In the town, watching Xiao Yi flee in a panic, Lin Qingzhu couldn't help but laugh and said, "Master, you're so naughty. How could you scare him like that?"
The corners of Ye Qiu's mouth twitched as he replied, "You little rascal, what are you talking about? I was just avenging you just now. Why are you taking his side?"
"Uh - huh, Master is the best! Qingzhu knew that Master wouldn't let others bully me," Lin Qingzhu said coquettishly, hugging Ye Qiu's arm. She was extremely happy.
In fact, she knew very well that Ye Qiu had done that just to stand up for her. She had originally thought that since the other party had a powerful background, she couldn't cause trouble for her master even if she suffered any grievances. But as it turned out, she had overthought it. Her master was very protective of his disciples and would never let her be wronged.
"As long as you know," Ye Qiu said with a gratified smile. Then he added, "Alright! Let's go. You wanted to visit your home, right? Lead the way."
"We don't know when we'll be back next time."
Lin Qingzhu nodded obediently and said, "Okay, let's go."
Following her graceful figure, they walked towards the depths of the town. Soon, they arrived at a ruined site. Lin Qingzhu stood by the corner, staring blankly at the blackened wall covered with scribbles. It was obvious that these were the works of her childhood.
Ye Qiu didn't disturb her. Instead, he observed the surrounding situation. Suddenly, he noticed a flow of spiritual energy, and several figures landed from behind.
"Hmm?" Ye Qiu was taken aback. The people coming were none other than Mingyue, Su Ya, and several female disciples from Tianshui Peak.
"Yaya, is this your home?" Liu Ruyan asked curiously, looking at the messy ruins.
Su Ya's eyes were filled with tears as she groped around the ruins of her home, searching for something.
"Hey..." At this moment, Mingyue noticed Ye Qiu in the ruins not far away and walked over curiously.
"Junior Brother Ye, what are you doing here?" Mingyue asked in confusion. But when she saw Lin Qingzhu, she immediately understood.
Liu Ruyan, who was following behind her, peeked at Ye Qiu curiously from behind.
"Is this the peak master of Zixia Peak, the youngest martial uncle in the Butian Sect?"
"He's really as handsome as the rumors say."
Since Mingyue had scolded them last time, they had learned some things about Ye Qiu from Su Ya and were very curious about this unfamiliar martial uncle.
Ye Qiu glanced at them indifferently and said, "I'm taking my disciple down the mountain for training and stopped by to see her home."
"Disciple Liu Ruyan pays her respects to Martial Uncle Ye," Liu Ruyan stepped forward and saluted. Ye Qiu took a look and was suddenly impressed.
"Wow! Are all the female disciples of Tianshui Peak this beautiful?" Ye Qiu was secretly surprised. Liu Ruyan was really charming. She had an air of a gentlewoman from an educated family. Dressed in a red robe, with a gentle personality and a curvy figure, her charm was even comparable to Mingyue's. No wonder the disciples from other peaks in the Butian Sect always liked to go to Tianshui Peak. There were so many beautiful women there.
Despite his shock inside, Ye Qiu remained calm on the surface and said lightly, "So, you're the chief disciple of Tianshui Peak. I've heard of you before. Among the younger generation of the seven peaks, you, Qingfeng, and Qi Hao from Cangjian Peak are the most outstanding."
"Seeing you today, I can see that the rumors are true."
Reaching the first level of the Celestial Appearance Realm at her age was proof of her talent.
Upon hearing Ye Qiu's praise, Liu Ruyan was delighted and said modestly, "Uncle, you're too kind. I'm not as talented as my brother."
Ye Qiu was stunned for a moment, and Mingyue explained, "Martial Nephew Qingfeng is Ruyan's biological brother."
"Oh, I see!" Ye Qiu suddenly understood. At this moment... Mingyue suddenly showed a meaningful smile.
"Ruyan, it seems that your Martial Uncle Ye has high hopes for you. Your uncle is very nice. You should talk to him more. If you perform well, maybe your Martial Uncle Ye will be so happy that he'll teach you a peerless sword technique or reward you with a magic weapon."
Ye Qiu's heart skipped a beat.
"Hmm? What does this mean... Is this woman trying to set me up?"
Liu Ruyan seemed to understand and continued, "Master, I understand! Hehe... I'll definitely visit Zixia Peak more often in the future to discuss cultivation with Uncle. Uncle won't mind, right?"
The corners of Ye Qiu's mouth twitched.
"It's okay. Zixia Peak is quiet with few people. It'll be livelier with one more person. If you want to come, you can even become my disciple."
"I'm never stingy with my disciples at Zixia Peak. Secret techniques and magic weapons are not out of the question."
Liu Ruyan's eyes lit up when she heard this. She had heard from Su Ya that her good friend Lin Qingzhu had received precious elixirs, magic weapons, and even cultivation transfer from Ye Qiu right after joining Zixia Peak. If what he said was true, he really didn't hold back when it came to his disciples. Where could one find such a great master?
Seeing Liu Ruyan's expression, Mingyue's heart tightened. Damn it! She had just said it casually, hoping to get some benefits from Ye Qiu for her disciple. But it seemed like she was about to lose her precious disciple. This wouldn't do. Liu Ruyan was her favorite disciple and her only hope. If she was lured away by Ye Qiu with just a few words, it would be a real loss.
"Damn it! This guy actually turned the tables on me..."
Seeing Liu Ruyan's expression, Mingyue became more and more nervous and immediately cleared her throat.
"Ahem... Ruyan, the martial arts competition is approaching. Time is tight. Don't run around to Zixia Peak if you have nothing important. Stay on the mountain and practice hard."
Liu Ruyan was a little disappointed when she heard this. She pouted and said, "Yes, I'll remember Master's teachings."
Although she had those thoughts, she wouldn't actually do it. Although other masters were generous to their disciples, Mingyue had been guiding her since she entered the sect. She would never do anything to betray her master and switch to another. It was a pity! If she had joined Zixia Peak from the beginning, she wouldn't have such troubles.
Seeing that Liu Ruyan had finally calmed down, Mingyue let out a sigh of relief and glared at Ye Qiu.
"You're ruthless! Don't ever think about my precious disciple again. You can choose anyone else, but not her. Otherwise, I'll fight you."
Ye Qiu smiled but didn't say anything. Looking at Mingyue, who was secretly threatening him, he thought to himself, "Hmph, one disciple is nothing! One day, I'll take in the entire Tianshui Peak, including you."
"Trying to set me up? You ended up shooting yourself in the foot."
Secretly laughing, Ye Qiu looked innocent on the surface and said, "Senior Sister, you're the one who brought this up. Why does it seem like I'm trying to steal your disciple? That's not fair."
Mingyue said, "I don't care! Ruyan is off - limits..."
Ye Qiu secretly laughed. Did she really think he would listen to her? That would be so embarrassing.
Thinking of this, Ye Qiu smiled playfully and slowly took out a lotus - shaped pendant.
"Martial Nephew Ruyan, this is our first meeting. I don't have anything special to give you. This lotus - shaped pendant is a token of my greeting."
"This is a top - grade magic weapon. Wearing it will be very helpful for your cultivation."
As soon as he finished speaking, Mingyue shot him a murderous look. This guy wasn't even trying to hide it anymore. He was blatantly trying to poach her disciple right in front of her.
Liu Ruyan was stunned. She took the lotus - shaped pendant from Ye Qiu in a daze. After carefully sensing it, she found that it was indeed a magic weapon that could greatly assist cultivation, just as Ye Qiu had said.
"This..."
"Thank you, Uncle..."
Liu Ruyan wasn't complicated - minded. She happily accepted the pendant. Looking at Ye Qiu's handsome face, she almost wanted to kiss him to show her gratitude. He was so generous. Giving a top - grade magic weapon as a first - meeting gift was really in line with the rumors of being selfless towards his disciples.
Ah, I love it so much... I wish I had a master like him.