Xiaoyao Peak
In the Hut
Lin Yaoyao slowly opened her eyes, a flash of red light passing through them. The brilliance that had enveloped her body gradually retreated back into her, revealing nine dragon shadows within her jade-like body. Now, among them, a faint phoenix illusion had appeared.
This was the innate power bestowed by the Phoenix Treasure Bone, though she had yet to discover it.
"I've reached Foundation Establishment," Lin Yaoyao said calmly, without much elation. For her, Foundation Establishment was merely the beginning.
Rising to her feet, she clenched her fists, feeling the changes in her strength.
"With the Phoenix Treasure Bone as my foundation, I shall surpass my former self and become an Emperor-realm expert!"
Thinking of this, Lin Yaoyao saw her Master still seated by the Bitter Sea, fishing. She couldn't help but sigh.
"I've reached Foundation Establishment, but Master's cultivation hasn't changed at all."
However, Master had also put in a lot of effort to help her achieve this.
Lin Yaoyao approached, bowing in gratitude. "Thank you, Master. Your disciple has reached Foundation Establishment."
Ye Kong glanced at her, nodding slightly. "Yes, Foundation Establishment."
Even after reaching Foundation Establishment, you're still my disciple.
Looking into her Master's indifferent eyes, Lin Yaoyao felt as if Foundation Establishment was merely a trifle to him.
"I've reached Foundation Establishment, and you're still so calm?"
No wonder you're stuck at the Qi Condensation stage, with no ambition at all.
Sigh, my plan to cultivate a capable Master is going to be difficult.
Lin Yaoyao had intended to spur her Master on, thinking, "Look, I've reached Foundation Establishment, but you're still at Qi Condensation. Don't you need to work harder?"
But Ye Kong's reaction left her unsure of what to say next.
Ye Kong pulled on the fishing line, calmly saying, "Disciple, you've just reached Foundation Establishment. You need to stabilize your realm and avoid arrogance. Your path ahead is still long."
Upon hearing this, Lin Yaoyao felt contempt in her heart.
Master, don't you feel embarrassed saying that?
I've reached Foundation Establishment!
You're still at Qi Condensation. Shouldn't you feel ashamed?
I'm your disciple, and you're my Master.
It's okay for you to scold me, but can you really say that without any hint of embarrassment?
Sigh, Master is too hard to cultivate. He's already given up on himself.
Lin Yaoyao sighed inwardly but said aloud, "Disciple understands. Disciple will go and cultivate now."
With that, Lin Yaoyao returned to the hut.
Ye Kong pulled on the fishing hook, Qi Condensation +1...
...
Yu Shou Peak
The Elder Martial Brother hovered in the air, announcing,
"The Label's order! The Peak Master of Yu Shou Peak shall lead Qin Shou to the Star River Hall for discussion immediately.
"Peak Masters of all peaks, if you have no other matters, return to your respective peaks and prepare for the Nine Peaks Competition held once every ten years!"
The Elder Martial Brother stood tall in the air, his words causing consternation among the crowd.
No one expected the Label to become involved.
"We shall abide by the Label's decree!" The Peak Masters bowed in respect.
The Peak Masters reluctantly withdrew.
Qin Wuyi, accompanied by Qin Shou who had just emerged from his seclusion, headed towards the Star River Sect.
"Qin Shou, remember, take any rewards the Peak Master offers you, but decline any attempts to recruit you," Qin Wuyi instructed.
"Why?" Qin Shou asked, puzzled.
"Your breakthrough to Core Formation triggered heavenly phenomena, signifying the potential of an Emperor," Qin Wuyi said solemnly.
Upon hearing this, Qin Shou's eyes widened in shock.
"Master, you're not lying to me?"
"Everyone saw it. Why would I lie to you?"
Qin Shou was stunned by the revelation.
"That's why I suddenly broke through to Golden Core. It's because I triggered heavenly phenomena!
"From now on, I can walk around the Star River Sect with impunity, can't I?"
...
Star River Hall
The Peak Master of Yu Shou Peak, Qin Wuyi, led Qin Shou into the hall and bowed, calling out,
"Label!"
The Star River Sect's Label, Luo Yangtian, scanned them with his divine sense and nodded.
"Yes, not bad. A talented youth. Since you've broken through to Core Formation, I shall reward you with a Core Formation treasure."
Luo Yangtian waved his hand, and a sparkling small tower appeared in Qin Shou's grasp.
"Thank you, Label!" Qin Wuyi accepted the treasure, bowing in gratitude.
Luo Yangtian nodded slightly and said, "Cultivate diligently and do not waste your talents."
"Yes!" Qin Shou replied.
Qin Wuyi was surprised that the Label had not tried to recruit Qin Shou, but he accepted the situation.
"Alright, go and prepare." Luo Yangtian waved his hand.
Qin Wuyi and his disciple turned to leave, but just as they took a few steps, Qin Wuyi suddenly remembered something.
"Label, the envoy from the Great Flame Kingdom has arrived, and it seems there's been a disaster in the kingdom." Qin Wuyi bowed and said.
"Such a trivial matter. Just send someone to handle it," Luo Yangtian waved his hand dismissively.
Qin Wuyi continued, "For the Label, it may be trivial, but for Xiao Yao Peak, it's different.
"This year, it's Xiao Yao Peak's turn to receive the envoy."
Luo Yangtian stood atop the stars, facing away from the crowd, and after a moment of contemplation, said,
"Go."
"Yes!" The Peak Master of Yu Shou Peak replied, turning to leave with Qin Shou.
...
The Next Day
Xiao Yao Peak
Ye Kong sat by the Bitter Sea, pondering how to encourage his disciple to cultivate diligently.
Taking baths every day wasn't a viable solution, especially when it lasted an entire day.
He now believed that the saying, "Women are made of water," held true.
As Ye Kong fretted, a crane soared through the clouds of Xiao Yao Peak and landed on the Bitter Sea, transforming into a young servant.
The servant, expressionless, bowed and said, "Uncle Ye, the Label has ordered you to descend the mountain to receive the envoy from the Great Flame Kingdom."
The Great Flame Kingdom was a vassal state of the Star River Sect, sending envoys annually to discuss tribute matters.
This was a mundane task that none of the Star River Sect's higher-ups wanted to undertake. With the Peak Master of Yu Shou Peak's encouragement, it fell upon Ye Kong's shoulders.
"I need to cultivate. Arrange for another Elder to go instead," Ye Kong waved his hand to decline.
"Uncle Ye, this is the Label's order," the servant persisted.
Ye Kong remained unmoved. A mere Label of the Star River Sect didn't hold much sway in his eyes.
But just then,
"Ding, succeeded in breaking the tranquility. Temporary task issued.
"Temporary Task: Go and handle matters in the Great Flame Kingdom. Reward: One chance at special item fishing."
A chance at special item fishing?
Ye Kong's heart stirred slightly, and he changed his mind. "Very well, I'll go."
The servant sneered inwardly, thinking, "What a phony peak master you are. As soon as the Label's order is mentioned, you cower."
"Uncle Ye, please descend the mountain as soon as possible. The envoy delegation from the Great Flame Kingdom is staying in Star River Town."
"Uh huh," Ye Kong replied indifferently.
"Since Yaoyao became my disciple, special items have kept appearing.
"Come to think of it, my first special item was also obtained after fighting that horned black-clad man.
"Perhaps, my method of breaking through to Foundation Establishment lies in disrupting the tranquility and continuously taking disciples."
Ye Kong sat by the Bitter Sea, deep in thought.
"It seems that breaking the tranquility and continuously taking disciples may be the key to my breakthrough."
He flicked his wrist, retracting the fishing rod. With his hands behind his back, he slowly made his way down the mountain.
It had been years since he last descended the mountain, even if it was just to the foot of the mountain, Star River Town.
As he descended the mountain, Ye Kong conveniently activated the protective array around Xiaoyao Peak.
Only those holding the token of Xiaoyao Peak could freely enter and exit, a precaution against intruders who might sneak in to spy on his beloved disciple bathing.
After all, his disciple seemed to spend every waking moment either soaking in a bath or on her way to one.
Just as Lin Yaoyao was immersed in her bath, she suddenly sensed the activation of the sect's protective array.
Glancing around, she spotted her master descending the mountain with his hands clasped behind his back.
"What's my cheap master doing going down the mountain?"
"Doesn't he know it's dangerous down there?"
"If you go alone and encounter danger, what will you do?"
"Ah, well."
"Considering you've found the materials for my foundation establishment, I'll reluctantly escort you secretly for a while."
Lin Yaoyao thought to herself, leaped out of the water, put on her red dress, and quietly followed Ye Kong.
Just as Ye Kong stepped off Xiaoyao Peak, he suddenly halted.
His divine sense expanded, sensing his disciple stealthily trailing behind him.
"I'm going down the mountain to handle something. Why are you following me?"
"And so secretly, as if afraid I'll discover you and reprimand you?"
"Ah, a clingy disciple is not always a good thing!"
Ye Kong sighed, shook his head, and continued down the mountain.
Lin Yaoyao followed behind, watching her master stop right after leaving the peak.
"Alas, my master is indeed too feeble. Just descending the mountain has tired him out and he needs to rest."
"If I weren't secretly protecting him, he might not even make it down the mountain."
"Ah, for the sake of my cheap master, I'm truly worn out with worry."
Lin Yaoyao shook her head and sighed, silently trailing behind.
At the mountain gate, the guarding disciple, with a stony expression, asked, "Which peak are you from? Do you have a pass to leave the mountain?"
"Master of Xiaoyao Peak," Ye Kong replied calmly.
He hadn't descended the mountain in years, except for the Ascension Ceremony, spending most of his time on Xiaoyao Peak.
This led to many disciples not recognizing the peak master.
Upon hearing this, the guarding disciple immediately opened the gate.
"Please, Peak Master!"
Though Ye Kong held little power, he was still a peak master and nominally a high-ranking figure.
When disciples encountered him, even if they secretly despised him, they had to respectfully address him as Peak Master or Martial Uncle.
Otherwise, if they complained to the Sect Master, they would be in trouble.
With the gate open, Ye Kong descended the mountain slowly, his hands clasped behind his back.
It wasn't long before Lin Yaoyao emerged.
"Younger Sister, which peak are you from? Why are you leaving the mountain?" the guarding disciple asked cordially.
"I'm the eldest disciple of Xiaoyao Peak, following my master down the mountain," Lin Yaoyao replied coldly.
She barely bothered to acknowledge anyone who wasn't from her sect.
The guarding disciple opened the gate for Lin Yaoyao to pass.
"What's going on with Xiaoyao Peak today? Everyone seems to be leaving."
"Don't you know? Envoys from the Great Yan Kingdom have come for tribute, and the Sect Master has ordered Xiaoyao Peak to receive them."
"But Xiaoyao Peak only has two people."
"After the Great Competition ends, I guess Xiaoyao Peak will cease to exist."
The guarding disciples exchanged idle chatter before resuming their duties.