24: Chapter 24 The Master's Little Plan

"Senior Brother."

Gu Changge slowly sipped his tea.

"You wouldn't be thinking..."

"Oh dear!"

Xuan Yangzi slapped his thigh, interrupting him.

"Look at that girl Jinghong, her Aptitude is not bad, but her Heart-Nature is too arrogant. It would be great to have her come to Zizhu Peak more often to spar with Xiao Ruobai and temper her Heart-Nature!"

He then lowered his voice.

"Besides... your tea... ahem! I mean, young people should encourage each other, progress is faster when you chase and catch up to one another. This is all for the future of the Sect!"

The last few words were spoken particularly loudly. He straightened his back and clapped his hands on his knees.

Gu Changge looked at his Senior Brother's righteous and awe-inspiring appearance of "I am doing this all for the future of the Sect," and almost couldn't help but laugh out loud.

This old fox, just to get some of Zizhu Peak's Cultivation resources, even brought out an excuse like "tempering a Disciple's Heart-Nature."

He feigned a helpless sigh, placing his teacup on the table with a crisp clink.

"Alright. But it's agreed, once every half month. Any more than that won't do, I still want to sleep in a bit more."

In his heart, however, he secretly calculated that he had always felt Xuan Feng, as the Chief Disciple, although his Foundation was very solid, his Core Formation Realm Cultivation was indeed a bit low.

This time, he could use the excuse of sparring to give them some special guidance.

As soon as Xuan Yangzi heard this, his eyes instantly lit up like two glazed lamps, no longer bothering to hide it.

He immediately patted his chest and responded, "No problem, no problem! Just once every half month! I'll bring both of them over first thing tomorrow morning, I guarantee it won't disturb your rest!"

With the main business done, Xuan Yangzi picked up the empty teacup, wiped the rim with his sleeve, and refilled it halfway.

His fingertip traced circles along the rim of the cup, a roguish smile on his face.

"You see, I gave your Disciple good stuff. That Green Pattern Grass, I had someone dig it out from the depths of Black Wind Ridge, just to nourish this kid's body..."

"And I'm taking such a big loss, letting my precious Disciple come to exchange pointers with your Disciple."

He paused, secretly glancing at Gu Changge's expression. Seeing that the other party didn't respond, he pressed his advantage, chuckling.

"Your tea... can you spare me some more? Just half a catty, no, three taels will do."

Gu Changge looked up at him, a knowing look in his eyes.

Xuan Yangzi felt a bit uncomfortable being stared at, and coughed twice, saying, "I'm not being greedy myself, it's mainly because... that old rock from Qingyue Peak has recently been stuck at a Breakthrough Bottleneck.

And a few lads from Jianxiao Peak injured their Meridians while practicing swordsmanship. Doesn't this tea calm the mind and help comprehend the Dao?

If they use it, they might Breakthrough earlier, and it could also add a few more points of strength to the Sect."

How could Gu Changge not understand his thoughts?

This Sect Master seemed carefree, but in reality, he carried the entire Azure Profound Sect in his heart.

Over the years, for the development of the Sect, he had expended a lot of effort and thought. The treasures he found were either given to the Old Ancestor in seclusion to stabilize his Realm, or distributed to promising Disciples to Breakthrough their Bottlenecks. He himself didn't keep many decent things.

"There are two catties on the shelf next to you."

Gu Changge withdrew his gaze, his tone flat, "Take it yourself."

Xuan Yangzi's eyes lit up. He was about to get up but then paused, rubbing his hands and saying, "That... how embarrassing."

He said it, but his feet honestly moved towards the bamboo shelf. He hugged the tea caddy, smiling like a child who had stolen candy.

He glanced into the bamboo forest again, seeing Xiao Ruobai restraining his Qi, steadily locked in the Body Tempering Realm First Heaven, practicing his footwork.

Xuan Yangzi pocketed the tea, and drank two more cups before getting up.

"I'll keep the tea for the Sect for now, I promise not to use it for anything improper!"

"Then tomorrow I'll have them bring two pots of freshly collected mountain spring water. I heard that tea brewed with mountain spring water is even more fragrant..."

Gu Changge watched his hurried departure and finally couldn't help but chuckle softly.

This old fox, even his excuses were so thorough.

In the bamboo forest, Xiao Ruobai stopped his movements. He looked at Xuan Yangzi's departing back, then at the jade box on the stone table, his fingertips slightly warm.

He lowered his head to look at his palms. Although he had long since Broken Through to the Late Stage of Foundation Establishment, at this moment, because of this Spirit Medicine and the phrase "weak body," a warmth welled up in his heart.

On the stone stool, Gu Changge held his teacup, looking in the direction where the Sect Master had departed, a faint smile flashing in his eyes.

This Xuan Yangzi truly bore the burden of the Sect solidly.

"Xiao Ruobai, come here."

Gu Changge called Xiao Ruobai to his side.

"Although this Spirit Medicine is not of much use to you now, it is a kind gesture from your Senior Martial Uncle. Take it, and continue practicing your footwork."

"Thank you, Master, and please thank Senior Martial Uncle for me."

Xiao Ruobai nodded heavily, put away the Spirit Medicine, and gently caressed the Green Pattern Grass given by Xuan Yangzi, feeling the gentle medicinal power within.

These seemingly ordinary Spirit Medicine were actually carefully selected, most suitable for the Physique he was currently "displaying."

"Senior Martial Uncle... he actually cares about me a lot."

Xiao Ruobai murmured to himself.

Although everyone thought he was a waste with poor Aptitude, this sincere concern warmed his heart.

As he turned and stepped into the bamboo forest, there was something heavier in his steps — the expectations from the Sect, and the weight he had to protect.

Gu Changge looked at his Disciple's back, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes.

This young man, who once carried a deep blood feud, was slowly opening his Heart-Nature.

As soon as Xuan Yangzi returned to his Immortal Cave, he shouted into the air, "Xuan Feng! Jinghong! Get over here!"

Before his voice faded, two figures had already landed in the hall.

Li Xuanfeng wore a moon-white long robe, his sleeves still carrying a few drops of morning dew from the mountains. A gentle smile played on his lips, but his eyes were several times more composed than usual.

He had just emerged from seclusion after Breaking Through to the Late Stage of the Core Formation Realm. His aura was like a deep, still pool, seemingly calm and unruffled.

A closer inspection, however, would reveal a restrained spiritual power, like a surging潛龍 (Hidden Dragon), circulating through his Meridians with increasing richness and solidity.

Shen Jinghong, on the other hand, wore a green robe with her hair tied up, her brows and eyes cool. She still clutched a long sword, clearly having just returned from the sword practice grounds.

Her Cultivation had already reached the Peak of the Body Tempering Realm Ninth Heaven. She only needed a bit more time to Breakthrough to the Foundation Establishment Realm.

"Master, you're so anxious, what good task are you assigning us?"

Li Xuanfeng cupped his hands in confusion, his eyes full of probing.

Xuan Yangzi sat down in the grand armchair, took a large gulp from his teacup, and then cleared his throat.

"First thing tomorrow morning, both of you go to Zizhu Peak."

Shen Jinghong frowned slightly, "Go to Zizhu Peak? Doesn't Junior Martial Uncle Gu usually prefer peace and quiet, disliking outsiders disturbing him?"

"What do you know?"

Xuan Yangzi glared at her, then adopted a earnest and sincere expression.

"Mainly, it's to accompany your Junior Brother Xiao — that is, Xiao Ruobai — and interact more. That child is quiet, cooped up on Zizhu Peak all day, without anyone to talk to. How pitiful."

Xuan Feng nodded slightly upon hearing this, a hint of understanding flashing in his eyes.

"Master is right. I was in seclusion to Breakthrough my Clone, but now that I'm out, it is time to pay him a visit."