Since then, Lingxiao Palace, which was originally deserted, gradually became lively. Cats and dogs that no one cared about started to come to Lingxiao Peak one after another.

People came with gold, silver, and jewels to ask for help, crying and begging for remedies at the door. They sought exorcism, blessings, charms for peace, and even talismans for promotion and wealth.

Zhuang Xiao Er and Zhuang Xiao San were exhausted from receiving such guests every day.

Until the beginning of the second year, an unexpected visitor arrived at Lingxiao Palace.

A grand caravan stretched from the foot of the mountain to the top, impressively grand. Even the Queen Mother of the West would be amazed if she saw it.

Mei Cailian was accustomed to being polite before being forceful. After entering, she chattered on about irrelevant topics, such as the long-standing relationship between the two sects, the good health of Master Zhuang, and other similar topics.

Zhuang Tian, following behind, and couldn't help but snicker. Lingxiao Palace and Yuntian Shuijing had never had any dealings, and even if they met outside, they wouldn't recognize each other. What was the point of pretending to be close?

"Out of a whim, my son decided to join Lingxiao Palace. The ceremony might be a bit simple, so I specially brought a hundred carts and hope Master Zhuang will accept them." Mei Cailian smiled gracefully, every gesture showing her elegance.

Zhuang Tian said seriously, "Madam Mei, you can speak frankly if you have something to say."

"In that case, I'll be straightforward." Mei Cailian had had enough of pretending to be friendly and was already bored. As a proud phoenix, she wouldn't try to take over Lingxiao Palace without a fight.

"As for the carts, Master Zhuang, please accept them. And then, let my son return home."

"Your son?" Zhuang Tian chuckled. " Your son can simply return and go home. What does it have to do with Lingxiao Palace?"

Mei Cailian suppressed her anger. "Master Zhuang, are you pretending to be ignorant?"

Zhuang Tian smiled and waved his fan. "If Madam is referring to Chu Binghuan, then it's strange. He's my disciple. I've received his three bows and nine kowtows, and I even drank his tea when he bowed to me. He has been living here comfortably, and his cultivation has improved quite a bit. What do you mean by sending him home? There are rules in the sect. You can't just go out as you please, even if he is the son of Yuntian Shuijing. Otherwise, wouldn't I, as the head, lose my authority?"

Mei Cailian was infuriated. "He joined Lingxiao Palace because of someone's instigation! If it weren't for Hua Qingkong, that brat—hah, he's a proud son of heaven. If he wanted to be a disciple, it should have been Lu Mingfeng from Shangqing Immortal Sect! Master Zhuang, do you have any achievements worthy of mention? You should have some self-awareness!"

Zhuang Tian ignored the second half of her statement. He didn't know about the engagement between Hua Che and Chu Binghuan. He only knew that the two came to apprentice together, and their relationship was exceptional. Moreover, even a fool could see the extraordinary bond between the two disciples. Chu Binghuan, who had a cold and aloof personality, treated Huache differently. There must be some secret between them.

Zhuang Tian said generously, "They are not children anymore. They have to bear the consequences of their decisions. Madam, don't worry too much."

"Concerning the future of Tianyu, as a mother, how can I sit idly by?" Mei Cailian glanced at him coldly and said, "I have two purposes for coming here today. First, to take Tianyu home; second, to talk to Hua Qingkong."

"He's in seclusion and has no time."

"Fine, then please convey my message." Mei Cailian insisted, "I thought you would give up easily, but I didn't expect you to be so scheming, retreating openly but advancing secretly, using such means to cling to Tianyu! What kind of master you are is reflected in your disciple. If it weren't for his scheming, why would Tianyu abandon Shangqing and choose Lingxiao? Why would he ignore his future and follow Hua Qingkong!"

"Watch your mouth! I respect you as a lady, but I won't argue with you." Zhuang Tian was also getting anxious. "You despise Qingkong now, but you might not be able to reach him in the future! Moreover, if Tianyu becomes a nobody under my guidance, I'll change my surname to yours!"

"Ridiculous! Let's end it here today, and we'll see how things go in the future!"

Zhuang Tian: "See the guest out!"

Mei Cailian left with a flick of her sleeve, returning empty-handed and full of anger. Her chest heaved violently, and she was itching with hatred.

Times had changed. That old man Zhuang Tian dared to speak with such authority now.

The matter of Mingyue Valley had been widely spread in the cultivation world. Everyone said that Lingxiao Palace was going to rise, that their disciples were promising, and that there was a disciple named Hua with exceptional talent and unbeatable courage, who even obtained a precious sword.

Mei Cailian had a splitting headache. Yuntian Shuijing had been among the top three immortal sects for thousands of years. When would they finally become the number one sect in the Immortal Dao?

Zhuang Tian was also furious. It had been over a hundred years since he last got so worked up.

It' was acceptable to criticize him, but how dared that woman disrespect his apprentice?

Was it because Hua Che wasn't strong enough? Or because Linyin wasn't cute enough?

Damn it!

Why is my disciple so good?

If I don't let the whole Nine Provinces know, where's the justice?

"Xiao Er, you watch the house with your eldest martial brother."

Zhuang Xiao Er: "Master, where are you going?"

"To Shangqing Immortal Sect."

"What?"

Zhuang Tian threw on a coat and rushed out the door. "I'm going to register for the Ten Thousand Sect Martial Arts Competition two months from now!"

 

Translator: DarNan