Chapter 401 - 210: A Nighttime Surprise

Chapter 401: Chapter 210: A Nighttime Surprise

The group chatted as they returned to the vast and magnificent pavilion of the Xuanyue Lineage.

The hall remained lofty and spacious. The group gathered around the solitary tea table in the center. Sun Chen sat quietly to Qin Huaiming’s side, his hands placed primly on his knees. His gaze was fixed on the teacup before him, as if studying the texture of the glaze.

He would occasionally lift the cup for a small sip, his movements so precise they resembled a ritual. For him, drinking tea seemed to be more about observing the necessary etiquette in the presence of his elders than about enjoyment.

Qin Huaiming maintained a gentle demeanor, occasionally bringing up topics about the General Bureau’s recent affairs or insights into cultivation, giving Sun Chen ample time to react and choose his words.

Gu You, on the other hand, reined in his usual boisterousness. Though not as skillfully guiding as Qin Huaiming, he tried to share some less-than-worldly strange tales, attempting to pique his martial nephew’s interest.

This patience wasn’t merely the tolerance of an elder for a junior. At a deeper level, it was about maintaining the shared roots of the Xuanyue Sect and showing respect for Martial Uncle Qianxin’s lineage.

In contrast to the quiet on the hosts’ side, Lan Ying and the Little Fire Fox had long since moved past their standoff in the corner and were now, somehow, playing together.

The Little Fire Fox chased its own tail in circles while Lan Ying hovered just above, teasing its crimson fur with a wingtip. This provoked YELPS from the little fox, which would turn its head to pounce at the sapphire-blue shadow in the air.

Amid their play, Lan Ying had already found out from the other that it was a male fox named Red Shadow.

As they just about finished a pot of tea, the sky outside the window was already filled with stars.

"It’s getting late, Nephew Sun. You must be tired from your journey. You should go rest. A room has been prepared for you," Qin Huaiming said gently. As he spoke, he beckoned to two Qi Cultivationists standing at attention in the distance, instructing them to lead Sun Chen to his room.

Upon hearing this, Sun Chen immediately stood up and bowed meticulously to Qin Huaiming and Gu You. "Yes. Thank you, Martial Uncles. This disciple will take his leave."

Then, he gave a slight nod to Yang Wenqing as a form of greeting before turning to follow the attendant disciple up the stairs.

Li Ping, of course, followed closely behind.

When they reached the room on the second floor, Sun Chen thanked the two guiding Qi Cultivationists before pushing the door open and entering. Li Ping, however, did not follow him inside, merely standing outside the door with his hands clasped before him.

It wasn’t until the sound of even, deep breathing came from within the room, confirming that Sun Chen had entered meditation, that the professional reverence on Li Ping’s face finally eased, replaced by a look of relief.

He stood silently outside the door for another moment to confirm there were no other sounds. Only then did he straighten his collar, lighten his steps, and return downstairs to the vast hall.

Qin Huaiming and Gu You were still there, with Yang Wenqing teasing Lan Ying off to the side. Li Ping hurried forward, a smile plastered back on his face. He first gave a deep bow to Qin Huaiming and Gu You, then spoke.

"Director Qin, Senior Gu You, Director Yang, my apologies for the interruption."

He lowered his voice even more than before. "Director Qian had some instructions regarding Captain Sun. There were some things that were inconvenient to discuss while Captain Sun was here. I hope you two martial elders can understand."

Qin Huaiming made a gesture as if to help him up. "Steward Li, there’s no need for such ceremony. Please, speak freely. Nephew Sun Chen is one of our own. We will naturally be concerned with his affairs."

"Yes, yes, Director Qin is right. It is precisely because we are family that this junior dares to speak directly."

Li Ping nodded repeatedly, his posture becoming even more deferential. "Captain Sun’s talent is exceptional, and he is diligent in his cultivation, almost to the point of having no worldly distractions. This is known throughout the entire General Bureau."

"But because of this, ever since he began his cultivation, he has spent most of his time in secluded cultivation. He has had very little contact with the secular world and its customs. All his daily trifles are handled by dedicated staff, and over time, his disposition has grown quieter. He’s not very good at interacting with people."

He chose his words with extreme care, pointing out Sun Chen’s lack of worldly experience while attributing it entirely to his focus on cultivation—an unimpeachable and even praiseworthy reason.

Gu You stroked his chin and chimed in, "I get it. He’s been in seclusion for so long, he’s a bit disconnected from the outside world. He’ll need to be eased back into things. But Nephew Sun’s situation... he seems even more detached than most who come out of seclusion."

His words were uncharacteristically cautious, and he had to be. Otherwise, the Xuanyue Lineage might just sprout another branch.

"Senior Gu You has a discerning eye!"

Li Ping immediately offered the flattery, then continued, "That’s why for this trip out for the grand competition, Director Qian, his venerable self, specifically instructed that winning or losing is secondary. The primary goal is for Captain Sun to use this opportunity to slowly re-engage with the secular world—to walk through the red dust, meet people, and experience life."

"He also hopes that Captain Sun can spend some time after the competition traveling and gaining experience in the East Sea. This will inevitably require the two martial elders to put in extra effort to look after him."

Qin Huaiming nodded in response. "Nephew Sun Chen is a direct descendant of our Xuanyue Lineage. Guiding his cultivation is our responsibility."

Gu You grinned beside him. "Steward Li, don’t you worry. When it comes to showing someone the world and having fun... ahem, I mean, experiencing the mortal world, I’m the best at it. Leave it to me. I guarantee I’ll have Nephew Sun..."

Before Gu You could finish, Li Ping quickly cupped his hands in a salute. "Senior Gu You is too kind. On behalf of Captain Sun, I thank you."

Qin Huaiming shot his senior brother a helpless glance, then turned his gaze to Yang Wenqing, who had been listening quietly all along. "Wenqing, you and Nephew Sun Chen are of a similar age. You two should interact more, perhaps exchange cultivation insights, or explore the scenery on and off the island together."

When Li Ping heard Qin Huaiming mention Yang Wenqing by name, his eyes lit up slightly. Working for Qianxin, he naturally knew about this newly promoted True Disciple of the Xuanyue Lineage. In fact, his main goal was to have Sun Chen interact with him. Upon hearing this, he hurriedly said: