Chapter Sixty-Eight: The Return of the First Disciple

Unbeknownst to him, Lin Ze had already spent over two months at the Eastern Peak Sect.

Today, more than twenty figures entered the Southern Hall—some old, some young, all travel-worn. Yet despite their somewhat disheveled appearance, their faces bore self-satisfied smiles.

They crowded tightly around the deep red table, but no one spoke. Instead, they turned to look at a rather ordinary young man among them, subtly acknowledging him as their leader.

When the young man, clearly resigned, stepped forward, the group finally began to chatter and explain to the steward.

“So… you’re saying you found the lair of the troublesome spirit monkeys in the Ebony Orchard, took advantage of the Monkey King’s absence, slew seven of its subordinates—each at the peak of the Qi Refining stage—and thus ended this menace?” The female steward looked up in mild astonishment.

This monkey scourge had lasted for years. If it were so simple to find the Monkey King’s trail, it wouldn’t have taken a group of Qi Refining beasts to cause so much trouble for so long. It was plausible if an experienced orchard keeper had stumbled upon the lair by chance, but the way this group spoke, it was clear everything revolved around the young cultivator surnamed Wang standing before her.

Late-stage Qi Refining? Led the kill of seven peak Qi Refining spirit beasts? It sounded rather far-fetched.

“Senior Brother Wang’s mastery of martial technique is unmatched, his mind keen, and his conduct righteous. We ask that the steward discern the truth!” Sensing her skepticism, the group explained with some dissatisfaction, bowing in unison.

Hearing their words, Wang Yao couldn’t help but drift off, a faint, wry smile on his lips. When had he ever received such praise from his peers in the sect?

The steward, dressed in a blue robe adorned with mountain patterns, shook her head. “I haven’t even said anything yet—what are you all so worked up about?”

She was even more surprised at how highly the disciples regarded this young man, even going so far as to challenge her on his behalf. Studying his face, she found it somewhat familiar.

“Aren’t you the one from that day…”

“Here is my token,” Wang Yao said, placing a small iron plaque gently on the table. The steward picked it up and glanced at it.

The number inscribed within was startling.

Ninety-six points.

They had been earned from twenty-two common spirit monkeys and five monkey lieutenants.

In just a month, he had nearly earned ten spirit stones. Even she, a Foundation Establishment cultivator, felt a twinge of envy.

But this was not something to be jealous of. If someone of her level ventured into the orchard, the monkeys would never appear, their cowardly nature on full display.

“Would you like these exchanged for spirit stones?” the steward asked with a casual smile as she recorded the points. For small amounts, she usually credited them to the respective mountain’s account, but clearly, this disciple had risked much and must be in dire need of money.

“Thank you for your trouble, but just credit it to Little Green Hill,” Wang Yao replied with a smile, waving his hand.

“As you wish,” the steward replied, glancing at him and opening her ledger.

“If the monkey problem is truly resolved as you say, you can decide among yourselves how to divide the merit points. Once the Southern Hall confirms the details, the rewards will be distributed accordingly.”

A full sixty merit points were at stake—enough to make ordinary cultivators argue fiercely.

Yet to her surprise, the disciples all spoke in unison, “No need to discuss—Senior Brother Wang deserves half!”

“What, did you drug them or something?” the steward retorted, rolling her eyes.

Wang Yao could only smile wryly and bid everyone farewell, walking slowly out of the Southern Hall.

In truth, it was not so complicated.

It was not he who actually found the spirit monkeys’ lair, but Old Wu. Having worked in the Ebony Orchard for over twenty years, Old Wu knew every path like the back of his hand, but he was weak and timid, so he chose to do Wang Yao a favor instead.

In return...

Wang Yao took from his robe a piece of ebony, pitch-black and gleaming.

This was the core of the ebony tree, stolen by the Monkey King—a rarity even among thousands of trees.

He had retrieved it for Old Wu, who generously split it in half as payment. Even this small piece was worth at least five spirit stones.

So, in this past month, Wang Yao had truly earned about eighteen spirit stones in total.

However, he did not trade the core for merit or spirit stones at the Southern Hall.

After being away from home for so long, he ought to bring a little something back for his master.

As for the debt he owed to Huayang Peak, he had already repaid more than half, and could continue to do so bit by bit.

Lost in thought, he was suddenly interrupted by a gentle female voice beside him.

“Are you Wang Yao?”

“Hm?” Wang Yao tucked the ebony core back into his robe and turned. Standing next to him was a petite, lively figure, only reaching his chest, a round, slightly babyish face framed by wide, curious eyes.

Her features were not especially delicate—not beautiful, but perhaps charming in a simple way. Yet at that moment, Wang Yao’s cheeks flushed, and he stammered, “Senior Sister… Chen…”

“Oh, it really is you! I almost thought I’d mistaken you for someone else.” Chen Yuan covered her mouth, laughing softly, her eyes darting quickly to his chest.

“You seem to be doing well lately. You look much more energetic,” she said.

Wang Yao opened and closed his mouth awkwardly, at a loss for what to say.

He recalled their early days in the sect. When they first arrived, the elders had assigned several senior disciples to look after the newcomers, and Senior Sister Chen Yuan had been one of them.

Back then, he was still young, filled with admiration for immortals, and harboring a vague, youthful fondness for her.

Unfortunately, after she was accepted as a formal disciple, there was little chance for further contact, and he had quietly buried those feelings.

He had never expected that, after all these years, she would recognize him at a glance.

Forcing down the flutter in his chest, he ducked his head, struggling to find words.

“Look at you, so nervous—as if your senior sister might actually bite!” Chen Yuan teased, rolling her eyes. She gestured with her hand, “Back when you joined, you were just a little shrimp, and now you’ve shot up so tall.”

“Senior Sister Chen, you’re teasing me…” Wang Yao scratched his head sheepishly, looking every bit the fool, a far cry from his earlier composure.

Chen Yuan chatted idly with him for a while, then suddenly slapped her forehead. “Ah, I almost forgot! To celebrate my breakthrough, I’m hosting a small gathering for some familiar faces at East Departure Peak in two days. You must come—no excuses!”

Wang Yao was taken aback, a little uneasy, but a glimmer of joy shone in his eyes.

“Senior Sister, you’ve reached the peak of Qi Refining?”

“Would I lie about that?”

“Congratulations.”

“Is that all? Just words?” Chen Yuan arched an eyebrow teasingly.

“I…” Wang Yao’s stammer returned, but she patted him on the shoulder.

“Pfft, I’m just teasing you. I’ll be off now.”

Wang Yao watched her go, unable to help but linger in thought for a long time.

People were trickling out of the Southern Hall. Some paused to greet him. “Greetings, Senior Brother Wang.”

He smiled absently in reply.

Suddenly, he looked up and called out, “Junior Brother Lu, wait a moment.”