The next day.
Danxia Peak.
This peak is dedicated to refining pills.
And within Danxia Peak, Chen Ye has an acquaintance, Zhao Yushuang of the Zhao family.
Because of her natural talent in cultivation, she was once highly regarded by the Great Elder. Unfortunately, she became engrossed in the Alchemy Dao, causing her cultivation to stagnate.
Fortunately,
recently she successfully broke through to the Foundation Establishment Fifth Layer and has taken over the position of Peak Master of Danxia Peak—after all, Danxia Peak is an Outer Peak, with lower requirements, where most Outer Sect Peak Masters have a cultivation level around the Foundation Establishment Middle Period, and some are even in the Early Period. For example, Pang Tianning of Herb Peak is only at the Foundation Establishment Second Layer.
Chen Ye ascended the white jade steps of Danxia Peak.
A familiar fragrance of pills wafted through the air.
"The last time I came to Danxia Peak, I can’t even remember when it was... Back then, Qing Jun would often pester me, insisting on accompanying me to Danxia Peak."
Chen Ye looked around.
Though almost a year had passed, the scenery of Danxia Peak remained unchanged, but there were many new faces, presumably newly initiated disciples of Danxia Peak.
Soon after.
Chen Ye, familiar with the way, arrived at the main hall of Danxia Peak and informed a Danxia Disciple:
"Please announce to Peak Master Zhao that Chen Ye is here to visit."
The young disciple guarding the hall was taken aback, then widened his eyes, stammering:
"Chen, Instructor Chen?! No, Peak Master Chen! Please wait a moment, I will announce it immediately!"
Currently, Chen Ye’s prestige in Lingyin Sect was increasingly prominent.
Not only was he about to take over as Peak Master of Baopu Peak in the Inner Sect, but he had also brought back twelve disciples intact from Luoxiao Grotto Heaven, severely dampening Huayue Mansion’s spirit, enough to make these Outer Sect disciples look up to him.
In a certain sense,
as Peak Master of one of the Inner Sect Twelve Peaks, Chen Ye undoubtedly was a high-ranking figure in Lingyin Sect.
However,
since he came from a Loose Cultivator background and had only joined Lingyin Sect for a few short years.
Therefore, he was nominally one of the Inner Sect Twelve Peak Masters but didn’t actually have much power.
Nonetheless,
Chen Ye was happy with this arrangement as he had no time to busy himself with mundane affairs.
And the position of Peak Master of Baopu Peak was more leisurely and relaxed compared to other peaks, which suited him perfectly.
"Why the rush! Aunt is still refining pills and has no time to receive guests?"
It seemed the commotion outside disturbed other disciples, and someone inside the hall snorted unhappily.
"Senior Brother Zhao, there’s a Peak Master here to visit."
The gatekeeper disciple replied in a flustered manner.
"Peak Master? Which Peak Master?"
This Senior Brother Zhao was also an old acquaintance of Chen Ye, Zhao Tong, the nephew of Zhao Yushuang.
Zhao Tong felt a bit impatient.
In Lingyin Sect, many Peak Masters sought his aunt’s pills, with over forty Peak Masters; how could she have time to refine pills for each one?
With this in mind,
Zhao Tong stepped out, his face stern, ready to use a set of practiced excuses to dismiss this "unreasonable" Peak Master.
"No matter which Peak Master it is, Peak Master Danxia is in seclusion studying the Alchemy Dao today, therefore no... no..."
The moment Zhao Tong stepped outside, his expression froze.
The Peak Master standing outside,
was precisely the man he never wished to see in his lifetime.
But...
Disgust aside.
The disparity in status between them was as vast as the difference between an ant and a towering tree, the gap between clouds and mud.
He could no longer express any hostility.
"Gulp."
Zhao Tong swallowed hard, suppressing the bitterness deep in his heart, not daring to show a trace.
He forced a smile:
"So it’s Peak Master Chen’s esteemed presence! Please forgive me, Peak Master Chen! I will announce it right away! Peak Master, please come inside!"
Zhao Tong bowed and led the way ahead, while internally bleeding.
He looked at Chen Ye’s calm demeanor and thought of his exceptionally beautiful aunt, feeling his molars were about to crack.
And himself.
Unable to stop it, and even having to lead the way like a lackey...
But reality was indeed this cruel.
Chen Ye was no longer what he used to be.
In the cultivation realm, the strong were revered. If Chen Ye had a reason to kill him, even the Elders wouldn’t say a word.
Zhao Tong could only swallow his grievances:
"Please have a seat, Peak Master Chen, and have some Spirit Tea to moisten your throat. I will go invite my aunt..."
"No need."
A voice as clear and cold as spring water came from behind the main hall.
A woman in a white alchemy robe appeared.
She had a clear and elegant appearance, a graceful figure, and even the loose robe couldn’t hide her charm.
Zhao Yushuang glanced indifferently at the deferential Zhao Tong and gestured for him to retreat.
"Instructor Chen... No, now I must address you as Peak Master Chen."
After Zhao Tong left, Zhao Yushuang smiled faintly, slightly inclining her body, performing a peer-level courtesy, with a hint of playfulness in her voice,
"What wind has brought the soon-to-be large Inner Sect Peak Master to my little Outer Sect hilltop? Since you no longer took the alchemy duties, I rarely see Brother Chen."
Her words were also carefully chosen.
At first, she specially emphasized Peak Master, praising Chen Ye.
Later, changing to Brother Chen, to show intimacy.
"Junior Sister Zhao, you’re too kind, whether Inner Sect or Outer Sect, they are all part of Lingyin Sect."
Chen Ye smiled and cupped his hands,
"Congratulations, Junior Sister Zhao for successfully breaking through to the Foundation Establishment Fifth Layer and taking charge of Danxia Peak. If the Great Elder knew that not only have you not regressed in cultivation, but you’ve also made further progress in the Alchemy Dao, he would surely be very pleased."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Yushuang blushed slightly and shook her head:
"Brother Chen, don’t mock me. Compared to you intimidating powerful enemies in Hunyuan City, my small achievements are truly insignificant. After Zhao Li returned, he praised you sky-high."
Zhao Li and Zhao Yushuang were both from the Zhao family, and naturally, they knew each other.