Different Paths, No Common Ground

After Su Changqing left, he didn't realize that his appearance in the small hall had caused quite a stir.

"Was that our junior brother? I almost didn't recognize him."

"Junior brother has been cultivating in the Quiet Heart Cave since he joined the peak. I remember when he first arrived, he was just a well-behaved child. I didn't expect him to change so much in just half a year."

"Senior sister, what do you mean he's changed? Has he become much more handsome? Has he captured your heart, junior brother?"

"You little rascal, what nonsense are you spouting? How old is junior brother? You're talking about this to me, it'll make others laugh at me."

"Oh, age can be gained later. When junior brother grows up a bit more, won't you be able to..."

"You're asking for a beating!"

Instantly, laughter filled the small hall.

"I didn't expect flying on a sword to be so exhilarating!"

At this moment, Su Changqing, standing on his flying sword, called out with a refreshed spirit.

This was Su Changqing's first time piloting a flying sword himself. With the help of his heaven-defying comprehension, he was already very proficient in sword control. Although this was his first time flying on a sword, he quickly got the hang of it.

While controlling the flying sword, he took in the scenery below. This kind of leisure was truly delightful!

However, to avoid being discovered, Su Changqing chose to land in a deserted area near the sect's main hall and decided to enter on foot.

Unexpectedly, after just a few steps, he saw several people approaching. Leading the group was Lin Jingyu, with Zhang Xiaofan beside him, and several other disciples following closely behind Lin Jingyu.

Su Changqing silently observed them for a moment, a slight thoughtfulness on his face.

In just half a year, it wasn't just him who had changed. Lin Jingyu before him had also changed considerably. Not only had his features become more mature and handsome, but his eyes no longer held the innocence they had in Caomiao Village. Instead, they carried a proud and defiant demeanor. His gait and demeanor were spirited, like a victorious general.

As for Zhang Xiaofan, he had changed the least among the three. Besides growing taller and maturing a bit, there were no other changes. His personality remained as honest and simple as before.

"Junior brother Lin, congratulations! Your cultivation has advanced again, and you've now reached Qi Refining Layer Six!"

"That's right, that's right! Six layers in just half a year! Such cultivation speed is already catching up to our Qingyun Sect's ancestors."

"Hahaha! Who's to say it isn't? The first time I saw junior brother Lin, I knew he was a dragon among men, a shining example! He will surely be outstanding in the future!"

Before they even got close, Su Changqing could hear the sycophantic followers behind Lin Jingyu praising him incessantly.

"Already Qi Refining Layer Six?"

Su Changqing murmured to himself.

Lin Jingyu's cultivation speed of reaching Qi Refining Layer Six in half a year, while not as heaven-defying as his own, was still outstanding among the disciples. After all, not everyone could have a system like him.

Looking at the followers behind him, he could imagine that Lin Jingyu already had considerable prestige within the sect.

After all, these kinds of followers were usually reserved for prominent disciples like Xiao Yicai and Qi Hao. It was rare for a disciple who had only joined for half a year to have them.

Su Changqing then remembered a rumor.

He seemed to recall someone mentioning that Lin Jingyu was currently the foremost among the new generation of Qingyun Sect disciples. It seemed to be true now.

As Su Changqing was observing him, Lin Jingyu and Zhang Xiaofan also looked at him.

Lin Jingyu frowned and continued on his way, showing no intention of greeting Su Changqing. Su Changqing pouted dismissively.

Su Changqing knew well why Lin Jingyu was acting this way. They were in the same sect, and they had encountered each other several times before. However, Su Changqing was naturally aloof and disliked flattering others, so his attitude towards the popular Lin Jingyu was indifferent, unlike others who fawned over him.

Because of this, Lin Jingyu also disliked meeting Su Changqing. Even when they did meet, they would simply exchange brief greetings and then part ways.

Now, even the simple greeting had been omitted.

In contrast, Zhang Xiaofan was pleasantly surprised by Su Changqing's appearance. He ran over with a smile and enthusiastically said, "Changqing, where have you been these past two or three months? I haven't seen you at all."

"Xiaofan, I was in seclusion on Little Bamboo Peak, so it's normal that you didn't see me," Su Changqing replied with a smile.

"Are you doing well? How's the food? I learned cooking on Great Bamboo Peak, and my senior brothers and master all love my cooking. Do you want to come and try it tomorrow?"

When Zhang Xiaofan heard Su Changqing mention seclusion, he remembered that his senior brothers had said that seclusion required complete dedication to cultivation, not only focusing the mind but also abstaining from food. It was a difficult and arduous path, and he felt a bit sorry for Su Changqing having to go through it.

"Hmm? You've learned to cook? That's great! I'll come and try your skills another day to see if it's as delicious as you say."

Su Changqing replied enthusiastically, filled with surprise.

Su Changqing vaguely remembered that the story mentioned a period when Zhang Xiaofan learned to cook and was recognized by everyone on Great Bamboo Peak. It was precisely because of his experience cooking that his black stick became known as the "Firewood Stick."

Su Changqing really liked Zhang Xiaofan's honest simplicity and enthusiasm, and he had to interact with him. After all, Zhang Xiaofan genuinely cared about people, not just their cultivation, and he wouldn't arrogantly point fingers at others based on their cultivation.

"Changqing, you've been in seclusion for so long, have you gained anything?"

Lin Jingyu, who had been watching their enthusiastic conversation, couldn't help but interject and ask Su Changqing.

"Just so-so," Su Changqing replied with a faint smile.

Lin Jingyu shook his head in disappointment, flicked his sleeve, and brushed past Su Changqing, preparing to leave. The followers behind him followed him closely, also preparing to depart.

"What's with the act? A trash at the first level of Taiji Xuanqing Dao, Qi Refining Layer Two, is also pretending to be in seclusion? You've been in seclusion for so long, but your cultivation hasn't improved at all."

"Hmph! Junior brother Lin was being considerate because they were fellow villagers and intended to help him improve his cultivation. If he doesn't appreciate it, fine, but to have such a cold attitude is a waste of junior brother Lin's good intentions."

As they passed by, the not-so-quiet voices of his followers discussing among themselves reached the ears of the three clearly.

"What are you talking about?"

Before Su Changqing could speak, Zhang Xiaofan angrily rebuked the group.

The followers were slightly taken aback. They were clearly insulting Su Changqing, so why was Zhang Xiaofan getting agitated? He's just a good-for-nothing anyway, he probably just projected himself onto Su Changqing.

"That's just how it is, and you're not even allowed to state the facts..."

As the followers, with their stubborn mouths, prepared to retort, they saw Lin Jingyu's gaze and quickly stopped.

When the others spoke of Su Changqing, Lin Jingyu hadn't agreed, but he hadn't remained silent either.

Now that Zhang Xiaofan was about to defend Su Changqing, Lin Jingyu frowned and interrupted, "Enough! Stop talking. We have different paths, so there's nothing to discuss. Let him be!"