Chapter 40: Pinky Promise

Days passed, one after another.

Counting the days, it was time to set out.

But Nan Xi was in no hurry.

On the final morning before his departure, he remained in the small cabin, accompanying a certain cat as she looked through a picture book.

“Green ants float in new-brewed wine, a small stove of red clay. As evening comes and snow threatens the sky, won’t you have a cup with me?”

Tiansi lifted her slender finger and lightly brushed over the five-character quatrain in the picture book.

Her watery eyes suddenly brightened, and she looked up at Nan Xi, who was sitting beside her.

They had the small stove, they had the drifting snow, so…

“Don’t even think about it. I don’t drink.”

Nan Xi let out a soft chuckle, cutting off Lord Tiansi’s hopes.

He did not have that particular hobby.

Even if he did, Nan Xi would not let Lord Tiansi drink. Even without alcohol, she often did things that caught him off guard; if she actually drank, things would truly spiral out of control.

Thus, a tacit silence returned between the two of them.

Nan Xi gazed at the sparks dancing in the stove, his mind wandering slightly.

Thinking about it seriously, he had known Lord Tiansi for over a month now, and this seemed to be their most common way of spending time together.

Swirling snow shrouded the world, covering the mountain cabin in a thick layer of white.

Inside, the vigorously burning stove emitted a dense, fragrant aroma. The light smoke curled upward, creating a warmth that made one want to drift off into a peaceful sleep.

As for Lord Tiansi, she would always nestle on her favorite Arhat Bed, leaning against Nan Xi as she looked through picture books.

Nan Xi had almost grown accustomed to this life.

But now…

“Lord Tiansi,” Nan Xi spoke softly, calling her back from the world of the picture book. The girl’s crystal-clear eyes flickered slightly, looking like translucent glass submerged in water.

“Hmm?”

“I have to go away for a while.”

“Mm, okay.”

“It will probably take about ten to fifteen days. The Sect wants me to lead a team to Daye City for some promotion and to recruit some disciples.”

Nan Xi’s narrative was plain, as if he were truly just informing her of a routine matter.

Opposite him, Tiansi listened exceptionally intently.

Her expression remained as calm as ever. She did not cry or make a fuss; she simply watched Nan Xi silently, waiting patiently for him to finish.

“Don’t you have anything you want to say to me?” Nan Xi asked teasingly, a faint smile playing on his lips.

“Um…” At Nan Xi’s question, Tiansi actually tilted her head, appearing to seriously consider what she should say to him.

After a long moment, her gaze fell back on Nan Xi.

“I want to see new picture books.”

“Pffft—” Nan Xi was amused by Lord Tiansi.

As expected, the only thing capable of piquing her interest was likely picture books.

“Alright, I’ll bring some back for you when I return.”

Nan Xi nodded, etching the request into his mind.

“And…”

Lord Tiansi suddenly spoke again. Her voice was ethereal, much like the slight swaying of the bell on her snow-white neck, crisp and pleasant to the ear.

“If you encounter difficulty, just call ‘Lord Tiansi’ three times, and I will appear by your side.”

“…”

Nan Xi’s eyes widened slightly as he locked eyes with the girl.

She actually remembered that promise.

The expression in Nan Xi’s eyes softened instantly. He really had no way to deal with this girl.

With a faint smile, Nan Xi raised his pinky finger.

“Alright, pinky swear?”

“!”

Tiansi’s eyes flickered. She looked at Nan Xi’s slightly hooked pinky finger and pursed her red lips.

After a moment of hesitation, she finally raised her slender finger and hooked it with Nan Xi’s hand.

“Pinky swear.”

“Pinky swear.”

…

The assembly point before departure was located in the Main Hall of Tianquan Peak.

By the time Nan Xi arrived, quite a few people had already gathered inside. Upon closer inspection, there were many familiar faces.

Elder Cigu and her group went without saying; this entire trip had been arranged by them.

As for the person beside Elder Cigu… oh, wasn’t that the guy who participated in the sword selection for the new inner disciples that day?

Nan Xi’s mind suddenly blanked; he could only blame his forgetfulness for failing to match the disciple’s face with a name.

Besides him, there were several unfamiliar disciples standing near Elder Cigu.

They were likely the disciple representatives from the other three Ling Peaks.

Of course, the most indispensable person was—

“Master!”

At the very front of the crowd, Xia Xia was excitedly waving at Nan Xi.

Before departing, she had specifically run back to her residence at the foot of the mountain to pack her things before returning to Tianquan Peak, so she had arrived a step ahead of Nan Xi.

“Mm.” Nan Xi nodded slightly, responding to Xia Xia’s call.

His response immediately triggered a wave of whispers.

When Xia Xia had shouted “Master” earlier, it had already caused the surrounding disciples to look over. Now, Nan Xi’s response confirmed it.

They had been surprised when Xia Xia first appeared.

How could a disciple whose cultivation was only at the Late Qi Refining Stage participate in this trip?

One had to understand that every disciple present was at the level of an Inner Sect Disciple.

Their cultivation had long since reached the Foundation Establishment Stage, and some were even pushing toward the higher Golden Core Stage.

Was it reasonable for a Late Qi Refining Stage disciple to be mixed in with them?

…

Now, Nan Xi’s response sent a shock through their hearts.

‘This rookie is actually the disciple of the Peak Master of Tianquan Peak!?’

As the disciples discussed amongst themselves, Elder Cigu stepped forward from behind them and bowed to Nan Xi with her hands clasped.

“Peak Master Nan Xi, you’ve arrived.”

“Mm, sorry to trouble you with the preparations, Elder Cigu.”

Nan Xi returned the gesture politely. He still understood basic etiquette like this.

As he spoke, his gaze swept over the disciples standing beside Elder Cigu one by one.

“Are these the disciples who will be going along?”

“Yes, Peak Master Nan Xi.” Elder Cigu bowed slightly, stepping half a pace to the side while glancing at the disciples behind her.

Her look needed no explanation; she was clearly telling the disciples to step forward and introduce themselves.

The Tianquan Peak disciple standing at the very front understood immediately. He took a step forward and bowed respectfully to Nan Xi.

“Disciple Wang Quan of Tianquan Peak greets the Peak Master.”

Wang Quan!?

Nan Xi paused, searching his mind for the name that sounded so familiar.

After a moment, he suddenly clapped his hands.

“Oh, you’re the fellow who fell the hardest while choosing a sword on the third floor of the Sword Repository that day.”

“Cough…” An embarrassed expression crossed Wang Quan’s face. He let out a light cough and clasped his hands toward Nan Xi.

“It is the disciple’s honor that the Peak Master remembers my name. I will certainly work hard on this trip!”

This kid was quite quick-witted.

Nan Xi clicked his tongue in admiration and patted Wang Quan on the shoulder.

“It’s fine. It wasn’t your fault that day. If you want to blame someone, blame that old fellow, Song Er, for swapping the Spirit Swords and intentionally making the sword selection too difficult.”

“Th-thank you for the encouragement, Peak Master.”

“Alright, keep up the good work!”

Nan Xi gave Wang Quan a thumbs-up, and his gaze then shifted to the other disciples present.