Seeing Cui Hao's impressive design, Chu Xingchen did not hesitate to take the lead in applauding.
This time, Li Yingling's reaction was faster than Chen Baiqing's—almost in the next moment, she caught up with Chu Xingchen's clapping rhythm.
Chen Baiqing was a beat slower, and the force of her clapping was much lighter as well.
Compared to her junior martial brother, naturally her master was more important. As the third senior sister, all Chen Baiqing could do was clap with less force.
San Dong also applauded with great joy.
The force was full and hearty, the sound exceptionally loud, and a genuine smile appeared on her face.
Whatever else might be unclear, from this it was evident that San Dong truly liked this design.
Lin Luoyan glanced at Cui Hao and sighed softly in her heart.
She did not join in the applause.
After all, Cui Hao had indeed put in great effort on the matter of debate studies. During that period, Cui Hao had basically been inseparable from his books.
Daoist Yuyang did not applaud either.
As a guest himself, and Cui Hao could be considered something of a host, it would be improper.
Family members could tease their own family members, but for him as a guest to do so would be extremely impolite.
Facing the applause, Cui Hao looked shyly at the flowers at his feet.
San Dong was somewhat puzzled.
Why was it that after everyone had applauded together and the sect master had even praised Cui Hao several times, Cui Hao was still hanging his head with what seemed to be a forced smile on his face?
San Dong thought for a moment and could only conclude that perhaps it was because Cui Hao had always preferred to work quietly without seeking credit.
Faced with this kind of praise from everyone together, he clearly wasn't used to it.
One could only say—worthy of being Cui Hao.
After the applause ended, Chu Xingchen did not say anything more and simply moved past this matter.
Although the roof's function seemed rather baffling, San Dong liked it, and that was what mattered.
It couldn't really be called a mistake—just making a few sarcastic remarks to see Cui Hao's ashamed expression was nice too.
This fellow had always been thick-skinned; making him feel ashamed was no easy feat.
Daoist Yuyang took a few more glances at that room.
He indeed felt that master and disciple were worthy of each other.
If Chu Xingchen had built such a thing, Daoist Yuyang felt he might not have been surprised.
San Dong did not leave with the group.
She wanted to properly decorate her first room a bit more.
San Dong smiled and waved goodbye to Chu Xingchen and the others.
Passing through the residential area, one could faintly see the mountains covered with countless flowers in the distance.
Daoist Yuyang had to admit that purely in terms of scenery, this place was indeed extremely pleasant.
Compared to other sects that built their headquarters in desolate, uninhabited places with yellow sand filling the sky just for the sake of spiritual energy concentration, this place was truly elegant.
However... after all, they were cultivators.
What use was mere beauty?
Daoist Yuyang could naturally sense the meagerness of spiritual energy here.
For a moment, he was uncertain whether Chu Xingchen was the type who prioritized romance over spiritual power.
Yet at times Chu Xingchen also appeared stingy and miserly, unlike those wealthy fools who spent money for pleasure.
On the way to the main hall, Daoist Yuyang held back for a while but ultimately could not resist asking:
"The scenery here is beautiful... but the spiritual power here seems somewhat meager."
Chu Xingchen replied with a leisurely expression:
"This humble mountain dweller has my own clever plan. Wait until it's completely built, then I'll invite Brother Yuyang for another visit."
Daoist Yuyang nodded slightly upon hearing this and said no more.
Before everyone reached the main hall, just as they were approaching, they encountered Li Xingtian.
Li Xingtian was dressed in black combat attire, walking at a quick pace.
However, as soon as he rounded the corner, he saw his master and senior sisters in a group.
His eyes revealed a hint of surprise.
Then he quickly walked toward his master to greet him:
"Master, it's been a long time. Have you finished your business?"
Chu Xingchen looked at Li Xingtian's still expressionless and fierce visage.
For some reason, having looked at it often and for so long, it now seemed quite pleasing to the eye.
He familiarly and smoothly hooked his arm around Li Xingtian's shoulder.
"Not finished. The great sects love to drag things out with everything they do."
The corner of Li Xingtian's mouth curled up slightly, revealing what was for him an extremely expressive look:
"That's true, but Master need not worry. Everything in the sect is going smoothly."
Chu Xingchen smiled and patted Li Xingtian's shoulder.
His gaze then turned toward the main hall that was beginning to have its roof sealed.
Chu Xingchen had only returned this time to take a look on his way, after all, the matters at Xuanqing Heavenly Sect had not been completely resolved.
Given the temperaments of Lu Xuan and Bai Xuanling, if there were not some unavoidable circumstances, they probably would not have sent word asking him to return.
But he could not conduct business that way.
Sometimes with him present, Lu Xuan and Bai Xuanling could have more options at their disposal.
Perhaps the next time he returned, the sect at Wanhua Ridge might be completed.
———
Xuanqing Heavenly Sect.
Today, Yan Yun was not seeking out Bai Xuanling for practice as usual day after day.
Instead, she sat together with Bai Xuanling on white jade chairs, leisurely brewing and drinking tea.
Naturally, it was not that Yan Yun feared pain or had been beaten into submission—the main reason was that Xie Lingyu had come.
Although Chu Xingchen was not present, what if Bai Shishu had learned a few of Chu Xingchen's heart-piercing remarks?
If Chu Xingchen hadn't said them but Bai Xuanling did, the effect would be the same.
What little face remained would be completely lost.
Taking appropriate rest and reflecting on one's deficiencies was also a good thing.
At this moment, a small white jade round table held three teacups.
Bai Xuanling took an unconcerned sip, gently savored it, and after a moment of reflection, suddenly began to miss the tea Chen Baiqing brewed.
However, she did not dwell on it.
A slight smile appeared on Bai Xuanling's face as she looked at her beloved disciple:
"Weren't you in seclusion? Why have you come to Xuanqing Heavenly Sect today? Could it be you're looking for your sweetheart? That's rather unfortunate timing."
Xie Lingyu took a deep breath upon hearing this.
Then she exhaled helplessly:
"Can I not be here to see you, Master?"
Bai Xuanling raised an eyebrow slightly:
"My, my... I didn't expect little Lingyu to have grown up too. She can actually miss her master now."
Faced with her master's sarcastic remarks, Xie Lingyu stood up without hesitation:
"Since Master has matters to attend to, I will not disturb you further."
Bai Xuanling reached out and pulled Xie Lingyu's arm, drawing her back to her seat.
She sighed softly:
"Such thin skin. How will you banter with your sweetheart in the future? Will you turn to leave every time someone speaks?"
Xie Lingyu took another deep breath.
She looked at Bai Xuanling with a serious tone:
"Don't speak nonsense. What sweetheart do I have?"
Bai Xuanling nodded with an expression of understanding.
Then she turned to ask Yan Yun nearby:
"Do you believe that?"
Yan Yun's gaze shifted slightly, catching the look Xie Lingyu cast her way.
She did not respond to this.
Instead, she held her teacup and drank for a long while.
Bai Xuanling did not press Yan Yun further.
Her tone suddenly turned serious:
"Those were your words. Next time that fellow comes, I'll chase him out on the spot."
"Chase out? Who's that unlucky?"
A certain unlucky fellow Chu Xingchen's voice came from outside the door.
Bai Xuanling and Xie Lingyu both looked in that direction.
They saw Chu Xingchen walking in with a full smile on his face.
His expression was curious as he looked around.
At the same time, he showed a hint of delight as he regarded Xie Lingyu:
"It's been a long time, Fellow Student Lingyu."
Xie Lingyu was about to stand and respond.
Bai Xuanling's teasing gaze arrived as expected.
Even Yan Yun raised her eyebrows slightly, looking over with curiosity, as if watching a couple about to go on a date.
Xie Lingyu still stood up.
Her gaze met Chu Xingchen's.
Her tone was slightly soft:
"Mm, it's been a long time."
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