When Chen Changqing returned to Changqing Peak, the plaza at the summit was a hive of activity.
Elder Willow Wood and his most capable disciples were holding ledgers, sweating profusely as they counted the mountain-like piles of Magical Artifacts and Spirit Stones.
Every Spiritual Treasure had to be registered before being stored away, and every disciple's contributions and deserved rewards had to be calculated with absolute clarity.
Even so, every face brimmed with an almost fanatical joy.
Jian Zhenzi, Luofu Tian, and the other former Holy Sons, now core disciples of Changqing Peak, had cast aside their former airs and personally joined in the work.
As they looked at those radiant Peak-grade Spirit Treasures, their hearts were filled with mixed emotions.
Back then, they had fought until their heads were bloodied over a single High-grade Spirit Treasure awarded by their sect.
Now, by following Chen Changqing, Peak-grade Spirit Treasures could actually be handed out as benefits.
That disparity deepened their reverence for Chen Changqing by several more levels.
"Don't just stand around! Move those hands and feet!"
Elder Willow Wood roared with vigor. He felt as though he had grown several hundred years younger, with strength coursing endlessly through his entire body.
"The Holy Son rewards and punishes fairly. We must serve with even greater dedication and cannot slack off in the slightest!"
When Chen Changqing returned from the main peak's grand hall, this was the scene he saw.
He did not disturb them, merely landing soundlessly beneath a green pine beside the cliff.
Liu Ruyan had already been waiting there. She held a cup of freshly brewed hot tea in her hands, wisps of white steam blurring her exquisite features.
"The Sect Master didn't make things difficult for you, did he?"
She handed him the cup, her voice gentle