This… this place…

Was this truly Little Jade Peak that he, the old Daoist, knew so well?

In a containment formation outside the elixir room, Immortal Qi Yuan of Mount Crossing Immortals, newly ascended and looking disheveled in his Daoist robes, stared blankly at the three paths before him.

Days had passed, yet he still couldn’t find his way out…

He had spent many years studying formations, but his mastery of formation techniques remained quite limited.

After all, during the subsequent centuries, Qi Yuan had spent most of his time repairing his Dao foundation. His method of studying formations merely involved setting them up a few times according to diagrams, considering it mastery once he memorized the arrangement.

So, faced with this layered maze formation…

“Which expert laid this down on my Little Jade Peak? What could be their scheme?”

Elder Qi Yuan muttered to himself, forcing himself to recall his previous circular routes.

In his dazed and confused state, Qi Yuan found another path in his wandering.

Ahead, the forest was lush and vibrant, lacking the white mist common to mazes, with rather ordinary scenery.

Qi Yuan cautiously stepped forward, quickly making a discovery.

A wooden sign hung from a tree branch ahead, bearing three large characters:

[Lost your way?]

Qi Yuan unconsciously nodded, then trembled, his eyes filling with wariness.

Why did this handwriting look so familiar?

Elder Qi Yuan stared at the sign for a while, then noticed another wooden sign hanging from a tree behind it. He took two steps forward, and while the surrounding scenery changed slightly, the sign behind remained visible.

That sign bore another message…

[What brings Your Excellency to Little Jade Peak?]

“This poor Daoist lives here!”

Qi Yuan snapped in irritation, but his hands trembled involuntarily.

Could it be…

Could this be the legendary Time Crevice?

Ancient legends told of a primordial being who entered a valley and emerged tens of thousands of years later from the other end, unaware of time’s passage.

Could such an absurd thing have happened to this poor Daoist?

Was this Little Jade Peak no longer the one he knew? Had it become Little Jade Peak thousands or hundreds of years hence?

Seeing another sign behind, Qi Yuan again stepped forward following the signs. When he stood before the next sign, the surrounding scenery would change slightly, as if shifting positions—clearly a formation transition.

Behind each sign was yet another sign.

And the handwriting on each successive sign looked increasingly familiar to Elder Qi Yuan…

It was as if a dark shadow followed behind him, continuously whispering questions in his ear, driving him ever closer to some trap, yet he dared not retreat.

[Is Your Excellency a disciple of our Mount Crossing Immortals?]

[This formation exists only to protect the elixir room grounds, and complies with sect regulations]

Elixir room? He seemed to recall his disciple mentioning something about that.

[Has Your Excellency entered Little Jade Peak without permission?]

Do I need permission? I am the master of Little Jade Peak!

[Please do not disturb any vegetation here, this path leads to a clearing without soundproofing formations]

Oh? Is this the exit left by the formation’s creator?

[This is a filler directional sign]

[The clearing is just ahead]

[You’ve arrived, please take three steps forward]

Qi Yuan halted his steps, unconsciously holding his breath as he looked at a large tree ahead, somewhat doubtfully taking another three steps forward.

The scenery changed once again, revealing a clearing surrounded by trees. Fallen leaves covered the ground, with a low table set up and a bucket of spirit spring water beside it.

“What… what is this place?”

Seeing another wooden sign ahead, Qi Yuan walked over to look at the writing that seemed so familiar yet he couldn’t place where he’d seen it…

[Please wait here, Your Excellency. If this poor Daoist hasn’t arrived promptly, I must be in seclusion or at a crucial point in elixir refinement.

If Your Excellency cannot wait, you may use immortal power to call for help from this location.

Little Jade Peak sincerely welcomes Your Excellency’s visit, but next time please come directly to the entrance rather than accidentally entering near the elixir room.

-Respectfully, Qi Yuan, Master of Little Jade Peak]

Qi Yuan’s hands shook as he stumbled back two steps, his back hitting a tree trunk.

The escape route had been sealed without his notice.

‘Was this… was this set up by me?’

Elder Qi Yuan’s eyes widened as if he’d seen a ghost. His slight drunkenness instantly vanished as his gaze swept the surroundings, feeling somewhat dizzy.

Had he encountered an evil spirit?

No, that wasn’t right. Could this be due to his impure ascension?

Earlier while drinking, a senior sect member had warned that impure immortals were easily contaminated by earthly qi, their Dao hearts prone to demonic obstacles.

Could it be… could he be merely a heart demon of the real Immortal Qi Yuan?

Elder Qi Yuan’s hands began trembling uncontrollably. He rushed back to the wooden sign, staring at the writing with utter disbelief.

The handwriting on these signs…

Was none other than… none other than his handwriting!

His feet slipped, and Elder Qi Yuan fell onto the leaf-covered ground. His gaze grew vacant and unfocused, his already messy gray-white hair becoming even more disheveled.

Time Crevice, impure immortal, heart demon…

Time Crevice, impure immortal, heart demon…

“Who am I? Am I truly just my heart demon?

No, that’s impossible, I am certainly not a heart demon, I am Qi Yuan.

I am Qi Yuan, and Qi Yuan is me. I must have entered a Time Crevice, I cannot be a heart demon!

No, no!

No, no…

No—”

Elder Qi Yuan clutched his head with both hands and suddenly let out a great shout, startling birds near and far across Little Jade Peak, drawing curious glances from several figures passing through the distant sky.

Suddenly, a somewhat puzzled female voice came from the side:

“Master?”

Qi Yuan’s shout cut off abruptly as he asked tremulously: “Ling E?”

“Master, are you trapped in the formation?”

“Are you truly Ling E?”

“Yes, Master, how could your disciple be wrong?”

“No, no, you might be a heart demon… my heart demon…”

Outside the formation, the newly arrived Ling E couldn’t help but palm her face.

Oh no, Senior Brother had broken Master.

She murmured, quickly forming a plan, and hurriedly said: “Please don’t move around, there are many formations here!

Also, don’t walk in the direction of Ling E’s voice. If you leave that small area, you won’t be able to hear sounds from outside!

This disciple will come in to find you!

But this disciple needs time to find the formation path to your location. Only Senior Brother can unlock the formations here—these were all arranged by Senior Brother. Please wait patiently, Master.”

Elder Qi Yuan paused briefly, soon hearing an “Aiya” from outside.

What had his little disciple just said?

Senior Brother?

These arrangements were made by Chang Shou.

Elder Qi Yuan’s eyes filled with confusion, but as he fell into contemplation, he gradually calmed down.

Half an hour later, covered in grass and fallen leaves, somewhat bruised and swollen, Lan Ling E appeared before her master with a bitter smile and gave him a Daoist salute.

“Master, your disciple has come to find you.”

Qi Yuan stared intently at Lan Ling E as she calmly demonstrated several minor spells—all ones that Elder Qi Yuan had previously taught her.

“Master, it is Ling E…”

Qi Yuan relaxed slightly, smiling wryly. “What exactly is going on here?”

“Well…” Ling E bit her lip, pondering for a moment as she considered how to cover for her Senior Brother.

She quickly took out a treasure pouch and walked briskly to the low table, producing two cushions and a teapot with cups. She smiled, “Master, please come rest here while this disciple explains everything slowly.”

Though suspicion still lingered in Qi Yuan’s gaze, once he sat on the cushion and watched Lan Ling E’s familiar tea-brewing technique, the doubts in his heart diminished further.

The forest was utterly quiet, save for the rustling of leaves when the breeze brushed the treetops.

Looking up from here, with the surrounding trees blocking the view, only a small patch of azure sky remained visible…

Suddenly, the old Daoist seemed to understand something.

The old Daoist surveyed the surroundings and asked softly, “Was all this arranged by your Senior Brother?”

Ling E replied, “It would be more accurate to say Senior Brother designed it, while True Immortal Jiu Jiu from Breaking Heaven Peak handled the actual arrangement.”

“Ah, no wonder,” Qi Yuan smiled wryly. “So it was Junior Sister Jiu Jiu who helped with the arrangement.”

“Master Jiu Jiu doesn’t understand formations at all. Senior Brother had to tell her exactly where to place everything, piece by piece.”

Ling E paused, then lowered her head and said, “Master, did you truly never notice?”

Qi Yuan lifted his teacup and took a sip—indeed, it was his favorite chrysanthemum lotus seed tea.

“Notice what? That you have feelings for your Senior Brother?”

“Ah!” Ling E’s face instantly turned crimson.

Elder Qi Yuan frowned intently, “Or do you not like Chang Shou?”

“That… that can’t be said directly, it’s too embarrassing…”

Ling E quickly composed herself and said softly, “Senior Brother is quite extraordinary.”

“Oh?”

Elder Qi Yuan’s gaze held a hint of indulgence as he smiled, “Naturally, in your eyes, your Senior Brother would be extraordinary.”

“That’s not what I mean, Master,” Ling E tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Senior Brother is much more accomplished than you imagine.

Take these formations, for instance. Senior Brother created these chain formations using only basic formation principles.

Though he had Master Jiu Jiu help with the arrangement, he could have done it all by himself without much difference.”

Elder Qi Yuan was stunned once again.

Ling E continued:

“In the decade and more since this disciple entered the sect, Senior Brother has taught me so much.

Many times, after Master’s lectures when I was confused about the principles, Senior Brother would come to explain the essence to me.

Often, just a sentence or two from him would reveal the true meaning, which is why I’ve been able to progress so well.”

Qi Yuan’s brows furrowed deeply as he looked at Ling E, momentarily at a loss for words.

Ling E said gently, “Also, Master, do you know what realm of cultivation I’m at now?”

Qi Yuan stroked his beard and pondered before saying, “Ninth level of Qi Refinement?”

Ling E brought her hands together in a sword seal, forming a complex mudra. Her aura suddenly surged outward. “Then, what about now?”

Qi Yuan’s eyes widened, “Fifth level of Spirit Transformation! Ling E, when did you—”

Ling E made a silencing gesture, then formed another mudra as her aura rapidly contracted.

She said softly, “This is the Turtle Breathing Qi Control Art that Senior Brother taught me. It can conceal one’s cultivation level. As long as a True Immortal doesn’t make physical contact, it can hide one’s true level and simulate whatever realm one wishes to display.”

Only shock remained on Elder Qi Yuan’s face.

“Master, Senior Brother has been in the sect for a hundred years. You’ve spent most of that time in secluded cultivation trying to break through to the Immortal realm. Your understanding and care for Senior Brother has been far too little.”

Ling E lifted her teacup, supporting the bottom with two slender fingers of her left hand while holding it with her right, and took a gentle sip. Her gaze now held no hesitation.

“While Senior Brother has been tricked by Elder Jiu Wu into going to the Eastern Sea, this disciple wants to explain everything clearly to you, Master.

This disciple has watched Senior Brother do so much for you, Master, yet you remain completely unaware, and whenever you see him, you either scold him or belittle him.

Master, Senior Brother is likely not far from achieving immortality now.

And the Immortal Fusion Pill you used for your divine tribulation—if this disciple is not mistaken—was refined from the Immortal Resolution Grass that Senior Brother personally dug up from the depths of the North Uttarakuru Continent during the training conference several years ago.

While you worried about your immortality tribulation, Senior Brother’s greatest concern was also your divine tribulation, and he made many efforts toward this end.

What you saw was just that spirit birdcage… Senior Brother made more than ten treasures for resisting divine tribulation in the past two years, but they all proved ineffective in subsequent tests.

The few times this disciple has seen Senior Brother dejected were when he crouched before those treasures destroyed by lightning tribulation.

The only time this disciple has seen Senior Brother nervous was during those moments when you were undergoing your tribulation.”

Ling E looked at Elder Qi Yuan, who sat there as if turned to wood, his eyes vacant.

“Master, Senior Brother is truly extraordinary. This disciple is not speaking empty words…”

Slowly, Ling E recounted what she knew about her Senior Brother.

Though she kept many things hidden at her Senior Brother’s instruction, she did not exaggerate anything.

Qi Yuan gradually came back to his senses, had Ling E demonstrate the Turtle Breathing Qi Control Art once more, and examined the various immortal pills and poison pills she carried. The old Daoist then sat there deep in thought.

After a moment.

Qi Yuan asked somewhat uneasily, “Ling E, what do you think this master… should do? Should I praise your Senior Brother when he returns?”

“Master, it would be best if you pretend this disciple never told you anything today, as if none of this happened. Continue as you always have,” Ling E smiled. “Later when Senior Brother comes to get us, you can whip him with your horsetail whisk…

Just don’t use too much force.

Every time you try to hit Senior Brother, he’s deliberately leaving openings for you to catch.”

Several black lines appeared on Qi Yuan’s forehead as he smiled wryly, “Is this master so inadequate?”

“Ah,” Ling E quickly exclaimed, “Master, you are brilliant and mighty! Your immortal techniques are boundless!”

Qi Yuan hesitated, “Then, should this master pretend not to have heard any of this?”

“Senior Brother is the type who most wants others to ignore him while he quietly achieves great things,” Ling E puffed her cheeks. “Even now, this disciple has to deliberately act a bit foolish in front of Senior Brother, playing dumb when necessary, otherwise he would surely gradually distance himself…”

Changing the subject, Ling E began listing how Li Chang Shou bullied her as his Junior Sister, trying to alleviate the gloom in their master’s heart.

Soon, she had Qi Yuan laughing heartily, his spirits fully restored.

“You! Haha!”

Qi Yuan stood and walked to one side, looking at the various formation arrangements he couldn’t understand, not letting his small disciple see the moisture at the corners of his eyes.

“I’ve been too selfish as a master, only thinking about passing the tribulation, only thinking about secluded cultivation.

Ah, after accepting your Senior Brother into the sect and passing on techniques to him, this master just kept going into seclusion, kept going into seclusion.

After passing the divine tribulation this time, I had thought to properly guide you both in cultivation, only to discover that this master was the one being cared for all along.

Never mind, never mind, this master won’t interfere anymore, won’t meddle too much.

Having such disciples, this master can face the ancestral masters of the Little Jade Peak lineage with pride!”

With that, Qi Yuan turned to look at Ling E and smiled, “Moreover, this master’s little disciple has also become so sensible now.”

Ling E smiled somewhat shyly and muttered softly, “To be worthy of Senior Brother, this disciple has always worked very hard.”

“Oh?”

“Ah, Master, drink your tea—it’s gotten cold!

Please don’t reveal anything about what this disciple said today!”

“Alright, alright, we’ll both play dumb and put on an act in front of your Senior Brother,” Qi Yuan sat back behind the low table and took out his horsetail whisk. “Later when this master disciplines your Senior Brother, you can help too, try out how it feels.”

Ling E’s eyes immediately lit up: “Really, Master?”

“Of course! Making a monkey of this master for so many years, we must give him a good thrashing!”

Lan Ling E immediately cheered with excitement, eager to begin.

Qi Yuan added, “Don’t worry, later this master will go into seclusion to comprehend the way of impure immortality. From now on, Little Jade Peak is yours and your Senior Brother’s to do with as you please.”

With that, Qi Yuan looked at the tea before him, at the elderly face reflected in it, and couldn’t help but shake his head and smile.

Truly…

Wonderful beyond words.