"Has your disciple already broken through? As expected of someone who awakened a Vision at the Qi Refining realm..."

Chen Xuan merely shook his head upon hearing those words.

He glanced at the fairy who had descended beside him and couldn’t help making a joke.

"I thought you’d be busier, Sect Leader. It seems you have plenty of free time. Enough to pay me a visit, at least."

Qian Lingxue took no offense.

She chuckled, hiding a sharp smile behind her hand as she looked at him meaningfully.

"Since that’s the case, I assume that Junior Brother Chen would be quite willing to replace me. How about I hand the Jade Pure Sect over to you?"

"Perhaps you can lead the sect a step further and dominate the entire Tianxuan Domain."

Chen Xuan rolled his eyes, realizing it had been a mistake to try to engage in small talk with this woman.

’Sure enough, conversing with powerful women is troublesome,’ he thought secretly.

Recalling the Little Book treasured by Tang Yuechen and the glimpses he’d caught of its contents, his expression darkened.

Qian Lingxue raised her eyebrows. She had only teased him for fun in response to his own joke.

Why was the usually calm Junior Brother suddenly so irritated?

Sensing that this was perhaps not the right time for banter, her smile faded, and she grew stern.

"I came to discuss the demonic invasion. I’ve already communicated with the other righteous sects and organizations. We are prepared to strike back."

Qian Lingxue paused briefly, weighing her words carefully.

"At the very least, we must uncover the true purpose behind the demonic cult’s raid. It is only a matter of time before we suffer if we remain oblivious to their goals."

Chen Xuan nodded subtly, agreeing with her assessment.

Her coordination with other organizations didn’t shock him. This wasn’t a matter Jade Pure Sect could decide on its own.

Though the term "demonic cult" was commonly used to describe the enemy, it wasn’t their actual title.

The Tianxuan Domain was primarily divided into two factions: the righteous and the demonic.

Righteous forces consisted of those who cultivated according to the laws of Heaven, such as the Jade Pure Sect and the Alchemy Pavilion.

On the other hand, demonic forces utilized unorthodox methods to advance their realms.

Plundering resources, devouring blood, and even razing entire cities—whatever could enhance their strength, these cultivators did.

Thinking of this, Chen Xuan felt a little awkward.

The cultivation method practiced by the Yin Yang Peak—dual cultivation—could technically be viewed as part of the demonic path.

In fact, one of the leading powers within the demonic faction was the infamous Pure Bliss Heaven, a sect whose primary method centered entirely on it.

However, Chen Xuan was still puzzled.

Why had Qian Lingxue come to him specifically instead of finalizing plans with the rest of the righteous faction?

The moment that question surfaced, a bad premonition washed over him.

’Could it be...?’

Before that thought could fully form, Qian Lingxue’s next words confirmed his worst suspicions.

"The righteous faction has decided to launch a counterattack. The Jade Pure Sect has been tasked with guarding the borders between the two factions," she explained.

"The sect’s Peak Masters will lead their disciples to secure specific checkpoints."

"This is why I came here today. I want to ask which location you’d prefer to guard—"

Before Qian Lingxue could even finish her sentence, her eyes widened.

Chen Xuan’s body suddenly transformed into a blurry streak of light, soaring straight into the sky.

Halfway through his flight, he paused momentarily, appearing to recall something. His Spiritual Energy erupted, sweeping towards the residences of Huo Ling’er and Su Ying.

He clearly intended to take them with him in his grand escape.

Qian Lingxue froze for a moment, cursing inwardly.

Watching him flee, she raised her hand to intercept him, but hesitated.

A flicker of calculation flashed across her eyes as she chose to employ a different tactic.

Her divine sense swept outward, transmitting a message directly to him:

"No need to rush off just yet. Don’t you want to learn where your Master has gone?"

"Before she left, she entrusted me with something. She requested that I pass it to you at the right time."

The moment her words fell, the light in the distance vanished.

Chen Xuan’s figure reappeared beside her instantly, wearing the exact same expression and posture as before.

"Since it’s the Sect Leader’s request, it’s my duty as a Peak Master to protect the sect and its righteous lands," he said, patting his chest with determination.

He showed not a hint of embarrassment over his blatant attempt to desert. 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

At the same time, he raised his eyebrows.

"Sect Leader, what was that about my Master? Did she leave anything behind? Tsk, tsk," he clicked his tongue, shaking his head, "That woman must be thousands of years old..."

"Is she still in the mood to play such childish games? Truly, you old monsters have some bizarre quirks..."

Chen Xuan stopped mid-sentence.

Not because he felt bad about insulting his Master, but because he noticed Qian Lingxue’s right eye twitching violently.

She took a deep breath to steady herself.

"...Your Master requested that I give you this item once you’ve reached the Nascent Soul realm, or when your life is in danger," she said, tossing an object at him.

"I originally planned to wait, but listening to your words, I fear there’s a high chance you’ll be slapped to death sooner rather than later," she added, a dangerous smile gracing her lips.

Chen Xuan instinctively caught the item.

Just as he opened his mouth to placate her, the Sect Leader’s figure dispersed into mist and disappeared.

Only her natural fragrance and her voice lingered, echoing faintly in his mind.

"Prepare to depart within the next week. I’ll send someone with further instructions once the details are confirmed."

Silence returned to the courtyard. Only Chen Xuan and the object in his hands remained.

Lowering his head, he took a quick glance at it and immediately understood its function.

However, he was in no mood to investigate any further.

Qian Lingxue’s words resurfaced in his mind, turning his expression solemn.

A confrontation with the demonic faction was no game. While guarding the borders was theoretically safer than other positions, it still carried inherent risks.

’Perhaps it’s time to make contact with them again,’ he thought.

His divine sense dove into his spatial ring.

He stored the item of Mu Xuanyin before pulling out two new objects: a mask painted with a whirlpool pattern, and a long black robe embroidered with red flowers.

After ensuring that no one was watching, Chen Xuan donned the items before sneaking away from Yin Yang Peak, and leaving the Jade Pure Sect entirely.