Chapter 45: Enlightenment and an Unexpected Arrival

Yu Lingyue was, in truth, indifferent to who assumed the role of leader.

However, by Jiang Yanfeng’s side stood an acquaintance of hers.

To her surprise, Li Xuanyang had somehow entangled himself with Jiang Yanfeng, appearing, by all accounts, to have become Li Xuanyang’s personal attendant.

The sight of Li Xuanyang instantly reminded Yu Lingyue of the gossip Qian Xiaoyu had once shared with her.

It was said that Li Xuanyang had joined the Grand Elder’s lineage with the ambition of pursuing Senior Sister Yueyao.

He had swiftly put his plan into action, guarding Yueyao’s estate for two days, clutching his so-called treasure, only to find she wasn’t even there.

What he failed to realize was that Yueyao spent most of her time in the cultivation tower, and after her training, she would proceed directly to the Grand Elder’s palace for lessons.

She was, in essence, incredibly busy; that residence was merely her nominal home, and if it weren’t for constant upkeep, it would likely be covered in dust by now.

Thus, even after all this time, Li Xuanyang had yet to even meet Senior Sister Yue.

The Grand Elder, too, seemed rather disinclined to engage with him, merely offering perfunctory guidance each day before dismissing him.

Ostensibly, he appeared to be a legitimate disciple of the Grand Elder’s lineage, but upon closer inspection, he seemed more akin to a nominal student.

Reflecting on these details, Yu Lingyue found Li Xuanyang increasingly ludicrous.

All his previous provocations against her now seemed nothing more than childish antics.

Ultimately, her myriad emotions coalesced into a soft chuckle.

The unpleasantness that Li Xuanyang had caused her previously now dissipated like smoke, leaving her spirit significantly clearer.

Gazing towards the clouds, her mind settled into a profound peace, and in that moment, she sensed everything around her decelerating.

The gentle breeze, the soaring birds, and even the immense Immortal Skiff itself.

All became a tableau in slow motion.

“Lingyue, why are you so quiet?”

Qian Xiaoyu, having spoken extensively to Yu Lingyue and receiving no response, reached out to touch her, only to have her hand caught by Hua Yaoyao.

“Don’t touch her yet.”

Puzzled, Qian Xiaoyu watched as Hua Yaoyao drew her aside.

“If I’m not mistaken, Junior Sister seems to have achieved ‘Enlightenment’.”

“‘Enlightenment’?”

“People always have desires, and some desires can become burdens on the heart. You can pretend not to care, but only your inner self truly knows if you do. This ‘Enlightenment,’ to put it simply, is a moment when you suddenly let go of something, when the blockages in your heart vanish, and your mind and spirit flow freely, your vital energy unhindered. I reckon after this, Junior Sister’s soul power will rise considerably.”

Hua Yaoyao looked towards Yu Lingyue.

To be frank, she felt a twinge of envy; the state of Enlightenment, much like comprehending the Dao, was a serendipitous occurrence, not something one could actively seek.

Recalling the events at the Ancient Spirit Ruins, Hua Yaoyao increasingly felt that her junior sister was akin to a fabled Chosen One.

Just then, Qin Yangjun’s figure flashed before her eyes.

In a daze, she saw her senior brother and this junior sister walking towards a more distant horizon, while she remained rooted in place.

An inexplicable sense of crisis arose within Hua Yaoyao.

While Hua Yaoyao was lost in thought, Yu Lingyue also emerged from her state of Enlightenment.

To her astonishment, her soul power had ascended significantly, now almost comparable to that of a Golden Core cultivator.

Qian Xiaoyu, grinning, was about to step forward and speak.

A beam of light suddenly projected onto the Immortal Skiff.

The dazzling pillar of light captured everyone’s attention, and Jiang Yanfeng’s group at the bow couldn’t help but turn their gaze towards it.

From within the light, a familiar voice emerged.

“My apologies, but we have a few last-minute passengers.”

This all-too-familiar voice caused Jiang Yanfeng’s expression to gradually sour.

Hua Yaoyao, on the other hand, was suddenly startled, then gazed at the pillar of light with pleasant surprise.

“Senior Brother?!”

The moment Hua Yaoyao’s words faded, the light pillar vanished, revealing Qin Yangjun before everyone.

Accompanying him were five individuals: one was Ah Ling, and the remaining four consisted of two peak Nascent Soul cultivators and two early Void Glimpse cultivators.

In truth, under normal circumstances, the demon race’s attack this time was not extensive, and two peak Nascent Soul deacons would have been sufficient.

However, because Qin Yangjun was coming, Mu Xianxian had added two bodyguards.

Thus, the number of original leaders had increased from two to four.

Jiang Yanfeng, as captain, was merely leading a contingent of new and official disciples.

These four were the true leaders of this operation, possessing absolute authority and managing everyone, including inner disciples and true elder inheritors.

The reason they hadn’t been on the ship earlier was that they had received orders mid-journey to pick up Qin Yangjun.

But now Qin Yangjun had arrived.

The situation might need to change.

Yet, the four had no objections; they were well aware of everything Qin Yangjun had accomplished recently.

Therefore, they harbored no doubts about Qin Yangjun’s capabilities.

Allowing him to take charge might even ensure a smoother operation.

“Young Master….”

“Ah! I know what you’re about to say, but I have no intention of delving into your affairs, nor do I have the inclination to intervene. Just consider me an ordinary inner disciple. There’s no need for you to follow me; go about your business now.”

Qin Yangjun was all too aware of the consequences his aura brought.

As the “Crown Prince” of Yuqian Sect, his authority was paramount, second only to his older sister and a few elders.

Yet, he was merely there to join in the excitement, intending only to complete his own tasks. Why bother taking on their troublesome matters?

Hearing Qin Yangjun’s words, the four exchanged glances, then lowered their heads.

“In that case, we shall not disturb Young Master.”

The four turned and departed, entering the inner cabin.

No sooner had the four left than Hua Yaoyao immediately rushed over.

Her face alight with excitement, she questioned Qin Yangjun about his unexpected arrival, to which he responded with a smiling explanation.

As he explained, however, Qin Yangjun’s gaze subtly drifted towards Yu Lingyue.

Yu Lingyue’s soul power left Qin Yangjun inwardly astonished.

‘How has she grown so much stronger in such a short time? She truly leaves no room for others to catch up,’ he mused.

Yu Lingyue naturally noticed Qin Yangjun’s gaze, and her cheeks flushed faintly.

‘As expected, Senior Brother still cares about me.’

Qian Xiaoyu, meanwhile, observed the scene with a knowing smile playing on her lips.

‘Such a composition is truly amusing.’

Qin Yangjun appeared to be conversing with Hua Yaoyao, yet his gaze remained fixed on Yu Lingyue.

Just as Qian Xiaoyu anticipated Hua Yaoyao noticing Qin Yangjun’s lingering gaze, all the disciples who had been around Jiang Yanfeng suddenly flocked towards Qin Yangjun.

The sudden commotion made Qin Yangjun feel as though he were a minor celebrity.

These individuals proceeded to bombard him with a barrage of peculiar questions.

For instance, they inquired about his hobbies, his cultivation secrets, and what kind of girls he preferred.

These questions left Qin Yangjun feeling somewhat overwhelmed.

Ah Ling, keenly perceiving her young master’s predicament, loudly dispersed the somewhat frenzied junior brothers and sisters.

“Phew… Thanks, Ah Ling.”

“It’s nothing. Alleviating Young Master’s worries is simply Ah Ling’s duty.”

No sooner had Ah Ling spoken than she suddenly sensed a sharp gaze, and her fox ears perked up.

She turned her head, directly meeting Jiang Yanfeng’s resentful stare.

His hostility, however, was not directed at her, but at the person beside her.

Ah Ling’s expression subtly chilled.

She had never forgotten this person who had shown disrespect to her young master.

While it might seem like a minor skirmish for now, he was ultimately a hidden danger.

Keeping him around might very well lead to significant trouble.

‘And since this is a battlefield, perhaps I should seize an opportunity….’

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