I'm adored, so what?

Zhuang Xuan cursed inwardly but maintained an expression of utmost respect until his master suddenly handed him a talisman.

"Master?"

"You're already here. Why not activate it and see?"

"Activate?"

"Yes, haven't you done this before? Just channel all your spiritual energy into the talisman."

This was a fifth-grade talisman, equivalent to one used during the Nascent Soul stage.

But Zhuang Xuan was only at the Nascent Soul stage himself—this might prove problematic.

Seeing Zhuang Xuan's hesitant look, Zhan Fan smirked knowingly.

An old saying comes to mind: to make someone utterly loyal, you must first overwhelm them with strength! It was time for Zhuang Xuan to witness the prowess of the future Grand Elder of Hongfu Peak.

Ji Wushuang frowned slightly. "This could be dangerous."

She remembered how Lian Xing had nearly been drained dry activating a treasure talisman. Although the fifth-grade talisman wasn't as domineering, Zhuang Xuan's current strength wasn't reassuring.

Zhan Fan said nothing, merely watching Zhuang Xuan with an amused yet challenging gaze.

Meeting Ji Wushuang's calm and luminous eyes, Zhuang Xuan suddenly felt his competitive spirit ignite. "Danger? Nonsense! Your senior brother is a Nascent Soul cultivator!"

Zhan Fan laughed heartily. "Exactly, no problem at all. And if there is, aren't we here to assist?"

Ji Wushuang relented with a small sigh. "Fine, but stop immediately if something goes wrong."

"Don't worry."

Zhuang Xuan stepped forward, closed his eyes, and began channeling his spiritual energy into the talisman.

Soon, he felt a subtle and intricate connection forming between himself and the talisman.

Wait a moment—this sensation seemed familiar...

Of course! It was just like the "secret training" his master had led them through recently!

After that training, the talisman completion rates of all disciples had noticeably improved.

Could it be… that the talismans they used during training were also crafted by Ji Wushuang?

Lost in thought, Zhuang Xuan was abruptly jolted by a powerful, voracious energy erupting from the talisman, greedily siphoning his spiritual energy like a vortex.

In an instant, his dantian felt utterly drained.

How could this be?!

Panic-stricken, Zhuang Xuan suddenly heard Ji Wushuang's voice. "What are you waiting for? Replenish your energy quickly!"

Enduring the agonizing pull of the talisman's energy, Zhuang Xuan shut his eyes and began frantically absorbing spiritual energy to replenish himself.

Caught in a cycle of absorption and depletion, he was so exhausted he nearly spat blood.

Fortunately, it was merely an ordinary fifth-grade talisman rather than a treasure talisman. Once successfully activated, the oppressive pull ceased.

In its place was a profound and harmonious connection between Zhuang Xuan and the talisman.

Panting and drenched in sweat, Zhuang Xuan opened his eyes. His legs trembled, his hands shook, and his expression was utterly dazed.

It was unclear whether he was more shocked or elated.

"Ma-Ma-Master… it's a fifth-grade talisman!"

His voice rose in pitch, and his foolishly ecstatic expression made Zhan Fan cover his face in embarrassment.

This was a disaster.

Such a clumsy demeanor—what remained of his poised and refined charm?

How could someone like Ji Wushuang ever take a liking to this fool?

If Zhan Fan were Ji Wushuang, he'd think even a roasted spiritual chicken leg was more appealing than this disciple.

The beauty trap was a complete failure.

Zhan Fan smacked the back of Zhuang Xuan's head. "Stop overreacting! Compose yourself!"

Zhuang Xuan clamped his mouth shut in grievance, his face flushed crimson. He seemed desperate to speak but feared displeasing his master. His conflicted expression made Ji Wushuang chuckle softly.

"Does Senior Brother Zhuang have something to ask? Just say it directly."

Encouraged, Zhuang Xuan blurted, "Sister Ji—no, Senior Sister Ji—what's the deal with this talisman? I didn't craft it, yet I can sense a connection to it. How is that possible?"

Ji Wushuang smiled faintly. "It's simple. Imagine I built a house and then handed you the key. By using the key, you opened the house. You're now its rightful owner."

The analogy was clear and straightforward. Zhuang Xuan immediately understood.

But his newfound understanding only deepened his admiration for Ji Wushuang.

"You're incredible!"

He was so amazed he wanted to travel back in time and slap his past self for ever doubting her.

No wonder their master treated Ji Wushuang with such reverence!

If he were in his master's shoes, he'd probably worship her too.

Zhan Fan smacked him on the back of the head again. "Alright, calm down. Now that you know about Ji Wushuang's secret, you must keep it to yourself. Understood?"

"Of course, of course! But Master, you should've told us earlier so we could properly thank Senior Sister Ji."

"Thank her?"

"Yes!" Zhuang Xuan's eyes sparkled with adoration. "Senior Sister Ji has helped us so much. Yet, we were oblivious and didn't even stand up for her when others spoke ill of her. It's unforgivable!"

Zhan Fan exchanged a baffled glance with Jin Fuxi.

"What are you talking about?"

Zhuang Xuan froze. "Wait, Master, didn't you know that activating Senior Sister Ji's talismans improves our talisman completion rates? Isn't that why you asked us to activate them?"

Zhan Fan: "???"

Jin Fuxi: "???"

Wait, what?

Zhan Fan exclaimed, "Is that true?"

Startled, Zhuang Xuan replied earnestly, "I'm not sure… but last time, after you had us activate her talismans, all of us noticed significant improvement. My progress was modest, but the younger disciples showed remarkable gains."

Zhan Fan clenched his teeth in frustration. "You idiot! Why didn't you tell me this sooner?"

Zhuang Xuan protested, "But… didn't we send you a message to thank you? You must've missed it!"

Zhan Fan recalled that he had indeed received a long and rambling transmission from Zhuang Xuan after that session, thanking him profusely for his "kind intentions."

At the time, he'd dismissed it as typical nonsense and paid it no mind.

Who knew it contained such crucial information?!

Fool!

Were Ji Wushuang not present, Zhan Fan might've smacked him again out of sheer exasperation.

Unlike the others, Zhan Fan and Jin Fuxi hadn't noticed much difference. The talismans used earlier were low-grade, and their own completion rates were already high.

Zhan Fan forced a smile toward Ji Wushuang. "Little Wushuang, can your talismans really aid enlightenment?"

Ji Wushuang had been surprised herself but quickly realized the reason.

Her soul, being semi-saint and imbued with celestial energy, naturally carried a unique resonance.

"Not necessarily. All of you are prodigies in talisman crafting. Improving your success rates is simply a matter of time."

Ji Wushuang's refusal to claim credit moved Zhan Fan to tears, and Jin Fuxi silently vowed to cherish her as one of their own.

A disciple who was talented, modest, and an excellent cook—what wasn't to love?

"Thank you regardless."

Ji Wushuang nodded. "Take your time activating these talismans. They may be of help. Be especially cautious with the misfortune talisman, and please don't publicize this."

Ji Wushuang's intent had always been to help Lian Xing save face, not to advertise her own skills.

"Of course, of course."

Ji Wushuang smiled faintly and prepared to leave when Zhuang Xuan suddenly called out, "Senior Sister Ji, wait!"

She turned back. "Senior Brother Zhuang, just call me Junior Sister. If you slip up in public, it might cause me unnecessary trouble."

Seeing her composed and open expression, Zhuang Xuan realized she genuinely didn't care about hierarchy. He smiled. "Very well."

"Please, speak."

Zhuang Xuan shared recent grievances among Hongfu Peak disciples with Zhan Fan and Ji Wushuang, adding one final detail.

"I heard from a junior that many disciples are unhappy with you, especially someone named Mo Lanyi, who frequently stirs up discontent. Junior Sister, do you have some history with Mo Lanyi?"