The Solemn Council Hall was unusually quiet.
All the Elders had already arrived, and yet the Sunset Peak lineage was the slowest.
“Yo, the superstar finally showed up. Aren’t you going to greet Elder Tu?”
As soon as Ge Lan saw Tu Gou, she got fired up, mocking him warmly for being late.
The two Peak Heads had always been the main combatants in their quarrels, giving the Grand Elder constant headaches.
“Humph.”
Tu Gou couldn’t be bothered to respond, striding arrogantly to the Red Cloud seat.
Clear Mist Peak had gained nothing this year—not a single decent disciple. All they could do was bark from the sidelines.
The Senior Sister from Sunset Peak stuck out her tongue, hurriedly pulling Xiao Xinran to stand behind their Master.
As for the Vice Sect Leader at the main seat, with his immortal air, his gaze held a trace of regret—still lamenting the loss of Xiao Xinran from First Peak.
Everyone knew the little girl had successfully formed her foundation—clearly, she was here to show off again.
Xiao Xinran hid behind her Senior Sister, not daring to meet the Grand Elder’s eyes.
After all, she was the rebellious one.
Seeing this, the Head of Sunset Peak was smug, feeling extremely pleased.
Xinran was two years younger than Ji Shiyu, and had crossed the Qi Refining stage in less than a year after joining. Now, she was only one stage behind.
Under his careful guidance, it wasn’t impossible for a newcomer to surpass those who came before.
Behind the Grand Elder, seven or eight disciples of Falling Cloud Peak stood. All were of the younger generation, not necessarily chief disciples.
The blonde-haired girl with immortal grace and bone structure was among them.
Ji Shiyu had just left the trial grounds when she was summoned, a yellow chicken perched on her head, looking confused, still thinking about taking fresh ingredients to Jueyun Peak to beg for food.
The twin-tailed girl drew attention; when she was silent, she was especially captivating.
The golden cloud robe seemed tailor-made for her. It seemed that what fit her with First Peak wasn’t just the Sword Scripture of Zhuiyun.
“Since everyone’s here, let’s keep it brief. The Shengyu Festival is approaching—each of the Five Peaks will send one representative to participate on behalf of Shenhua.”
The Grand Elder lifted his eyelids, sweeping his gaze around.
Festivals in East Pole Province were few, and the Shengyu Festival was definitely the most grand.
Legend had it that it was the day the Sun Guardian Vermilion Bird toured the Eastern Pole, a celebration for all.
The Sacred Feather Attendants—now the Royal Family—were born from this, and all Ling Tian Caves in the territory would pilgrimage to the Royal Capital.
As the National Religion Patron, the Shenhua Sect naturally couldn’t neglect such an occasion.
At the very least, they couldn’t lose face to other small sects.
Tu Gou’s beady green eyes flickered.
Whenever the old scoundrel spoke, you knew no good would come of it.
But soon, he had a candidate in mind.
Since it was a royal celebration, Shanhai Pavilion would also be invited to witness.
Prominent figures from East Pole Province would surely attend, and not a single prestigious family would miss it.
Thinking it over, the Miss Xiao was the most suitable choice—and more than willing.
The Head of Clear Mist Peak was a rogue leader, always extracting what he could.
After hearing the explanation, he feigned difficulty.
“Aiya, Senior Brother Xun, you know the situation with the Qingxia lineage—honestly, we’re overwhelmed and severely understaffed.”
The underlying message: forcing extra work during winter break was against academy rules—thankless and exhausting.
Who wanted to sacrifice their vacation to travel all the way to the Royal Capital just to join the festivities?
With a Vice Sect Leader of your stature, how can we operate without some incentives?
It would have been fine unspoken, but the moment it was mentioned, the Grand Elder got riled up, laughing and scolding:
“The sect’s funding was drained by your Medicine Hut this year, and now you want more?”
The other three Peak Elders agreed, nodding repeatedly.
Training pill cultivators was the most expensive—after all, not every sect had the deep resources of Penglai Island.
Especially for us Yunhai Sword Cultivators, who were famous for being poor.
From the Sect Master down to the Sword Dao Instructor, maintaining flying swords for the sect’s sword cultivators each year cost a fortune.
In these times, who dares to practice the sword without some family wealth?
Seeing the Four Peaks disciples continue to play dead, the Grand Elder rolled his eyes, stroked his beard, and said,
“This is a great opportunity to bring honor to the sect. The entire trip is reimbursed—don’t say I didn’t warn you. Not only can you visit the East Capital, but you can also exchange insights with sword cultivators from the Five Lakes and Four Seas. It’ll look great on your future record.”
“….”
The disciples of the Four Peaks exchanged looks—they weren’t falling for it.
Please, spare us.
At official events like that, even eating required watching others’ faces—utterly boring.
They’d rather run a dungeon for loot.
This was supposed to be an honor for the sect, but everyone kept making excuses!
The Grand Elder glared.
“No one volunteering? Then I’ll pick! Ji Shiyu of Falling Cloud Peak, step forward!”
“Ah? I….”
The little blonde froze, her name called. Her face fell, finally realizing why she’d been summoned.
She’d been set up from the start.
Seeing her fellow disciples acting like quails confirmed this wasn’t a good task.
Was this considered new student bullying?
“Sunset Peak will be represented by Zou Mingyu…”
Before the sentence finished, Tu Gou waved his hand, interrupting.
“Mingyu has other duties—it’s a rare training opportunity. Xinran, you go. Don’t bring shame to Sunset Peak.”
“Yes, Master.”
Unable to defy her Master’s order, Xiao Xinran reluctantly agreed, all the while plotting in her mind how to ditch the blonde for a chance to escape.
“This…”
The Grand Elder glanced at the red-clothed girl, hesitated, but did not object.
Only the two revered figures understood the reasoning.
Although Xiao Xinran had nearly become his personal disciple, she was now a member of Sunset, so it was only natural to create opportunities for Shiyu and Yun Liu—two seemingly well-matched newcomers.
But Tu Gou was no pushover, seeing right through the bald old man’s tricks.
The Grand Elder was petty at heart!
“Where is Jing Tan’er of Mist Veil Peak?”
When it came to the Feather Festival, the Zhu Sheng Princess was indispensable.
Yet, the imposing Royal Princess of the Ziyun lineage was nowhere to be seen.
The chief disciple of Mist Veil Peak, standing in for her Master, replied:
“Reporting to the Grand Elder—Tan’er is in seclusion. I’ll relay the message. No need for concern.”
That was acceptable.
If the little princess didn’t go home for the break, where else would she be?
With Her Highness leading the way, the Shenhua delegation would have a smooth journey—convenient indeed.
With that, the trio of jokers was complete once more.
Ji Shiyu was still happily waving at her former roommate behind the Elders, while Xiao Xinran kept a cold face, pretending not to see—dreading the thought of having to travel with the blonde again.
“Mm. As for Clear Mist Peak, let’s entrust it to Qin Yao. Such a long journey requires a mature, experienced chief disciple to oversee things.”
Ge Lan cursed inwardly but wore an expression of great honor, agreeing,
“Sect Master Senior Brother is wise! I thank you on her behalf!”
Hearing ‘Sect Master’ made the Grand Elder beam.
He never expected the most reliable Senior Sister of the Qingxia lineage to be Shiyu’s greatest rival, leading in favorability by a wide margin, and still entrusted with important tasks.
“What about Tianxiang Peak?”
This sudden question plunged the entire Dragon Subduing Hall into silence.
Everyone turned to the empty, moon-white, cloud-patterned seats.
The white-robed immortal was missing.
The chief disciple had run off, the junior disciple was skipping classes—every member of Tianxiang was more capable than the last.
But the Grand Elder smiled mysteriously.
Procedures couldn’t be completed in a day; Yun Liu would remain Tianxiang’s chief for now.
The old bald head had his own clever plans.
“Don’t worry. A disciple of Tianxiang Peak will attend. So it’s decided—meeting adjourned!”