Chapter 161: Want to Feel More Comfortable?
Finally, it’s time for the sect story to kick in.
Yun Zhonghe’s heart was racing with excitement. Reflecting on the events of the past few days, he felt quite accomplished.
His relationship with Huang Aotian seemed to have improved, as she had just shown a warm concern for him. Plus, his matchmaking plan for Mu Jixue and Qin Hongye was going exceptionally well!
Not only that, he had successfully learned the third move of the Wenting Nine Swords technique and even got his hands on a sword that birthed a mature sword spirit!
With an eighth-level Foundation Establishment cultivation, mid-level Initial Understanding spiritual energy, and a whopping twenty-one Spiritual Pearls, he had truly walked a different path in spiritual cultivation…
This was practically a cheat start!
Even in his previous life while gaming, he had never managed to train Huang Aotian to this level before entering the Xuantian Sect.
Yun Zhonghe felt he was strong enough to scare the socks off anyone, with boundless potential ahead.
Of course, he wouldn’t let that go to his head.
His belongings had already been sorted by Tao Jiu’er, and Mu Jixue and Lin Zhongyu had also packed their things, which were minimally light.
Afterward, the four bid farewell to Yun Mu, who wiped away tears and mumbled, “Make sure to bring back more people next time.”
Yun Zhonghe: Huh?
What does that even mean, “bring back more people”? There were just four of them setting off. With Qin Hongye included, that only made five. What more people could he possibly bring?
Yun Zhonghe thought maybe his mother was worried about him not making friends outside, so she was reminding him to broaden his social circle and maybe bring someone back to the Yun family for visits.
After saying their goodbyes, the four hopped onto Qin Hongye’s Spirit Boat.
Qin Hongye’s Spirit Boat was enormous, with an enchanting interior designed using the same spatial principles as a Qiankun Bag, expanding the inner space.
It was also incredibly warm, wrapping around them with a blissful comfort, almost like being sucked into a cozy abyss one couldn’t escape from.
Ah, it feels so good in here.
Yun Zhonghe couldn’t help but think.
As they ventured deeper inside, it became almost feverishly warm, seemingly crafted to suit Qin Hongye’s fire attribute spiritual root, allowing her to train better while traveling.
It’s evident her status as the Master’s daughter allowed for such lavish crafting of a personal luxury Spirit Boat.
Yun Zhonghe couldn’t help but feel impressed; this Spirit Boat must be of at least high-quality magical treasure grade.
“Everyone, feel free to make yourselves at home! From now on, we’re all fellow disciples! There’s also some food and drinks prepared aboard, so help yourselves. If you’re tired, there are rooms where you can rest. Don’t worry about a thing.”
Qin Hongye was quite hospitable, a far cry from the intimidating aura she had during their first meeting.
Back then, he thought she might just eat him alive!
But now, she was much easier to talk to.
She must have been influenced by Huang Aotian’s charm. After all, in the original story, wherever Huang Aotian went, she had a knack for enchanting all the girls around her.
Though Qin Hongye and Mu Jixue had started off on the wrong foot, they were getting back on track thanks to Yun Zhonghe’s mediation.
On the Spirit Boat, Qin Hongye began introducing the Xuantian Sect to Yun Zhonghe and the others.
The Xuantian Sect was divided into inner and outer gates, with the inner gate further divided into seven peaks: Xuantian Peak, Xuanjian Peak, Spirit Master Peak, Yuanwu Peak, Dan Medicine Peak, Forge Peak, and Beast Tamer Peak. Xuantian Peak was the main peak, with a whole assorted lineup of heavyweights like the Master, Vice Sect Master, elders, and guardians. Each of the other six peaks had their own transformation-stage peak leaders.
As a newbie like Yun Zhonghe, he’d typically start training in the outer gate. During the annual inner gate selection, he could compete for a slot as an inner gate disciple in one of the six peaks.
Once in the inner gate, disciples could choose a peak based on their strengths, gaining richer resources, higher-level skills, and many juicy perks.
Of course, being an inner gate disciple wasn’t the end. If one could become a core disciple, or even a personal disciple of an elder or the Master, that would elevate their status and benefits even higher.
Take Mu Jixue, for instance. She was already a personal disciple of Master Youyue, placing her on a whole different tier than Yun Zhonghe and Lin Zhongyu.
“But I’m sure Young Master Yun and Miss Lin will soon become personal disciples too.”
Qin Hongye added with a smile, glancing over at Yun Zhonghe as if fearing he might be unhappy.
Little did she know, she was underestimating Yun Zhonghe’s mindset—he couldn’t care less about such trivial matters. After all, he was everyone’s best buddy, their wings.
The reporting time for the sect wasn’t very long or very short, so the five weren’t in a hurry at all. They could take their sweet time while enjoying the scenery along the way.
Mu Jixue and Lin Zhongyu subtly excused themselves to the outside, saying they needed some fresh air. Truthfully, neither of them wanted to be around Qin Hongye. They both knew that they shouldn’t make Yun Zhonghe uncomfortable, hence the temporary smiles while sitting together.
But honestly, they both felt as if they were crawling with bugs.
As for Tao Jiu’er, Yun Zhonghe didn’t know where she had run off to.
Sister Jiu’er was always popping in and out; if he didn’t want to see her, that’s when she would show up, and when he did want to find her, she would be nowhere in sight.
Just goes to show, she really was a stealth expert.
Now, the Spirit Boat’s living room held only Yun Zhonghe and Qin Hongye.
Perfect! He wanted to ask Qin Hongye for some insider info about the Xuantian Sect to do some homework ahead of time.
He had played games before, but with the plot now going off the rails, the sect story would surely differ greatly from the original. Gathering info in advance might help him catch some useful details.
Seeing Yun Zhonghe initiating conversation, Qin Hongye naturally opened up more, even sharing local customs and delicious food from towns near the Xuantian Sect, ensuring they wouldn’t be too bored during the journey.
As they chatted, both of them started feeling thirsty. Qin Hongye poured some tea, and they relaxed while sipping and enjoying snacks.
While others frantically rushed toward the Xuantian Sect to report, they were having a cozy tea session.
Ah, money truly grants all kinds of freedom.
“Indeed, it’s so relaxing being with Miss Qin.”
After savoring a sip of tea, Yun Zhonghe sighed in comfort, completely honest with his feelings.
Qin Hongye: !!!!
Suddenly, her hand trembled, nearly spilling the tea all over!
Her heart raced wildly while a blush crept up her face: “Yun Gongzi… do you really enjoy chatting with me?”
“Of course! I really love the vibe when I’m with you.” Yun Zhonghe replied without a second thought. His outright honesty sent joy rippling through Qin Hongye.
How unfair… this is totally cheating!
But Yun Zhonghe was just speaking his mind, and besides, they were both just supporting characters sharing the same status, so he wouldn’t give it a second thought like he would with Mu Jixue and Lin Zhongyu.
No need to overthink it; it was very relaxed.
Qin Hongye bit her lip, a fluttering feeling expanding in her heart. What had once been her normalcy began to shift after hearing Yun Zhonghe’s words.
Her eyes sparkled, radiating sweetness, and she gazed at Yun Zhonghe, her lips gently parting in excitement: “So… Yun Gongzi, would you like to become more comfortable with me?”
“Huh?”
Yun Zhonghe didn’t quite catch on, but suddenly, a wave of dizziness hit him, and Qin Hongye’s face started to blur.
Wait, what’s happening…?
His body felt oddly uncooperative.
“Yun Gongzi~ if you’re tired, you can lie down~”
It was as if her jubilant laughter echoed in his ears, almost overwhelming.
With a thud, Yun Zhonghe collapsed onto the floor.
