Chapter 48 Seducing the Junior Sister! She's been provoking him all along!

"Junior Sister?" Jun Lintian's brows furrowed almost imperceptibly.

Now he could understand the unspeakable resentment Shen Hanzhou felt when his precious treasures were constantly being taken away.

He instinctively wanted to step forward, to separate Shen Yubai and Shi Liuying, who he felt were already too close.

However, just as he took a step forward, reason forcefully suppressed the impulse.

She was an exchange student.

She was in the Sword Sect.

According to sect etiquette, addressing the Sword Sect's chief disciple as "Senior Brother" seems to be perfectly acceptable.

For my junior sister's cultivation.

She was so eager to improve.

Sword Sect is indeed a more suitable place for her to hone her swordsmanship...

Emotion and reason engaged in a fierce tug-of-war in his mind, with two invisible figures each occupying one side and arguing incessantly.

A girl brandishing a small fork, seething with jealousy, shouted indignantly, "Why! She can only have one senior brother, me!"

The other, holding a small shield of calm wisdom, earnestly advised, "The bigger picture is what matters! Everything is for your junior sister's path! Her eyes are so bright; isn't it because she wants to become stronger?"

The two little figures were pulling at his nerves like a tug-of-war, causing a dull ache in his temples. He was frozen in place, unable to move forward or backward.

In that moment of hesitation, a figure, imbued with the force of wind and thunder and full of vigor, swept past him like a charging bull. The force of the wind caught him off guard, and he staggered, almost losing his balance.

Jun Lintian steadied himself and looked around. He saw that the Sword Sect Master, Zhan Cangqiong, was full of energy.

In the past, every time he came to the Sword Sect, the old man would be eager to call him brother and treat him as a close friend despite the age gap. But now, he acted as if he didn't even see such a big man. Leaning on the coiled dragon cane that was said to be able to smash mountains, he moved with the speed of the wind and headed straight for the center of the arena.

Jun Lintian looked at that incredibly agile figure and silently swallowed the greeting that was on the tip of his tongue, feeling helpless: Sect Master Zhan's physique is as robust as ever.

Zhan Cangqiong didn't care what Jun Lintian was thinking.

He abruptly stopped in front of Shi Liuying, his weathered, rugged face forcing a smile that he thought was kind and approachable, but which actually looked somewhat ferocious due to excessive enthusiasm. His voice boomed like a drumbeat:

"Little girl! Do you know who I am?"

Shi Liuying raised her clear eyes, which held a hint of bewilderment from her new arrival, and honestly shook her head.

Zhan Cangqiong had no patience for suspense. He put his hands behind his back, straightened his back, raised his chin slightly, and said in a voice full of undisguised pride and smugness: "I am the sect master of this Sword Sect, Zhan Cangqiong!"

A look of understanding flashed across Shi Liuying's eyes; it was the sect leader.

She immediately sheathed her sword, her posture impeccable, and performed a respectful junior's salute, her voice clear and melodious: "Disciple Shi Liuying greets Sect Master Zhan."

After bowing, she raised her small face, her expression as serious and pragmatic as ever, and asked directly, "Sect Master, I should have passed the entrance exam for the exchange student program, right?"

She pointed to the ring where the match had just ended, her meaning clear—if you win, does that count as passing the test?

"Exam, exam?" Zhan Cangqiong was taken aback by the question. He looked at the arena in the direction she was pointing, then at Zhao Gan next to him, who was beaten black and blue, his robe almost torn to shreds, but whose eyes were incredibly clear and even filled with admiration. He almost couldn't help but laugh.

He suppressed a laugh, deliberately put on a stern face, and gave Zhao Gan a pointer, his voice carrying authority: "Zhao Gan, now you should know what it means to have mountains beyond mountains and people beyond people?"

At this moment, Zhao Gan was completely convinced by Shi Liuying. Upon hearing this, he immediately clasped his hands in a fist salute, his voice loud and clear, filled with sincere remorse and admiration: "This disciple knows his mistake! Thank you... thank you for your guidance, Master!"

His bull-like eyes followed Shi Liuying around, clearly wanting another beating.

Zhan Cangqiong nodded in satisfaction, then turned to Shi Liuying, trying to make his smile appear more amiable, even with a hint of "family scandals shouldn't be aired in public" in his expression. He waved his hand and said, "Sigh, I'm sorry you had to laugh at me so soon after arriving at the Sword Sect. They're just a bunch of unworthy disciples with no real strength, who don't know the rules and dare to try to intimidate you right away. They really need to be taught a lesson!"

Zhan Cangqiong thought to himself: I absolutely cannot let this once-in-a-millennium sword genius develop even the slightest dissatisfaction with the Sword Sect! He's been plotting to poach this precious gem from that good-for-nothing Myriad Manifestations Sect!

In his eyes, not focusing on sword practice is a waste of time.

To make his image more approachable, Zhan Cangqiong even secretly used two fingers to carefully pinch the very flamboyant red braid at the end of his snow-white beard, which was dyed with special flame spiritual power, and gently twisted it.

A white beard paired with a red tip—this look exudes a ridiculous sense of disrespect for elders.

He was still thinking to himself: If it weren't for the fact that my sword energy is too scorching and easily burns my beard, who would want to braid my beard!

However, Shi Liuying's thought process is clearly different from that of ordinary people.

She completely missed the benevolent elder signal that Zhan Cangqiong was trying to project, and she also failed to notice the meticulous details of Zhan Cangqiong's actions.

Her attention was completely drawn to the phrase "a worthless disciple with no real ability".

Shi Liuying's usually expressionless face instantly turned serious, and her brows furrowed slightly.

An opponent like Zhao Gan is incredibly strong, possesses superhuman strength, has a solid foundation in swordsmanship, and is rich in combat experience. Among her peers, he is definitely a formidable opponent.

But in the words of the Sword Sect Master, he was just a "good-for-nothing" and "little disciple with no strength"?

She couldn't help but look around, her gaze sweeping over the burly men who had just lost the bet and were now wailing and rummaging through their empty wallets.

Although they looked disheveled at the moment, their bodies were full of vigor, their spiritual power was solid, and their eyes were sharp, clearly indicating that they were not ordinary people.

A sudden realization dawned on Shi Liuying's mind, mixed with a sense of awe and respect.

As expected of an ancient sword sect that has developed swordsmanship to its extreme, it is indeed extraordinary! The sect is full of hidden talents. Even a "good-for-nothing" disciple has such strength. How terrifying must the real elites be?

The cultivation atmosphere here is indeed intense!

With a serious expression, as if she had made a solemn pledge, she said to Zhan Cangqiong, "Sect Master, I understand. The Sword Sect has a profound foundation, and I will definitely work hard here to live up to this opportunity for exchange learning."

In Zhan Cangqiong's view, Shi Liuying's serious expression was a sign of "disappointment" with the level of her sect's disciples, indicating that she was not very happy!

This really worried Zhan Cangqiong.

What could be more important than making this little princess happy and getting her to willingly stay in the Sword Sect? Nothing!

He subconsciously covered the red braid on his beard even more tightly, deeply realizing that his old face had no advantage in terms of "good looks".

In a flash, a plan formed in his mind. He immediately sent a secret telepathic message to his handsome apprentice, Shen Yubai, who was standing nearby, his tone carrying an unquestionable command:

"Ice Cube, hurry up! You're handsome, you go to the front! Seduce her, seduce her, make sure she feels the... passion and charm of our Sword Sect!"

After transmitting his voice, he ignored his disciple's momentarily stiff expression and bewildered look. Without saying a word, he used a clever force to push the tall and upright Shen Yubai forward a step, practically "selling" him right under Shi Liuying's nose.

Forget about using beauty as a seductive tactic. In Zhan Cangqiong's view, any effective method is a good method!

What's a little sacrifice of a disciple's "appearance" for the sake of the sect's future?

This secret message could not completely escape the notice of Jun Lintian, who was closely monitoring the situation and possessed a powerful spiritual sense.

The words "beauty and temptation" exploded in his mind like a thunderclap!

The rational little man who had been tug-of-war in his mind was instantly kicked away by the jealous emotional little man, and the string of reason snapped completely with a "crack"!

He could no longer stand.

Almost simultaneously, Jun Lintian moved as if by teleportation, appearing beside the three in the blink of an eye.

He first glanced indifferently at Shen Yubai, who had been pushed forward, his gaze lingering for a moment on the other's beautifully shaped neck and the striking red mole on his Adam's apple that rolled up and down with each swallow.

No matter how I look at it, it's just an eyesore!

Every roll of that red mole seemed to be blatantly and shamelessly seducing his innocent junior sister!

He's been provoking him!

Jun Lintian maintained a faint, gentle smile, befitting the senior disciple of the Myriad Manifestations Sect, but his feet subtly and forcefully took a step forward, precisely inserting themselves between Shen Yubai and Shi Liuying.

With his upright posture, he completely blocked Shi Liuying's gaze from potentially falling on Shen Yubai.

"Senior brother?" Shi Liuying was surprised at first, then her clear eyes shone with genuine joy. "You're here too!"

Immediately, a question arose in his mind: "Senior brother, what are you doing here?"

The sect's grand formation hasn't been repaired yet, has it? As the chief disciple, Senior Brother bears a heavy responsibility. Why would he suddenly appear at the Sword Sect?

Jun Lintian knew what she wanted to ask just by looking into her eyes.

He suppressed the anxiety surging in his heart and tried his best to make his voice sound as calm and gentle as ever, like a spring breeze: "The sect's grand formation has been repaired ahead of schedule. I learned that my junior sister came to the Sword Sect as an exchange student, and I was worried about her, so I came here to check on her."

He perfectly maintained the image of a caring and reliable senior brother, suppressing all the ripples caused by "beauty temptation" deep in his eyes without revealing a single trace.

But who is Zhan Cangqiong? An old monster who has lived for thousands of years.

He took in Jun Lintian's series of smooth "interventions," "obstructions," and "gazes," and couldn't help but shake his head, causing even his tuft of red beard and braid to sway.

He understood perfectly: Tsk, even the most talented person, when caught up in love, is nothing more than a naive fool, no different from an ordinary person.

His gaze shifted with interest between Jun Lintian and Shi Liuying, and he concluded: Oh, they are indeed in love.

Let me see if my dear disciple is interested.

His gaze fell on Shi Liuying's face.

Her eyes were clear, filled only with pure surprise at her senior brother's sudden appearance and a trace of focus on cultivation, without a trace of the shyness or allure that ordinary women would have when facing outstanding men.

Yes, that's good.

My beloved student hasn't grasped the concept yet!

Zhan Cangqiong felt much more at ease, and even admired him more: "With a pure mind and a single-minded devotion to the Dao, he is truly a promising talent for pursuing the path of immortality! He deserves to join my Sword Sect!"

So, Zhan Cangqiong, without any hesitation, leaning on his cane, seemingly casually twisted his hips, using a clever move to push Jun Lintian, who had just regained his footing, back half a step. He didn't even glance at Jun Lintian once, but spoke to him with a tone of disdain, as if to say, "Why are you still here?"

"Now that people have seen it, are you relieved?"

Jun Lintian pursed his thin lips and remained silent.

That silent gesture conveyed his unease more powerfully than any words.

Zhan Cangqiong didn't care whether he trusted him or not, and directly ordered his disciple: "Ice Block, what are you waiting for? Take my beloved... my temporary disciple away and settle her in. I'll personally teach her a few of my most secret and profound sword techniques later!"

The four words "profound sword techniques" were like the most delicious cat treat, instantly attracting all of Shi Liuying's attention.

Her clear eyes suddenly lit up, sparkling with a pure thirst for knowledge and power; they were so bright they practically drooled with longing.

Although her heart was already throbbing with desire at the sight of the "profound sword techniques," Shi Liuying did not forget her manners. She turned back to Jun Lintian and said earnestly, "Don't worry, senior brother. I will stay in the Sword Sect for a year and then go back after the exchange period ends."

Zhan Cangqiong listened from the side, humming with satisfaction. He thought to himself, "When the time comes, I'll impart all my knowledge and resources to my beloved disciple. He'll thrive here, lingering and unwilling to leave. He'll forget all about this so-called Myriad Manifestations Sect and the one-year deadline! He'll treat it all as bullshit!"

Looking into Shi Liuying's bright eyes and hearing her say "I'll go back in a year," Jun Lintian's legs involuntarily took another small step forward.

Zhan Cangqiong immediately turned around, raised a white eyebrow, and asked with a scrutinizing tone, "What? Nephew Jun, are you dissatisfied with our Sword Sect's guidance of the Flowing Firefly Sword Technique?"

Jun Lintian's Adam's apple bobbed. He wanted to say, "I can teach you too. My swordsmanship is just as good."

The sword techniques provided by the system are exquisite and incredibly powerful.

However, when he saw Shi Liuying's eyes shining with anticipation for "profound sword techniques," he swallowed back all the words that were on the tip of his tongue.

Reason, like a cold tide, once again overwhelmed his turbulent emotions.

He knew perfectly well that the Sword Sect, as a sacred place for sword cultivators with a history of ten thousand years, was undoubtedly the place where the sword path had reached its zenith.

Its collection of books, the sword intent it transmits, and the cultivation system it has accumulated are the crystallization of the hard work of countless generations of sword cultivators.

No matter how powerful his sword techniques are, they are ultimately bestowed by the system and are more like a "result," lacking the process and foundation of native sword techniques in the cultivation world that resonate with heaven and earth and conform to the laws of the Dao.

My junior sister is a person of this world. She needs a sword technique that is truly rooted in the laws of this world. This will have irreplaceable benefits for her in comprehending the world and overcoming tribulations in the future.

For her own good.

Everything was for her grand plan.

Seeing his silence, Zhan Cangqiong asked again, "Is there anything else?"

Jun Lintian raised his eyes, his face already showing the faint, gentle smile that resembled jade, as if the momentary loss of composure had never happened.

"It's nothing."

He spoke softly, turning his gaze to Shi Liuying, his tone gentle yet firm: "I just want to remind you, junior sister, to cultivate diligently in the Sword Sect. If you encounter any incomprehensible cultivation obstacles, or if there are... people you can't defeat, don't be stubborn, and immediately send a message to your senior brother."

Zhan Cangqiong, listening from the side, couldn't help but purse his lips. What a gentle and refined gentleman, so unassuming even when he cares about someone.

In love, what future can you have if you don't fight or compete?

He patted his disciple Shen Yubai on the shoulder, then pointed at Shi Liuying and said loudly, "Distant water can't quench immediate thirst! Liuying, if you need anything in the Sword Sect, just go find your ice-faced senior brother!"

"He is the most powerful person in the Sword Sect besides myself!"

When I have time, I'll have him perform a complete sword routine for you. That will be a real treat to watch!

Upon hearing this, Shi Liuying's eyes brightened even more, and she nodded obediently: "Okay, thank you, Sect Master, thank you, Senior Brother Chen."

Senior Brother Shen...

Bitter gourds are about to grow on Jun Lintian's body.

She didn't forget Jun Lintian either, turning to him with a reassuring smile: "Senior brother, I will remember to keep in touch with you often, and I will also let Senior Sister Rong Yan and the others know that I am safe."

This feeling of being cared for and cherished made her feel like a cat basking in the winter sun, melting into a warm, cozy puddle.

Soon, urged by Zhan Cangqiong and silently led by Shen Yubai, Shi Liuying followed them into the Sword Sect.

The three figures gradually disappeared in the direction of the arena's exit.

Zhan Cangqiong enthusiastically introduced the various facilities of the Sword Sect, while Shen Yubai silently followed beside him, and Shi Liuying listened attentively, nodding occasionally.

The scene inexplicably conveyed a sense of harmony, as if they were truly loving and from the same family.

Jun Lintian stood there, watching the pale blue figure disappear from sight, his hands clenching slightly in his sleeves.

Just then, the group of people who had been observing from the shadows for a long time could no longer hold back.

Rong Yan abruptly ripped off the bamboo hat she had been using for disguise, her bright and pretty face now filled with a mixture of disappointment and anger. She rushed to Jun Lintian, her voice trembling with barely suppressed rage:

"Senior Brother! I praised you for your composure and wisdom when you were repairing the sect's great formation! How come you've become so muddle-headed at this crucial moment!"

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Author's note: Red envelope [pat on the head]