In the side hall.

Jiang Zhiming, known for his eloquence, wore a gentle smile, his demeanor as if meeting a kindred spirit.

Who would have thought the true disciple of the Tianyan Sect would speak so eloquently?

"Brother Jiang! I truly feel a connection with you at first sight!" Chu Xingchen said sincerely, "Just from this brief conversation, I feel it's a pity for someone of your talent to be in the Qingfeng Sect!"

Jiang Zhiming waved his hand lightly, his expression serious:

"To be nurtured by the Sect Master and to hold the position of an elder is already an extraordinary promotion. I dare not think of anything more."

"Brother Jiang, truly admirable! Such noble character!" Chu Xingchen said with admiration, "It's just a shame we met so late."

Jiang Zhiming was pleased but humbly waved his hand.

The sense of achievement from different kinds of flattery varies.

If a beggar on the street praises you as a talented person destined to be a great figure, you might suspect he's just trying to get some money from you.

But if a business tycoon sincerely tells a penniless you that he regrets not meeting you sooner and believes you can make a mark in the world, you'll think—he's absolutely right!

The emotional value provided by different people is different, and Chu Xingchen, who can make the Qingfeng Sect Master feel awkward, is like that business tycoon in Jiang Zhiming's eyes.

Chen Baiqing, sitting beside Chu Xingchen, listened to the mutual flattery and carefully observed his master.

Then he nodded in sudden realization.

So that's it... Speaking nicely can quickly foster relationships with others.

Chu Xingchen nodded slightly, then said sincerely:

"Since Brother Jiang treats me as a gentleman, I shall be honest with you."

Jiang Zhiming's expression turned serious: "Please speak plainly, Brother Chu."

"This time, my main purpose is to oversee the construction matters of the Qingfeng Sect, after all, this matter..."

Chu Xingchen didn't finish his sentence, only giving Jiang Zhiming a knowing look, leaving room for him to fill in the blanks.

Jiang Zhiming understood and sighed, saying directly:

"I'm newly appointed as the reception elder, and I have no authority over this matter. All I can do for Brother Chu is to make some introductions."

"Ah, Brother Jiang," Chu Xingchen said seriously, "I wouldn't make things difficult for you. Just introduce me so I can understand the process and not act blindly."

"As for the rest, I'll handle it myself. I wouldn't let you be the bad guy."

As Chu Xingchen spoke, he seemed to realize something, and his tone turned indignant:

"Brother Jiang, why would you doubt that I'd make things difficult for you? Is that how you see our relationship? Or do you take me for someone else?"

Faced with Chu Xingchen's barrage, Jiang Zhiming was left speechless, looking at Chu Xingchen's disappointed eyes.

I just stated a simple fact in a calm tone, how did it turn into this?

After a moment of silence, Jiang Zhiming hurriedly cupped his hands and explained:

"I had no such intention, please rest assured, brother!"

"Really?"

"Of course, it's true."

Chu Xingchen's expression softened, and he nodded gently: "Then I misunderstood Brother Jiang."

When someone rejects you, give them immense pressure; when they accept, give them a small reward.

After a few times, when they choose again, they'll naturally lean towards acceptance.

After all, people are inherently lazy and tend to choose the easier path.

A simple psychological suggestion was planted in Jiang Zhiming's heart.

Chen Baiqing looked at his master with a puzzled gaze, then glanced at the relieved Jiang Zhiming.

He nodded in sudden understanding.

So that's what Master wanted to teach me...

I've learned, I've learned.

Next.

Jiang Zhiming introduced Chu Xingchen to Elder Wang, who was in charge of the sect's financial management.

Under Jiang Zhiming's atmosphere, the three chatted quite happily.

Elder Wang also promised to keep an eye on quality issues.

Chu Xingchen didn't say much more, and after a few polite exchanges, the meeting ended.

This allowed Jiang Zhiming to breathe a sigh of relief.

Afterwards, Jiang Zhiming took Chu Xingchen on a brief tour, and they parted with smiles and laughter.

In front of the Qingfeng Sect's mountain gate.

Chu Xingchen cupped his hands and said, "Meeting Brother Jiang today is my greatest gain from coming to the Qingfeng Sect!"

Jiang Zhiming also felt emotional: "Meeting Brother Chu is my greatest honor. Just thinking about parting with Brother Chu makes my heart heavy."

Chu Xingchen nodded, moved, and said:

"No need to feel that way, I'll be back tomorrow."

"Huh?"

"Hmm?" Chu Xingchen looked at him with a puzzled gaze, "Brother Jiang, are you not welcoming me?"

Jiang Zhiming quickly shook his head: "Of course not, tomorrow I'll surely welcome you with open arms, Brother Chu!"

Hearing this, Chu Xingchen nodded in satisfaction, cupped his hands again, and left with Chen Baiqing.

Watching Chu Xingchen's rapidly departing figure, Jiang Zhiming sighed softly.

Although Chu Xingchen is understanding and his words are like a spring breeze, occasionally...

Oh well, nobody's perfect. At least nothing went wrong today.

This position as reception elder should be secure.

Just as Jiang Zhiming turned around, he saw the Qingfeng Sect Master standing not far away, looking at him intently.

Those eyes seemed to speak.

Little Jiang—don't you think you should explain yourself?

——————

Chu Xingchen hurried back with Chen Baiqing, asking along the way:

"Student Baiqing, what did you learn today?"

Chen Baiqing thought for a moment, then answered firmly:

"To be two-faced."

Chu Xingchen asked in surprise: "Where did you get that idea?"

Chen Baiqing raised his little head, hesitated for a moment, then answered truthfully:

"Master, you hadn't been out long before you called Elder Jiang an idiot, easy to fool."

Chu Xingchen took a deep breath and continued to ask:

"Forget what you just said, what else did you learn?"

"That bullying fools doesn't require a guilty conscience?"

Chu Xingchen was speechless for a moment, but seeing Chen Baiqing's innocent eyes, he couldn't bear to scold him.

"You've learned well, but that's not what I wanted to teach you..."

Chen Baiqing nodded heavily and asked seriously:

"Then what did Master intend to teach me today?"

"To think thrice before acting, be wary of those who are two-faced, and always be cautious!"

Chen Baiqing nodded in sudden understanding, then asked innocently:

"Then Master, is this what Senior Sister calls a negative example?"

"...Today, Master taught you nothing, and you learned nothing. Forget everything that happened today."

Chu Xingchen decisively gave up and headed straight for the new sect location.

——————

"Hmm..." Li Yingling looked at the blueprint in front of her, unable to hide her worry, "Junior Brother, do you think Master will lead Junior Sister astray?"

Li Xingtian carefully measured the land, then replied:

"Master certainly won't, even Master has his limits."

As they talked, a joyful female voice called out.

"Sister Yingling!"

Li Yingling turned in confusion to see Ning Qianqian, among the workers, dressed in coarse clothing and carrying an axe, waving at her with a joyful expression.

Ning Qianqian's father stood beside her, also looking at the two with excitement.