Day after day, Gong Xue’s deity soul grew bit by bit.

Even though her deity soul was currently only the size of a speck of dust, Gong Xue felt content.

One day, Ning Chifeng and Bing Duoduo insisted on dragging Gong Xue and Mu Xian to visit the three peaks so that the disciples at each peak could get to know them.

Gong Xue and Mu Xian stood together—an attractive pair that was a sight for sore eyes.

Rumors about the Dean’s disciples had been spreading wildly lately. Everyone was curious about what these two favored disciples looked like, but no one dared to gossip. After all, Shu Ran was as iron-fisted as he was impartial, and if he caught wind of any rumors, many people would undoubtedly be punished.

The four of them strutted around the peaks flagrantly, with Bing Duoduo signaling to all the disciples that Gong Xue and Mu Xian were their Junior sister and Junior brother, disciples under the Dean. With their and the Dean’s protection, no one was allowed to bully them.

The group wandered until they reached Moonrise, a lush area filled with verdant grasses and an array of spiritual plants and immortal grasses. Most importantly, each disciple here had their own plot for growing spiritual medicine. Looking out at the neatly arranged plots, bustling with hardworking people, one might mistakenly think it was the autumn harvest with everyone busy reaping their crops.

Gong Xue couldn’t help but remark, “This is so… unpretentious, isn’t it?”

Ning Chifeng explained, “Moonrise is quite spacious, with plenty of land. Elder Wei Xian himself issued the orders that every Moonrise disciple must learn to cultivate spiritual medicine personally. Some spiritual plants have such high character that they require daily watering with one’s own spiritual power, which is a time-consuming and thankless task.”

“Moreover,” he continued, “one careless mistake can render days of effort entirely wasted. For those studying medicine, it’s quite a blow.”

As Bing Duoduo finished speaking, loud wailing akin to a pig being slaughtered erupted not far away. Mu Xian, startled, choked on the wine he was drinking and almost suffocated.

“Ah—my calming flower is dead! Ah!!! My calming flower! I can’t live anymore!”

The person was beating their chest and weeping bitterly, clearly devastated.

Ning Chifeng showed some sympathy, “Sigh! Another one has gone mad.”

Gong Xue: “…”

Mu Xian glared fiercely at the tormented disciple, trying hard to soothe the burning in his throat.

Seeing this, Gong Xue naturally walked over and patted his back to help him catch his breath.

Bing Duoduo glanced at the time. “We’ve pretty much toured everything. Your Third senior sister has probably finished cooking. Let’s go back for dinner.”

Just as the four turned to leave, a red-robed man with flowing hair and a face as radiant as the moon approached the weeping disciple.

The man squatted before the withered calming flower, examined it closely, and pointed out the problem with one sentence, “You’ve overwatered it with spiritual power, haven’t you? You must proceed step by step and not rush. Take this as a lesson. Plant another one, and I will personally guide you.”

The disciple knelt in front of the man, tears of gratitude streaming down. “Really? Thank you, Elder Wei! Thank you so much, Elder Wei!”

Wei Xian stood up, then suddenly looked in the direction where Gong Xue and the others had gone, as if noticing something amusing. A sly glint flashed in his eyes.

After dinner, the seven people in the courtyard were each busy with their own tasks. Gong Xue was washing dishes with Yuan Na when Bing Duoduo suddenly spoke up, “By the way, I think tomorrow is the day of the Grand Competition.”

Ning Chifeng’s spirits lifted immediately upon hearing about the Grand Competition. “That’s right! This time, Shu Ran, you have to take first place and show everyone on the peaks what we’re made of.”

Shu Ran, holding Bing Duoduo’s hand, said warmly, “Winning or losing doesn’t matter. The Grand Competition is just for fun. As long as we enjoy it, that’s what counts.”

“No way, Shu Ran. Every year you come in first at the Grand Competition. You can’t fall behind this time either,” Ning Chifeng insisted proudly.

Xin Shu, sitting beside them with his sword in hand, chuckled coldly and interjected, “As long as your ranking doesn’t drop, we’ll still maintain our reputation as the Dean’s disciples.”

Annoyed, Ning Chifeng retorted, “You, always silent, but when you do speak, you’re so irritating. You might as well be mute.”

Everyone burst out laughing.

After finishing the dishes, Gong Xue took them to the kitchen. Yuan Na asked, “By the way, Gong Xue, how is your cultivation going? We still don’t know.”

Ning Chifeng chimed in, “Yeah, Gong Xue, how’s your cultivation compared to Ren Yue’s? Tell us. Surpassing Shu Ran might not be possible, but if you can match me, that would be quite impressive.”

Everyone turned to look at Gong Xue. Feeling anxious, she glanced at Mu Xian, who briefly looked away, taking no interest and continuing to drink his wine.

Gong Xue gave a sheepish smile. “I’m not very strong… actually quite weak. I might embarrass all of you.”

The group showed little reaction to her confession. Bing Duoduo reassured her, “It’s okay. When we first came here, we didn’t know anything either. Just focus on cultivating. The Grand Competition is more about participation than winning or losing.”

Gong Xue asked, “So, does everyone have to compete in the Grand Competition?”

Yuan Na explained, “No, the rules are quite relaxed. Anyone who wants to compete can do so, and you can even challenge specific people if you want. It’s also an opportunity for disciples with unresolved grudges to settle scores. Those who don’t want to compete can just watch for fun.”

Gong Xue nodded in understanding. “I see.”

“But for this Grand Competition, you two need to prepare well,” Bing Duoduo pointed at Gong Xue and Mu Xian.

The two exchanged glances. Bing Duoduo continued, “The entire Cloud Academy is very curious about you two. This time, you might be the center of attention!”

Yuan Na added, “Exactly. So, you need to make an impressive appearance. Ren Yue and Gong Xue definitely have the potential to stand out.”

Ning Chifeng couldn’t help but complain. “Ren Yue, ever since you arrived, my title as the second most handsome man at Cloud Academy has dropped to third.”

Xin Shu rolled his eyes disdainfully. “Oh, please, who gave you that title? They must have been blind.”

Unable to tolerate it any longer, Ning Chifeng gritted his teeth. “Xin Shu! Do you want to fight?”

Xin Shu looked at him lazily. “Can you even beat me?”

Ning Chifeng rolled up his sleeves, ready to charge and gnaw at him, but Bing Duoduo quickly pulled him back, causing everyone to laugh.

“By the way, who is the most handsome man?” Gong Xue asked out of curiosity.

Yuan Na laughed. “Naturally, it’s the Eldest Senior brother.”

That answer was no surprise.

“Alright, I’ve decided!” Gong Xue suddenly stood up, speaking solemnly. “Even if we can’t dominate in strength, we will definitely make a statement with our appearance. We will all make a grand entrance!”