Chapter 979 - 458: Master’s Gift, Reunion with Old Friends (Part 2)

Chen Ye took a sip of tea, recovering his energy, and felt all his fatigue vanish when he saw the three adorable apprentices in front of him.

He set down the teacup and, smiling, ruffled Qing Jun’s little head:

"What’s this? Did you think Master went out and would bring back some delicious food? Silly girl, Master just went to Dubhe Hall, not the Market."

"That’s not true!"

Qing Jun wrinkled her delicate nose in slight dissatisfaction and hummed,

"Does Master think that all Qing Jun does is eat? Qing Jun was obviously concerned about Master, worried that Master might be bullied outside!"

Of course, if Master could indeed conjure up something delicious, that would be even better.

"Yes, yes, Qing Jun is the most considerate one."

Chen Ye chuckled softly, naturally knowing what the little girl was thinking.

He didn’t keep them in suspense any longer and patted the Storage Bag at his waist.

"Zheng—"

The clear, ethereal sound of the sword echoed, like a long birdcall.

A lightweight Flying Sword, about three feet long, hovered steadily in front of Qing Jun.

The moment the Flying Sword appeared, a subtle breeze blew, lifting Qing Jun’s bangs slightly.

"Is this... a Second Tier Top Grade?!"

Zhiwei and Jin’er felt the Spiritual Essence in the sword far surpassing ordinary Magical Treasures, their eyes narrowed.

"This sword is called the Cyan Marrow, a Second Tier Top Grade Magical Treasure, which I specifically selected for you from the sect’s treasure vault."

Chen Ye looked at the somewhat dazed Qing Jun and explained with a smile,

"So, do you like it? Even Master’s Jade Concealment is only Second Tier Upper Grade."

"Wow! Second Tier Top Grade!"

The little girl was curiously examining the Flying Sword, and upon hearing it was Second Tier Top Grade, her big eyes immediately turned starry-eyed. She hugged the Cyan Marrow Sword tightly, rubbing it lovingly, the corners of her mouth almost reaching the back of her head,

"Thank you, Master! Master, you’re the best! Qing Jun will definitely use it to... ahem, cultivate well in the future!"

Chen Ye shook his head with a smile, then took out a small white jade bottle exuding boundless Vitality from the Storage Bag, handing it to Jin’er behind him.

"Jin’er, this is Taiyi Qinghua Dew, a rare Wood Series Spiritual Object of Heaven and Earth. Take it to the backyard to feed it to the Vine King. This can help it unlock its plant spiritual essence and comprehend the opportunity of growth. If all goes well, with its help, the Vine King should easily break through to Late-stage Foundation Establishment."

The Vine King was now Jin’er’s protective Demon Plant. If it broke through, Jin’er’s safety would have another layer of assurance.

"Yes, thank you, Master. I’ll go feed it to the Vine King now."

Jin’er carefully held the Jade Bottle with both hands and put it away.

Lastly,

Chen Ye looked at the quiet eldest apprentice and said softly:

"Zhiwei, you don’t lack Magical Treasures right now. You have a Second Tier Top Grade Sword Pill and three Second Tier Top Grade Gourd Swords. But in the path of cultivation, these external objects are not necessarily better in quantity. If not careful, they may distract your focus."

"So, this time I didn’t select a ready-made Magical Treasure for you from the treasure vault."

Zhiwei nodded obediently, speaking softly:

"I understand, Master. I will remember Master’s teachings. The weapons I have now are sufficient, I won’t bite off more than I can chew."

"It’s good that you understand."

Chen Ye’s eyes flashed with a hint of relief, but then he changed the topic again,

"However, your cultivation in the Sword Array emphasizes the Five Elements nurturing each other. Now, your Dayan Wind and Thunder Sword Array is not yet fulfilled. Once the sect’s current turmoil settles down, I will take time to go to Divine Mist Valley and personally acquire that Earth Gourd Sword for you."

When Zhiwei heard this, a warm feeling flowed through her heart.

Master is always like this.

Always mindful of each apprentice’s feelings, never favoring one over the other, and even in these small details, everything is arranged clearly.

...

In the following days.

Though Chen Ye’s mission was confidential, news of his return to the sect still spread internally.

This usually quiet Cangli Courtyard became unexpectedly lively.

Many acquaintances of Chen Ye came with generous gifts to visit.

Faced with the continuous stream of visitors, Chen Ye felt a bit overwhelmed, but secretly let out a sigh of relief.

The presence of these guests actually made the atmosphere in the courtyard much more relaxed.

Bai Susu was never one for handling these hollow formalities and social niceties.

As soon as she heard there were visitors, she used the excuse of needing to seclude and comprehend Sword Intent, immersing herself in cultivation for several days.

Or rather, Bai Susu was never interested in competing with others for attention, coming to Cangli Courtyard more out of caution toward Qin Jiaming.

As for Qin Jiaming, her identity was top secret and couldn’t be casually exposed.

Thus, Chen Ye justifiedly used the excuse that "Miss Qin enjoys peace and cannot meet guests," making her stay quietly in the west wing room or letting her go for a walk in the back mountain.

"Peak Master Chen, this old man came uninvited, pardon the intrusion!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Ye looked up to see an elderly man with white hair stepping into the inner courtyard; it was Bai Susu’s Guardian, Bai Liuyue.

Beside him was Bai Susu’s uncle, Bai Wuji.

After not seeing each other for some time, Bai Wuji no longer looked as haggard as before, his eyes fixated directly on the Quiet Chamber, likely already aware of Bai Li’s return to the sect.

"Elder Bai personally visiting, Chen Ye apologies for not greeting you sooner."

Chen Ye stood up, politely cupping his hands.

"Ah, no need for this formality between us, Peak Master Chen."

Bai Liuyue winked at Chen Ye, feigning sudden realization,

"Oh! Turns out it was this old man being formal, no, it isn’t Peak Master Chen, it’s Chen son-in-law! Oh, and also the Bai Family’s great benefactor!"

"Elder, please don’t tease the junior, what I did was merely my duty."

Chen Ye smiled humbly and led the two into the courtyard.