“Palace Master has returned.”
Zhuxin strode forward and bowed respectfully to Qin Qingyue, whose expression was distinctly unsightly.
During the days Qin Qingyue had been away from the palace, most internal and external affairs of the Sect had been handled by her.
She lifted her eyes, stealing a glance at her Palace Master, unable to conceal her surprise.
Qin Qingyue’s face at this moment was indeed gloomy, her brows shrouded in a persistent darkness, lips pressed in a tight line—clearly, she was truly angry.
“Palace Master, you’re…” Zhuxin couldn’t help but speak, her tone cautious and probing.
It was rare to see Qin Qingyue in such a state.
Given the Palace Master’s current cultivation and standing, there were truly only a handful of people in all the land who could leave her this vexed yet helpless.
Upon seeing her own little sister, Qin Qingyue’s tense features softened slightly. She gave a faint nod.
“Has the Sect been well lately?”
“All as usual, only…” Zhuxin hesitated a moment.
“Representatives from various powers keep coming to pay respects to Palace Master, almost wearing down the stone steps before the Mountain Gate.”
Ever since Qin Qingyue broke the Shackles of Misfortune, established the Nine Heavens Palace, and ascended to the Celestial Immortal Form in one stride, her name had shaken all five provinces, becoming a legend known to all.
Many Sects in the Central State, especially those who had once held grudges with her, now could barely eat or sleep, all sending generous gifts and actively visiting in hopes of currying favor.
After all, Nine Heavens Palace did not yet control many Secret Realms, and no one could guess who this formidable Palace Master might set her sights on next.
The Sect’s foundation lay in the Central State; they couldn’t just up and relocate the entire Sect.
Qin Qingyue, hearing this, curled her lips into a mocking sneer and snorted coldly:
“They’re nothing but weathercocks, turning with the wind. Back when they struck me when I was down, I saw no sign of courtesy from them.” With a sweep of her sleeve, her voice turned resolute.
“Take all the gifts on the list, but make sure to give them the lessons they deserve as well. Handle this with discretion—don’t be soft-handed.”
“Yes, understood.” Zhuxin was about to accept the order when, from the corner of her eye, she saw a familiar figure slowly descending from a magnificent immortal boat behind them.
Her heart skipped a beat—she instantly understood.
Who else, besides that one, could make the Palace Master so stifled yet unable to act?
“Sect Master Wu.” Zhuxin quickly composed herself and, mindful of Sect etiquette, nodded to Wu Zhaohua as she approached.
Wu Zhaohua’s gaze lingered on Zhuxin for a moment, her eyes somewhat complicated.
Back then, she’d used rescuing this woman as an excuse, never expecting that she would become an elder of Nine Heavens Palace and serve so diligently.
A cultivator in the Great Ascension Stage, truly willing to serve beneath others, and even willing to share Jiang Huai as a concubine?
She pressed down the turmoil in her heart and merely nodded slightly before turning to Qin Qingyue, her voice calm:
“Palace Master Qin, about our earlier agreement—when might I bring Jiang Huai to stay at Wenxuan Sect for a few days?”
Qin Qingyue’s gaze grew sharp, her chin tilting slightly as she replied coolly, “What’s the rush? Sect Master Wu, as you can see, we at Nine Heavens Palace are in the midst of a joyous event, with countless affairs at hand.”
Her eyes swept over the people behind her, pausing deliberately in a certain direction.
“We of Nine Heavens Palace have always treated our own generously. The Red Dragon Clan has just come for a marriage alliance, and the New Bride has only just arrived. Surely we can’t have Jiang Huai leave the palace at once, neglecting the newcomer.”
“This matter can be postponed for now.” Delay it as long as possible.
These words were clearly heard by Chi Lian, quietly standing at the back of the crowd.
A blush bloomed swiftly on her cheeks.
Her fingertips unconsciously twisted her sleeve, a warm and indescribable feeling welling up inside her, tinged with a bit of bewilderment.
It was as if a lonely traveler, having wandered for so long, was suddenly pulled inside by a pair of warm hands.
A family clustered around her, preparing a welcoming ceremony, solemnly telling her:
“From now on, you’re one of us.”
Yet beneath this sudden sense of belonging was the instinctive unease of facing an unfamiliar environment.
The immortal palace floating in the clouds was grand and imposing, carrying an invisible pressure.
Everything here was different from the warm, fiery Secret Realm of the Red Dragon Clan; even the air was cool and crisp.
She only knew that Jiang Huai was very good—gentle and thoughtful—but this famed mistress of Nine Heavens Palace, Qin Qingyue, as well as the varied gazes from those around, all made her feel a subtle restraint and unease.
“It’s alright.” Jiang Huai sensed her slight discomfort, slowed his pace, and came to her side.
“You’re new here, it’s natural to feel a bit out of place.”
“If there’s anything you’re not used to, or if anything comes up, just let me know anytime.”
Chi Lian looked up at him and met those calm, understanding eyes. The turmoil in her heart settled a little, and she nodded lightly.
“I’m fine.” Her voice was soft but not entirely forced.
“Hmph, let’s go home.” Qin Qingyue clearly didn’t want to be entangled any longer, especially not with Wu Zhaohua.
She swept her wide sleeves, summoning a fresh breeze, and her figure soared like a startled swan toward the three main halls hovering amid clouds and mist.
Wu Zhaohua stood where she was, watching Qin Qingyue’s departing back.
Her eyes grew deep as she suppressed her complex emotions and turned to Jiang Huai.
“Very well, then I’ll stay outside the Sect and wait for you.”
Jiang Huai paused, met her gaze, and finally just nodded. “Alright, then wait for me.”
Now that he’d reached the Golden Core Stage, traversing the skies was no longer a challenge.
With a thought, the Two Energies of Yin and Yang flowed naturally within him, gathering at his feet to form an invisible support.
His body rose smoothly into the air—though not as effortless and swift as Qin Qingyue, he was steady and composed.
He gave Wu Zhaohua one last glance before turning to follow Qin Qingyue’s silhouette.
“Jiang Huai, you can fly now!” Zhuxin grinned as she drew close, walking beside him with a teasing tone.
Looks like you’ve broken through to the Golden Core Stage.
Jiang Huai gave her a gentle smile, then seemed to recall something and asked, “How has Zhu Siyao been lately?”
At the mention of her daughter, Zhuxin’s face took on an odd mixture of relief and helplessness.
“Her? She’s been acting so strangely lately, even I can’t figure her out.”
“What happened?”
“The last time I mentioned, in passing, that you went out this time to marry the Saintess of the Red Dragon Clan…” Zhuxin paused, then continued,
“Since then, she’s like a different person. Every day she shuts herself away for cultivation, nearly neglecting sleep and food. She seems to be driven by something, working as if she’s been harshly provoked.”
Jiang Huai was taken aback.
After a moment’s thought, he understood and said softly,
“She’s probably worried that, now that the Saintess of the Red Dragon Clan has arrived, her status as Master Sister might not be secure.”
He knew well that though Zhu Siyao’s talent had improved, compared to someone like Chihuang, a peerless prodigy from a great clan with extraordinary bloodline, there was indeed a gap.
Such worry was only natural.
“Who knows? Still, her working hard is always a good thing.” Zhuxin sighed.
Then, while floating in the air, she naturally took Jiang Huai’s hand, her tone softening.
“Jiang Huai, Siyao—no matter what happens in the future, you must ensure that her title and position as Master Sister in this Nine Heavens Palace is kept safe for her.”
Her gaze was fervent, her meaning clear.
She was securing Siyao’s future—so that when she ascended to the Immortal Realm one day, even if Siyao did not surpass everyone with overwhelming strength, at least within this rule-bound Sect, she could retain enough influence and a firm place.
Jiang Huai gently squeezed her hand, understanding her intent.
“Don’t worry, I understand.”
Before long, the group arrived at the grandest hall—Longyin Hall.
The doors stood open, the interior suffused with spiritual energy, solemn and majestic.
Qin Qingyue, at the front, halted her steps.
The gazes of the others, entering behind, fell in unison upon Chi Lian, who was following by Jiang Huai’s side with her head slightly bowed.
Chi Lian felt all those eyes fall upon her at once.
Her mature form instantly tensed, her slender fingers curling as she looked at Jiang Huai, at a loss.
What’s happening? Why is everyone looking at me?
Just then, Su Yingman, standing nearby, suddenly flashed a charming smile, a hint of mischief glinting in her eyes as she called out to Qin Qingyue,
“Main Wife, since the newcomer has entered, shouldn’t we arrange the traditional Entry Ceremony for her?”
Qin Qingyue shot Su Yingman, who was clearly up to no good, an exasperated glance and pursed her lips.
“Entry Ceremony? Do you want to frighten her to death?”
Her gaze swept over Chi Lian, who, despite her voluptuous figure, still had eyes clear and innocent—obviously still a girl at heart.
She understood at once.
This Chi Lian had a mature, alluring appearance but a simple, pure heart.
If they truly held the kind of ‘ceremony’ Su Yingman spoke of, this timid new bride might just be scared off for good.
Su Yingman, exposed, wasn’t angry. She just muttered quietly,
“Then why didn’t Main Wife dote on me like this when I joined…?”
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