Chapter 78: Night Talk on Ice Lake, Both Enemy and Friend
Just as Ye Li was concentrating on a solution to the "Mirror of Heart" issue, a simple and elegant communication talisman passed through the courtyard's formation and landed lightly in front of her. The talisman carried a trace of clear water-based spiritual energy, and the aura was familiar—it was Qin Yixuan.
Ye Li raised an eyebrow slightly, somewhat surprised. Since returning from the Northern Territory, the two of them, though in the same sect, hadn't interacted again. Qin Yixuan was aloof and averse to socializing, so it was rare for her to initiate a message.
She probed with her spiritual sense and found only a few short words in the talisman: "Tonight at midnight, by the shore of Bi Bo Lake, let's talk."
Bi Bo Tan is a secluded spot in the back mountains of Xuanyun Sect, rarely visited at night. Qin Yixuan chose this spot, obviously not wanting to attract attention.
"What's the matter?" Ye Li pondered for a moment and replied with two words: "Yes."
As midnight approaches, moonlight shimmers like water, casting a shadow over the silent hills. Bibo Lake, like a giant mirror, reflects the starry sky and the bright moon. A thick mist hangs around the edge, a chill chilling sensation.
When Ye Li arrived, Qin Yixuan was already standing by the pond. Still dressed in white, she looked like a fairy in the moonlight, untouched by the mundane world, cold and solitary. She gazed at the tranquil surface of the lake, lost in thought.
Hearing the footsteps, Qin Yixuan slowly turned around, her beautiful eyes as clear as a cold pond fell on Ye Li, and she nodded slightly: "You are here."
Ye Li walked to her side and stopped not far away, also looking at the pool of water: "Senior Sister Qin invited me, I wonder what advice you have?"
The two stood side by side, the moonlight lengthened their shadows, and the atmosphere was subtly silent.
After a while, Qin Yixuan finally spoke. Her voice was still calm, but a little less distant than before. "What do you think of the Bingpo Xuan Palace ruins?"
Ye Li's heart skipped a beat; she hadn't expected Qin Yixuan to bring this up directly. She calmly replied, "Opportunities and risks coexist. The ancient sect ruins offer immense temptation, but the dangers are probably far greater than anticipated."
"That's right." Qin Yixuan tilted her head slightly and looked at Ye Li. "There are undercurrents within the sect. What do you think of the Mirror of Inquiry proposed by Peak Master Situ?"
Ye Li's gaze fixed on Qin Yixuan. Her gaze was clear and open, seemingly without any probing intent. It was more like... a reminder? Or perhaps, a request for confirmation of her stance?
"The inspection by the Mirror of Inquiry is in accordance with the rules." Ye Li's tone was calm, and no emotion could be heard. "However, if someone takes advantage of this issue to make a fuss, it might discourage those who have made great contributions."
Qin Yixuan's lips curled up slightly, then disappeared in an instant. "You're quite calm. It seems you have a plan?"
"It's not really a countermeasure, I'm just countering it." Ye Li didn't answer directly, but asked, "Senior Sister Qin seems quite concerned about this matter?"
Qin Yixuan turned his gaze back to the lake and said softly, "Bishui Pavilion is also interested in Bingpo Xuan Palace."
Ye Li suddenly realized. Indeed, Bingpo Xuan Palace was an ancient ice-based sect. Its heritage and resources held a great allure for the Bishui Pavilion, also renowned for its water-based techniques. As a true disciple of the Bishui Pavilion, Qin Yixuan naturally shouldered the responsibility of securing benefits for the sect. Perhaps she had come this time on behalf of the Bishui Pavilion, attempting some kind of contact or exploration.
"So, does Bishui Pavilion intend to cooperate with my Xuanyun Sect, or... compete?" Ye Li pointed out directly.
Qin Yixuan was silent for a moment, then said, "That depends on the attitude of the Xuanyun Sect, and also on... the actual situation within the ruins. If the risks are too great, win-win cooperation might be the better option. If the opportunities are manageable, then relying on one's own abilities is also common sense."
She paused and continued, "I'm not looking for you today on behalf of the sect, but simply speaking from my personal perspective. Ye Li, you and I are very similar."
Ye Li was slightly startled.
Qin Yixuan's voice seemed a little erratic in the night wind. "We all pursue power and have our own persistence. We don't want to be controlled by others, and we disdain those despicable means. From the mysterious cloud and mist realm to the northern glaciers, I have witnessed your growth."
This was the first time Qin Yixuan had expressed her approval of Ye Li so directly. Ye Li could sense that these words were not just false compliments.
"Senior Sister Qin, you're too kind." Ye Li's tone softened a little. "Senior Sister is a natural talent and a role model for our generation."
Qin Yixuan shook her head: "There's no need to belittle yourself. For cultivators of my generation, those who achieve success are the most important. The fact that you've reached this point with your cultivation at the Condensed Veins Realm has already proved everything." When she mentioned the "Condensed Veins Realm", her tone was flat. It was obvious that she didn't look down on Ye Li because of his realm. Instead, she valued his actual combat power and character more.
"You must be careful about the Mirror of Inquiry." Qin Yixuan changed the subject and reminded again, "Situ Kuang will not give up easily. The sect is not a monolithic entity either. However, since you have made great contributions to the sect, the Sect Master and Uncle Muyun will definitely protect you. As long as you are impeccable, others will have little chance to take advantage of you."
These words were almost a clear expression of goodwill. She was telling Ye Li that someone in the upper echelons supported her, so she didn't need to worry too much, but she needed to be fully prepared.
Ye Li felt a slight warmth in her heart. Although she didn't know whether Qin Yixuan's action was out of consideration for the sect's interests or simply out of personal appreciation, the reminder was undoubtedly timely. She nodded and said, "Thank you for the reminder, Senior Sister. Ye Li will make a note of it."
The two lapsed into silence again, but the atmosphere was far more harmonious than before. A delicate balance, based on mutual recognition and understanding, quietly developed under the moonlight. They were rivals, due to their positions and opportunities; but they could also be potential allies, due to their similarities in character and shared obstacles (such as internal sect strife).
"If there is a chance to join forces in exploring the ruins..." Qin Yixuan suddenly said softly. He didn't finish, but the meaning was clear.
Ye Li interjected, "If the situation forces us to do so and our interests align, then there's nothing wrong with joining forces."
This was their tacit understanding. No promises, no constraints; everything depended on the circumstances. But this unspoken understanding, the potential for collaboration, was itself a powerful force.
"Very good." Qin Yixuan nodded, as if she had achieved the purpose of this conversation. She glanced at Ye Li one last time and said, "I hope to see more of your wonderful performance in the ruins. Farewell."
After she finished speaking, she moved slightly and turned into a faint blue light, disappearing into the moonlight. She came suddenly and left freely.
Ye Li stood alone by the pond, gazing in the direction Qin Yixuan had vanished, her mind swirling with thoughts. This evening's conversation with Qin Yixuan had yielded a wealth of information. The intentions of the Bishui Pavilion, the undercurrents within the sect, and the subtle benevolence radiated by this aloof fairy had all given her a clearer understanding of the upcoming exploration of the ruins.
"Team up..." Ye Li muttered to herself. More friends are always better than more enemies, especially with a powerful and upright opponent and potential ally like Qin Yixuan. As for the Mirror of Conscience... a cold glint flashed in her eyes. Even if Situ Kuang wanted to use it to attack her, it wouldn't be that easy.
She looked up at the starry sky, the star core in her sea of consciousness throbbing slightly. Improving strength was the fundamental way to cope with everything. No matter how the outside world mutated, only by strengthening oneself could one remain invincible.
His relationship with Qin Yixuan had reached a delicate balance at this moment. Hostility faded, admiration grew, but the gap between competition and positions remained. This complex and genuine relationship, perhaps more than simple friendship or hatred, could sustain the endurance of this cruel path of cultivation.
Ye Li turned, her figure blending into the night as she returned to Yundan Peak. In the days ahead, she would need to make further preparations for dealing with the Mirror of Inquiry and exploring the ruins. And Youge would also face its true test in this impending storm.
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