Chapter 48

Wudao appeared on Luoxian Mountain, and with him were Shen Xian’er and Xiaobai, both of whom had been missing for days.

“Master.”
Han Luo greeted him respectfully, though inwardly he was puzzled. In the five years he had spent in Luoxian Sect, he could count the number of times he’d seen his master on one hand. Why had he shown up now? Did something happen?

What didn’t surprise him, however, was how Wudao had made it past the mountain’s countless traps and formations without triggering a single one. After investigating, Han Luo had long suspected that his master’s true strength far exceeded the officially acknowledged mid-stage Core Formation. In fact, Wudao gave off a presence comparable to that of Yunyangzi, who was at the Nascent Soul stage. It was very possible that Wudao was hiding his true cultivation—and perhaps was even stronger than Yunyangzi himself.

“Xiao Luo, now that you’ve reached the seventh stage of Qi Refinement, it’s time to undergo spirit tempering,” Wudao said directly, revealing the purpose of his visit.

So that was it. His master had come to personally oversee his spirit tempering. Han Luo was genuinely touched.

Currently, Luoxian Sect was enjoying a rare period of peace. Many previously active figures like Li Jun and Chi Xiao had all gone quiet—because their respective masters had pulled them back to assist them through their tempering stage. After all, spirit tempering was one of the most critical foundational processes in a cultivator’s journey; the number of tempering cycles could directly affect one's future path.

That his own master had finally thought of him… Han Luo was moved almost to tears.

Master, do you even know what these five years have been like for me? If you hadn’t shown up today, I might’ve forgotten I even had a master!

Still, emotions aside, he bowed respectfully. “Yes, Master. I was just about to begin.”

Wudao nodded. “You’re different from others. I won’t be much help in your tempering, but here—this is a spirit tempering guide I wrote just for you. It may be useful.” He handed Han Luo a handwritten book.

Given Wudao’s strength, a jade slip would’ve been more convenient. But Han Luo couldn’t use those, so his master had painstakingly written it out on paper. Holding the book in his hands, Han Luo felt a rare warmth in his heart. Though his master hadn’t appeared in years, this gesture showed he still cared. Maybe… he really had just forgotten his disciple existed.

Fine, I’ll let it go. He’s still my master after all. Even if he hasn’t taught me anything or shown up for five years… what can I say? (insert shrug here)

“Master, why don’t you stay for dinner?” Han Luo asked hopefully, trying to make the most of the rare visit.

“Yes! Yes!” Shen Xian’er lit up at the mention of food. “Senior Brother’s cooking is amazing, Master, you have to try it!”

Wudao gave a faint nod—permission granted.

Han Luo took out his bronze mirror, preparing to enter the Mirror World and cook. But just as he activated it—

“Senior Brother, I’ll help!” Shen Xian’er didn’t wait for permission and tried to slip into the mirror behind him. She had long suspected that he was hiding a stockpile of delicious food inside.

“Stop.” Han Luo caught her by the collar mid-sprint, lifting her like a kitten. “You stay here with Master and don’t cause any trouble.”

To him, the Mirror World was sacred ground. If Xian’er got in there, it would be pure chaos—his garden trampled, his pantries raided. He wasn’t taking that risk.

“But I can help! I’m amazing! Even Big Sis Chi Xiao said I was the best!” Shen Xian’er puffed up with pride.

“Chi Xiao?” Han Luo’s eyes twitched. “You mean that Chi Xiao?”

“Of course. How many Chi Xiao sisters are there in the sect?” she said proudly.

No wonder you’ve gotten bold enough to try and storm my Mirror World. Hanging out with her would teach anyone bad habits.

“Let go of me, or I’ll bite you!” Shen Xian’er bared her teeth, flashing her tiny fangs. Chi Xiao had taught her to act tough when bullied—never show weakness.

Han Luo sighed. You could be eating well and living comfortably with your senior brother, but no—you had to go follow the local tyrant.

“Alright, time to teach you a lesson.”
Whack. Whack. Whack.
Three solid flicks to her forehead.

Tears welled up in her eyes instantly.

“Still want to bite me?”

“No… no…” She sniffled, looking pitiful, tears trickling down like rain. Seeing her act all soft now, Han Luo held his head. First she tries being fierce, now she’s playing the sympathy card. Too bad I’m not your average pushover.

Whack. Whack. Whack.
Three more flicks.

Now her forehead had little red marks. She held it and turned pitiful eyes toward their master.

“Master, he’s bullying me. If you don’t stop him, your beloved disciple will be beaten to death!”

Wudao didn’t even blink. Eyes closed, still resting.

Seeing no help coming, she gave up. “Fine, Senior Brother. If you’re really going to kill me, then let me at least fulfill one last wish… I want your braised pork trotters... gulp...”

It might’ve been a tragic moment—except she audibly swallowed at the mention of food, ruining the mood entirely.

“Alright, alright! I don’t even know what you and Chi Xiao have been up to. Wait here, I’ll make your damn pork trotters.” Han Luo rolled his eyes.

No wonder Master didn’t let her out of the mountain until she hit the seventh stage. If she’d left earlier, she’d still be stuck at the first.

“Heehee, Senior Brother, you’re the best!” Shen Xian’er, hearing she’d get her food, instantly perked up and obediently sat beside their master.

What a handful.

Han Luo entered the Mirror World and quickly prepared a feast—nine dishes, one soup, dessert platter, and fine wine. He spared no effort, wanting to leave a lasting impression on his rarely-seen master. After all, he couldn’t have Wudao forgetting he even had a disciple.

Shen Xian’er pulled out her own enchanted utensils while Han Luo sat beside her. Neither touched their food—they waited for Wudao.

“Eat,” Wudao finally said, picking up a piece of fish and tasting it.

Han Luo watched anxiously, hoping for a bit of praise. As a dedicated chef, he cared about his cooking’s reputation.

“Not bad,” Wudao said blandly, then went silent again.

Han Luo had hoped for more, but thinking about it, those two words were already high praise. His master rarely spoke, and “not bad” was as good as a standing ovation.

Fine, I’ll take it.

“Dig in,” Han Luo told Shen Xian’er, who was already drooling all over the table.

“Mmm!” She nodded frantically and dove in with the speed of a starving squirrel.

Midway through the meal, Wudao put down his chopsticks.

“By the way, Xiao Luo—one more thing.”
“Yes, Master?” Han Luo paused, attentive.

“Since you’re preparing to temper your spirit, help your junior sister with hers while you’re at it.”

Having said that, Wudao stood and left without waiting for a reply.

“Take care, Master~” Shen Xian’er waved with greasy hands and cheeks stuffed with food.

“…Goodbye, Master,” Han Luo muttered, feeling thoroughly scammed.

So that was the real reason for this rare visit. Not concern. Not guidance. Just to dump his junior sister on him for spirit tempering.

Suddenly, the chicken leg in his hand didn’t taste quite so good.

Every other peak had masters who nurtured their disciples like precious seedlings, offering personal guidance and support. But his master? Total free-range parenting.

Why is our master so different… our lives are so hard…

“You gonna eat that chicken leg?” Shen Xian’er asked, one hand gripping a pork trotter while her eyes hungrily fixed on his.

Han Luo was speechless. “You take it.”

He handed it over and, unable to stay mad, reached out and gently ruffled her hair.

For the future of Wudao Peak… I really am doing the most.