Whether in the past or present, Qin Yao never cared about status, hierarchy, or cultivation, nor did she pay any attention to appearances.
She also had no interest in superficial matters.
If on the day of their return that useless Junior Brother Yun had spoken up, Qin Cha would have accepted just as readily.
Though she wasn’t a grand lady of some noble house, she had enough private savings to support her beloved.
Even if reduced to a mortal, Yun Liu was still the best of all Junior Brothers in Qin Xing’s heart.
But now, as the young man held the title of East Extreme Pavilion Master, Senior Sister found herself considering many things. She could no longer think only of the two of them—she couldn’t be so selfish.
“Isn’t it obvious? It’s because someone stubbornly insisted on severing ties with the Sect. The Grand Elder and the other Heads are all nearly beside themselves with worry. Master is the same. If you went now, she would never refuse and would even be happy about it. But we can’t just think about ourselves, you know.”
Qin Xing laughed and rolled her eyes, carefully straightening the Lord’s brocade robe, already resembling the Yun Clan’s little wife.
Yun Liu understood even less.
In his mind, leaving the Sect and becoming engaged were separate matters, unrelated to each other.
Who knew his actions had stirred up such waves within the Inner Sect—clearly, his emotional intelligence needed work.
Qin Xing was meticulous in thought, fully aware that the Sect elders all had their own positions.
Their expectations for the young man were tied more to his potential and future.
Perhaps a bit pragmatic, but as someone carrying the burden of reviving Shenhua, being realistic was hardly a fault.
She also knew Yun Liu’s character well.
Once her husband broke through his inner troubles, his sword heart cleared, longing only to return to freedom.
He withdrew without overthinking, not as deeply as others might have imagined.
Such trivial matters were things the Pavilion Master was too lazy to bother with, but Lady Yun had to handle them properly, so as not to leave any hidden worries or bring shame to the Sect or Shanhai Pavilion.
At such a sensitive time, discussing marriage was truly inappropriate.
Yet after Yun Liu’s high-profile withdrawal from the Sect and breaking off the engagement, their simple relationship only grew more complicated.
“Everything else can go your way, but on this matter, you have to listen to me. Waiting a while doesn’t matter—I don’t mind.”
A steady stream over time—there’s no need to rush.
Qin Xing’s big eyes sparkled mischievously, with a touch of pride as she teased:
“Besides, our little Yun is so popular. Right after quitting the Sect, he went straight to Qingxia Peak to propose. Who knows how many girls’ hearts he broke? At least give them some time to recover, okay?”
This was a joke, of course, but she didn’t want to build her own happiness on the suffering of others.
Especially in Senior Sister’s eyes, Shiyu and Xun Ran were both wonderful children—deeply affectionate and devoted.
And then there was that Royal Princess—who always seemed to be at odds with her husband.
Her thoughts didn’t seem simple either.
At this moment, they must all be feeling heartbroken…
“Alright. I’ll listen to you.”
Yun Liu nodded.
Thinking it over, it really had been a bit hasty.
To marry the Pavilion Master’s wife, one couldn’t just bring a sharp tongue—even without a Seven-Colored Auspicious Cloud, surely Ten Thousand Flying Swords should pave the way.
As for what others thought, it wasn’t within his scope of concern.
Yun Liu wrapped his arm around Qin Cha’s slender waist, holding her gently, breathing in the medicinal fragrance from her hair, feeling his affection deepen.
This was the thing he loved most about Senior Sister—her heart was so full of him it could hardly hold anything else, yet she still cared about others’ feelings, so gentle and kind.
She thought of him in everything, caring for him with dignity and thoughtfulness.
Qin Cha’s presence made up for many of Yun Liu’s shortcomings.
Senior Sister pondered briefly, quickly forming a plan.
These minor matters didn’t require her husband’s attention—she would handle them herself, serving as the Pavilion Master’s wise helper.
Just now!
Just now!
The newly-confirmed lovers quietly pierced the barrier between brother and sister, reluctantly parting.
Qin Yao dazedly touched her lips.
Her mind had been blank during their first kiss—she remembered nothing.
A moment later, the proprietress buried her face in her hands and collapsed onto the table, screaming and rolling about in utter bliss.
IYSI
Having her first kiss with Little Yun was simply wonderful.
From tomorrow onward, she would be part of the Yun Clan!
After Little Yun left, the Yaolu Disciples came running down the stairs to surround their big sister, chattering noisily—gossip-hungry onlookers closing in.
“Well, well, what did Little Yun say? Did he invite you to settle on Jueyun Peak?”
Everyone was anxious—unwilling to see Senior Sister leave, but also happy she’d found such a perfect place to belong.
The East Extreme Pavilion Master was probably the most distinguished son-in-law in the history of Qingxia Peak. With such a Senior Sister-in-law, the girls felt proud!
Qin Yao hurriedly suppressed her silly smile and put on a stern face.
“You all seem awfully free. Finished your work already? I’ve noticed you’re getting lazier these days—not even as diligent as Shiyu, who’s just a new apprentice!”
“Of course Senior Sister’s lifelong happiness is more important! Ah, no, I mean Lady Yun!”
“We haven’t even married her off yet! Don’t shout nonsense! Didn’t expect you all to be so eager to send me away—it’s chilling! As punishment, you’ll work overtime for half an hour. Prepare tomorrow’s medicine room before you leave!”
“Huh?”
Not married off yet… so you’re not hiding it anymore?
This underground romance that everyone on Qingxia Peak knew about had finally transformed from rumor to reality, the twists and turns leading to a shared ending.
The next morning, Yunhai was shrouded in mist.
On Summon Wind Terrace, the outer sect disciples of the Four Academies waited nervously for the Grand Elder to announce the promotion results.
Deep within Yunhai, the four Sword Peaks radiated auspicious clouds, Elders of each Peak standing vigil on their Dao Arenas.
A corner was missing—Yuelai Xiangyun.
Celestial Phenomena Peak wasn’t hosting anyone this year either—the entire mountain was white with drifting snow, symbolizing the subtle mood of the Aunt Master.
After the regular meeting, it seemed everyone had reached some unspoken agreement. As if nothing had happened, no one mentioned it again.
Looking on the bright side, the Chief of Celestial Phenomena Peak had simply moved to another mountain to continue her duties.
Jing Tan’er’s condition had improved.
Realizing this, she broke into a radiant smile—better than being dependent on others. She didn’t even bother reclaiming the Temporary Palace, deciding to gift it to her future mother-in-law instead.
She would transfer to Jueyun Peak!
Xiao Xinran, too, had calmed down somewhat, standing at the back of the crowd, arms crossed, lost in thought.
Only a certain Blonde Twin Tails seemed carefree, gnawing on a meat bun as she leaned alone by the pavilion.
Early in the morning, people from Fang Street had come out to watch the excitement, but no one had found the Oily Boy.
In the soft morning breeze and drizzle, the White-robed Youth stood beneath an umbrella on the terrace, the Young Female Steward behind him, and the Purple-Clad Girl petite and lively, appearing forever youthful.
“Yun Qi.”
A deep voice echoed across the sky—neither loud nor soft.
A golden beam of spiritual light pierced the clouds, erasing the boundary between Inner and Outer Sects.
From the Summon Wind Terrace, five iridescent Cloud Bridges rose, linking the Peaks.
The Grand Elder presided over the golden auspicious cloud of the First Peak, opening the Sect Gate to welcome the Outer Sect disciples.
He had changed from a frantic, bald-headed old man back to the ethereal, deputy Sect Leader.
“Jing Tan’er L.”
At hearing the Grand Elder’s first call, the Royal Princess straightened up, chin held high, and stepped forward amid her attendants.
Reason!
Her consort had soared to new heights, and Her Highness was overjoyed.
She was thoroughly satisfied with their ‘mutual pursuit’ and the fruits of their efforts.
Now, no matter how you looked at it, Yun Liu was worthy of the Vermilion Saint Princess.
Not even her father or the court officials could find fault.
As for her swordsmanship, she wouldn’t fall behind.
After years of hard cultivation, she’d finally earned the chance to train in the Five Peaks Sword Canon.
Stepping onto the Cloud Bridge and joining the Inner Sect was the true beginning of Seeking the Way to Immortality.
“Top Scores in Three Subjects, outstanding in the Six Arts of the Sect, ranked in the top five for the Five-Phase Trial—beyond dispute.”
As one of the top three in cultivation on Sighing Peak, Jing Tan’er’s advancement was unquestionable.
Next would come the Inner Sect custom of determining her place among the Five Peaks.