As they walked toward their quarters, Xue Xinyu's gaze was snagged by a peculiar house that stood out like a sore thumb amidst its vibrant, well-maintained neighbours. While the other houses boasted cheerful flower boxes and bright, welcoming facades, this house seemed to have taken a permanent vacation from anything remotely cheerful.

Its walls were drab and peeling, and the windows, dark and empty, gave it the look of a grumpy old man who hadn't seen sunlight in years.

"What's the deal with that house, Feng-shidi?" Xue Xinyu asked, his curiosity piqued by the house's gloomy aura.

Feng Mingzhu stopped and glanced at the house with a look of resigned acceptance. "It's been abandoned for quite some time now. They say it's haunted, which has scared off any potential buyers," he explained, his tone suggesting he'd told this tale so many times he could recite it in his sleep.

"Why hasn't it been demolished?" Xue Xinyu probed further, genuinely puzzled.

"Officials dare not, for reasons even I am not privy to," Feng Mingzhu said cryptically, as if the house was part of some elaborate, supernatural real estate conspiracy. Despite his best efforts to dismiss it, the eerie allure of the abandoned house lingered in Xue Xinyu's thoughts, like a spooky riddle waiting to be solved.

Yet, he quickly shrugged off the notion, reminding himself that he had enough on his plate without adding haunted houses to the mix.

Arriving in front of the quarters that would house him and Liang Zhiguan for the next few days, Xue Xinyu paused to take in his surroundings. The place was beautifully decorated, with an aesthetic that leaned heavily into dark, earthy tones.

As Xue Xinyu walked, he could practically hear his own heartbeat, pounding in his chest like an overenthusiastic drummer at a rock concert. It wasn't just a gentle thump; it was a full-on drum solo, complete with cymbal crashes and high-energy fills. With every step, he repeated positive affirmations in his head like a mantra.

I can do this, I am competent, I am a peak master, he told himself, each word laden with an optimism that was rapidly dwindling. Yet, no matter how many times he mentally repeated his credentials, the doubts lingered like unwelcome guests at a party.

What if I trip? he wondered, picturing himself face-planting into a potted plant. What if I say something ridiculous? His imagination conjured up scenarios where he called someone's grandmother a cucumber by mistake (which never actually happened but-).

What if I sneeze and accidentally set something on fire with my qi? His mind wandered into the realm of the absurd, envisioning a fiery sneeze turning the room into a scene from a disaster movie. (Okay, maybe that last one was a bit far-fetched, but his nerves weren't exactly known for their logic.)

Feng Mingzhu stopped in front of a grand doorway and turned to face Xue Xinyu. "This is your room. I'll come get you before the meeting, so make sure you're in your room," he instructed, handing Xue Xinyu the keys.

Xue Xinyu took the keys with a nod, trying to muster a confident expression that probably looked more like a constipated grimace. "Thank you," he said, his voice a touch higher than usual from nerves. "I'll see you later." He watched as Feng Mingzhu walked away, the door closing behind him with a soft click.

To his surprise, the room was not just a single-bed arrangement as he had expected, but had two beds. Feng Mingzhu must have anticipated that Xue Xinyu would bring someone along, perhaps even predicting the precise number of his entourage, which in this case, was a grand total of one—Liang Zhiguan.

The room itself was spacious, with large windows that let in natural light, casting a warm glow that played off the tasteful decorations. The walls were a calming blend of earthy tones, making the space feel like a tranquil retreat rather than just a temporary lodging.

The dark wooden furniture added a touch of old-world charm, each piece meticulously crafted and polished to a shine. The bed frames were sturdy, with ornate carvings that hinted at a history of grandeur, and the beds themselves looked invitingly soft, practically begging him to dive in and disappear under the covers. Potted plants were scattered strategically around the room, their greenery adding a splash of life and a sense of serenity that made the room feel almost like a peaceful forest clearing.

The walls were a rich, chocolate brown, and the abundance of green plants gave the room a serene, almost forest-like feel. It was the kind of decor that said, "Yes, I'm calm and composed, but I'm also one with nature and possibly have a green thumb."

As they settled in, Xue Xinyu couldn't help but feel a wave of trepidation wash over him. Along the way, he had spotted some other high-ranking individuals, their regal bearing and commanding presence making him feel like a kid at a fancy dinner party.

Sure, he could handle affairs at home—juggling paperwork, scolding disciples, even dealing with the occasional demonic cat invasion that seemed to think his study was a five-star hotel. But engaging with so many dignitaries? That was a different beast entirely.

It felt like being back in school and suddenly realising you had to give a speech in front of the entire class, except this time the audience had the power to change his life with a single, well-placed judgement.

The room appeared to be meticulously decorated with Xue Xinyu in mind, or at least someone from Qi Yun Peak. Delicate light blue flowers adorned the space, their soft petals complementing the serene ambiance that characterised Qi Yun Peak.

Liang Zhiguan carefully removed Xue Xinyu's bag and began laying out the clothes for the upcoming meeting. "Would you like me to come along?" Liang Zhiguan inquired, his voice tinged with hope as he meticulously arranged the robes.

Xue Xinyu glanced over, settling onto the bed with a soft sigh, the mattress yielding comfortably beneath him. "Unfortunately, you're not allowed into the meeting hall," he replied, watching Liang Zhiguan with a thoughtful expression.

"Oh, I see," he murmured, his fingers fidgeting with the hem of a particularly ornate robe.

"I'll arrange something for you to do, maybe send you to the other disciples for some training?" Xue Xinyu mused aloud, tapping his chin in contemplation. The idea seemed to float into the air, as though he were pondering over sending Liang Zhiguan on a grand adventure or merely to the corner shop for some groceries.

Liang Zhiguan flinched, turning to face Xue Xinyu with an expression akin to someone who had just been told their favourite dessert was out of stock. "More training?" he echoed, his voice carrying a hint of dismay. Visions of gruelling exercises and stern instructors flashed through his mind, replacing his earlier daydreams of leisurely exploring the city's bazaars or perhaps finding a cosy spot to enjoy some tea.

Xue Xinyu chuckled softly, the sound light and reassuring, like a gentle breeze rustling through autumn leaves. "Don't worry, you can do whatever you want," he said, offering a small, reassuring smile. "But make sure to be careful. After all, you don't know this city well." His tone was laced with a subtle hint of mischief, as though he half-expected Liang Zhiguan to get lost in a marketplace haggling over the price of exotic fruits.

"I will be careful, Shizun," Liang Zhiguan promised, his tone earnest and his back straightening as though he had just received a knighthood. He envisioned himself navigating the city with the precision of a seasoned explorer, avoiding pitfalls and perhaps even rescuing a stray chocolate snack or two.

As Xue Xinyu began dressing for the meeting, he couldn't help but appreciate the care with which Liang Zhiguan had prepared his attire. The robes were arranged perfectly, each layer neatly stacked, the colours blending together in a symphony of elegance that made him feel more like a regal peacock than a nervous peak master. He marvelled at the meticulousness, wondering if Liang Zhiguan had a secret passion for wardrobe design.

Once dressed, Xue Xinyu moved towards the door, his footsteps muffled by the thick, plush carpet that seemed to embrace every step. Just before leaving, he turned back and pulled out a small, ornate pouch of money, pressing it into Liang Zhiguan's hand with a conspiratorial wink. "Here's some allowance for you. Be sure to have fun," Xue Xinyu said warmly, his tone encouraging.

Without waiting for a thank you, Xue Xinyu departed, the door closing softly behind him with a gentle click that echoed in the stillness of the room. Liang Zhiguan stood there for a moment, staring at the money in his hand. Slowly, a small smile played on his lips, curling at the corners like the mischievous grin of a fox. He slipped the pouch into his pocket, already contemplating the endless possibilities that awaited him in the bustling city outside. Perhaps he would find a quaint tea house, or stumble upon a hidden market selling mysterious trinkets, or maybe, just maybe, he would finally get that much-needed nap under a shady tree.