After leaving his master's place of secluded cultivation, Qin Fang naturally made a trip to Origin Return Valley first. From far away, he spotted Xile.
Xile caught Qin Fang's scent from just as far away. Its eyes immediately lit up, its tongue lolled out, and it went, "Ha ha ha!"
The moment Qin Fang landed, Xile pounced on him at once.
"No licking!"
Qin Fang immediately barked the order. Xile slammed to a halt in front of him, its face full of aggrieved confusion.
Qin Fang snorted, then broke into a smile and patted its head.
Xile's tail instantly began wagging, delighted beyond measure.
"Senior Brother Qin."
"Senior Brother, you're back."
The other disciples of Origin Return Valley saw Qin Fang and immediately brightened, gathering around to greet him respectfully.
Qin Fang smiled and nodded to them.
Before the main hall, Senior Sister Wen was, as always, instructing several disciples in cultivation. When she saw Qin Fang, a gentle smile appeared on her face.
"Senior Sister."
After playing with Xile for a while and letting it go off on its own, Qin Fang came before Senior Sister Wen and greeted her with a smile.
Senior Sister Wen nodded and smiled. "I heard from Master that this time, you rendered great service to the sect."
"Hehe, I was just lucky." Qin Fang chuckled.
"To stand first among the younger generation of disciples from the nine sects—luck alone could not accomplish that." Senior Sister Wen smiled gently.
Qin Fang did not know what to say, so he could only chuckle foolishly.
The two chatted idly for a while. Senior Sister Wen had matters to attend to, so Qin Fang took his leave as well.
Upon returning to Linyuan Peak, Qin Fang let out a soft breath, then his eyes shifted slightly.
—After