Early morning.
Chu Xingchen stretched lazily as he slowly walked out the door, his gaze instinctively drifting to the courtyard chair where Bai Xuanling usually sat.
When the great Bai Xuanling had free time, he always enjoyed sitting there elegantly sipping tea.
As expected, there was no sign of Bai Xuanling.
After returning from the spectator seats, Yunyun had immediately gone off to find Bai Xuanling to continue her training.
It seemed that Xu Jin's performance had likely put quite a bit of pressure on Yunyun.
However, it didn't really matter. The outcome of Yunyun's match wasn't crucial to the bigger picture; it could simply serve as practice for her.
If Yunyun lost, Chu Xingchen wouldn't participate in the final round.
Regardless of the outcome, the final exchange between Yunyun and Xu Jin would be the last match of the competition.
Chu Xingchen's match had already concluded ahead of time.
Still, there was some time before the next match. Xu Jin's injuries weren't serious at all—he didn't even need any medicinal pills. A good night's sleep would probably be enough for him to be back to his lively self.
But the tournament schedule was what it was.
After all, for immortals, even months could be counted in days. For the first-ever top-tier competition between the core disciples of the three sects to be completed in just three days and then everyone sent home felt rather amateurish.
It made one wonder if these people were just bored and staging a fixed match for entertainment.
Still, having some breaks between matches allowed for more preparation, which could lead to a more spectacular competition. That was a good thing, too.
It seemed that Chu Xingchen's purpose for coming to Xuanqing Heavenly Sect had mostly been fulfilled.
Currently, Lü Xuan was still engaged in discussion with Li Moze.
Chu Xingchen strolled leisurely toward the stone chairs, and his gaze could only catch glimpses of two or three disciples from Tianyan Sect.
Their movements seemed hurried, and they didn't spare him more than a passing glance.
Chu Xingchen had tried to converse with them, but their responses were overly formal and respectful. Any jokes he made would be taken seriously.
Or perhaps they knew it was a joke, but would still take it seriously.
Chu Xingchen sighed softly, finding himself missing his own disciples.
All he could hope for now was that everything would go smoothly, so he could return soon to see how his sect was faring.
But with time to spare, he might as well go find Yunyun and tease her a bit.
Seeing her all flustered and knowing she was about to get a beating was actually quite amusing. He'd find a chance to secretly use a Recording Stone to capture the moment and show it to Ling Yu later.
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Ten Thousand Flower Ridge.
The sun cast its warmth, a gentle breeze stirred the flowers, bringing with it a hint of tranquility.
Yet the atmosphere here was hardly peaceful. Houses of all shapes and sizes were currently in their final stages of construction.
Chen Baiqing watched with a serious and attentive expression, while simultaneously comparing the scene in his mind.
Though cultivators possessed immense strength and could accomplish many things with their cultivation, some skills and delicate tasks required expertise. Knowledge of architecture was not something that came naturally with increased cultivation, and building houses was a craft that needed to be learned.
Secondly, cultivators trained for cultivation, not for construction. For large-scale infrastructure, experienced workers were more suitable than cultivators.
Naturally, cultivators with construction experience were even better.
For this branch sect's construction, many cultivators were hired. Although they were almost all at the Qi Condensation stage, their cultivation made a significant difference, and the construction speed was greatly increased.
Although Chen Baiqing's progress on the disciples' residences was slightly slower, it had the advantage of involving fewer tasks.
However, there were troublesome matters too. Although Cui Hao had designed residence templates, everyone had their own ideas.
Some had many, others few.
Those with many, like Cui Hao, had nearly changed everything beyond recognition. Though later he voluntarily cut back quite a bit.
Those with few, like the Second Senior Brother, simply nodded silently—this is fine, it's already very good.
After all, having slept in ruined temples, having a house that didn't leak wind was already excellent for Li Xingtian.
Chen Baiqing wanted to build these houses according to their wishes as much as possible, not for any particular reason, but so they could move in satisfied, without any discomfort.
Every detail was carefully refined by Chen Baiqing, striving for excellence.
Naturally, the most attention was paid to his own master's residence.
In the original design, the master's residence was drawn in a separate area, apart from these disciples. But this design plan was directly rejected by the master.
In the master's words—"I don't want to have to cross half the sect just to chat with you all."
For his master's residence, Chen Baiqing had made subtle changes based on his master's usual living habits.
After observing for a moment and finding everything normal, Chen Baiqing turned to leave and report the situation to the Eldest Senior Sister. The residence area could begin preparing for the next phase.
The branch sect's construction progress was quite fast.
Although it would still be a long time before completion.
After all, a sect wasn't finished just by building houses.
Various ritual arrays and protective mountain formations all needed preparation.
Not long after Chen Baiqing left, he saw the somewhat listless Green Snake.
Qinghe had persisted for quite a while this time, but unfortunately, working every day without any play time was something it found hard to accept.
So it found an excuse, trying to return to Tianyan Sect to rest for a few days before coming back.
During this time, the Green Snake had been hanging out with Qinghe. The relationship between the two demons had grown quickly. Qinghe had even boasted that it would protect the Green Snake.
Ever since Qinghe ran off, the Green Snake seemed... reluctant?
Even working seemed lackluster.
Chen Baiqing hesitated slightly, then stopped: "Green Snake, if you're tired, go back and rest. Or wait until Qinghe returns."
The sect construction wouldn't fail just because of one snake.
Besides, this snake was also the protective divine beast designated by his master...
Although this snake was only at the Qi Condensation stage, its strength could already rival Sandong. But since it was acknowledged by the master, the proper concern should still be shown.
The Green Snake stopped its somewhat dazed movements and turned to look at Chen Baiqing. These words seemed to have an impact on it.
For some reason, the Green Snake suddenly became energized, its tone also becoming forceful: "No need, I can do it!"
Chen Baiqing's expression showed slight confusion. She understood people, but she really didn't understand snakes.
After thinking, Chen Baiqing just left behind: "If you want to go back and rest, go early."
As Chen Baiqing left, she suddenly heard the Green Snake mumbling behind her:
"No... I can't be so slack. Qinghe said we have to work hard and harder, only then will we have a way out!"
Chen Baiqing stopped at these words. She looked back slightly at the Green Snake's serious posture.
This snake didn't seem stupid before, it should have at least some brain matter.
How did it suddenly get completely fooled by Qinghe?
When this Green Snake finds out Qinghe's true nature someday, that would surely be interesting.
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