After the beast horde retreated, Su Xiaomo knelt on the ground.

This greatly puzzled several elders. After all, this person had shown such courage in the Yunling Mountain Range—how could he be so frightened he couldn’t stand in this situation?

Though Sun Yingquan and the other three outer disciples were also very frightened, at least they could still stand once the danger was resolved.

They’d just praised him as a promising talent worth cultivating, but he’d done something like this—the four elders couldn’t help but feel disappointed.

Xia Shuiyun’s bright eyes showed complex emotions.

During this time, she’d been helping Su Xiaomo openly and covertly, precisely because of his performance in the Yunling Mountain Range.

This time’s danger was far less than last time, yet he was frightened enough to kneel on the ground.

Xia Shuiyun nearly walked up to slap him and say: “Su Jintang, you’ve disappointed me too much!”

Though Sun Yingquan usually seemed somewhat spoiled, his mind was clear. He knew that Gousheng’s action would make the elders displeased—speaking broadly, it might affect his future prospects. So he hastily whispered: “Quickly stand up!”

However, that fellow not only didn’t hear him speak, but kowtowed with a resounding thud, cried until his eyes blurred with tears, and called out a phrase…

Gah!

Sun Yingquan was instantly dumbfounded.

The four disappointed elders were also dumbfounded.

He called out… Master?

Xia Shuiyun’s originally complex bright eyes gradually transformed into surprise.

This silver-haired elder who appeared and frightened away the beast horde, who seemed like an otherworldly expert—was his master?

“My master is Juntian Elder, who lives in seclusion in the mountains year-round.” The words Su Xiaomo had once said echoed in her ears, making Xia Shuiyun immediately certain of the old man’s identity!

The four elders also came to a realization.

So the young fellow hadn’t knelt because he was frightened, but because he’d encountered his master and couldn’t help kneeling!

One day as teacher, a lifetime as father.

A disciple kneeling to his master absolutely conformed to propriety and couldn’t be faulted in any way.

Seeing Su Xiaomo kneel toward himself, crying until tears streamed down, especially the excitement and agitation showing in his eyes, Jun Changxiao couldn’t help but sigh inwardly: “This disciple of mine’s acting skills have truly inherited this seat’s teachings.”

As a professional actor, he loved encountering this kind of veteran performer, because acting opposite scenes would definitely be stronger than those celebrities who only knew how to use numbers as dialogue.

Jun Changxiao fully immersed himself in the role, smiling kindly: “Little Gousheng, you and I as master and disciple haven’t met for several years. I never expected we’d meet again at Jinlin Mountain.”

Right now he really wanted to rush over and kick Su Xiaomo down the mountain.

Of all the undercover names you could pick, you had to use this seat’s childhood name. Don’t you know how many readers this will make laugh!

Jun Changxiao knew the name Su Jintang, but since they were master and disciple, calling him Gousheng would definitely seem more affectionate than calling him Jintang.

“Master!”

Su Xiaomo cried: “Why did you leave without saying goodbye that year? Did your disciple do something wrong?”

Damn.

This doesn’t seem to be in the script!

Jun Changxiao shook his head. “Everything this master could teach you, I’ve taught. Whether you can achieve greater accomplishments in the future still depends on your own efforts.”

“Back then, your disciple was young and ignorant, running away from the Su family village. If I hadn’t fortuitously met Master in the wilderness, I’d probably have already been eaten by fierce beasts…” The more Su Xiaomo spoke, the harder she cried. “So I don’t care about future accomplishments—I only wish to serve at Master’s side for a lifetime!”

The four Taixuan Sacred Sect elders all fell silent.

A Half-Saint who cultivated both sword and martial arts was among the top experts. Clinging to his coattails was indeed a wise choice.

If they’d had such a master when young, they definitely wouldn’t have left.

Jun Changxiao said, “This master has grown accustomed to a carefree life. Following me would only delay your own prospects.”

“Sect Master!”

Su Xiaomo transmitted: “Quickly help me up!”

“Swish!”

Jun Changxiao waved his large sleeve, bursting with mighty spiritual energy, instantly lifting him up. “From the clothing you wear, it seems you’ve already joined a sect?”

“Correct.”

An elder hastily cupped his hands. “Jintang is currently an outer disciple of our Taixuan Sacred Sect!”

This kind of Half-Saint expert in sword and martial arts definitely required respectful courtesy, especially since he’d helped them resolve a crisis.

“Taixuan Sacred Sect?”

Jun Changxiao paused briefly. “This old man has heard of this sect. Years ago, I even had a one-time meeting with Li Muran.”

The four elders’ faces changed dramatically.

Even several outer disciples’ eyes widened.

Li Muran.

A senior expert of the Taixuan Sacred Sect.

In terms of status, the current sect master would have to call him Grand-Uncle!

“Impressive, impressive!”

Su Xiaomo thought admiringly: “The sect master actually connected himself to a deceased Taixuan Sacred Sect predecessor!”

Jun Gousheng had done his homework on this first-tier sect and naturally knew certain famous experts. Mentioning Li Muran was precisely because the person was already dead—they couldn’t verify even if they wanted to.

“So Senior was acquainted with our Taixuan Sacred Sect’s late predecessor.”

“Late?”

Jun Changxiao showed surprise. “Li Muran has fallen?”

The elder said sadly, “The Grand Elder couldn’t glimpse higher martial levels and passed away from natural causes.”

“Alas.”

Jun Changxiao sighed. “When we met, he was only in his thirties or forties. Now we’re separated by life and death—truly cause for lamentation.”

Hearing him deceive like this, the elders thought: “The Grand Elder was only in his thirties or forties then? This person’s age must be considerable!”

“My disciple’s aptitude isn’t outstanding, but his character is strong and he has great perseverance. I must trouble your esteemed sect to take good care of him and provide more guidance in the future,” Jun Changxiao said.

Even without saying this, the Taixuan Sacred Sect side would definitely give special attention. After all, having a master who was a Half-Saint cultivating both sword and martial arts—what a solid backing!

“Young lady.”

Jun Changxiao turned his head. “The sword technique you just displayed, though graceful and flexible, has problems in spiritual energy gathering. You must correct this as soon as possible, otherwise repeated use will damage your meridians.”

Xia Shuiyun’s bright eyes showed astonishment.

She’d been cultivating a certain ice-element sword technique from the Taixuan Sacred Sect. Though she’d comprehended it successfully, recently when executing it, it always felt unsmooth, occasionally pulling at her meridians.

Initially she hadn’t paid attention, even thinking perhaps she hadn’t fully grasped the sword technique.

Now hearing Su Jintang’s master speak, Xia Shuiyun suddenly understood—she’d made an error in her cultivation!

True martial artists didn’t need others to explain every detail. Sometimes a single sentence could clarify a point of confusion.

The four elders were shocked!

Not only was Su Gousheng’s master a Half-Saint who cultivated both sword and martial arts, he was also a top-tier martial arts master who could see others’ martial shortcomings with just his naked eyes!

Awesome!

Too awesome!

Insight Talisman, understand?

Xia Shuiyun cupped her hands. “Many thanks for Senior’s guidance!”

“Little Gousheng.”

Jun Changxiao looked at Su Xiaomo. “The Taixuan Sacred Sect is one of the top great sects in the martial world. Since you’ve been able to join, it’s a tremendous opportunity. In the future, you must diligently cultivate.”

Su Xiaomo wiped away the tears on her face, her eyes determined. “Your disciple will respectfully obey Master’s command!”

“You four.”

Jun Changxiao said, “This old man still needs to pursue that vile beast to prevent it from harming living beings, so I’ll take my leave first.”

This sentence meant telling the Taixuan Sacred Sect elders: I came to save you because I happened to be chasing a spirit beast.

“Master…” Su Xiaomo had just begun speaking when Jun Changxiao had already floated away. Her emotions couldn’t hold, and she cried out loudly: “Your disciple will definitely not disappoint Master and will definitely become a towering expert!”

No echo came back—clearly the person had already left.

“An expert!”

After Jun Changxiao left, the four elders remained shocked, still thinking about how a single glance had frightened away the spirit beast!

Sun Yingquan quietly came over, lowering his voice: “Gousheng, so you have such an awesome master!”

The other three outer disciples all cast envious looks.

“Let’s go, return to the sect!”

The four Taixuan Sacred Sect elders were injured, and the powerful spirit beast and beast horde’s appearance had disrupted their plans, so without lingering they led the disciples back.

Of course, there was also the intention to quickly inform the higher-ups about Su Gousheng’s master.

“Xiao Mu.”

On a mountain peak’s boulder, Changxiao sat with his legs spread wide in an undignified manner. “This seat personally appeared to help you act out a scene. You should be promoted to inner disciple very soon.”

On the return journey to the sect, Su Xiaomo thought admiringly: “The sect master’s acting is still stronger. Especially casually pointing out martial arts for Xia Shuiyun—he absolutely brought an otherworldly expert to life!”

Thinking about how Purple Scale Demon King had previously acted so poorly she’d nearly been unable to continue, she once again felt intense contempt.

That actor was utterly garbage!

“Gousheng.”

Sun Yingquan leaned over, whispering: “Your master is definitely no ordinary person. Plus he saved everyone. When we return to the sect, you’ll definitely receive special attention from the Council of Elders!”

“Uh…”

Su Xiaomo scratched her head. “I also didn’t expect to meet Master at Jinlin Mountain.”

…

Taixuan Sacred Sect.

After Su Xiaomo returned, as usual she entered the spiritual energy formation to comprehend formations.

In the great hall, after the leadership learned about what happened at Jinlin Mountain, they’d already begun discussing.

“Su Jintang’s master is that strong? Actually a Half-Saint level sword-martial dual cultivator?” Third Elder said in shock.

From a realm level perspective, Martial Saint was definitely stronger than Half-Saint.

But cultivating both sword and martial dao together was inherently slow. Even if not reaching Martial Saint, it was definitely extremely impressive!

Since ancient times, as heaven and earth spiritual energy gradually declined, experts reaching this level could be counted on one hand!

The elder who’d personally experienced it said, “When Gousheng’s master released his aura, it clearly had martial dao’s overwhelming power and sword dao’s sharpness—definitely Half-Saint level sword-martial dual cultivation!”

“Juntian Elder…”

Third Elder frowned deeply. “I’ve never heard of this person anywhere in the Xingyun Continent.”

Initially learning about Su Xiaomo’s master, they hadn’t taken it seriously, simply thinking he was a hermit. Now learning his strength, naturally they had to take it seriously!

“Third Elder.”

That elder said, “Juntian Elder had a one-time meeting with young Grand Elder Li.”

“What?”

Third Elder and the others’ eyes widened.

Li Muran had been dead for several hundred years. His youth must have been quite some time ago. If Juntian Elder had a meeting with him, that meant he was an old-school expert!

“No wonder Su Jintang, after joining our Taixuan Sacred Sect, made such rapid progress in a short time. Turns out he has such an excellent senior master,” Third Elder realized.

Elder Sun said, “In my opinion, Juntian Elder’s rescue may also have been for his disciple’s sake.”

“Makes sense!”

Everyone expressed agreement.

Hermit experts generally rarely involved themselves in worldly affairs. The probability of rescue when encountering danger was very low, so his action this time definitely had purpose.

Could he be telling us to treat his disciple well?

Third Elder seriously considered, then said: “For this year’s inner sect member quota, Su Jintang gets one. Does anyone have objections?”

“No objections.”

“Since there are no objections, it’s settled. Also… Sixth Elder, first arrange a private courtyard for Su Jintang.”

“Alright.”

…

That day.

Su Xiaomo moved into the courtyard.

In the Taixuan Sacred Sect, having one’s own separate courtyard was definitely inner sect level treatment!

Many outer disciples, learning this news, unanimously concluded that Su Jintang’s promotion to inner sect was a done deal.

Having just entered not long ago yet being promoted to inner sect—this immediately made countless people envious.

“Sect Master.”

Standing outside the gate marked “Earth Character Spirit Heart Pavilion,” Su Xiaomo thought: “Your disciple is one step closer to entering the Taixuan Sacred Sect’s core disciple circle.”

Her true purpose in going undercover at the Taixuan Sacred Sect was to inquire about Senior Sister and Fang Lingyu’s affairs, but in the outer sect she had no way to learn anything. Only by entering the inner sect would she possibly make contact.

“Hm?”

Suddenly, Su Xiaomo turned her head and discovered Xia Shuiyun standing at the gate of the adjacent courtyard.

“Senior sister, why are you here?”

“Where I live.”

Su Xiaomo was stunned.

She’d actually become neighbors with her.

Elder Wei, how should I handle this changing situation—very urgent, waiting online!

…

Eternal Sect.

After listening to Li Luoqiu’s report, Jun Changxiao’s face showed a smile. “It seems this seat’s Juntian Elder identity is quite useful.”

“Sect Master.”

Li Luoqiu asked in confusion, “Though Xiao Mu is going undercover at the Taixuan Sacred Sect and climbing higher and higher, what’s the point?”

“There’s a point.”

Jun Changxiao said, “A top great sect’s foundation is still very strong. Only by mixing in higher can she make more contacts—for example… some martial arts secret manuals that are hard to learn outside.”

Li Luoqiu said in confusion, “But our Eternal Sect’s martial arts aren’t inferior to the Taixuan Sacred Sect’s.”

This wasn’t wrong, but the Martial Arts Pavilion lacked various martial techniques. If Su Xiaomo could obtain more types of martial techniques from the Taixuan Sacred Sect, couldn’t she bring them back to fill in the gaps?

Furthermore, a top great sect definitely had a complete management system. If Su Xiaomo mixed into the core circle and sent information back, he could also use it as reference to make up for the Eternal Sect’s shortcomings.

Ever since Jun Changxiao became a sect master, all developmental models relied on system-provided items for support. Being able to reach his current level equaled completely relying on cheating—inevitably creating a feeling of emptiness.

If he could obtain intelligence on management from a great sect, then use methods beneficial to himself as reference, it would feel much more solid.

Actually, the Taixuan Sacred Sect’s inner and outer sect setup was much more professional than the Eternal Sect’s.

Jun Changxiao not only intended to emulate it but also decided to place the inner and outer sects on separate mountain peaks.

“By the way.”

“When will Sect Master Feng and the others deliver the ore?”

“Already on the way.”

“Mm.”

Jun Changxiao left the great hall to inspect the several mountain peaks.

Construction progress was quite good.

The Drizzle Hall’s great hall on Drizzle Peak was already completed, with side buildings and member residences surrounding it.

Li Qingyang’s design philosophy always emphasized harmony between humans and nature, so all the building complexes nestled against mountains and forests, appearing quite transcendent and refined.

Of course.

Such a large project burned through money extremely fast.

“Sect Master.”

Li Qingyang held up the account ledger. “Just constructing Drizzle Peak alone has already cost five million.”

Jun Changxiao said, “Housing is a major life matter. No amount spent matters.”