only been three days, and you already miss your Senior Sister Qing Jun? Qing Jun might still need to sleep for quite some time, and if it’s long, you might not see her for half a year."
"Ah...that long."
Jin’er was disappointed and shocked.
"Indeed, there’s no concept of time in cultivation. Let alone secluding for half a year or a year, there are many who remain in seclusion for decades."
Chen Ye sighed.
His former disciples, their cultivation was still at the Qi Cultivation Stage, so their seclusion durations were short, at most a few days, even for Chen Ye, it was the same.
But if they continue cultivating in the future,
the time spent in seclusion will reach unimaginable lengths.
"By the way, why did you suddenly start missing your Senior Sister?" Chen Ye was genuinely curious.
"Hmm..."
Jin’er furrowed her brows earnestly, tilting her head as she thought for a moment, then said,
"Before, Senior Sister would always talk to Jin’er... although it was annoying at that time, now... it’s a bit unsettling without it."
Oh, so that’s it.
Chen Ye chuckled.
Jin’er was inherently reclusive, often withdrawing to the corner of Baopu Hall by herself.
The other disciples were sensible enough not to disturb her.
It was precisely Qing Jun who shamelessly sought her out to play every day.
And now that Qing Jun had become an egg, no one bothered Jin’er anymore.
"Well, this master feels the same way. Before, Qing Jun would call ’Master, Master’ every day, so much that my ears almost grew calluses, but now, it’s just as unfamiliar."
Chen Ye patted Jin’er’s head, secretly thinking:
He must find a suitable disciple in private to keep Jin’er company later on.
As they talked, the two reached Baopu Hall.
"Go on, today’s lesson is on the Chapter about infusing plants with spirit, find yourself a good spot to sit."
Chen Ye patted Jin’er’s shoulder. Since many instructors left Baopu Peak, his workload had increased significantly, covering more than just the path of magical battles.
The little girl nodded obediently, clutching the scroll in her arms, walking in tiny unobtrusive steps to the familiar corner of the hall that was her exclusive spot.
After settling his disciple,
Chen Ye tidied up his attire and stepped onto the podium.
Scanning the audience below,
he saw that today’s Baopu Hall was packed without an empty seat.
And in the most prominent seat in the front row was a familiar figure.
It was Zhang Chuxi, who had been on leave for three days.
Since Aunt Lan returned, this girl took a leave of absence to return home, leaving Chen Ye without a way to contact her until now, when she returned to Baopu Peak.
Today,
the girl had meticulously dressed up again.
A light yellow little dress that complemented her snowy white skin, making her look charming and cute.
On ordinary days, when she saw Chen Ye, she was always like a startled quail.
When he looked directly at her, her gaze would flicker away.
But if he didn’t look at her, this girl would sneakily look at him, clearly harboring ill intentions!
But today...
when Chen Ye’s gaze fell on her,
Zhang Chuxi didn’t avoid it, instead, she straightened her chest that had some scale, lifted her chin slightly, and returned Chen Ye’s look with a cold smile.
That little gaze seemed to say: Now I’m someone with backing! Aunt Lan is back! You can no longer bully me at your will in the future!
"Heh..."
Chen Ye found it amusing.
This girl was indeed odd.
Without a beating every three days, she’d seem never to be afraid.
Since that day, she clearly settled down entirely, making Chen Ye believe she had become obedient.
But once Aunt Lan returned, her spine stiffened up again.
On any other day, Chen Ye would’ve given this unruly brat a lesson, making her understand who the real authority is in Baopu Hall.
But now...
Chen Ye stroked his chin, recalling the unresolved doubts from that day at the Reception Platform.