Chapter 727: Master’s Return

Chapter 727: Master’s Return

“Shi Li, what brings you here?”

Master Zhao inquired as Qin Shi Li approached.

“Master, I have something to discuss with Immortal Dong.”

Qin Shi Li replied politely, knowing well that addressing an immortal requires utmost respect.

Though she had a cold demeanor, it wasn’t off-putting. Her type of cold face varied—one was the arrogant, emotionless variety that felt icy just to look into her eyes, dismissive to the soul.

Then there was the neutral coldness, which showed neither kindness nor malice.

And the social kind, which bore a hint of expression, flexible enough to change; it didn’t carry Liu Shuqin’s gentle, healing smile, but there was a touch of goodwill, a cold face that seemed to smile without really smiling.

The male cultivators of Xuanyun Sect often had the misconception that Qin Shi Li smiled at me.

Now, a new type of coldness emerged—one directed at Lin Nuo, a mix of aloofness and charm, a unique expression she reserved for him.

At present, Qin Shi Li’s attitude was distinctly social coldness.

“Hm? I wonder what Qin girl seeks from me?” Immortal Dong replied, looking puzzled.

“Immortal Dong, Ruo’er is your disciple now, correct?”

“Indeed, she is my disciple.”

“Then it follows. Within Xuanyun Sect, there is a rule stating that male cultivators must not enter female cultivators’ sleeping quarters, and vice versa. But Ruo’er has been frequenting the male quarters, which is somewhat inappropriate.”

“Well, Qin girl, though Ruo’er trains with me in Zifeng Valley, she is under Lin Nuo’s care. That was agreed upon. When she returns to Tianling Mountain, she remains Lin Nuo’s maid, as before, thus she can enter the male quarters to serve him.”

“That’s fair enough, since she’s under Lin Nuo’s name. However, she has already embarked on the path to immortality; she is now an immortal. Without rules, there can be no order. She should be mindful of her actions. While it’s acceptable for her to serve Lin Nuo, sharing a room becomes inappropriate, yes? Zifeng Valley surely doesn’t permit males and females to share a room?”

“Sharing a room? Ruo’er should be sensible; she wouldn’t…”

“This isn’t merely speculation on my part. Male cultivators in the male quarters are aware of this matter. It will undoubtedly lead to gossip, impacting both Zifeng Valley and Xuanyun Sect. If they can, other male and female cultivators will feel aggrieved when they are prohibited. Xuanyun Sect and Zifeng Valley uphold the principle of equality in such matters. Am I wrong, Master Zhao?”

Qin Shi Li cast an expectant glance at Master Zhao. She effectively pressured them, warning that failing to maintain fairness would lead to resentment and chaos.

Master Zhao stroked his long beard, pondering before he spoke:

“Indeed, there are rules regarding our way. Ruo’er may serve Lin Nuo as a maid, but sharing a room is truly inappropriate. Since Ruo’er belongs to Zifeng Valley, I ask Immortal Dong to discuss this with her.”

“Hm. I will speak with her. For now, she shall reside with me to adhere to both sides’ rules. If Lin Nuo requires otherwise, I doubt appealing to him would be effective.”

“I will discuss it with Lin Nuo; he should be reasonable.”

Master Zhao concluded, and both sides agreed that Ruo’er could not share a room with Lin Nuo.

Later, Immortal Dong spoke with Ruo’er about restricting her movements. Ruo’er, feeling wronged, whined and pleaded with her for quite a while. But Immortal Dong stood firm on the rules, refusing to let her continue living with Lin Nuo.

Ruo’er felt crushed; this was a precious opportunity to live with her young master! Previously, there had been no such restrictions! She could freely enter his room and sleep together!

Ah, why is this happening?!

She was losing her mind, this was so sudden!

Suddenly, she thought of someone.

Qin Shi Li!

That sister, who had jauntily walked away back then—it was just too strange.

Surely, she went to Immortal Dong to speak ill of her! That sister is so venomous!

Ruo’er rushed to Lin Nuo, hoping that with his status and merits, she could plead for some special treatment.

Little did she know, Lin Nuo had already agreed with Master Zhao that this matter was settled, and they would not share a room.

The little white fox, though adorable and nice to cuddle, had to consider her own situation.

Rumor had it that white foxes make excellent furnace materials, yet she hadn’t contributed anything and only benefited herself.

Could they really live together long-term? Occasionally indulging in such pleasures was one thing, but daily demands? Unbearable!

Lin Nuo had even shaken hands with Master Zhao, appreciating him as a sensible person, reaching a direct consensus.

…

“I’m back.”

At this moment, a man, resembling a middle-aged figure, landed on the cliff edge of Tianling Mountain on his sword.

Clad in white robes that had a hint of an immortal air, he touched down, winds swirling around him, stirring the grass.

He hadn’t returned to Tianling Mountain in many years, and now on this landing, he felt a wave of nostalgia.

Just then, a master approached with a group of disciples to greet him.

“Disciples welcome their master back!”

“Disciples welcome their grandmaster back!”

Leading the group was Master Cong, and he brought his disciples to greet this man. The scene was spectacular, as Lin Nuo described, banners flying and drums beating—a show of grandeur.

Though the man appeared merely middle-aged and lacked the white-haired look common among elders, he was indeed an elder-level figure.

Zhang Yuanxu, Master Cong’s master, had once held significant power within Xuanyun Sect but had long ago left to battle demons and cultivate his skills, disappearing from sight for many years.

Recently, he had been in closed-door cultivation, making significant progress in his skills, and now he was ready to showcase his talents after emerging.

His return to Xuanyun Sect seemed like a king reclaiming his throne, with numerous disciples rushing to welcome him.

“Ah, time flies; you’ve gathered many disciples. Excellent, passing on our sect’s teachings.”

“Master flatters me, it is thanks to your guidance. You’ve been gone from Xuanyun Sect for so long, yet your fame has spread in the world; we deeply admire and look up to you!”

Master Cong babbled out a stream of praise, as rapid as a machine gun.

“I have heard that among your disciples, a seventh-tier initial stage cultivator has surfaced. Very impressive, a young talent.”

“Yes, yes, that’s Xie Yu. Xie Yu, come here and learn well from our grandmaster.”

Master Cong hurriedly pulled Xie Yu over, who greeted Zhang Yuanxu respectfully:

“Grandmaster, I shall strive diligently and not let you down.”

Zhang Yuanxu assessed Xie Yu, recognizing the potential in this talented youth, reminding him of his own vibrant youth.

“Good, have ambition. We can discuss matters later. I need to meet with the master now.”

“Understood, please, Master.”

The disciples parted to make way, and Zhang Yuanxu entered Tianling Mountain, resembling a superstar.

At that moment, he heard the loud ringing of a gong, followed by the barking of a spirit dog.

He turned towards the sound and saw a young boy teasing the dog.

Just as the spirit dog was dozing off, he tapped the gong near its ear, startling it into a fit of barking.

However, the spirit dog dared not bite back.

After all, his maid was the little angel Ruo’er.

And, most importantly, it couldn’t win!

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