Yun Liu extended a finger and poked her back, “Escaping the trap was your own doing. No one else could save you; it has nothing to do with me.”
It wasn’t that Yun Liu had any ulterior motives toward Ji Xingshu.
Opening the Illusory Pavilion side quest meant that if the plot wasn’t resolved, no one else could get out either.
Was he supposed to let the heroine get stuck inside, locking the map permanently?
“How could that be? If you hadn’t reminded me, I probably wouldn’t have dared to look back even if it killed me. That dream was too real—it scared me to death!”
Xiao Xinran was overjoyed, her face flushed with excitement.
No matter how cold Xiao Yun seemed on the surface, deep down, he still cared about her.
As long as she kept trying, he’d come around sooner or later!
“It was nothing but a small favor.”
“Eh, it feels like there’s something new in my mind… So many words. What are they?”
Xiao Xinran blinked, feeling dizzy as an ancient scorched stele suddenly appeared out of nowhere deep in her Qi Sea.
The characters were barely legible.
The Burning Silence Ancient Formula…
Yun Liu cleared his throat and put the Review Dan Scroll back on the upper shelf, “Whether a beautiful dream or a nightmare, this illusion is a rare opportunity. If you can decipher it, there might be unexpected gains.”
“You’re right! I always felt something was off here—why else would I fall asleep in the library out of nowhere?”
Xiao Xinran tilted her head and pondered for a long while before clapping her hands and grabbing his sleeve.
In her eyes, Xiao Yun was all-powerful, and now was the perfect chance to seek some guidance from her Senior Brother.
“It looks like an ancient scripture. I recognize some characters but not others. I don’t understand it. Could you teach me?”
“Consultation fee is two thousand, family discount nine-tenths.”
Business is business, even among siblings.
The Yellow-Haired female protagonist treated everyone equally.
Since the Qin Yao incident, Yun Liu had learned his lesson: taking requests was fine, but payment had to come first!
“Family discount? No way! Just two thousand, no discount!”
Xiao Xinran’s eyes widened, completely ignoring the money.
She was stubbornly adorable, refusing to be treated like a little sister.
Compared to the stingy Yellow-Haired protagonist and her servant, Miss Xiao was much more generous, but it had nothing to do with the fee—her money was Xiao Yun’s money; whatever he needed, she’d give.
“Thanks for your patronage.”
Yun Liu made a crude hand gesture.
Asking him to translate was always faster and more thorough than commissioning some half-informed teacher.
“Then… if I don’t understand something else in the future, can I come to Celestial Phenomena Peak for Senior Brother’s guidance? Of course, I’ll bring consultation fees!”
Xiao Xinran stole a glance.
After last time, she’d learned one thing: the closer you are to someone, the more you have to be mindful of their feelings.
Matters of the heart need more care.
Yun Liu shook his head.
Money was always welcome, but right now, he was basically a walking encyclopedia of the Misty Realm.
“That’s possible, but I won’t be there for long.”
“What… does that mean? Where are you going!?”
The girl perked up, nervous.
“Nothing much. I’m going away for a few days. I’ll translate it for you when I get back.”
Xiao Xinran tapped her chin, assuming it was just part of an Inner Disciple’s duties and didn’t think much of it.
“Oh, then you better come back soon! I’ll miss you. Wait, I haven’t copied the original text for you yet—how will you translate it?”
“Ah? Uh… let’s talk about that when I return.”
Yun Liu slapped his forehead, almost letting something slip again.
The girl’s excited figure dashed out the door, reluctant but knowing her priorities—she wouldn’t neglect her cultivation.
She seemed like a different person now, and the youth chuckled quietly.
“Good luck.”
“I will! Let’s go, Grandpa Shen.”
“All right.”
The kindly old janitor at the entrance looked at the girl as if she were one of his own, smiling faintly.
He was the Librarian, and since the semester started, he’d seen this kid the most and was quite familiar with her.
Yun Liu rubbed his chin, lost in thought.
If he really beat that bird guy, he’d probably become the Second Generation Protagonist.
How foolish of me, a patch of mung beans.
Whether he would absorb the destiny of the Nine Provinces and spawn Starflame or some other exotic flame, it was strangely something to look forward to.
The youth stepped past the threshold and bowed deeply, a shallow salute.
“Greetings, Sect Leader Immortal Master.”
An Inner Disciple going out without permission and even bringing along the Clear Mist Peak Senior Sister—it was only proper to give notice, laying the groundwork for leaving the sect later.
At least it was neither abrupt nor improper.
The hunched elder’s eyes gleamed sharply as he nodded silently.
“Thank you for your hard work. Shenhua is fortunate to have you.”
His words were loaded with meaning, but no one noticed his slip.
He hadn’t appeared publicly in a long time; sect affairs were handled by the Grand Elder.
This unassuming janitor of the Illusory Pavilion was actually the real big boss of Divine Radiance Sect Cloud Estate, undisputed Sword Dao leader of the Nine Provinces, and a Great Ascension Period old master.
Yun Liu strode away briskly.
Before, he might have respectfully reported like a lowly employee to the big boss.
But now, with his resignation in hand, he had no fear!
The old man naturally recognized the youth.
He knew every disciple who had joined the sect through this route and held the Celestial Phenomena Peak Chief in high regard; otherwise, he wouldn’t have informed Kuai.
The Yun family’s young talents were outstanding, gifted in both aptitude and comprehension.
Even he had felt pity and once wanted to intervene, bearing the burden of fate on their behalf.
Who would have thought someone was hiding their true strength all along?
Even crippled, they still shone for the sect and even sacrificed their looks to charm two peerless geniuses.
Excellent, excellent.
Resilient in body and spirit—not losing the spirit and tough character of our cultivators.
This year, you’re sure to be one of the Nine Provinces’ Top Ten Outstanding Figures!
Thinking this, the old Shenhua Sect Leader’s heavy face lit up with joy.
He was ready to make a plaque and send it to Celestial Phenomena Peak.
Little Aunt Master’s only real contribution to the sect was probably adopting this capable talent!
“Even in poverty, one should be resolute, never abandoning one’s lofty ambitions.”
The old Sect Leader muttered to himself.
With his cultivation, he could glimpse the origin of all things, understanding the vastness of heaven and earth and his own insignificance.
After smiling, the old man grew somewhat melancholy.
Such a girl blessed with destiny was a rare treasure, and having one was already Divine Radiance’s fortune.
Now, there were two of them in one go, locked in a stand-off.
Whether it was a blessing or a curse was unclear.
One mountain cannot hold two tigers.
“Tsk—Speaking of which, Ice Ling probably hasn’t heard the news yet. When she returns, there’ll be no shortage of scolding. She’ll probably lose a few whiskers.”
The old man’s scalp tingled.
Just thinking about that madwoman made him feel physically ill.
He just wanted to find a place to hide and play dead.
Children have their own fortunes; it’s not up to this old man to meddle anymore.
As the day of return approached, someone missed their childhood husband while another was secretly packing up to leave.
As his body grew weaker, Yun Liu’s mood grew more cheerful.
After returning the book, he went to Rosy Fragrance Pavilion to arrange his “aftercare.”
Upon hearing the Mistress of Xiangfang Pavilion had just come back and was about to leave again—this time taking Xiao Yun along—a chorus of complaints rose from the Medicine Hut disciples, all used to being cared for by the Senior Sister.
And they said they weren’t lovers!?
“Just been back a few days, and the secret rendezvous is so open and aboveboard you even asked for leave. No more pretending, huh!”
Huo Tian Tian glared at the openly confronted Senior Sister’s husband, full of grievance but genuinely happy for her.
Hearing the eldest disciple was heading down the mountain, and with Yun Liu, Ge Lan approved the “date” without even asking.
Mr. Kuai even took out some private money to tell the two to have fun, proudly wishing they’d return with a bulging belly.
Qin Yao pinched the little girl’s ear and scolded, “No manners, spreading rumors again! If your alchemy were as good as your gossip, I wouldn’t be so worried. Don’t worry, it’s just gathering herbs. Won’t take long.”
“Stop! I’m joking. You work so hard; spend a couple more days with your brother-in-law. I’ve got your back here!”
The Acting Shopkeeper winked, and the ladies in cheongsams lined up neatly, giggling as they bowed goodbye to the Mistress and her husband.
The scene was spectacular.
Qin Yao covered her face, embarrassed, and pulled the girls away from Divine Radiance Pavilion.
Only Ji Shiyu sat alone on a cold bench, gloomy, stuffing a bun into her mouth.
She ignored Yun Liu’s greeting and huffed in sulking, turning her head away.
Go ahead, never come back if you can!
The Yellow-Haired protagonist’s mental state was worrisome, her behavior increasingly odd, dragging Ao Tian Mama into sighs and worries.
Plans had changed; she might have to act personally…
Outside the mountain gate, the peak forest looked like a fairyland among the clouds, thick mist swirling with no trace of the plank road, and the Cloudsea Formation’s spiritual light fluctuated.
Two Divine Radiance disciples stood side by side in blue and white Yun robes, their sleeves billowing.
Qin Yao’s Sword Emblem glowed, and the mist before them parted, opening a path.
The Spirit Sword followed their will, obedient and docile.
“Get on, it’s not your first time.”
The Senior Sister patted her slender waist, laughing softly and beckoning.
Yun Liu cupped his hands and raised his sword, “The prefecture manor has Spirit Boat routes to the Western Dynasty border—safe, convenient, and reasonably priced. The distance down the mountain is no problem for me.”
Qin Yao raised an eyebrow, teasing, “No way! You’re not allowed to use your Qi Sea anymore. You promised to obey me in everything when outside. Besides, the solution is right in front of you. Your condition can’t afford delay—you have to leave immediately and get the Three-Leaf Datura Fruit!”
Since learning that the Reversion Pill might be possible, the Senior Sister had vowed to do everything she could to heal Yun Liu’s Qi Sea.
It was both repayment of kindness and atonement for the guilt Qin Yi had caused.
Ultimately, her junior brother was crippled because of her—a heavy knot in her heart, a debt she owed.
“All right, all right.”
Yun Liu rolled his eyes, wanting to save his Senior Sister some effort.
You’re impressive, you’re aloof, and with strong cultivation, your words carry weight.
The youth settled into the seat with practiced ease.
No need to remind him to fasten the seatbelt—the beauty in his arms was warm and unreserved, and he wasn’t polite with his sister at all.
“Mm.”
Too, too close!
Qin Yao’s chest tightened; her whole body tensed.
The attempted tease backfired, coloring her cheeks red. Her mind went blank, and she forgot how to navigate down the mountain.
The flying sword wobbled, swaying left and right, rising and falling.
“Qin Jie, wrong way! Canglang Gorge is to the right.”
“I—I know the way! Don’t underestimate your big sister!”
“…Maybe we should take the Spirit Boat after all. It only takes a day and isn’t expensive.”
“Little expenses add up, you know. Why spend money on what you can do yourself? Sit tight and be quiet. That was just a warm-up. The Spirit Boat can’t compare to my flying sword’s speed!”
With that, the nimble sword suddenly accelerated, piercing through the dense clouds.
Qin Yao tried hard to maintain her big sister aura.
She had roamed the Jianghu for years as a Yunhai Sword Cultivator and couldn’t let her junior brother see her lose face!