System crash? I prove it with my control panel!

Hearing the sounds inside, Chen Wen quickly got up.

Under these circumstances, he dared not be negligent.

It should be noted that Qin Shuiru did not ask for anything at all along the way.

Although he has gradually come to understand in the past few days that Qin Shuiru's suggestion to make him her servant was just a spur-of-the-moment thing, a test for him.

However, one must not underestimate its importance.

The name Qingming City immediately suggests its connection to the Qingming Sect.

Perhaps this is the last stop before joining the sect.

At such a crucial moment, it's only natural to perform well.

Although the Qingming Sect was not a benevolent place, the mountain weighing on Chen Wen's heart—Chen Polang—left him with no other choice.

He jogged inside, a look of joy on his face:

"Senior Sister Qin, you're awake! That's wonderful! We've spotted a city ahead; we can go in and rest for a bit, and find a doctor to treat you!"

Upon entering, Chen Wen was taken aback. He noticed that Qin Shuiru had changed out of her tattered Taoist robe at some point.

He was still wearing a purple Taoist robe.

It just doesn't look quite right because the mountains are so big.

Yet it evokes even more imagination than when it was dressed in tattered clothes.

Coupled with that aloof expression, it adds to her charm and makes her very eye-catching.

Chen Wen thought to himself, "Sure enough, a woman whose head is bowed so low that her toes are not visible is an absolute beauty."

And Brother Xu wasn't lying to me; purple really does have a lot of charm.

Seeing Chen Wen in a daze, Qin Shuiru shouted:

"Little one, what are you looking at? Come and serve me!"

Chen Wen realized in an instant that he had lost his composure.

With a quick thought, he simply feigned admiration and said directly:

"Master... Sister is so beautiful~"

Upon hearing this, Qin Shuiru frowned, shook her finger, and scolded:

"You little brat, you're not even grown up yet, but you've already picked up all those messy ideas. Who knows how many girls you'll ruin in the future~"

However, Chen Wen didn't care at all, and breathed a sigh of relief, thinking he had made the right choice!

Although Qin Shuiru deliberately kept a straight face, she couldn't hide the smile on her lips when she heard a child's praise.

What bad thoughts could a little kid possibly have?

Chen Wen strode over and massaged Qin Shuiru's shoulders, speaking in a coquettish tone:

"Sister Qin, I'm not lying to you, you're really beautiful. Even the fairies described in those books aren't this pretty."

"Stop joking. Qingming City is just ahead, and beyond that is the Qingming Mountain Range, where the Qingming Sect is located."

Qin Shuiru's smile widened, and she waved her hand, saying:

"Would you like to stay in the city to rest and recuperate, or join the sect directly?"

"Should we wait for your servant? Although his magical power isn't high-quality, I think he has some skill in using spells. I don't think He Yuzhu can stop him..."

Without the slightest hesitation, Chen Wen cupped his hands in a salute and bowed deeply.

"Sister Qin, I can't wait any longer. I want to join the sect with you directly. I hope Sister Qin will grant my request!"

"Fine, fine, whatever. You little rascal, you're such a clingy pest, always eager to climb on any bandwagon!"

Chen Wen chuckled sheepishly, "Hehe, thank you for the compliment, Sister Qin."

Was I complimenting you?

Qin Shuiru narrowed her eyes, glanced at him, and shook her head, saying:

"Keep pretending. Don't blame me for not warning you. Joining my sect means getting entangled in my karma, which will bring endless trouble in the future. You'd better think it through!"

"Once you've joined the sect, if anyone asks you what your relationship is with me, you can't just say anything, understand?"

Seeing that Chen Wen was pretending to be stupid, Qin Shuiru's tone became a bit harsher.

Upon hearing this, Chen Wen's heart tightened. If it weren't for the audience's displeasure, he would have wanted to force a bitter smile.

He may seem to be pretending to be stupid, but in reality he has no other choice.

So what if I'm entangled in karma? So what if I'm constantly in trouble?

It's still better than not being able to join a sect, not being able to learn immortal techniques, and just waiting to die!

He also considered simply not joining the sect, leaving, and exchanging blows with Chen Polang.

But I don't know how many dog ​​poops I must have stepped in in my past life to have such good fortune and be reborn into the world of cultivation.

I'd be unwilling to leave without climbing up to the immortal's position and taking a look.

Moreover, wouldn't that be a waste of one's own system?

So we had no choice but to grit our teeth and keep going, step by step.

He stopped pretending, took a step back, bowed deeply, and said loudly:

"Sister Qin, I know I am but a nobody, yet you have not abandoned me and have led me into the immortal realm. This kindness is heavier than mountains."

"As for the cause and effect, Jingwen understands that the storms and thorns ahead are all choices and the price to pay."

"Having taken the cause, Jingwen will bear whatever the consequences may be without any regrets, and will not dare to cause his sister any trouble."

"Even if countless difficulties and dangers lie ahead, Jingwen will overcome them all and forge ahead, never failing to repay the kindness of my sister in guiding me today!"

After saying this, he bowed again, his posture respectful and solemn.

Qin Shuiru listened quietly, her lazy and teasing expression gradually fading. Looking at the young man who had shed all pretense, a barely perceptible hint of admiration flashed in her eyes.

She was somewhat puzzled and curious. Despite being from a prominent family, he was quite ignorant; yet despite being quite ignorant, he was also remarkably intelligent and mature.

These contradictions made her wonder what kind of person had raised this child.

She simply hummed in response and turned to look at the misty Qingming Mountains outside the car.

"In that case, let's set off!"

The next moment, rays of light emanated from beneath her feet, enveloping the entire carriage and propelling it into the sky.

It disappeared into the horizon in the blink of an eye.

All that remained were gasps of surprise from the people queuing to enter the city.

They knew that only disciples of the Qingming Sect, and even then, only core disciples, were qualified to fly near the Qingming Sect.

Those who wanted to enter the city, regardless of their status or background, could only wait in line like ordinary people.

They are even worse off than ordinary people; they don't have to queue, and no one checks them.

Not long after they left, an aged figure slowly emerged from the dense forest beside them, gazing at the empty sky and muttering to himself:

"I never imagined Jingwen would have such an opportunity. God bless me, Wang Jiahao! God bless my Brother Chen!"

"Cough cough cough... I can't delay any longer, I have to go. If I don't find a place to heal my wounds in seclusion soon, I'm doomed..."

......

The carriage transformed into a streak of light, rising from the ground and soaring straight into the sky.

Caught off guard, Chen Wen felt dizzy and disoriented.

The next moment, he felt a gentle yet irresistible force hold him firmly inside the carriage.

It took him a while to come to his senses, and he thought to himself that he had clearly ridden a sword since he was a child, so how could he be so incompetent?

He looked up and understood.

The scenery outside the window rushed past like a streak of light.

The wind howled in my ears, but was mostly blocked by the glow of the sunset.

It turns out it was too fast!

He couldn't resist leaning against the window and looking down.

The massive Azure City rapidly shrank, transforming into a neat chessboard on the ground, with the people queuing to enter the city appearing as insignificant as ants.

The scaled horses in front kept their eyes tightly shut, neighing and trembling incessantly. Clearly, this was the first time in their lives they had flown so high and so fast, and they were terrified.

Chen Wen glanced at it and then stopped caring.

As you look into the distance, the outline of a vast and ever-changing mountain range comes into view—the Qingming Mountains!

In the distance, one could see layers of mountains and towering peaks.

Some are like sharp swords piercing the sky, while others are like giant beasts lying prostrate in slumber.

The sea of ​​clouds churned in the mountains, with rays of light spreading everywhere and auspicious clouds appearing in countless streams.

Countless streaks of light shuttled back and forth among the peaks, some as swift as lightning, others as slow as a leisurely stroll—these were cultivators flying on their magical artifacts.

Occasionally, enormous mythical birds and beasts can be seen soaring across the sky, emitting clear or deep cries.

Most of them were pure white cranes.

The closer you get to the heart of the mountain range, the denser the spiritual energy becomes, even forming a faint spiritual mist visible to the naked eye in the air, making you feel refreshed with every breath.

Atop the mountain peak, pavilions and towers appear and disappear, their flying eaves and brackets hidden among ancient trees and spiritual plants, while a grand palace complex sits atop the main peak.

Powerful auras appeared and disappeared, inspiring awe in all who beheld them.

"This is the Azure Nether Sect..."

Chen Wen was deeply shocked. He simply took the package that Qing'er handed him, carried it on his back, and didn't care at all.

Compared to the scene before him, Yongchen... no, even the place where the Guide Chen family was located in Chen Polang's memory, was like a desolate countryside.

However, Qin Shuiru's previous words about the essence of sects also echoed in his mind, making this magnificent scene of immortals no longer beautiful in Chen Wen's heart.

The purple glow did not fly towards the most magnificent main peak, but instead descended towards a more beautiful mountain on the periphery, shrouded in a light mist.

The speed gradually decreased, and it finally landed smoothly on a wide platform halfway up the mountain.

The platform is paved with white jade, clean and tidy. In front of it is an ancient hall with the three ancient characters "Jieyin Hall" on the plaque.

At the edge of the platform, dozens of teenagers of similar age to Chen Wen had gathered. They were dressed in various styles, some in brocade robes and silks, and others in coarse linen.

But most of them wore expressions of excitement, curiosity, and trepidation as they entered the immortal sect for the first time. They were chatting in hushed tones in small groups, their eyes occasionally glancing toward the main hall.

The arrival of Chen Wen and his group, especially the striking purple glow and the carriage-like design, immediately attracted everyone's attention.

Some people are speculating: which aristocratic family, the Guide Chen family, is listed on this vehicle? How come they've never heard of them before?

Someone else chimed in, "Could it be a reclusive family?"

As the sunset faded, Qin Shuiru walked down gracefully. Although her face was still somewhat pale, the noble air and faint aura that belonged to Zixia Peak immediately silenced the noise on the platform.

Many of the teenagers looked on with amazement and awe.

Chen Wen followed closely behind, which also attracted a lot of attention.

His back felt tight, so he could only keep a straight face and pretend to be aloof.

In reality, he was already panicking. He had never seen such a scene before; this was the first time in both his lives that he had become the center of attention.

Qin Shuiru ignored the stares around her and glanced at the entrance of the Reception Hall.

A man dressed in blue, around twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, quickly came out to greet them, his face beaming with smiles and his attitude respectful.

"Senior Sister Qin, you're back! What brings you here...?"

His gaze swept quickly over Qin Shuiru's slightly unwell complexion and Chen Wen behind her, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, but he quickly concealed it.

"Junior Brother Zhao."

Qin Shuiru nodded slightly, her tone calm.

"This young man, Chen Jingwen, has some connection with me and wishes to join a sect for cultivation."

"His aptitude is acceptable, so I will use my quota this year to place him among your batch of new disciples. Please make appropriate arrangements for him."

She didn't elaborate on her specific relationship with Chen Wen, but the phrase "some connection" was enough to make this deacon Zhao extremely vigilant.

Upon hearing this, Deacon Zhao immediately bowed and replied, "Yes, Senior Sister Qin, rest assured, Junior Brother will make all the arrangements."

He turned to Chen Wen, his smile becoming even warmer, even carrying a hint of barely perceptible flattery.

"Junior Brother Jingwen, you must be tired from your journey. I am Zhao Ming, a steward of the Reception Hall, responsible for the initial placement and guidance of the new disciples. Please follow me."

Qin Shuiru said to Chen Wen in a calm tone:

"Practice diligently."

She said no more, and then a burst of light appeared beneath her feet. She returned to her carriage, which transformed into a purple rainbow and flew towards a higher point on Purple Cloud Peak, disappearing in an instant.

Chen Wen hesitated, then said, "No, my car, and my maid!"

But I held back. If it's gone, it's gone. Anyway, judging from the situation, it seems like we won't be able to use it.

After Qin Shuiru left, the oppressive atmosphere on the platform eased somewhat.

But almost all the new disciples' eyes were focused on Chen Wen.

Curiosity, exploration, envy, jealousy...

A mix of emotions clung to those youthful faces.

"Who is this person? And why was he personally delivered by that fairy?"

"Didn't you hear Deacon Zhao address her as 'Senior Sister Qin'? She must be a very high-ranking inner disciple within the sect!"

"Ha, what do a bunch of country bumpkins know? Didn't you hear that fairy say he'd use her quota for this year's entry? Only core disciples can have such an honor!"

A chubby little boy, who looked a bit round and was wearing a golden brocade robe with a lifelike dragon embroidered on his chest, said disdainfully.

His gaze fell on Chen Wen, his eyes filled with disdain.

Someone who got in through connections is definitely a good-for-nothing and not worth worrying about!

A little girl with a baby face pondered, "She got in through the back door? Looks like she has connections..."

"Hmph, got in through connections? Damn it, why wasn't it me..."

A plain-looking boy in hemp clothing chuckled, his words tinged with bitterness...

......

Whispers hummed in the air, and although they were speaking in hushed tones, Chen Wen could hear them clearly.

His expression remained calm, as if he hadn't heard anything, and he simply followed silently behind Deacon Zhao Ming.

He sighed inwardly, "I only understand these things because I've traveled through time, but these are all children, yet they're all so ridiculously precocious. The methods of these aristocratic families are terrifying!"

Thinking of this, Chen Wen couldn't help but curse Chen Polang again, saying he was simply not a human being!

Look at others, then look at myself. If I hadn't been born with this knowledge, I'd probably still be crying and begging for my mother right now...

Like those little kids in the corner, sniffling and with red eyes, they were clearly exhausted from crying.

Zhao Ming led Chen Wen through the crowd and directly to a more refined area of ​​houses behind the Reception Hall.

Unlike the slightly cramped ordinary houses where other new disciples live, the rooms here are noticeably more spacious, and the spiritual energy seems to be a bit stronger.

"Junior Brother Chen, this is your residence."

After entering the courtyard, Zhao Ming pushed open the door of one of the rooms that was closest to the spring and had the best view.

The interior is simply furnished but fully equipped; the bed, tables, chairs, and cushions are all clearly not ordinary items.

On the table was a brand-new set of outer disciple robes and an initiation jade slip.

"This is the best room among the new disciples. It's quiet and has plenty of spiritual energy, which will be beneficial for your initial adaptation and cultivation, junior brother."

"This is your identity jade token and clothing. The jade slip contains the sect rules, the basic cultivation technique 'Azure Nether Qi Guiding Technique', a surrounding map, and precautions. Junior brother, please read it carefully."

........