252: transition

Wang Xiaopang heard this, scratched his head a little sheepishly, but then his small eyes widened, and he retorted righteously, "Big Brother! You're talking about me! Aren't you all the same!

Each of your names sounds imposing—'Battle Asura,' 'Sword White Robe,' 'Azure Rakshasa'!

But what's the result? I don't even know your real names or what you look like! If it weren't for today's apprenticeship, I'd still be in the dark!"

The more he spoke, the more he felt he was in the right, and he spread his chubby hands, "So, we're even, right?"

Xiao Ruobai, Fang Hanyu, and Ling Xi were slightly startled upon hearing this, and all couldn't help but show a hint of a smile.

He was not wrong; the three of them had indeed been disguised when they were outside before.

"Haha, good kid, you sure know how to turn the tables!"

Xiao Ruobai laughed heartily, vigorously rubbing Wang Xiaopang's hair, "Alright! Then today, none of us will hide anymore! Your Senior Brothers and Senior Sister will set an example for you!"

Before he finished speaking, a faint glow flickered around Xiao Ruobai, Fang Hanyu, and Ling Xi, and they restored their true appearances and auras.

Xiao Ruobai's figure seemed even more upright, his face heroic, with sword-like eyebrows and starry eyes; though the Battle Intent of a battlefield war god in his brows was now restrained, it appeared even more profound and majestic, commanding respect without anger.

The faint Chaos Sword Intent around Fang Hanyu became even purer, his face stern and clearly defined; he was like an peerless divine sword hidden in an ancient sheath, cold and dangerous.

But what amazed Wang Xiaopang the most was Ling Xi!

He saw the ordinary disguise on her face recede like water ripples, revealing her original appearance: her dark hair cascaded like a waterfall, her skin and bones were lustrous, and her eyes were like cold stars fallen into a deep pool, so pure and ethereal that she seemed not of the mortal world.

Her features were perfect, as if they gathered all the spiritual essence and moonlight of heaven and earth, yet she carried an unapproachable indifference and majesty, as if standing above the Nine Heavens.

Wang Xiaopang was utterly dumbfounded, his eyes wide and round, his mind blank.

Xiao Ruobai looked at his dazed expression and smiled, "Let's formally introduce ourselves, Xiao Ruobai."

Fang Hanyu: "Fang Hanyu."

Ling Xi: "Ling Xi."

Wang Xiaopang finally regained his senses with difficulty, swallowed hard, and murmured, "Xiao Ruobai... Fang Hanyu... Ling Xi... Good names... Good names..."

"Alright, it's your turn, Junior Brother."

Xiao Ruobai raised an eyebrow, signaling him to hurry up.

Wang Xiaopang took a deep breath, a rare seriousness appearing on his chubby face.

With a thought, the shapeshifting Spell he used to disguise himself as Wang Xiaopang slowly receded like water ripples.

As the Spell dissipated, a young figure, completely different from the previously round and simple "Wang Xiaopang," appeared before everyone.

Although his figure was still slightly rounded, he had shed the deliberately created plumpness, becoming well-proportioned and tall.

His facial contours were clear, his nose bridge high, his lips slightly thin, and his eyes were bright and spirited, even carrying a hint of handsomeness and intelligence.

Although a trace of weariness and caution from enduring hardships still lingered between his brows, overall, he was quite a handsome young man!

His good looks were only slightly less than those of the esteemed readers.

However, deep within his eyes, there was still a subtle, imperceptible hint of stubbornness and loneliness belonging to "Qin Yuechen."

A hint of surprise flashed in Xiao Ruobai's eyes, then he smiled, "Good kid! So you actually look quite decent! That simple, chubby appearance before was indeed an act!"

Fang Hanyu also raised an eyebrow slightly, seemingly a bit surprised.

Even Ling Xi's cold gaze lingered on his face for a moment.

Wang Xiaopang (though his name was Qin Yuechen, calling him Wang Xiaopang was more natural) touched his face, which had finally "seen the light of day" again, his tone carrying a hint of melancholy: "When you're out there, you need some protective coloring... Being chubby is safer, less likely to attract trouble."

At this moment, he truly integrated into the Zizhu Peak lineage with a completely new appearance.

Gu Changge sat high above, taking in this scene, his gaze lingering on Qin Yuechen, who had recovered his true appearance, for a moment, a hint of understanding flashing in his eyes, but he said nothing, merely picking up his teacup and taking a light sip.

The young Phoenix sheds its disguised feathers, only then revealing its true ambition.

"Alright, since we're all family now, don't just stand there."

Xiao Ruobai smiled, putting an arm around Wang Xiaopang's shoulder, "Come on, Junior Brother, we Senior Brothers will first help you find a good spot on this Zizhu Peak and set up a residence!"

"Yes, yes, yes! Thank you, Senior Brother!"

Wang Xiaopang nodded repeatedly, his heart filled with warmth.

The group chatted and laughed, then turned to leave the courtyard, preparing to plan an Immortal Cave for this new Junior Brother.

However, as they looked around the small courtyard and their gaze once again fell upon Zizhu Peak, they all involuntarily froze.

The scene before them was vastly different from when they had left!

The previously somewhat empty Zizhu Peak now had many exquisite and elegant pavilions, terraces, and small courtyards!

These buildings were constructed according to the mountain's terrain, scattered gracefully among the Purple Bamboo, maintaining a natural charm while adding much grandeur.

"This..." A hint of surprise flashed in Xiao Ruobai's eyes, "How long have we been gone? How has Zizhu Peak changed so much?"

Fang Hanyu also looked surprised, clearly having noticed the changes.

Gu Changge, sitting in the courtyard, seemed to hear their confusion, and his calm voice slowly drifted over:

"Hmm. A few days ago, I asked the Sect Master to have some houses added. Now that there are more people on the Peak, there needs to be a place to settle."

Gu Changge nodded slightly, as if recalling something, and added, "Also, a new Elder has arrived on the Peak."

As soon as his voice fell.

Not far from the group, the shadow of a Purple Bamboo swayed slightly, and a figure dressed in a simple gray robe, who knows when, had quietly stood beneath the bamboo.

He appeared so naturally, as if he had always been standing there, only no one had noticed until now.

Xiao Ruobai and the others were slightly startled, only then noticing this suddenly appearing Elder.

Wang Xiaopang also looked over curiously, only to see that this Elder had an ordinary face, a peaceful expression, and a restrained aura; he seemed to have nothing special about him, like an ordinary Sect steward.

Xiao Ruobai cupped his fists and said, "Disciple Xiao Ruobai greets Elder. May I ask your name?"

A faint smile appeared on the gray-robed man's face: "My name is Jimie. By the command of the Venerable One, I am temporarily residing on this Peak to handle various duties."

His tone was flat, without any discernible emotion.

"So it's Elder Jimie." Xiao Ruobai said respectfully, "We Disciples have just returned to the mountain."

Jimie nodded, his gaze sweeping over the group, and he said with a sigh, "Hmm, all good saplings. The Peak's houses are newly built; you may choose a suitable spot yourselves."

With that, he said no more, turned and slowly walked away, his figure quickly disappearing into the Purple Bamboo forest, as if he were just passing by.

Watching Elder Jimie disappear into the depths of the bamboo forest, and then looking at the brand-new pavilions and terraces in the distance, Xiao Ruobai couldn't help but smile and shake his head, patting Wang Xiaopang's shoulder beside him, his tone carrying a hint of teasing:

"Little Fatty, you're so lucky! When we first came to Zizhu Peak, besides Revered Master's small courtyard and a patch of Purple Bamboo forest, there was nothing here. We even had to build our own thatched huts to shelter from the wind and rain.

But you, you haven't even officially entered the Sect yet, and Revered Master has already prepared a house for you!"

This chapter is a bit watered down!