Chapter 130: Chance Encounter with Junior Brother Chen and Junior Sister Fish

Leng Yixue nodded, her eyes scanning the pavilion courtyard. “Why haven’t I seen Master Iron Ox?”

Moon Gaze Peak housed a Master Artifact Refiner. This was common knowledge within the Sect. His creations were highly sought after, even by Core disciples. But since arriving at Moon Gaze Peak, Leng Yixue had not seen hide nor hair of this elusive figure. She had intended to pay her respects, but the opportunity never arose.

Yao Ning’s expression turned peculiar. She paused her stance training, wiping sweat from her brow.

Did Senior Brother not tell Senior Leng the truth?

A trace of distress flashed in Yao Ning’s eyes. Should she reveal it? Senior Leng was staying here to treat her Master’s wife. She wouldn’t be leaving anytime soon. If she found out later, it might be awkward. But if Li Meng wanted to keep it a secret…

“Senior Leng,” Yao Ning said carefully, resuming her punches. “There are only me and Senior Brother on Moon Gaze Peak!”

She said nothing else. Senior Brother, you can’t blame me. I didn’t lie. Whether Senior Leng figures it out is her own business.

A flicker of doubt passed through Leng Yixue’s icy gaze.

Only Yao Ning and Junior Brother Li? Then the rumors about Master Iron Ox were false?

No, impossible. She had seen the artifacts herself. The Golden Geng Glazed Pagoda possessed by Junior Brother Zhang was a masterpiece. Such craftsmanship couldn’t be faked.

“Could it be that Junior Brother Li is Master Iron Ox?”

The thought surged in Leng Yixue’s mind, startling her.

No… impossible!

Alchemy and Artifact Refining were both bottomless pits of study. A cultivator had limited energy. Dabbling in everything usually led to mediocrity in all. Junior Brother Li’s talent in Alchemy was already heaven-defying—refining Flawless Pills at Foundation Establishment. How could he possibly have the time or mental energy to master Artifact Refining too?

And yet… the possibility lingered, refusing to be dismissed.

[+10 Affection] [+50 Sub-profession Experience]

High above the peaks of the Inner Sect, Li Meng stood atop his flying sword, his yellow robes fluttering in the wind.

“Who increased Affection?” he muttered, checking the system panel.

“Ah, Senior Sister Leng.”

A faint smile touched his lips. She must be chatting with Yao Ning. Hearing his Junior Sister sing his praises was clearly doing wonders for his image.

Joyous Union Sect. Inner Sect Territory. Mirror Lake.

Mirror Lake was the largest body of water within the Sect’s domain, a massive convergence of Water Qi. Since the Great Dao favored water here, it attracted disciples with Water Spirit Roots in droves, making it the premier public cultivation ground.

From the sky, the lake looked like a giant sapphire embedded in the earth, surrounded by over a dozen towering peaks. The water was crystal clear, its surface as smooth as a mirror, undisturbed even by the gentle breeze.

Along the lakeshore, winding corridors stretched out over the water, connecting exquisite pavilions that sat like isolated islands. Sword lights flashed through the air constantly—disciples arriving and departing.

Li Meng descended toward the southern shore’s landing platform.

He landed gently on the protruding stone platform. The airspace above the lake itself was a no-fly zone, strictly enforced by the Law Enforcement Hall to prevent aerial combat from disturbing the cultivation environment.

“Not many people today,” Li Meng noted.

The platform was nearly empty, save for a lone Outer Disciple waiting anxiously near the edge.

Li Meng glanced at him. Unfamiliar. He ignored the disciple and walked onto the corridor extending over the lake.

The scenery was magnificent—nearby water reflecting distant mountains, creating a painting of natural grandeur. Li Meng strolled leisurely, enjoying the view while keeping his senses sharp for Senior Wen.

“Senior Uncle Li?”

A surprised, soft voice called out from behind.

Li Meng stopped and turned.

Two figures approached—a young man and a woman, both Outer Disciples.

Li Meng chuckled, recognizing them immediately. “Junior Nephew Chen, Junior Niece Fish. Have you been well?”

It was Chen Hao and Yu Youwei (Fish). He had met them during the Qian Family Fortress incident.

Chen Hao and Yu Youwei bowed deeply, their expressions respectful.

“We are well, Senior Uncle,” Chen Hao replied, straightening up. “Is Senior Uncle heading to the Mirror Lake Market?”

The Mirror Lake Market was a gray-area trading hub established by disciples. The Sect turned a blind eye to it, knowing the monthly stipends weren’t enough for serious cultivation. It was a place of self-reliance.

Li Meng stroked his chin. “Indeed.”

Yu Youwei stepped forward, her eyes bright and charming. “Senior Uncle Li, why not travel with us?”

Li Meng’s gaze swept over her voluptuous figure. This Junior Niece was truly a stunner. Her eyes held a natural charm—clearly, she had a solid foundation in Charm Techniques.

“Good. Let’s go together.”

Thus, Li Meng gained an entourage.

They walked along the corridor, the two disciples flanking him slightly behind.

“Senior Uncle Li,” Chen Hao said, his voice tinged with guilt. “About the incident at the fortress… we are truly sorry.”

Li Meng had saved them all, yet their Master’s wife had made things difficult for him, and their Master had even threatened him. As disciples, they had been powerless to stop it. They had wanted to apologize sooner but feared their Master’s wrath.

“It’s fine,” Li Meng said casually, waving a hand. “Let the grudges of the older generation remain with them. It shouldn’t hinder our friendship.”

Yu Youwei smiled gently, her admiration evident. “Senior Uncle’s broad-mindedness is admirable.”

Chen Hao bowed again. “Senior Uncle’s heroic spirit is impressive. This Junior Nephew is in awe!”

They continued walking, chatting about cultivation.

“Senior Uncle,” Yu Youwei asked hesitantly, “I seem to have encountered some problems in my cultivation recently. Could… could Senior Uncle take a look for me?”

Li Meng raised an eyebrow.

I’m not a doctor. Who spread the rumor that I treat cultivators?

Was it because of Senior Leng? A Golden Core Elder moving into his peak for treatment would certainly start whispers.

He glanced at Yu Youwei. Her aura was indeed slightly disordered, likely a lingering issue from the chaotic battle at the fortress.

“It’s fine,” Li Meng said graciously. “It’s probably a minor hidden injury. Come find me at Moon Gaze Peak when you have free time.”

Yu Youwei’s heart leaped with joy. She blinked at him seductively. “Then tomorrow, Junior Niece will come to Moon Gaze—”

Her words died in her throat.

Her gaze fixed on something ahead, her pupils constricting in terror. Her body stiffened.

“Mas… Master!”

Beside her, Chen Hao’s face drained of color.

Leaning against the railing further down the corridor was a graceful, voluptuous figure.

She wore a pink palace-style dress that clung to her curves. Her hair was an elaborate cloud of exquisite hairpins. Her face was beautiful but painted with glamorous, heavy makeup that gave her a bewitchingly sinister aura.

It was Senior Wen. And she was smiling right at them.