Shi Shuhong and Wei Shouyuan both felt a bit embarrassed. Early in the morning, they had broken into the room of the Deputy Sect Leader’s Junior Sister. If this were to spread, they didn’t know what people might say.

Fortunately, Tantai Mingyue had a habit of getting up early to cultivate every day. At this moment, her clothes were complete, and there was no embarrassing scene of clothing not being properly worn.

Facing Tantai Mingyue’s surprised and angry questioning, Shi Shuhong immediately cupped his hands and said:

"Deputy Sect Leader, I wish to represent the sect to go to West Imperial City to discuss the arrangements for the Immortal Ascension Ceremony."

"Sect Leader’s Junior Sister, I am willing to go to West Imperial City for you!"

Wei Shouyuan almost simultaneously spoke.

Tantai Mingyue paused, looked at the eager two, then looked at the broken door, and couldn’t help finding it amusing:

"Two Senior Brothers, did you break my door early in the morning just for this?"

Shi Shuhong said, "Deputy Sect Leader, I couldn’t sleep last night, reflecting for the whole night. Our sect has encountered continuous changes. As an elder, I should shoulder more responsibilities for you. On the trip to West Imperial City, our Zhenyang Sect will definitely be mocked by the major sects. I am the Senior Brother, so naturally, I should walk this path for you!"

"I want to contribute to the sect, and out of eagerness, I was disrespectful. I ask for your understanding, Deputy Sect Leader."

Wei Shouyuan beside him said, "Sect Leader’s Junior Sister, you and I entered Zhenyang Sect together. Now that Master is no longer here, as the Senior Brother, it’s only right for me to relieve your worries and go to West Imperial City in your place!"

Shi Shuhong coldly chuckled: "Junior Brother Wei, yesterday you were hesitating and evading. Why has your attitude changed today? Are you scheming something else?"

Wei Shouyuan maintained an unchanged look: "Senior Brother Shi, don’t suspect a gentleman with the heart of a petty person."

"What do you mean?!"

"Did I hit the nail on the head?"

As they spoke, their Spiritual Energy surged, and even their Magical Artifacts jumped out. Tantai Mingyue quickly said:

"Two Senior Brothers, please calm down, let’s sit and discuss matters slowly."

Shi Shuhong said, "Deputy Sect Leader, no need to discuss. Just leave the trip to West Imperial City to me!"

Wei Shouyuan said, "Sect Leader’s Junior Sister, Senior Brother Shi is concerned about his face. If he goes and gets mocked, he might not be able to bear it. How about letting me go?"

Tantai Mingyue was baffled by the two. Zheng Shengmo’s scandal had spread throughout the world, and now whenever anyone from Zhenyang Sect went out, they would definitely be mocked.

Yesterday, when the trip to West Imperial Dynasty to discuss the Immortal Ascension Ceremony was brought up, none of the elders wanted to go. It had to be Tantai Mingyue, the Deputy Sect Leader, to go personally and bear the humiliation.

Unexpectedly, today Shi Shuhong and Wei Shouyuan’s attitudes had suddenly changed, and they were vying to go.

Could there be some opportunity in West Imperial City?

A thought flashed through Tantai Mingyue’s mind, only to be dismissed.

If there truly were any opportunities, the Western Emperor Palace, which has been there for years, would have already taken them all.

Just then, Shi Shuhong and Wei Shouyuan started arguing again. Tantai Mingyue had a headache, quickly stopping them, pondering for a moment, and finally said:

"Representing the sect is not a small matter; it should be someone of high prestige and virtue. Senior Brother Shi entered the sect earliest and is the most senior among us. Having Senior Brother Shi go is the safest option."

Upon hearing this, Shi Shuhong was overjoyed: "Deputy Sect Leader is indeed wise. I will go prepare and head down the mountain tomorrow!"

He then bid farewell and left.

Wei Shouyuan’s face immediately turned unpleasant, and he couldn’t even be bothered to say goodbye to Tantai Mingyue before turning to leave.

Tantai Mingyue’s room quickly quieted down, with only the broken door remaining. With a thump, the last piece hanging on the hinge fell to the ground.

Tantai Mingyue let out a long sigh: "The sect is getting more chaotic. Sect Leader, when will you come out of seclusion?"

...

Meanwhile.

At the residence of Su Xin, the Senior Sister at Danxia Peak.

Lin Qingchou bowed respectfully: "Senior Sister, I’ll be heading down the mountain to purchase supplies tomorrow."

Su Xin nodded and handed her the mountain gate pass token.

Lin Qingchou received it with both hands, paused, and continued:

"Junior Sister Ruo has just become a steward disciple and will be working for Danxia Peak in the future. I want to take her down the mountain with me, to gain some experience."

Su Xin nodded: "What you said makes sense. Master mentioned yesterday that Junior Sister Ruo would be greatly utilized. Take her with you."

"Yes."

Lin Qingchou bowed again, about to leave when Su Xin suddenly said:

"Junior Sister Lin, the matter at Zhenlian City... is merely a test on your cultivation path. With a firm Tao Heart, you can face it calmly."

Lin Qingchou was silent for a moment, then nodded: "Thank you, Senior Sister, for your guidance. I’m fine."

Su Xin displayed a gentle smile: "Then I am relieved. Go ahead."

Lin Qingchou returned to her small courtyard, where Qiu Zhihe was sitting calmly at the table drinking tea. Lin Qingchou approached:

"Junior Sister Ruo, the Senior Sister agreed. Prepare yourself, and follow me down the mountain tomorrow."

Qiu Zhihe stood up, with a gentle smile on her face and a chilling murder intent in her eyes: "Thank you for your effort, Senior Sister Lin."

...

The next day.

Qiu Zhihe, along with several Inner Sect disciples, followed Lin Qingchou out of the mountain gate.

They happened to see Shi Shuhong, who had just gone down the mountain, and they all bowed:

"Greetings, Junior Martial Uncle Shi."

"Haha, no need for formalities."

Shi Shuhong waved his hand at them, his eyes landing on Lin Qingchou.

This is the female disciple who was assaulted by Zheng Shengmo?

She looks quite decent, but far inferior to Ye Xiyue. It’s laughable that Fatty Zheng even lost his life over her!

Then his gaze swept across Ruo Mei, flashing a hint of amazement.

Isn’t this the girl from the Body Cultivator competition in the Outer Sect, so charming and lovely, I find her adorable? Too bad, with such looks and she didn’t come to Divine Peak.

Otherwise, I would surely guide her closely every day.

It doesn’t matter, when I find He Zhiqiu’s outside chamber and break through to Divinity Transformation, becoming the Sect Leader, won’t I have whatever I want!

Feeling elated, Shi Shuhong sized up the female disciples once more, then chuckled and rose on his sword control, swiftly leaving.

Lin Qingchou and the others all felt somewhat uncomfortable. One of the female disciples mumbled: 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

"Junior Martial Uncle Shi’s gaze just now, why did it feel like he was stripping off my clothes?"

Lin Qingchou coldly said, "How dare you critique an elder behind their back? Let’s go!"

"Yes, Senior Sister!"

Qiu Zhihe, standing amongst the female disciples, timidly replied, and followed Lin Qingchou towards Zhenyang City.

Soon after they left, a shadow cloaked in black swiftly passed over the mountain gate, chasing after Shi Shuhong to the south.

"Shi Shuhong, don’t think I won’t go down the mountain just because I haven’t gotten Tantai Mingyue’s permission. Once I find that Top-grade Spirit Root before you, the first thing I’ll do is make you kneel at my feet and call me Sect Leader!"

This shadow’s sword control technique was extremely special. Despite being in daylight and deliberately hiding his aura, Lin Qingchou and the others did not notice while hurrying below.

Only Ruo Mei slightly raised her head, looking at the clear sky, and a hint of a cold smile appeared on her lips.

Shi Shuhong, Wei Shouyuan, finally it’s your turn.