Chapter 56: The Newly Arrived Insider

The senior brother whom Hongjian had yet to meet was named Ding Chunxue. Like Jian Hui, he was well-known among the Water Spiritual Roots sect of Pill Cliff, and often mentioned by the elders. Yet Ding Chunxue’s journey in cultivation was far more arduous and inspiring than Jian Hui’s.

He struggled for more than forty years before barely reaching the Foundation Establishment stage. During that period, he had changed teachers several times—each master praised his diligence and perseverance, lamenting only his lack of innate talent. Many of his peers were abandoned by the sect, and every time, he only just managed to retain his place. In the end, perhaps even the heavens were moved by his persistence. At the moment he finally established his foundation, his very first teacher Yan Changqing succeeded in forming his core. Remembering their old bond, Yan Changqing immediately accepted him as a disciple.

Perhaps it was the shared character “snow” in their names, but after moving to Piling Snow Cliff, Ding Chunxue suddenly saw a breakthrough. His cultivation speed remained slow, but, curiously, he seemed immune to the usual bottlenecks of the Foundation Establishment stage. Step by step, he advanced smoothly to the peak of Foundation Establishment—and now, he too had formed his core.

After a while, the wind stilled and the clouds parted. Low, muffled thunder rumbled from the vortex of spiritual energy above Ding Chunxue’s dwelling. Then, the gathered energy poured downward like a dragon plunging into the sea.

Qin Baoxian exclaimed with delight, “He’s succeeded!”

Yan Changqing’s joyful laughter echoed across Piling Snow Cliff. Soon after, a respectful voice from the house before Hongjian answered, “Thank you for your concern, Master. Your disciple has been in seclusion for many days and, by good fortune, has managed to form his core. I will bathe briefly and then come to pay my respects.”

Yan Changqing replied, “No hurry. Baoxian, Hongjian, you two should come as well to congratulate your senior brother. His achievement was hard-won indeed.”

Hongjian understood that Yan Changqing was watching the area with his divine sense, thus he knew she and her second senior brother were there witnessing the event. Regardless of whether he could hear her, she promptly responded, “Yes.”

Ding Chunxue’s appearance was exceedingly ordinary, and by Foundation Establishment standards, he was already quite advanced in age. But now that he had formed his core, the situation was entirely different. Yan Changqing, his prior displeasure over Jian Hui’s death swept away, looked upon his eldest disciple with ever-growing satisfaction and said, “It seems your master truly knows how to spot a dark horse. If you continue to cultivate like this, perhaps one day you may even attempt the Nascent Soul stage. Ha! In any case, surpassing your master is certain.”

He gestured to Qin Baoxian and Hongjian, who had accompanied his eldest disciple, and smiled. “Baoxian has already introduced you, I presume. This young girl is my newest disciple. Both of you should learn well from your senior brother.”

On the way, Ding Chunxue had indeed heard Qin Baoxian’s introduction. He was slightly surprised that the master had broken with tradition to accept a young girl who had not yet established her foundation. That aside, on such an important occasion as his own core formation, their third brother Jian Hui had yet to appear. Was he not in the sect? Clearly, much had happened during his time in seclusion.

Before he could inquire, Yan Changqing said enthusiastically, “Your grandmaster must have sensed it already. Come, I’ll take you all to share the good news.” The addition of a new Core Formation cultivator to Evening Tide Peak was a major event. Peak Lord Sun Yougong was surely awaiting them. Ding Chunxue swallowed his questions for now and responded in unison with Qin Baoxian and Hongjian.

On the way to meet Sun Yougong, Yan Changqing finally remembered the incident from earlier and said to Hongjian, “Your Aunt Ying married far overseas and hasn't returned to the sect in thirty years. Her temper has grown stranger with time. Since you are unharmed, put today’s mishap out of your mind.”

The incident had happened hours ago, and Hongjian had long since regained her composure. Inwardly she grumbled, but her face remained calm. “Master, rest assured. I understand.”

Ding Chunxue was startled and interjected, “Aunt Ying has returned?”

Seeing even the uninformed Qin Baoxian pale, Hongjian realized how formidable this Aunt Ying was—her two senior brothers were clearly well aware of her reputation.

Yan Changqing nodded, “Yes, she’s with your grandmaster right now.”

Ding Chunxue fell silent, while Qin Baoxian looked surprised, then understanding dawned. “Has she come back to ask something of Grandmaster?”

Yan Changqing snorted, “Be careful what you say. Do not provoke her. Today, your junior sister nearly lost her life to her.”

Hongjian lowered her head, pouting in silent protest. “I did nothing to provoke that old witch. I was just unlucky.” Hearing Aunt Ying was with Grandmaster Sun Yougong, Hongjian felt a pang of dread. But now that they were almost there, she could find no excuse to slip away and could only steel herself: surely she wouldn’t dare cause trouble in front of Grandmaster.

Sun Yougong’s residence appeared in no time. Yan Changqing led them inside after announcing their arrival.

Hongjian’s eyes widened in disbelief, and even Qin Baoxian seemed to think he was seeing things, wanting to rub his eyes. Grandmaster Sun Yougong sat comfortably on his couch, sipping tea, while Aunt Ying stood by, pouring and serving him with a radiant smile. Even when she glanced at them, her gaze was gentle, sending chills down their spines.

Sun Yougong had already felt Ding Chunxue’s breakthrough. In front of his disciples and grand-disciples, he congratulated him warmly, chatted amiably with Yan Changqing, and finally, when Yan Changqing noticed the master seemed ready to rest and prepared to take his leave, Aunt Ying called out in a coy voice, “Master!”

Hongjian felt a shiver run down her spine. Given Aunt Ying’s age, she was still pretending to be a young girl before Grandmaster? Did Grandmaster have a particular fondness for this act?

Sure enough, Sun Yougong laughed, “All right, you have my word. I know the child. He’s quite gifted. I’ll make an exception—have your senior brother take him to Piling Snow Cliff to teach him well.”

With Grandmaster’s approval, the matter was settled. Aunt Ying cheered, immediately bowing to Yan Changqing. “Senior brother Yan, I must leave tomorrow. The boy will be in your care. Teach him as you taught Chunxue; help him become accomplished soon.”

Yan Changqing smiled, “Rest assured, junior sister.”

Aunt Ying smiled slyly. “Then I’ll trouble little Baoxian to deliver the message to your junior brother.”

Qin Baoxian nearly broke out in a sweat. He glanced at his grandmaster and hurriedly replied, “Please, Aunt Ying, don’t say that. I’ll go at once.”

Satisfied, Aunt Ying turned to look at Hongjian, her brows drawing together slightly. Hongjian, unsure what new trouble was in store, lowered her head and avoided her gaze.

Aunt Ying sighed softly. “It’s not easy being a female cultivator. Seeing you reminds me of my own youth. You are luckier than I was. Get along well with your junior brother; perhaps one day you’ll forge a fine match and become Dao companions with Zaizhi. Then you won’t end up like me, unable to fulfill your filial duties to Master.”

She spoke wistfully, but Hongjian only grew more indignant. Chen Zaizhi had formally become a disciple after her, so naturally, she was now his senior. But who wanted to marry him? And with such a patronizing tone! The veins on Hongjian’s forehead nearly bulged. Annoying Chen Zaizhi—don't think you’ll have an easy time!