The Leader Has Your Back

Central Continent, Ten Thousand Blossom Ridge.

By the deep pool, Chen Baiqing began brewing tea with gentle movements, her gaze lifting slightly to glance at her master, who sat across from Li Junzi.

Li Junzi's hair was now streaked with silver, and the passage of time had left its marks upon her face. Yet her eyes shone brighter than ever.

Time may steal youth, but it also leaves behind answers.

Chen Baiqing first handed the freshly brewed tea to her master, then to Li Junzi.

Chu Xingchen accepted the teacup with a warm smile and said,

"My apologies for keeping you waiting, Master Li. The journey back from the Eastern Victory Divine Continent took quite some time."

"You flatter me, Sect Leader Chu. It was my presumption to visit unannounced," Li Junzi shook her head lightly. "I had originally intended to bid farewell upon hearing you were away. It was no urgent matter, hardly worth your long journey."

Chu Xingchen's expression turned solemn. "Some things should not be measured by worth, but by necessity. Unless Master Li no longer considers me a friend?"

Li Junzi chuckled. "Of course not. It is my honor to call Sect Leader Chu a friend."

"Then the honor is equally mine," Chu Xingchen raised his teacup. "Warriors drink wine, scholars savor tea. Let this cup celebrate Master Li's return to the realm of Great Confucian. The title of Sage cannot be far behind."

Li Junzi raised her cup as well, draining it before speaking calmly:

"Whether I attain Sagehood or not, I’ve come to realize it was merely an obsession of the heart. If it comes, it comes; if not, I will still act as I must. Titles are but fleeting things."

"With such wisdom, Sagehood is surely within reach," Chu Xingchen smiled before shifting the topic. "I presume Master Li originally came to see Luo Yu?"

Li Junzi did not conceal her intent, nodding gently.

"That was my intention, though my timing was unfortunate. But Luo Yu’s duties take precedence. Though I am no cultivator, my path is not so short that I cannot wait a little longer."

Chu Xingchen inquired, "Does Master Li plan to fulfill your engagement at Gentleman Mountain?"

"Yes. Now that I have my answer, I shall go and deliver it."

"Would you like me to accompany you?"

"That would trouble you too much, Sect Leader. A trip to Gentleman Mountain is no grand affair—just a battle of words. Win or lose, the outcome is mine alone to bear."

Li Junzi glanced at Chen Baiqing, who had changed greatly over the years, and smiled.

"Baiqing has grown so much, yet you, Sect Leader, remain unchanged—just as I remember you."

Chu Xingchen swirled his teacup thoughtfully. "Luo Yu hasn’t changed much either. Whether you win or lose at Gentleman Mountain, where do you plan to go afterward? Once matters are settled, I could send Luo Yu to meet you."

Li Junzi considered this. "I shall see. If convenient, I will send word."

Chu Xingchen nodded and rose to his feet.

"Master Li, please rest here for a few days. Should you need anything, Baiqing will attend to you. The journey is long—I can arrange for a few cultivators to accompany you."

Li Junzi stood and bowed slightly. "Sect Leader, attend to your duties first."

Chu Xingchen returned the gesture, then ruffled Chen Baiqing’s hair affectionately.

"Brew Master Li two more pots of tea."

Chen Baiqing nodded obediently.

With an amused shake of his head, Chu Xingchen turned and strode toward the main hall.

Since he was back, he might as well settle another matter.

(If you can’t find the book by title, try searching the author—it might have been renamed!)

Outside the hall, Ning Qianqian’s steps carried a hint of urgency.

At her waist hung a token given by Chu Xingchen—not only could she use it to contact him with spiritual energy, but he could also reach her through it.

Pausing at the entrance, she spoke first: "Sect Leader."

From within, Chu Xingchen’s voice replied, "Enter."

Only then did Ning Qianqian step inside, her eyes landing on Chu Xingchen, who was idly toying with black and white Go stones.

Chu Xingchen met her gaze. Among the sect’s disciples, Ning Qianqian was perhaps the most meticulous in observing propriety—even when no rules were imposed, she handled affairs with impeccable care.

A pity, then, that she lacked any notable talent for cultivation.

Before she could speak, Chu Xingchen asked,

"You’ve reached the seventh layer of Qi Refinement?"

Ning Qianqian hesitated, then nodded faintly—her father had already reached Foundation Establishment with the sect’s resources.

She was the only disciple in the sect who couldn’t defeat its mascot—San Dong.

And San Dong cultivated purely for fun, practicing only when the mood struck and lazing about for months otherwise.

Ning Qianqian, however, spent even her nights in relentless cultivation, as if she wished she could devour spirit stones whole.

Yet progress grew ever slower.

Her voice was barely a whisper as she lowered her head. "I’ve shamed you, Sect Leader."

"There is no shame," Chu Xingchen said calmly. "You’ve managed the sect’s affairs flawlessly, though it has cost you much time."

Ning Qianqian’s heart clenched. She glanced up cautiously but remained silent.

Chu Xingchen did not keep her waiting. "I intend to send you to the Tianyan Sect for further study. They have more adept instructors and may uncover a cultivation method suited to your constitution."

"Qianqian dares not hope for so much," she murmured, eyes glistening. "This life was saved by you, Sect Leader. I only wish to lighten your burdens, however slightly."

Her knees bent slightly as if to kneel, but Chu Xingchen’s spiritual energy halted her mid-motion.

He lifted her gently with a pulse of energy and said,

"I’m not banishing you. You’re the one who keeps the sect running smoothly. If your cultivation reaches the Golden Core stage, the sect’s affairs could remain in order for at least five centuries."

"This idea came to me two years ago, but you were so driven in your training that I hesitated to mention it."

"Since I’m back now, I might as well escort you to the Tianyan Sect—saves me another trip later."

Tears welled in Ning Qianqian’s eyes as she processed his words. Finally, she nodded. "As you command, Sect Leader. But the spirit herbs in the sect… my father knows nothing of tending them."

Chu Xingchen chuckled.

"Leave them to San Dong. It’s always had a fondness for plants. For years, it’s been pestering me to let it care for the herbs—I refused, fearing it might kill them."

"But now the sect can afford the risk. Let San Dong try. Even if a batch dies, it’s no great loss."

"Pack what you need, bid your father farewell, and return whenever your training stabilizes—or whenever you wish."

"This is for your cultivation, not to sell you off. So act boldly. If anyone troubles you, remember—your Sect Leader stands behind you. No one mistreats our own."

Ning Qianqian’s face lit up with a smile as she nodded firmly.

She, too, was someone the Sect Leader acknowledged as his own.

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