Speaking of this matter.

Chen Ye suddenly recalled the time when he had just arrived at Lisong Valley. He was ordered to deliver the Spirit Plant to Peach Mountain District, but was attacked on the road.

This was something he had almost forgotten, but Bai Susu still remembered it.

Chen Ye couldn’t help but ask, "But wasn’t that day orchestrated by the Wei Family as a setup to murder me? Now that Wei Cheng and others of the Wei Zong are dead, the Wei Family is under my control..."

Bai Susu’s expression slightly tensed:

"It’s not that simple. Demon Cultivators don’t appear for no reason. Do you remember the demon cultivators Mei Suxin and Mei Suli?"

Chen Ye was not clear about who Mei Suli was.

But Mei Suxin, he was very familiar with.

When he first arrived in the Cultivation Realm, he had heard that there was a group of Demon Cultivators roaming around Yunxi District. Although many were exterminated by the Lingyin Sect, a few slipped through the net.

Mei Suxin was one of them.

Chen Ye was astonished: "Could it be that aside from Mei Suxin, there are other demon cultivators still lurking in places like Yunxi District?"

"Hmm... if this news is true, that person’s cultivation might even surpass Mei Suxin. But it doesn’t matter; with a True Inheritor like me, they’re all just ants."

When Bai Susu said this, she looked proud, her golden hair slightly waving in the wind, full of confidence.

Chen Ye felt slightly reassured.

Although this young lady had a bit of a temper, her strength was unquestionable.

With her here, even if there were truly some remnants of late-period Demon Cultivators, they should be able to handle it effortlessly.

Their entire exchange was conducted through Divine Sense, and although no sound leaked out, anyone with eyes could tell they were having a secret conversation.

Zhiwei and Jin’er, standing nearby, didn’t find anything unusual about it; they just assumed their master and True Inheritor Bai were discussing important matters.

But Qing Jun was having none of it.

The little girl looked left and right, becoming increasingly suspicious.

Something’s not right!

If they were discussing serious matters, why not explain it through the Sound Transmission Jade Pendant? Wouldn’t that be simpler?

They just had to go face to face, eye to eye in conversation... This made Qing Jun grow curious about Bai Susu’s intentions.

Originally, she was already jealous of her master paying so much attention to her junior martial sister Jin’er. If Bai Susu also started vying for her master’s attention...

"Master!"

Qing Jun couldn’t hold back any longer, stepping forward to wedge herself between Chen Ye and Bai Susu, blocking their line of sight.

She hugged her master’s waist, sweetly saying:

"Master, Master, Qing Jun can’t wait any longer, let’s hurry and set off! You and True Inheritor Bai don’t need to keep exchanging glances!"

Chen Ye’s serious words nearly got choked back by this little girl’s line.

Exchanging glances?

They were clearly discussing vital plans to eliminate demons!

"Ahem!"

Chen Ye raised his hand to tap Qing Jun on the head, pretending to be annoyed:

"What nonsense are you spouting! Mind your manners. I was discussing... discussing the detailed itinerary with True Inheritor Bai! I hope True Inheritor Bai doesn’t mind."

"Eh? Is Qing Jun spouting nonsense? Did Qing Jun say something wrong? Weren’t you exchanging glances?" The little girl innocently asked.

On the opposite side, Bai Susu’s face turned slightly red. She casually pressed on the long sword at her waist and calmly said, "Qing Jun is just speaking innocently; I will not mind these things."

But because of Qing Jun’s interruption, it became difficult for the two to continue their conversation.

Bai Susu simply said no more, gracefully waving her hand to release a streak of flowing light from her sleeve.

The flow of light swelled with the wind, transforming in the blink of an eye into a flying ship, about ten zhang in length, carved entirely from white jade.

The ship’s body was intricately carved with cloud patterns and glittered with vibrant colors, featuring two-tiered pavilions with decorative eaves and hanging silk curtains swaying stylishly with the wind, exuding ultimate luxury.

"Wow—!"

Qing Jun raised her little head high, her mouth wide open, and her large eyes filled with countless little stars:

"What a beautiful big ship! Sister Susu has a new ship? It looks much more comfortable than Master’s Flying Sword!"

Hmm!

This little girl who prefers new to old!

Earlier it was all about the True Inheritor Bai, and now she’s calling her Sister Susu.

"Oh? I didn’t expect Instructor Chen to be so frugal, taking his disciples out with just a Flying Sword..." Bai Susu chuckled softly.

"Yes, Master clearly has a lot of Spirit Stones..."

Qing Jun mumbled, hoping her master would buy a Spiritual Ship, which would make their outings much more comfortable in the future.

Chen Ye put on a stern face: "That is to temper your perseverance, understand? Get on board quickly!"

"Hehe, I understand, I understand. Master is the most thrifty!"

Seeing her master put on a stern face, Qing Jun quickly picked up the little white fox, leaping lightly onto the deck.

Zhiwei smiled and shook her head, also boarding the ship afterwards.

Bai Susu paid no mind to the antics between master and disciples. With a flicker, she took her place at the highest point at the bow of the ship, her garments fluttering gracefully, resembling a fairy from a painting.

Chen Ye walked behind Jin’er, accompanying her onto the ship, speaking gently:

"What is it? Feeling nervous?"

Jin’er tightly clutched the corner of her garment, her knuckles slightly pale.

Nearing one’s hometown evokes stronger feelings of trepidation.

Even though she is now a Foundation Establishment Cultivator, impressive in the remote Peach Mountain District, comparable to an elder of a sect.

But after all, she’s still a young girl inexperienced in worldly matters,

"I... I was just thinking, if my parents saw me like this now, how would they react... and also those people in Peach Mountain District..."

Jin’er’s voice was very soft.

These days, she’s come to understand the significance of being a Foundation Establishment Cultivator, worried her parents might change their attitude and feelings toward her upon learning of it.

Besides, she wasn’t sure how to face certain people in Peach Mountain District.

Back then, both she and her sister were often bullied, especially by those three sisters of the Zhang family... though later, she heard that her master had severely reprimanded those three sisters.

"Silly girl."

Chen Ye guided her onto the ship’s deck, smiling:

"I know your parents well; they deeply care for you. You don’t need to worry about these things. Now, I just want the people of Peach Mountain District to see that the little girl who once could only sit in a wheelchair, her path to immortality thought impossible, has now transformed into a Foundation Establishment Grand Cultivator!"

Hearing her master’s powerful and protective words, the trace of anxiety in Jin’er’s heart faded away.

Indeed.

With her master around, she was no longer the same Lin Jin as before.

Once everyone was aboard, Bai Susu activated a spell.

Buzz—

The flying ship vibrated slightly, blending smoothly into the wind as it rose steadily into the air.

Then it transformed into a streak of dazzling light, heading swiftly towards the west.

Chen Ye stood by the ship’s rail, watching the rapidly retreating mountains below, deep in thought.

On the surface, it was a celebratory homecoming.

But in reality...

He touched the Storage Bag in his sleeve, looking at the solitary silhouette at the ship’s bow.

This trip to Lisong Valley was destined to be another fierce and bloody encounter.

"Sigh... there wasn’t even time to scold the naughty kid."

Chen Ye felt a bit regretful.

Speaking of which, Qing Jun really needed some education; this girl was becoming more and more unruly...

However, clearly now was not the time for all that.

Watching Qing Jun’s carefree antics, cuddling the little white fox and frolicking on the deck, Chen Ye resignedly shook his head.

"Since it’s like this, let’s allow you to be smug for a few more days, little girl."

...

The flying ship pierced through the sky, clouds rolling like ocean waves.

Bai Susu’s new flying ship was not only luxurious but incredibly fast.

Originally, if Chen Ye had used his sword to take everyone, it would have taken at least a day. Under the full speed of the flying ship, a mere three hours passed before a familiar outline appeared on the horizon.

It was a range of lush, continuous valleys, towering with steadfast pines and shrouded in mist.

"Lisong Valley... I wonder how Sister Shuyao is doing."

Zhiwei stood side by side with Chen Ye, gazing at the vast forest below, speaking softly,

"I remember Uncle He is now residing in Lisong Valley. He was severely injured, I wonder how well he’s recovered."

Not only was Zhiwei’s mind stirred,

even the vine king on Chen Ye’s body was restless. After all, the tribe of the demon-eating vine had now settled in the back valley of Lisong, and it had been a long time since this vine king had seen its kin.

Chen Ye wrapped his arm around his disciple’s shoulders: "With Master here, everything will be alright."

The dark-haired girl silently leaned against her master’s embrace, softly affirming.

She gazed at the valley below the ship, deeply moved.

This past year, it truly feels like a lifetime ago...