Since Jiang Chen was going to the Treasure Tree Sect, Chu Xinghan's destination became somewhat awkward.
Jiang Chen had saved Chu Xinghan's life, and Chu Xinghan certainly had a strong desire to repay him. However, he had ultimately been a disciple of the Purple Sun Sect. To ask him to defect to the Treasure Tree Sect was emotionally difficult for someone like Chu Xinghan, who valued loyalty and righteousness above all else. It was something he simply could not accept in his heart.
Therefore, when Chu Xinghan heard Jiang Chen was returning to the Treasure Tree Sect, he was momentarily stunned. In the end, he said firmly, "Jiang Chen, I, Chu Xinghan, owe you my life. Whenever you want it, you may come and take it. I, Chu Xinghan, would rather be a wandering independent cultivator than join any other sect among the Sixteen Kingdoms. Please understand. If you ever leave the Treasure Tree Sect in the future, just call upon me, and I will come at your command, ready to serve."
Jiang Chen truly appreciated Chu Xinghan's character and had no intention of forcing him to follow him. He smiled faintly and said, "It was not I who saved your life; you saved yourself. When I, Jiang Chen, do something, I only seek to have a clear conscience. I do not act for the sake of repayment."
Knowing Jiang Chen's noble and upright nature, Chu Xinghan's admiration for him only grew.
Elder Shun, standing to the side, laughed heartily. "Perfect. I plan to roam the four seas and lack a companion. Chu Xinghan and I seem to have a destined affinity. Would you be willing to stay by my side and keep me company?"
It was precisely Chu Xinghan who had intervened to save Jiang Chen at the Double Crossing Pass all those years ago. At that time, Chu Xinghan had been able to let go and carry on with grace, which had earned Elder Shun's appreciation for this Purple Sun Sect disciple. Now, on the Undying Spirit Mountain, fate had once again tied their small group together. In Elder Shun's eyes, this was predestined.
Hearing this, Jiang Chen was delighted. If Chu Xinghan followed Elder Shun, that would be an incredible fortune for him. He immediately smiled and said, "Brother Chu, Elder Shun is a great expert of the current era. To be able to follow him and serve him would be the greatest fortune imaginable."
Chu Xinghan would not be coy about such an opportunity. Back at Double Crossing Pass, Elder Shun hadn't even shown himself, yet a casual move had dissolved all of his attacks. That display of divine ability was something far beyond even his own master, Grandmaster Water Moon. Later, he had learned from Jiang Chen that Elder Shun had single-handedly toyed with the four great ancestors of the major sects, running them ragged. This proved that Elder Shun's power was even greater than those four honored masters. Now, with Elder Shun personally inviting him to follow, this was an unimaginable stroke of luck. What reason could he possibly have to refuse?
He immediately bowed deeply, his voice respectful and sincere. "Xinghan is willing to follow Elder Shun, to serve faithfully at your side."
Seeing Elder Shun take Chu Xinghan on as a follower, Huang'er felt somewhat relieved. She had worried about Elder Shun growing old while wandering alone, inevitably lonely. And Chu Xinghan seemed to be a person of good character—loyal and righteous—so he would truly be a fine companion for the elder.
Once the arrangements were made, with Elder Shun's power, the four departed from the Undying Spirit Mountain and the ancient ruins. Jiang Chen and Miss Huang'er would return to the Treasure Tree Sect, while Elder Shun would take Chu Xinghan and roam the world, seeking the Soul-Calming Wood.
Watching the figures of Elder Shun and Chu Xinghan disappear into the distance, Jiang Chen let out a soft sigh. He was genuinely happy for Chu Xinghan's new path.
Huang'er, hearing Jiang Chen sigh softly, asked curiously, "Young Master Jiang, why do you sigh?"
"Chu Xinghan's fate has been full of hardships. Following Elder Shun is indeed a good home for him. I am happy for him. Among the four great sects, there are few disciples who truly catch my eye. Chu Xinghan is upright and principled; he can be called a true man."
Huang'er was momentarily lost in thought. After a long while, she sighed softly, "Young Master Jiang only praises others, but does he not realize he is the same kind of person?"
Jiang Chen let out a hearty laugh. "I may not be a 'true man' in the grandest sense, but I understand the importance of repaying kindness and holding grudges. Rest assured, Miss Huang'er, I will fulfill Elder Shun's trust and take excellent care of you."
Huang'er smiled gently. Seeing the sincerity in Jiang Chen's tone, the melancholy of parting with Elder Shun eased slightly. She felt that this ordinary young man named Jiang Chen was frank and sincere, easy to get along with.
"Elder Shun and the others are already far away. Let us go as well." Huang'er pulled her gaze back from the distance, steadied her emotions, and said to Jiang Chen.
Jiang Chen nodded, and the two set off side by side, flying toward the Tiangui Kingdom.
What surprised Jiang Chen was that no matter how fast he increased his speed, Miss Huang'er could follow closely, never pulling ahead by more than a step nor falling too far behind. This amazed Jiang Chen and made him even more curious about Miss Huang'er's cultivation level.
However, recalling the time he had taken her pulse, although he knew her cultivation was profound, he couldn't actually gauge its exact depth.
"This Miss Huang'er and Elder Shun have mysterious origins. Their strength is truly unfathomable," Jiang Chen thought, his curiosity piqued, though he did not press her with questions.
The two traveled together, conversing occasionally. Yet Jiang Chen never once inquired about her background.
Finally, they crossed into the borders of the Tiangui Kingdom and arrived at the Royal Capital. At this point, Miss Huang'er changed into a black cloak, wrapping herself tightly. Her face became obscured and mysterious, impossible to see clearly.
Jiang Chen assumed she felt self-conscious about her appearance and said nothing.
Everything at the Jiang manor was in perfect order. Jiang Chen's absence had not thrown things into disarray.
"Young Master?" The moment Jiang Chen arrived at the gate, Xue Tong spotted him and shouted out in excitement. The other personal guards, hearing the cry, rushed out one after another, their faces beaming with joy.
Nearly two years had passed since their parting. Everyone had changed greatly.