Time flew by, and another week had passed in the blink of an eye.
Ever since Lu Li achieved Jindan that day, he had instantly become the most sought-after rising star of Xuling Sect.
In these past few days, cultivators coming to Duanqing Peak to congratulate him had formed an unending stream.
Even the threshold of Duanqing Peak’s mountain gate was nearly flattened by all those visitors.
Because of this, the two rebellious disciples under Lu Li’s tutelage had also tried to keep a low profile these days, so as not to expose themselves in front of other seniors.
Only recently, as the number of guests gradually dwindled, did the once bustling Duanqing Peak return to its usual tranquility.
However, this peace did not last long.
This day, Lu Li was cultivating in seclusion inside his cave, consolidating his current level.
Suddenly, a streak of flowing light swept gracefully from the horizon and landed outside the mountain gate.
As the radiance faded, it revealed a charming and elegant figure—none other than the Hall Master of Gongxun Hall, Duan Xueyan.
Duan Xueyan was still dressed in her palace attire, her curves outlined gracefully, wine gourd swaying lightly at her waist, a touch of languidness mixed with bewitchment between her brows and eyes.
Before Duan Xueyan could announce her arrival, she saw Gong Shangyu, who was drying medicinal herbs in the courtyard, standing by the door frame with her arms folded, pink eyes slanted toward her, lips curved in a faint, mocking smile, her tone unmistakably sarcastic.
“Heh heh… Well, look who it is. Turns out it’s our Xuling Sect’s most generous Duan Shigu, gracing us with her presence~”
“Duan Shigu, so… are you here this time to bring us some warmth and charity again? Or did you come bearing lavish gifts to celebrate our Master recently breaking through to Jindan, and our Junior Sister just completing Foundation Establishment?”
Gong Shangyu deliberately emphasized “bringing warmth”, “charity”, and “lavish gifts”, clearly mocking how she had extorted Duan Xueyan at Gongxun Hall last time, and was addicted to milking her dry.
Duan Xueyan’s smile stiffened ever so slightly, before turning to resignation and a trace of subtle annoyance.
She shot Gong Shangyu a glare, pouting.
“Hmph… You little ingrate, I’m here on official business this time, not to bicker with you. Where’s your Master? Go and call him out.”
But Gong Shangyu was not so easily dismissed.
She continued blocking the door, speaking lazily, “Sorry… Master is currently in seclusion, consolidating his Jindan realm. I’m afraid he doesn’t have time for guests.”
“If you have any important matters, why not tell this disciple first? If it’s trivial, I can relay the message for you~”
As the two were squaring off, the door to the quiet chamber in the Main Hall quietly opened.
Gu Qingying walked out at a measured pace, having just finished a round of cultivation.
Her aura was noticeably more refined than right after her breakthrough.
Upon seeing Duan Xueyan at the door, a subtle hint of vigilance flashed in Gu Qingying’s violet eyes, but her expression remained courteous as she nodded slightly.
“Duan Shigu, good day.”
Duan Xueyan’s gaze swept over Gu Qingying, a hint of surprise in her eyes.
“Oh? Junior Niece Qingying’s cultivation is progressing at astonishing speed, and the Foundation Establishment stage is so solid and steady.”
She secretly marveled; Lu Li’s disciple truly was extraordinary, the degree of refinement in her aura far surpassed ordinary Foundation Establishment.
Just as Duan Xueyan wanted to probe further, a gentle yet unignorable Jindan aura slowly spread from deep within the Main Hall of Duanqing Peak, followed by Lu Li’s clear voice.
“Senior Sister Duan, forgive me for not greeting you sooner. Please, come inside and talk with this humble Daoist.”
As his voice fell, the restrictions on the Main Hall opened.
Duan Xueyan’s smile brightened instantly.
Ignoring the two “guardian deities” at the door, she stepped lightly into the depths of the Main Hall.
Gong Shangyu and Gu Qingying exchanged glances, both seeing the same vigilance and displeasure in the other’s eyes, but could only watch in silence.
Inside, Lu Li had already risen to greet his guest, dressed in an exceptionally clean, pale moon-white Daoist robe.
His aura was harmonious and reserved—even if he was only in early Jindan, the steadiness of his bearing was greater than before.
Only, there was a touch more chill between his brows than in his Foundation Establishment days—a natural result of cultivating the “Duanqing Jue” as his level improved.
“Junior Brother Lu, it’s only been a few days, and your cultivation has already improved since your breakthrough.”
Duan Xueyan greeted with a smile, her beautiful eyes frankly roaming over Lu Li, her tone openly admiring:
“This time, I am here under orders from the Sect Leader to present you with your Jindan rewards.”
“Sect Leader said that having a new Jindan in Duanqing Peak is a great blessing for our sect.”
“So she specially asked me to deliver these Realm Consolidation Pills to help you stabilize your Jindan realm.”
“Heh heh… Senior Sister is too kind. I do not dare accept such favor from the Sect Leader,” Lu Li replied with a cupped-fist salute, his tone calm.
Yet faced with Duan Xueyan’s overly intense gaze, he unconsciously shifted his eyes away.
Duan Xueyan’s smile deepened.
She intentionally leaned in, almost touching Lu Li, and the sweet fragrance of peach blossom wine from her body once again surrounded Lu Li, her voice dropping lower, faintly suggestive.
“Sigh… Junior Brother is now a Jindan True Person, your status is different than before. In the future, it’ll be even harder for me to see you~”
Lu Li was unsettled by her sudden closeness and instinctively took half a step back, frowning slightly.
“Heh… Senior Sister jests.”
He could clearly feel the scorching stares of his two good disciples from behind, almost burning holes through his back.
Gong Shangyu’s fists clenched at her side as she blurted out, “Duan Shigu, didn’t you say you were here on official business?”
She spoke with furrowed brow, a clear hint of impatience in her tone.
Though Gu Qingying said nothing, her violet eyes were cold as they stared daggers at Duan Xueyan, as if to say:
“Get to the point, or leave.”
Duan Xueyan, though repeatedly interrupted, was not angered.
She simply shot the two “protective disciples” a meaningful look before straightening up.
“Heh… All right, I won’t tease you and your disciples any further. I’ll get straight to the business at hand.”
Clearing her throat, Duan Xueyan began:
“First, I’m here on behalf of the Sect Leader to congratulate Junior Brother Lu for successfully forming your Jindan. Second… this concerns the Yangs City Investigation you completed previously.”
As soon as she brought up official business, Lu Li’s expression grew serious.
“Oh? News from the Yin Corpse Sect?”
“Mm, that’s right.”
Duan Xueyan nodded.
“Based on follow-up investigations and information gathered from all sides—”
“The Yin Corpse Sect’s recent activities seem to have shifted their focus to the Imperial Capital of the Jin Kingdom.”
“It appears they’re plotting something there. The exact purpose is unclear, but their movements have been frequent and are cause for concern.”
Lu Li mused, “The Imperial Capital of Jin Kingdom… it seems the Yin Corpse Sect’s ambitions are not small…”
“There’s a third matter,” Duan Xueyan continued, a smile reappearing on her face.
“It’s actually good news. The Jin Kingdom’s Royal Family has sent an official document to recognize your and your disciples’ contributions in saving the children and foiling the demonic plot during the Yangzhou City incident.”
“So, the Royal Family has especially invited you and Duanqing Peak’s disciples to the capital, to accept the Royal commendation.”
“And, coincidentally, a Royal Secret Realm under the Jin Kingdom’s control is about to open. The Royal Family sincerely invites you all to participate in this Trial. It’s a rare opportunity and would greatly benefit Junior Nieces Qingying and Baiyu’s cultivation.”
Upon hearing this, a flash of interest appeared in Lu Li’s eyes.
He wasn’t particularly interested in the royal commendation, but the opportunity to enter the secret realm was rare.
After all, as a player, Lu Li knew very well just how many benefits the Jin Kingdom’s Royal Secret Realm held—especially the Immortal Artifact hidden in its deepest part.
Now, with his urgent need to advance to Yuanying within a year, this Royal Secret Realm was obviously the perfect training ground for him and his disciples.
“Heh… Thank you, Senior Sister, for informing me. I will discuss this carefully with my disciples,” Lu Li nodded.
“Why consider?”
Duan Xueyan inched closer, lowering her voice to a whisper.
Her jade hand, seemingly by accident, lightly rested on Lu Li’s arm.
“This is a chance I worked hard to win for you~ The Royal Family specifically requested to meet the new Jindan True Person of Duanqing Peak, and your outstanding disciples~”
Her fingers traced slow circles on Lu Li’s arm, sending a tingling sensation through him.
Lu Li tensed up and tried to pull his arm back, but Duan Xueyan’s seemingly delicate arm held him in place with unyielding strength.
She then grabbed him, forcefully pressing his head against her chest, making him once again savor that long-missed brain pad wave and facial cleanser, suppressing Lu Li—just a Jindan—so he could barely breathe under her Yuanying might.
“Senior Sister Duan! Please behave yourself!”
Lu Li’s tone turned severe, though the tips of his ears flushed pink.
Although the “Duanqing Jue” could suppress his desires, being teased and manhandled so blatantly still left him quite embarrassed.
Meanwhile, standing behind them, Gong Shangyu and Gu Qingying were consumed by jealous rage!
Gong Shangyu’s pink eyes blazed as she glared at Duan Xueyan’s pig-like hand, wishing she could rush over and chop it off!
“Duan Xueyan, you old witch! How dare you grope Master right in front of me again!”
Gu Qingying clenched her silver teeth, violet eyes flashing with knife-like cold, hands inside her sleeves balled into fists, nails nearly digging into her flesh.
“Argh… Master’s arm… Even I haven’t touched it like that, and this old witch dares to?!”
“Despicable… Duan Xueyan! I’ll kill you!”