What’s going on with Third Senior Sister? She went home and never came back. Did her aunt keep her for dinner or something? It’s been months—something’s not right.

Su Yan had a lot of questions, but he’d only find answers if he saw her.

Back in his room, he packed his bag—just some clothes, spirit stones, and money.

“Little fox, come with me. We’re heading out.”

Master said no human helpers were allowed—it would ruin the trial. But a little fox? That should be okay.

“Chirp chirp chirp.”

The fox nodded and rubbed against his shoulder.

No way it was staying behind. Its food provider was leaving, and it didn’t want to starve.

Su Yan laughed and petted its soft fur. They had dinner together—just one man and one fox.

The next day, he got ready and left the sect with the fox.

Yi Xian Sect was one of the five big sects in the Central Continent. Third Senior Sister’s home was in the East Continent—really far away.

“Let’s check the map.”

He opened it up. The East Continent was… well, east. As a cultivator, no need to follow winding roads—just fly straight there.

“So boring…”

He sighed. Flying with a sword took a lot of focus. Wind, rain—it wasn’t fun.

“But it’s a trial, so no choice.”

He shook his head and flew off.

While flying, he started thinking about Third Senior Sister.

Tian Shui Peak had three amazing Senior Sisters—each one special.

First Senior Sister, Xiao Wu, was a top genius of her generation. She wasn’t just the best on their peak—she was the best in the whole sect. Almost at Nascent Soul stage while still young—unbelievable.

And her background? Crazy good. Her mom was the sect leader and a Void Refinement expert. Basically immortal royalty.

Second Senior Sister, Long Bing, was a princess from the Dragon Kingdom. Super talented, noticed early, sent to Yi Xian Sect, and picked by their Master.

Her life was smooth and lucky—like a main character in a story.

“The Third Senior Sister had it harder…”

Ling Ling was different. She was born a mortal, the only one among the three.

Her family wasn’t poor, but big families always have problems. She grew up unhappy.

She wanted freedom, so she ran away from her clan, faced dangers, and got lucky when their Master found her and saw her talent.

“Now she’s free—but her clan wants to marry her off to some random guy just for benefits? No way. She’s way too good for that.”

Su Yan thought maybe she went home to see her aunt—the only family she actually liked.

But still… months without coming back?

“Really strange.”

He didn’t have time to waste thinking. He had to move. Answers were waiting there.

He flew through the sky.

Her home was far—no way to get there in one day. So he had to camp at night. It was tiring.

Good thing he had the fox. He played with its ears, tail, and belly.

“Chirp chirp chirp.”

The fox loved it, wanting more scratches.

It relaxed completely under his hand, and its fur slowly turned pink.

“You change colors?”

No answer. The fox was too happy, lying there like jelly.

“Chirp chirp chirp…”

It had no more strength left—just pure bliss.

…

Su Yan didn’t like walking in busy places. Outside the sect, if a bad woman saw him, she might try something.

But in this city, he felt safer.

This was Third Senior Sister’s city—if something went wrong, he could shout and she’d probably help him.

“No need to be scared here,” he thought.

He had been careful the whole trip, but now the city felt calm.

He let out a breath and looked around.

The city wasn’t rich, but not poor either. Few cultivators lived here, so danger was low.

He walked around, enjoying the sights—shops, people selling things.

“Sugar hawthorns—sweet and yummy!”

“Bananas—delicious and fun!”

“Chirp?”

The little fox gave the banana seller a strange look. Bananas are tasty, but fun?

Su Yan quickly covered the fox’s ears.

“You’re just a fox! Don’t need to hear that stuff.”

“Chirp chirp!”

Got it! The fox rubbed against his arm like a good pet.

“Whew.” Su Yan was relieved. This city really liked showing off strange stuff.

Then, suddenly, shouting up ahead.

“You vixen! Flirting with my Senior Brother!”

“Flirting? It’s just love! I gave him a look—don’t twist things.”

“A look? You lifted your skirt and showed your legs—shameless!”

The pretty woman rolled her eyes. “It’s hot! I was cooling off. Mind your own business!”

“You—!”

The younger girl blushed with anger and pulled out her sword with a sharp sound.

Her Senior Brother panicked and tried to stop her.

Trouble was starting—and right then, the system in Su Yan’s head showed three choices.

[Option 1: Broad daylight, public flirting with a good guy? Help the girl out! (Reward: Low-Grade Spirit Tool, Sun Essence Wheel)]

[Option 2: Fighting’s messy—step in, talk it down. (Reward: Low-Grade Spirit Tool, Moon Essence Wheel)]

[Option 3: None of my business—just passing by. (Reward: Spiritual Power +1)]