Ling Qinghe strolled through the grand gates of the Azure Cloud Sect like he was entering a budget theme park, Ninebro draped around his neck like a living luxury scarf. The outer disciple peak stretched out before him—neat rows of wooden pavilions, training fields filled with sweating youths, and the distant smell of medicinal herbs that made his nose wrinkle.
"Bro, this place looks like a martial arts school from those old wuxia dramas," he muttered, blue eyes wide. "But zero vending machines. Tragic."
Ping!
System: Welcome to your new home, Host. Try not to get bullied, simped for, or accidentally married on day one.
New Mission: Survive orientation without revealing your F-rank trash stats.
Reward: Basic Qi Condensing Pill (x3 – temporary cultivation +1 boost).
Fail: Every disciple will call you "Princess Snowhair" for a month.
Ling Qinghe snorted. "Rude. I'd rock that nickname. But pills? Finally, some proper cheat items."
A group of outer disciples was already gathered in the main square for orientation. The moment he stepped into view, the usual reaction hit like a truck (ironically).
Gasps. Stunned silence. Someone dropped their sword with a loud clang.
"Senior... is that a fairy?"
"His hair is glowing again!"
"I think I just got enlightened by looking at his face..."
Ling Qinghe waved casually. "Yo, fellow bros! New transfer student here. Anyone got spare qi pills? Or better—some spicy snacks?"
Ninebro puffed up proudly, nine tails fanning out and accidentally smacking three disciples in the face with fluffy justice.
Before the crowd could swarm him, a stern female instructor clapped her hands. "Enough gawking! New outer disciples, line up for room assignment and basic qi sensing class!"
The comedy really started in the dormitory.
Ling Qinghe was assigned to a simple wooden room with two other outer disciples. When he pushed open the door, both boys (who had been arguing over who got the better bed) froze mid-shout.
One had a buzz cut and looked like a generic mob character. The other was slightly chubby with kind eyes.
"Hi bros," Ling Qinghe said, grinning as he dropped his (non-existent) luggage. "I'm Ling Qinghe. This is Ninebro. He bites if you snore too loud."
Ninebro immediately claimed the best bed by curling up in the exact center like he paid rent.
The buzz-cut guy opened his mouth, closed it, then opened it again. "You... you're the one who made Senior Brother Zhou lose half his hair with his fox earlier, right?"
"Guilty," Ling Qinghe said, already dreaming about ramen he'd have to find or trade for later. The heavenly imaginary smell filled his mind anyway.
The chubby disciple's eyes went wide. "You're... not carrying any luggage? During orientation week? That's—"
"Shhh. Don't be a hall monitor, bro." Ling Qinghe plopped down. "We'll survive on vibes and future pill rewards."
Both roommates ended up sitting on the floor, chatting while Ninebro stole the spotlight by showing off tail tricks.
The real chaos (and the ML entry) happened during the afternoon qi sensing class on the training field.
Hundreds of outer disciples sat cross-legged on stone mats as an inner sect instructor explained how to sense qi. Ling Qinghe was trying his best to look focused while secretly playing with Ninebro's tails under his robe.
"Focus your mind..." the instructor droned.
Ling Qinghe focused.
His "focus" looked like a guy trying to remember his WiFi password.
Ping!
System: Your cultivation is still F-rank. You currently have the qi reserves of a slightly above-average houseplant. Good luck, champ.
A cold, powerful voice suddenly cut through the field.
"Enough."
Everyone turned.
A tall young man in dark blue inner sect robes walked onto the platform. His presence alone made the air feel heavier. Sharp jawline, long black hair tied high with a silver ribbon, and eyes like frozen steel. He carried an aura that screamed "final boss" energy.
The instructor bowed immediately. "Young Master Gu! We didn't expect you to supervise today."
Gu Xichen.
Inner sect genius. Top 3 in the entire Azure Cloud Sect. Cold, ruthless in battle, zero interest in worldly affairs. Rumored to be the next Sect Leader candidate. The type of guy who probably never smiled since birth.
Gu Xichen's sharp gaze swept over the disciples... and stopped dead on Ling Qinghe.
For three full seconds, the ice prince just stared.
Ling Qinghe, completely unbothered, gave him a lazy two-finger salute. "Yo, Big Shot Bro! Nice entrance. Very main character energy."
The entire field went silent.
Someone choked.
Ninebro, sensing a new target for chaos, suddenly leaped from Ling Qinghe's lap and sprinted straight toward Gu Xichen, all nine tails blazing with golden flames like he was going to propose marriage.
"Ninebro, no—!" Ling Qinghe whisper-yelled.
Too late.
The nine-tailed fox launched itself at Gu Xichen's chest, landed perfectly, and started aggressively nuzzling the inner disciple's neck while purring like a broken motor.
The cold genius froze, face unreadable, as a fluffy golden fox claimed him in front of hundreds of people.
Ling Qinghe stood up, snow-white hair flowing dramatically in the wind, blue eyes sparkling with pure mischief.
"Aww, he likes you! That's rare. Ninebro usually only headbutts people he wants to adopt or rob."
Gu Xichen slowly looked down at the fox, then back up at Ling Qinghe.
For the first time in recorded history, the ice block's eyebrow twitched.
"...Control your beast," he said, voice cold, but his hand had unconsciously moved to support Ninebro's fluffy butt so the fox wouldn't fall.
Ling Qinghe grinned, dimples appearing.
"Make me, Bro."
Ping!
System: Warning! Warning!
Hidden Big Boss radar activated.
Gu Xichen's interest level: ???
New Title Unlocked: "Professional Annoyer of Ice Princes"
The field exploded into chaotic whispers as Ling Qinghe walked forward to retrieve his fox, completely unaware (or pretending to be) that the most dangerous man on the mountain was now staring at him like he was a puzzle that needed solving.
Ninebro refused to leave Gu Xichen's arms.
Ling Qinghe laughed brightly, the sound carrying across the training field like a troublemaker's bell.
End of chapter 4