Watching the Mountain

Xu Ran’s gaze flickered as he looked at Zhang Zhentian, Shen Wuchen, and Ye Qingyue standing together.

Ye Qingyue had also reached the Nascent Soul Stage, following the path of the Flying Immortal Stream.

Three Nascent Soul Stage Cultivators traveling together shouldn’t face any danger, but the Overseas Archipelago was, after all, different from the mainland of the Immortal Ancient World.

Besides, the journey was long. There was no telling what might happen, so it was impossible for him to be completely at ease.

The perceptive Ye Qingyue saw through Xu Ran’s worries at a glance. Her eyes curved into crescents as she spoke with a faint smile:

“I know you’re bound to worry about me since I’m traveling so far, Master. It just goes to show how much I mean to you. I’d be heartbroken if the day ever came when you no longer worried about my safety.”

She winked at Xu Ran, her tone playful. After a brief pause, she continued:

“But please, try to relax a little. After all, the Evergreen Sword Saint is coming with us this time. I don’t believe anyone in the Overseas Archipelago can pose a threat to the Evergreen Sword Saint.”

Watching the vibrant expression on Ye Qingyue’s face, Xu Ran was touched. ‘This apprentice of mine is so thoughtful,’ he mused. ‘Even her way of telling me not to worry is so charming. It’s hard not to be fond of her.’

But just as this thought crossed his mind, he sensed something was off about the atmosphere.

After Ye Qingyue finished speaking, he could clearly feel Shen Wuchen, who was standing beside her, stiffen. Shen Wuchen then stared intently at Ye Qingyue, his face an emotionless mask.

However, Xu Ran, who knew Shen Wuchen well, could tell at a glance that he was annoyed at being ignored by Ye Qingyue. That stare was his way of reminding her not to forget about him.

With her sharp mind, Ye Qingyue certainly understood what Shen Wuchen meant, but she deliberately ignored him, pretending not to notice a thing.

But Xu Ran could clearly see the smile playing at the corners of her eyes. It was obvious she had said what she did on purpose, just for the fun of it.

Seeing her reaction, Xu Ran felt a flicker of resignation. ‘This apprentice of mine truly is a kinswoman of the Little Witch, Ye Qingxue,’ he thought. ‘To think she has such a devilish side to her.’

What made him feel even more helpless was that Zhang Zhentian, standing to the side, was also suppressing a laugh. He clearly understood what Ye Qingyue was up to as well.

Zhang Zhentian found Shen Wuchen’s reaction highly amusing.

Zhang Zhentian had been a mischievous kid, and his mind was far more cunning than that of someone as straightforward as Shen Wuchen. Though Shen Wuchen kept a blank expression, Zhang Zhentian saw right through him.

‘How amusing.’

Both Zhang Zhentian and Ye Qingyue watched Shen Wuchen from the corners of their eyes, the same thought running through their minds.

Xu Ran watched the two of them, then looked at the still-stiff and utterly oblivious Shen Wuchen, and couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.

Shen Wuchen was actually quite intelligent, but smarts or not, he seemed far too simple compared to Zhang Zhentian and Ye Qingyue.

‘I wonder what will happen on the journey, sending Shen Wuchen to the Overseas Archipelago with these two,’ he worried. ‘I just hope they don’t go too far with their teasing.’

Xu Ran let out a soft breath. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to tip off Shen Wuchen; it was just that with Shen Wuchen’s personality, a warning would be useless. He could only let it be.

Then, he spoke calmly to Ye Qingyue, “My apprentice, you are mistaken. I’m not actually worried about your safety. If it were only Junior Brother Zhang, I might be, but now…”

He paused, his gaze shifting to Shen Wuchen as he added with a faint smile, “You must remember the famous Chen Qing Team, which shakes the Cultivation Realm. In that name, Wuchen True Monarch is placed first.”

“With Wuchen going with you, I am at ease.”

His tone was decisive. He saw Shen Wuchen still staring daggers at Ye Qingyue, his eyes nearly popping out of his head. ‘As his master, I suppose I should be the one to give him what he wants.’

Hearing Xu Ran’s words, Shen Wuchen froze for a moment. His expression shifted, as if he hadn’t expected Xu Ran to say such a thing.

Beyond his surprise, all that remained was a feeling of being deeply moved.

‘As expected, Master Xu is the one who will always believe in me unconditionally.’

Watching Shen Wuchen’s reaction, Ye Qingyue’s eyes narrowed slightly. ‘I knew it. Compared to praise from me, my man would much rather hear his master’s acknowledgment.’

‘That’s why I did it on purpose. I got to satisfy my own sense of fun by seeing his amusing reaction, and in the end, he gets to feel gratified too.’

‘The best of both worlds.’

After speaking, Xu Ran waved his hand at the group, about to send them on their way, but a sound suddenly came from outside the Cave Mansion.

He formed a few Finger Formulas with his hand to disable the Array and open the gate of the Cave Mansion, revealing Li Daoyi and Chu Lingxiao walking in.

After entering and paying their respects to Xu Ran and the others, Li Daoyi turned to Zhang Zhentian and spoke slowly:

“Master, since you are heading to the Overseas Archipelago, would it be possible to take Junior Brother Chu with you?”

As soon as he finished speaking, Chu Lingxiao, who was beside him, also took a step forward. He gave a solemn bow to Zhang Zhentian and the other two, then stood there silently.

Hearing Li Daoyi’s words, Zhang Zhentian’s gaze fell upon Chu Lingxiao, and he frowned slightly.

He certainly recognized this former prodigy of the Illusion Spirit Sect. Back at the grand competition for the sects of Evergreen County, hosted by the Profound Pure Sect, this very person had nearly defeated his own disciple.