Chapter 1309: Hot Potato

Chapter 1309: Chapter 1309: Hot Potato

The proactive humility shown by Pei Yan and the customary polite words within the jianghu left Chu Luochen and Wan Qianli unexpectedly surprised. After exchanging a glance, Chu Luochen bowed deeply to the Spirit Lord, then picked up the wine cup on the table and declined the action of the serving maid pouring wine. He personally poured himself a cup, raised it, and smiled at Pei Yan, saying, "Pei Xiaoyou, you are too courteous. The grievances between our two sects ultimately stem from our own faults. It is because we failed to strictly discipline our followers, letting them run amok, which led to this trouble. Later, there were deliberate incitements to sow discord. At that time, your side was unaware of the situation in the Daoist Plane and prior conflicts had arisen, so it’s understandable that misunderstandings occurred. What’s commendable is that Pei Xiaoyou, along with your investigation team, not only did not kick us when we were down at Celestial Sword Manor but also made great efforts to investigate and clear our name, allowing my brother disciples to see the light of day today!"

At this point, Chu Luochen glanced at his junior brother. Wan Qianli, being perceptive, also poured himself a cup of wine. The two of them raised their cups towards Pei Yan, as Chu Luochen continued, "It was Pei Xiaoyou who helped us recognize the villains infiltrating our sect, and it was you who revealed who was framing us!"

As they spoke, Chu Luochen and Wan Qianli’s gazes intentionally or unintentionally swept towards the seating areas of the Hongjun Sword Furnace and the White Deer Institute. At this, Liu Xuanji simply stared back boldly without avoidance, while Su Fengchen looked indifferent, turning his head to enjoy the snowy scenery outside the pavilion. Seeing this, Chu Luochen withdrew his gaze and continued, "Therefore, you have been a benefactor to our Celestial Sword Manor. From now on, if you, Pei Yan, need any assistance from us, just send someone to deliver a message. No matter the distance or danger, Celestial Sword Manor will fully support you."

"Great! Elder Chu, straightforward!" Pei Yan responded with a good word, poured himself another cup, and the three drank together.

"Now that the misunderstanding is resolved, let’s sit down!" Lin Ruxue, seeing the three clear the air, began to instruct.

After everyone was seated again, Lin Ruxue looked around and smiled, "Today, I’ve arranged this banquet not only to discuss relationships but also to announce a few things while everyone is here."

The attendees, seeing that Lin Ruxue was finally about to address the main issues, sat upright and listened attentively. Lin Ruxue gestured to Lin Junzhao sitting to her left and introduced, "This person needs no introduction; I believe many of you already know who she is. That’s right! While exploring the Cornerstone Plane, there was indeed a mentor-apprentice relationship between Jun Zhao and me. However, times have changed, and we both hold equivalent positions as the Heaven and Earth Origin. The teacher and student names are no longer suitable for us. But given our past bond, we have decided to call each other sisters. We share the same master, the Heavenly Dao! From now on, within this Immortal Palace, my junior sister and I have equal authority. I will take the title of Spirit Emperor, while she will use my former title."

Lin Daozi, seemingly aware of this beforehand, was the first to stand and respectfully said, "Disciple Lin Yiqiu congratulates Master on ascending to Emperor, and Master Uncle on becoming the new Spirit Lord!"

The other sect leaders, not wanting to appear foolish, promptly joined in the chorus of congratulations: "Greetings to His Majesty the Spirit Emperor, and the new Spirit Lord!"

Everyone rose to offer congratulations, except for Pei Yan, who remained seated, observing Lin Ruxue’s probing gaze. Pei Yan chuckled and said, "As I suspected, you favor me. Ah! Following Master, my status rises. I was a little disciple grandson, and now I’ve become a senior nephew." Saying this, Pei Yan pointed at Lin Daozi and laughed, "It always felt awkward seeing him as a junior, but now being peers feels better."

Pei Yan’s playful banter made Lin Ruxue burst into laughter, and seeing the new Spirit Emperor laugh prompted everyone else to join in with understanding smiles. Seeing this, Pei Yan continued, "My, my, Master Uncle gave my Master the Spirit Lord position, so I must try to get a special advisor position at the investigation team for you, even if it means sacrificing half of my salary for the year."

"Haha, enough already! I know your little schemes. I granted your Master these powers because of our friendship, not to obtain equivalent power on your Cornerstone Plane. Besides, do you need to fight for an advisor position with me?" Lin Ruxue pierced through Pei Yan’s intentions with a mocking smile.

"Yes! Yes! Yes! It was my petty heart that judged His Majesty the Spirit Emperor wrongly. You’re right! What’s the use of an advisory position at the investigation team? Just hint a little that you want it, and that old Gu Shenghui would line up politely to invite you."

"I’ll remember that! Be sure to tell Gu Chu when you see him."

"Uh!"

Seeing Pei Yan’s deflated expression, Lin Ruxue felt particularly pleased. She then signaled everyone to sit down again and waved to the pavilion opening. The young girl whom Pei Yan had just teased until she cried quickly walked to Lin Ruxue’s side. Lin Ruxue, holding her hand, looked at Pei Yan and challenged him, "You made my closed-door disciple cry, so how do you plan on fixing it?"

"Uh! It was just a little joke between senior nephew and junior sister. If she’s still upset, I will apologize to her."

As Pei Yan tried to stand to apologize, Lin Ruxue held his wrist, laughing coldly, "Apologize? An apology won’t fix this. You need to accept punishment!"

"Punishment?" Pei Yan was taken aback by Lin Ruxue elevating such a trivial matter and then looked towards Lin Junzhao, who nodded back, indicating prior agreement on this matter. Pei Yan could only sigh helplessly, "Master Uncle, you just became Spirit Emperor and are already going to punish me? Then what will the punishment be? Make sure to say it in advance, as I don’t have anything of value."

"I know you’re someone who takes in but doesn’t give out, so I’m not expecting you to produce anything valuable to me. The punishment is you’ll look after my disciple until she reaches adulthood!"

"Ah!" Pei Yan was so shocked by these words that he sprang to his feet, exclaiming in surprise.

"What, you don’t want to?" Lin Ruxue raised an eyebrow, showing her displeasure.

"It’s not about wanting to or not! How would I have time to look after her! Besides, as a man, it wouldn’t be appropriate; I, I, I’m not even married yet!"

Seeing Pei Yan, who last night had appeared so composed and in control before everyone, now look so awkward and flustered, the people in the pavilion couldn’t help but laugh. Among the laughter, Lin Ruxue gently caressed the young girl’s hair and sincerely praised her, "This cannot be opposed. This decision was agreed upon between your Master and me. My disciple comes from the Langya Wang Family, a long-standing family in the cultivation community, known for their righteous conduct. I’ve observed her talent, and it’s exceptional. She doesn’t carry the arrogance often seen in descendants from established families. With great potential and resilience, she is an excellent candidate for cultivation. If cultivated properly, her future is limitless. Your Master is also very pleased with her."