Chapter 64 - 055 Qinling (two-in-one)

On the small path through the bamboo forest, a young man and a middle-aged woman stopped.

Xu Chang’an quietly looked at the woman with phoenix eyes and thin lips in front of him, somewhat puzzled about what this senior wanted to do.

Although it seemed he and Steward Qin were both Outer Sect Stewards of the Chaoyun Sect and held similar positions,

the truth was, Steward Qin’s cultivation far exceeded his, making her indisputably a senior.

"Xu Neizhi, please wait a moment," Steward Qin coughed once, then looked Xu Chang’an up and down.

The reason Steward Qin suddenly changed her mind was quite understandable.

Because Xu Chang’an was cultivating a Basic Technique, she advised him accordingly... After all, Xu Chang’an’s wife had just arrived at the mountain, and given their affection, he should have been completely preoccupied with his recently arrived wife, unable to settle his mind.

Unexpectedly, Xu Chang’an broke through quite easily.

Even if there was a sense of coincidence, Steward Qin realized that she could not use her own knowledge to judge Mu Yu Peak’s cultivation methods, as they might have already tailored a cultivation plan for Xu Chang’an based on his temperament.

After all, to outsiders, the group at Mu Yu Peak, absorbed in music, chess, calligraphy, painting, singing, dancing, and tea, might seem to not be attending to their official duties.

Seeing the somewhat dazed expression on Xu Chang’an’s face, Steward Qin shook her head and said, "Earlier, I was not cautious enough, just do what you need to do."

Xu Chang’an looked at Steward Qin strangely, clearly not understanding her change in attitude, but he did not ask, just responded.

Steward Qin’s gaze swept over the crimson Glazed Jade at Xu Chang’an’s waist, and her brow furrowed slightly.

The Jade Pendant seemed to have clouds inside it, faintly emitting Spiritual Qi, clearly belonging to a Chaoyun Sect’s Magical Artifact. However, generally, tokens would have personal marks or at least an indication of which peak they belong to.

Xu Chang’an’s piece of Glazed Jade was different; it had no information at all. It was unclear whether it was given by someone from Mu Yu Peak or someone else.

At Chaoyun Sect, sometimes potential outer disciples are encountered. If someone takes a liking to them, they would give an object as a token to indicate that the disciple has already been "claimed."

But...

Xu Chang’an was brought up and specially attended to by Zhu Pingniang. Who could be so oblivious?

"Xu Neizhi, this Glazed Jade?" Steward Qin couldn’t help but ask.

"A senior from Mu Yu Peak gifted it to me," Xu Chang’an explained.

"Mu Yu Peak?" Hearing that it was an internal matter, Steward Qin relaxed and didn’t ask further, she just said, "Did the senior intend to guide your cultivation when they gave you the token?"

She wanted to know if Xu Chang’an currently had a mentor.

"No," Xu Chang’an was slightly surprised. He felt Steward Qin was overly concerned about him... Upon thinking about it, he knew it was due to Zhu Pingniang’s influence.

Steward Qin observed Xu Chang’an for a while before saying, "You have just started cultivating; you must have many things you wish to understand, such as... Attribute Spiritual Qi and the Inner Sect trial."

"That’s right," Xu Chang’an sighed lightly, revealing a somewhat helpless expression.

On thinking carefully, he realized that his current path is quite obscure, without even a direction.

Without a mentor, there were many inconveniences in carrying out tasks.

"That senior gifted you a token without the intention to guide you, what a peculiar person." Steward Qin’s brows furrowed together, but they soon relaxed. She looked at Xu Chang’an peculiarly, "Indeed, you have a way with people."

The basic knowledge could be found in the Library Pavilion, and even if no one taught Xu Chang’an, he could ask a senior sister at Mu Yu Peak. They would teach him, as those things are not particularly difficult to understand and do not necessarily require a guide.

"You should prepare for the Inner Sect trial," Steward Qin curved her mouth into a smile, small wrinkles appearing at the corners of her eyes, "It’s quite confusing, right?"

"Yes," Xu Chang’an nodded helplessly, not hiding the difficulty in his eyes.

Seeing Xu Chang’an’s gaze, Steward Qin coughed lightly and said, "Well then, these are things that can be discussed."

She refrained from suggesting future cultivation methods to Xu Chang’an. After all, even if she didn’t mention it, he could find them in the Library Pavilion.

She thought for a moment and asked, "Do you have anything to do later?"

Xu Chang’an truthfully replied, "Nothing much, just returning to cultivate."

"So... you still know to cultivate," Steward Qin glanced in the direction of Yun Qian’s residence, gently shaking her head. She said slowly, "If you want to know anything, just ask me. It’s better than reading books."

Xu Chang’an was taken aback, a hint of joy flashed in his eyes.

That was very welcome.

Steward Qin always had a good reputation among the outer disciples. If he could get her help, it would mean fewer detours for him.

"This junior thanks the senior," Xu Chang’an immediately made a salute.

"But... it’s time, I must return home first." Steward Qin pointed toward the distant sunset direction, saying, "If you have time, feel free to come with me."

Being offered guidance, Xu Chang’an certainly wouldn’t refuse.

So, he left his wife’s residence just before, and now he followed a woman to her home.

——

He followed Steward Qin toward the west of Celestial Bright Peak, and after a long walk, they stopped in front of a very secluded courtyard.

"This is my residence." Steward Qin opened the door and allowed Xu Chang’an to enter the courtyard.

The courtyard was spacious, with houses to the east, south, and north, and flowers and plants in the middle, particularly beautiful under the sunset. To Xu Chang’an’s surprise, there were even a few fruit trees planted in the courtyard.