Xiao Che followed her instructions.

The moment his consciousness touched the token, a clear spiritual interface appeared before his inner sight, neatly listing several lines of information:

【Disciple】: Xiao Che
【Identity】: Tianshu Court · True Inheritance Disciple
【Monthly Stipend】: 100 Contribution Points
【Wealth】: 100 Contribution Points
【Contacts】: 1

On the side of the interface was a small entry labeled:

“Bai Ling (Tianshu Court · Teaching Assistant)”

It was glowing faintly, with a tag marked “Online.”

Good grief… isn’t this basically WeChat for cultivators? Does it even show online status?

As he was thinking that, the token trembled lightly. A message surfaced directly within his consciousness:

「Bai Ling: Junior Brother, try it. Reply to me.」

Xiao Che found it fascinating. He focused and formed the thought: Received, Senior Sister.

The thought seemed to be captured by the token and transformed into a streak of light sent back.

「Xiao Che: Received, Senior Sister.」

Bai Ling’s token lit up briefly. She glanced at it, her smile widening.

“You’re a fast learner. But this token isn’t just for messaging.”

With a gentle swipe of her fingertip across her token, a clear light screen appeared, displaying numerous categorized entries.

“See? Your identity, contribution points, exchangeable treasures and techniques, Academy announcements, task boards… everything can be handled here.”

“This device carries the Lingxu Profound Mirror. It’s connected to the Academy’s core formation, the Myriad Laws Lingxu. Information updates in real time.”

She let the screen scroll as she spoke, its layout clean and efficient.

“You could say this token itself is one of your most important supports in your cultivation at the Academy.”

She paused.

“However…”

Suddenly, she stood and stepped around the table, then sat down beside Xiao Che on the same stone bench.

The bench wasn’t long. Their shoulders brushed lightly together. Through the thin fabric between them, he could clearly feel the warmth and softness of her skin.

Her fragrance, mingled with her body warmth, enveloped him instantly.

She tilted her head naturally, her shoulder pressing closer. Her warm breath brushed faintly against his ear.

“Now this… is where it gets interesting.”

At such close distance, she swiped the interface again.

The screen shifted to a lively, constantly scrolling board filled with messages.

“The most vibrant and bustling part of the Profound Mirror is this ‘Exchange District.’ Disciples debate the Dao, trade goods, inquire about secrets, and even argue and bicker here.”

With her soft skin brushing his arm and her scent filling his senses, Xiao Che’s heart stirred.

He took a slow breath to steady himself and forced his gaze onto the rapidly refreshing posts. His eyes widened slightly.

“This… isn’t this basically a forum plus a social feed for cultivators?”

“Forum? Social feed?”

Bai Ling blinked, confusion flickering in her eyes.

She straightened up slightly, creating a small distance between them.

“What are those? Some ancient secret realm? A new type of artifact?”

The warmth vanished as she moved, leaving Xiao Che feeling oddly empty.

“Ah… nothing.”

He laughed awkwardly and changed the subject. “I just meant—it’s impressive. The design is brilliant.”

Bai Ling observed his slightly strange expression but didn’t press further, merely smiling faintly.

“Take a look for yourself.”

Xiao Che focused his consciousness and entered the section.

The projected light screen shifted again, presenting a clearly structured interface divided into categories:

【Dao Debate Platform】, 【Hundred Affairs】, 【Casual Talk Garden】, 【Exchange Market】…

Each section was filled with rapidly scrolling entries. It was essentially a comprehensive community, just in an immortal cultivation setting.

Several top posts stood out:

“【Hundred Affairs】Breaking! The Academy’s Top Ten Beauties list updated—Dan Court freshman Liu Ruyan surges into the top three!”

“【Casual Talk Garden】Chance encounter today: Tianshu Court’s Senior Sister Bai Ling strolling along the mountain path in pink-white robes, like an immortal descending. Did anyone else see? (Blurry image attached).”

“【Dao Debate Platform】Hidden ancient clan—Tantai Mingyue of the Tantai clan enters Battle Court and sets a new Qi Refining record in the Body Tempering Tower!”

“【Dao Debate Platform】Urgent! Need help! During the third rotation of refining ‘Clear Mind Pill,’ my furnace flame keeps collapsing! Seniors, please advise! (Alchemy process clip attached).”

“【Exchange Market】High price purchase! …”

The information was lively and full of mortal flavor.

Xiao Che stared.

This was… quite different from the ethereal, lofty Academy life he had imagined.

He opened the casual post about Bai Ling. The image of her pale pink silhouette against the shadows of bamboo was indeed captivating.

“Senior Sister.”

He waved the token slightly, a teasing smile on his face.

“You’re on here, too. Seems the Lingxu Profound Mirror pays a lot of attention to you.”

Instead of being annoyed, Bai Ling’s lips curved into a radiant smile.

“Of course.”

She lifted her chin slightly, her eyes shimmering with natural charm.

“Your Senior Sister here is quite the notable figure in the Academy. Look—open that beauty ranking.”

Xiao Che followed her suggestion and switched to the 【Hundred Affairs】 section.

A prominently pinned post marked “Hot” was fixed at the top:

“【Pinned】Academy Top Ten Beauties (Current Edition).”

The ranking was clearly displayed, each name accompanied by a brief introduction and a short dynamic projection.

Ranked second was:

“Tianshu Court · Bai Ling.”

“Granddaughter of Vice Dean Bai Yuntian. Heavenly Fragrance Body (Rank 72 on the 108 Divine Physiques List). Wood-element mutated ‘Heavenly Fragrance Nurturing Spirit Root’ (Rank 36 on the 72 Spirit Root List). Late Foundation Establishment. Stunning beauty, naturally charming temperament. Personality… (opinions vary).”

Xiao Che glanced at the projection, then at the living, breathing woman beside him.

“Heavenly Fragrance Body? Supposedly, it naturally draws others close, greatly enhances charm, and benefits cultivation, enlightenment, and even nourishes spirit plants.”

“Combined with the Heavenly Fragrance Nurturing Spirit Root—overflowing vitality, endless life force. No wonder she’s so… ahem. Attention-grabbing.”

He kept his thoughts to himself, his expression calm.

“Second place indeed. Well deserved.”

He smiled. “Senior Sister isn’t just beautiful—this ‘Heavenly Fragrance’ combo effect might be more outrageous than many single talents ranked in the top ten.”

Bai Ling gave a soft huff, but her expression clearly showed she was pleased.

“You have good taste.”

She glanced at the token casually.

“Still, just treat those idle discussions as entertainment. Especially the nonsense comments below.”

That only piqued Xiao Che’s interest further.

“Then I definitely need to read them,” he said with a grin, scrolling down.

The comments were indeed varied:

“Senior Sister Bai Ling is the light on my cultivation path! Every time I see her, my Dao heart becomes clear!”

“Front row photo! Senior Sister, look at me! Today’s cultivation motivation comes from you!”

“Anyone forming a group to camp below Tianshu Peak? Just to run into her! I’ll trade my brother’s three years of single life for one glance from Senior Sister!”

“Heh, always acting so flirtatious. Who knows who she’s trying to attract?”

…