Upon returning to Moon Gaze Peak, Li Meng resumed his daily routine of cultivation and craftsmanship.

Aside from his bi-monthly trips to the Market City to purchase spiritual herbs for his body-tempering baths, he remained behind closed doors, isolated from the world. He accepted business when it came knocking—artifact forging and alchemy were, after all, forms of cultivation in themselves—but otherwise, his focus was absolute.

On this day, however, an honored guest descended upon Moon Gaze Peak.

Outside, the clouds and mist churned, parting to form a passage to the summit. A streak of escaping light shot through, landing softly in the courtyard before the pavilion.

A graceful figure emerged from the light.

She wore a regal purple palace dress, her ribbons fluttering in the wind like the tails of celestial birds. Her beauty was breathtaking, an elegant contrast to the rugged training taking place nearby.

Yao Ning, mid-stance in her fist practice, glanced at the newcomer but said nothing, continuing her drills with stoic discipline.

Li Meng, lounging on his reclining chair, stood up immediately. A warm smile broke across his face as he bowed respectfully.

“Greetings, Sect Master Senior!”

The visitor was none other than Li Qiushui, the Sect Master of the Joyous Union Sect.

She smiled gently, swaying her hips with effortless grace as she sat beside the tea table. Li Meng joined her, flicking his sleeve to summon two exquisite tea sets.

“Senior, it has been too long. This Junior has missed you dearly!”

Li Qiushui pursed her lips, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “Is that polite flattery, or sincere affection?”

Li Meng stroked his beard, his expression serious. “This Junior never speaks idly. My words are always sincere.”

She shook her head, lifting a teacup to her lips. The tea was excellent, she noted silently. Setting the cup down, she looked at him with a radiant smile.

“Whether flattery or sincerity, this Senior isn’t falling for your tricks.”

Li Meng grinned, unbothered. “No matter. I simply missed you. There is no deeper meaning.”

Li Qiushui gave him a half-smile that seemed to say, Do you even believe that yourself?

She was confident in her beauty. Before becoming Sect Master, countless disciples had pursued her. Even when Senior Brother Yang was alive, her suitors were legion. Only the weight of her title had dampened their ardor.

For a Foundation Establishment cultivator like Li Meng to be enamored with her? It was only natural. It was human nature, and frankly, a compliment.

“No matter,” she said lightly. “This Senior doesn’t mind.”

Li Meng paused, unsure how to respond. She’s certainly confident, he thought. She’s convinced I’m smitten.

He studied her. In terms of raw beauty, Li Qiushui was top-tier. Though she lacked the ethereal, unseen aura of his Master, her beauty was tangible, visible, and potent. Raising affection with a Golden Core cultivator, especially one as busy as the Sect Master, was a monumental task. Without contact, there could be no progress.

To conquer her would require immense effort.

“Senior,” Li Meng said, setting down his cup. “You didn’t come to Moon Gaze Peak just to chat with this Junior, did you?”

“What’s the hurry?”

Li Qiushui’s voice dropped an octave. She glanced at him, her eyes pooling with tenderness. The slight coquettish lilt in her tone made Li Meng’s heart skip a beat.

Truly a disciple of the Joyous Union Sect. Her Charm Technique is masterful.

Li Meng laughed awkwardly. “No hurry. No hurry at all.”

The silence didn’t last long. Li Qiushui set down her cup and waved her sleeve.

Seven spiritual plants flew from her Storage Bag, hovering in the air above the table.

Li Meng’s gaze swept over them. The spiritual fluctuations were intense; even the weakest herb was over a thousand years old.

“Purple Smoke Fruit, Heavenly Heart Flower, Octagonal Ice Crystal Grass… These are ingredients for the Shangqing Pill. Sect Master Senior, is a Golden Core Elder preparing to form their Nascent Soul?”

The Shangqing Pill was a potent aid for comprehending the Dao, helping cultivators enter a state of Epiphany while resisting Heart Demons.

Li Qiushui smiled, impressed. Li Meng was only in the early Foundation Establishment stage, yet his knowledge rivaled that of Nascent Soul monsters. He shouldn’t even know of Third-Grade pill formulas, yet he identified them at a glance.

“It is for my younger sister, Li Qiulan,” she said, her smile turning charming. “She is a Golden Core Elder of Canghai Peak.”

Li Meng blinked. A younger sister?

“The Sect has high-ranking Alchemists,” he asked, feigning ignorance. “Why come to this Junior?”

Li Qiushui looked at him with a knowing smile.

“Other Alchemists cannot guarantee High-grade Quality. Not even the old man on Pill King Peak.”

She brushed a stray lock of hair from her forehead, her smile turning bewitching. A soul-stirring, fox-like charm radiated from her, enveloping Li Meng.

“If Junior Li can refine a high-grade Shangqing Pill… this Senior will offer a generous reward.”

Li Meng watched the transformation with a cynical inner sigh.

Joyous Union Sect women… always using charm to seize the initiative.

He didn’t mind being seduced—in fact, he secretly enjoyed it—but seeing the dignified Sect Master resort to such tactics felt… cheap. He preferred her when she was aloof and commanding. That was a challenge worth conquering.

Li Meng chuckled, smoothing his beard. His gaze turned fervent.

“Then, if this Junior refines a Flawless Third-Grade pill… what would Senior do?”

Li Qiushui’s smile deepened. He is interested, she thought. Good. A man in love will work harder.

She leaned forward, blinking at him playfully.

“If Junior Li refines a Flawless pill… whatever Junior wants, he shall have!”

She was serious. A Flawless Third-Grade pill would change everything for her sister. It would smooth the path to Nascent Soul, perhaps even saving her from the fate of Sitting Death.

Li Meng looked at the breathtaking woman before him, a lecherous grin spreading across his face.

“Sect Master Senior… then this Junior won’t stand on ceremony!”