Chapter 25 025 A Big, Warm Hug

Of course, besides resolving the emotional dispute, Shen Zhiwei had a serious business to discuss with Shi Miaoxue today.

She said, "Those two Tianchi Sect envoys let slip that I heard a piece of news that, though unbelievable, is probably true."

Shen Zhiwei recounted the story of the Nine Peaks Immortal Sect's intention to sell off the Qi Cultivation Pills.

As Shen Zhiwei had expected, Shi Miaoxue's face showed shock and anger.

Nan Yulou's intention to divide the factions was already heartless; if this background is added, then all his antics were for the sake of the Bixia faction dying.

Once Shi Miaoxue overturned the situation, the more she discussed it, the more she gained. For example, the Tianchi Sect didn't care about the Bixia Sect's territory or alchemy furnace equipment; they only cared about getting spirit stones and herbs, so they readily agreed.

It seems they must have heard some rumors, hence their actions.

Nan Yulou wanted to take the resources and escape, then trample on the Bixia Sect and crush everyone in the mud.

Shi Miaoxue felt even colder inside.

But aside from these matters between men and women, Shi Miaoxue immediately thought of another important point.

Now that the Bixia Sect has advanced in its cultivation level, even if they don't refine the Qi-Nourishing Pill, they can start refining some high-level pills.

For example, Soul Pills and Five Spirit Pills.

In fact, after the Nine Peaks Immortal Sect began refining the Qi Cultivation Pill, other sects that mainly dealt in pills began to abandon the Qi Cultivation Pill as a basic product.

Soul Elixir is made by tempering the soul and nourishing the spiritual body.

As for the Five Elements Pill, it is divided into five elements: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. It is tailored to the individual cultivator's constitution for targeted and specialized improvement. For example, a cultivator who practices fire-based techniques would consume the Fire Element Pill from the Five Elements Pill.

Once Bixia Sect reaches a higher realm, its industries will be upgraded, and it will certainly be able to continue operating.

However, the original site of the First Heaven would not be used to continue refining the Peiyuan Pill, which means that the entire Bixia Sect moved out of the First Heaven.

From then on, the first level of heaven lost its alchemy gate and became increasingly desolate.

Shi Miaoxue hesitated: "Sect Leader, if this happens, will the Bixia Sect no longer be able to operate at the foot of Mount Sumeru?"

Shi Miaoxue had a sentimental attachment to the first heaven. She was most annoyed by Nan Yulou's constant talk of the upper realm, which belittled the first heaven of Mount Sumeru to nothing.

When I was a child, there were some small sects at the foot of Mount Sumeru that refined elixirs, but they varied in quality and many were cunning. However, Shi Miaoxue's mother, Shi Yun, had a strong temper and insisted on quality and quantity, treating everyone fairly, young and old, and thus she managed to build up the Red Lotus Sect.

However, due to the scarcity of resources in the first layer of heaven and the interference of major sects from the upper realm, the small sects that refine pills are all struggling to survive.

The Sect Master Xie had such a good reputation and was so high and mighty that countless men and women from all realms worshipped Xie Qingyu. Some female cultivators even drew portraits of Xie Qingyu's handsome appearance and treasured them privately, as if they were from a dream.

But Shi Miaoxue disliked him from the bottom of her heart and found him extremely hateful.

Because of Xie Sect Master's slight compassion, he cut off the path to survival for countless first-level alchemists.

As she got emotional, she spoke quickly without realizing it: "If there is no alchemy sect in the first heaven, then there will probably be no alchemists in the future. Even if there are cultivators with the talent to refine pills, where will they go to learn how to refine pills? Even some very basic skills? If they go to the upper realm to study, even in the second heaven, people will still need some basic alchemy skills."

At this point, Shi Miaoxue blushed, but she didn't mean to blame Shen Zhiwei.

These things have nothing to do with Shen Zhiwei. It's already quite difficult for the sect leader Zhi Leng to get to this point; he's barely managing to protect himself.

She knew she was inflexible, somewhat stubborn, or perhaps a little out of touch with the times.

Such aloofness and rigidity can sometimes seem inappropriate.

Or perhaps her lack of intelligence is simply unlikable.

However, Shen Zhiwei was not angry. She was always very amiable and even smiled, saying, "Miaoxue is absolutely right."

She said, "Actually, I have thought about these things, and I do have some ideas. Although reselling Peiyuan Pills will result in losses, it doesn't mean that I will stop selling Peiyuan Pills altogether."

Shen Zhiwei also had her own ideas and plans.

Now, Shen Zhiwei explained in detail: "If we grow the medicinal materials needed for alchemy ourselves, we can reduce the cost by 10%. By setting up an eighth-grade spiritual plant cultivation in the first layer of heaven, we can also reduce the cost of refining high-grade Soul Pills and Five Spirit Pills."

"The production of Peiyuan Pills has been reduced to 30% of what it used to be. The Bixia Sect will continue to operate in the first level of heaven. Earning spirit stones is secondary. The main purpose is to supply the spiritual plants and medicinal materials produced and sold by themselves. The other purpose is to open classes to teach and cultivate some alchemists in the first level of heaven."

"The price of Peiyuan Pill is the same as that of Jiuyi Immortal Sect. We will definitely lose some money if we only look at Peiyuan Pill, but it can guarantee the supply of medicinal materials for the entire Bixia Sect and cultivate young alchemists. Overall, it is more beneficial than harmful to Bixia Sect and will also be good for Bixia Sect's reputation."

Shen Zhiwei had already planned this out.

She had long envisioned opening a spiritual garden to grow medicinal herbs for self-production and sales, but in the past, the Bixia Sect had a weak foundation and could not expand on such a large scale.

Next, you need to accumulate kills to advance in the realm.

As the saying goes, people strive for higher positions and water flows downhill. Although the Bixia Sect has risen to a higher level, its foundation is too shallow. For new employees looking to join, the Bixia Sect is not an excellent choice.

However, if these alchemists were personally trained by the Bixia Sect in the first level of heaven, and there is a foundation of affection between them, the likelihood of them choosing to work for the Bixia Sect is very high.

In this way, while it might seem like a slight loss to focus solely on the Peiyuan Pill, it could actually benefit the entire Bixia Sect's positive cycle.

Unfortunately, Shi Miaoxue was an extremely suitable candidate.

If it were someone else, and they had some ability, and the whole sect had advanced to a higher level, but they were left to suffer losses at the foot of Mount Sumeru, wouldn't they complain?

But if it were Shi Miaoxue, it would be like a perfect pillow being delivered to someone who's already dozing off.

You need to place the sentimental saint in the right position.

Shen Zhiwei's words brought tears to Shi Miaoxue's eyes.

Shi Miaoxue's face clearly showed two words: moved!

Although Sect Leader Shen is a bit cunning, he is undoubtedly a responsible, warm-hearted, and humane sect leader!

Shen Zhiwei held Shi Miaoxue's hand and said with emotion, "I have someone in mind, and that is you, Miaoxue. There is no one more suitable than you. However, I feel that it would be unfair to you to let you continue to stay in the first level of heaven."

Shi Miaoxue was filled with fervor: "Sect Leader, how can doing something for your hometown be considered a grievance?"

In her emotional outburst, she also took a jab at Nan Yulou: "That's just how Yulou is. Everything in the upper realm is good, but we in the lower realm are nothing. Actually, we in the lower realm also have human touch and help each other."

At this point, Shi Miaoxue vaguely understood.

She and Nan Yulou were never meant to be together; they were destined to part ways.

Nan Yulou was unwilling to stay at the foot of Mount Sumeru.

Li Yao, who was listening from the side, was also slightly moved. In Li Yao's opinion, Elder Shi was indeed a good person, but he was also inflexible, unable to adapt, and indulged in love all day long.

Li Yao previously thought Shi Miaoxue was a good person and liked her fairly, but she also looked down on her a bit.

But now, Li Yao's heart stirred slightly.

In reality, Shi Miaoxue was simply sentimental.

Some people are very sentimental, valuing romantic love, friendship, and their attachment to their hometown.

However, Shi Miaoxue's next words almost made Li Yao bite her tongue.

Shi Miaoxue: "Do you think Yulou really has absolutely no feelings for me?"

She was confused and unwilling to accept it.

She was still a not-so-bright female cultivator trapped in love.

Shen Zhiwei looked at her, hesitated for a moment, and then said, "Actually, this Young Master Nan is not a cold-blooded, ruthless, or vicious person. He also has feelings, and he is not completely without affection for you."

She said, "Miaoxue, you are so good, you are so very good."

Being praised like this, Shi Miaoxue couldn't help but smile.

That smile was shy.

Shen Zhiwei: "But—"

But it came.

Shen Zhiwei: "It's not that I'm slandering him, but he just can't help taking advantage of others. The nicer you are to him, the less guarded you are with him, the less he will be moved. Instead, he will take advantage of you and use all sorts of sweet talk to deny it. I think he will have to find someone shrewd and cunning to subdue him in the future. Of course, that's his own fault."

Shi Miaoxue couldn't help but burst out laughing.

Shen Zhiwei then looked at Shi Miaoxue.

“Miaoxue, you’re different. You’ve met a gentleman with upright values, gentleness and kindness. Your life is going to be wonderful.”

At this moment, Yin Wujiu led Shen Xiaochan over hand in hand, and Shi Miaoxue also took her leave.

Shen Zhiwei was observant and attentive. As soon as Shi Miaoxue left, she said to Li Yao, "Ayao, feel free to say whatever you want."

Since Shen Zhiwei had already asked, Li Yao thought for a moment and then spoke up: "Actually, there's no need for the sect leader to leave Elder Shi with any lingering feelings. I mean, what kind of affection could Nan Yulou possibly have?"

What's the point of having men? Men only slow down a woman's sword-wielding speed.

If Nan Yulou continues to pester her, Shi Miaoxue might easily soften her heart and be coaxed back with a few words.

Shi Miaoxue is sentimental and soft-hearted; it would be better to cut ties cleanly.

After having a daughter, Shen Zhiwei became more like a mother, saying, "What's wrong with letting Miaoxue have a little more faith and hope in this world?"

"Furthermore, to stop a woman from being infatuated with an unworthy man, it's not about analyzing how foolish she is, but about letting her know that there are many other worthwhile things besides that man."

She gently pinched Shen Xiaochun's nose: "There are many, many people who love her."

"More importantly, we need to let her know how good and capable she is."

If a woman feels that she is stupid and detestable in the eyes of others, then she can never step out of her original world again.

It can no longer nurture new feelings, nor sprout new branches in the heart.

Shen Xiaochun listened thoughtfully.

On the corridor, Shi Miaoxue heard Shen Xiaochun call her in a clear, crisp voice: "Sister Shi—"

As soon as Shi Miaoxue turned around, she was pounced on by a small, soft body.

Shen Xiaochun unconsciously raised her head, smiled gently, and said with utmost sincerity, "Sister Shi, I like you the most."

Now it has become that Shi Miaoxue is Shen Xiaochun's favorite.

Li Yao was about to hum in schadenfreude when she turned her head to the side and caught a glimpse of Yin Wujiu's slightly cracked face.

Li Yao clicked her tongue twice.

She stepped forward, pulled Shen Xiaochun away, and reached out to hug Shi Miaoxue, who was still in a daze.

"Elder Shi, I like you the most too."

She learned it from Shen Xiaochun, and she'll say it's her favorite thing, as if anyone can say they have a favorite thing.

Didn't Shen Zhiwei say that she wanted lots and lots of love?

Then Li Yao can also give love and respond to the sect leader's call.

After Li Yao released her arms, this time it was Yin Wujiu who lifted her up.

Yin Wujiu was a little embarrassed, but still said, "Elder Shi, you are very good."

Shi Miaoxue slowly came to her senses, her lips twitched, she wanted to smile, but couldn't help but shed a few tears.

She looked like she was both crying and laughing.

Yin Wujiu released his arm, and what came into Shi Miaoxue's view was Shen Zhiwei.

Shen Zhiwei smiled gently: "I'm always the last one."

She always makes a grand finale appearance, making her the most important and significant figure.

When it comes to the ability to steal the spotlight, few can match Shen Zhiwei.

Shi Miaoxue had come to her senses and took the initiative to open her arms.

Shen Zhiwei hugged her and said gently, "Miaoxue, you have always been a wonderful person in my heart."

Shi Miaoxue's face was still stained with tears, but now the corners of her lips finally turned up, and her smile was as beautiful as a flower.

The Bixia Sect has just advanced to a higher realm, the sunlight is warm, and everything is very good.

Even though her bittersweet first love had vanished like smoke, Shi Miaoxue thought that there were still many things in this world worth caring about and being concerned about.

There are many more worthwhile things for her to do.

Everything is very, very good.

At the other end of the corridor were three figures: Lin Lanyou accompanying Si Yu and her sister.

Lin Lanyou naturally saw this scene as well, and he suddenly felt a little uneasy.

Shen Zhiwei, Sect Leader Shen, she is truly a very complex person.

Her decisiveness and deep scheming, and the various methods she used to advance her cultivation level, are truly astonishing.

However, as we see it now, Shen Zhiwei still retains a certain human touch.

Lin Lanyou, however, was unsure how to comment.

Because Shen Zhiwei was cunning, he felt it wouldn't be a problem to use a few tricks on her. But now, Lin Lanyou felt inexplicably guilty and slightly uneasy.

This commotion shook his resolve to do his job properly.

However, Young Master Mu did not order the mission to be terminated.

At this moment, Xiao Xing tugged at the corner of Si Yu Xianzi's clothes, ran over, and hugged Shi Miaoxue, just like Shen Xiao Chan did.

Xiao Xing blushed on her pretty face, overjoyed, and decided that hugging Shi Miaoxue was a must-do activity for the Bixia faction today.

A hint of pity appeared in Shi Miaoxue's eyes as she reached out and gently patted Xiaoxing's back.

The atmosphere had been built up to this point, and although Si Yu hadn't removed his disguise, he naturally stepped forward and hugged Shi Miaoxue.

Si Yu felt a sense of comfort, and suddenly thought that Xiao Xing must have been living a good life at the Bixia Sect all these years. Because of this, Si Yu couldn't help but feel that there were more beautiful things in the world.

This put pressure on Lin Lanyou.

Lin Lanyou: Wh-what?

As the clone of Young Master Mu, he must not attract attention and always keeps a low profile.

He observed and took notes, and even if he did something, he had to do it quietly and without making a sound, so as not to attract the attention of others.

Lin Lanyou also did not expect there would be an unexpected interactive segment.

He could choose not to hug Shi Miaoxue, but several people seemed to be looking at him, scrutinizing him. Perhaps he would have to explain that he was aloof and establish a persona that he couldn't have physical contact with others.

Just thinking about it is extremely troublesome.

Lin Lanyou suddenly darted to Shi Miaoxue's side, spread her slender arms, and gave her a light, fleeting hug.

Then he quickly pushed it away and reached out to press down on his straw hat.

After disguising himself, his ordinary face was completely hidden under the shadow of his straw hat. After a slight daze, he realized that his ears were burning.

The others chuckled a few times, seemingly letting him off the hook, and Lin Lanyou breathed a sigh of relief.

He was so quick-witted that he handled the situation very cleverly and managed to avoid attracting much attention.

But he was also very embarrassed.

Ultimately, it's because Young Master Mu is still connected to him through all five senses and hasn't retreated.

This has never happened before!

Normally, even when the five senses are in sync, it wouldn't last this long.

Lin Lanyou was filled with unease. Could it be that the Bixia Sect was really hiding some great secret, or that there was some great demon behind it?

As a result, Lin Lanyou felt flustered and became even more at a loss, her whole being somewhat panicked.

Several conspiracy theories surfaced in Lin Lanyou's mind, but she couldn't quite grasp them all.

Of course, during this day and night, although Young Master Mu was still connected to him through his five senses, he remained silent and gave no further instructions.

Therefore, the master's final order was for Lin Lanyou to kiss Shen Zhiwei.

Young Master Mu's mission must be carried out; this is an ironclad rule for these clones.

However, Lin Lanyou found it extremely difficult to achieve a state of profound awareness without being aware or conscious.

Next, Si Yu bid farewell to Shen Zhiwei.

After spending some time together, Xiao Xing and Si Yu got along quite well, although Xiao Xing still leaned more towards the Bixia Sect. Si Yu didn't force his sister to leave, but discussed with Shen Zhiwei that Xiao Xing could stay at the Bixia Sect and visit her from time to time.

After spending a few years getting to know each other better, Si Yu will take Xiao Xing away.

Si Yu's departure made Lin Lanyou's situation even worse.

He originally came to the Bixia Sect as Si Yu's companion, but now that Si Yu has left, he needs to find another reason to stay and carry out his mission at the Bixia Sect.

Shen Zhiwei had dismissed his attendants, seemingly to attend to official business, and Lin Lanyou followed closely behind.

But Shen Zhiwei was at the level of a half-immortal, and Lin Lanyou knew she couldn't hide it from her.

He secretly speculated that perhaps this was why Shen Zhiwei deliberately made others avoid her.

Just as Shen Zhiwei was about to push open the door, she suddenly turned around and looked at Lin Lanyou.

Shen Zhiwei asked softly, "Is there anything I can help you with, Fellow Daoist Lin?"

With her fair skin and red lips, she was exceptionally beautiful, and when she gently raised her eyes, there was just the right amount of curiosity in them.

Lin Lanyou maintained a calm expression, but inside she was panicking.

What methods does he intend to use? Miao Gu? The Illusion Moon Mirror? Or the Phoenix Incense that can cause temporary amnesia?

Lin Lanyou carefully considered which prop to use.

He discussed with Shen Zhiwei: "I want to kiss Sect Leader Shen, I just hope Sect Leader Shen can agree."

Although she said it, Lin Lanyou thought it was impossible for Shen Zhiwei to agree!

In the Cloud Palace, within the Ice Hall, Young Master Mu had already donned the white ghost mask.

Normally, when she was alone, Mu Wuxian would not wear this white ghost mask, but now Mu Wuxian conjured up the mask to conceal her true face.

An unusual flush appeared on the skin where the mask did not fit properly.

The curse marks on Mu Wuxian's arm resembled rampant weeds, growing wildly and meandering upwards like extremely vicious creatures.

Just like Mu Wuxian's fanatical desire.

It seems to be a terrible form of dementia that will never get better.

Shen Zhiwei is not like her at all; she is not that person at all.

Ke Mu Wuxian didn't know why she had been watching for so long.

As the curse marks on his arm grew wildly, Young Master Mu's heart was filled with intense jealousy amidst his passionate desire. He originally intended to send a message through his divine sense, ordering Lin Lanyou to stop carrying out the mission.

The next moment, Shen Zhiwei took the initiative to kiss him.

Their lips met, their tenderness carrying the subtle fragrance of Shen Zhiwei's lip rouge.

Lin Lanyou's mind went blank, as if every wrinkle in her brain had been ironed out.

After a long while, their lips parted.

Shen Zhiwei cupped Lin Lanyou's face in her fingers: "If Young Master Mu wishes to kiss me, please tell me in your true form next time. I would be honored."

Lin Lanyou stammered, "Well, that's true."

It's good that we don't have him as an intermediary tool or prop.

Shen Zhiwei was of course surprised by Lin Lanyou's words and burst out laughing.

Her beautiful face had a slightly seductive quality, which was different from her usual appearance. Lin Lanyou had been scrutinizing her for a while, and now she felt a sense of unfamiliarity towards her.

Lin Lanyou was about to say something, but suddenly felt a pang of panic and turned away without uttering a word.

He was not a good speaker to begin with, and at this moment he didn't know what to say.

Shen Zhiwei skillfully took out a small powder puff, slapped her cheeks twice, glanced at Lin Lanyou, and then touched her lips with her finger.

Lin Lanyou hadn't noticed at first, but now she suddenly realized what it meant.

He was extremely embarrassed and quickly wiped the lipstick off his lips.

It is Shen Zhiwei's lip rouge.

At this moment, he relaxed and realized that the wisp of soul had loosened, and the master no longer used his body as a medium to spy on him.

Shen Zhiwei asked curiously, "Is Young Master Mu still here?"

Lin Lanyou shook her head, then felt that she shouldn't let others spy on her master's movements, and suddenly the alarm bells went off.

Shen Zhiwei is really too strange. If it were anyone else, who wouldn't be trembling with fear upon learning about Young Master Mu? Unlike Shen Zhiwei, who talks so much.

Lin Lanyou adjusted her bamboo hat again, pulling it down even lower.

Shen Zhiwei sighed: "To be honest, you clone messengers are really wronged. Young Master Mu is so difficult, and you have to agree to all kinds of strange and unusual requests. It's really too much to ask of you."

Shen Zhiwei is kind-hearted and empathizes with working people, but Lin Lanyou remains quiet.

Then Lin Lanyou said in a deep voice, "Sect Leader Chen, please don't say such things again."

Shen Zhiwei looked confused: "What?"

Lin Lanyou: "Next time, if you are disrespectful to Young Master Mu again, I will kill you."

Lin Lanyou's words didn't carry much murderous intent, but they did sound very serious.

In fact, he should have punished Shen Zhiwei this time.

Perhaps it was because the scene of Sect Leader Shen assigning tasks today was so exciting, perhaps it was because Shen Zhiwei hugged Shi Miaoxue so tenderly, or perhaps it was because of that kiss just now.

Therefore, Lin Lanyou decided to be lenient with Shen Zhiwei this time.

But he wanted to make things clear to Shen Zhiwei.

Shen Zhiwei also raised her finger, put it to her lips and shushed, then nodded seriously, meaning that she was very sensible.

Lin Lanyou nodded, saying it was good that Shen Zhiwei knew the rules.

Upon hearing Lin Lanyou's prompting, Shen Zhiwei's expression immediately turned serious, and she asked with some concern, "Did Young Master Mu get angry with my words just now?"

Lin Lanyou thought to herself, "You've finally realized how rude you were just now."

He could only shake his head: "I don't know."

Shen Zhiwei hummed in agreement and continued her analysis: "So, although you clones are connected to Young Master Mu's soul threads, it's only a one-way control. You can't know Young Master Mu's joys and sorrows. Then, I wonder if he knows your joys and sorrows? If you are attacked, will he know? Will he save you?"

Lin Lanyou's temples throbbed, and she gritted her teeth: "Young Master Mu's relationship with the clone envoy is not something you can pry into. What do these secrets have to do with you?"

Shen Zhiwei also looked helpless but went along with it: "I was just asking casually. How would I know that Young Master Mu has many rules? Then I won't mention a word about it."

Lin Lanyou thought to herself that it was best if Shen Zhiwei wasn't summoned by Young Master Mu. She had been to Young Master Mu's Ice Palace before, and it was eerily quiet. Shen Zhiwei was so talkative; if she went to the Ice Palace, she would surely drive Young Master Mu crazy! Her life would definitely be in danger.

The Shen family is a shrewd person who runs their sect and loves to ask questions, but they don't know that the rules of Yuan Yuan Heaven are strict and that there are many extremely strict taboos for those great cultivators in the clouds.

You won't even know how you died.