When Chen Changqing returned to Evergreen Peak, the plaza at the summit was a scene of bustling activity.
Elder Liu Mu and his most capable disciples were holding account books, sweating profusely as they inventoried the mountain-like piles of magical treasures and spirit stones.
Every Spirit Treasure had to be registered before being placed in storage, and every disciple's contributions and due rewards had to be calculated with absolute clarity.
Even so, every face brimmed with an almost fanatical joy.
Jian Zhenzi and Luo Futian, former Holy Sons, had now become core disciples of Evergreen Peak. They too had set aside their former airs and personally joined in the work.
As they looked at those dazzling Top-grade Spirit Treasures, their hearts were filled with mixed emotions.
Back then, they would fight until their heads were bloodied just to compete for a high-grade Spirit Treasure awarded by the sect.
Now, following Chen Changqing, Top-grade Spirit Treasures could actually be handed out as benefits.
That disparity deepened their awe of Chen Changqing by several more levels.
"Stop standing around! Move those hands and feet!"
Elder Liu Mu roared with full-throated vigor. He felt as though he had grown several hundred years younger, with inexhaustible strength coursing through his body.
"The Holy Son is fair in rewards and punishments. We must devote ourselves all the more wholeheartedly and cannot slack off in the slightest!"
When Chen Changqing returned from the main peak's grand hall, this was the sight that greeted him.
He did not disturb them. Instead, he silently descended beneath a green pine beside the cliff.
Liu Ruyan had long been waiting there. She held a cup of freshly brewed hot tea, its curling white steam blurring her exquisite features.
"The Sect Master didn't make things difficult for you, did he?"
She