Chapter 11 - "A Slap to Teach Ling Duan Respect!"

“Senior Brother, you must be joking. I’m merely at the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment—how could I compare to you?” Ling Yue said humbly, then added, “By the way, how was the trip to Mount Shu?”

“The journey wasn’t exactly peaceful. It’s a long story, so I’ll tell you later,” Xiao Yu replied before asking, “How has Master been recently?”

“While you and Junior Sister were away, Master mentioned you several times. He’ll be thrilled to know you’re back. Come, I’ll take you to see him now,” Ling Yue said cheerfully.

“I’ve got something important to tell Master as well. Fu Qu, let’s go.”

Xiao Yu, Ling Yue, and Fu Qu walked side by side through Tianyong City, chatting as they headed toward Hansu Zhenren’s abode.

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As they strolled through Tianyong City, the surroundings resembled a scene from a fairyland: rare flowers and plants bloomed vibrantly, cranes and deer roamed freely, and ancient pine trees stood tall among elegant pavilions and flowing streams.

Along the way, many junior disciples greeted Xiao Yu with respect.

“Greetings, Senior Brother!”

“Greetings, Senior Brother!”

“Greetings, Senior Brother!”

Respect for elders and hierarchy was a cornerstone of Tianyong City’s traditions.

However, as they passed the alchemy pavilion, a pale-faced young man approached. His expression was indifferent as he glanced at Xiao Yu, but when his gaze fell on Fu Qu, it lit up with eagerness.

“Junior Sister Fu Qu, you’re finally back! I’ve been worried about you every day. As soon as I heard you returned, I came to see you. I even brought your favourite pastries—have a taste while they’re still warm,” the young man said ingratiatingly, holding out a box of pastries.

“I’m going to see my father with Senior Brother. You can keep them for yourself,” Fu Qu replied coldly, clearly uninterested in his attempts to please her.

“These are your favourites! You used to eat them every day—how can you not want them now?” The young man grabbed a piece with his chopsticks and tried to offer it to her directly.

Fu Qu frowned and gently pushed his hand away, refusing to humour him.

“Ling Duan, why are you only concerned with Junior Sister Fu Qu? You didn’t even greet Senior Brother Xiao Yu—that’s not how we conduct ourselves in Tianyong City,” Ling Yue scolded sternly.

[Ling Duan (陵端, Líng Duān): A junior disciple with an arrogant and disrespectful personality. His name combines Líng (陵, “majesty” or “hill”) and Duān (端, “upright”), creating irony in his character traits.]

The pale-faced young man, Ling Duan (陵端, Líng Duān), was Tianyong City’s Third Senior Brother.

Ling Duan ignoring Xiao Yu—his Senior Brother—was a clear breach of etiquette.

“It’s just a greeting. What’s the big deal?” Ling Duan muttered as he sauntered over to Xiao Yu and gave a half-hearted bow. “Greetings, Senior Brother. Happy now?”

Then, turning to Ling Yue, he muttered impatiently, “The Senior Brother didn’t even say anything, but here you are fussing like an old eunuch. Mind your own business.”

Smack!

A crisp sound echoed through the air as Xiao Yu slapped Ling Duan across the face.

“Senior Brother!” Fu Qu and Ling Yue exclaimed in shock.

Neither of them had expected Xiao Yu to strike Ling Duan outright—it was a move as bold as it was decisive.

“You… you hit me…” Ling Duan stammered, clutching his reddened cheek in disbelief.

“Without rules, chaos reigns,” Xiao Yu said sternly, his face cold. “You dare speak such foul words, disrespect your Senior Brother, and disregard the sect’s rules? You deserved that slap.”

Powerful. Resolute. Unyielding.

This was Xiao Yu. This was the Senior Brother of Tianyong City.

“Third Senior Brother, you should be thanking Senior Brother Xiao Yu for going easy on you,” Fu Qu chimed in. “If this were reported to the Disciplinary Elder, you’d be facing three months of solitary reflection at the very least.”

Ling Duan stood frozen, still clutching his face. Xiao Yu had struck him, yet he couldn’t even retaliate. Worse still, he was now being told to express gratitude. But he had to comply.

“…Thank you, Senior Brother Xiao Yu,” Ling Duan muttered through gritted teeth, bowing reluctantly.

“That slap was only a warning,” Xiao Yu said coolly. “If you dare behave like this again, you’ll face a much harsher punishment.”

With that, Xiao Yu turned and walked away, followed closely by Fu Qu and Ling Yue.

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A short while later, in a study filled with the scent of ancient scrolls, Xiao Yu bowed respectfully to a white-haired elder seated among a pile of books.

“Disciple Xiao Yu greets Master,” Xiao Yu said.

The elder looked up, his silver hair as white as snow yet his face as smooth and rosy as a child’s. Despite his age, he radiated an ageless vitality and a calm majesty. His presence seemed to fill the room with righteousness and serenity.

“Yu’er, you’ve had a hard journey,” the elder said with a gentle smile, setting aside his book. His kind, wise gaze fell on Xiao Yu.

There was no need for introductions—this was Hansu Zhenren, the leader of Tianyong City, a master of profound cultivation and unmatched wisdom.

“Father~~~”

Before Xiao Yu could speak, Fu Qu dashed into the elder’s arms, her voice sweet and affectionate. She nuzzled against his robe like a child.

“Fu’er, you’re still as unruly as ever,” Hansu Zhenren said fondly, examining his daughter. “Let me take a look at you—hmm, you’ve grown even more beautiful. It’s only been a few days, and you’re already a young lady.”

His face softened completely in Fu Qu’s presence, all his authority giving way to the warmth of a doting father.

“Yu’er,” Hansu Zhenren said, turning back to Xiao Yu, “how was your trip to Mount Shu? Did you meet Daoist Qingwei? How is his health these days?”