Yunxian had not returned from the mountain, and the affairs of the main peak were all handed over to Yingche. Lu Zhaozhao got up early and went to the main hall to resign from her post.
It was still early, and being the main peak, it was mostly inhabited by outstanding inner disciples, so there were only a few people on the road.
But when they first saw Lu Zhaozhao, they showed surprise, and then called her "Senior Sister" as usual.
Lu Zhaozhao nodded in return, not wanting to think too much about it, but these people started whispering as they passed by her.
"I heard that Senior Sister is jealous of Junior Sister Nian, and she even humiliated her a couple of days ago!"
"Really? Senior sister may be a bit cold, but she doesn't seem like the kind of person who would do something like this."
"Senior Brother Ying had a fight with Junior Sister Nian yesterday because of her. Many people saw it. How could it be fake?"
"You can know a person's face but not their heart..."
"Judging from this direction, she's probably going to find her senior brother, right? Is she going to apologize or continue arguing?"
"I bet I'll apologize."
"Then I bet we'll keep arguing!"
...
The sound continued, and the content became increasingly outrageous, even conjuring up a love triangle and sadomasochistic plot.
Lu Zhaozhao sneered, turned around and coughed. The two people who were still sharing their thoughts with great interest not far in front of her instantly froze and stood rooted to the spot, not daring to move.
Lu Zhaozhao's voice was neither too loud nor too soft, but loud enough for everyone present to hear.
"I don't care about gossip, and I won't stop you from talking about it in private, but you'd better not let me hear it. Otherwise, I'll always be looking forward to having an opponent on the training ground."
After saying that, he turned and left, leaving a few people trembling on the spot.
"Is Senior Sister really going to drag us into a fight?" one of them asked cautiously.
"Shut up! It's all your fault for speaking too loudly and being heard. Now get out of here." Another person urged, and the group that had gathered because of the rumors dispersed.
Intimidation and rumors usually spread very quickly. On the way, the fellow disciples that Lu Zhaozhao encountered seemed to know what she had said earlier, and their attitude towards her was more respectful than usual. Even those who were whispering would stop and wait until she had completely left before continuing.
Lu Zhaozhao was very satisfied with this.
It's impossible for a person to be liked by everyone, but as long as they are presentable, that's enough.
Maintaining interpersonal relationships is difficult; acquaintances can actually reduce a lot of unnecessary trouble. This is an experience Lu Zhaozhao summarized in university and the workplace before transmigrating into the book, and it is equally applicable here.
The main hall is located at the summit. According to sect rules, one cannot use cultivation on the main peak unless it is an emergency. Therefore, to reach the main hall, one must climb up step by step.
Lu Zhaozhao's residence was not far from the summit, and she arrived at her destination before Chenshi (7-9 AM).
Inside the main hall, candles were already lit, and occasionally a few disciples would come in and out, carrying heavy bamboo slips in their arms.
To be fair, whether as a senior or a disciple, Ying Che was a very responsible person.
As a senior disciple, he raised Lu Zhaozhao and mentored the disciples of the main peak. As a disciple, his master was either away handling affairs for long periods or in seclusion within the sect. As the eldest disciple, he managed the affairs of the main peak in an orderly manner for his master while also taking care of his cultivation. His cultivation level was among the best of his generation.
"Senior sister, are you looking for senior brother? He's inside the hall. Should I go and inform him?"
The disciple's voice pulled Lu Zhaozhao, who was lost in thought outside the hall, back to reality.
As was her usual practice, she would walk straight in, but now, she hesitated for a moment and nodded to her disciple.
A moment later, the disciple came out to report and opened the palace door for her.
The ancient hall, without any extra gold decorations, appears solemn instead.
The bronze lamp stands along the way were filled with lit candles, and the entire hall was bathed in warm light.
The main hall is an important place for receiving guests and also where the master conducts his business. Ying Che respects his master and values the Way, so even though he manages all the affairs within the main peak, he only works in the side hall.
Pushing open the door to the side hall, one is greeted by stacks of books and bamboo slips taller than a person, neatly arranged and categorized, with a sign next to them indicating the type of matter being stacked.
"Senior brother."
Lu Zhaozhao called out, and Ying Che's head appeared from behind a pile of books.
After recognizing the person, he put down his pen, stood up, and walked to Lu Zhaozhao.
"Junior sister."
He nodded as a greeting, and then the atmosphere fell silent, seemingly a little awkward.
Ying Che coughed lightly and spoke in his usual gentle tone: "I misspoke last time, junior sister, please don't take it to heart."
Upon hearing this, Lu Zhaozhao smiled and replied, "Senior brother, you flatter me. How could our friendship be hindered by such things?"
Ying Che breathed a sigh of relief and asked, "Then what brings you here today, Junior Sister?"
After considering for a moment, Lu Zhaozhao said, "With the Golden Palace Banquet approaching, I am becoming increasingly nervous. Therefore, I would like to go down the mountain to gain some experience before it begins, so as to broaden my horizons."
Upon hearing the word "down the mountain," Ying Che immediately frowned.
He said somewhat seriously, "Junior sister still hasn't forgiven me, so you want to go down the mountain to avoid this?"
"Senior brother, you're overthinking it. I really just want to broaden my horizons," Lu Zhaozhao said helplessly.
Ying Che seemed unconvinced and tried his best to dissuade her, saying, "Junior Sister, you have suffered considerable injuries in these few training sessions. With the Golden Banquet approaching, getting injured again would be a loss. It would be better to cultivate properly within the sect. I will find whatever you need."
"If that's what you're saying, then I'm going to have to ask for the moon," Lu Zhaozhao joked, pretending to think for a moment before laughing, "Then I'll ask for the bone-cleansing grass that you just got a few days ago."
It was supposed to be a joke, and in the past, Ying Che would either give it to her directly or explain its purpose and offer something else in exchange. But this time, Ying Che's face froze, and he stiffly asked her to exchange it for something else.
Lu Zhaozhao stopped smiling, looked at Ying Che carefully, and asked, "Did Senior Brother give this herb to Junior Sister?"
Ying Che did not answer, and Lu Zhaozhao continued, "Junior Sister's physique is not good. The Bone-Cleansing Grass has the effect of tempering bones and muscles, so it is indeed very suitable. So that's why Senior Brother rushed down the mountain a few days ago."
"Junior sister, let's get something else. If I have it, I'll definitely give it to you."
Looking at Ying Che's slightly guilty expression, Lu Zhaozhao smiled gently and said softly, "Senior brother has already given me more than enough. This time, I just want to go down the mountain for a trip. I have no other requests."
Ying Che didn't reply, but changed the subject: "The hot springs on Tiandu Peak are a good place for meditation and cultivation. If you need them, Junior Sister, I can borrow them from Elder Cang Jiong. Also, Master gave me a cultivation manual a few days ago. Although it's a bit domineering, I can teach it to you. And then..."
"Senior brother." Lu Zhaozhao interrupted his rambling, and Ying Che also straightened his expression and looked at her.
"Furthermore, if Junior Sister is troubled by rumors within the sect, rest assured, I will handle it myself."
"What are you planning to do, Senior Brother?" Lu Zhaozhao asked, looking at him with great interest.
"As long as you apologize to Junior Sister, this matter will be over, and I guarantee that no one in the sect will dare to gossip about it."
Ying Che's attitude was sincere and his expression was solemn, as if he were making an extremely important guarantee.
Lu Zhaozhao twitched the corner of her mouth, not following his words, but instead asked, "So, Senior Brother knew about this rumor all along, but didn't clarify it just so that I would apologize?"
Ying Che was speechless for a moment, realizing he had said the wrong thing.
"Junior sister thanks senior brother, but I will not apologize, and I will definitely come down the mountain."
Lu Zhaozhao's expression was mocking, and seemed to contain disappointment, which made Ying Che somewhat flustered.
“Zhaozhao…”
"I have already consulted with my superiors today, so I will not disturb you any longer while you are handling your official business. Farewell."
After saying that, he turned and left.
Ying Che reached out to grab her, but only her sleeve slipped from his fingertips.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com