Chapter Seven: The Cunning Granduncle Master

After scolding the Sixth Uncle, the beautiful elder turned and smiled at Li Chengzhu, her gaze full of approval. “Not bad. To reach the Out-of-Body stage in just a little over two years is a rare achievement.”

Once the elder had confirmed this, Fen Tianlang’s nostrils flared with excitement as he looked at Li Chengzhu, barely able to contain himself.

“It’s all thanks to Master’s excellent guidance!” Li Chengzhu quickly flattered his teacher.

The beautiful elder chuckled, neither agreeing nor denying, then continued, “Though your progress is swift, you must be cautious. Never let ambition cloud your judgment or rush your cultivation.”

“I am grateful for your advice!” His master had already told him this countless times, but it seemed as though he could not help himself.

Li Chengzhu rolled his eyes and, smiling, asked, “May I ask how you knew I wasn’t lying, Elder?”

She smiled. “Who else in the Immortal Realm could disguise themselves as a white-haired crane-faced elder, and be so stingy as to not give a proper disciple’s treasure, other than the Third Brother? No one but him could pull off such an act.”

Everyone was stunned. They never imagined that the dignified Third Uncle, whose image was so upright, would be described by the elder as a miserly trickster.

“I strongly agree!” Li Chengzhu replied with a solemn expression.

The crowd was speechless. Even Third Uncle’s own disciple thought this way—such irreverence was unimaginable.

Fen Tianlang’s heart bled. Third Uncle taking on a disciple was one thing, but how could he accept someone so lacking in respect for his teacher?

The beautiful elder glanced at Li Chengzhu with a smile. “You do resemble Third Brother in his younger days.”

Li Chengzhu curled his lip. How could that guy compare to me? Still, he dared not say it aloud.

“Well then, do you plan to stay here, or…” The elder seemed to care about Li Chengzhu’s feelings, seeking his opinion.

“No, I came here following an immortal, intending to meet my fellow disciples. Now that matters are settled, it’s best I return to the immortal’s side. When Master emerges from the formation, I’ll seek him out.” Li Chengzhu spoke bluntly, showing no regard for the Sixth Uncle’s feelings.

Sure enough, after his words, the Sixth Uncle’s face darkened further. With the elder present, he dared not vent his anger and could only stew in silence.

“That’s fine. With an immortal to protect you, as long as you’re careful, nothing should happen. Come, walk with me and tell me about Third Brother’s situation over there.” Without waiting for a response, the beautiful elder led the way out.

“Farewell, Elder!” The crowd bowed as she departed.

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Li Chengzhu stared at the elder’s graceful figure, thinking, “How imposing she is! When will I reach the realm of immortals myself? Then I’ll found my own sect and command a crowd.”

They walked for a mile before the beautiful elder finally burst out laughing.

Li Chengzhu looked at her in confusion. No matter how he looked at her, she was stunning, but her seniority made him feel awkward.

“Elder, what are you laughing at?” he finally asked.

“Don’t you think Old Six’s expression just now was hilarious?”

Li Chengzhu thought about it—it really was satisfying. If not for the elder’s sudden appearance, he’d likely have ended up a prisoner of his own sect. The irony was not lost on him. With a dejected expression, he said, “Thank you for your help, Elder.”

She waved her hand dismissively. “We share the same sect; it’s only right to stand together. Old Six went too far.”

Li Chengzhu’s eyes darted. “But, Elder, there’s something I don’t understand…” He glanced furtively at her chest—larger than Gu Linglong’s, smaller than Xiao Ying’s, but with its own unique charm.

What am I doing? he thought in horror. She’s my elder!

The beautiful elder looked at him with a meaningful gaze. “Are you thinking my explanation was too forced?”

He was amazed. “Hey, how did you know?”

She smirked coldly. “Of course I know. The reasons I gave Old Six were facts, but they weren’t enough to prove your identity. Because of my status, Old Six didn’t argue, but that doesn’t mean he accepted you. You’re smart, though, knowing not to stay and let him ostracize you.”

Li Chengzhu laughed sheepishly.

The elder turned to him, her brows dancing with a teasing light, and whispered, “As for the real reason—I can read minds, you know!” She stared at Li Chengzhu’s face intently.

He was mortified.

Li Chengzhu wanted to crawl into a hole. His face was surely redder than if it were painted with rouge.

She could read minds—so all his lewd thoughts from before, she must have seen them!

Cold sweat broke out across his forehead.

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After teasing Li Chengzhu enough, the beautiful elder smiled and said, “As for why I didn’t reveal your identity right away, I’ll give you two choices.”

Her mischievous gaze made Li Chengzhu wish he could pull his underwear over his head.

“One, I did it on purpose. Two, it was to punish you for your disrespectful thoughts when you first saw me. Which will you choose?” She winked playfully.

Li Chengzhu cleared his throat to hide his embarrassment. “Elder, your beauty is unparalleled. I am still young in my cultivation and cannot resist the allure of such beauty. I beg your pardon!”

She was briefly surprised, inwardly admiring Li Chengzhu’s honesty—far more noble than those who say one thing and mean another. Her fondness for him grew. With a smile, she said, “Very well, since you are so honest, I won’t pursue it further.”

Li Chengzhu bowed gratefully. “Thank you for your magnanimity, Elder.”

The elder asked, “Did Third Brother really give you nothing?”

At the mention of this, Li Chengzhu’s anger flared. That miserly master hadn’t even given him a proper disciple’s treasure; he hadn’t known of the tradition before, but now he did, and he cursed his master silently.

He nodded in fury and recounted how he stole his master’s refining materials, failed at crafting, and was forced to venture into the forbidden land of immortals.

The beautiful elder laughed so hard she could barely stand. “You actually ruined all of Third Brother’s precious materials! You’re finished—when he comes out, you’ll be in for it.”

Li Chengzhu’s face was bitter. “I didn’t want to, but he wouldn’t give me any decent materials. I had to find a way myself.”

The elder gave him a reproachful glance. “So you went and stole them?”

Li Chengzhu coughed. “Master said, we’re all family—so it’s not stealing, it’s taking!”

…

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