Chapter 54
A gentle spring breeze caresses the face, bringing boundless warmth.
However, Sheng Ningyu's smile froze completely at the corner of her mouth.
What was Yang Xiuzhu saying? How come she had no recollection of it?
But this isn't right.
According to Sheng Ningyu's previous speculation, she knew Xie Qianjing first, then secretly pursued him, and in between was a marriage agreement with the Chu family.
How could she so openly introduce Xie Qianjing to the Sword Pavilion members?
Although she used to be incredibly daring... this is just too daring!
A jumble of chaotic thoughts flashed through my mind.
Meeting Yang Xiuzhu's purely inquiring gaze, Sheng Ningyu subconsciously turned her head to look at the person beside her.
Xie Qianjing still looked at him with a smile, and when she spoke, her tone was light and airy, as faint as falling snow.
"It's been too long, Jiuchong probably doesn't remember."
Logically speaking, Sheng Ningyu is the one who least wants to be called by this nickname.
However, she was already feeling guilty and insecure in front of Xie Qianjing, and with that added sense of guilt, Sheng Ningyu didn't dare to look Xie Qianjing in the eye at all.
They actually accepted this title.
Sheng Ningyu coughed lightly, turned her face to Yang Xiuzhu, and began to feign misery: "Junior Brother Yang, for the past sixty years I haven't seen the light of day, living in a state of constant confusion. I've almost forgotten some things." Afraid that Yang Xiuzhu wouldn't believe her, Sheng Ningyu sighed deeply, her eyes filled with a sense of vicissitude, and said, "It was too dark in the coffin. I couldn't hear any sounds, nor could I see any light. I almost forgot who I was, how could I possibly remember these things?"
Sheng Ningyu is always like this.
It was clearly something extremely painful and distressing, but she insisted on talking about it in a joking tone, or deliberately publicizing it, putting on a frivolous and casual expression.
Over time, even if others know of the pain at this time, they will always downplay its severity.
Yang Xiuzhu noticed that Xie Qianjing across from her had slightly furrowed his brows, seemingly unwilling to listen any longer.
and……
"Senior Sister." A hint of youthful confusion appeared on Yang Xiuzhu's stern face. "Why did you allow Fellow Daoist Xie to call me 'Ninefold'?"
Yang Xiuzhu only found out about this when he was in a really bad mood that day, and Sheng Ningyu was racking her brains to tell him a joke when she accidentally let it slip.
Even back then, Sheng Ningyu squinted and repeatedly made him promise not to spread the word, how could this person have called out so easily and naturally?
And my senior sister hasn't refuted it yet.
Sheng Ningyu: "...Haha."
She chuckled a few times expressionlessly, then tugged at Xie Qianjing's sleeve, giving him a fierce glare in secret, her eyes clearly conveying two words.
[Shut up. ]
Xie Qianjing returned a gentle, innocent smile and grabbed her wrist with his other hand.
Yang Xiuzhu's gaze shifted back and forth between the two of them. He frowned and pondered for a moment, then relaxed his brow as if he had figured something out.
However, before Sheng Ningyu could speak, he once again made a startling statement: "So, Senior Sister's trip to Gui Cang Tower this time, besides seeing Senior Brother, is also to retrieve the marriage contract and spiritual agreement that were agreed upon at the Chu family?"
Sheng Ningyu: "…………"
Yang Xiuzhu thought for a moment, then affirmed, "As expected, Senior Sister must prefer Fellow Daoist Xie to the head of the Chu family."
Sheng Ningyu: "……………………"
If only time could turn back.
Even if mountains crumble, even if heaven and earth unite, even if she is chased all over the academy by Da Huang, even if everyone throws snow-melting talismans at her, Sheng Ningyu will never admit her identity in front of Yang Xiuzhu!
Why is this child becoming less and less talkative as they grow older?
A soft laugh came from beside her. Under the gaze of the person next to her, Sheng Ningyu gave a fake smile, quickly took out a piece of sweet cake from her Star River Pouch and stuffed it into his hand, saying, "Junior Brother Yang, don't worry about the affairs of us adults."
Yang Xiuzhu slowly corrected her, "Senior sister, I'm no longer a child."
Even so, he still accepted the sweet cake in his hand and carefully took a bite.
It doesn't taste as sweet as it used to.
As Yang Xiuzhu ate her pastries, she looked at her senior sister who was tugging at Xie Qianjing's clothes and saying something, and thought to herself slowly.
But that should be about right.
Yang Xiuzhu slowly finished the pastries, sat down in a chair, rolled up her sleeves, and said to Xie Qianjing, "The Bodhi Honey Flower Cake from back then, was it specially made for Senior Sister by Fellow Daoist Xie?"
Sheng Ningyu was questioning about this matter when she heard this, so she turned her head and asked, "Bodhi flower?"
Yang Xiuzhu nodded and said without any hesitation, "North of the Immortal Mansion, where the snow has melted in the South Tower, beneath the Bodhi tree, the lotus blooms alone. The Bodhi Lotus is a rare treasure unique to the Xie family of the Eleventh Continent. It is said that long-term consumption can stabilize the soul, and it is extremely rare and hard to find even in the black market and auction houses."
Xie Qianjing realized this was a test.
He smiled gently, not annoyed by Yang Xiuzhu's intense gaze, and said mildly, "Nine-fold flavor is different from yours; back then, I added five times the amount of honey."
Five times the amount of honey.
Sheng Ningyu's heart tightened.
She had certainly eaten such honey flower cakes and remembered them vividly, but in her memory, none of this was done by Xie Qianjing.
That person...
Sheng Ningyu turned her head to look at the person beside her. Xie Qianjing seemed to notice her gaze and smiled as he looked back at her.
Pear blossoms fall like snow, a smile graces her lips, her demeanor is elegant and refined.
It was not exactly the same as she remembered, yet it was also remarkably similar.
On the other side, Yang Xiuzhu, unaware of Sheng Ningyu's thoughts, relaxed slightly after hearing Xie Qianjing's reply.
This fellow Daoist Xie not only understands Senior Sister Sheng, but also dares to openly call out the name that no one else dares to mention.
Yang Xiuzhu thought, if the two of them weren't so close, how could they dare to do such a thing?
Unlike Feng Xiaosheng, Yuan Bushu, and Madam Xiang, who were tense and vigilant, Yang Xiuzhu was Sheng Ningyu's junior brother. He had long been accustomed to following all of Sheng Ningyu's orders and always acting according to her wishes.
What my senior sister says is always true. What she does must have its reasons.
Even if the opponent is the Demon Lord, as long as Sheng Ningyu likes it, Yang Xiuzhu will never object.
He talked about the current situation and mentioned the current members of the Sword Pavilion.
"After Senior Sister left, Senior Brother Rong locked himself in the Star Gazing Platform for a long time, never coming out all day. In the following years, although he became the 'Acting Pavilion Master,' he became more and more immersed in the path of sound cultivation and befriended... Pavilion Master Yu of the Nine Heavens Pavilion."
When talking about Yu Tanqiu, one inevitably has to mention his daughter.
"Senior Sister Yu... has now changed her name to 'Han Yuyi'. She went to Yunmengze in the Seventh Continent and established a sect called 'Thousand Poison Cave' to take in those who are poisoned and have nowhere to go."
Upon hearing the words "Cold Jade Robe," Sheng Ningyu unconsciously clenched her hands.
Yang Xiuzhu glanced at her expression, and only after confirming that Sheng Ningyu did not show any significant emotional fluctuations did she say slowly, "She and the Lord of Gui Canglou are deeply in love and have already established a spiritual contract. However, for some reason, they have not yet held a formal contract ceremony. But Senior Brother Rong once said that after this Ghost Nourishing Day ends, he will prepare a congratulatory gift to send to Gui Canglou. I think Senior Sister will be able to make it in time."
He hadn't spoken so much in a long time, and while he spoke, he also had to observe Sheng Ningyu's expression, carefully choosing his words, lest she reveal even the slightest hint of sadness.
Yang Xiuzhu thought she had hidden it very well, but little did she know that all her actions had been seen by Sheng Ningyu.
Spring blossoms droop down, amidst the sparse shadows of pear blossoms.
Sheng Ningyu raised her eyebrows and smiled gently.
His eyebrows were raised high, just as they had always been.
"Having mentioned so many people, why doesn't Junior Brother Yang talk about himself?"
This was the first time she had called him "junior brother" since they recognized each other.
The delicate fragrance of flowers wafted into my nostrils, and the storm in my heart subsided.
The bamboo of the central region is rigid, cold, and hard, as stubborn as a rock.
He had been disabled in both legs since childhood, making it difficult for him to walk. He had seen his relatives worrying about him and his mother's tears of self-reproach and regret, and heard his father's heavy sighs. He also saw the regret that his fellow students would unconsciously show when they saw him.
Yang Xiuzhu didn't like this.
He disliked the sudden silence that followed when the wheelchair was pushed into the courtyard, the malicious or pitying glances he received after his arrival, and the tension and heartache of those around him when he showed signs of discomfort.
Yang Xiuzhu didn't want to add any more burden to others.
So he began to learn to control his emotions, carefully consider his words, and slow down his speech so that others could not see his changing mood.
Finally, he mastered swordsmanship and became so skilled that he could wield a sword well even from his wheelchair, which led him to become a disciple of the Sword Master.
Yang Xiuzhu thought his path to enlightenment was now clear, but little did he know that there were always people more capable than him, and that there was always something beyond his understanding.
Sword Pavilion is a sword pavilion for all under heaven, and there are countless talented people among them. No matter how outstanding his talent is, because of his legs, he often has to put in several times more effort than others in order to win people's respect.
"The reason I made you become a disciple of the Sword Master is for this very reason." Elder Yang said, stroking the top of his head with his large hand. "You were born this way, and the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion warned me about it... Only the Sword Master can suppress the demonic energy within you."
His mother, Shui Weishuang, walked to his side. She was extremely weak, but she still knelt down with Elder Yang's help. Her eyes were full of pity and love as she looked at him: "Remember, child, no matter what, you must keep your true self and never let external things blind you."
Yang Xiuzhu calmly replied, "Yes, Father, Mother."
But he felt extremely lost.
It turns out that his entire life was predetermined.
So why did he wield the sword?
Rolling into the floating dust and falling into the silt, his Daoist heart nearly collapsed.
Until, the brightest and most flamboyant moonlight in the world fell upon him.
He was like a little crab on the water's edge, finally feeling the moisture, tentatively sprouting its legs from the sand, waving its pincers, and slowly approaching.
He kept gazing up at the bright moon. He developed a Daoist heart, a reason to wield the sword, and... resentment.
At that time, Yang Xiuzhu knew that he was willful and even somewhat unreasonable, but he thought that he could be willful.
Because Senior Sister Sheng will be tolerant of them, just like a bright moon that will always illuminate the surrounding stars.
The bright moon sank in the west, and the night was as dark as ink, without a trace of light.
Yang Xiuzhu remained outwardly calm. He had become an elder of the Sword Pavilion. He followed the example of his former senior sister, standing before everyone with his sword. In the midst of the turmoil and rumors in the cultivation world, he and Senior Brother Rong protected the disciples of the Sword Pavilion behind them, stabilized the position of the Sword Pavilion, and won widespread praise.
A lofty platform stands tall and upright, a sword within a stone, a slender bamboo.
But who can he confide in about the fear in the heart of a rock?
Yang Xiuzhu became increasingly taciturn, no longer revealing any emotion or uttering a single word. Thus, even the acting pavilion master Rong Que was unaware that every day and night since the Sword Venerable's fall in the 214th year of Jinghe, he had been filled with regret.
I regret my willfulness back then, my arrogance back then, my youthful conceit, and the long years of self-righteousness.
Yang Xiuzhu lowered her eyes and gripped the nanmu armrests of the wheelchair tightly.
"Is it because you don't know where to begin?"
Seeing that Yang Xiuzhu remained silent for a long time, Sheng Ningyu winked at Xie Qianjing, and then coaxed him gently: "Why don't you tell me, in these years, have you met any cultivators you like? How is your cultivation now? Are there any unresolved issues? When do you plan to break through again?"
Yang Xiuzhu: "..."
Seeing that Sheng Ningyu was getting more and more out of line, Xie Qianjing stopped her and said with a light smile, "Alright, don't make things difficult for Junior Brother Yang."
Sheng Ningyu didn't notice the change in Xie Qianjing's address, but Yang Xiuzhu looked up and glanced at him.
Meeting the Demon Lord's benevolent gaze, Yang Xiuzhu was somewhat puzzled, but still nodded politely: "Thank you very much, Senior Brother."
He can tell the difference clearly.
Xie Qianjing is now a victim of the Demon Seed incident, just like his parents and senior sister. If he wants to blame someone, he can't blame Xie Qianjing.
Someone else should pay the price for this.
Sheng Ningyu didn't notice the exchange of glances between the two. She slapped her forehead and realized that she had indeed remembered something extremely important.
"Senior sister, there's no need to worry."
Yang Xiuzhu suddenly interrupted Sheng Ningyu.
The person in the wheelchair pursed his lips, his expression nothing like the "unyielding Elder Yang" that people talked about. Instead, he showed a hint of shyness and a well-hidden pride.
Like a boy who has won a major competition and is looking forward to his family's praise.
This was a wish he silently made in his heart when his senior sister spoke to him back then.
The sage is not attached to material things; that's my senior sister's business.
It was his responsibility to ensure that his senior sister would always live a life of wealth and comfort, free from worries.
As a current elder of the Sword Pavilion, Yang Xiuzhu could not leave for too long. Before parting, Yang Xiuzhu suddenly tugged at Sheng Ningyu's sleeve: "Senior Sister."
Xie Qianjing readily agreed, "Those pear blossoms are beautiful, I'll go pick a few."
Their figures scattered like snowflakes.
Yang Xiuzhu looked at Sheng Ningyu, recalling the stories in her memory, and said in a serious tone, "Senior Sister, are you unsure whether you are in love with Fellow Daoist Xie?"
Sheng Ningyu never expected him to say such a shocking thing, and she almost choked on her saliva. However, before she could speak, Yang Xiuzhu spoke again.
“Actually, it’s easy to tell who Senior Sister likes.” Yang Xiuzhu’s face was stern and calm, but he suddenly changed the subject. “According to what I said before, the Phoenix Clan’s young lord already knows Senior Sister’s identity.”
The topic changed so quickly that Sheng Ningyu was somewhat confused, but she still nodded in agreement.
Previously, skipping over Xie Qianjing's memories and those of her, Sheng Ningyu picked and chose, and roughly recounted the things she could say to Yang Xiuzhu.
Even though all the blame is now being directed at the Chu family and the former head of the Chu family, Chu Yuandao, Sheng Ningyu still feels somewhat uncertain.
So Sheng Ningyu thought about it and instructed Yang Xiuzhu not to tell anyone about this for the time being, including her second senior brother Rong Que.
To everyone's surprise, Yang Xiuzhu swore an oath with a spiritual contract and soul pact the next moment, which startled Sheng Ningyu.
Her junior brother is truly as honest as ever.
But why would such a straightforward junior brother suddenly start saying such nonsensical things?
Sheng Ningyu was completely dumbfounded, and accidentally blurted out even the nickname: "What does this have to do with Feng Xiaohong?"
Yang Xiuzhu said, "I know nothing about matters of the heart, but I do know that my senior sister was closest to Feng Shaojun back then, and Feng Shaojun is one of the few people in the world who understands my senior sister... So it depends on Feng Shaojun's attitude towards Senior Brother Xie."
Sheng Ningyu was puzzled and tentatively asked, "If Feng Xiaosheng is very kind to him, just like his usual aloof and elegant demeanor..."
"That means you don't like it."
Before Sheng Ningyu could speak again, Yang Xiuzhu said directly, "If Young Master Feng is very concerned and always finds fault with me openly or secretly, then it means that Senior Sister really treats Senior Brother Xie differently."
He recalled the past and became more certain: "After my senior sister got engaged to the current head of the Chu family, Shaojun only met the head of the Chu family a few times and then had no further reaction, treating him as an ordinary person."
"This shows that Senior Sister definitely doesn't like Patriarch Chu."
Sheng Ningyu: "...Who taught you these words?"
Yang Xiuzhu said sincerely, "I figured it out myself over the years."
Over the years, although Yang Xiuzhu has kept himself pure and has no romantic partner, he has seen a lot of grudges and affections in his position.
“Especially our Sword Pavilion.” Yang Xiuzhu straightened his back and spoke a little faster than usual. “In the current list of grudges in the cultivation world, every story in the top twenty involves a sword cultivator.”
Sheng Ningyu was stunned for a moment, then looked on in disbelief: "The Immortal Cultivation World Grudge Ranking? What is that? I remember it was the Prodigy Ranking in the Thousand Mountains Trial back then."
Back then, Sheng Ningyu coveted the top spot and went to great lengths, even splitting the Floating Moon in two to win it.
Yang Xiuzhu: "Because Qingyi Academy was destroyed, the Thousand Mountains Trial has not been held for many years, and the Heavenly Pride Ranking has been covered in dust for a long time, so a new ranking list has appeared in the public."
Moreover, this ranking is also inextricably linked to their senior brother... the current master of Guicanglou.
Seeing that Sheng Ningyu's expression was not good, and recalling her senior sister's past achievements of being unrestrained and dominating the heroes in the Thousand Mountains Trial, Yang Xiuzhu asked for help.
He said, "Don't worry, Senior Sister, you're still number one on this list." Finally, Yang Xiuzhu added, "Not only are you number one, but you're also a part of almost every story in the top ten."
Sheng Ningyu: "..."
I don't know how he could say such outrageous things in such a calm tone.
With a loud "thud," Sheng Ningyu, unable to bear it any longer, bent her fingers and tapped Yang Xiuzhu hard on the head.
Yang Xiuzhu tilted her head, somewhat puzzled.
He felt that the principle he had come up with was basically correct, but since his senior sister was angry, he decided not to say anything.
Yang Xiuzhu replied, "Yes, Senior Sister, then I'll go first."
A flash of deep blue light appeared, and the Gouqu Sword at Yang Xiuzhu's waist soared into the air, spiritual power pouring out from the sword. In the blink of an eye, he disappeared.
Sheng Ningyu ground her teeth.
Once everything is settled, she will definitely go and find out the truth and settle accounts with the person who made this arbitrary ranking!
"What's wrong?"
A clear, cool voice appeared, like the first snow of spring, perfectly soothing Sheng Ningyu's speechlessness and irritability.
Xie Qianjing naturally took her hand and walked forward: "Why are you so irritable? What did Junior Brother Yang say?"
What did he say? He said way too much.
Just as Sheng Ningyu was about to say something, she suddenly realized something.
She raised an eyebrow: "'Junior Brother Yang'? You've only met him a few times, when did you become so familiar with him?"
Xie Qianjing raised the corners of his lips, his smile deepening slightly: "Junior Brother Yang is simple and honest, yet possesses keen insight; he is a fine sword cultivator."
Keen insight?
Sheng Ningyu glanced sideways at Xie Qianjing.
Just as the academy's classes ended, many disciples filed out of the hall. When Feng Jiutian saw Sheng Ningyu, his eyes lit up, and he was about to step forward when he noticed Xie Qianjing beside her. His face twitched, and he turned and left.
Not only him, but Chu Le and Chu Yanshu were also diligent and dared not go forward to disturb him.
For some reason, although she would occasionally joke with Xie Qianjing, Sheng Ningyu was extremely dissatisfied when she actually saw them treating Xie Qianjing like snakes and scorpions.
What's wrong with Xie Qianjing?
He tolerated and forgave her despite her wrongdoings, at most he would scare her, but he has never actually laid a hand on her.
Sheng Ningyu nodded haphazardly to the elder who had been watching her, then pulled Xie Qianjing away.
Ignore them.
"good."
Don't take it to heart.
"good."
That's such a good temper.
Her steps, which were channeling spiritual energy, suddenly stopped. Xie Qianjing seemed to have anticipated her move, and steadily supported her arm, gently instructing, "Be careful."
He seemed used to doing these things, as if he had become accustomed to covering for her.
"Why do you agree to everything?" Sheng Ningyu suddenly turned around, stared at the handsome man beside her, smiled, and spoke casually.
"Junior Brother Yang thinks that I am fond of you."
Xie Qianjing paused almost imperceptibly.
They have now entered the winter scene.
A thin layer of snow covered the eaves.
Sheng Ningyu saw the person beside her turn their head and look out of the corridor.
He seemed to smile, or perhaps not. The faint, cold winter sunlight fell on him, making him look less like a blood-stained demon lord and more like a statue of a god sculpted from white porcelain.
The statue of a deity should reside on a high platform, where dust is removed and light shines forth, untouched by the dust of the human world.
In early winter, snowflakes filled the sky, creating an endless, chilly atmosphere. When Xie Qianjing spoke, his voice was as light as the drifting snowflakes of early winter.
"And what about you?"
He looked at Sheng Ningyu, his eyebrows unconsciously curving upwards.
A snowflake landed on the red mark between her eyebrows and melted slightly.
Sheng Ningyu suddenly felt a pang of fear.
Just like a fleeting moment of emotion in the mortal world.
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Author's note: It's late again...
24-hour comment bonus!
Damn it, the Ghost Tower storyline starts tomorrow, I'll be on time!! [Pigeon]
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