Eventually, Chen Wentian remembered that they had to go back home. More accurately, it was Li Yuechan who brought it to his attention while he was trying to get her in the mood for a third round. He had to admit that it would be irresponsible to keep playing while the others needed him. It was just something about the five sisters and the lava pool, it was an irresistible combination.
After washing and getting dressed, Chen Wentian carried the five with his spiritual aura and flew off toward the west. The teleportation array at Black Rock City in the Cloudy Mountain Province was the closest so they headed for that.
Now that he was a Spirit King, he could make the entire flight without rest, even while carrying five disciples. He didn't even need to draw upon the spiritual energy of other souls. He was able to make the trip within a day and only stayed in the governor's castle overnight because the girls needed rest.
The next morning, they took the teleportation array and arrived at the Golden Yu Province which was situated directly west of the Dragon Flower Province. It was the home to the Golden Yu Dynasty which ruled over the whole province. They used to be an immortal sect but fell back to mortal status several hundred years ago due to some unfortunate circumstances. However, they were able to maintain power and continued to rule over the province as royalty.
The people of the Golden Capital City were immensely surprised when Chen Wentian arrived without warning. They tried to summon any top-level diplomat or government official they could but that proved to be a pointless effort as Chen Wentian set off toward the east after some courteous but brief greetings.
He had no real desire to care about the Golden Yu Province. Although they were neighbors, there was nothing in that province that interested him. It was a poor land with few spiritual resources. It was no wonder their immortal lineage died out. Dragon Flower Province, in reality, was no different. It was one of the many undesirable and unmanaged territories in the subcontinent. The Immortal Association assigned it to him at random.
But he had to thank them. Otherwise, he would have met his first three disciples who were all amazing. As he flew, his mind even drifted to thoughts of unearthing more gems from these supposedly unwanted provinces.
After another half day of flying, Chen Wentian and his disciples finally returned to Thousand Flower City. The whole city cheered upon his arrival. They were finally safe. Their immortal lord was back.
"Disciple greets master."
"Disciple greets master."
Lin Qingcheng, Zhou Ziyun, Wu Qianyu, and Peng Lingxi greeted him in front of the House of Paradise.
Beside them were Mei Qiaofeng, Tie Buqun, and Qiu Chuyi.
"Greetings, Lord Chen."
"Greetings, Lord Chen."
Their expressions were slightly stiff because his true status to them was no longer Lord Chen but the king of the east. Of course, they couldn't shout that in public so they had to make do with this.
"Greetings, greetings." Chen Wentian cupped his fist towards the three Spirit Lords, "Many thanks for your assistance this time around. If you hadn't made it, I am afraid I would have returned to a pile of rubble instead of a city."
"It was our responsibility to answer our ally's call. We should head back now." Mei Qiaofeng replied and the other two nodded.
They had stayed for over a week. The two men finally had the opportunity to enjoy the beauties that the House of Paradise provided and they almost didn't want to leave. Even Mei Qiaofeng had found a few lovers in the city who were willing to cater to her demands.
However, they still had an act to play for the public and for any prying eyes so it was time to go.
"Golden Capital City of the Golden Yu Province is that direction." Chen Wentian raised his arm and pointed to the sky, "It is a scenic route. At least it won't be boring."
"Hahaha, good. The next time you come to Beast God City, I will invite you to a banquet at my manor." Tie Buqun said.
"Likewise, Lord Chen, you are always welcome at the Qiu Clan."
"Good, good. Then, next time."
The three immortals bid their farewells and finally left.
"Masterrr!" Lin Qingcheng finally couldn't hold back and rushed into Chen Wentian's arms.
He patted her back as she cried against his shoulder. "Wuu… I thought you were never coming back. Bad master… Wuu…"
He was pretty sure she was being overdramatic but he comforted her all the same. She was the first disciple but she was also the youngest. This time around, she had handled herself well under pressure. He was proud of her.
After Lin Qingcheng, he gave the other four brief hugs. Zhou Ziyun was slightly cold. Wu Qianyu was unhappy. Only Peng Lingxi seemed her normal self, carefree as always.
He felt a headache arriving like a herd of elephants. He had wanted to use this incident to challenge his disciples. They had all performed well but now he had to deal with the result.
Women were so difficult, so difficult. He already had twelve disciples. It was already a large number. He instantly abandoned the stray thoughts he had the other day of seeking more.
"Ahem…" He cleared his throat as he tried to think of something nice to say, "This time around, all four of you made me proud. You defended the city and successfully fought back the enemies. You were able to display your individual talents while also working together. Especially Chengcheng and Qianyu, you two achieved substantial breakthroughs in your cultivation arts without my presence. This was exactly what I was hoping for so I am very satisfied. I will make sure to get a reward for all of you for your hard work."
"Woo!" Lin Qingcheng cheered.
Peng Lingxi laughed at her antics.
But Zhou Ziyun and Wu Qianyu remained stone-faced. They both replied with curt bows and mumbled thanks.
Chen Wentian frowned and felt his headache growing in size. Looking at the two, the biggest headache seemed to be Zhou Ziyun. Wu Qianyu just seemed depressed. He had seen her like this before so he knew how to deal with it. On the other hand, he wasn't sure why Zhou Ziyun was so unhappy.
He decided that he had to get to the bottom of this and quickly.
"Ziyun, come here." He said and hugged her waist. As they rose into the air, he turned to address the other three, "Don't wait up. We'll be back in a bit."
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