Shen Sanruo was not angry. She explained word by word: "After this experience, I have come to realize that everything in the world is fleeting, and only one's own life is the most important."

"I have had it too easy in the past and failed to understand this principle. I have done many irrational things and hope that my master and uncles will forgive me."

"Now I have realized my mistake. From now on, I will devote myself to cultivation and will no longer trouble my master, uncles, fellow disciples and junior sisters."

Everyone was clearly surprised that such words would come from her mouth.

After a moment of stunned silence, they all gave each other a look that said, "It's good that you can figure it out."

She looked at Lu Shiqing, "As for deliberately spreading and smearing such behavior within the sect, I think you should know better than I do, right, Third Senior Brother?"

Through her cold eyes, Lu Shiqing seemed to see Shen Sangruo, who was on the verge of collapse after being criticized by the sect members, and who came to him begging for an explanation.

It was he who secretly revealed to others that Shen Sangri had developed feelings for him that she shouldn't have, thus pushing Shen Sangri into the eye of the storm.

But he didn't think he was wrong; he was just trying to correct Shen Sangruo.

In the end, we achieved our goal, didn't we?

Shen Sanruo looked at Shen Daochen with a mocking expression and said, "If Sanruo is sincerely returning the token and has no other intentions, please take back the token, Uncle."

She reached out her hand, and the token lay quietly in her palm.

Her eyes seemed devoid of any emotion, unusually calm, without even a hint of disappointment.

But it was this cold indifference that stung Shen Daochen, making his heart feel as if it had been suddenly gripped tightly.

Although Shen Daochen was delighted by her sudden maturity, he also felt a pang of guilt.

Such a profound and painful awakening must have been somewhat cruel for Shen Sangruo.

She is only sixteen years old this year.

He ultimately said nothing and took the token back.

But he changed his mind. "I will keep this token for now. You and Mu'er will compete fairly, and the one who is more outstanding will be the next sect leader."

After careful consideration, he realized that his previous arbitrary judgment was indeed inappropriate.

He believed he treated both daughters the same, and therefore felt he should make up for what Bai Mumu was missing.

However, as the head of a sect, he should indeed be fair and just.

Thinking this, Shen Daochen concealed the panic in his heart caused by Shen Sangruo's indifference.

Bai Mumu cursed inwardly.

Has Shen Sang suddenly become enlightened? She has actually learned the tactic of playing hard to get.

The position of young sect leader was already hers, so why did that old man Shen Daochen change his mind?

Her gaze toward Shen Sangruo became more scrutinizing.

In her eyes, Shen Sanruo was a complete loser.

What? Do you want to compete with her again?

"Yes." Shen Sangri bowed to Shen Daochen, her voice as cold as a spring.

Bai Mumu stared intently at every change in her face, but failed to detect any hint of triumphant smugness.

He seemed indifferent, as if he was only complying with Shen Daochen's request.

Bai Mumu suppressed her doubts, withdrew her gaze, and also cupped her hands in greeting to Shen Daochen:

"Yes, Your Highness! I will do my best to catch up with Fifth Senior Sister!"

The others also noticed Shen Sangruo's expression.

Having grown accustomed to her enthusiasm and liveliness, seeing her so cold made me feel somewhat uncomfortable.

But I just think she's angry about these recent things.

After a while, once her anger subsides, she'll be back to her usual self, chattering eagerly in their ears.

They weren't too worried; Shen Sangruo had always been like this throughout all these years of being with her.

"As compensation, the sect grants you special permission to enter the Qingxin Pavilion for one year of cultivation."

Lingxiao Zhenren's words made Shen Sangruo's eyes light up.

Bai Mumu almost couldn't contain the shock on her face.

Qingxin Pavilion is the place with the most abundant spiritual energy in the Flying Cloud Sect.

Even for disciples personally taught by the peak masters, they only have one day a month to enter the Qingxin Pavilion for cultivation.

But now Master Lingxiao actually allows Shen Sangri to cultivate in Qingxin Pavilion for a year?

Bai Mumu was so jealous she was almost going crazy.

"This disciple thanks Master." Shen Sanruo gladly accepted.

She truly deserves it.

A year is enough time for her to make up for most of the cultivation she lost.

"Come find me after you've reached the Foundation Establishment stage." Master Lingxiao paused, then added, "I will teach you a new cultivation technique."

It seems that Master Lingxiao has already discovered that she has been practicing other techniques.

And they knew that the upper limit of the cultivation technique she practiced was only enough to allow her to barely reach the Foundation Establishment stage.

Shen Sangruo agreed without showing any emotion, but in her heart she was thinking about finding a new cultivation method as soon as possible.

Lingxiao Zhenren flicked his sleeves and left the cave.

A moment later, Shen Daochen, Bai Mumu, and Lu Shiqing also left one after another.

Only she and Wen Xuan remained in the cave.

Wen Xuan gave her some instructions on what to pay attention to during her recovery period, expressed his relief that she had come to her senses, and told her not to blame Feng Heyun.

"If you feel unwell in the future, come to your second senior brother. Don't be afraid of troubling me. If you don't take good care of yourself, you'll develop chronic illnesses."

Wen Xuan's voice was as soft as the clouds in the sky; it had been a long time since he had spoken to her so attentively in such a tone.

Faced with the tenderness she once longed for, Shen Sanruo felt little emotion anymore.

Instead, she thought of the many times Wen Xuan had said similar things to her.

Her eldest disciple, Feng Heyun, didn't manage affairs. She was still young when she joined the sect, and Wen Xuan had always taken care of her.

He gave her the forbidden jade token and told her that she could come to him for anything, and he would never find her a bother.

Wen Xuan's voice pulled her back to reality.

"Second Senior Brother sometimes loses track of time while refining medicine. Just come in directly. Don't be like that day, waiting foolishly in front of the barrier. Didn't Second Senior Brother give you a passage jade token...?"

Wen Xuan's voice suddenly stopped.

It seems that he had taken back the jade token he gave Xiao Ru a long time ago.

Because that period was a crucial moment for his breakthrough, Chen Sanruo would often come to him and tell him about small things, such as catching a butterfly or seeing the sunset.

He was so annoyed that he took back the jade token, saying he would give it to her again after he broke through his limits.

After the breakthrough, Shen Sangri mentioned it several times, but he pretended not to hear it.

Shen Sanruo never mentioned it again, and he gradually forgot about it until now.

Wen Xuan felt remorseful; how could he forget?

Xiao Ruo is probably very disappointed in her senior brother, right?

He subconsciously looked at Shen Sangruo, "It's my fault, senior brother. I forgot to give you the travel token later."

"It's alright." Shen Sanruo waved her hand indifferently, showing no sign of grievance or emotion whatsoever.

In the past, Wen Xuan was most afraid of Shen Sanruo's unreasonable behavior and entanglement, but now seeing her so rational and calm, he felt more annoyed.

He didn't know why, but he should have been happy that Shen Sang was so sensible.