Chapter 380

Being a senior sister's disciple means having the resolve to handle any sudden incident.

In the Central Continent or the Xiang Jianzong, it's fine—the laws are strict, and such influences are minimized—but the Starry Sky is different.

"The Xian Sect Grand Competition…"

Xu Xing lightly tapped his fingers; the tabletop, carved as if from a single block of crystal, cast dazzling reflections under the light, weaving a strange, ever-shifting pattern on the floor.

Like the specially treated "Star River," the ambient spiritual energy drifting through the air was purified and rendered more transparent by the pattern's "washing."

After this period of deliberation, the exact timing of the Xian Sect Grand Competition has been settled; as for how to proceed…

First and foremost, it won't be the traditional "dueling arena"—the format must change, focusing primarily on testing the various functions of the "Tai Xuan Immortal Net."

Learning from the lessons of the last trial, it was deemed risky to directly transport disciples into the outside world.

Moreover, those eligible to participate are the very top tier within the Xian Sect, so safety must come first.

Whether to ultimately create a cavernous realm from nothing or to "capture" a world from beyond the boundary and refine it as a trial ground—these remain undecided…

Wuuu~!

A sudden vibration interrupted Xu Xing's thoughts.

Immediately, a beam of light projected downward, forming a screen before him.

The screen's imagery was familiar: the inner courtyard of Ling Yin Fang, the mountain laboratory within the Xuan Zhu fruit cavern realm, where Ning Ruo stood behind a pure white table, a golden sphere before her.

It resembled the earlier "Divine Path Information Container," yet closer inspection revealed numerous differences.

Ning Ruo pulled over a chair and sat down, smiling: "Xu Dage, are you comfortable here?"

As she spoke, she leaned back, her exaggerated curves fully revealed.

"Mm, the environment here is excellent—thank you for arranging it."

"It's nothing."

Yuling Interstellar Hotel is a property under Ling Yin Fang's ownership.

As the ancestral founder of Ling Yin Fang, even though she'd never set foot here, arranging for someone to stay was effortless.

"During this time, has Xu Dage found any inspiration to break through the 'Dao Wang'?"

"No." Xu Xing leaned back too, rubbing his temples, then sighed, "Ah, let's first handle the Xian Sect Grand Competition—there's little chance of finding a solution anytime soon."

"If you can't find inspiration from outside, perhaps Xu Dage should look inward."

"Hm?"

"For instance, me, the Sword Sovereign, and Xiang Yuanjun," she said bluntly.

"That does make sense…" Xu Xing nodded unconsciously, then immediately realized, "No."

"It's correct," Ning Ruo smiled lightly. "To break through the 'Dao Wang,' you must first understand it—Xu Dage should try things that can stir the 'Dao Wang.'"

…I suspect you're pulling my leg.

But he had to admit, it was exactly as Ning Ruo said.

"I'll think about it—I've been searching for ways to stir the 'Dao Wang' myself lately."

Of course, the results have been poor.

In this Tai Xuan Realm, the only things that truly trouble him, aside from the Cang Clan, are nearly nonexistent.

"Mm, you decide for yourself," Ning Ruo said, offering only a gentle suggestion before shifting topics: "What are your thoughts on the Xian Sect Grand Competition?"

"I'll follow the opinions of the other Daoists, but since the main purpose of this Grand Competition is to test the 'Tai Xuan Immortal Net,' I personally lean toward capturing a suitable world from beyond the boundary."

"Indeed." Ning Ruo nodded slightly, reaching out to pick up the golden sphere from the pure white table. "Then discuss it with the other Daoists—just let me know when you've decided."

emm…

You don't post much in the group, but you still check the messages, right?

"I'll make one final adjustment to the 'Tai Xuan Immortal Net'—test its stability."

"Alright."

"Then…" Ning Ruo rose from her chair, pulling the sides of her white lab coat to conceal her ample chest, "Goodbye."

The image on the screen vanished.

Xu Xing waved his hand lightly, and the screen likewise dissolved and disappeared.

He turned again to the window, but this time not toward the "Star River" sealed within the special space—instead, he looked downward.

He saw tiny specks of light, like fireflies, emitting various hues, converging into the shape of an "ancient qin."

Less than two seconds later, a tinkling melody reached his ears, bringing profound comfort from body to soul.

Before his eyes, scenes of the four seasons flowed: spring waters murmuring, swallows pecking mud, willows reflecting in the water; then summer trees casting shade, orioles trilling endlessly…

The scene shifted again: a bright autumn moon, geese flying across the sky, distant mountains lonely and still.

Finally, winter snow fell softly, cold crows startled from branches, sleet drifting down.

As the melody ended, all imagery faded quietly; the music still played in his ears, but before him only scattered specks of colored light remained.

The Melody of the Four Seasons.

If a cultivator practicing arts or abilities tied to the four seasons heard this melody, they might gain considerable benefit.

He shifted his gaze away, and the flowing melody vanished with it.

They were special artifacts—once you looked away, their sound no longer disturbed you.

"It's time to discuss this with the other Daoists."

Xu Xing took out his phone and opened the "Top Dog" group chat.

Though he could contact the other Daoists directly, using his phone felt more… natural?

Either way, both he and the other Daoists would feel more "relaxed."

There's a saying, isn't there: "Wearing a mask is the same as taking it off."

He scrolled up; aside from their earlier record setting the timing of the Xian Sect Grand Competition, the most messages were from his senior sister and Master Mei Zu.

Among the remaining brethren, besides Ning Ruo, Hong Zun had the least messages.

emm……

It seems he hasn't sorted it out yet.

Xiang Jianzong: "What are your opinions on the specific venue for the Xian Sect Grand Assembly?"

Master Mei Zu: "/little yellow duck spinning in circles"

Master Mei Zu: "I have no objections—I leave it to Elder Brother's discretion."

Sword尊: "True, you're always at the bottom every year."

Master Mei Zu: "So what?"

Master Mei Zu: "Last place is still first place! /hands on hips"

Master Mei Zu: "Compared to your Xiang Jianzong, we're about the same, you know. /shrugs"

Sword尊: "……"

For a moment, she had nothing to say.

Xiang Yuanjun: "Let's get back to the matter at hand. Personally, I favor selecting a world beyond the realm as the trial ground."

Master Mei Zu: "Mm-mm! I think the same!"

Xiang Jianzong: "What about the opinions of the other brethren?"

Alchemy Ancestor: "Since this is for testing the 'Tai Xuan Immortal Net,' it's indeed more suitable to capture a world from beyond the realm."

Tyrant尊: "I suggest choosing a world that has been influenced by Xuan."

Tyrant尊: "Preferably a cruel one."

Artifact Ancestor: "?"

Artifact Ancestor: "Did your disciples develop a addiction to suffering?"

Alchemy Ancestor: "That's quite good—selecting a cruel world lets us see how capable they are."

Alchemy Ancestor: "Those participating in the Grand Assembly are the best of the best; a slightly higher difficulty won't hurt."

Alchemy Ancestor: "If the Tai Xuan Immortal Net's concept truly succeeds, they'll have many tasks ahead—this is just early adaptation."

Tyrant尊: "Makes sense—I was just thinking the same thing. /thumbs up"

Artifact Ancestor: "……"

He was being ignored again.

No!

He had only just escaped that 'invisible' state after so much effort.

Hong Zun: "Let me translate: 'I was just thinking the same thing' = I actually didn't think of anything at all. /side-eye grin"

Tyrant尊: "?"

Tyrant尊: "What did I ever do to you?"

Alchemy Ancestor: "Hong Zun, shouldn't you be busy soothing Qian Shuang these days? /confused"

Tyrant尊: "Now I know why he hasn't been posting in the group lately," Tyrant尊 said. "But after all this time, he still hasn't calmed her down?"

Xu Xing watched the topic drift further off-topic and exited the Group Chat Realm.

Though the final discussion had veered off, his original question had still been settled.

Scrolling down, he saw Huo's avatar appear before his eyes.

After all, it's the Xian Sect Grand Assembly…

Never mind.

I'll notify him after the Grand Assembly ends.

…………

Central Continent, Xiang Jianzong.

Inner Sect, Star Jump Array.

In the waiting hall outside, Chi Jiuyu was slurping noodles loudly—a large bowl was quickly emptied, noodles and broth gone.

No one noticed the content of the post!

"Another bowl!" she declared boldly.

She placed the empty bowl aside; several others already formed a stack on the table.

Zhang Yunlu, across from her, still had half her bowl left.

Clearly, she didn't have Chi Jiuyu's appetite.

While waiting for the next bowl to arrive, she leaned back and noticed Zhang Yunlu across from her.

"This place is delicious—I used to eat several bowls at once when I went on missions in the Starry Sky."

It's always been a habit.

Only about a year ago, when she was still worrying about the three million contribution points, she had no appetite.

"But Sister, you said the Yu Ling Interstellar Hotel's cuisine ranks among the best in the entire Starry Sky."

With the jump engine power of her starship, she could arrive by afternoon at the latest.

After all, with an invitation, she could request auxiliary traction there.

"No problem—I can just suppress it with magic power if needed."

"……"

No wonder she's my sister.

"Ah, pity Yan Shixiong is in seclusion—otherwise you could've taken advantage of it…" Chi Jiuyu shook her head regretfully.

Zhang Yunlu: "……"

She always felt it was immoral—not just toward Master Yan, but also toward Master Ji.

After all, Master Ji had truly been kind to her.

But according to her senior sister, every senior brother and sister she knew had used that incident to blackmail Master Yan…

She took a sip of the noodle broth: "Senior sister, didn't you promise Master Yan you'd keep it secret?"

"Aren't I now in the Spirit Transformation Stage?"

"Huh?"

"The one who promised him was the Nascent Soul–stage Chi Jiuyu—what does that have to do with the Spirit Transformation–stage Chi Jiuyu?" she declared with perfect confidence.

At most, she'd stop using this incident to blackmail him!

Poor Master Yan…

Zhang Yunlu silently thought.

Soon after, a steaming full bowl of noodles was brought over, and Chi Jiuyu wolfed it down in a few loud slurps.

This time, she didn't ask for another bowl.

The two rose from their seats and prepared to settle the bill before boarding the ship.

When paying, Zhang Yunlu glanced at the bill—the price was much higher than she'd expected.

Even the Xiang Jianzong couldn't escape price gouging in places like this.

"Let's go," Chi Jiuyu didn't care.

She paid cleanly and swiftly, then walked out with Zhang Yunlu.

She was already used to it!

Besides… this trip's expenses were reimbursed by her master!

…

…

More than ten minutes later.

Inside the starship, along the corridor leading to the main control room.

"Did your master agree?"

Zhang Yunlu's voice echoed through the corridor.

Chi Jiuyu's voice followed: "He agreed, he agreed—after all, I achieved Spirit Transformation at twenty-two!"

No wonder she'd been so cheerful today.

Zhang Yunlu understood.

"Once we get back from this trip, let's go pick one out!"

She was, of course, referring to the medium-sized starship.

After learning from Zhang Yunlu that Bie Xuening planned to gift her a medium-sized starship, she could no longer sit still.

That was a medium-sized starship!

Even the best small starship couldn't match even a low-quality medium-sized one!

A medium-sized starship could sustain an internal ecosystem, and with its high maneuverability, it was practically a mobile micro-life planet.

So she threw a tantrum…

No!

She pleaded desperately…

No!

In short, she succeeded in making her master realize the depth of their master-disciple bond—and finally got him to change his mind!

Once this trip is over, we can switch to a medium-sized starship!

So happy! So happy!

Soon, the two passed through the corridor and entered the control room.

Before them, several pale blue translucent screens projected complex star maps and streams of data, overwhelming the eyes.

The total number of displays was far fewer than on Chi Jiuyu's current starship, making the setup much more streamlined.

Along the sides and above, arrays of various functions rotated slowly.

"Hello, Captain!"

The crisp female voice resembled Zhang Yunlu's own, yet upon closer listening, it bore a faint resemblance to Chi Jiuyu's…

"All system modules have completed self-checks. Energy reserves are sufficient. Jump engine preheating complete."

A flicker of surprise crossed Chi Jiuyu's eyes: "Not bad—how long did you spend tuning this voice?"

"Not long…" Not wanting to dwell on the topic, Zhang Yunlu turned toward the front and said: "Set coordinates: Western Star Region, Yuling Star System, Yuling Interstellar Hotel."

First check into the hotel, then proceed with the mission.

The Yuling Interstellar Hotel's teleportation array allowed convenient travel to nearby star systems.

【Coordinates confirmed! Importing Yuling guidance protocol…】

【Requesting authorization…】

On the pale blue translucent screens, data streams flowed, lines of text appearing one after another.

【Authorization granted!】

Seeing this, Zhang Yunlu returned to her seat, fastened her safety harness, and looked up—only to find Chi Jiuyu still standing.

"Senior sister?"

"I'm testing how much more stable your jump engine is compared to mine."

"There's still time before the jump begins."

"Oh."

Right.

Standing here like this does seem a little silly...

Thinking this, she ran over to Zhang Yunlu's side, found a spot, and sat down.

"Oh right, I heard Master say that Uncle-Master is also in the Starry Sky now. If we could run into him, that would be interesting."

"The Starry Sky is too vast. It'd be hard to run into him, wouldn't it?"

Chi Jiuyu raised an eyebrow: "That might not be true. As long as Uncle-Master wants to, finding us would be far too easy." (End of this chapter)