Ji Changfeng led Tian Linger and Zhang Xiaofan out of the Tai Chi Cave.
Along the way, Tian Linger walked with her arms crossed, lips pursed in a pout, radiating an air of indignation. Whenever Ji Changfeng glanced her way, she'd let out a deliberate, huffy snort.
Ji Changfeng merely smiled, saying nothing.
For years, he'd indulged Tian Linger, treating her like a child. But things were different now.
Little Linger's grown into a young woman.
No more spoiling her.
Zhang Xiaofan trailed behind, observing his sulky Senior Sister and the nonchalant Ji Changfeng. Scratching his head, he couldn't help but feel a bit perplexed.
Seventh Senior Brother and Senior Sister are always like this.
No, wait.
It's more like Senior Sister always acts so dramatic around Seventh Senior Brother…
Zhang Xiaofan felt a twinge of envy. He believed Tian Linger harbored feelings for Ji Changfeng.
Long ago, he'd buried any inappropriate thoughts he might have had.
Senior Sister is so remarkable, so beautiful. Probably only Seventh Senior Brother is worthy of her, Zhang Xiaofan thought quietly.
In truth, Ji Changfeng had no romantic notions toward Tian Linger. From the start, he'd treated her like a daughter, doting on her.
But now that she was grown, it was time to stop.
The trio arrived at Shoujing Hall.
Inside, the disciples of Dazhu Peak were gathered for a meal, with Tian Buyi and Su Ru present.
"Hm?"
"Changfeng, you've come out of seclusion?" Su Ru noticed Ji Changfeng first, her eyes lighting up with delight.
Tian Buyi was equally pleased, though he maintained his usual restraint. "Old Seven, finished your seclusion?" he asked casually.
Ji Changfeng smiled faintly and bowed respectfully to the couple. "Disciple Ji Changfeng greets Master and Shi Niang!"
Su Ru, brimming with anticipation, asked, "Changfeng, your cultivation… how far have you progressed?"
Four years ago, Ji Changfeng had already reached the fifth layer of Jade Spirit Realm. Now, after four more years, what heights had he achieved?
The ninth layer of the Jade Spirit Realm?
Or perhaps…
Upper Spirit?
Tian Buyi's gaze held a trace of expectation as he looked at Ji Changfeng.
The surrounding disciples, including Tian Linger, turned their attention to Ji Changfeng, all curious about his current cultivation.
Under their scrutiny, Ji Changfeng gave a faint smile. Instead of revealing his cultivation directly, he said cryptically, "Master, Shi Niang, the first place at the Seven Peaks Tournament is already in Dazhu Peak's grasp!"
His words sent a ripple of shock through the hall.
"Seventh Junior Brother is confident he can take first place at the Seven Peaks Tournament?"
Gasp—
"This tournament's top contenders are all at the eighth or ninth layer of the Jade Spirit Realm. Could Seventh Junior Brother have already…?"
Ji Changfeng smiled, remaining silent.
After four years of dedicated cultivation, he had reached the first layer of Upper Spirit!
Had he not spent time studying alchemy, artifact forging, and formations, or occasionally left seclusion to drink and chat with Wan Jianyi at Tongtian Peak, his cultivation might have climbed even higher—perhaps to the third or fourth layer of Upper Spirit.
But truthfully, for Ji Changfeng, the first layer of Upper Spirit was more than sufficient.
With his mastery of various sword techniques, his combat strength rivaled that of veteran Upper Spirit realm experts.
Take the Ghost King Sect's Four Holy Envoys, for example. In a one-on-one fight, not one of them could match Ji Changfeng.
Tian Buyi and Su Ru exchanged a glance, their eyes betraying a flicker of astonishment.
If Ji Changfeng had truly broken through to Upper Spirit…
Then the first place at the Seven Peaks Tournament was undoubtedly Dazhu Peak's!
"Shi Niang, I recently refined a pill that I believe suits you well," Ji Changfeng said with a smile.
"Oh? What kind of pill?" Su Ru asked, intrigued.
Tian Linger quietly perked up her ears.
A pill?
Could it be the ones he just refined?
"Youth-Fixing Pill," Ji Changfeng said with a light chuckle.
He presented the pill to Su Ru, explaining, "As the name suggests, the Youth-Fixing Pill preserves one's appearance at its peak, preventing aging. A single pill can maintain youthful beauty for a century!"
Su Ru's eyes widened in astonishment.
Preserve youth for a century?!
The surrounding disciples gasped in amazement.
Su Ru cradled the pill as if it were a priceless treasure. If the Youth-Fixing Pill was as effective as Ji Changfeng claimed, it would cause a frenzy among female cultivators.
"Ji Changfeng! I want one too!" Tian Linger blurted out, her eyes sparkling with longing.
As a female cultivator, the allure of the Youth-Fixing Pill was irresistible. No woman could resist its temptation.
Ji Changfeng smirked, teasing, "Oh? Didn't you just say you wouldn't take it even if I gave it to you, Little Senior Sister?"
"I…" Tian Linger's cheeks flushed. She opened her mouth to retort, but—
Whoosh—
A brilliant sword light flashed in the distance, streaking across the sky.
Someone had flown directly into Dazhu Peak on a sword!
"Hm?" Tian Buyi's face darkened instantly.
Flying directly into Dazhu Peak?
That's a blatant disrespect!
Among the seven peaks of Qingyun Sect, Tongtian Peak was protected by an array that prohibited flying. As a result, an unspoken rule had emerged among the other six peaks:
No flying over a peak's territory without permission!
Shoujing Hall was the heart of Dazhu Peak.
For someone to intrude by flying directly into it was a clear violation of etiquette.
"Outrageous!" Tian Buyi slammed his hand on the armrest, his face clouded with anger.
Su Ru frowned, her usual good temper giving way to silence.
"Xiaofan! Xiaofan!"
A cheerful shout rang out from outside Shoujing Hall.
Looking out, they saw a spirited young man, gripping a magical weapon, barge into the hall.
"Jingyu?" Zhang Xiaofan exclaimed, surprised.
"Xiaofan, it's been so long…" Lin Jingyu began, only to be interrupted by a sharp rebuke from behind.
"Junior Brother Lin, this is Dazhu Peak! Don't make a scene!"
"…" The Dazhu Peak disciples exchanged speechless glances.
You're well aware this is Dazhu Peak, and yet…
Their gazes shifted outside, where a young man in white, holding an Ice Sword, entered with respectful poise.
"Dragon Head Peak disciple Qi Hao greets Martial Uncle Tian, Martial Uncle Su, and all the Senior and Junior Brothers of Dazhu Peak," Qi Hao said, bowing courteously to Tian Buyi.
Lin Jingyu, catching on, quickly followed suit. "Dragon Head Peak disciple Lin Jingyu greets Martial Uncle Tian and Martial Uncle Su."
Tian Buyi remained stone-faced, silent.
Su Ru, still frowning, glanced at Ji Changfeng but said nothing.
Ji Changfeng understood her intent.
Stepping forward, he addressed Lin Jingyu calmly. "Junior Brother Lin, are you unaware that flying is strictly forbidden above the seven peaks' main halls?"
"Huh?" Lin Jingyu shook his head, bewildered. "I didn't know."
Didn't know?
Ji Changfeng's eyes narrowed slightly.
His gaze shifted to Qi Hao. "Senior Brother Qi Hao, as the Senior Brother of Dragon Head Peak, did you not inform Junior Brother Lin of this rule?"
Qi Hao's expression stiffened momentarily.
He quickly bowed to Tian Buyi and Su Ru. "This was my oversight. I beg Martial Uncle Tian's forgiveness."
Turning to Lin Jingyu, he scolded, "Junior Brother Lin, hurry and apologize to Martial Uncle Tian!"
Ji Changfeng's eyes narrowed further.
What a clever move, redirecting the blame.
Clearly, you made the mistake, yet you're trying to shift the anger onto Lin Jingyu?
Heh.
This Qi Hao is no simple man.
No wonder, given he's over a century old.
Ji Changfeng had no interest in sparing Qi Hao's pride. "If anyone should apologize, it's you, Senior Brother Qi Hao. Junior Brother Lin has only been a disciple for five years. It's your duty as Senior Brother to guide him properly, yet you 'guided' him to make this mistake?"
Ji Changfeng's tone carried a pointed edge.
His words caused the expressions of everyone present to shift subtly.
____
If you want to support me and read advanced 70+ chapters and also other stories: patreon.com/Caluem