“Huh? Third Senior Uncle is here too?”
Hearing Mo Xuanli’s sudden voice, Gu Baiqing inexplicably felt guilty but kept a calm expression and nodded at Mo Xuanli, thinking he probably hadn’t heard anything.
Luo Nianyi smiled and said, “Xiao Xuanli, just now your master and I both felt your spiritual power fluctuations — ten rounds Foundation Establishment in two hours, even stronger than your master. Congratulations.”
Gu Baiqing nodded approvingly, “Well done.”
But Mo Xuanli, who had been waiting for such affirmation, now felt no joy.
He only maintained a smile and pretended ignorance: “This is thanks to Master’s guidance; otherwise, disciple wouldn’t have made such progress.”
Luo Nianyi and Gu Baiqing exchanged a glance.
Mentioning the master change idea now wasn’t appropriate — after all, it was just their temporary thought. Fu Zhiyi and Chu Fei still needed to discuss. Once all three clearly agreed to accept Mo Xuanli as a disciple, then it would be brought up. Otherwise, it might hurt the kid’s pride.
Mo Xuanli naturally noticed their eye communication. Though standing straight, his heart was about to leap out, afraid Gu Baiqing would suggest changing masters next.
Like a dog being led to market by its owner, unable to resist or make noise. The leash would soon be handed to a new buyer. He could only whimper softly and look pleadingly at his master, hoping not to be sold.
And just then, Fu Zhiyi and Chu Fei also flew over. Now the buyers had gathered.
Of course, they came because of Mo Xuanli’s Foundation Establishment.
Upon seeing Mo Xuanli, Fu Zhiyi praised him highly. Chu Fei didn’t say much but his eyes glittered as if ready to test skills anytime.
Surrounded like this, Mo Xuanli felt no glory, only suffocated, his gaze drifting to Gu Baiqing.
Gu Baiqing, less meticulous, exchanged a knowing look with Luo Nianyi.
Luo Nianyi then smiled at Mo Xuanli: “Young disciples are probably all waiting for you to teach them. Today, your master speaks for you and gives you a day off to rest well.”
Saying that, Luo Nianyi nudged Gu Baiqing.
Gu Baiqing directly reached out and took a storage pouch, tossing it to Mo Xuanli. Inside were a large number of spirit stones. “This is your reward. You’re allowed to go down the mountain and relax a bit.”
Mo Xuanli didn’t dare leave. He had already made up his mind: once a master, lifelong father. He would never change masters in this life. If his master no longer wished to teach him, then… then he would beg his master with tears, stubbornly kneel before him. If the master didn’t agree, he wouldn’t get up. He wouldn’t be like a dog being casually bought and sold by its owner!
“Master, disciple… disciple doesn’t want to rest. I only want to keep cultivating. Today’s lessons, master hasn’t given them to me yet.”
When Mo Xuanli said this, everyone was somewhat surprised. Fu Zhiyi was the first to laugh: “You really inherited your master’s true teachings—always remembering cultivation, never stopping even for a moment. But personality-wise, don’t copy your master. You should communicate more with your peers. Young people should be energetic.”
Mo Xuanli hurriedly said seriously, “Thank you, Second Senior Uncle, for your concern. One should never slack off in cultivation for a single day. Besides, I just completed Foundation Establishment and still have many insights I don’t understand that I need to ask my master about.”
Seeing Mo Xuanli’s attitude, it was clear he really intended to stay for class. The guests couldn’t be rude either; after all, they came just to check the situation. Having seen it, naturally they would take their leave.
Although Luo Nianyi had other thoughts, since it wasn’t the right time to say anything, she decided to wait. Before leaving, she said, “Fourth Junior Brother, think carefully about what we just discussed.”
Mo Xuanli’s breath tightened immediately.
Gu Baiqing nodded, “Okay.”
When Fu Zhiyi curiously asked what they were talking about, Luo Nianyi was already pulling the two away.
Mo Xuanli felt like a prisoner awaiting judgment, heart hanging in suspense, nervous to the point of dizziness.
Gu Baiqing withdrew his gaze and looked at Mo Xuanli, suddenly feeling his heart jump at Mo Xuanli’s intense stare.
It was a look full of complicated emotions, the black parts seemingly bottomless, unsettling the onlooker.
But in the blink of an eye, it changed back to pure black-and-white eyes.
“Master, may we begin the lesson?” Mo Xuanli spoke, genuinely sounding like a studious youth.
Though there was indeed a lesson planned for today, Gu Baiqing had originally wanted the kid to balance work and rest. But since the protagonist was so motivated, the supporting role couldn’t refuse.
“Alright, class begins.”
Gu Baiqing, still in black robes, sat cross-legged under the afternoon eaves. Mo Xuanli knelt on the formation in the courtyard, wearing the purple-gray disciple robes. Surrounding them were maple trees whose leaves drifted down with the spiritual energy fluctuations in the formation, swirling in beautiful arcs through the air.
A small mountain stream babbled nearby, occasional rainbows crossing half the eaves, sometimes right above where Gu Baiqing sat.
Every afternoon, when Mo Xuanli opened his eyes, he would see his master quietly sitting nearby, calm and peaceful, unmatched by the surrounding scenery.
Mo Xuanli really didn’t want to leave this scenery that had carved itself into his heart, nor the master who was tough on the outside but soft inside.
Suddenly, as if lost in thought, Mo Xuanli called out, “Master.”
Gu Baiqing opened his eyes and frowned, “What is it? Is there a problem with your mind technique?”
Of course not. Mo Xuanli just wanted to call him.
Calling out “Master” always got a response.
Mo Xuanli said, “Master explained things very clearly, helping disciple have sudden realizations. I think it’s definitely better to be taught by Master. Before, hearing the same content from others, disciple couldn’t understand it. With Master personally guiding me despite hardships, disciple can surely make rapid progress.”
Gu Baiqing gave Mo Xuanli a strange look. What was all this flattery about?
Then Mo Xuanli continued… “Master is really clever, explaining everything in such detail, probably no one in the entire Zixiao Sect understands it better than Master.”
“Before disciple became an apprentice, I often felt at a loss and couldn’t enter the door of understanding. But after Master’s pointing, it all became clear.”
“When studying in other pavilions, disciple felt quite out of place. It’s still best by Master’s side.”
“Master… disciple admires you most in the entire Zixiao Sect.”
Gu Baiqing’s mouth twitched. Alright, he understood. Mo Xuanli had probably heard enough of his conversation with Luo Nianyi.
At this moment, Mo Xuanli’s behavior looked not so good to Gu Baiqing.
Normally, it might just be childish feelings — reluctant to be separated from a familiar master, feeling bad about being replaced. Usually, these feelings would go away once he got used to the new master. It wasn’t like Gu Baiqing wouldn’t teach him anymore — for Mo Xuanli, nothing would change.
But this was a master-disciple story. The more Mo Xuanli tried to please him, resisting the idea of changing masters, the more worried Gu Baiqing was that Mo Xuanli might be overly attached to him.
Seeing him so anxious, even unconsciously flattering and playing the pitiful card…
Then… it was necessary to change masters immediately.
If he had come up with such an awesome idea, why wait?
Mo Xuanli probably didn’t expect that his efforts would not soften Gu Baiqing’s heart but instead strengthen his resolve.
Gu Baiqing thought that as soon as Mo Xuanli left, he would go confirm the matter with the other three.
But Mo Xuanli began to actively drag out the class time, thirsty for knowledge like a student who refuses to let the teacher leave after class.
Gu Baiqing was literally held hostage by Mo Xuanli for the entire afternoon.
By evening, Mo Xuanli still didn’t dare leave, afraid that if he did, his master might sell him off as soon as he turned around. He insisted on sword practice in the maple forest at night, claiming he had some realizations.
Gu Baiqing found this funny — did the kid plan to guard him for a lifetime? He wouldn’t tolerate it.
The stubborn resistance of this child’s nature was simply ignored by Gu Baiqing, who immediately put on a cold face.
“How long do you want to stay here? If you want to practice, go practice back at your place.”
“Master, I…”
“Are you not going to listen to your master?”
Gu Baiqing’s tone changed sharply, and Mo Xuanli immediately shrank back, as if both his ears and tail drooped.
“Disciple… follows the command.”
Now Gu Baiqing watched him leave, thinking there was no way Mo Xuanli could sneak back to the disciples’ quarters.
Mo Xuanli could only leave, looking back every few steps.
After he disappeared from sight, Gu Baiqing sighed helplessly.
Actually, when he realized he couldn’t escape, he had already used a communication talisman to ask Luo Nianyi whether she had mentioned this to the other two.
Luo Nianyi replied that Chu Fei was easygoing about it, practically hoping for such a talented disciple to spar with all day. But Second Senior Brother seriously suggested they carefully consider what would be best for Mo Xuanli. Obviously, today’s tenfold Foundation Establishment far exceeded Fu Zhiyi’s expectations, so they naturally planned to be more cautious in handling him.
It could be said that barring accidents, given Mo Xuanli’s talent and good character, he would likely be cultivated toward the Sect Leader path in the future.
Hence, Second Senior Brother was so cautious.
Hearing this, Gu Baiqing knew they’d probably have to wait until Sect Leader senior sister came out of seclusion.
According to the plot, the Sect Leader only appears after the protagonist returns from his mountain trial.
This was a major blow to Gu Baiqing’s enthusiasm—his excitement from the whole day vanished.
Meanwhile, Mo Xuanli returned to Chunyang Pavilion, lost and dejected in the moonlight.
Inside the room, Tang Yu was still waiting. Seeing him return, he immediately jumped up and said, “Why are you so late today?”
“Attending lessons with master.”
Tang Yu looked at Mo Xuanli with sympathy. “A disciple who just completed Foundation Establishment usually rests at least one day as a reward, but your master actually increased your training workload. Don’t you feel exhausted?”
“I actually hope it’s harder, so master will keep training me.” Mo Xuanli sat by the bed, where a pile of gifts lay.
Tang Yu could tell from Mo Xuanli’s tone that he was upset. Saying he’d rather keep training was clearly avoidance.
He quickly said, “These are gifts everyone sent to celebrate your Foundation Establishment success. They planned a party to celebrate together, but since you never came back, they just left the gifts and left.”
“Okay, I’ll thank everyone later.” Mo Xuanli first tidied up the gifts, but his mood didn’t improve.
Seeing Mo Xuanli preparing to lie down, Tang Yu couldn’t help but ask, “What’s wrong? Setting a record with ten rounds of Foundation Establishment for the Zixiao Sect is a great achievement. Why do you…”
Mo Xuanli’s mind was troubled. Late at night, he couldn’t hold it in and murmured, “Tang Yu… I have a friend who’s in some trouble, and I don’t know how to help.”
Tang Yu was surprised. Mo Xuanli still had a friend worth worrying about? Although Mo Xuanli seemed friendly to everyone and willing to get along, he rarely connected deeply. His politeness was distant, like a natural defense mechanism. Tang Yu thought he was closest to Mo Xuanli.
How come Mo Xuanli had other friends Tang Yu didn’t know about?
“Tell me about it.”
“There’s someone who’s been very good to my friend, really good—just not good at expressing it. But my friend knows and already treats that person as very important. Recently, though, that person acts indifferent, unconcerned, like they could leave my friend at any time, hand him off to someone else, maybe even thinking they’re doing my friend a favor. What is that person thinking? Anyone with feelings would be hurt, right?”
Tang Yu: …
Alright, seeing Mo Xuanli’s conflicted, uneasy expression, Tang Yu was certain this friend was actually Mo Xuanli himself.
Recalculating this, Tang Yu naturally didn’t think it was about Gu Baiqing—there was only one conclusion left… Ah! Romantic feelings!!!
That explained why the plum branch Mo Xuanli gave away before was a mystery—once he asked about it, Mo Xuanli blushed, proving it had been given away.
So there was a woman involved—ambiguous, hot and cold, near and far. Wasn’t this just classic “playing hard to get,” teasing my brother?
How could a love expert like Tang Yu be fooled by this? Only Mo Xuanli, the fool, could be so toyed with.
Mo Xuanli was now a supernova of the Zixiao Sect—how could he be bullied like this? As a good brother, Tang Yu had to help Mo Xuanli get away from this bad girl and teach her a lesson.
Wait… could it be someone familiar?
Tang Yu’s mind raced. Looking at Mo Xuanli, curiosity got the better of him: “Is it Senior Sister Yun Yue? Or Lin Jiaying?”
Because those were the two women closest to Mo Xuanli.
“Huh? No… what do they have to do with this! Don’t guess wildly!”
Seeing Mo Xuanli’s reaction, Tang Yu knew he guessed wrong.
If not someone familiar, then no mercy.
Tang Yu sneered inwardly and said straight out, “I’ve got the most experience with this. Listen to me—your friend needs to keep distance from that person. If the other person is cold to your friend, your friend should respond with the same official, indifferent attitude, to let them know your friend is also dispensable.”
“No… no way! What if that person doesn’t want me… that friend anymore?” Mo Xuanli immediately refused. How could he treat his master like that? That would only make his master abandon him even more.
Tang Yu was inwardly furious. This little demon had turned his brother into a fool!
“Listen to me, your… that friend already cares so much about her. If she acts like that, it means passion won’t work. You have to fight poison with poison. This is only the first step. Once you do this, she won’t be used to it, won’t be indifferent anymore. Then you can watch her reaction and figure out what she really thinks.”
Mo Xuanli’s head buzzed as he listened, feeling there was some truth, but something seemed off. Thinking carefully, what right did he have to test his master’s thoughts? Whether he stayed or left was just a matter of his master’s word.
Maybe his master didn’t have any real feelings for him at all. It was just because of the master’s status here that he did some things for him.
The more Mo Xuanli thought, the sadder he felt. “Forget it, no more talking. Better to sleep early.”
Tang Yu heard Mo Xuanli’s tone and knew this good-for-nothing couldn’t bear to treat the other person that way. Tang Yu was furious and resolved to find out which little demon had enchanted his brother and made him taste the bitterness of love.
Listen—on the next bed, someone was tossing and turning, unable to sleep, troubled by love!
Mo Xuanli really couldn’t sleep. He stared tightly at the window, fearing the sun would rise the next day.
But time still passed swiftly.
Every moment after, he feared being summoned to meet the four elders to discuss his affiliation again.
Mo Xuanli followed Tang Yu out to cultivate, listless.
His cultivation partner had also changed during Foundation Establishment, and now, with his fame spreading, more senior brothers and sisters were interested, lining up all morning to challenge him.
Tang Yu was worried about his state, so he followed, also hoping to catch sight of “Little Plum Branch” — his codename for the little demon.
No sign of Little Plum Branch, but Lin Jiaying showed up.
“Oh? Here to see Xuanli?” Tang Yu teased.
“Not at all.” Lin Jiaying was naturally pretty, and her coquettish expression was quite charming. Today she seemed to have put extra effort into dressing, still in the same gray-purple disciple robe but finely tailored to fit her curves, with embroidery on the cuffs and hem, even her forehead ribbon modified with beads dangling on both sides, jingling beautifully when she walked.
Though she said no, her eyes already drifted far away. Upon seeing Mo Xuanli, her cheeks flushed slightly—her feelings were obvious.
“So what are you here for?”
“My spirit pet ran off. I’m here to look for it.”
“Ran off again? That little wildcat?”
“What wildcat? It’s a tricolor illusion cat, a very powerful spirit beast.”
“Only contracted ones are spirit beasts. Without a contract, it’s a demon. That demon has escaped from you repeatedly, proving you can’t form a contract. In that case, it’s just a normal demon beast. If you didn’t have your grandfather suppressing it, it would have been caught and eliminated by other disciples long ago. You better handle it quickly—what if it breaks into forbidden lands again?” Tang Yu thought of the last time with the whip and scolded.
Lin Jiaying’s face turned dark. “Fine if you won’t help me find it, but if I find it this time, I’m throwing it into the Demon Refining Tower!”
Just then, Mo Xuanli came down and saw them arguing, so he asked.
“Xuanli, you’re free now, help me find it!” Lin Jiaying said with confident entitlement.
Mo Xuanli didn’t get upset. He wanted to ask what the tricolor illusion cat looked like, since he had never seen it.
“We’re going to eat, starving.” Tang Yu grabbed Mo Xuanli and started walking away. No way was he going to let that girl use Mo Xuanli as free labor.
Also, that cat demon was strange, once launching an illusion attack on them in the forbidden lands. Tang Yu had seen the cat deliberately approach them, almost scratching Mo Xuanli then. But the demon tribe’s seal was broken at that time, causing chaos, so he forgot about the cat demon. Now was not the time to mention it. It was better not to get involved with attacking demon beasts.
“I advise you to stop sneaking around looking and just report it officially.”
“I’ll come to the canteen with you then.” Lin Jiaying followed unwillingly.
“What? Not looking for your spirit pet anymore?” Tang Yu joked.
“I’m hungry too, can’t I eat first?”
Mo Xuanli spoke up, “You go ahead. I have something to do.”
Tang Yu suddenly realized Mo Xuanli never ate with them. Could it be that he always ate with Little Plum Branch for every meal?
Thinking this, Tang Yu got excited. “Oh, I get it. You want to eat with… someone else, right?”
Mo Xuanli immediately got nervous. After all, cooking for his master was a secret.
“No… not with anyone else, I just have something to do.”
Tang Yu narrowed his eyes. Even Lin Jiaying sensed something was off. Since she liked Mo Xuanli now, it was hard not to suspect when he ignored her but acted like this.
“Enough talking, I’m leaving.” Mo Xuanli felt awkward and flew away on his sword.
“You brat! Can’t be persuaded.” Tang Yu grumbled, about to leave, when an angry Lin Jiaying grabbed his collar.
The young lady’s face flushed with anger. “Why did he leave us? Who does he eat with? What do you know?!”
Seeing Lin Jiaying like this, Tang Yu let his guard down and teased her.
“I don’t know who it is, but there’s definitely a girl who’s bewitched Mo Xuanli—eats with him three meals a day, every day. The plum branch was given to her too, and she’s the reason he tosses and turns, sleepless at night.”
Lin Jiaying gasped, “Who is it?!”
“How would I know? He’s very secretive. If you’re capable, ask him yourself!”
After saying this, Tang Yu laughed and left, unaware that a group of senior brothers and sisters who just finished training and were about to eat had overheard all the gossip.
After all, he was a celebrity now, and celebrities have crushes—this was huge gossip, how could it not spread?
Meanwhile, Mo Xuanli was anxiously attending class, afraid his master would suddenly say something.
But he got through it safely, and his tense heart relaxed a bit. He wondered, did his master regret it? Maybe he actually thought this disciple was pretty good?
Because he was always worried about the matter of changing masters, even though his master never mentioned it, Mo Xuanli remained tense and focused more and more on his cultivation, wanting to perform well.
So in these past few days, he completely failed to notice the gossiping eyes around him. He didn’t even realize that the child attendant was looking at him strangely much more than before.
The child attendant had heard that Mo Xuanli was eating every meal with his mysterious beloved. He was the only one who knew where Mo Xuanli ate and why — wasn’t it all for Elder Luofeng’s sake?
He originally thought this disciple was overly attentive to his master and afraid not to let his master know. Before, he found Young Master Mo a bit strange, but now…
This intention was obvious at a glance. Had he discovered some big secret?
The child attendant felt something was wrong — this was outright rebellious.
So he began hinting to Mo Xuanli that he needed to take back control of his own kitchen.
But the moment he brought it up, Mo Xuanli’s face turned cold. “What do you mean? Does Master know? Did he say anything to you?”
This anxious reaction looked like an involuntary confession to the child attendant — afraid Master would find out he had rebellious thoughts!
“No, it’s just that the child attendant feels the young master cultivates hard, so this is…”
“No need. I like cooking for Master. It’s the only thing I can do.” Mo Xuanli sighed after saying this.
The child attendant covered his heart — this was basically saying, “I like Master, but I can’t do anything else, so I can only cook.”
This humble attitude suddenly made the child attendant feel a bit sympathetic for Young Master Mo. Clearly, he liked him… but was blocked by such a relationship, unable even to express it, only able to put love into his cooking. No wonder he sighed so often lately. Probably spending every day by Elder Luofeng’s side, love accumulating silently, frustrated and unfulfilled.
Sigh… Young Master Mo was really kind of pitiful.
The child attendant held onto his fragile dignity, almost letting sympathy slip out: “If you like him, you can even wash Master’s clothes for him.” But then he thought better of it — impossible relationship, no need to give him too much hope.
From then on, the child attendant was more careful about covering for Young Master Mo. Sometimes when Mo Xuanli stayed overnight, the child attendant would help keep it secret.
This caused Tang Yu to think Mo Xuanli often didn’t return at night — of course, he must be with Little Plum Branch.
Then rumors grew wilder, sparking a wave of speculation about who Little Plum Branch really was.
Until one day, when Mo Xuanli went to Flying Crane Pavilion, he ran into Senior Sister Yun Yue.
Yun Yue curiously asked, “Xuanli, everyone’s heard you have a beloved. I’m here on orders to ask — who is it? Can you reveal it?”
Mo Xuanli was stunned, “What? A beloved?”
Seeing Mo Xuanli’s completely unaware expression, Yun Yue guessed it was a misunderstanding. “No way, the gossip outside is all over the place, saying you’re lovesick over some girl. Could it all be rumors?”
Mo Xuanli couldn’t help but laugh and cry. “There’s no girl. I have no such thoughts. I just want to cultivate well and not disappoint Master’s training.”
Yun Yue felt some sympathy. “Looks like you’re too popular, so people like spreading gossip to pass the time. But… although love can hurt, it also helps people grow. If you meet the right person, you can try. After all, you’re not a kid anymore, just cultivating all day isn’t fun.”
Mo Xuanli really admired Yun Yue. Having been through that herself, she could still optimistically face love and relationships. That was brave.
Mo Xuanli smiled, “If one day I really like some girl, I definitely won’t hide it from Senior Sister Yun Yue.”
Yun Yue shook her head smiling, treating it as a joke. “I just worry you clueless fool don’t know what liking someone really means.”
“Liking someone is thinking about her every day, wanting to be with her, never apart, and feeling happy and joyful together, right? I understand.” Mo Xuanli said helplessly. He wasn’t inexperienced or stupid.
Finally Yun Yue sighed and got back to business.
“Oh, according to your cultivation progress, you should soon reach mid-Foundation Establishment. When that happens, you have to enter the Demon Refining Tower trial. You must be steady and careful.”
“Thanks for the reminder, Senior Sister. I will.”
At this moment, Gu Baiqing also received a new task.
【First Mission Quest, Task 2: Complete the Demon Refining Tower trial and successfully advance to mid-Foundation Establishment. Note: cultivation progress must be at least 30% before entering the Demon Refining Tower, or the task will be hindered.】
Looking at the system interface, thanks to Mo Xuanli’s recent diligent cultivation and the initial 10%, his progress was already at 22%, not hard to reach the requirement.
But this task… just seeing the words “Demon Refining Tower” made Gu Baiqing’s brow uncontrollably furrow.
The Demon Refining Tower was the original story’s turning point where the disciple truly became aware that his feelings for Master had changed. Before that, it was just confused adolescent restlessness, but after entering the tower, Mo Xuanli’s heart developed desire. Back then, he was still a cautious secret admirer until later when the demonic nature awakened…
Gu Baiqing recalled the Demon Refining Tower scenes he had voiced and quickly shook his head.
To cope with the task, Gu Baiqing not only cherished every daily teaching session more but also gave Mo Xuanli extra guidance.
After all, this Demon Refining Tower with the male protagonist entering wasn’t the usual tower disciples trained in. There were bound to be accidents.
Because this time, he couldn’t be like the original Master who rushed in to save his disciple and almost lost his own purity, so he taught Mo Xuanli more in advance so he could survive on his own.
Seeing Master becoming more strict and serious, Mo Xuanli felt his Master might really not plan to abandon him, and was greatly pleased. He also worked even harder in cultivation.
A month passed like this.
Mo Xuanli’s cultivation progress surged to 32% in Foundation Establishment, already meeting the task’s requirement, and the Demon Refining Tower trial finally began.
…
At Zixiao Sect, every three months there was a Demon Refining Tower trial. Disciples nearing mid-Foundation Establishment could enter the tower to challenge themselves.
In fact, it was a tower holding several restricted-power-level beasts, each with different abilities. Encounter one, defeat it, and move forward.
This was to train Zixiao Sect disciples to grow from simple cultivation into true cultivators skilled in combat.
After all, if you can’t even pass the Demon Refining Tower, what right do you have to go down the mountain for experience and to suppress demons? Zixiao Sect certainly didn’t want their disciples blindly going down to die.
Therefore, the Demon Refining Tower was a mandatory course all disciples had to pass before heading down the mountain.
On this day, the tower opened. Fu Zhiyi personally came to preside, rallying all disciples about to break into mid-Foundation Establishment to complete the trial well.
Fu Zhiyi spoke on the high platform, but most disciples below—whether participants or spectators—focused their attention on Mo Xuanli.
After all, Mo Xuanli’s rapid progress exceeded their imagination. Just last month he completed Foundation Establishment; now he was already rushing toward mid-stage. It was so fast that even jealousy felt impossible.
The loudest whispers came from the female disciples—now Mo Xuanli was their male god idol: handsome, gentle, and full of promise. Who wouldn’t be moved?
Even Gu Baiqing on the platform occasionally heard a few excited screams.
Looking down, Gu Baiqing noticed that Mo Xuanli was also looking at him.
Under the sunlight, Mo Xuanli’s features seemed to grow sharper. The small mole on his nose, once innocent and cute, now inexplicably carried a seductive charm. Perhaps from the hardships of cultivation, he had grown slimmer but taller, with broad shoulders, narrow waist, and long legs—his proportions gradually perfecting. His eyes shone brightly, as if collecting fragments of sunlight, dazzling and mesmerizing anyone who dared meet his gaze.
Seeing Master looking at him, Mo Xuanli immediately showed a brilliant, flattering smile, which enhanced his appearance even more.
Such a fresh, spirited little disciple—who wouldn’t be happy facing him?
But Gu Baiqing was the exception. Quietly withdrawing his gaze, he muttered inwardly: “Kid, you better hold on and make me proud. I don’t want to have to go in and save you.”
The Demon Refining Tower admitted challengers one by one. Since Mo Xuanli was the youngest, he was the last to enter.
Though it looked like a small seven-story tower, inside were teleport arrays that sent each disciple to separate spaces. What kind of beast appeared depended entirely on luck.
Before entering, Mo Xuanli had thoroughly collected information: how many beasts there were, their abilities. He knew it all perfectly and was full of confidence for the trial.
The moment he stepped onto the glowing teleport array, light instantly blocked his vision.
When he opened his eyes again, he was back at Luofeng Pavilion.
At this moment, Luofeng Pavilion was crowded and lively, with red silk and lanterns hung all over the maple trees. The lanterns bore conspicuous “double happiness” characters.
Mo Xuanli knew he must have encountered a beast creating an illusion. Usually, beasts that act violently are easiest to handle; the truly difficult ones are those who can probe deep into a person’s heart.
He had to reach the center of the illusion to find a way out. Calmly focusing, he warned himself that whatever he saw was false and must not be deceived, then merged into the crowd gradually gathering at Luofeng Pavilion.
What was going on here? Was someone having a wedding? How could that be held at Luofeng Pavilion? Such disorder was unacceptable.
Suddenly, someone patted Mo Xuanli’s shoulder. “Why are you just arriving? If you’re later, you’ll miss your Master’s wedding banquet.”
Mo Xuanli’s head buzzed loudly. Looking up, he saw the normally aloof Gu Baiqing wearing a bright red wedding robe, holding the hand of a bride with a red veil covering her face, greeting everyone with a smile so gentle Mo Xuanli had never seen before.
