Duan Huaming and Li Yuedu exchanged subtle glances, their expressions composed with polite smiles despite the obvious tension beneath.
Liu Junru, the fourth and only female disciple, giggled and broke the stalemate. "Hehe, Senior Brothers, why don't we let me handle this instead? As a fellow woman, it'd be easier for me to teach Yuewu. Besides, my alchemy skills are at the first-tier level—solid enough for the task—and I'm not burdened with advancing my cultivation like the two of you. What do you say?"
Her playful tone eased the atmosphere as she affectionately hooked her arm around Ji Yuewu's. "What do you think, Junior Sister Yuewu? Would you agree to let me teach you for a while?"
Ji Yuewu glanced briefly at Duan Huaming and Li Yuedu before nodding with a calm demeanor. "In that case, I'll leave it to Senior Sister."
Seeing Ji Yuewu's acceptance, Duan Huaming and Li Yuedu exchanged a resigned look and stepped back, relinquishing their claims.
Yaodaozi nodded approvingly, then turned his gaze to Xiao Chen. "That settles Yuewu's training, but we must also arrange for someone to mentor Xiao Chen. Though he's my registered disciple, no one in Spirit Herb Valley should be without alchemical skills. Huaming, would you take on this responsibility?"
Duan Huaming's expression stiffened slightly as he hesitated, then replied with a polite bow, "Master, I believe Junior Brother Yuedu's earlier point is valid. I'm currently focused on breaking through to the late stage of the Qi Refinement realm and may not have the time to spare. Perhaps another could better take on this task."
Yaodaozi frowned faintly but nodded, turning to Li Yuedu.
"Master," Li Yuedu said quickly, his tone filled with feigned regret, "my alchemy skills are only at the first tier as well. I fear I might not be adequate to properly mentor Junior Brother Xiao Chen and could delay his progress."
Yaodaozi's dissatisfaction deepened. Their intentions were all too clear to him, but their excuses held enough merit that he couldn't outright refute them.
The third disciple, Hei Shi, cut in brusquely, "Master, I won't be involved in this." True to his name, "Black Stone" was stoic and unyielding, rarely engaging with others unless absolutely necessary.
Liu Junru giggled again, her tone mischievous. "Master, I already have Junior Sister Yuewu under my care. If I take on another, it'll surely hinder my own cultivation. You wouldn't burden me so, would you?"
Standing at the back, Xiao Chen observed the exchange with a mix of resignation and amusement. He finally stepped forward and addressed Yaodaozi respectfully. "Master, there's no need to trouble my senior brothers and sister. Their concerns are valid. Besides, with my limited aptitude, I would hate to distract them from their own cultivation. If you could provide me with some texts on alchemy, I'm willing to learn on my own."
Yaodaozi studied him for a moment before nodding. While Xiao Chen's self-awareness impressed him, he doubted his disciple's potential in alchemy given his lack of spiritual roots.
"Very well," Yaodaozi said. "Though you are a registered disciple, I will make an exception and grant you the privilege of managing your own herb garden within Falling Cloud Valley. Follow your Senior Brother Huaming to the Spirit Point Pavilion and select a plot."
Xiao Chen's face lit up with gratitude. "Thank you, Master!" He bowed deeply.
"Good. I'll now begin my seclusion for breakthrough cultivation. All of you may leave." With that, Yaodaozi closed his eyes, dismissing them with a wave.
Outside the Spirit Herb Valley, Duan Huaming turned to Ji Yuewu with a friendly smile. "Junior Sister Yuewu, though I'll be busy advancing my cultivation, feel free to seek me out if you encounter any difficulties in alchemy or cultivation."
Li Yuedu chuckled and added, "Senior Brother is right. If you ever need help, you can come to me as well."
Ji Yuewu nodded indifferently, her expression calm and unreadable. Then, to everyone's surprise, she turned to Xiao Chen and said, "Xiao Chen, if you encounter any trouble, you may also come to me."
Her sudden remark drew all eyes to Xiao Chen. Duan Huaming and Li Yuedu exchanged sharp glances, their gazes briefly clouded with hostility, while Liu Junru looked equally intrigued and baffled. Why would someone as talented and beautiful as Yuewu show such consideration for a mortal like Xiao Chen?
Xiao Chen bowed slightly, a wry smile on his face. "Thank you, Senior Sister Yuewu." He could feel the tension from the other senior disciples and sighed inwardly. I'll be on their radar now, thanks to this.
Liu Junru smirked knowingly. "Come along, Yuewu. Let's not linger; I'll start your lessons right away." She tugged Ji Yuewu along, glancing back at Xiao Chen with mock sympathy.
Li Yuedu offered a perfunctory farewell, his tone polite but distant, before departing.
Duan Huaming remained behind, his expression cold. He stared at Xiao Chen for a moment before saying, "Since Master has granted you a herb garden, follow me." Without another word, he turned and strode away.
Xiao Chen trailed after him, shaking his head with a bitter smile. It's true what they say—beauty brings trouble.
Spirit Point Pavilion
The Spirit Point Pavilion was Falling Cloud Valley's resource management hub, responsible for allocating training grounds, herbs, and other essentials to disciples. It was overseen by the Third Elder, a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator. However, the elder rarely involved himself in daily affairs, leaving the responsibilities to his disciples.
As Duan Huaming and Xiao Chen entered, a plump man with a businesslike demeanor greeted them warmly. He seemed more akin to a shrewd merchant than a cultivator.
"Ah, Junior Brother Duan! It's been some time. I hear you're close to breaking into the seventh stage of Qi Refinement. Congratulations in advance!"
Duan Huaming returned the smile, his tone measured. "Senior Brother Ma flatters me. I've been busy cultivating, but success remains uncertain." Despite Ma Yun's unremarkable appearance, Duan Huaming knew better than to underestimate him. Rumor had it that Ma Yun had already reached the eighth stage of Qi Refinement and was on the cusp of forming his foundation.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Duan Huaming brought up their purpose. "Senior Brother Ma, I've come under Master's orders to help Junior Brother Xiao Chen select a herb garden. Though he's only a registered disciple, Master has graciously extended him this privilege."
Ma Yun raised an eyebrow, his gaze shifting to Xiao Chen. After a long moment of scrutiny, he smiled. "So, this is Junior Brother Xiao Chen, the new disciple of the esteemed Fifth Elder. Follow me to the second floor, and we'll find you a suitable plot."
With that, Ma Yun led the way upstairs.