Because You Are Handsome

　　In the following thirty years,　　Triumph Mountain's branch sect had only a vice-sect master and no true branch sect master.　　Almost all cultivators in the middle realm knew one thing: Triumph Mountain wanted Chen Xia to become the branch sect master. This was practically an open secret of Triumph Mountain; every two years, they would send gifts and apologies down to Chen Xia's location. And it wasn't just anyone—Qin Jia, a significant figure, personally went each time, making no effort to hide or conceal the information, almost as if they wanted everyone to know.　　It could only be described as shamelessly courting favor.　　Yet, even so, Triumph Mountain failed to move Chen Xia, who continued to respond with the same phrase to Qin Jia.　　"Is being a sect master more important than farming?"　　Although Qin Jia knew this was a way for Chen Xia to decline, he couldn't quite understand how Chen Xia compared these two things.　　In the same year, Triumph Mountain launched another offensive, conquering a neighboring sect. After this, the cultivators in the middle realm began to realize Triumph Mountain's vast ambitions—to become the sole dominant sect in the realm!　　After conquering the new sect, Triumph Mountain immediately sent Qin Jia to find Chen Xia again, inviting him once more to become the sect master.　　"Is being a sect master more important than farming?" Chen Xia asked with his usual response.　　Qin Jia hurriedly laughed, "Yes, yes it is. We've established a medicinal sect this time, with many top-grade fields specifically for you to cultivate."　　Afraid Chen Xia might not be satisfied, Qin Jia added respectfully,　　"Rest assured, Mr., all the herbs within the sect belong to you!"　　Chen Xia fell silent, putting down the hoe at his waist and looking at Qin Jia before shaking his head, delivering a profound statement.　　"In life, don't be the weaker party."　　Qin Jia straightened up, eyes gleaming, hands clasped together, and declared loudly, "I am willing to serve you faithfully!"　　Clearly, he hadn't understood.　　Chen Xia didn't know what to say, shook his head, and frowned, asking,　　"Why has Triumph Mountain changed so much? You used to act as if you were invincible. What happened now?"　　"You are the world,"　　Qin Jia smiled fawningly, his attitude nothing like the once proud man, having been honed by decades of interactions with Chen Xia.　　Chen Xia frowned, scrutinizing Qin Jia closely, feeling that the old man was somewhat strange and becoming stranger over the years.　　Qin Jia still smiled ingratiatingly, his face full of flattery.　　Over the years, he had received numerous pieces of information from Qin Ji—about hidden immortal swords, Heavenly Dragon protection, and other astonishing revelations.　　Though unsure where Qin Ji got such information, Qin Jia believed it, given his firsthand experience of being thoroughly beaten by Chen Xia.　　Knowing this, Qin Jia's originally depressed mood gradually lifted, believing it normal for an ordinary Heaven Mending fifth heaven cultivator to lose to someone as exceptional as Chen Xia.　　With his mood improved, he became even more devoted in his efforts to court Chen Xia.　　Unfortunately, Chen Xia never agreed, though Triumph Mountain widely publicized their connection, effectively tying Triumph Mountain and Chen Xia together in public opinion.　　When mentioning Chen Xia, cultivators in the middle realm always included Triumph Mountain.　　The Starry Sky Pill Sect had become a thing of the past, gradually forgotten by cultivators.　　Zhen Hu, who had narrowly escaped death, no longer harbored lofty ambitions. After experiencing the brink of death and utter helplessness, he felt either mentally exhausted or enlightened, devoid of worldly desires.　　He and Bai Jie stayed in the lower realms, visiting Chen Xia annually with deep gratitude and thanks.　　Chen Xia told him not to worry; he acted because the matter concerned him, nothing more.　　To Chen Xia, the entire Starry Sky Pill Sect was merely a passing encounter, an experience that wasn't particularly profound or worth reminiscing about.　　Time passed, and everything remained unchanged.　　Decades later, aside from Triumph Mountain's persistent attempts to win him over, there were no other disturbances.　　Chen Xia tended to his medicinal fields, expanding them slightly and growing rarer herbs.　　Zhang Daoming lived like he was enjoying retirement, rarely going to the tavern and occasionally practicing an ancient boxing routine he learned somewhere.　　These were the main events over several decades—nothing extraordinary.　　Then came the seventieth year, when changes occurred.　　A new visitor arrived at the small house, a great cultivator from the uppermost realm.　　A tall man with a sword approached the door of the small house, knocked, and stated his purpose.　　"Wang Yangzi wishes to meet young friend Chen Xia."　　A calm and steady voice spoke, then the door opened.　　Chen Xia, holding a hoe, poked his head out, puzzled, seeing Wang Yangzi and asking, "What for?"　　"To invite you to battle," Wang Yangzi said frankly.　　"Battle who?" Chen Xia frowned, genuinely confused, not understanding what this person wanted and why suddenly a battle was needed.　　Was this some kind of conscription?　　"Great Dead Realm battle against various enemies," Wang Yangzi replied.　　"Why me?"　　"Because you are a master alchemist with considerable combat strength," Wang Yangzi answered.　　"Can't you go yourself?"　　"The Great Dead Realm is divided into two batches. Only those at or below the Heaven Mending fifth heaven can enter the first batch. We want you to lead this first group," Wang Yangzi explained.　　"Why should I go?" Chen Xia put down the hoe, utterly baffled.　　Wang Yangzi paused, nodding, "Good question."　　He didn't know how to answer, pausing for a moment before smiling and nodding.　　"Because you're handsome."