A few days later, the time came for Shen Xian to depart for the sect.

A spirit boat hovered before the Shen Family mountain gate. Nangong Wan was straightening Shen Xian’s collar, her eyes filled with reluctance. “Xian’er, remember to send messages often once you reach the Divine Wood Sect.”

Shen Xiong stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his voice solemn. “Focus on your cultivation there. Do not tarnish the prestige of our Shen Family.”

Though his tone was stern, he personally handed a storage ring to Shen Xian. “There are some spirit stones and elixirs inside, for unforeseen needs.”

Just as Shen Xian was about to reply, he saw a figure in white robes approaching from afar, treading upon the clouds.

Shen Xing’s sleeves fluttered gently. The Void Guiding Jade Pendant at his waist emitted a warm glow under the morning light. Each step seemed to tread upon the rhythm of Heaven and Earth—neither hurried nor slow—yet it made people unconsciously hold their breath and focus.

A faint, elusive smile played on his lips, but his eyes were as deep and unfathomable as a cold pool.

He landed on the deck of the spirit boat and bowed to his parents. “Father, Mother.”

A flicker of complexity passed through Nangong Wan’s eyes as she said gently, “Xing’er, your Third Brother is traveling far for the first time. Look after him.”

“Rest assured, Mother.” Shen Xing’s tone was calm. His gaze swept over Shen Xian, a gentle, spring-breeze smile on his face. “Third Brother is naturally gifted and has received the Ancestor’s blessing. He is sure to achieve great things in the Divine Wood Sect.”

After all, this person was one of his targets for Severing Emotions. Before attaining the Dao and ascending to immortality, he naturally would not allow anything to happen to him. Moreover, once at the Divine Wood Sect, Shen Xian would no longer be able to escape his control.

Shen Xiong nodded in satisfaction and offered a few more words of advice.

Only after their parents had left did Shen Xing turn to Shen Xian. “Third Brother, come with me.”

The spirit boat slowly ascended into the sky. Shen Xing stood at the bow, his sleeves lightly fluttering in the wind. A wisp of pale golden spiritual light flowed quietly around his fingertip, as if deducing heavenly secrets.

Suddenly, he spoke. “I heard Third Brother is already engaged to the Wei Family’s direct-line daughter?”

In recent days, he had cooperated with the clan elders to thoroughly purge the Blood Fiend Sect. For now, all demonic cultivators in the Azure Province had quieted down. He also finally had to return to the sect to report on his mission.

Shen Xian raised an eyebrow. “Yes. It’s just a pity Elder Brother was too busy to attend.”

Shen Xing smiled slightly, but the smile didn’t reach his eyes. “It’s of no consequence. The Wei Family has deep ties with the Divine Wood Sect. That direct-line daughter of theirs is also highly regarded by the sect. Third Brother’s union with her is not a bad thing.”

Compared to Ye Qingxian, Wei Zhaoli was easier to control. Furthermore… he already knew she had an unspeakable difficulty.

When the time came, it would be even more advantageous for him to use this matter to practice his path of Severing Emotions, making this younger brother beside him hold no more grudges against him—even… revering him like a deity.

Having said that, Shen Xing took out a jade slip from his sleeve. “This is a map of the various peaks within the sect. It might be useful for Third Brother as a newcomer.”

This item was a gift from a senior in the sect; now it was perfect to offer as a favor.

Emotions needed to be cultivated. He wasn’t in a hurry to make the other worship him to an unparalleled degree like his deceased Second Brother had done in such a short time. Everything could proceed slowly.

The jade slip felt slightly cool to the touch. Shen Xian swept it with his spiritual sense and found it not only marked the locations of each peak but also detailed various forbidden areas, spiritual vein nodes, and even included notes on the temperaments and preferences of several important elders.

The thoroughness of this information far exceeded what ordinary disciples could access.

“Thank you, Elder Brother.” Shen Xian put away the jade slip with a faint smile that wasn’t quite a smile. “I just wonder why Elder Brother is suddenly showing such concern?”

He thought of Ye Qingxian’s mention of Severing Emotions; these words were merely a probe.

Shen Xing clasped his hands behind his back and gazed at the distant sea of clouds, his voice as ethereal as mist. “It’s only natural between brothers.”

Testing me? Heh, interesting. Unfortunately, an ant remains an ant in the end.

He didn’t mind such probing; the real killing move was always hidden where one couldn’t see it. When the other discovered that everything he did was sincere and well-intentioned—that would be truly falling into the trap.

So he paused briefly before adding, “If Third Brother has any doubts regarding cultivation, you can come find me at the Main Peak.”

This eldest direct-line son of the Shen Family certainly presented himself flawlessly in social interactions; his behavior and demeanor made people feel exceedingly comfortable.

If not for Ye Qingxian’s warning, Shen Xian might have truly believed he was being treated with genuine goodwill.

But now…

Through that earlier probe, he had already determined that this Elder Brother would likely do nothing against him for now—and might even be “exceptionally doting.”

Perhaps he could take this opportunity to thoroughly “drain” him dry.

With this thought in mind, a slight curve appeared at the corner of Shen Xian’s mouth as he spoke. “Alright, Elder Brother. Then from now on… within the sect, I’ll have to trouble you for your care.”

The spirit boat pierced through layers of clouds as a majestic immortal mountain gradually came into view.

The Azure Sky Mountain Range, where the Divine Wood Sect resided, stretched for thousands of miles. The Main Peak reached toward heaven and earth; clouds and mist swirled halfway up its slopes, faintly revealing countless pavilions and towers dotting its sides.

Most eye-catching was that colossal divine tree growing atop the summit of the Main Peak…

Its trunk was as thick as a mountain range; its branches and leaves blotted out the sky and sun; its entire body emitted a faint greenish glow.

“That is Jianmu.” Shen Xing stood with hands clasped behind his back; there was a trace of pride in his tone. “The legendary divine tree connecting Heaven and Earth—also the foundation upon which our Divine Wood Sect stands.”

As they drew closer on their spirit boat, it all became clearer still: upon Jianmu’s branches were built countless halls; cultivators flew about on swords among them, like ants tiny by comparison.

Atop its canopy, moreover, lay enveloped within a golden light shield, within which several floating islands could vaguely be seen suspended above all else.

“Those are the retreat paradises belonging to the Grand Elders,” Shen Xing explained calmly while looking out over the scene. “None below the Nascent Soul stage may enter.”

Within the Divine Wood Sect, rules abounded and the hierarchy was strict, far more severe than within their own family home back at the Azure Province estate grounds.

Their vessel descended slowly onto a platform located halfway up the mountainside, where several dozen disciples dressed in blue Daoist robes already stood lined up. Waiting respectfully upon seeing Shen Xing appear, they bowed in unison. “We welcome the Holy Son’s return!”

Within the sect, anyone bearing the Mandate of Heaven would be bestowed the title of Holy Son.

The Holy Son status was second only to the Sect Leader and equal to the Guardian Elders, holding high position and great authority, deeply valued by the entire organization.

And among the younger generation of disciples particularly, he enjoyed considerable prestige and was universally respected, with even many low-level cultivators viewing him as the “model of the orthodox path.”

Facing the crowd’s welcome, Shen Xing gave a slight nod then turned. “Third Brother, come along. I’ll handle your entry formalities.”

Logically speaking, such trivial matters shouldn’t require his personal attention, but for the sake of his grand plan of Severing Emotions, he chose to seize the opportunity to demonstrate his elder brotherly affection.

Along the way, Shen Xian witnessed the magnificent spectacle that the Divine Wood Sect presented: ancient trees lining both sides of the path, reaching skyward; spiritual springs and flying waterfalls visible everywhere. Every hundred paces, a stone pavilion stood where either disciples discussed the Dao or elders lectured on scriptures. Even more astonishingly, the entire mountain range was enveloped within an immense formation array where spiritual energy was so dense it almost materialized into tangible form.

“This is the Gathering Spirit Grand Array,” Shen Xing explained while walking alongside him. “Outer disciples can only cultivate at the edges, inner disciples may enter the middle layers, and core disciples are permitted to approach the roots of Jianmu itself.”

Arriving before an ancient hall, he stopped, announcing, “Here is the Deacon Hall.”

Just as the two appeared, a purple-robed elder hurried forward, his face full of smiles. “The Holy Son’s journey must have been arduous.”

When his gaze turned toward Shen Xian, a glint flashed in his eyes. “This must be the Third Young Master of the Shen Family. Indeed handsome and talented!”

Shen Xing replied indifferently, “Elder Bai, my younger brother is a newcomer. I hope you will show consideration.”

“Naturally!” Elder Bai repeatedly nodded, bowing even lower. “Does the Third Young Master require a prepared cave residence? This old one happens to have a vacant one on Spirit Stream Peak…”

“No need.” Shen Xing raised a hand, cutting off the explanation.

Though his tone was final, the reason remained unspoken in his mind—such ostentatious favoritism would actually rob Shen Xian of the many “pleasures” of struggle. He wanted to see his Third Brother stumble, encounter obstacles everywhere within the sect environment, and be pushed into a corner. Then, when he was helpless, he would realize who the only reliable support truly was.

Shen Xing needed merely to wait patiently until that moment arrived, then extend a helping hand in a savior-like manner, thus fulfilling the ultimate goal: a step closer to achieving the Path of Severing Emotions completely, without suspicion arising.