This world is called "Bahuang."
A great world of cultivation.
Its structure consists of numerous mortal kingdoms interspersed with cultivation sects.
The long-standing dynamic of this world revolves around the opposition between the righteous and the demonic factions, endlessly vying and battling against each other.
In the story, although the Xiaoyao Sect is said to be neutral, it tends to lean towards the righteous side.
Eventually, under the leadership of the protagonist, Xiao Han, the Xiaoyao Sect becomes the greatest powerhouse of the righteous alliance.
But for now, the Xiaoyao Sect exists between these two sides.
Under the leadership of its sect master, Xiaoyaozi, it thrives by skillfully navigating between the factions, living comfortably without taking too strong a stance.
This slight deviation makes Mo Bai wonder if it's all because of him...
Regardless of the cause, one thing cannot be denied—Xiaoyaozi is a formidable figure.
And this formidable figure is none other than Mo Bai's master.
Even his master has diverged somewhat from how he was portrayed in the original story.
The difference lies in the fact that after the protagonist Xiao Han joined the sect, instead of paying less attention to Mo Bai, Xiaoyaozi became even more focused on him...
As a result, Mo Bai is rather afraid of meeting his master.
He's far too good at assigning him tasks!
But this time, Mo Bai figured there was no way to avoid it...
Standing at the foot of the towering mountain ahead, Mo Bai came to a stop.
His brow furrowed slightly, and he raised a hand to rub his forehead.
"Uh-oh, I'm suddenly feeling a little dizzy…"
"It must be the aftereffects of the cultivation method. I can't meet my master in such an unsteady state! I need to find a place to rest and recover my energy first!"
Finding a convincing excuse for himself, Mo Bai wasted no time.
He hurriedly moved on and soon found a grassy riverside spot.
Picking a shaded corner, he lay down and closed his eyes.
The cultivation method he practiced suited him perfectly, though it came with one side effect: occasional bouts of drowsiness.
Although the sleepiness wasn't particularly strong right now, it reminded him of the feeling when you're just about to do your homework...
But then, like realizing your room is a mess and starting to clean it up, Mo Bai suddenly found himself distracted.
Just as he had barely settled down to sleep, Fu An'an and Lin Qingming, who hadn't been able to find him on Bubai Peak, arrived at the mountain beneath it to search for him.
"He hasn't come? That's impossible. I already told Senior Brother, and with his personality, he would definitely come here to pester Master," Fu An'an said in response.
Standing opposite them was a girl with bright white hair tied into two buns.
Under her white eyelashes were eyes as blue as the sky, calm and unruffled. Her exquisitely delicate face carried the same eternally aloof expression.
She was dressed in a loose red robe, barefoot, and carried a large brush on her back.
Though standing, her height was only slightly taller than Fu An'an, who was kneeling.
Her aura radiated the strength of someone tempered by time and countless experiences.
Though she looked like a little girl, she was also a formidable powerhouse—the sect master of the Xiaoyao Sect: Xiaoyaozi!
In response to their questions, her expression remained unchanged as she calmly nodded.
"Mm, he hasn't come. I'm waiting for him too," Xiaoyaozi replied.
Her voice, though childlike, carried an air of indifference and authority that commanded respect.
"But he's not on Bubai Peak either. With his personality, he wouldn't leave home without a good reason..." Lin Qingming muttered, lowering her head. After a brief pause, she added, "Why not use your divine powers to locate him, Master? Didn't you say you had something important to discuss with him?"
Xiaoyaozi shook her head.
"I promised him before that I wouldn't casually track his whereabouts," she said.
At this, she paused briefly, her gaze falling on Lin Qingming's chest.
It was an achievement she'd likely never attain in her lifetime...
Her eyes quickly shifted away, and she continued, "Besides, I already notified him this time. He'll definitely come. All we need to do is wait."
Lin Qingming's face showed a trace of unwillingness, but she ultimately didn't say anything.
When it came to her master, Xiaoyaozi's word was absolute. If she said she wouldn't do it, she wouldn't do it.
"Oh, by the way, what urgent matter do you have with Mo Bai? Tell me, and I'll take care of it for you," Xiaoyaozi spoke again.
"Master, it's about Senior Brother taking on a disciple. I was thinking—" Fu An'an had just started to speak when Lin Qingming interrupted.
"Regarding Senior Brother taking on a disciple, I think it's a bad idea. That guy can't even take care of himself, let alone a disciple," Lin Qingming said.
"So, Master, if you want to assign him something to do, why not send him to the beginner's academy where I'm currently teaching? Make him a lecturer there. He may not be able to teach a disciple, but he's definitely capable of handling beginner-level teaching."
Fu An'an immediately shot her a look of shock.
Goodness! Weren't we supposed to be allies?
And now you're stabbing me in the back right off the bat?!
Noticing Fu An'an's astonished expression, Lin Qingming smirked inwardly.
Did you really think I wouldn't see through your little schemes?
Forming an alliance with me was just to use me as a tool against that kid Xiao Han, wasn't it?
You think I'd let such an obvious opportunity slip by? What a joke…
Besides, Master wouldn't bring this up just to let Senior Brother take on a disciple. There must be more to it.
With that thought, Lin Qingming continued, "Of course, this would be after Senior Brother finishes the tasks Master assigns him. In any case, we can't let him stay idle anymore, or his talent will truly go to waste."
Hearing this, Xiaoyaozi narrowed her eyes slightly and crossed her arms.
After a long pause, she opened her eyes, glanced at the two of them, and lifted her hand slightly.
Lin Qingming instinctively leaned her head forward, and Xiaoyaozi patted it gently with a rare, kind expression.
"Not bad. That's a very good idea. With you keeping an eye on him, I won't have to worry about him slacking off."
"Master, I can supervise Senior Brother too!" Fu An'an blurted out anxiously.
Xiaoyaozi cast her a cold, indifferent glance as if to say, Do you believe that yourself?
Fu An'an froze in place, her expression stiff.
She recalled all the times she had helped Mo Bai cover for his mistakes over the years and silently lowered her head, saying no more.
Lin Qingming smirked triumphantly and patted her chest. "Master, just leave it to me!"
After a brief pause, she added:
"Seeing how harmonious you junior and senior siblings are, I'm relieved," Xiaoyaozi said calmly.
"It's how it should be," Fu An'an replied. Seemingly remembering something, she quickly asked, "By the way, Master, what exactly is the task you want Senior Brother to handle this time?"
Xiaoyaozi waved her hand dismissively.
"It's nothing major. He's just been staying in the sect for too long, so I thought I'd take him out for a bit of sightseeing."
The two nodded, not thinking much of it. After all, over the years, their master taking Mo Bai out on trips wasn't exactly a rare occurrence.
After clarifying a few other questions, the two excused themselves and left.
Once they were gone, Xiaoyaozi picked up the steaming cup on the table and looked out into the distance.
"The people from Wangyue Sect… should already be on their way, right?"
Although her expression remained as indifferent as ever, a subtle shift in her tone betrayed the slightest hint of emotion, revealing the thoughts stirring in her heart.