Feng Xiao accepted Lin Xuanji's hand, still trembling from the chase.
Her breathing was uneven, her hair messy, and her clothes torn—but her eyes, even through the fear, held a fierce spark.
Lin Xuanji exhaled. "Alright. Before anything else—are you injured?"
"A few cuts," she murmured, "but nothing serious."
Ruolan rummaged through his small pouch. "I—I have bandages!"
Feng Xiao smiled gratefully. "Thank you."
While Ruolan helped her sit, Lin Xuanji stepped back and whispered in his mind.
System. Status?
(Potential disciple confirmed. Physique classification: Legendary — Heavenly Ember Body.)
Legendary? Great. That means she comes with legendary problems…
(Correct.)
I wasn't asking!
He turned back, clearing his throat. "Listen, Feng Xiao. If you join Heavenly Peak, you get protection, training, and a place that won't betray you."
She looked at him, eyes softening a little. "But… why would you accept a stranger like me?"
Lin Xuanji felt Ruolan staring at him with the same question.
He hesitated—then smiled awkwardly.
"…Because this is a sect, not a hotel. We don't charge for the rooms."
Ruolan stifled a laugh.
Feng Xiao blinked. Then, slowly, she smiled for real. "I understand."
Ling Xueyin stepped forward, her presence quiet yet commanding. "Feng Xiao. Do you have anywhere else to go?"
The girl's expression darkened. "No."
"Then this peak," Ling Xueyin said gently, "will be safer than anywhere you came from."
Feng Xiao's throat tightened. "Thank you, senior."
"Call me Grand Elder."
Feng Xiao stiffened. "G-Grand Elder?!"
Lin Xuanji sighed. "Yeah, yeah. She didn't tell me at first either."
Ling Xueyin pretended not to hear that.
---
Back to the Peak
By late afternoon, the group returned to Heavenly Peak.
As they stepped onto the upper plateau—
The mountain hummed.
A soft, warm pulse spread through the air, flowing into Feng Xiao like a gentle breeze. Her eyes widened.
"I… I feel… welcomed?"
Lin Xuanji blinked. "You what?"
"I don't know how to explain it," she whispered. "It's like the mountain… accepted me."
Lin Xuanji stared at the stone beneath his feet.
"…System?"
(Host is experiencing a normal sect phenomenon.)
Normal my foot.
(Host lacks sufficient knowledge to contest my explanation.)
I really hate you sometimes.
Ruolan tugged Feng Xiao's sleeve. "Don't worry. The Sect Master argued with the air on my first day too."
Feng Xiao laughed.
Lin Xuanji groaned loudly.
---
Building Feng Xiao's Hut
"System," Lin Xuanji muttered. "We need another hut."
(Acknowledged. Activating blueprint.)
Stone shifted.
Wood grew from the ground.
In seconds, a third cozy hut appeared beside Ruolan's and Lin Xuanji's.
Feng Xiao stared in awe. "Sect Master… did you just… build that… by standing still?"
Lin Xuanji coughed. "Yes. It's a special… technique."
(Lying detected.)
He mentally kicked the System.
Ruolan leaned toward Feng Xiao. "The Sect Master is very… creative."
Ling Xueyin nodded approvingly. "His methods are unorthodox."
Lin Xuanji threw his hands up. "Why are all of you ganging up on me?!"
Feng Xiao giggled, the sound light but tired.
---
Nightfall
Ruolan and Feng Xiao entered their huts, exhausted.
Ling Xueyin remained beside Lin Xuanji, watching the moon rise.
"You've done well," she said softly.
Lin Xuanji blinked. "Me? Really?"
"Yes," she said, her voice quiet. "Two disciples in two days. That is impressive."
"…Even if one arrived by accident and the other by being chased?"
"A disciple is a disciple."
She turned her gaze toward the huts. "And these two… their fates intertwine with this peak."
Lin Xuanji sighed. "Grand Elder… what is this peak, really? Why does it react like this?"
Ling Xueyin's expression softened, then turned unreadable.
"You will know," she whispered, "when you are ready."
Lin Xuanji groaned. "Why is everyone in this world allergic to straightforward information?"
She smiled faintly. "Because it would ruin the journey."
He stared at her for a moment.
"…You talk like that on purpose, don't you?"
"Yes."
She walked away, leaving him speechless.
The wind brushed past the huts, warm and protective.
Almost like the mountain approved of its new family..