With Gu He's speed, he reached the summit of Misty Cloud Mountain in an instant, cradling Qing Lin in his arms before landing gracefully in his courtyard.
"Qing Lin, from now on, this will be your home within the Misty Cloud Sect," Gu He said gently, sweeping his gaze across the spacious yard.
"What a huge courtyard!"
The Qing Lin's eyes widened in awe as she took in the sight before her, her youthful face brimming with excitement and anticipation.
"Teacher, you're back?"
Just then, hurried footsteps echoed through the courtyard, followed by the crisp, delighted voice of the Little Fairy Doctor.
When Gu He had landed earlier, he hadn't concealed his aura, nor had he lowered his voice during his conversation with Qing Lin.
Sensing the familiar presence and hearing the voice she had longed for, the Little Fairy Doctor immediately rushed out from her room.
As Gu He looked up, the white-clad fairy-like figure of the Little Fairy Doctor came into view.
"Teacher, it really is you!"
The moment she saw Gu He, the Little Fairy Doctor could no longer suppress the longing in her heart.
Like a swallow returning to its nest, she dashed toward him and threw herself into his embrace.
Having been apart for a month, Gu He had missed this affectionate disciple as well.
Gazing at the Little Fairy Doctor nestled in his arms, a tender smile crossed his face as he patted her back gently. "There, there. Isn't your teacher back now?"
"Teacher, I missed you so much!"
The Little Fairy Doctor lifted her head slowly, her bright eyes glistening with tears as she spoke in a slightly aggrieved tone.
Gu He wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes with a light chuckle. "Alright, no more crying. If you keep this up in front of your junior sister, it won't leave a very dignified impression."
"Junior sister?"
At those words, the Little Fairy Doctor sniffled, a flicker of curiosity flashing in her eyes as she peered behind Gu He.
Only then did she realize there was someone else present. Remembering her earlier display of emotion, a faint blush spread across her fair cheeks.
Qing Lin, naturally timid, had grown slightly more confident under Gu He's guidance, but she still shied away from strangers.
When the Little Fairy Doctor emerged, she instinctively hid behind Gu He, peeking out cautiously.
Watching the Little Fairy Doctor cry in Gu He's arms, Qing Lin recalled how Gu He often spoke of her and Liu Ling. She quickly pieced together the girl's identity.
'So this is my second senior sister?'
Qing Lin studied the girl in Gu He's embrace with innocent curiosity. 'Turns out Second Senior Sister is a crybaby.'
Unbeknownst to the Little Fairy Doctor, her first impression on her junior sister was that of a weeping maiden.
Noticing Qing Lin behind Gu He, the Little Fairy Doctor quickly composed herself, though her eyes still shimmered with unshed tears. Her cheeks flushed as she stared blankly at the girl in green before her.
Meanwhile, Qing Lin tilted her head slightly, observing her senior sister with equal curiosity.
'Senior sister is so beautiful!' Qing Lin thought in awe.
The Little Fairy Doctor, in turn, found herself captivated by the timid girl in green. 'She's adorable!'
Unaware of the thoughts racing through his disciples' minds, Gu He found their silent staring match amusing. Seeing Qing Lin still hiding behind him, he sighed inwardly—her shyness hadn't changed much.
Gently, he pulled the Qing Lin forward. "Qing Lin, this is the second senior sister I told you about. Why don't you greet her properly?"
Flushing crimson, Qing Lin lowered her gaze timidly before mustering a soft, crisp voice. "Senior sister."
The Little Fairy Doctor's heart melted instantly. 'Such an adorable junior sister!'
After introducing the Little Fairy Doctor, Gu He turned to her. "Disciple, this is your new junior sister, Qing Lin. From now on, I'll leave her in your care."
The Little Fairy Doctor nodded cheerfully. Stepping closer, she ruffled Qing Lin's hair affectionately and bent down slightly. "Junior Sister, my name is Little Fairy Doctor (Xiao Yi Xian). What's yours?"
"Qing Lin," the girl replied shyly.
"Qing Lin…" The Little Fairy Doctor repeated softly before beaming. "What a lovely name! You're such a sweet little junior sister."
Suddenly remembering something, she swiped her hand over her storage ring, producing a delicate jade vial.
"Junior Sister, this is Spirit Quenching Liquid that I refined. Consider it a gift from me." She pressed the vial into Qing Lin's palm.
Staring at the jade bottle, Qing Lin blinked in surprise before murmuring, "Thank you, Senior Sister."
Gu He's eyes flickered with astonishment as he examined the vial. "Little girl, have you broken through to the third-tier in alchemy?"
The Spirit Quenching Liquid was a third-grade concoction—something only a third-rank alchemist could refine.
The Little Fairy Doctor nodded, her face glowing with pride. "Yes, Teacher. Just a few days ago, I advanced to the third tier."
"Actually, it's all thanks to the pill you gave me. Without it, I might have needed several more months to break through." Her eyes shone with gratitude as she spoke.
The Soul Pill was a top-tier fifth-grade pill. After consuming it, the Little Fairy Doctor's spiritual power had surged dramatically.
Having inherited Gu He's insights as a sixth-tier alchemist, she only needed sufficient soul power and some refining experience to advance smoothly. With the pill's aid, her breakthrough had come swiftly.
Gu He nodded approvingly. "Keep up the good work. If you continue progressing, I will reward you again soon."
He did a quick mental calculation—it had been about ten days since her last breakthrough, totaling a month.
'By then, the system's ten-thousand-fold return mechanism will activate again.'
The thought brought him a flicker of satisfaction. Staying with the Misty Cloud Sect and nurturing his disciples was undoubtedly the right choice. A few more rounds of guidance, and his own strength would rise exponentially.
Encouraged by his words, the Little Fairy Doctor clenched her fists, determination burning in her eyes. "Teacher, I'll work even harder!"
"Teacher!"
"Teacher, you're back?"
"I've already broken through!"
Just then, another set of hurried footsteps approached the courtyard, followed by Liu Ling's exhilarated voice.
Clearly, news of Gu He's grand return had reached him as well. Having just achieved a breakthrough, Liu Ling was overjoyed and rushed straight to Gu He's courtyard.
…
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