Upon returning to the Dan Qian Palace, Jiang Chen went to Dan Chi's villa to pay his respects to the Dan Chi Sage before heading back to his own cave abode.
Back at his abode, everything was in perfect order. His attendants were almost all immersed in their cultivation, rarely stepping outside.
It was Huang'er, on the other hand, who had taken on the task of managing daily chores.
As Jiang Chen stepped inside, he saw Miss Huang'er holding a broom, sweeping away some withered branches and fallen leaves in the courtyard.
The entire cave abode was neat and clean, obviously well-maintained.
"Miss Huang'er, why should you trouble yourself with such tasks?" Jiang Chen felt a bit embarrassed seeing Huang'er like this.
She was a patient entrusted to him by Elder Shun, and having her do such menial work made Jiang Chen feel apologetic.
Huang'er smiled gracefully: "Young Master Jiang, you're back? I've been thinking these past few days, when you returned, it shouldn't be a mess that displeases the eye. Since I had free time anyway, I just did a bit of sweeping. Huang'er is clumsy and can't really do much else."
Jiang Chen chuckled: "If Miss Huang'er is clumsy, then there's no one dexterous in this world."
As they chatted, Huang'er's bright eyes suddenly flickered: "Young Master Jiang, you... you seem to have changed?"
"Yes, I gained some opportunities during this trip." Jiang Chen knew Huang'er had keen perception; she would notice such things immediately.
"Young Master Jiang is truly a heaven-blessed genius. You were already extraordinary, but this transformation is like being reborn. Huang'er thinks now, it probably won't be long before you can stand shoulder to shoulder with the top geniuses of the Upper Eight Domains."
Huang'er praised him, then her expression subtly shifted. She picked up her broom and smiled at Jiang Chen: "Young Master Jiang, you have a visitor. Huang'er will go to the back courtyard."
Jiang Chen's heart stirred; he had just sensed footsteps approaching outside the abode, and Miss Huang'er had noticed them too.
For a moment, Jiang Chen gazed at Huang'er's graceful, fairy-like retreating figure, a thoughtful look crossing his face.
This Miss Huang'er was poised and elegant. Despite her obviously noble background, she was approachable and considerate. But as they spent more time together, Jiang Chen's perceptive nature allowed him to catch glimpses of her extraordinary qualities.
"Sigh, I wonder what the true backgrounds of Elder Shun and Miss Huang'er are. They've distanced themselves from their homeland, ending up in this remote Myriad Phenomenon Domain. Aside of the Hundred Lives Heartlinked Curse, they must have other troubles. Miss Huang'er carries herself with an innate nobility yet can set aside airs and blend with everyone. It shows a breadth of mind that transcends petty clan prejudices..."
Though curious, Jiang Chen didn't intend to probe their secrets.
As he was pondering, a voice transmission reached him from outside: "Senior Brother Jiang Chen, by Elder Yun Nie's orders, please come to his cave abode for a meeting."
Jiang Chen had just arrived home, and Elder Yun Nie already knew. He had to admire that the Dan Qian Palace truly had no secrets.
He should have paid respects to Elder Yun Nie anyway after seeing the Dan Chi Sage.
Jiang Chen smiled and walked out: "I was just about to go pay respects to Elder Yun Nie, but didn't expect his summons. Let's go."
When Jiang Chen appeared at Hundred Peaks Mountain again, he once again encountered the guards, who were all struck dumb with astonishment.
"This Jiang Chen, isn't this too exaggerated? Elder Yun Nie wants to see him and actually sends someone personally to invite him? Wouldn't a message talisman have been enough?"
"What do you know? This Jiang Chen seems destined for greatness. The Dan Chi Sage personally brought him here, and now Elder Yun Nie values him so highly. I say, this lad Jiang Chen will sooner or later become a prominent figure in Dan Qian Palace! He might even become the successor!"
"That's way too exaggerated! Do you even understand what a successor means? Becoming Dan Qian Palace's successor isn't that easy!"
"Don't believe it? Just wait and see. I'm absolutely convinced by the judgment of the Dan Chi Sage and Elder Yun Nie."
These guards kept discussing until Jiang Chen's figure disappeared from view.
...
"Jiang Chen, I called you here for two reasons. First, to thank you for your help, which allowed me to successfully break through to the Fourth Stage of the Sage Path, becoming another Earth Sage powerhouse of our sect."
Elder Yun Nie was in excellent spirits and continued with a smile, "Second, I wanted to ask if you're interested in competing for a cave abode in the Supreme Zone of Danxia Valley?"
"Congratulations on your breakthrough to Earth Sage, Elder Yun Nie!"
An Earth Sage was absolutely a top-tier powerhouse within Dan Qian Palace.
Even Palace Master Dan Chi was only at the Fifth Stage of the Sage Path.
"Haha, you deserve the main credit for this breakthrough. This time, four new cave aboes have been opened in the Supreme Zone of Danxia Valley, but there are many competitors. While you were away, I took the liberty of registering you. Jiang Chen, you won't blame me for acting on my own, will you?"
Danxia Valley was divided into four zones. The Lingyun Zone where Jiang Chen currently resided was the lowest level. The Wushuang Zone was very small, reserved for female disciples.
The Qingtian Zone was an upgrade from Lingyun Zone, one level higher.