So This Is What “Steady and Mature” Looks Like?

Lin Ya, in an attempt to save face, hurriedly brought Yun Jin to the rear mountains.

As expected, the area was completely deserted.

Lin Ya took a deep breath and forced a smile. "Don't misunderstand. They're usually quite diligent. Most likely cultivating in their own quarters. Come, I'll take you to meet your senior brother."

Yun Jin simply nodded, obedient and quiet.

The bamboo dwelling of her eldest senior brother, Yue Zhao, was nestled beside a flowing river. From a distance, it seemed to float in a sea of mist, surrounded by verdant greenery. It truly had the air of an immortal's abode.

"Your senior brother Yue Zhao is the most mature and steady among them," Lin Ya said warmly. "You would do well to learn from him."

No matter what his true nature was, Yue Zhao had always put on a perfect front. Lin Ya figured his advice couldn't go wrong.

"Understood," Yun Jin replied sweetly.

As they approached the bamboo house, Lin Ya's expression began to shift.

"You're up, Second Junior Sister! Hurry up already!"

"Why are you rushing me? I finally got a good hand, I have to think carefully!"

"It's just a pure suit!"

"Yue Zhao, you peeked at my tiles!"

"Hah! I could guess your hand without looking. Now hurry and play your tile!"

Yun Jin glanced at Lin Ya.

Hmm.

So this was the legendary honest, mature, and steady eldest senior brother?

"M-Master…"

"Master what! Third Junior Brother, don't tell me you plan to renege on your losses? Trying to scare us by bringing up Master? Our master went to meet the new disciples today. He's got no time to bother with us! Now hurry up and play your tile!" Yue Zhao barked impatiently.

Si Wanning also looked up and her expression froze. "Master!"

"Second Junior Sister, don't get distracted! I'm warning you, none of you are leaving today unless you lose everything!" Yue Zhao shouted at the top of his lungs.

Yun Jin took another look at Lin Ya.

Ah.

Honest. Steady. Mature. Reliable.

"YUE ZHAO!!!" A roar shook the heavens.

Lin Ya, utterly enraged, drew his sword and slashed at Yue Zhao.

Yue Zhao's expression changed drastically. He rolled out of the way, wailing, "Master, why are you here all of a sudden! Let me explain—"

"Save your explanations for the King of Hell!" Lin Ya roared.

Off to the side, Si Wanning chimed in, feigning concern, "Master, please stop. If you keep hitting him, we won't have a senior brother anymore."

Her attempt to help only made things worse.

Lin Ya's glare turned icy. "Si Wanning! You looked like you were having a fine time playing, didn't you? Hm?"

With that, Lin Ya launched into an indiscriminate attack.

Yu Songnian, still unscathed, quietly slithered away, shrinking his presence until he reached Yun Jin's side.

Once he reached her, he glanced at her, a bit puzzled.

Eh?

Who was this?

He'd never seen her before.

How curious. A new face at Tianjian Peak?

That was rare.

Should he say something? Maybe she was a lost little newbie?

Forget it. A bit awkward. Too much trouble.

He lowered his head, pretending he hadn't seen her.

Yun Jin's lips twitched.

She remembered that in her previous life, Lin Ya's disciples hadn't met very good ends. She'd had little interaction with them, but now, seeing them up close…

Maybe ignorance really was bliss.

After chasing Yue Zhao and Si Wanning around for a bit, Lin Ya suddenly remembered he had a new disciple now. He skidded to a stop, sheathed his sword, and quickly straightened his robes.

Slightly embarrassed, he turned to Yun Jin. "Xiao Jin, they're not usually like this. Just a misunderstanding, all of it."

"I understand!" Yun Jin nodded earnestly.

Lin Ya let out a sigh of relief, then couldn't resist kicking Yue Zhao again. "This is how you lead your junior brother and sister? Is this what I entrusted you with?"

"I was wrong, Master, please stop hitting me…" Yue Zhao looked utterly miserable.

"Master, who is this?" Si Wanning finally asked, curiosity shining in her eyes.

"This is the disciple I accepted today. She's your junior sister, Yun Jin. She's new to the sect and unfamiliar with everything, so you all must help guide her well," Lin Ya instructed.

"Junior sister?" Yue Zhao's eyes widened. "Master, how could you mislead a good child like this!"

Was Tianjian Peak really a place for normal people?

Lin Ya's face darkened, and he kicked Yue Zhao again. "Who told you to speak the harsh truth out loud?!"

Yue Zhao sulked silently, too aggrieved to speak.

"Hmph." Lin Ya gave a cold snort. "Your junior sister managed to manifest spiritual energy in just half a stick of incense. She's a prodigy far beyond you lot."

Half a stick of incense?

Yun Jin instantly received a boost in awe value.

[+2 Awe Value.]

Si Wanning stared at Yun Jin like she was a monster. "Junior sister, with talent like yours, how did that old man trick you into joining? Don't fall for his smooth talk. Tianjian Peak is dirt-poor and has no future prospects. If you can still escape, I suggest you run."

"Si Wanning!" Lin Ya's beard bristled with anger.

He had worked so hard to present them in a good light.

And now?

They'd ruined it all in mere minutes!

Yun Jin, however, found them amusing. She smiled faintly. "Senior Sister, I just got lucky with Qi circulation. But I'm only a Five-Spirit Root—no one else would take me."

"Five-Spirit Root?!"

Si Wanning exclaimed. Her expression softened into something close to pity. Such exceptional comprehension paired with such poor innate aptitude… Little junior sister's path ahead would not be easy.

"You three now have a junior sister. Start acting like proper seniors! It's getting late. Show Xiao Jin around Tianjian Peak and let her rest for a few days. When the rest of the new disciples are assigned, make sure to help her collect her storage pouch," Lin Ya instructed.

Yue Zhao suddenly put on a proper face. With a smile warm as a spring breeze, he looked at Yun Jin. "Don't worry, junior sister. With your senior brother here, I guarantee you'll live in comfort."

Finally, he was starting to act like an actual senior brother.

Lin Ya nodded in satisfaction. "Get acquainted. I have matters to attend to. I'll leave you all for now."

The moment Lin Ya left...

Yue Zhao zipped up to Yun Jin as fast as lightning. "Junior sister, do you know how to play pai gow?"

His expression was full of anticipation.

Heavens above. They'd always been short one player!

Finally, they had a full table!

Yun Jin curved her lips into a mysterious smile. "I know a little."

Yue Zhao's excitement soared. "Come, come, let's play a few rounds! Since you're new, today's losses don't count. If you win, you keep the pot!"

"Thank you, senior brother." Yun Jin smiled like the perfect little angel.