Wen Min's eyes widened in disbelief.
Her lips parted, but for a moment, no sound escaped as she processed what she had just heard.
"The sixth level… in only three years?" she repeated, her voice tinged with genuine astonishment. "That's… unbelievable."
Realizing she'd spoken too loudly and revealed too much of her surprise in front of so many others, she quickly covered her mouth, a flush of embarrassment rising to her cheeks.
Zhang Xiaofan gave a respectful nod, though inwardly, he felt more than a little awkward under the growing weight of everyone's attention.
His eyes shifted across the vast open square of Xiaozhu Peak, taking in the scene before him—dozens of elegant and refined female disciples gathered around, each of them exuding their own unique aura.
Many were undeniably beautiful, but beneath that beauty, Zhang Xiaofan could sense something more dangerous—like roses hiding thorns.
So this is Xiaozhu Peak, huh? he thought, warily. Why do I feel like a helpless rabbit that's wandered into a den of foxes?
His gaze eventually settled back on Wen Min. Her features were mature and graceful, refined in a way that spoke of quiet strength.
But instead of feeling comforted, he only felt more on edge.
To Zhang Xiaofan, her composed beauty wasn't soothing—it was another silent warning.
Every woman here feels like a storm behind calm waters… trouble. Definitely trouble.
Just then, Tian Ling'er puffed up like a proud rooster, placing her hands on her hips as she declared, "Of course it's true! Don't you know who his master is?"
Her confidence was infectious, and several of the surrounding disciples turned their attention back to Zhang Xiaofan with newfound curiosity.
Wen Min, still eyeing him thoughtfully, gave a slow nod. "He doesn't look like much on the surface… but perhaps I've underestimated him."
She then turned to Su Ru, who stood calmly beside Zhang Xiaofan. "Aunty Su Ru, I assume you've come to see Master Shuiyue. Please, follow me."
With that, she led them deeper into the elegant inner chambers of Xiaozhu Peak.
The path wound through a serene courtyard framed by jade-green bamboo and delicate stone lanterns.
The gentle sound of flowing water echoed softly in the background, mingling with the faint fragrance of medicinal herbs and incense.
Finally, they arrived at the main hall—an immaculate structure built from snow-white jade and dark polished wood.
Inside, the floor gleamed like glass, while ornate columns shimmered with faint spiritual inscriptions. It was a place of beauty, discipline, and power.
Standing at the far end of the hall was Master Shuiyue herself.
Draped in pristine white robes embroidered with silver clouds, she stood tall and graceful, her presence commanding without being harsh.
Her long hair was tied into an elegant bun, secured with a jade hairpin that sparkled in the shifting light.
When she saw Su Ru enter, her stoic expression softened into a rare, genuine smile.
She stepped forward without hesitation and grasped Su Ru's hands warmly.
"Junior Sister," she said with unmistakable affection, "you finally came. I've missed you."
Then, her expression turned slightly mischievous as she added, "Ever since you married that short, fat Tian Buyi, you've barely come to visit."
Zhang Xiaofan nearly stumbled on the polished floor.
Did she just call Elder Tian… short and fat?!
Su Ru gave a long-suffering sigh, rolling her eyes as though she'd heard this far too many times. "Still holding onto that grudge? If Buyi heard you say that, he'd be chasing you around the mountain by now."
Shuiyue let out a cold snort. "He should be grateful I don't throw him off a cliff for stealing my favorite junior sister."
Her tone may have been sharp, but there was an undercurrent of fondness that even Zhang Xiaofan could hear.
Then her gaze landed on him.
"And this must be the little prodigy you mentioned?"
She stepped closer, her eyes scanning him from head to toe.
There was nothing harsh in her expression—only calm scrutiny. But it made Zhang Xiaofan feel as though he were being weighed and measured like an item at auction.
"Hmm…" she said thoughtfully, "not particularly handsome."
Her tone was matter-of-fact, not cruel, as though she were simply pointing out the obvious.
Still, several disciples coughed awkwardly. Tian Ling'er blinked in disbelief, and even Su Ru looked slightly uncomfortable.
After a pause, Shuiyue added with a faint smile, "But… the young are always full of potential."
Zhang Xiaofan didn't flinch. Instead, he stepped forward and offered a respectful bow.
"I've long heard," he said with calm composure, "that among all the peaks of Qingyun Sect, there is a senior who is known not only for her cultivation but for her unparalleled beauty and grace.
Now that I've seen you, I understand those words were true."
The room froze.
Tian Ling'er's jaw dropped. Did he just… flirt with Master Shuiyue?!
Wen Min quickly looked away, biting her lower lip to hide her expression.
Junior Brother… have you lost your mind? That's our Master!
Su Ru immediately started to sweat, her expression twitching with panic.
Why is he complimenting her appearance instead of her cultivation level?!
Even Master Shuiyue herself was momentarily stunned.
Her eyes narrowed slightly, and the air seemed to grow colder around her.
"Hmph," she said finally, her voice laced with dry sarcasm. "Just like that short, fat Tian Buyi. Looks honest on the outside, but deep down, utterly shameless."
Zhang Xiaofan bowed lower, a bead of sweat forming on his brow.
He hadn't meant to cross any lines—he was just trying to be polite.
But in this hall full of sharp-tongued women, he realized something very important:
He had stepped into a den of dragons.
And it was far too late to escape now.