Compensation, huh…
Ling Aorui silently repeated the word, not realizing the person from her dream had long since departed. By the time she fully awoke, it was already late morning.
She heard the chirping of birds outside and only then realized she had slept for so long. Normally, at this hour, she would have already been up and attending morning classes.
But ever since her injury, all her studies had ceased. Even her sword, Demon-Slaying Sword, was left untouched by the door. If not for yesterday’s desperate act, she wouldn’t have even picked it up.
The truth was, she was running away.
She didn’t want to accept this outcome, nor did she want to use Demon-Slaying Sword. Subconsciously, it had become linked with the pain of her injury.
But now, she suddenly felt a surge of motivation.
She dressed, got out of bed, took her sword, and went outside.
There was no one else in the courtyard. Because she was in confinement, the young attendant had also been reassigned.
This is fine too, she thought. She didn’t want others to see her in such a sorry state. After so many days without practicing her sword, she wondered if she would be rusty.
She fumbled her way into the courtyard, turned around lightly to confirm there was nothing nearby, and then slowly began to move. She started with the most basic sword forms of the Heavenly Sword Sect, followed by her own school’s sword forms, and finally, the forms she had created herself.
At first, she was indeed a bit hesitant and restricted.
After all, she couldn’t see anything and was afraid of hurting herself.
But her years of diligent cultivation paid off. The sword had unknowingly become an extension of her body. Although her eyes couldn’t see, as her sword energy flowed, everything around her took on an outline. She seemed to perceive everything, even more clearly than before her injury.
After going through a few sets of sword moves, her confidence greatly increased. It turned out that blindness wasn’t so terrifying. Diligence would not betray her. She could still control Demon-Slaying Sword, and sooner or later, she could return to the battlefield.
She couldn’t help but smile, a slight upturn of her lips. The resentment that had built up from her illness and pain in the past few days vanished. However, due to the overexertion, her stomach began to feel a little hungry.
Actually, at her level of cultivation, she no longer needed to eat; she could replenish her stamina through cultivation alone. But she had rested for many days, and her dantian was empty. Unable to replenish it immediately, her head started to feel dizzy.
She fumbled her way to the stone table and sighed.
How could she have forgotten about the confinement? No one would bring her food. The only thing to do now was to slowly recover through cultivation. Fortunately, she had plenty of time; there was no risk of starving to death.
She put down her sword and began to close her eyes and concentrate.
Just as she was starting to enter a meditative state, she suddenly heard a faint sound not far away. She listened intently and realized someone was climbing the outer wall of her courtyard.
Strange.
This was inside the sect; there wouldn’t be any thieves. Then who is climbing the wall? She carefully sensed their presence and found that this person’s cultivation was below hers, just past Foundation Establishment.
A disciple of this sect?
I’m already in this state. Who would still come to see me?
Ling Aorui thought self-mockingly. Not only are my eyes ruined, but I also have this notorious reputation for taking liberties with others. Who would want to be associated with me in the slightest?
But she couldn’t bring herself to call out. This person’s cultivation wasn’t high. If they got scared and fell, injuring themselves, it would be her fault. So she waited quietly, waiting for the person to clumsily slide down from the top of the wall before softly asking, “Who is it?”
The person clearly stopped but didn’t speak.
“Is that a junior brother or sister?” Ling Aorui said. “I’m in confinement, and no one is allowed to visit. You should go back quickly. It’ll be bad if you’re discovered.”
The person still didn’t speak and walked forward resolutely, step by step.
Ling Aorui frowned. She wasn’t afraid the person meant her harm, but this person was so persistent. What on earth for?
Just in case, she lightly placed her hand on her sword hilt.
The person didn’t notice her movement. This further confirmed Ling Aorui’s guess: the person indeed had no ill intentions. They were most likely a fellow disciple from the same sect, taking advantage of no one being around to visit.
But why not speak?
Afraid I’d report them to Master?
Ling Aorui couldn’t help but give an understanding smile. Forget it. It’s not a big deal. So what if they take a look?
So she sat up straight, waiting for the person to approach.
The person tiptoed closer, placed something heavy on her table, paused for a moment, then suddenly turned and left.
“Wait,” Ling Aorui called out to her. “What is this?”
The person paused, then said in a hushed voice, “Food.”
While Ling Aorui was stunned, the person had already hurried away. She felt the object. It was indeed a food box, with about three tiers, exquisitely made.
As soon as she opened the lid, she smelled a delicate fragrance.
It was the smell of steamed garoupa and steamed eggs. The second tier held salt-fried goji berry shoots and cold-tossed bitter melon. The bottom tier had spiritual rice and a small dish of sliced fruits.
She preferred lightly flavored food, and these were all her favorite dishes.
Ling Aorui was stunned for a moment. She hadn’t expected this person to be so thoughtful. It was one thing to risk punishment to visit her, but they had also made so many of her favorite dishes.
It was a pity the person didn’t want to reveal their identity. Otherwise, she really wanted to thank them properly.
…
Si Li stood not far from the door. Watching Ling Aorui pick up her chopsticks, only then did she secretly let out a sigh of relief. The reason she hadn’t spoken was because she knew she had wronged Senior Sister Ling, and Senior Sister Ling didn’t want to see her either. Her concern for Senior Sister Ling came from her own genuine willingness, without seeking anything in return, so there was really no need to reveal her identity.
After that day, there wasn’t a single day she didn’t feel guilty.
Every day after class, she would secretly come over to check, but because an attendant was guarding the place, she never got a chance to see her. After yesterday’s incident, she suddenly remembered Senior Sister was in confinement and no one would bring her food. Wouldn’t she go hungry?
So she went to the small kitchen, packed a few dishes Senior Sister usually liked, used a spell to keep them warm, rushed back as fast as she could, and delivered them to Senior Sister.
It seems Senior Sister is very satisfied.
She felt inexplicably content and skipped down the mountain. Just as she reached the front of the dormitories, she heard several people discussing something inside. They were talking about yesterday’s scandal.
Ling Aorui had tried to take liberties with a young disciple and was caught in the act by several powerful cultivators. This kind of salacious news naturally couldn’t be hidden. Everyone who heard it exclaimed in disgust, saying they couldn’t believe they hadn’t seen before that Ling Aorui was such a shameless person.
If this were true, Ling Aorui would truly become a laughingstock.
Si Li heard their loud laughter, and her youthful indignation flared. She kicked the door open and said sharply, “Last time, if Senior Sister Ling hadn’t intervened, you would have all died in the great serpent’s mouth! I can’t control what others say about this, but what right do you have to sneer and mock here? Don’t you feel ashamed?”
On the surface, she was glaring at everyone, but she was actually targeting the leader of the group, Qiu Wei. He had been the most enthusiastic in his mockery just now, completely forgetting his own disgraceful state when he’d been so scared by the great serpent that he lost control of his bladder.
Qiu Wei stiffened at her words but retorted, “That was then, this is now. Just because she saved me, does that mean I have to ignore right and wrong and side with her? She did it, so why is she afraid of others talking about it? Si Li, don’t act like a saint here. Are you so worked up because of guilt, or a real sense of justice? You know best in your heart. Besides, you’re defending her so much, does she even appreciate it? Did she even let you in?”
This barrage of questions hit Si Li where it hurt. She already felt deeply ashamed for implicating Ling Aorui. But for some reason, the Sect Master hadn’t punished her. This made her guilt even worse, and she swore to be loyal to the sect and loyal to Senior Sister Ling for the rest of her life.
Qiu Wei saw she was speechless and said smugly, “Whether your Senior Sister Ling is wrong or not will be decided at tonight’s birthday banquet. Then, even if she wants to deny it, she won’t be able to!”
With that said, he was the first to flick his sleeves and leave.
The others also dispersed, leaving Si Li alone.
She watched them leave resentfully, and couldn’t help but feel resentment towards Qi Qing. In her heart, Senior Sister Ling would never do such a thing, nor would she be interested in that type of person, Qi Qing. So Qi Qing must be behind this, either deliberately seducing her or having some other scheme.
If she had the chance, she would definitely make Qi Qing pay the price.
…
Meanwhile, Qi Qing was completely unaware of what was happening outside. Last night, after she and Yu Yan returned, they had gone to their respective beds without saying much more.
She thought Yu Yan was still angry, but when she woke from her sleep, she found a warm, fragrant, and soft woman in her arms again. She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. This person really doesn’t hold a grudge, she thought. It hasn’t even been a full night, and she’s back to her unguarded self.
That was one thing, but she also somehow ended up in the wrong bed.
She didn’t know why. With Yu Yan’s cultivation level, she shouldn’t have needed to sleep. Powerful cultivators like her would have long dedicated all their time to cultivation, hoping for early ascension.
But Yu Yan didn’t seem to care about ascension.
She gently pushed her. The more she pushed, the tighter the other held on. That unique cool fragrance lingered around her, cooling her somewhat feverish body. The sun outside was very strong today, the light so bright it was hard to open one’s eyes, but the room was pleasantly cool. She didn’t know why.
Forget it. Maybe I’ll sleep a little longer.
At this time, Qi Qing didn’t know that the heavenly palace Yu Yan used to live in was far beyond the ninth heaven. As the saying goes, “it’s lonely and cold at the top.” It was incredibly cold there. Over time, she had developed a body of ice and jade and was very sensitive to the cold.
And a young woman like Qi Qing was at an age where her vitality was at its peak, like a soft, natural, large heater. Yu Yan couldn’t help but want to hold her while sleeping.
After sleeping for another half a day, Qi Qing was woken by the urge to relieve herself.
Her current body’s cultivation was not high, almost no different from a mortal. Eating, drinking, and relieving herself were all necessary. So she had to wait for Yu Yan to turn over and then sneak out to use the toilet.
When she returned, she happened to meet an attendant delivering a letter.
She opened it and looked. It was from Su Miaoyin, sent via someone. It said there was progress on the matter of her leaving the sect. Now all that was needed was the Sect Master’s approval. The purpose of this letter was to invite her over to discuss how to persuade the Sect Master.
This was undoubtedly good news.
Heavens knew how long she had waited for this day.
Holding the letter, she wanted to go back and tell Yu Yan, but the other was still sleeping. So she thought not to disturb her. Once everything was settled, she could give her a pleasant surprise.
On her way there, flying on a paper crane, Qi Qing saw lanterns and colorful decorations everywhere. Although the disciples were busy, their faces were filled with joy. This was natural. It was the Sect Master’s birthday banquet, and guests from all Nine Provinces had gathered here. This not only gave the Sect Master face but also affirmed the strength of the Heavenly Sword Sect.
As members of the Heavenly Sword Sect, they naturally shared in the glory.
If it were the Qi Qing of the past, she would have been just like them.
But now, her state of mind had completely changed, and severing ties with the Heavenly Sword Sect was inevitable. Moreover, this scene always reminded her of Ling Aorui’s partnership ceremony in her previous life. That day had also been at night, and just as bustling and extraordinary.
She withdrew her gaze and focused on flying forward.
The conversation this time was exceptionally smooth. Su Miaoyin didn’t try to persuade her to stay anymore, only reminding her several times to be patient. She advised her to wait until after the birthday banquet and bring up leaving the sect when the Sect Master was in a good mood; it would surely be twice as effective with half the effort.
Qi Qing naturally agreed. Even if she was anxious, there was no need to bring it up during the banquet. It was just a matter of half an evening; she could afford to wait.
After confirming Qi Qing had taken her words to heart, Su Miaoyin sighed with some emotion, recounting old stories from when they first became master and disciple. She said that although their relationship wasn’t deep, they had been master and disciple after all. Now that they were to part, she truly felt a bit reluctant to let go.
Qi Qing sat aside, listening awkwardly. In reality, they had only met a few times, yet Su Miaoyin kept repeating these stories. She didn’t know how to respond and could only awkwardly agree a few times.
Finally, after much dawdling, night fell. Su Miaoyin seemed to suddenly wake up as if from a dream. “Oh dear, look at me. I forgot the time while talking. The banquet is about to start. Let’s hurry over.”
Qi Qing said, “I’ll go back and get Immortal Lord Minghuai.”
Su Miaoyin smiled and said, “She’s not a child anymore. Why would she need you to worry about her? It’s getting late. She might have already gone ahead.”
Seeing Qi Qing still hesitating, she added, “How about this. You come with me first. If she hasn’t arrived by then, I’ll send the Windchaser Carriage to pick her up.”
Seeing her insist repeatedly, Qi Qing had no choice but to agree.
The two of them rode a flying carriage and soon arrived at the main peak’s banquet hall. This birthday banquet was a grand affair, and many guests had come. Many had already arrived. Those with nearby seats gathered together, exchanging pleasantries and urging each other to drink. The attendants in charge of reception didn’t even have time to rest their feet; each one was terribly busy.
Qi Qing managed to stop one with difficulty and asked if Yu Yan had arrived. The attendant shook her head. “I haven’t seen her. Senior Sister, please look for her yourself.”
Not here yet?
But the banquet is about to start.
Qi Qing felt a little anxious and wanted to go to Su Miaoyin to borrow a flying carriage to go back and check. But just then, a young attendant suddenly stopped her, saying Immortal Lord Minghuai had left a message for her.
“She said a disciple of hers came to see her, and she needs to handle an urgent matter. She asks you to take your seat first and not wait for her.”
Qi Qing asked if there was anything else. He said, “No. Senior Sister, you should take your seat first. It won’t be too late to ask her later.”
With that said, he disappeared into the crowd again.
Qi Qing slowly clenched her fists. The anxiety on her face gradually faded. Just now, she was only worried Yu Yan had gotten lost. Now it seemed things were far more complicated than that.
She secretly sent a voice transmission, but there was no reply.
She wanted to go out and find someone, but the crowded throng always managed to block her path perfectly. No matter which way she went, she would only end up back where she started.
It’s an array.
Am I the only one who noticed? Or is it only targeting me?
She stood in the middle of the vast, brightly lit hall, suddenly realizing she had fallen into a trap. From the attendant deliberately choosing a moment when she was alone to deliver the message, to Su Miaoyin keeping her busy reminiscing, and then this attendant’s message about Yu Yan leaving—it was all a setup.
Such an intricate trap within a trap could not be the work of Su Miaoyin alone. But one thing was certain: Su Miaoyin was definitely an important part of it.
But this setup had a fatal flaw: Yu Yan had no disciples at all. They must not have expected that someone of Yu Yan’s esteemed status would not have even a single disciple or follower.
Their arrogance became Qi Qing’s first advantage.
She clenched her fists tightly. She never expected that her repeated forbearance would be met with them pushing their luck further. Now, her opponents held all the advantages—the right time, the right place, and popular support. They were treating her like fish on a chopping block.
But even fish on a chopping block has the right to struggle.
She took a deep breath and announced in a resonant voice, “Qi Qing, disciple of Verdant Peak, hereby requests to leave the Heavenly Sword Sect! I implore the Sect Master to approve!”
