I have a high-risk profession in the cultivation world.

Upon hearing this, Luo Suichen turned around and saw Chu Chenmu's forehead pressed against the wall, his face contorted in pain, his lips trembling, cold sweat pouring down his forehead, and his suppressed breathing rapid and labored. Large beads of sweat were forming one by one, sliding down his cheeks and into his clothes.

Chu Chenmu knew perfectly well that his words would contradict the original owner's character, and sure enough, the system, which had been silent for several days, delivered the punishment on time.

Luo Suichen felt that the scene before him was damn familiar. Had Chu Chenmu's so-called old illness flared up again?

Luo Suichen quickly stepped forward to help Chu Chenmu up, raising his hand to send spiritual energy into his body, but Chu Chenmu pressed down Luo Suichen's arm and shook his head slightly. "It's just an old ailment, nothing serious."

His "illness" is not something that can be cured easily.

Hearing the same answer as last time, Luo Suichen pursed his lips. Hmph, his master is hiding something from him.

It took Chu Chenmu about half an incense stick's time to recover. He sat up straight, wiping away the cold sweat that had seeped out. It really hurt. He hoped that Luo Suichen would listen to him and not let his personal experience of jumping into a fire pit be in vain. Chu Chenmu comforted Luo Suichen for a couple of minutes, telling him to cultivate well, and then closed his eyes.

Now that he had some free time, he finally had a chance to despise his own system. He hadn't received any warning before he got injured, and he hadn't even heard any comforting words from the system afterward. Moreover, other people's systems either had some kind of cheat code or a shop, or they could help their hosts avoid danger. His system, on the other hand, not only offered no rewards but also forced him to rigidly follow the original plot, and punished him at the drop of a hat, as if he were being forced to his death.

Pooh!

This doesn't resemble a system at all; it's clearly a exploitative scheme disguised as one to survive.

……

Su Mansion.

The day after Chu Chenmu woke up, the four of them returned to the Su residence. Chu Chenmu decided to set off after the New Year. The New Year was just around the corner, so it wouldn't be too late for Su Chengdian to spend the New Year with his parents before leaving.

On New Year's Eve, Chu Chenmu politely declined the kind invitation from Su's parents and decided to cook the New Year's Eve dinner himself in a small kitchen he borrowed. He didn't want to disturb their family's reunion time, and he was also afraid that seeing them enjoying each other's company would remind him of his grandmother who was far away.

The envy in his eyes was impossible to hide. That would be too embarrassing.

Tian Yige and Luo Suichen naturally followed Chu Chenmu, and Su Chengdian also came during the day. The four of them squeezed into the small kitchen, making a ruckus.

This time, however, the four of them were clearly more familiar with each other, and they laughed even louder. Chu Chenmu was also more indulgent towards them, often watching the three of them scrambling around while he shook his head and laughed. Let them fool around, they're just kids.

Chu Chenmu's shoulder injury hadn't fully healed yet. Apart from the actual cooking, the preparation of the dishes for this New Year's Eve dinner was mostly done by Luo Suichen and the other two. One after another, the less-than-appealing dishes were served on the table amidst the lively atmosphere. After Su Chengdian toasted and wished everyone a Happy New Year, he said goodbye to a few people and returned to his parents' side.

"Dian'er, have you suffered while you're not by your parents' side?"

"Father, rest assured, I am a direct disciple of the Wuji Sect, how could I possibly suffer any hardship?"

“In the years you’ve been gone, our Suzhou city has gained a lot more fun places. Dad will take you to visit them tomorrow.”

Su's mother smiled with her eyes crinkling, but upon hearing this, she glared at Su's father disapprovingly, "You always let the child act recklessly. Now that Dian'er is a cultivator, he should be more composed."

"Yes, yes, Madam is right." Upon hearing this, Su's father nodded repeatedly, composed his expression, but winked at Su Chengdian as if to say, "I'm just going along with your mother. We'll sneak off tomorrow."