Chapter 21

Shen Qingqiu remained silent for a long moment before finally tossing the letter into Ming Fan's arms, instructing him to go and store it safely.

With the Dream Demon guiding him daily within his dreams, Luo Binghe's progress had been meteoric. He had long been capable of handling matters independently, and Shen Qingqiu was more than happy to frequently delegate the sect's trivial internal affairs to him. As he grew older, tasks like subduing demons in the mortal realm or aiding those in need were also tossed his way. This kept him from constantly hovering around Shen Qingqiu.

Though he enjoyed being waited on hand and foot, this child had somehow… grown a bit too attached. Shen Qingqiu would occasionally reflect: Was it because he himself had spoiled the boy excessively? Perhaps he should tarnish his own image appropriately, to prove his steadfast villainous stance to the System. Otherwise, he feared he wouldn't be able to harden his heart and send Luo Binghe tumbling into the Endless Abyss with a single palm strike when the time came.

Yet, thoughts were one thing. Every time after such introspection, the next encounter with Luo Binghe—facing that harmless, innocent face and that tirelessly diligent figure—Shen Qingqiu would habitually start with praise: "Finished copying the archives? / Rescued the people? / Found the item? / Prepared the meal? Hm, well done." And after praising, he'd completely forget what he originally intended to do…

Ming Fan, having stored the letter, observed his master's less-than-stellar mood. Remembering how, since that brat Luo Binghe had gone down the mountain, the master had found endless fault with the kitchen's fare and hadn't eaten properly for days, he ventured, "Master, shall this disciple prepare some congee or snacks?"

Shen Qingqiu truly had no appetite. He waved a hand. "No need. You may go."

Not daring to say more, Ming Fan obediently withdrew. His heart wept: Over these years, Luo Binghe had completely become the master's favorite. I can't even get Master to drink a mouthful of congee!

Of course, he didn't consider that it might be a problem of culinary skill.

An indeterminate amount of time later, footsteps approached again.

Shen Qingqiu said, "Didn't I say it wasn't necessary?"

"After rushing back from a distant continent, Master won't even grant me a glance before refusing?"

The voice was warm, elegant, and clear, tinged with a hint of playful grievance. Hearing it, Shen Qingqiu nearly toppled over, chair and all. He whipped his head around.

A seventeen-year-old youth stood tall and graceful, clad in white robes, a slight smile curling his lips as his bright eyes fixed intently upon him.

The long sword strapped to Luo Binghe's back was 'Zhengyang', drawn from the Ten Thousand Swords Peak. The name of the spiritual sword complemented the youth's current bearing perfectly. The blade gleamed with spiritual light—it was an exceedingly fine sword, one that had drawn gasps of admiration from fellow disciples when Luo Binghe pulled it from the cliff face. Yet, compared to the sword that truly belonged to Luo Binghe, it was not in the same league.

Shen Qingqiu steadied himself. "Why are you back so quickly this time?"

Luo Binghe took a seat beside him, calmly pouring a cup of tea and pushing it toward Shen Qingqiu's hand. "The trouble wasn't particularly thorny. And I missed Master terribly, so I hurried back without pause."

The words sounded rather glib, but Luo Binghe, as the protagonist, possessed the innate ability to make even the most glib statements sound utterly sincere and gentle. Regarding this… Shen Qingqiu was quite susceptible!

Shen Qingqiu picked up the tea and took a sip. It was the prized Snow Mountain Fragrance tea plundered from Qiong Ding Peak, yet he tasted nothing. He said, "The Immortal Alliance Conference is about to begin."

Luo Binghe already knew of this. "Shall this disciple first draft a list of participating disciples from Qing Jing Peak for Master's review?"

Over the years, all sorts of miscellaneous affairs, big and small, Shen Qingqiu had tossed to Luo Binghe to handle. After all, Luo Binghe was now so obedient, capable, and meticulous. Shen Qingqiu truly couldn't think of any reason why he should do them himself… Before any final decision, Luo Binghe would always conscientiously request Shen Qingqiu's review to check for any oversights. Shen Qingqiu always wanted to say, You really don't need to show me; honestly, your competence far surpasses mine!

Shen Qingqiu said, "Once drafted, report it directly to the Sect Leader."

Luo Binghe nodded, about to say something more, but then sensed something amiss.

Today, Shen Qingqiu seemed to be observing him with particular attention. He couldn't help but smile. "Why does Master keep looking at me? Could it be that after so many days apart, Master also missed this disciple?"

Shen Qingqiu said, "I raised you. Am I not allowed to look?"

Luo Binghe chuckled. "Naturally, you are. Does Master find the sight pleasing?"

Shen Qingqiu shook his head with a faint smile, carefully weighing his words. "Binghe."

Luo Binghe also sensed that Shen Qingqiu seemed to have something important to say, instantly turning serious. "Yes?"

Shen Qingqiu stared into his eyes. "Do you wish to become strong? Strong beyond compare, where none in the world dare contend with you?"

To this question, Luo Binghe had found his answer long ago.

Sitting upright, without hesitation, he met Shen Qingqiu's gaze. "Yes!"

Seeing such resolute determination, Shen Qingqiu inwardly breathed a sigh of relief. He pressed further, "What if, before that, you must endure immense suffering and torment, experience countless trials, your body and mind pushed to the brink of collapse? Would you still seek to become the supreme power?"

Luo Binghe said slowly, "I fear no hardship or suffering. I only seek strength sufficient to protect those who are important, and the things that matter!"

Receiving this answer, Shen Qingqiu's heart finally found a sliver of balance.

Yes. Luo Binghe, for the sake of protecting your future harem of three thousand beauties that you'll embrace left and right, you must become strong!

Though his heart remained reluctant, thinking of this as the necessary process of breaking from a cocoon to become a butterfly that the protagonist must undergo, Shen Qingqiu had no choice but to adjust his mindset.

Though he was quite adept at brainwashing himself by now, repetition did not make it any more pleasant.

Three days later, the participant lists from the twelve peaks of Cang Qiong Mountain were finalized, and the delegation set off for the conference.

The venue for this Immortal Alliance Conference was a complex, undulating mountain range spanning several miles, named the Desolate Valley.

Established figures, mindful of their status, would not deign to participate in the Immortal Alliance Conference and compete for limelight with the younger generation. It was unnecessary and beneath them. Therefore, the twelve Peak Lords and other senior masters would not register. With a high participant limit, more was naturally better. In the end, a grand procession of about a hundred individuals, fully equipped, set out for the Desolate Valley.

Flying on swords with so many people would be too ostentatious and disruptive to the common folk, so they traveled by carriage.

A xianxia novel, yet riding horses and carriages all day long! Shen Qingqiu would never understand the meaning behind Airplane Shooting Towards the Sky's setting choices, but even the most worthy things to criticize would become dry and tiresome after criticizing them for three whole years, leaving one numb to it all. He was numb to it by now.

Most chose to ride horses, looking dashing and heroic. However, firstly, Shen Qingqiu was not skilled in horsemanship and had no desire to break his neck. Secondly, he found being exposed to wind, sun, and rain outside neither leisurely nor elegant enough. Thus, under the watchful eyes of many, he ducked into a carriage.

The carriage already had an early occupant. Seeing him lift the curtain with his folding fan and climb in, she said disdainfully, "A grown man, fighting me for space!"

This woman had striking, beautiful features, her cloud-like hair piled high, her chest similarly prominent. It was none other than Qi Qingqi, master of Xian Shu Peak.

In the original work, Qi Qingqi and Shen Qingqiu had little friendship or interaction. However, over the past few years, Shen Qingqiu had occasionally worked with her. Knowing her to be blunt, sharp-tongued, and fiery, they actually got along quite well.

Shen Qingqiu used his fan to shoo her into making room while calmly stating, "I am an invalid."

Qi Qingqi made space but didn't relent verbally. "Pampered and spoiled! This delicate, precious baby act of yours—where does it resemble a Core Formation immortal cultivator! Will someone need to serve you snacks later too?"

Shen Qingqiu had an epiphany. "Right. Thank you for the reminder, Junior Sister." So saying, he tapped the carriage wall with his fan handle.

Shortly after, the curtain was lifted. Luo Binghe smiled as he asked, "Master, snacks, water, or a sore back?"

The white horse was spirited, the youth exceptionally handsome. Under the sunlight, the sight was dazzlingly bright.

Shen Qingqiu said, "Your Auntie Qi wants some snacks."

Luo Binghe immediately produced an exquisitely wrapped package of snacks from his robes and offered it up. Clearly, he had come prepared.

He said, "Please call for me if Master has any further instructions," before letting the curtain fall again.

Liu Qingge rode past on his horse, letting out a resonant, forceful snort.

Shen Qingqiu said, "Naturally." He lowered his head to open the paper package. "Dragon Beard Pastries. Not bad." He then handed the snacks to Qi Qingqi. "Want some?"

…Qi Qingqi found it difficult to describe her current feeling.

She thought it was probably just indignation. Such a considerate and spiritually powerful good disciple… was actually taught by Shen Qingqiu.

In truth, that wasn't it. She simply didn't know there was a word to describe this sensation: "blindingly obnoxious."

Qi Qingqi refused to look at Shen Qingqiu eating the pastries, making a last-ditch effort. "Even Mingyan is riding a horse!"

If she could make Shen Qingqiu feel even a shred of shame, it would be a victory!

As it happened, Shen Qingqiu had nothing better to do. He glanced outside and, sure enough, there was Liu Mingyan, face veiled, the sword 'Water Color' on her back, sitting upright on her horse. A light breeze stirred her gauzy robes, giving her an ethereal, transcendent air.

The scene was too pleasing to the eye. Shen Qingqiu couldn't help but watch for a while longer, sighing, "A feast for the eyes."

Qi Qingqi wanted to spit in his face. "Don't you dare covet my beloved disciple!"

This brief exchange was overheard by Luo Binghe nearby. His face instantly turned ashen.

But Shen Qingqiu paid no mind to his disciple's darkening expression. He simply continued nibbling on his pastry while leaning out to watch the scene unfold. He felt like someone in a movie theater, munching popcorn and waiting for the previews to end so the main feature could begin. This was Liu Mingyan, after all! With both the male and female leads in the same place, how could there not be sparks, not a single flicker of romance?

Seeing his master's gaze remain fixed on Liu Mingyan, Luo Binghe's grip on the reins tightened unconsciously, his knuckles turning white.

"Breathtaking"?

Her face wasn't even visible. Could she possibly be more beautiful than him?

This wasn't arrogance on Luo Binghe's part. He was simply, and always had been, acutely aware of the effect his appearance had on others. He took no particular pride in it, but neither did he engage in false modesty or self-deprecation.

After what felt like an eternity with Shen Qingqiu still staring, Luo Binghe could bear it no longer. With a subtle flick of his wrist, he urged his white steed forward, pulling up alongside Liu Mingyan's horse.

Turning his head with a practiced smile, he greeted her. "Junior Sister Liu."

Liu Mingyan paused, then gave a slight, elegant nod in return. "Senior Brother Luo."

Here it comes, here it comes!

To think he would live to see the day—the breathtaking scene from the novel, the handsome male lead and the peerless beauty riding side by side. Shen Qingqiu felt a surge of secret excitement and couldn't help leaning even further out of the carriage window.

From the corner of his eye, Luo Binghe saw that not only had Shen Qingqiu not looked away, he was now watching with even more fervent interest. A vein throbbed faintly at Luo Binghe's temple. A strange, sour feeling clenched in his chest, itching all the way to his teeth. All the while, he maintained his pleasant conversation with Liu Mingyan, subtly guiding both their horses to pick up speed. Gradually, they pulled ahead until Shen Qingqiu would have had to lean his entire upper body out of the carriage to keep them in sight.

With a disappointed sigh, Shen Qingqiu settled back into his seat.

Of course. He'd forgotten. When the male and female leads were having a moment, there was never room for a third wheel or any prying eyes. But really, the boy was growing up. Even knew to be discreet about his budding romance, to avoid the watchful eyes of his elder... Could it be his rebellious phase was finally arriving?