Seeing Chu Xuan’s face radiant with confidence, Chu Xuan nodded, forgoing the temptation to criticize this strongly déjà vu-like novel, and instead asked:

"How was your family situation in the mortal world, Junior Brother?"

Ye Xingming was taken aback for a moment, "Pretty good, I guess. My father is a wealthy merchant in Jiangnan, dealing in textiles, and I’m the only child in the family, so life has always been comfortable."

Chu Xuan’s mouth twitched, "Then are you one of those unable-to-cultivate types?"

Ye Xingming waved his hand repeatedly, "How is that possible? According to Master, not only am I exceptionally gifted, but I’m also one of the rare few possessing the Emperor’s Heart Sword Body. From ancient times till now, only a handful have been recorded."

Speaking of this, he couldn’t help but feel quite proud.

Chu Xuan nodded again, "From youth to adulthood, have your family, relatives, friends, master, and fellow disciples ever treated you poorly, frequently scolding and restricting your freedom, interfering with your choices for the future?"

Ye Xingming grew more confused, not understanding what Senior Brother meant, "No, everyone has been quite nice to me."

"Originally, I was worried that people from the celestial sect would be aloof and difficult to get along with, but my fellow disciples have been friendly, which is completely different from my expectations."

Chu Xuan smiled slightly, "Then how, exactly, has the heavens been unfair to you?"

Ye Xingming was momentarily tongue-tied, "Uh, well, this, this..."

He was rarely flustered to the point of blushing, and merely lowered his head, murmuring: "It’s just a slogan, I’m not truly rebelling against the heavens."

Chu Xuan didn’t press him further, but instead spoke with heartfelt advice: "Junior Brother, I understand your unwillingness to be ordinary."

"But generally, only those dissatisfied with life would loudly proclaim their defiance of the heavens."

"Look at the kings and generals who have gone down in history, which one didn’t claim to have destiny on their side?"

"Shang Qi ’Destined by the celestial bird, thus was born Shang’; King Wen and his virtuous governance, the phoenix sings on Qishan; Emperor Gaozu’s uprising after slaying the white serpent..."

"You should think of it the other way around: I am destiny itself; anyone who dares stand in my way is just a clown, destined to be crushed by the relentless march of history."

At that moment, Ye Xingming seemed deeply shaken, rendered speechless for a brief interval.

A moment later, Ye Xingming finally regained his senses, adopting a solemn expression as he bowed deeply to Chu Xuan:

"Please accept my bow, Senior Brother. I have been reckless and ignorant in the past, straying further down the wrong path, and today I am fortunate to be awakened by your advice, finally realizing my errors."

"From today on, I am someone with destiny as my companion - a Saint!"

Chu Xuan felt initially gratified, but after hearing the last sentence, couldn’t help but have his mouth twitch - Saint??

No, that’s not something you can self-proclaim. Be careful or our Sect Master will hang you up for punishment when you return.

Did I exaggerate too much? It seems like I’ve overcorrected...

Forget it, Chu Xuan shook his head, "In short, don’t shout about defying the heavens anymore. We, who cultivate the Dao, as long as we maintain our hearts and righteousness, will naturally receive heaven’s favor and blessings."

Ye Xingming nodded repeatedly, looking at Chu Xuan with eyes full of admiration. Such wisdom; no wonder he’s Senior Brother.

At this moment, Jiang Yiyi curiously caught up from behind, "What are you all doing? Bowing and kneeling?"

Ye Xingming seriously turned to look at her, "From now on, please refer to me as ’Celestial Destiny Saint’."

Even someone as mild-mannered as Jiang Yiyi was momentarily stunned. This kid, is he out of his mind?

Chu Xuan quickly coughed and pulled his Junior Brother aside, saying: "How about you refer to yourself as the ’Child of Destiny’ instead."

"The title of Saint is too significant, you can’t handle it at this stage."

Ye Xingming thought it over, "Child of Destiny? That’s a good name, thank you, Senior Brother."

Jiang Yiyi looked at Chu Xuan with a peculiar expression, as if thinking: I didn’t expect this to be taught by you.

This time, it was Chu Xuan’s turn to feel embarrassed. I shouldn’t have engaged with this childish junior.

Just then, Xiao Yue came over, looking at Ye Xingming with a hint of jealousy, feeling like her spot as the youngest disciple was being usurped.

Chu Xuan, smiling, patted her head, "Don’t overthink it."

Only then did Xiao Yue bashfully nod.

It seems that the disciples of the Cyan Lotus Daoist Palace are all quite pure and easily deceived, without any cunning.

But Chu Xuan knew that the sect intentionally nurtured this atmosphere, as cultivators aligned with their philosophy would progress faster when practicing the Cyan Lotus Technique, without early interference from heart demons, and remained closer to the true "Dao."

Moreover, after undergoing trials in the future, they would naturally grow, ensuring they wouldn’t be sold without realizing, not to mention helping others count money.

...

The destination of this excursion is roughly a seven-day journey from the sect, an area known as the "Broken Tooth Mountain Range," sparsely populated and rife with monsters. It’s rumored that many celestial treasures are nurtured in its depths, but the dangers are also considerable.

On the way, Qin Mengyao briefly explained the target - a Golden Core-stage "Purple Blood Profound Crocodile."

Moreover, this one was a variant, having presumably consumed some toxic celestial treasure in its early years, granting it both water and poison attributes. The name Poison Blood Profound Crocodile would actually be more suitable.

Logically speaking, Qin Mengyao shouldn’t be its match, but she acquired crucial intelligence from a collaborating Loose Cultivator:

This fierce crocodile had recently clashed with another Golden Core monster and suffered a severe defeat, currently still in a weakened state.

With this premise, Qin Mengyao felt confident in having prepared countermeasures, and by taking the lead while the two Junior Brothers supported from the sides, there was significant hope of defeating it.

Before coming, Chu Xuan had already prepared adequately under Senior Sister’s guidance, therefore it wasn’t unexpected.

The only concern was Jiang Yiyi, who seemed eager and restless, prompting Chu Xuan to repeatedly warn her to reliably play the lookout role and not get involved.

Jiang Yiyi pouted but agreed, knowing better than to recklessly act in matters of life and death.

Xiao Yue also vowed to Senior Brother, promising to take good care of Master.

...

The Poison Blood Profound Crocodile’s habitat in the Broken Tooth Mountain Range is a small black swamp, surrounded by several hills, the location exceptionally hidden.

Chu Xuan and the group had been nearby for half a day.

They meticulously scouted the surroundings, devised a battle plan, and then began their operation.

Jiang Yiyi and another were hiding behind a large rock at the mountain summit, and would be responsible for signaling if other monsters intruded during the hunt.

If the hunt failed, they would also handle the retreat, ensuring Chu Xuan and the others wouldn’t be trapped without escape.

Having spent approximately two days entering this area, Qin Mengyao skillfully led the team past all dangers based on her experience frequently visiting the Broken Tooth Mountain Range.

However, due to this, Jiang Yiyi seemed somewhat bored, gazing at the three approaching the swamp silently, and muttered to Yue: 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

"Do you think they can defeat it? Will they need this fairy to make a grand appearance and save them? Wouldn’t they be deeply grateful to me then?"

Xiao Yue was speechless, "Master Ancestor, please don’t be a jinx."