Su Ru glanced at her husband with a knowing smile.
As his wife for many years, she understood him more than anyone else.
Though Tian Buyi often acted gruff and overbearing, he carried the weight of his pride silently...especially when it came to their branch, Dazhu Peak.
Among the seven peaks of Qingyun Mountain, Dazhu Peak had always been the least prominent. Few disciples, modest talent, and little fame. it was the peak others whispered about when speaking of mediocrity. Over the years, they had grown accustomed to being overlooked, even pitied.
But now, for the first time in decades, there was a glimmer of light.
A genius had emerged from their humble peak.
"I didn't expect it, Xiaofan," Su Ru said warmly, her voice laced with genuine pride. "In just three months, you've reached the third level of Jade Purity Scripture. That's a remarkable accomplishment.
My senior sister Shuiyue from Xiaozhu Peak always boasts about her disciple, Lu Xueqi, reaching the first level in six weeks. But you… you've gone far beyond that."
Zhang Xiaofan bowed slightly in thanks. "Thank you, Master's Wife."
Tian Buyi, who had just moments ago been bursting with laughter, suddenly turned serious.
His brow furrowed, and his sharp gaze swept over the disciples seated around the table.
"Daren," he said abruptly, "didn't I only instruct you to teach Xiaofan the first and second levels of the Jade Purity Scripture?"
Song Daren, startled by the question, sat up straighter. Before he could answer, Tian Buyi's gaze sharpened further. "Then who taught him the third?"
Across the table, Tian Ling'er stiffened. Her body tensed as she instinctively lowered her head, her chopsticks now frozen in her hand.
She had taught Xiaofan the third level of the scripture in secret.
At the time, she had been amazed by his rapid progress.
He grasped complex circulation techniques effortlessly, and his spiritual sensitivity was something she'd never seen before. She couldn't help but push him a little further. But if her father found out now…
Before Tian Buyi could demand an explanation, Song Daren quickly spoke up, his voice respectful but firm.
"Master," he said, "our sect's rules are strict, and I would never teach beyond your instructions without prior permission.
I only guided Junior Brother through the first and second levels as you instructed."
Tian Buyi's expression darkened. He glanced around suspiciously, clearly not satisfied.
"Then how did he learn it?" he asked coldly.
An awkward silence filled the room. Even the clinking of chopsticks had stopped. Everyone waited, breath held.
Just then, Zhang Xiaofan's calm voice cut through the tension.
"Master," he said, raising his head, "didn't you ask Senior Sister Ling'er to teach me the third level?"
The entire hall went still.
Zhang Xiaofan continued smoothly, his face composed and his tone respectful, "You must have seen my potential and entrusted her with it. Isn't that right?"
Tian Buyi opened his mouth… and froze.
He hadn't.
He absolutely had not given such an instruction.
But if he admitted that now, it would mean he had failed to recognize his disciple's talent ahead of time. That would make him appear shortsighted and unworthy of his status as a master.
If he claimed that he had done so deliberately, it would make him look wise and far-seeing a master who nurtured brilliance before anyone else noticed.
He hesitated.
Then straightened his back and cleared his throat with authority.
"Ahem. Yes, yes! That's exactly what happened," Tian Buyi said, nodding gravely as if recalling a great decision. "I recognized your extraordinary aptitude early on, Xiaofan.
That's why I instructed Ling'er to pass on the third level when the time came. I'm pleased to see that you did not disappoint me."
Tian Ling'er's mouth opened slightly in shock. She blinked twice, completely stunned.
Dad, when did you tell me that? she thought, bewildered. That never happened! So shameless!
But she dared not expose the lie. Not here, not now.
Su Ru chuckled lightly to herself, watching the scene unfold. Her husband was clearly improvising, but it was a harmless lie and not entirely wrong. Xiaofan's potential was extraordinary.
He had earned this recognition, even if it came wrapped in awkward pride.
She gazed at the boy with thoughtful eyes. This child… not only is his cultivation speed terrifying, but his reaction just now… quick-witted, composed, and clever. Not many disciples could navigate a situation like that. He's not just talented he's intelligent.
Tian Buyi, now brimming with satisfaction once more, placed a hand on Zhang Xiaofan's wrist with newfound warmth.
"Good disciple," he said with approval. "Come with me to the back hall. I'll personally pass on the next stages of the Jade Purity Scripture—from the fourth all the way to the ninth level."
Zhang Xiaofan's eyes flickered with calm anticipation. He cupped his fists respectfully.
"Thank you, Master."
With that, the two left the dining hall, the others watching them go with mixed expressions.
Du Bishu sat quietly, staring at the now empty seat beside him. A faint smile curled on his lips, but there was something deeper behind his eyes—something quiet and unresolved.
Moments later, he gently put down his chopsticks and stood up. He walked to Su Ru and bowed deeply.
"Master's Wife," he said solemnly, "I've been cultivating on Dazhu Peak for over seventy years. It took me decades just to reach the third level of Jade Purity. And yet, Junior Brother Xiaofan has achieved the same in just three months."
He paused, then said with sincerity, "I am humbled."
Su Ru raised her head and regarded him with calm compassion.