After the Tianyuan Sect disciples disembarked from the flying ship, they discovered that many forces had already arrived, and people were everywhere.
"I wouldn't have thought Elder Wen would lead the Tianyuan Sect this time. It has been a long time."
Shortly after leaving the ship, an old man at the Soul Formation stage stepped forward to greet them.
"So it is Elder Qi of the Chunyang Sect. Long time no see."
Wen Yuanying promptly replied.
The Tianyuan Sect and the Chunyang Sect had always been on amicable terms, and the elders were well acquainted.
"Old Qi, could you possibly have feelings for Elder Wen? Showing such attentiveness."
Before the two could exchange further pleasantries, another middle-aged man at the Soul Formation stage approached them.
"Li Huan, your dog's mouth still cannot spit out ivory."
Qi Hu instantly retorted.
"So it is Elder Li Huan of the Xuanyin Sect. Long time no see."
Wen Yuanying truly wished to ignore Li Huan, but basic courtesy demanded a response, so she offered a greeting.
"Fellow Daoist Wen, Li is not targeting you. If you seek a Dao companion, please consider Li first. Although Li lacks talent, he is still superior to certain old things."
Li Huan had long pursued Wen Yuanying, but she consistently rebuffed him to focus on her cultivation. Seeing Qi Hu of the Chunyang Sect conversing with her immediately stirred his jealousy.
"I am devoted solely to the Dao and have no intention of seeking a Dao companion. I ask Elder Li to say no more.
Wen Yuanying had anticipated encountering Li Huan upon leading this expedition, yet facing him in person still left her deeply displeased, weary of his constant pestering.
She had cultivated for over two hundred years. Although she possessed the appearance of a mature woman, her elegance remained undiminished. While her face bore faint traces of time, she retained a captivating charm and the distinct temperament of a refined noblewoman.
As the three conversed, more figures arrived-some lords of various cities, others elders from different sects. In this region, nearly everyone knew one another.
Just as the crowd exchanged greetings, another woman approached.
"Eh? Is that not the Grand Elder of the Heavenly Clothes Pavilion? Rumor had it she entered secluded cultivation for three years. Could she have emerged?"
"It truly is her. Her cultivation has reached the peak of the Soul Formation stage-a half-step into Body Integration. Truly terrifying."
"The Soul Formation stage is a formidable barrier for everyone. Many spend their entire lives trapped within it, yet she is nearly past this threshold."
The woman was none other than the Grand Elder of the Heavenly Clothes Pavilion, Ye Qiuyue, who was also Ye Tianyi's aunt.
"Sister Qiuyue, I never expected you to emerge from secluded cultivation."
Upon catching sight of her, Wen Yuanying hurried forward to welcome her.
Back when the Seventh Elder, Qin Changqing, and Ye Qiuyue had been romantically involved, she frequently visited the Tianyuan Sect. Since Wen Yuanying was the sect's sole female elder, frequent association over time turned the two into close friends.
"Yuanying, your aptitude is hardly weak. You too should undertake a prolonged period of secluded cultivation. On the path of cultivation, though accumulation matters, practice remains paramount."
Though Ye Qiuyue's expression lacked excessive warmth, her words carried genuine concern.
"Sister is right. I have remained stagnant at the mid-Soul Formation stage for too long; it is indeed time to seek a breakthrough."
Wen Yuanying nodded.
"Where is Changqing's disciple?"
Ye Qiuyue had come specifically to observe Qin Changqing's Personal Disciple. Upon leaving seclusion and learning of Qin Changqing's death, she had mourned deeply, and upon hearing that he left behind a disciple, she proactively accepted the task of leading her pavilion's delegation.
"You mean Qin Xiao. He is resting in the disciples' quarters. I shall take you to him."
Finding that Ye Qiuyue sought Qin Xiao, Wen Yuanying used the opportunity to slip away from the gathering of exchanging elders.
Qin Xiao had ceased pretending to be injured and sat cross-legged with his eyes closed, steadily refining and absorbing Spirit Liquid. Having endured a thorough beating from Yun Man, he sensed his absorption speed had quickened slightly.
Adhering to the principle that sharpening one's spear before battle, even if dull, still helps, he resolved to refine whatever he could manage.
"Qin Xiao."
Immersed in his cultivation, Qin Xiao suddenly heard someone call his name.
"Elder Wen, does this disciple have your instructions?"
Recognizing Wen Yuanying, Qin Xiao immediately stood to offer a respectful bow.
"This is Elder Ye, the Grand Elder of the Heavenly Clothes Pavilion and an old friend of your master. She wished to see you."
Wen Yuanying promptly introduced her.
"Grand Elder of the Heavenly Clothes Pavilion?"
Qin Xiao comprehended the situation instantly, recalling Ye Tianyi's earlier mention of the matter.
"Disciple Qin Xiao pays respects to Master's Wife."
Qin Xiao rose and spoke deferentially.
"What? Master's Wife?"
Ye Qiuyue was momentarily startled.
"Who taught you to address me thus? Your master Qin Changqing and I parted ways long ago. I am not your Master's Wife."
Though a trace of satisfaction flickered within her, she quickly assumed a stern expression.
She shows no anger? It seems there is a chance.
Noticing that Ye Qiuyue merely spoke coldly without reprimanding him, Qin Xiao made a quick mental calculation.
"Master's Wife, my master took no other Dao companion throughout his life. Whatever reason caused you to separate, I am certain it was a misunderstanding. Regardless of what transpired, you remain my Master's Wife in my heart."
Unaware of the past grievances between them, Qin Xiao reasoned that her visit proved she still harbored feelings for his master.
"Slick-tongued. Is this all Qin Changqing taught you?"
Despite the warmth in her heart, Ye Qiuyue maintained a chilly tone.
"Ah, Master's Wife, you do not know the half of it. Master had accepted me for only three days, and I had yet to receive his formal teachings before he fell in battle for the sect. Afterward, I was left entirely on my own, and the disciples under our peak all defected to other peaks. For the past three years, I have endured endless grievances. Had I not recently uncovered the relics Master left behind, I likely would have been driven out of the sect entirely."
Qin Xiao deliberately painted a picture of hardship to stir his supposed master's wife's protective instincts, securing a reliable backer. Otherwise, surrounded by formidable figures at the Soul Formation stage, his own lack of strength left him vulnerable.
"What? Changqing surrendered his life for that wretched Tianyuan Sect, and this is how they treat his sole disciple?"
Enraged by Qin Xiao's account, Ye Qiuyue turned her glare upon Wen Yuanying.
"Ah, much of that is complicated to explain, but it is largely as he says. Sister, you know how the cultivation world operates-strength is supreme. Following the Seventh Elder's fall, the Seven Stars Peak fell to him. Yet, because he could not cultivate, no one was willing to join his peak. Permitting him to hold the position of Peak Master for three years was the sect's only concession. Fortunately, the boy recovered the Seventh Elder's relics; now, many wish to enter Seven Stars Peak but are turned away."
Wen Yuanying offered no excuses, knowing that despite its veneer of unity, the sect lacked genuine warmth-the inevitable coldness of the cultivation path.
"Hmph, Qin Xiao, this worthless Tianyuan Sect is not worth your stay. Since you acknowledge me as Master's Wife, follow me to the Heavenly Clothes Pavilion. Though my pavilion cannot rival the Tianyuan Sect, if anyone dares to bully you there, your Master's Wife will answer for it."
Rather than calming her, Wen Yuanying's explanation only fueled Ye Qiuyue's indignation.
"Master's Wife, that is hardly necessary. Seven Stars Peak was left to me by Master; how could I abandon it? Besides, I am no longer someone who can be pushed around at will. Simply hearing your words is satisfaction enough for this disciple."
Qin Xiao had no intention of leaving the Tianyuan Sect just yet. Shelter within a major sect provided a stable environment for cultivation. Only when Yun Man eventually reached the Soul Formation stage might he consider further moves-or perhaps claim the position of Sect Leader himself.
"Since you are resolute, I shall not force you. Should trouble arise, send word to the Heavenly Clothes Pavilion. No matter who opposes you, your Master's Wife will come to your aid."
Seeing his determination, Ye Qiuyue relented, instructing him to seek her out if he encountered adversity.
"Many thanks, Master's Wife. This disciple will remember."
Qin Xiao bowed in gratitude.
"Since you are safe, I have seen what I came to see. If you have time after the secret realm closes, come visit the Heavenly Clothes Pavilion."
With those words, Ye Qiuyue departed to manage her pavilion's preparations ahead of the secret realm's impending opening.
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