Xu Wen hurried toward the Ninth Peak.
At a glance, he could already sense that Gu Chenyuan and the others had changed. Their physical bodies seemed significantly stronger. What on earth had the Sect Master done in such a short amount of time?
Though curiosity clawed at his insides, Xu Wen remained composed on the surface and respectfully said, "Sect Master, Shao Fei and his disciples have prepared lunch."
"Sect Master Gu, Elders—would you care to join us?" Tara York extended the invitation graciously.
"Thank you for saving us a meal," Gu Chenyuan replied hastily.
Tara led the group with a single step across space to the Outer Sect kitchens.
A thick, savory aroma greeted them instantly, stirring appetites all around.
A large round table was laid out with an impressive variety of dishes—meat, vegetables, sweet and salty, mild and spicy—all perfectly balanced.
Tara gave the table a quick once-over. These dishes looked uncannily similar to the Chinese cuisine of her home world, Blue Star.
Shao Fei, hands still damp from cooking, nervously wiped them on his apron. "Please, my lady, do have a taste."
The more Tara ate, the more pleasantly surprised she became. Not only did the food resemble Blue Star's delicacies in appearance, but the flavors were just as authentic. It was exactly to her taste.
At her urging, Gu Chenyuan and the other elders also sat down to sample the meal. They weren't usually ones to fuss about flavor—they cared more about the effects—but delicious food with powerful effects? That was a rare treat.
Little Shi Jingjing, barely more than a child, clutched a huge pork leg, her mouth slick with grease as she tore into it with reckless abandon. Her appearance was anything but refined.
After trying every dish, Tara sipped her tea with satisfaction. "Your culinary skills are truly exceptional."
At her praise, Shao Fei finally relaxed, visibly letting out a breath of relief.
Tara then asked, "You and your disciples—would you be willing to stay here in Starfall Sect?"
"Yes! Absolutely!" Shao Fei's joy spilled over his voice. He dropped to his knees with a thud. "Sect Master, please accept this humble one's allegiance!"
He knocked his forehead to the ground three times without hesitation. Not a hint of reluctance.
The saying went, "A man's knees are made of gold." But Shao Fei clearly thought it just meant the bribe wasn't big enough.
His two chubby disciples followed suit, kneeling and kowtowing eagerly.
"Stand up," Tara waved a hand. A soft wave of energy lifted them effortlessly to their feet. "To join Starfall Sect, your spiritual root must be at least grade seven."
Shao Fei froze. A chill ran through him.
He only had a sixth-grade spiritual root. What now?Would the Sect Master reject him after all?
Just as Shao Fei's heart threatened to leap from his chest, Tara said calmly, "Sit cross-legged. Focus your mind and center your qi."
"Huh?" Shao Fei blinked.
He didn't know what she was about to do, but instinct took over. He obediently sat down and closed his eyes, though his mind remained in turmoil.
A moment later, a warm sensation spread through his forehead. Then, his entire body felt as though it had been submerged in a hot spring. The comfort was overwhelming.
Within seconds, Shao Fei had drifted off into a peaceful slumber.
In his dream, he found himself in a place teeming with life—vibrant, pure, and incredibly beautiful.
Had it not been for a sudden, sharp pain in his ear, he might've stayed asleep forever.
"Ow! Ow ow ow—"
Shaofei's eyes flew open. Standing over him was none other than Xu Wen, tugging at his ear with a smug smile, as if he intended to rip it right off.
"My ear's gonna fall off!" Shao Fei yelped, swatting at his hand. "Old man Xu, let go already!"
Xu Wen finally released him. "The Sect Master said to wake you in half an hour. I'm just following orders."
"You could've used your mouth to wake me!"
"This way is faster," Xu Wen replied with a grin.
"You—!"
Shao Fei glared at him, ready to argue when Xu Wen cut him off. "Alright, enough. Check your spiritual root."
"…Huh?" Shao Fei was still groggy. But when he finally checked—he froze.
He looked at Xu Wen. Then down at himself. Then over at Gu Chenyuan and the others.
He repeated this back-and-forth several more times.
"Idiot." Xu Wen smacked him on the back of the head.
"I… I have a seventh-grade spiritual root now…" Shao Fei didn't even react to the slap. His voice was dazed and hollow.
"Old man Xu, quick, check me again. Am I really a seventh-grade?"
"Did you bring a testing stone?"
"I have to test it."
Xu Wen yanked him back before he could float away in happiness. "You don't need a testing stone. It's already changed."
"The Sect Master did it herself. You think there'd be a mistake?"
"Not just you—your disciples are seventh-grade now too."
"From now on, they'll handle the Outer Sect kitchens."
"You, on the other hand, will cook exclusively for the Sect Master."
"R-really?" Shao Fei staggered, drunk on joy, eyes gleaming like he'd won the celestial lottery.
"Of course it's true," Gu Chenyuan said. "We all saw it with our own eyes."
"She really is the greatest under the heavens," murmured Yu Ruyi, her eyes full of awe. "She can raise someone's spiritual root with just a thought."
"I told you this opportunity was heaven-sent," Xu Wen sniffed with exaggerated pride. "You didn't believe me at first!"
"I believe you now. From this day forward, whatever you say, I'll believe," Shao Fei swore solemnly.
Then he dropped to his knees again and knocked his head to the floor once more.
Xu Wen quickly pulled him up. "What are you doing now?"
"What Lord Gu said earlier was right. I should thank you properly for this opportunity." Shao Fei was serious.
"Idiot," Xu Wen muttered again, shoving him lightly. Then he straightened up and said with conviction, "As long as we follow the Sect Master with sincerity, our future will know no bounds."
Hearing this, Lin Danhua tugged on Gu Chenyuan's sleeve. "Sect Master, let's get back to our tasks. The sooner we're done, the sooner we can return."
"Agreed," said Li Changtian, nodding quickly.
"I'm on board as well," Yu Ruyi added.
Gu Chenyuan looked toward Xu Wen. "Elder Xu, then we'll be taking our leave for now."
Once they departed the Starfall Sect, Gu Chenyuan summoned a spirit vessel and led the nine other elders toward Mistveil Sect.
—Meanwhile, in the Central Continent, within Heaven's One Sect—
Song Jue did not linger in Heng City.
He didn't even step foot into the Yue family's estate. Without pause, he boarded his spirit vessel and flew off.
Though furious, he hadn't abandoned Yue Ran. He took her along with him.
Only then did Yue Dekong breathe a sigh of relief. Fortunately, his granddaughter had managed to secure a place in Song Jue's heart. Otherwise, today's disaster would've made the Yue family a laughingstock.
As he rested and healed, Yue Dekong couldn't help but think of that ethereal, commanding voice.
Just one word had scattered a thunder tribulation.
Just one scoff had erased the soul shadow of an Immortal Saint.
Who was that mysterious figure?
If the Yue family could latch onto such a powerful ally…
That thought alone made Yue Dekong leap from bed. He immediately began issuing orders.
From this day forth, the clan would select the most handsome men to train in the art of "Lustrous Charm Physique" as well.
After all, beauty was universally admired. A female powerhouse likely appreciated it just the same.
—After leaving Heng City, Song Jue flew straight to the nearest Heaven's One Sect-affiliated branch sect.
From their teleportation array, he instantly returned to the main sect.
Without pause, he brought Yue Ran straight to the Sword Pavilion, where the Grand Elder resided.