At this moment, Tian Ling'er and Zhang Xiaofan had awakened from their unconscious state.
They stood in front of the hall, heads lowered, not daring to utter a word.
It was clear they knew they'd caused trouble.
"Hmph!" Tian Buyi snorted coldly, his voice sharp with reprimand. "Disciples of Qingyun Sect, yet you let a mere monkey make fools of you? What a disgrace!"
Tian Ling'er, still young, had rarely been scolded. Tian Buyi's stern tone was enough to make her eyes glisten with tears.
Drip, drip.
Tears fell uncontrollably.
Su Ru's heart ached at the sight, but she held her tongue. After all, Tian Ling'er had indeed gotten herself into danger.
What if something worse had happened?
Still, just because Su Ru didn't intervene didn't mean Ji Changfeng wouldn't.
He couldn't bear to see the little girl cry.
Stepping forward, he attempted to smooth things over. "Master, please don't be too upset."
"Actually, this monkey has quite an extraordinary origin…"
At that moment, the Three-Eyed Spirit Monkey, Xiao Hui, cowered behind Ji Changfeng, trembling. Among the crowd, only Ji Changfeng, who had saved it, offered a sense of security.
Tian Buyi was momentarily speechless. First the fire poker has a grand origin, and now this monkey too? Are all the treasures in the world hiding at Great Bamboo Peak? Why didn't I know about this before?
"Fine, tell me then. What's so special about this monkey?" Tian Buyi asked, his face stern.
Tian Ling'er blinked, her tears pausing as she fixed her wide, curious eyes on Ji Changfeng.
The other disciples leaned in, equally intrigued.
Ji Changfeng smiled lightly. "The ancient text Records of Gods and Demons: Spirit Beasts states: 'There exists a spiritual beast known as the Three-Eyed Spirit Monkey. In its youth, it resembles an ordinary monkey, but a third eye on its forehead marks its uniqueness. As it matures, this third eye gradually opens, granting heightened intelligence…'
"In adulthood, the Three-Eyed Spirit Monkey possesses clairvoyance and mastery of the five elemental immortal techniques! Its combat prowess is formidable!"
The hall fell silent, everyone stunned.
Three-Eyed Spirit Monkey?!
All eyes turned to Xiao Hui, noting the faint, unopened third eye on its forehead.
"Master, once Xiao Hui reaches maturity, it might well become Great Bamboo Peak's guardian beast," Ji Changfeng added with a smile.
Tian Buyi's mouth twitched. He glanced at Xiao Hui, then waved his sleeve dismissively. "Let's eat."
The group hadn't eaten yet, having waited for his return.
At his command, everyone hurried to their seats and began eating in silence.
After three or four months, Ji Changfeng had grown accustomed to Du Bishui's cooking. It was bearable now—at least he no longer felt like vomiting.
Ten minutes later, lunch was nearing its end.
Tian Ling'er was the first to set down her chopsticks. Her eyes darted mischievously as she grabbed Su Ru's arm. "Mama, I have something to tell you."
She shot a pointed glance at Ji Changfeng.
!!!
Ji Changfeng raised an eyebrow, coughing lightly to signal her to discuss it privately.
But Tian Ling'er, oblivious, blurted out, "Ji Changfeng said he wants to visit Small Bamboo Peak and asked if he could come along next time."
"…"
Ji Changfeng silently set down his chopsticks.
Well, that's social death.
The other disciples turned to him, their faces a mix of shock and amusement.
"Well, well, Seventh Junior Brother! I didn't know you were that kind of person!" one teased.
"Don't you know Small Bamboo Peak forbids all men from entering?" another chimed in.
"Exactly!"
"Give it up, Seventh Junior Brother!"
The group erupted in playful mockery, their eyes shifting to Su Ru, expecting her to shut down Ji Changfeng's request.
To their surprise, Su Ru didn't refuse.
Her gentle gaze settled on Ji Changfeng, a soft smile on her lips. "Changfeng, why do you want to go to Small Bamboo Peak?"
Ji Changfeng raised an eyebrow, standing respectfully to address her. "Shi niang, I simply wish to see the Moon-Gazing Platform, one of Qingyun's Seven Scenic Wonders."
And, well… maybe catch a glimpse of Xueqi while I'm at it.
"The Moon-Gazing Platform?" Su Ru blinked, slightly taken aback.
Ji Changfeng hesitated, then continued, "Master, shi niang, to be honest… when I saw the sea of clouds at Tongtian Peak, I gained a faint insight. But I haven't fully grasped it. I thought visiting the Moon-Gazing Platform might help me complete my understanding."
The room went silent.
Are you even human? Another "faint insight"?!
Tian Buyi's eyes lit up, his gaze locking onto Ji Changfeng with anticipation. "Old Seventh, what did you comprehend?"
Ji Changfeng replied calmly, "A sword technique—an unparalleled sword technique!"
Boom!
A peerless sword intent erupted from his body.
Sword Opens Heaven's Gate!
He had long since mastered this technique but couldn't perform it due to his low cultivation.
So, he used it as a convenient excuse.
Tian Buyi sensed the terrifying sword intent, his excitement palpable as he shot to his feet.
"This sword intent…" His eyes gleamed with delight.
He was certain that once this sword technique was fully realized, it would rival any sword art in Qingyun Sect—even the Divine Sword Thunder-Control True Art might pale in comparison.
"Go!" Tian Buyi declared. "We must go to Small Bamboo Peak!"
"Junior Sister, take a few of my Great Yellow Pills. Take Old Seventh to Small Bamboo Peak today and ensure he fully comprehends this peerless sword technique!" he said, practically vibrating with enthusiasm.
The other disciples were dumbfounded.
So that's it? The gap between a genius and ordinary people is that wide?
Song Daren, emboldened, looked at Su Ru with longing. "Shi niang, I… I'd also like to visit Small Bamboo Peak."
He hadn't seen Wen Min, Small Bamboo Peak's senior sister, in nearly sixty years. How I miss her!
"Go? Go where?" Tian Buyi snapped before Su Ru could respond. "All of you, stay at Great Bamboo Peak and cultivate properly!"
The disciples fell silent, though their eyes lingered on Su Ru, hopeful.
But Su Ru shook her head regretfully.
Changfeng is young and going for a legitimate purpose. You lot? Are you just going to ogle girls?
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