Although Cui Hao was always handled by his Third Senior Sister, he roughly understood her personality.
Since she said she wasn't here for him, as long as the following conversation didn't touch on Third Senior Sister's key points, she definitely wouldn't actually cause him trouble—not even a word of exposure.
In terms of credibility alone, Third Senior Sister's credibility was extremely high.
Eldest Senior Sister might use fishing enforcement, but Third Senior Sister would secure evidence before proceeding with righteous procedures.
However…
Even so, Third Senior Sister's authority was still too great.
Cui Hao's expression gradually shifted from animated to ordinary, and his nonsense talk also restrained somewhat.
Chen Baiqing only heard the first two sentences from Cui Hao before understanding that her Fifth Junior Brother was flexing his verbal skills again. This was a common occurrence, so she lowered her brows and listened, taking out a tea set and tea from her space ring.
Seeing this, Cui Hao's expression brightened—he knew he hadn't come for nothing today and could mooch Third Senior Sister's tea again.
Was Third Senior Sister in a good mood today?
After finishing brewing the tea, Chen Baiqing first offered a cup to her master before distributing to the others. Having done this, she spoke softly, her voice mixing with Cui Hao's chatter:
"Master, Bai Qing's Nascent Soul realm has been firmly tempered, and I plan to go out and temper myself through experience."
Although her voice was mixed in, Chen Baiqing knew her master could hear.
After all, Cui Hao's words had also paused.
Chen Baiqing looked over: "You keep talking. I'm speaking with Master separately."
"Oh…" Cui Hao nodded repeatedly.
Chu Xingchen held his teacup and asked:
"Have you already made your plans?"
Chen Baiqing nodded decisively in response:
"Yes. This disciple plans to go to the Xuanqing Heavenly Sect. They have more detailed Nascent Soul experience plans there."
Chu Xingchen didn't speak directly, instead gazing calmly at Chen Baiqing with lowered brows.
Facing his gaze, Chen Baiqing understood the unspoken question from her master—the Tianyan Sect might not be inferior to the Xuanqing Heavenly Sect, so why go the long way around? Moreover, in terms of interpersonal relationships, the Tianyan Sect was clearly better.
When things seemed unusual, there was naturally another purpose.
Master wasn't asking—he was seeing whether she was willing to answer.
Chen Baiqing naturally had only one option.
"Going to the Xuanqing Heavenly Sect naturally has another layer of purpose." Chen Baiqing added, "Master and the Tianyan Sect are too close. The Xuanqing Heavenly Sect once also received Heaven's mandate, and Master being too biased toward the Tianyan Sect isn't a good thing."
"This disciple going is both to show Master's attitude and to further stabilize the relationship between the Xuanqing Heavenly Sect and Master."
"It can also clear away rumors outside."
Cui Hao kept talking but also pricked up his ears to listen carefully.
Chu Xingchen held his teacup, thought for a moment, and said:
"Master can handle these matters."
"Bai Qing understands." Chen Baiqing raised her head, looking directly into her master's eyes. "But sharing the burdens Master should share is both what Bai Qing wants to do and what a disciple should do."
Facing the passionate and determined look in Chen Baiqing's eyes, Chu Xingchen took a light sip of tea.
"Master, Bai Qing can't always be sheltered under Master's wings." Chen Baiqing's tone was firm. "Many things cannot be repeated."
Chu Xingchen finished his tea, held the empty cup, and smiled lightly:
"You know it—Master is just like your Fifth Junior Brother, completely helpless against you."
Chen Baiqing breathed a sigh of relief in her heart. Although she knew Master definitely wouldn't refuse, hearing it still brought relief in that instant.
The hardest step was already taken. Theoretically, what followed wouldn't be difficult.
Chen Baiqing continued: "Master, this time going to the Xuanqing Heavenly Sect, Second Senior Brother also plans to go with me."
Chu Xingchen placed his teacup back on the table and asked softly:
"Did you invite your Second Senior Brother?"
Chen Baiqing nodded gently:
"Yes. Second Senior Brother agreed. He's also at the Nascent Soul realm now, and while he needs experience, he's also very experienced."
Chu Xingchen suddenly called out:
"Little Bai Qing."
"Yes…" Chen Baiqing responded instinctively, also instinctively meeting her master's gaze.
Calm, caring, but also somewhat knowing.
Chen Baiqing's expression instinctively changed—instinctive panic, instinctive unease.
Even though she quickly adjusted and clear-headed, she knew none of this could escape her master's eyes.
What she said was true, but naturally she hadn't revealed everything she truly thought.
She was taking Second Senior Brother with her not only because he was reliable, but also because Second Senior Brother could[dream]of moments when Master was in danger.
As long as Second Senior Brother could dream it, Chen Baiqing would have a way to resolve risks for Master. And Second Senior Brother cared about Master and trusted her—if something really happened, coordinating with Second Senior Brother would be simpler.
Beyond that, there were naturally deeper reasons.
For example, not fully trusting the Tianyan Sect, and needing at least another backup path.
Many were reasons that couldn't be spoken aloud.
Compared to all of this, nothing was more important than Master's personal safety.
Chen Baiqing's unease stemmed entirely from her master's past teaching—try not to keep secrets from family.
Perhaps she truly was a natural enchantress.
Even with Master teaching her this, she could still abandon that teaching.
Chen Baiqing's thoughts were tangled, not knowing whether Master would reject all her proposals.
Until the next moment.
A warm large hand gently patted Chen Baiqing's head.
"Little Bai Qing has truly grown up." Chu Xingchen smiled. "Only adults have secrets they can't let others know."
Hearing this, Chen Baiqing's expression shocked, looking at Chu Xingchen with slight blankness.
Chu Xingchen blinked gently: "Children can't keep secrets. Only adults can hold secrets in their hearts that they won't tell anyone. When you have that secret, you become an adult."
"Don't doubt it—Master also has secrets he can't tell anyone, not even Bai Qing."
"So don't be so conflicted. Bai Qing hasn't gone bad—she's just grown up."
Chen Baiqing's voice caught, emotions surging in her heart:
"Master…"
"Although Master loves hearing you call him so sweetly, Second Senior Brother can't go with you." Chu Xingchen withdrew his hand, gently pinching Chen Baiqing's cheek. "Second Senior Brother has other important uses. But don't worry—Master will supplement you with a very good right-hand person, the kind who also needs experience."
Chen Baiqing's voice was slightly muffled from being pinched:
"Who…?"
Chu Xingchen's gaze shifted to Cui Hao beside them.
This time, Cui Hao really couldn't speak, his eyes also shocked as he looked at his master.
Chen Baiqing was also surprised: "Fifth Junior Brother is only at Golden Core…"
"You also went out for experience when you were at Golden Core." Chu Xingchen interrupted Chen Baiqing. "Moreover, your Fifth Junior Brother's desire to go out and gain experience is burning hot."
Cui Hao looked at his Third Senior Sister, who was being so obedient in front of Master, and quickly said quietly:
"It's not that hot anymore."
He did want experience, just not experience under Third Senior Sister's hand.
Chu Xingchen glared at him, and Cui Hao promptly shut his mouth.
"Without your Fifth Junior Brother, no matter how much Master dotes on you, I won't agree."
Chen Baiqing looked at Cui Hao and could only nod helplessly in the end.
Seeing this, Chu Xingchen nodded in satisfaction. A wisp of white light flashed, and Wanban transformed into a white jade embroidery needle in his hand, which he then handed to Cui Hao.
Seeing Master hand Wanban to him, Cui Hao was stunned, not understanding what Master intended.
Chu Xingchen didn't hesitate, directly placing Wanban in Cui Hao's hand:
"Although your cultivation progress doesn't match your fellow disciples, Master has never looked down on you. Rather, Master has always been optimistic about you."
"Master won't need Wanban temporarily during this period, and I still owe you a spiritual treasure—so let Wanban serve as collateral for now."
"Master has always known your capability. This time, it's also time to let your Third Senior Sister see what you can do."
Cui Hao's voice suddenly grew choked:
"Master…"
Chu Xingchen didn't answer, just blinked gently.
Master was truly shameless—how could anyone refuse that.
Cui Hao gripped Wanban tightly, believing he had understood Master's look.
Master is best friends in the world with you.
[
Dear Readers,
I post multiple high-quality, human-polished chapters every day. If you enjoy the story, consider supporting the release schedule to unlock massive advanced chapter buffers!
Support Options:
$6 — Read 20+ Chapters Ahead (High-speed daily updates!)
$8 — Read 40+ Chapters Ahead + Exclusive Character Images
$10 — Read 60+ Chapters Ahead + Character Images + Patreon Community Chat
(Note: These chapter counts are guaranteed minimums. Because of my rapid update schedule, you will often get even more!)
⚠️ Apple Users: Please subscribe via your web browser (Safari/Chrome) instead of the Patreon App to avoid a 30% fee and massive payment delays.
Thank you for reading and keeping these daily releases going!
Support Here: patreon.com/Alex_Cruise
]