https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-96-An-Audience-with-the-Sect-Leader-the-Demon-Exorcism-Hall-Manager/13510283/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-98-Elder-Chen-I-Have-Good-News-to-Share/13510294/
Chapter 97: How Should You Address Me?
Chapter 97: How Should You Address Me?
After parting ways with Mei Yong, Xiao Chen returned to Azure Water Peak first.
He didn’t have much to move, but he needed to inform Elder Qi of his return. It would also take a few days to build a new courtyard in the valley.
"Senior Sect Brother, you’re finally back!" Su Wanning exclaimed, rushing out as soon as he opened the door.
She seemed unusually excited, her face glowing with enthusiasm.
Xiao Chen raised an eyebrow. "You’re not meditating today?"
It was the Hour of the Goat, and he wondered why she wasn’t in the sect’s cultivation chamber. Normally, she’d be there at this time.
Su Wanning strutted up to him, hands on her hips. "Senior Sect Brother, don’t you notice something different about me?"
Xiao Chen glanced her up and down. "Not really. What’s going on?"
She grinned proudly. "After months of hard cultivation, I’ve broken through to Lian Qi Stage Nine!" She flipped her hand, revealing an identity token. "Ta-da! I’m now a Direct Disciple!"
While Direct Disciples nominally held the same status as Inner Sect Disciples, the title meant one could seek mentorship from any Peak Master to become a True Disciple. The catch was the strict quota—each Peak Master could only accept three Direct Disciples. Once chosen, the decision was final until the disciple formed their Foundation or turned thirty.
Until now, Shen Simyue had been Azure Water Peak’s sole True Disciple, receiving Elder Qi’s personal guidance. With Su Wanning’s promotion, the other senior disciples faced fiercer competition for the last remaining spot.
"Congratulations", Xiao Chen said simply.
Su Wanning frowned at his lackluster response. "Senior Sect Brother, I achieved this in just five months! And now that I’m a Direct Disciple, according to sect rules—" she paused dramatically, "—how should you address me?"
Ah, she’d been waiting to spring this on him.
According to the Inner Sect Handbook, Direct Disciples were ranked hierarchically by their breakthrough order. Since Xiao Chen hadn’t advanced yet, he should now call her "Second Senior Disciple."
Su Wanning jingled her token. "Xiao Sect Brother~ Don’t you know to greet your senior properly?"
Xiao Chen merely smiled, producing his own token and flashing it before her.
"I see you’re well-versed in sect etiquette." He tilted his head. "Why don’t you test your knowledge? According to the rules, how should you address me?"
"Eh?!"
Su Wanning snatched the token, eyes widening as she examined it. "Chu Mo Dian Manager?! Have you already formed your Foundation?!"
He nodded.
Her gaze bounced between the token and his face. Finally, she whispered, "M-Master Uncle… Congratulations on your Foundation Formation."
Xiao Chen arched a brow. "You were energetic a moment ago. No need to whisper. Speak up."
Su Wanning glared at him, then resigned herself to fate. "Master Uncle!"
"Good." Xiao Chen gestured toward Elder Qi’s quarters. "I was about to find your master. Since you’re here, lead the way."
He wasn’t being petty—Elder Qi rarely appeared publicly, and her residence had no attendants. Normally, he’d ask Shen Simyue to announce him, but since Su Wanning had volunteered…
"Why would you form your Foundation so soon?!" Elder Qi exclaimed, her usual stern expression replaced by shock as Xiao Chen entered with Su Wanning.
"When did this happen?" Her voice trembled slightly.
She’d spent five grueling years gathering resources—contributions, spirit stones, medicinal herbs—before securing a Foundation Pill. Even then, she’d considered herself fortunate to succeed on the first attempt.
Yet Xiao Chen had gone from Lian Qi Stage Nine to Foundation Formation in just five months. Twelve times faster.
"A few days ago", Xiao Chen replied. "I gathered the last Spirit Herbs and tried. Luck, I suppose."
"Congratulations, Master Uncle", Shen Simyue added, her usually composed voice tinged with awe.
Xiao Chen nodded to his senior disciple. "Thank you. I hope you achieve your breakthrough soon."
Su Wanning nearly protested the double standard—she’d greeted him first!—but stopped herself. They were no longer peers.
She’d known this moment would come since asking Su Laoye about Xiao Chen’s prospects months ago. Still, his speed startled her.
The Double Ninth Festival was approaching. She’d planned to invite him mountain-climbing again… but now he was "Master Uncle", and likely moving out. The thought left her oddly disheartened.
"Chosen a residence yet?" Elder Qi asked. "I’ve some Spirit Flowers here. Take a few for decoration."
She pointed to several potted plants nearby. Shen Simyue and Su Wanning stiffened—those were no ordinary blooms. Each was a Tier Two medicinal herb worth over 300 spirit stones, carefully nurtured for centuries.
Xiao Chen declined politely. "Peak Master’s kindness is noted, but I’d only kill them with neglect. Mei Senior Sect Brother’s handling my move in three days."
Elder Qi paused. "My disciples excel at tending flowers. I could send one to help."
Su Wanning’s eyes lit up.
Xiao Chen inwardly groaned. Is she trying to pawn off a disciple because of the Su family?
"No need", he said firmly.
"Very well." Elder Qi nodded. "But feel free to ask if you change your mind."
(End of Chapter)
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