A figure dressed in a black robe, exuding an eerie demonic aura, was now speaking with a sinister smile on his face.
“Tao, you jest. If we’re talking about the most monstrous Cultivator among the younger generation right now, it has to be your Yaoji Sect’s Zuo Xiuming. In my eyes, his strength is no less than our Taishang Residence’s Lu Wenhou or the Heavenly Inquiry Sword Sect’s Chu Jianchen—perhaps even greater.”
An elderly man with graying hair and a flowing white robe, holding a horsetail whisk, stroked his beard and spoke as well.
Of course, everyone knew these were just polite words. When it came to the top talents of the younger generation, who was stronger or weaker could only be proven on the dueling stage, after a real battle.
The Qingyou Grand Tournament had now become the most talked-about topic in the cultivation world; nearly every Cultivator was paying close attention to this event.
As night fell, that black-robed, demonic Yaoji Sect elder also looked up to observe the night sky.
The Qingyou Grand Tournament was not just a contest among the younger generation; it also involved many deeper matters, making it a truly weighty affair.
“Hiss—”
The Tao-named Elder of the Yaoji Sect looked up at that moment, his eyes instantly filled with utter shock!
“Nine Stars Alignment, a monstrous talent is born!”
“Hahaha… This monstrous talent must be our Yaoji Sect’s prodigy, Zuo Xiuming! As for the champion of the Qingyou Grand Tournament, it is destined to be ours!”
Tao Sheng’s mood immediately improved, and his anticipation for this Qingyou Grand Tournament grew even stronger.
On the other side, that white-robed, immortal-like elder of the Taishang Residence was also observing the celestial phenomena at night.
“Nine Luminaries Nine Radiances, Nine Stars Alignment—this means there’s a young Disciple who has completed all nine rounds of tempering, thoroughly transforming themselves!”
“That’s it! Among all the young Cultivators, whether it’s Chu Jianchen of the Heavenly Inquiry Sword Sect or Zuo Xiuming of the Yaoji Sect, neither has managed this feat. Only our Taishang Residence’s Lu Wenhou had already completed eight temperings before.”
“And now, with the Qingyou Grand Tournament approaching, he’s finally taken that last step and achieved the Ninefold Tempering, transforming completely!”
The white-robed elder of the Taishang Residence felt immense satisfaction at this moment. After years of rivalry with the Yaoji Sect, always neck and neck, the situation was finally about to tip in their favor.
But, whether it was the white-robed elder of the Taishang Residence or Tao Sheng of the Yaoji Sect, neither knew that the one who truly achieved ninefold tempering and a complete transformation in a single day was someone they’d never even heard of—Ruo Ximeng.
As the sun rose, a streak of purple qi slowly ascended on the distant horizon, breathtakingly beautiful.
In the quiet courtyard, Su Chen was still idly sipping fragrant tea, while Ruo Ximeng sat cross-legged nearby, completely focused on her cultivation.
Although Su Chen had always told Ruo Ximeng that she could cultivate however she liked, just for fun, seeing the little girl so earnest and dedicated left him both amused and helpless.
Fortunately, Ruo Ximeng was now able to cultivate normally. With her working so hard, she ought to gain something from it.
‘Host, I think we need to reconsider this girl’s cultivation issue.’
Previously, as far as the Imperial Teacher System was concerned, Ruo Ximeng was a hopeless case who couldn’t cultivate. Even if she could, it was certain she’d never achieve anything noteworthy.
But lately, the Imperial Teacher System had been slapped in the face by Ruo Ximeng more than once.
Not only could Ruo Ximeng cultivate, but she also seemed to be progressing quite well.
At this point, the Imperial Teacher System even suspected that Su Chen had seen through Ruo Ximeng’s true nature from the start, which was why he took her as his Disciple.
This time, however, the Imperial Teacher System was overestimating Su Chen. He was always a carefree, unrestrained person.
Taking Ruo Ximeng as his Disciple was just for fun, nothing more.
‘Hmm, you have a point.’
Su Chen tapped his fingers lightly on the marble tabletop as he spoke.
Though he said this aloud, in his heart he was pondering how to help Ruo Ximeng relax a bit. Why work so hard at cultivation? Just take it easy and have fun with it.
‘Host, the best way to cultivate is to go out and temper oneself in the world. Take her out for some experience. During such training, her knowledge will grow, her combat experience will increase, and her strength will steadily improve.’
At this moment, the Imperial Teacher System’s Small Person avatar spoke confidently.
‘Training?’
Su Chen’s eyes lit up. Training sounded great—wasn’t that just an excuse to take Ruo Ximeng out to play?
This suggestion was actually pretty good. It was time to take this silly little Disciple out for some real fun. Burying her head in cultivation every day—what kind of life was that!
So far, he hadn’t even taken Ruo Ximeng outside the Imperial Capital. That simply wouldn’t do. It made him look like an amateur when it came to food and entertainment!
‘Host, are you listening?’
Seeing the ambiguous smile on Su Chen’s face, the Imperial Teacher System was a bit confused. It couldn’t tell whether Su Chen had actually listened to its advice or not.
“Ximeng, I’ve decided! You’ve been cultivating for so long, it’s time for you to go out and train!”
Su Chen spoke with a serious expression, but what he was really thinking was to take Ruo Ximeng out to eat, drink, and have fun. What’s so great about cultivation? Eating, drinking, and having fun—that’s true happiness!
“Training! Master, can I really?”
Ruo Ximeng’s gem-like eyes looked at Su Chen with utmost seriousness. She hadn’t expected that she’d get to go out for training so soon.
In her mind, she thought she was still a long way off from being allowed to go out and train.
“Of course! When have I ever lied to you? Let’s pack up and set off right away.”
Su Chen reached out to pat Ruo Ximeng’s little head, speaking in a relaxed tone.
“Okay, Master!”
Ruo Ximeng was extremely excited. She vaguely understood that going out for training was very important for a Cultivator.
Now, she had finally reached this stage.
Ximeng will definitely become strong and protect Master!
As the moon rose and set, daylight quickly passed, and night descended.
Thunder roared and rolled across the sky, as if it wanted to destroy the whole world.
Torrential rain poured down, and the temperature kept dropping.
Amidst the flashing lightning, a trace of worry appeared on Ruo Ximeng’s cute little face.
After thinking for a moment, she ran straight to Su Chen’s room.
It’s raining and thundering again—so scary! It’s still best to be with Master!
Su Chen was lying on the bed, pondering where to take Ruo Ximeng for their trip… no, for their training.
Suddenly, a soft little body leaped onto his bed.
“Uh… Ximeng, what are you doing sneaking in here instead of sleeping at night?”
Su Chen said with a helpless smile.
Ruo Ximeng had already changed into her nightgown; it looked like she’d slept for a while.
For some reason, she couldn’t fall asleep and ended up running to his room.
“Master, I… I’m scared!”
As Ruo Ximeng spoke, she naturally lifted Su Chen’s blanket and snuggled right in beside him.
Premium Chapter
Login to buy access to this Chapter.