Chapter 56: Summon Your Elder

Su Bailu certainly understood the meaning behind Elder Qingfeng’s words. Precisely because she understood, she now felt even more compelled not to turn back. In her view, even retreating half a step would be a betrayal of the years of nurturing she had received from Lin Ze. Both men were her masters, both deserved her respect, and their status and cultivation could not weigh upon her heart.

Zhao Ling thought it was just a trivial matter, easily resolved with a gentler approach—cheering up Elder Qingfeng first, then sneaking off to Little Azure Mountain in private. She couldn’t comprehend Su Bailu’s reaction at all.

Li Qianchen, however, did understand, and his expression grew darker still. He was the master of Qingfeng Mountain, recognized by the entire Dongyue Sect, destined to one day become a true Golden Core immortal. If not for the need to inherit his father’s legacy, he could have entered any inner sect he pleased. That unknown itinerant cultivator—how could he possibly be compared to himself? Just because he happened to stumble upon a mountain by luck? Utterly absurd. Even being angered by that man made Li Qianchen feel humiliated.

He fixed a gloomy gaze upon Su Bailu, and after a long moment finally nodded. “Very well. Since you wish to go, I will accompany you.”

Before she could reply, he glared at Zhao Ling. “Lead the way.”

“Uh...” Zhao Ling looked at her junior sister in confusion, utterly at a loss. She hadn’t expected Li Qianchen to be so petty—was it really necessary for two elders to intervene over a mere disciple? Even if they met, what could happen? Surely not a violent confrontation. Elder Lin had never made an issue of this matter.

Su Bailu gazed quietly at Elder Qingfeng, suddenly feeling weary. “A master for a day, a father for life.” It was a principle she had learned since childhood—why did it seem to no longer apply in the immortal sect? Was worldly wisdom truly more important than righteousness? Seeking immortality and the Dao, what path was she truly seeking? The high and noble image of immortal sect cultivators in her heart seemed to have changed, somehow lost its flavor.

“Disciple...” After a moment’s hesitation, her lips curled in a bitter smile. “I won’t go.”

Enough—no matter what, she could not bring trouble to her master. Perhaps only when her cultivation was higher would she be able to distinguish right from wrong.

“Not going?” Li Qianchen gave her a meaningful look. She had clearly yielded, but his anger only deepened. Such profound bonds between master and disciple—how wonderful. “No matter. I do not force my disciples.”

“Zhao Ling, lead the way.” He waved his hand.

The woman quietly rolled her eyes, casting an apologetic glance at her junior sister—as if to say, this can’t be blamed on me. Su Bailu shook her head at her, disappointment finally settling across her face. In her mind, cultivation was about both skill and virtue. If one could not have both the fish and the bear’s paw, then... their paths diverged.

With this thought, she bowed slightly and spoke with calm resolve. “If Master insists, then I wish to leave Qingfeng Mountain. Please reclaim the techniques you have taught me.”

A surge of late Foundation Establishment power swept forth. The exquisitely crafted hem of her silk Dao robe billowed like waves. Li Qianchen stood with hands behind his back, his gaze sharp, gathering spiritual energy into an invisible hand that slowly wrapped around the woman’s slender neck, yanking her forcefully before him.

He gave a cold, chilling laugh. “On Qingfeng Mountain, my word is law.”

With these words, the spiritual energy hand struck hard, sending Su Bailu flying several yards. Her aura weakened, her face pale—she had been wounded in her qi sea by that blow.

“Go!” Li Qianchen commanded coldly.

Zhao Ling took a deep breath, resentment flickering in her eyes. She had known her junior sister before Su Bailu entered Qingfeng Mountain—they were close friends. Otherwise, she would never have accompanied her into the demon mountain, nor taken sides when Su Bailu was deceived and rashly confronted Elder Lin. Now, however, she could do nothing, only hiding her feelings deep inside, carefully helping Su Bailu up, retrieving two healing pills from her storage pouch and feeding them to her.

“Don’t speak. Listen to me now.”

Zhao Ling gave her junior sister a serious look. Li Qianchen was clearly furious, and only someone of equal standing could restrain him. Elder Lin, though from Xiao Family Village, was at least a Foundation Establishment cultivator—his words would carry more weight than theirs. Besides, his conduct was measured—he had even persuaded the former Golden Core demon king—surely he could calm Elder Qingfeng’s anger.

She rose slowly, leading the elder toward Little Azure Mountain.

…

…

On the mountain path, Su Bailu walked with a blank expression. Behind her followed Zhao Ling and Li Qianchen.

“I hear you’ve met our new Elder Lin?” Li Qianchen arched his brows. Qingfeng Mountain was hardly noteworthy among the peaks, so he had never paid attention to Little Azure Mountain. His own mountain still had plenty of vacant spots; why care about another’s? If not for today’s events, he wouldn’t even glance this way. Once he broke through to the Golden Core stage, Qingfeng Mountain would immediately rise among the peaks, while Azure Mountain would remain pitifully at the bottom.

Of course, if it weren’t for Little Azure Mountain, he wouldn’t dare barge in so boldly. The outer sect had over a hundred elders, each representing a different lineage of Dongyue Sect since its founding. In the beginning, Golden Core cultivators would have presided over each mountain, but after centuries, the foundations of each had diverged greatly.

For example, Huayang Peak boasted Golden Core elders, more than twenty Foundation Establishment stewards, over a hundred Foundation Establishment cultivators, and countless disciples—yet it only ranked thirtieth. In comparison, Qingfeng Mountain was far inferior: its inheritor was merely late Foundation Establishment, only two stewards, and no more than a few dozen disciples, all at the Qi Refining stage.

As for Little Azure Mountain... he wore a look of disdain. When Elder Zhang Dahai was alive, disciples mysteriously fled the mountain—who knows what unspeakable things that old man had done. After his passing, the place became empty. By rights, the Southern Hall should have reclaimed it, distributing it among other mountains for disciples to train. Yet suddenly, a loose cultivator named Lin appeared. But... it wouldn’t be long before those coveting Azure Mountain would drive him out.

“I couldn’t be bothered with you, but you’ve brought trouble to my door.” How amusing. Li Qianchen looked at the graceful figure ahead, mocking inwardly. If you wish to change mountains, you’d better see if he dares accept you.

Soon, a round head popped out at the end of the mountain path. “Master has already retired for the night, please return... Third Sister?!”

Seeing who had arrived, Xiao Bao cried out in surprise. She was the first fellow disciple he’d ever met, and naturally felt close to her. Though it had been a while, he still recognized her instantly.

Su Bailu’s face was tinged with bitterness. She raised her hand to pat his head, but before she could speak, a voice brimming with arrogance sounded from behind:

“Little one, go call your elder out.”