CHAPTER 263: FORTUITOUS ENCOUNTER

What Yu Xuan saw inside the box wasn’t just three robes — there was also a neatly folded letter and a thin, elegant book resting on top.

He blinked in surprise.

’A bonus gift? And some kind of secret manual or maybe even a personal diary?’ he thought, curiosity flickering in his eyes.

But now wasn’t the time to indulge in curiosity.

He gently closed the lid and stored the box safely inside his storage ring.

There would be time to check the letter and the book later — first, he needed to report to his master.

"Well then, have a nice day, Senior," Yu Xuan said politely, giving the monk a respectful salute.

The monk cracked open one eye, a strange smile forming on her calm face.

"Do you want to be a monk?" she asked suddenly.

Yu Xuan froze. "No!!!"

His answer came out like a lightning bolt, swiftly and decisive.

The monk’s serene expression faltered.

"Such... fast rejection?!" she said, sounding genuinely shocked.

Yu Xuan coughed, trying to regain composure.

"Senior, I’m still young, I’d like to explore the world before exploring monkhood! I’ll, uh, consider enlightenment... later."

"Later?" she repeated skeptically, narrowing her eyes as if she could already see through that empty promise.

"Well then, later, Senior!" Yu Xuan said quickly, and before she could launch into another philosophical debate, he darted toward the exit like his life depended on it.

The monk watched his back as he ran off, her calm expression returning.

She folded her hands, muttering softly, "Why are young people these days so averse to peaceful cultivation techniques?"

Then she closed her eyes again, finally free of her heart demon.

***

Yu Xuan stepped out of the Mission Hall.

’Should I summon her?’ he thought, his gaze drifting to the sky.

He was referring, of course, to Long Anming — the ever-proud dragon girl who could carry him to the Main Peak with ease.

But after a moment of thought, he shook his head.

"Forget it. Maybe I’ll stumble upon an ancient cultivator’s tomb along the way," he muttered under his breath.

With that, he began his journey toward the Main Peak on foot.

For an normal person, it would take at least ten hours.

But Yu Xuan was no ordinary cultivator — at the perfected stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm, his body and Qi were far beyond normal.

His speed was incredible, his stamina inexhaustible.

Still, he didn’t head directly for the Main Peak.

He remembered something Ming Tianmei had said during Lingluo’s birthday night — when he’d asked where she got that extravagant jewelry set. Her answer still echoed in his head.

"Oh, that old man? Just a random cultivator’s inheritance I stumbled upon," she’d said casually, brushing it off like finding an ancient legacy was the same as picking wildflowers.

Of course, Yu Xuan didn’t believe a single word.

So, as he made his way toward the Main Peak — searching behind waterfalls, under cliffs, inside moss-covered caves, and even near the roots of colossal trees, all while muttering,

"If she can find random inheritances, why can’t I?"

Each time, though, his hopes were crushed.

No treasures, no mysterious jade slips, not even a half-rotten cultivation manual.

Still, he didn’t give up. His [Immortal’s Gaze] made it easy to spot Qi fluctuations and distortions in the environment, and even see through underground, so it was only a matter of time before something interesting caught his attention.

By the time the sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the sky orange, Yu Xuan finally reached the base of the Main Peak — a vast expanse surrounded array of trees.

Just as he was about to give up, his [Immortal’s Gaze] flickered, because a strange distortion appeared near one of the trees.

He narrowed his eyes.

’Huh? That space... it’s twisted.’

Cautiously, Yu Xuan walked closer, the distortion growing clearer with every step.

It appeared natural, but someone had set a simple formation using nature itself.

A slow smile crept across his lips.

"Well now," he murmured, excitement flashing in his eyes.

"Looks like my luck’s better than I thought."

Even though his luck may not be as great as Ming Tianmei, it would at least be greater than normal.

And without a second thought, Yu Xuan stepped through the distortion — never expecting the secret that lay waiting on the other side.

Or who was on the other side. Eagerly waiting for him.

***

Meanwhile...

Within the grandest mansion atop the Main Elemental Heaven Peak.

Streams of multicolored light drifted through the vast hall, reflecting off pillars carved from jade and a ceiling which changed colors.

Seated upon her throne, the Elemental Heaven Peak Master slowly opened her eyes.

A small, knowing smile curved her lips.

"Oh?" she murmured, amusement tinging her voice.

"Someone finally discovered the fortuitous encounter I placed."

A moment later, her consciousness attempted connecting with the spirit mark she had left within the hidden space.

The Peak Master’s consciousness flowed effortlessly into the connection.

As her awareness entered the secret realm, she chuckled lightly to herself.

Truth be told, this little "fortuitous encounter" wasn’t some grand sect secret — it was one of her personal creations, a minor test and reward for younger generation.

She had, however, developed a rather odd hobby — one she blamed entirely on a certain shameless person she’d met when young.

A hobby of acting mysterious.

Like one of those reclusive experts who always appear before young cultivators, utter a few profound lines, and vanish like a sage beyond time.

Did she enjoy it? Absolutely not. Definitely not.

But she couldn’t deny that playing the part of an invisible master from the heavens was... mildly entertaining.

Now, with a hint of playful curiosity in her eyes, she strengthened her connection to the spirit she’d left behind.

"Alright, let’s see who the heavens have sent me this time," she murmured, lips curling into a soft, amused smile.

"If it’s another arrogant young master, I’ll scare him half to death." she said some rather dangerous words.