Chapter 9: A Visit and Deception!

Qian Mo's claim about packing up in his room was merely a ruse to fool Dao Xuan. With the system at his disposal, why would he need to pack at all? What's the point of having such a system otherwise?

As soon as Qian Mo noticed Dao Xuan's departure, he waited briefly before opening the door and peering out toward the peaks. Zhang Xiaofan should still be chopping black bamboo at the Bamboo Peak. The entry rule here demands three years of chopping black bamboo—infamously tough and unyielding. I wonder how he's faring with the opportunity I gave him. Well, I'll check on him first, then perhaps visit Lin Jingyu.

Qian Mo narrowed his eyes in thought. Then, soaring into the sky, powered by the superhuman serum, he retained all the abilities of a superhuman. The scenery of Qingyun Sect was breathtaking; no wonder so many people loved to stay within its walls. Even I feel the urge now—if not for the system, I’d probably have lived here forever.

He turned toward Bamboo Peak.

“Xiaofan, what are you doing? Hurry up and chop the black bamboo, or Master will scold you again!” a girl's voice called out through the bamboo forest.

“Oh! Ah, Senior Sister, it’s you. All right, I’ll get to it.” Xiaofan grabbed his axe and began chopping, though his mind wandered: “Strange, Master Puzhi gave me a pearl and told me to toss it somewhere secluded, but after two years in Qingyun Sect, I haven’t seen any such pearl. Lately, I’ve felt a strange power surging within me—I hope it’s not harmful. Well, let’s just chop the bamboo for now.”

At this moment, Zhang Xiaofan was still at the first level of Jade Purity, just as in the original story. When Qian Mo fused the Blood-Sucking Pearl, he sealed its power to slowly release over three years; otherwise, Xiaofan would have died, unable to withstand its force. Now, as the seal begins to loosen, he feels a surge of energy—just a fraction of the pearl’s power, but for him, it’s immense.

As Xiaofan chopped the black bamboo, a familiar voice called from above: “Xiaofan!”

“That sounds familiar... Ah! Qian Mo, what brings you to Bamboo Peak?” Xiaofan looked up to see a figure in white, hair flowing like willow branches, and features so striking that even he felt his heart stir.

“Oh? From your tone, you don’t seem pleased to see me. I rushed here right after my seclusion, and you’re keeping me at arm’s length!” Qian Mo feigned sadness.

“No, no, it’s not like that, Qian Mo. I’m just surprised; we haven’t met in two years, and your sudden appearance startled me!” Xiaofan replied hurriedly.

“All right, enough teasing. I’m about to leave the mountain for training, so I wanted to see you and Jingyu before I go,” Qian Mo said with a smile.

“Ah, so you can already go out to train? Your cultivation must be... I’m embarrassed, still only at the first level of Jade Purity, making Master worry every day.” Xiaofan lowered his head in shame.

“Xiaofan, don’t give up! You’re still young. Remember, as long as you persist, you’ll make progress. Cultivation isn’t a race against time; otherwise, the elders wouldn’t still be stuck at their current levels despite their age.” Qian Mo grasped Xiaofan’s shoulders, his eyes earnest.

Xiaofan was startled by Qian Mo’s gaze, then resolved, “I understand, Qian Mo! I’ll work hard and won’t let you down!” He clenched his fists, a determined gleam in his eyes.

“Tsk, my skills at persuading people have improved—I almost admire myself!” Qian Mo thought, watching Xiaofan fall completely under his spell. But wait, isn’t this persuasion? My reasoning sounds quite convincing, and wasn’t it the same with ancient sages? Never mind, as long as I’m happy!

He tapped his tongue thoughtfully.

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“Qian Mo? Qian Mo?” Xiaofan looked at the youth before him, lost in thought.

“Hmm? Ah! What is it?”

“Nothing, just saw you spacing out and wanted to snap you back.”

“I was thinking about how to pay your master a visit. Xiaofan, are your master and mistress strict?” Qian Mo asked, feigning ignorance.

“So you want to meet Master and Mistress? Don’t worry, Mistress is gentle, though Master is a bit eccentric—probably because my grades are poor. If he sees you, he shouldn’t get angry,” Xiaofan scratched his head sheepishly.

Qian Mo and Zhang Xiaofan arrived outside the main hall of Bamboo Peak.

“Huh? Xiaofan, who’s this?” a Bamboo Peak disciple inquired as others gathered around.

“Senior Brother, this is my brother, Qian Mo,” Xiaofan introduced.

“Oh, Xiaofan’s brother.”

“Qian Mo of Dao Xuan’s disciples from Tongtian Peak, here to pay respects to Uncle Tian,” Qian Mo greeted at the door.

“So, a disciple from the Sect Leader’s line? I heard the Sect Leader hasn’t taken disciples in years—this kid must be exceptional,” the disciples murmured in surprise.

Qian Mo’s refined appearance and friendly aura only heightened their admiration.

“Oh, the Sect Leader’s disciple. Please, come in,” a voice from inside called—it could only be Tian Buyi.

“Yes, Uncle.”

Qian Mo entered, finding Tian Buyi seated at the head, his wife at his side.

“Buyi, is this the youngest survivor from that Caomiao Village incident you mentioned? What a handsome young man!” Mistress Tian’s first glance was full of appreciation—Qian Mo’s charm and looks were simply too captivating.

Tian Buyi, though reluctant to admit it, could only gaze at Qian Mo and ask, “Nephew Qian, how has your master been lately?”

Under that scrutinizing look—as if he’d stolen Tian Buyi’s wife—Qian Mo felt uneasy, but replied calmly, bowing, “Uncle, my master is well. I am about to leave the mountain for training and came especially to thank you for saving my life two years ago, as well as to see my old friends. I hope you will grant permission.”

Not bad, thought Tian Buyi and his wife; not only was the boy’s appearance and demeanor outstanding, but his composure and measured speech were even more admirable. If he doesn’t die young, he’ll surely become a great figure. Their appreciation deepened.

“Training? Nephew, may I ask your current cultivation?” Tian Buyi inquired.

“Uncle, shamefully, I am still slow in my studies—at present, only at the fifth level of Jade Purity,” Qian Mo replied with a grave expression.

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“What? Fifth level of Jade Purity? You and Xiaofan have only been in Qingyun for little more than two years—how could you be ashamed? What does that make us old men?” Tian Buyi exclaimed in surprise.

The disciples of Bamboo Peak drew sharp breaths—this was a prodigy! They’d spent centuries here and hadn’t even reached the seventh level of Jade Purity.

“Why are you all so surprised? My master said that the fifth level is nothing. He always reminds me: ‘There are always greater people, always higher skies; outside, there are countless powerful beings. My cultivation is but an ant before them, easily crushed.’ So I’m still weak and must keep striving,” Qian Mo chuckled inwardly but feigned innocence.

Such insight! “Tsk, Senior Brother is a sly old fox! Is he here to dampen our spirits? He’s talking to Qian Mo, but it feels like he’s addressing us,” Tian Buyi thought, though his outward demeanor remained calm and authoritative.

“Indeed, your master is right. Your cultivation is still weak; there are many out there stronger than you. So not only you, but all of us must work harder!” Tian Buyi affirmed, his words meant for all his disciples.

“First, second... seventh, did you hear? And Ling’er, do you understand? Don’t be proud of your cultivation; remember, you are still weak. I’ve decided you all will train twice as hard from now on—no arrogance, or you’ll end up a mess!” Tian Buyi commanded solemnly.

“Understood, Master (Ling’er)!” the disciples replied, inspired by Qian Mo’s words, their morale soaring.

“Wow! Incredible—I have the makings of a true sage!” Qian Mo thought, watching their reaction.

“If there is nothing else, I won’t trouble you further, Uncle. I will soon leave for my training,” Qian Mo said, bowing.

“Very well. Don’t disappoint your master—go on,” Tian Buyi replied.

“Yes, Uncle! Mistress! Farewell!” Qian Mo turned to Xiaofan, “Xiaofan, remember my words—don’t give up, and your efforts will be rewarded.”

“Qian Mo, rest assured, I won’t let you or Master and Mistress down,” Xiaofan said resolutely.

“Good.”

With that, Qian Mo departed. He had intended to visit Jingyu, but since they weren’t close, and he didn’t much like Jingyu’s personality, he decided against it. Besides, if not for needing to avoid suspicion within Qingyun Sect, he wouldn’t have altered Jingyu’s memories. It turned out to be less troublesome than expected; Zhang Xiaofan’s silly devotion was rather endearing.

End of this chapter.

Come on! Come on! The training begins—the real tasks start now!

End of chapter.

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