"Young Master Ling Xiao, it's getting late. Why not stay the night and depart tomorrow after observing our Heavenly Sword Sect's disciple acceptance ceremony?"
Duan Wuyong made a polite remark, though inwardly he desperately wished this little demon would leave immediately.
For some reason, he felt deeply uncomfortable just looking at Ling Xiao.
It wasn't really about cultivation or status; he simply felt this kid was trouble through and through.
"In that case, I'll reluctantly agree to rest at your esteemed sect for one night. As for the ceremony, as an outsider, I won't involve myself."
Ling Xiao smiled calmly. It wasn't that he didn't want to be involved; it was just that there was an overconfident fool back at the Ten Thousand Dao Demon Sect waiting for him to deal with tomorrow.
Shameless!
Utterly shameless!
The Sword Sect elders' twitched, their eyes filled with disdain as they looked at Ling Xiao.
'Reluctantly'...
How could he say that with a straight face?!
This kid's shamelessness was truly Holy State-certified!
"Oh, right, Elder Xu. You mentioned something about century-old immortal wine that refreshes the mind and fights fatigue? When shall we begin? I am indeed quite tired from the journey bringing Qingchan here."
Upon hearing this, the Grand Elder of the Heavenly Sword Sect nearly spat out a mouthful of old blood.
Rash!
Today,he had not only lost a divine artifact but also had to bring out his prized wine.
The problem was, he didn't even get the disciple in the end!
Since the Sect Master had spoken, he naturally didn't dare insist.
Elder Xu Jibo's heart was bitter.
But he had already boasted about it. In front of so many disciples, he couldn't go back on his word...
Ling Xiao might have no shame, but he still had some.
"Young Master, please wait a moment. I'll return to Dragon Horn Peak to fetch it immediately!"
Watching the trembling figure leave the hall, Ling Xiao shook his head and sighed with emotion, "Elder Xu is a good man! For the sect's development, he spares no effort. Qingchan, you must remember Elder Xu's kindness in gifting the sword today!"
Pfft!!
In the distance, Xu Jibo, who had just left the hall, could no longer suppress the grievance in his heart. A mouthful of blood sprayed all over the ground.
"What's wrong with Elder Xu? Why is there a sudden smell of blood?"
Ling Xiao turned back, looking surprise towards the hall entrance, his tone full of concern.
...
Night fell. The main hall of the Heavenly Sword Immortal Sect was lively.
Of course, the lively ones were Ling Xiao and the remaining Sword Sect elders.
Only the Grand Elder sat with a dark face, getting utterly drunk after just two cups.
But the immortal wine he brought was indeed excellent; drinking it gave a feeling of abundant spiritual power.
"Hehe, Young Master Ling Xiao, how did you and Qingchan meet?"
After a few rounds of drinks, Sect Master Duan Wuyong looked curiously at Ling Xiao.
The entire Holy State knew this Young Master Ling Xiao was arrogant and dissolute. Any woman of substance would want to avoid involvement with him.
Rumors even said the Divine Maiden of the Ethereal Dao Palace strongly opposed her arranged marriage with Ling Xiao.
Although Ye Qingchan's realm was low, she didn't seem like the type to chase power and influence. Did she have some unspeakable difficulty?
Of course, before today, Duan Wuyong wouldn't have offended Ling Xiao over a mere Soul-Awakening disciple.
But now that he had accepted Ye Qingchan as his personal disciple, he absolutely couldn't let her be coerced.
"Qingchan and I met in the Northern Wasteland."
Ling Xiao picked up his cup and took a small sip. "This wine is truly excellent. Elder Xu, you don't mind if I take two jars for my dragon chariot, do you?"
Gag...
The already disoriented Xu Jibo shuddered violently, nearly vomiting up the immortal wine he had drunk.
Whether it was reluctance to part with the wine or unwillingness to lose face in front of the disciples, he actually forced himself to swallow it back down.
"Hehe, it seems Elder Xu has no objection. Thank you, Elder."
Ling Xiao waved his hand, and the two remaining jars of wine on the table vanished.
"Sect Master Duan, these wine cups look quite exquisite. I'll take two for my dragon chariot. You don't mind, do you?"
"N-No... no objection."
Duan Wuyong sighed inwardly. What a misfortune.
With Xuan Yuanyue and Ling Tianlin's status and cultivation, how did they produce such a scoundrel?
"Hehehe, everyone in the Heavenly Sword Immortal Sect is so good. It seems I should visit more often. I love dealing with good people."
Ling Xiao smiled and nodded. Duan Wuyong and the other elders instantly stiffened, their hands clenching involuntarily, clearly struggling to restrain their inner rage.
Ancestor, if you visit a couple more times, you'll probably strip our Heavenly Sword Immortal Sect bare.
If Ling Xiao hadn't genuinely delivered a prodigious disciple to the sect this time, Duan Wuyong would likely have drawn his sword by now.
Finally, the banquet ended after Ling Xiao had his fill of food and wine.
"Qingchan, accompany me for a walk around the Heavenly Sword Immortal Sect."
Ling Xiao stood up, bid farewell to Duan Wuyong and the others one by one, then left the hall holding Ye Qingchan's hand.
The two walked along the mountain paths until they reached an ancient forest at the peak before stopping.
"Qingchan, this is a message talisman. If anything happens, you can use it to call me."
Ling Xiao took a spirit talisman from his robes and handed it to Ye Qingchan.
"Young Master..."
Ye Qingchan was slightly stunned, touched flashing in her beautiful eyes.
There was no trace of drunkenness on Ling Xiao's face now; instead, a hint of gentleness lurked deep in his eyes.
"Wait for me to handle the matters in my sect and family, then I'll come to see you. If you get bored, go to the Dan Yuan Holy Land to find my mother."
Ling Xiao reached out and gently stroked Ye Qingchan's cheek, feeling somewhat reluctant.
He wondered if Ye Qingchan would still be the same Ye Qingchan the next time they met.
"Young Master, don't worry. I will cultivate diligently..."
Ye Qingchan's eyes reddened. She hugged Ling Xiao, pressing her face against his chest.
"...and then I will find the Young Master. I will never be separated from you again."
She didn't voice this last part.
She knew she wasn't qualified to stand by Ling Xiao's side yet.
But that day wouldn't be far off!
"Alright, it's not like we'll never see each other again. Look, Qingchan, the moon is very beautiful tonight."
Ling Xiao patted Ye Qingchan's shoulder gently, looking up at the bright moon overhead.
After today, he would truly face the storms of the Holy State.
Of course, since he had come to this world, he wouldn't let himself be trampled easily.
So what if he was a villain?
Haven't you heard the saying? Villains live for a thousand years!
The entire night, the two sat on the mountain peak of the Heavenly Sword Immortal Sect, admiring the moon and chatting.
It wasn't until the glow of dawn appeared on the horizon that Ling Xiao stood up and woke Ye Qingchan, who had long fallen asleep in his arms.
"Qingchan, I have to go."
"Young Master..."
Tears instantly streamed down Ye Qingchan's face. Her small hands tightly clutched the corner of Ling Xiao's robe.
Only now did she understand that separation could truly be heart-wrenching.
"Remember what you promised me. If one day you possess sufficient strength, I will come for you."
Ling Xiao lowered his head and gently kissed Ye Qingchan's forehead.
"This is my promise to you."
Having said that, Ling Xiao didn't hesitate in the slightest. He summoned the Nine Dragon Golden Chariot and soared towards the horizon.