Chapter 97: A Moment of Leisurely Calm

The next morning.

Sunlight streamed through the window lattice into the room, landing on the bed.

Su Yun opened his eyes and felt refreshed all over.

He had slept well last night; it had been a long time since he felt this relaxed.

He looked down at his side.

Three people were lying across the bed in a jumble.

Elder Han Yue was resting her head on his left arm.

She was sleeping deeply, her breathing even, and her usually cold face was much softer in her dreams.

Behind her, Liu Wugou was sprawled over her, with one leg draped across her waist.

Elder Han Yue and Liu Wugou had actually fallen asleep curled up together.

These two women usually fought openly and covertly, constantly competing with each other and exchanging sharp looks at the slightest provocation.

Perhaps they were too tired last night, but they were actually sleeping right next to each other, completely unguarded.

Liu Wugou's hand rested on Elder Han Yue, and Elder Han Yue's head was tilted slightly toward Liu Wugou; their long hair was intertwined, making it impossible to tell whose was whose.

Seeing this, Su Yun couldn't help but chuckle.

If they were awake and saw this, they would probably start fighting on the spot.

He gently withdrew his arm, preparing to get up.

Elder Han Yue frowned and leaned closer to him, her hand unconsciously clutching the thin quilt.

Liu Wugou also stirred, mumbled something, and fell back asleep.

Su Yun paused his movements.

Zhao Lanxin was curled up in the farthest corner, her small body tucked into a ball, hugging a corner of the quilt, sleeping soundly.

A faint blush remained on her face, and the corners of her mouth were slightly upturned, as if she were having a pleasant dream.

Last night was her first time Cultivating with everyone…

Su Yun smiled, not having the heart to wake them up.

He carefully extricated himself from between the three women, put on the newly made moon-white robe, and pushed the door open to step out.

Outside the door, the morning light was perfect.

Golden sunlight flooded the valley, painting the scattered buildings in warm colors.

Su Yun took a deep breath and walked toward the main hall.

In the main hall, Xiaohe, who had become Liu Wugou's assistant, was organizing supplies.

Seeing Su Yun enter, she quickly bowed: "Good morning, Master!"

Su Yun nodded and asked: "Liu Wugou probably won't be able to get up today. How are the arrangements for the Trial Tower?"

Xiaohe blinked, quickly understanding what he meant, and her face flushed slightly.

"Reporting to Master, it has been arranged. The twenty sisters entering the tower today are in the Middle to Late Qi Refinement Stage; all of them are entering for the first time to gain some experience."

Su Yun nodded.

He had been thinking yesterday that since he had led the team for so many days, the main force was exhausted, and it was time to let them rest.

Moreover, the Trial Tower was meant for everyone; it shouldn't just be for those in the Foundation Establishment Stage.

Let the Disciples in the Qi Refinement Stage go in and experience it; even if they can't clear the levels, they can broaden their horizons and hone their practical combat skills.

"Very well, let them go." He nodded and then instructed.

"Remember to remind them that death inside the tower isn't real, but it will be very painful. Don't be careless."

Xiaohe nodded in acknowledgment.

Su Yun asked again: "Is there any news from the Central Region?"

Xiaohe said: "Elder Han Yue's Jade Slip lit up once this morning; it was a message from Master Qingxuan. This servant didn't dare to touch it and is waiting for Elder Han Yue to wake up to handle it."

Su Yun grunted in acknowledgment.

No rush.

Those people had just arrived at the Zhengyi Sect and were still gathering information; they wouldn't be able to find this place for a while.

With over two hundred pairs of eyes on Jade Maiden Peak watching, he would know immediately if there was any movement.

He walked out of the main hall and strolled slowly along the bluestone path through the valley.

The morning light spilled down, enveloping the entire valley in a warm glow.

The doors to the Cultivation chambers were open, and faint fluctuations of spiritual energy drifted out. Several Disciples were meditating and breathing, their expressions focused.

In the study room, some Disciples were frowning in deep thought over a Cultivation Technique Jade Slip, occasionally raising their hands to gesture.

By the spirit fields, several young girls had rolled up their sleeves and were bent over planting seedlings with practiced movements. Spirit spring water flowed along the irrigation ditches, nourishing the newly planted spirit rice.

Fragrances wafted from the direction of the cafeteria, and several Disciples in charge of meals were going in and out, carrying steaming bowls of spirit rice porridge to various places.

As Su Yun walked along, wherever he passed, the young girls would stop what they were doing and bow respectfully: "Good morning, Master!" "Master!" "Greetings, Master!"

Su Yun nodded slightly, occasionally stopping to ask about their Cultivation progress or to offer pointers on their Cultivation Technique.

When he reached the Cultivation chamber area, he happened to see Ling Shuang coming out of a quiet room.

She was still wearing that grey-green martial outfit, her hair tied up high, revealing her smooth forehead. However, there was a trace of fatigue between her brows.

Seeing Su Yun, she quickly bowed: "Master."

Su Yun nodded and checked her condition: "Didn't you rest well last night?"

Ling Shuang's face flushed slightly, and she said in a low voice: "Disciple… Disciple is fine."

Su Yun chuckled.

This girl was always so businesslike, yet she couldn't hide it when she got shy.

"You don't have to enter the tower today; take a good day of rest."

Ling Shuang nodded: "Yes, Master."

She paused and then whispered: "Master, Disciple… Disciple will work hard."

Su Yun looked at her and suddenly reached out to ruffle her hair.

Ling Shuang froze, her face turning bright red instantly.

"Cultivate well." Su Yun withdrew his hand and smiled. "You're already at Half-step Foundation Establishment; strive to make a Breakthrough soon."

Ling Shuang kept her head down, her voice as quiet as a mosquito's buzzing: "Yes… Master…"

Su Yun walked away with a smile.

Behind him, Ling Shuang stood in place. After a long while, she raised her head, looked at his back, and a flash of complex emotion crossed her eyes.

Then, she turned and returned to the quiet room. Continuing to Cultivate. Continuing to work hard. Continuing… to wait.

Su Yun continued walking forward.

While passing an open space, he saw Yin Hongyao leading a group of Blood Ghost Hall Disciples in their training.

They were practicing a Blood Evil Cultivation Technique, with blood-red light surging around them, cold and bone-chilling.

But at this moment, those demonic women who once killed without blinking were all focused, following Yin Hongyao's guidance, circulating their Qi again and again to polish their Foundation.

Yin Hongyao's eyes lit up when she saw Su Yun, and she hurried over: "Master!"

Su Yun nodded and glanced at the group of Disciples. "Good practice."

Yin Hongyao blushed, but for once she wasn't shy; instead, she puffed out her chest: "This subordinate has been diligently guiding them every day!"

Su Yun laughed. This girl had become much bolder since that night.

"Continue. In a while, I will have a task for you all."

Yin Hongyao's eyes brightened, and she nodded vigorously: "Yes, Master!"

Su Yun continued walking. Passing the area where the Qinglan Sect Disciples gathered, he saw Ye Lan sparring with several fellow Disciples.

Her sword technique was sharp and ruthless, completely unlike a fifteen or sixteen-year-old girl.

The Disciples watching nearby exclaimed from time to time.

Ye Lan finished her sword set, stood with her sword sheathed, and had a light sheen of sweat on her forehead.

When she turned and saw Su Yun, she was stunned for a moment, then ran over quickly. "Master!"

She tilted her small face up, her eyes sparkling. Su Yun looked at her and suddenly remembered how she looked when she was first subdued. She had grown up now.

"Good sword technique." He said.

Ye Lan blushed but couldn't help grinning: "Disciple practices diligently every day!"

Su Yun nodded, said nothing more, and continued walking. Behind him, Ye Lan stood in place, watching his retreating figure, and suddenly shouted: "Master! Disciple will work hard!"

Su Yun waved his hand without turning back.

After walking a bit further, he saw True Monarch Bingpo squatting by the spirit field, staring wide-eyed at the young girls planting seedlings.

Her small face was full of curiosity, and she had a blade of grass in her mouth, looking completely like a playful little child.

Who would have thought this creature was an ancient Nascent Soul master?

Su Yun walked over and squatted beside her. "What are you looking at?"

True Monarch Bingpo turned to look at him, her large blue eyes full of confusion: "Master, what are they doing?"

"Planting seedlings."

"What is planting seedlings?"

"Growing spirit rice."

True Monarch Bingpo blinked and nodded as if she understood. Then she asked: "Can I eat it after planting it?"

Su Yun nodded.

True Monarch Bingpo's eyes lit up, and she stared at the green seedlings, drool almost flowing out. "Then when can I eat it?"

Su Yun's mouth twitched. "…It will take a few more months."

True Monarch Bingpo's small face fell.

Su Yun chuckled and reached out to ruffle her hair. "Let's go, let's go to the cafeteria and see what there is to eat."

True Monarch Bingpo's eyes lit up again, and she followed him, skipping and jumping.

In the cafeteria, several Disciples in charge of meals were busy. Seeing Su Yun enter, they quickly bowed and then brought over steaming bowls of spirit rice porridge and several small side dishes.

Su Yun sat down, and True Monarch Bingpo squeezed in beside him, holding a bowl larger than her face, sipping the porridge in small mouthfuls. Her cheeks puffed out as she drank, looking like a little hamster.

Su Yun watched her and couldn't help but smile.