What was originally meant to be a simple countryside outing for Xi Lian and the martial siblings had unexpectedly turned into something that resembled a small company's team-building trip. Wang Sheng had arranged this journey as a way to make up for certain regrets. After all, while he was trapped within the Earth Qi Seal, he missed their planned trip to Sakura Island. Although the Daoist sects had almost entirely pacified the cultivation world of Sakura Island by now, bringing a few friends there for a tour would still count as keeping his promise. The first to respond to Wang Sheng's invitation was Shi Qianzhang, who prided himself on being the "all-knowing guide of Sakura Island." He vowed that as long as they took him along, they would get to experience all of Sakura Island's unique activities, such as assassinations, ambushes, smear campaigns, and more. Shi Qianzhang was something of a celebrity in Sakura Island, so much so that cultivators and common folk alike gnashed their teeth at the mere mention of his name. ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ 𝗇𝗈𝗏𝖾𝗅•𝖿𝗂𝗋𝖾•𝗇𝖾𝗍 Soon after, Huai Jing replied that they should go admire the blossoms together since the trip would fall right in the season when cherry trees were in full bloom. Meanwhile, Liu Yunzhi had to decline due to his secluded cultivation, immediately lowering the average looks of the group's male members. By the end of their conversation, Huai Jing, Shi Qianzhang, Zhou Yinglong, and Hao Ling had agreed to accompany Wang Sheng to Sakura Island. They submitted an application to the Special Investigation Unit and were soon officially added to the escort roster for the mission. To make things more convenient for their sightseeing, the investigation unit assigned three Special Warfare Unit members as additional escorts, allowing them to truly set aside all concerns and enjoy themselves. In a way, it was a non-material reward for Wang Sheng. The following afternoon, the aircraft sent to pick up Wang Sheng hovered in the air. After bidding his parents and younger sister farewell, he stepped on his flying sword and glided into the cabin. Watching her brother leave, Wang Xiaomiao thought for a moment. She then earnestly asked, "Dad, can I switch to being a day student[1]?" "Weren't you the one who insisted on staying at the school dorm? What made you change your mind?" Wang Xiaomiao blinked. "Mm… I only wanted to stay there because I didn't want you two nagging me. Since Big Brother said he'll be staying home for a while after this trip, I want to spend more time with him." Her father scratched his head. "Didn't you reject him before?" "I just thought he was too selfish. He ran off to cultivate without caring about the family, then sacrificed himself, which made you two cry yourselves to sleep. It was so awful." Wang Xiaomiao giggled, then ran over to cling to her mother's arm. "Mom, you'll allow it, right? If I take the subway, it'll only take a little over ten minutes to get home from school anyway." "If you want to be a day student, then go ahead. As long as you're happy. If needed, your father can drive you every day," her mother replied. "Xiaomiao." Her father stretched lazily and slouched on the sofa, "What do you think of your brother? Be honest." "He… Um… I think he's a really nice person. He's very approachable, too," Wang Xiaomiao answered. She then blinked. "There's something just a little strange about him, though." "What would that be?" "Well, if he didn't have such great abilities, he would seem like any ordinary brother." Wang Xiaomiao struggled to put her feelings into words. "He's nothing like I expected. He doesn't start every conversation by talking about responsibility or lofty ideals, and talking to him makes me forget he's a powerful cultivator. It's like he's just someone I grew up with." Her father chuckled. "At home, your brother doesn't put on any airs. Out there, though, he's like a completely different person. You should learn from him." After a moment of hesitation, Wang Xiaomiao asked, "Dad, Mom, I… kind of want to cultivate too. Would you be against it?" "Of course not," her mother answered gently. "When the time comes, your brother can help you find a reliable master from a good sect. You'll still have to keep up with your schoolwork, though." Her father added, "That's right. Cultivation doesn't mean neglecting your studies. Even basic scientific knowledge will help you in cultivation." "Oh… Alright," Wang Xiaomiao replied, feeling a little disappointed. She actually wanted to say that she preferred cultivating alongside her brother instead of becoming someone else's disciple. Her father sighed. "Haaa… Cultivation has its merits. You'll live longer, and your mother and I won't have to worry so much about you two… I'm going to the balcony for a smoke." The man, still far from looking old, shuffled off in his slippers. His back carried a faint trace of melancholy. "What's wrong with Dad?" "Don't mind him. He just doesn't want to see his children leave." Her mother laughed lightly. "When your brother first went to the Wudang Mountains, your father often hid in the bathroom to cry.  In our family, the men are more sentimental, the women more easygoing. You'll get used to it." "Does that mean Big Brother used to cry a lot, too?" "He did, when he was young. Not so much anymore. Here, I'll show you some rare footage from when your brother was a kid." Wang Xiaomiao was intrigued at first, but after glancing at them a few times, she quickly lost interest. They were just a few candid clips of her brother in his childhood. They weren't exciting in the slightest. At a coastal military airport, Wang Sheng arrived to find that the "tour group" had already assembled. Noticing they were armed to the teeth, he could not help but laugh. "What are you all doing? Are you guys going to war or something?" Except for Mu Wanxuan and Xi Lian, who were sitting in the shade watching anime together, everyone else looked ready to charge into battle. Shi Qianzhang had over a dozen talisman pouches hanging from him. Though he was behind in cultivation, his sheer number of talismans made up for it. Meanwhile, Huai Jing had brought his devil-subduing staff. He also had a pair of nunchucks at his waist, Buddhist prayer beads on his neck and wrists, and a bronze miniature pagoda in his hands. Zhou Yinglong carried a sword and had another strapped to his back. His sleeves and trouser cuffs were tightly bound. Even Hao Ling had brought three to four artifacts and several talismans that Shi Qianzhang had gifted. In contrast, Wang Sheng had changed his Daoist robe for casual clothes and was wearing slippers. Wang Sheng smiled wryly. "We're not going to battle. Didn't they say the cultivation world of Sakura Island has already been subdued? Why are you all so tense?" Huai Jing smiled back. "Amitabha. If it were just us going, we wouldn't worry. The problem is… we're going with you." "That's right," Zhou Yinglong agreed. "Think about it. Everywhere you go, something big happens. We're just being cautious." "Don't worry, Brother Sheng! We'll make sure we don't slow you down! If things get dangerous, we've got the skills to make a clean getaway!" Shi Qianzhang pounded his bony chest with a loud thump. "That's our 'never slow anyone down' rule!" Hao Ling added, "This mission may seem peaceful, but with you here, surprises may just fall from the sky." Huai Jing chuckled. "I wouldn't be shocked if a comet suddenly comes crashing into Earth because of you." Wang Sheng was speechless. Xi Lian and Mu Wanxuan could not help but laugh. In truth, Wang Sheng intended to enjoy himself on this trip. If not for Spiritless, he would not even have bothered bringing a sword case. "Do I really attract trouble that much?" he joked. The others only smiled in silence. Soon, the newest pair of young liaisons from the Special Investigation Unit hurried over to meet Wang Sheng and Mu Wanxuan. They quickly guided the group toward the tarmac. Shi Qianzhang grinned. "So, have you two decided how to praise Brother Sheng? Need me to write a speech for you?" "Thank you, Daoist Master Shi, but that won't be necessary," the young woman replied politely. "Daoist Master Wang's commendation will be announced soon. The real problem is deciding on a reward that would suit him." Xi Lian teased, "Fei Yu couldn't care less about rewards. Just give him a silk banner." "A banner? That won't do," Zhou Yinglong replied seriously. "At least a solid gold medal." "Amitabha," Huai Jing intoned. "In my opinion, more internet access would be far more practical." Soon, the group began a brief discussion about how the authorities should reward Wang Sheng for single-handedly dealing a major blow to the foreign corrupt cultivator faction. By the time they boarded the passenger plane, the conversation had increasingly drifted off topic. The two newcomers from the investigation unit couldn't even give any input anymore. On the plane, four elderly men in plain clothes got up to greet Wang Sheng and chatted with him for a moment. Three burly men in camouflage uniforms also stood up to salute him. One was at the Golden Core Realm, and two were at the Illusory Core Realm. The midsection of the cabin had twenty seats arranged like those in an old green train, with a square table between every four seats. Wang Sheng and Mu Wanxuan took a window seat, while Xi Lian and Hao Ling sat opposite them. Huai Jing, Zhou Yinglong, and Shi Qianzhang sat together. A deck of cards then appeared out of nowhere. The two liaisons were seated quietly in the corner, tense and alert. If Wang Sheng or Mu Wanxuan pressed the service bell, they were expected to arrive faster than the flight attendants. "Little Fei Yu," Xi Lian called, then teasingly giggled. "What are your plans for this trip? Are you going to blow up Mount Fudo? Maybe stir up trouble in the Four Hidden Villages?" Wang Sheng stretched, sinking into his comfortable seat. "No. I'll soak in hot springs, admire cherry blossoms, and once the scientists are done with their work there, I'll head back home and stay there for a while." Xi Lian rolled her eyes. "Boring." "Don't worry, Senior. Brother Sheng never goes looking for trouble. Trouble always finds him." Shi Qianzhang laughed. "Can't you people say something positive?" Wang Sheng retorted. "How about this? Let's make a bet. If something unexpected happens on this trip, I'll grant each of you one request. If everything goes smoothly, you will all help me find a suitable master for Xiaomiao. Deal?" The plane shuddered, and oxygen masks dropped down, swaying before their faces. A gentle announcement then played. —The aircraft has encountered an updraft. There may be some turbulence. Please fasten your seatbelts and remain calm. Wang Sheng facepalmed, and the others burst into laughter. Mu Wanxuan waved her small hand. A Tai Chi diagram appeared under the plane, instantly stabilizing it.