Chapter 231: The Overbearing Dragon Who Tags Along

Penglai Immortal Mountain, shrouded in mist, with faint celestial aura.

The entire range seemed to float above a sea of clouds, like the legendary abode of immortals.

The Qingxiao Sect was settled here, its halls and towers built against the mountain, with soaring eaves, upturned corners, and intricately carved beams.

At this moment, outside the Saintess Hall deep within the Qingxiao Sect, two figures stood silently.

On the left stood the sect master Lan Jue Shitai, and on the right, Great Elder Zi Xuan Zhenren, both clad in Daoist robes, their faces fair.

Both gazes fell upon the interior of the Saintess Hall.

Inside, true qi filled the space like white mist, rolling and surging, forming a faint halo in the air.

Zi Xuan Zhenren felt the pure and mighty qi and couldn't help but gasp.

"Master, the Saintess is so young yet has already reached Grandmaster Seventh Rank! Such talent is truly demonic; in a thousand years of Qingxiao Sect's history, no one has attained this realm at her age."

A trace of unmistakable pride flashed across Lan Jue Shitai's face as she spoke arrogantly.

"That is natural; after all, she is a disciple I personally taught—how could she fall short?"

Her gaze toward the Saintess Hall was full of satisfaction and expectation.

"I was still debating whether to send that girl to the Wu Zun Ruins, but now it seems she must go!"

"Our Qingxiao Sect has been dormant for years; many in the jianghu have almost forgotten our fame."

"This time, using the Wu Zun Ruins as a chance, we can show those hidden families and sects that Qingxiao Sect remains a top force!"

Lan Jue Shitai's tone shifted as she looked at Zi Xuan Zhenren.

"Junior sister, this time you and that girl Qinghan will go together. As the sect's Great Elder, you are experienced; be sure to protect Qinghan and never tarnish Qingxiao Sect's reputation!"

"Understood, Master!"

Zi Xuan Zhenren bowed his head respectfully and replied.

Upon hearing this, Lan Jue's figure flickered briefly and vanished.

No one saw that her hand at her side tightened silently, a flash of jealousy in her eyes.

As Qingxiao Sect's Great Elder, she had only reached Eighth Rank Grandmaster after years of arduous cultivation, just one level above Lin Qinghan.

How could Lin Qinghan, so young, achieve such feats and receive the sect master's favoritism?

She clearly has the ability to shoulder Qingxiao Sect's banner, yet the master always directs the best resources toward Lin Qinghan, leaving her feeling deeply unsettled.

But the jealousy lasted only a moment; when the Saintess Hall doors opened, Zi Xuan Zhenren instantly wore a warm expression and hurried forward.

Behind the hall doors, Lin Qinghan wore a light teal robe, a faint post-cultivation flush on her face.

Her surrounding true qi had settled, yet the aura and vigor in her brows were hard to conceal.

Seeing Zi Xuan Zhenren, Lin Qinghan hurried forward and respectfully called out.

"Senior Uncle."

"Qinghan, have you finished cultivating?"

Zi Xuan Zhenren smiled and replied gently.

"Looking at your aura, you must have made further progress?"

"Thanks to Senior Uncle and Master's blessings, I luckily broke through to Grandmaster Seventh Rank."

Lin Qinghan said modestly.

"Alright, alright!"

Zi Xuan Zhenren nodded repeatedly and got straight to the point.

"I summoned you because I have important news. We learned that in Jiangnan's Xiangcheng a Tianmu Martial Sovereign ruin has been discovered; all major forces will send explorers. The sect master has decided that you and I will go to Jiangnan together."

"Jiangnan?"

Hearing those words, Lin Qinghan's eyes lit up instantly, a hint of joy flashing across her face.

In her mind, Jiang Feng's roguishly handsome grin involuntarily surfaced.

Since parting in Jiangcheng last time, she had missed that guy. She never expected another chance to go to Jiangnan...

She just wondered if there would be a chance to visit Jiangcheng and see him.

"Fine, I'm going!"

Lin Qinghan showed no hesitation and gladly agreed.

Zi Xuan Zhenren watched, silently huffing coldly in her heart.

Yet her face showed no displeasure; instead, she reminded more kindly.

"Then prepare yourself; we set out at first light tomorrow."

Meanwhile, inside the manor on Jiangxin Island.

Jiang Feng approached Duanmu Ya and handed her the Jade Bottle.

"All the Zhu Yan Pills are refined; you count them."

Duanmu Ya promptly took the Jade Bottle with both hands, carefully opening its lid.

A strong medicinal fragrance instantly spread.

She looked down; the Zhu Yan Pills inside the bottle were round and plump, emitting a faint violet sheen, better than she had expected.

Duanmu Ya's face brimmed with delight.

"With these Zhu Yan Pills, Yitian Pavilion will surely reach a new height this time!"

Elder Ge also came over, peeking at the Zhu Yan Pills in the Jade Bottle, a flash of surprise in his eyes.

"These Zhu Yan Pills are of exceptional quality, even bearing pill markings—truly a supreme masterpiece! Duanmu, securing Mr. Jiang's assistance this time is a great merit!"

He turned to Duanmu Ya, praising her without reservation.

"Once the Tianmu Martial Sovereign ruin matter is settled, you may report to the Kyoto headquarters; the headquarters has decided to promote you to Grand Elder!"

"Really?"

Duanmu Ya heard it and was instantly brimming with excitement.

Being promoted from Deputy Pavilion Master in Jiangcheng to the headquarters, that is what countless people have dreamed of!

She hurriedly bowed and saluted Elder Ge.

"Thank you, Elder Ge! Thank you for the headquarters' trust!"

After speaking, she turned to Jiang Feng and bowed deeply once more.

"Mr. Jiang, I am truly grateful this time! If it weren't for you, I could never have achieved such a great merit! In the future, whenever you need anything, as long as Yitian Pavilion can do it, I will gladly risk ten thousand deaths!"

Jiang Feng waved his hand, his tone flat,

"It's merely a trivial effort, no need to be so courteous. The materials came from you, the labor fee was paid in full, I merely did my part."

"The Face‑Preserving Pill has already been given to you; I will return to Jishi Hall first. Just let me know in advance when you plan to depart for the ruins."

"Understood, Mr. Jiang! I will notify you at once!"

Duanmu Ya quickly replied, personally escorting Jiang Feng to the doorway.

What Jiang Feng did not expect was that as soon as he stepped out of the manor gate, Long Bad Dao followed him with a cheeky grin.

"Why are you following me?"

Jiang Feng halted, turned his head to glance at him, his brows slightly furrowed.

Long Bad Dao cracked a grin.

"We wouldn't have met without a fight! We're practically friends now! This is my first time in Jiangcheng, I'm unfamiliar with the place; as a friend, shouldn't you look after me? Show me around, get me something tasty?"

He had stayed on Jiangxin Island for several days, eating the light meals arranged by Yitian Pavilion every day, his palate was getting so bland it seemed to turn into a bird.

Jiang Feng, seeing his shameless demeanor, didn't bother to argue and simply accepted that he would follow him.

The two walked to the dock, where the Black Awning Boat had already been waiting.

Before long, the Black Awning Boat arrived at Binjiang Matou.

They disembarked, and Long Bad Dao immediately stretched his neck to look around, his face full of anticipation.

"Old Jiang, hurry and take me to try Jiangcheng's most distinctive dishes! The spicier, the better—I love spicy food!"

Jiang Feng, who was also hungry, nodded, and casually hailed a taxi.

The car had barely left the dock when the perpetually cheeky Long Bad Dao suddenly suppressed his grin, his expression turning serious.

"Old Jiang… you have a rival here in Jiangcheng?"