Chapter 95
He could not learn swordsmanship.
He could not learn swordsmanship.
...
Within the Jianmen Pass, the weather is bright and beautiful all year round.
Sheng Ningyu knelt outside the palace at the highest peak of Sword Pavilion and respectfully kowtowed in front.
"...This disciple is unruly and will certainly follow Master's teachings from now on, keep to his duty, and never dare to have any wild thoughts again."
Inside the hall, layers of screens hung from the beams, resembling thousands of mountains and rivers. Sheng Ningyu could not see the person behind the screens clearly, only a shadow that was faintly visible, appearing and disappearing, indistinct and unclear.
After a long while, a peaceful and ethereal voice came from behind the screen, revealing no joy or anger, only a calm indifference that seemed to have seen through the ways of the world.
"Since you know you've made a mistake, there's no need for you to kneel anymore. You may leave now."
Sheng Ningyu stood up, and Rong Que, who had been standing quietly to the side, also bowed to the illusory figure in the hall, turned around and said to her, "I'm going to cultivate now. Junior Sister, are you able to return to your residence by yourself?"
Seeing Sheng Ningyu's bewildered expression, Rong Que smiled first. He raised his hand to brush away the jade hairpin that had somehow fallen onto Sheng Ningyu's shoulder, and said with a smile, "If you have forgotten where you live again, I will send someone to accompany you, or I will have Biluo guide you."
Sheng Ningyu: "Biluo?"
A crane's cry followed from behind, as if in response.
The crane's feathers flutter gracefully, its posture elegant and noble.
As expected of a crane from Jian Ge, it exudes an ethereal aura.
However, looking at the elegant crane, a strange name popped into Sheng Ningyu's mind.
"……rhubarb?"
Rong Que turned his head: "Junior Sister?"
Sheng Ningyu shook her head: "It's nothing. I just wanted to ask Senior Brother, is it really true that you can't stay with me today?"
The doubt in Rong Que's eyes dissipated, he lowered his eyes, and smiled silently with pursed lips.
Beneath the shimmering jade hairpin, the young master's figure is as pure as jade.
"Why is Junior Sister being so clingy today? Doesn't she usually tell me to 'mind my own business'?"
Sheng Ningyu has 10,000 heads.
Did she actually say that?
Before she could defend herself, Rong Que shook his head: "But it's really not possible today. I... am at a critical juncture in my cultivation and will probably have to go into seclusion for three months."
What kind of cultivation requires that not a moment's delay?
A hint of doubt flashed through Sheng Ningyu's heart, but she quickly suppressed it.
Yes, that's how my second senior brother has always been. He's a flawless gentleman, as pure as a gentle breeze and as bright as the moon, and he has extremely high standards for himself, striving for perfection in everything.
Sheng Ningyu watched Rong Que's figure disappear into the distance, as if a floating cloud had risen in the sky, leaving no trace.
Compared to her, who was deemed a waste from a young age as "unfit for swordsmanship," the difference is like heaven and earth.
...
Since that day, Sheng Ningyu has become much more well-behaved.
She spent almost all her days indoors, no longer trying to wield a sword, but quietly reading books, occasionally taking leisurely strolls outside.
Of course, all of this is in the public eye.
On this day, Ning Jiao once again demonstrated her swordsmanship in the training ground. Jin Xianyao was also supposed to come, but the previous spiritual cultivation class was delayed.
They came out late; the area around the sword-training ground was already crowded with outer sect disciples peering out, a dense, dark mass that completely blocked their view.
Jin Xianyao tried several times on tiptoe, but couldn't see anything. He slumped his shoulders in frustration, about to leave dejectedly, when suddenly a sharp pain shot through his right shoulder blade!
Jin Xianyao turned around, cursing.
But apart from the throngs of heads and backs, what suspicious figures were there?
"I'm here."
A carefree, flippant voice fell from above.
Jin Xianyao looked up in surprise and saw the branches and leaves of an old tree above rustling as someone slowly parted them. Although the person was high up and backlit, with their face somewhat blurred in the dappled light, Jin Xianyao recognized them at a glance by their striking blue and white disciple robes and unique, relaxed demeanor.
"Junior Sister Sheng?!"
His tongue seemed tied in knots as he pointed at the tree, his eyes wide open.
"How did you get up in the tree?!"
Sheng Ningyu, with a blade of grass loosely dangling from her mouth, leaned casually against the thick tree trunk, her hands folded behind her head. Hearing this, she turned her head slightly, glanced at him, and said matter-of-factly, "Why can't I be here?"
As Sheng Ningyu spoke, she gestured with her chin towards a sparsely foliaged spot to her left. "There's another spot over there. Want to come up? It has a great view, much better than you squeezing in there."
Jin Xianyao hesitated for a moment, then quickly channeled his spiritual power and climbed the tree as well.
The ancient tree was lush, and its branches stretched out in all directions, leaving enough space for them to see the sword techniques in the training ground without making the two of them too conspicuous.
However, Jin Xianyao couldn't sit still in the tree.
"Has Junior Sister Sheng been hiding here these past few days?"
Sheng Ningyu gave him a strange look: "Of course not."
Before Jin Xianyao could even breathe a sigh of relief, Sheng Ningyu said, "Why are you hiding? I came openly and swaggeringly."
Jin Xianyao choked, then remembered what Sheng Ningyu had said, and said with tears in his eyes, "Junior Sister Sheng, stop teasing me, let's go quickly."
Seeing his fear, Sheng Ningyu raised an eyebrow: "Why?"
Jin Xianyao whispered, "Both the Sword Master and Senior Brother Rong said that you cannot use a sword..."
Sheng Ningyu smiled and said, "They said they wouldn't let me practice swordsmanship, but they didn't say they wouldn't let me see swords."
Of course, even if these people really told her not to look at the sword, she wouldn't listen.
"Besides," Sheng Ningyu raised an eyebrow and said without blinking, "I'm only temporarily injured in terms of my spiritual bones, so I can't use a sword. Even my master told me to observe and comprehend more. That way, I won't waste my years, and when my injury heals, he can guide me into the path of the sword."
At this point, Sheng Ningyu gestured with her chin towards the empty corridor in the distance, "Look, even my second senior brother didn't come to stop me today. Are you still going to try to stop me?"
Oh, so that's how it is?
Sheng Ningyu's tone was too certain, and her expression was extremely frank. Jin Xianyao was confused by her words and subconsciously nodded, then shook his head blankly: "No, I dare not stop Junior Sister Sheng."
Sheng Ningyu smiled.
She coaxed him gently, "I've had some insights these past few days, but I can't wield a sword. If Senior Brother Jin isn't in a hurry, would you dance for me?"
Jin Xianyao wasn't particularly talented in swordsmanship, but he was obedient and diligently carried out Sheng Ningyu's instructions. Although he didn't achieve the effect Sheng Ningyu had envisioned, he could still confirm her thoughts.
However, if they went back and forth like this, it was inevitable that other disciples would see them, which would cause some gossip.
"Ha, what a world! Someone actually dares to wield a sword for a piece of trash."
"Shh! Keep your voice down! Those are inner disciples; someone might be planning to use this to advance their career!"
"He's got a good plan."
The ubiquitous gossip isn't the most unpleasant thing to hear, but it is the most annoying.
Especially with all those strange looks, Jin Xianyao couldn't take it anymore after a few days.
He greatly admired Sheng Ningyu for her composure, but he still reduced the frequency of his visits to the sword training ground.
Whether she stays or leaves, Sheng Ningyu remains composed.
She didn't specifically go to other places to practice swordsmanship to look for Jin Xianyao; she simply stayed at this particular training ground.
When Jin Xianyao was present, Sheng Ningyu would instruct him on a few moves. If he wasn't there, Sheng Ningyu would hide in a tree and watch quietly.
During this period, I saw Ning Jiao a few more times.
It will be soon.
Sheng Ningyu thought that she would probably find the flaw in that move "Gentle Breeze and Bright Moon" soon.
This opportunity certainly came very quickly.
Sheng Ningyu leaned against a tree branch, looking at the people in the arena through the gaps in the branches.
He was young and spirited, with clear eyes and an air of arrogance befitting a scion of a prestigious family.
On the training ground, as the "Bright Moon" of the Sword Pavilion, Ning Jiao naturally took the stage without hesitation.
The two clashed, their swords flashing in a dazzling display.
Ning Jiao's swordsmanship was light and beautiful, like the bright moon shining in the sky, drawing cheers from the audience.
Chu Le also uses a sword, and his swordplay is sharp and incisive, but it is still somewhat immature.
Sure enough, after more than ten moves, Ning Jiao seized on a slight hesitation in Chu Le's transition, lightly tapping his wrist with the tip of her sword, and the outcome was decided.
"You flatter me." Ning Jiao sheathed her sword, her smile gentle and serene, her demeanor impeccable.
Chu Le frowned slightly, but did not step aside. Instead, he stepped forward and solemnly clasped his hands in a fist salute: "Today, thanks to Senior Mingyue's guidance, I have gained a great deal of insight into swordsmanship and benefited immensely." He raised his head, his gaze fixed on Ning Jiao, "If Senior has the time, would you... be so kind as to offer some further instruction?"
To come to Jiange and then be so persistent is rather unbecoming.
However, just as many Sword Pavilion disciples were expressing their dissatisfaction, Ning Jiao unexpectedly nodded: "Since it is Young Master Chu who has invited me, I will be waiting at any time."
"I wouldn't dare trouble you," Chu Le said, bowing his head. "Please choose a time when you are free, senior."
"Then let's set it for the afternoon." Ning Jiao smiled slightly. "The two of us will still be here, and we'll settle our score again."
Take a break.
After thinking for a moment, Sheng Ningyu decided to carry a few scrolls of scriptures she had just passed by and slowly walked along the corridor not far from the sword training ground.
As expected, she waited for Chu Le, whose brows were slightly furrowed.
The other party was clearly not in a good mood, and was sitting alone under the corridor, wiping his longsword.
Strangely enough, even though the two were not much different in age, Sheng Ningyu always looked at Chu Le as if he were her own junior.
The boy in front of me shouldn't be so melancholy, but rather radiant and spirited. At this age, even if he's arrogant and naive, he's still beautiful.
“When she starts her ‘Gentle Breeze and Bright Moon’ move, her shoulder and elbow will subconsciously be half an inch higher than the standard in order to achieve a perfect posture.”
Chu Le turned around in surprise, but Sheng Ningyu, who was standing next to him, did not react at all, and her tone remained calm.
"However, although the moves are beautiful, they lack power. You can attack diagonally from half an inch away from her backhand. Also, in the twelfth move, 'Listening to the Tide Under the Moon,' when turning around, because of the excessive focus on the curve of the waist, there will be a momentary gap in the connection of spiritual energy in the lower body. Although she makes up for it with speed, if you use a strong attack, it is not impossible to fight back..."
Sheng Ningyu's voice was calm, as natural as discussing the weather, but her voice was very clear and her speech was extremely fast. In just a few words, she dissected the fleeting details she had captured in the competition.
Chu Le also recovered from his previous astonishment. He glanced at Sheng Ningyu's clothes and said in a cold tone, "Since you are a disciple of the Sword Pavilion, why are you telling me these things?"
But the next second, Chu Le understood. He lowered his head and continued wiping the sword: "You have a grudge against Daoist Mingyue."
Resentment?
Sheng Ningyu chuckled and asked jokingly, "So, if we continue this line of reasoning, does Young Master Chu think that I and Senior Sister Mingyue are in love with the same person, but that person is devoted to Mingyue, and therefore I am twisted by love and hate, so I came to tell you how to defeat Senior Sister Mingyue?"
Chu Le was clearly surprised by Sheng Ningyu's question, and paused for a moment before not answering immediately.
Sheng Ningyu stretched out her hand: "My spiritual bones are damaged, so I cannot learn swordsmanship."
The crisscrossing scars on his wrists were a shocking sight.
Just looking at it makes one wonder what the owner of this wrist has been through.
There's no need to say 'sorry'.
The girl's clear voice rang out along with his, and Chu Le finally raised his head, only to meet the carefree smile in the eyes of the person behind him.
"It's not your fault. In fact, it's just my bad luck."
Chu Le was taken aback again.
He grew up in the Chu family, where he witnessed hypocrisy and recognized falsehood.
At this moment, the expression on the face of the Sword Pavilion disciple was absolutely genuine.
How could this be? I clearly spoke dismissively first, and then stirred up her painful memories...
“I am not seeking you out today because of any old grudges with Senior Sister Mingyue, nor was what I said just now intended to make you feel guilty.” Sheng Ningyu’s voice was steady, yet every word was clear. “As you can see, I am indeed unable to wield a sword now, but that does not mean I ‘cannot learn swordsmanship’.”
Chu Le's expression shifted slightly, and seeing the clear and bright light in Sheng Ningyu's eyes, he believed her even more.
Sheng Ningyu said without blinking, "I did this not for others, but to verify what I have realized. For the past five years, I have been observing swordplay at the training ground every day, rain or shine. I have repeatedly deduced the moves that everyone is learning, the rules they follow, and even the subtle changes in the flow of their breath. Over time, I have also developed some of my own insights."
When truth and falsehood are mixed together, it is extremely difficult to distinguish between them.
Sheng Ningyu paused slightly, as if sighing softly: "In the past, no one had the courage to face Senior Sister Mingyue's sword directly, nor did anyone have the strength to truly contend with her. This vast Sword Pavilion, with people coming and going and sword energy crisscrossing, has always lacked that opportunity for 'verification'."
“To this day,” she looked at Chu Le, her eyes devoid of flattery, only a calm assessment and a hint of barely perceptible expectation, “Looking at the whole scene, only Young Master Chu has the courage and strength to step onto that arena and compete with Senior Sister Mingyue. This may be… my only chance to prove what I think.”
Chu Le was still young, and although he was also excited, he still had questions: "You are wearing the robes of an inner disciple of the Sword Pavilion. In the past, you were not allowed to touch a sword at all?"
Sheng Ningyu smiled and reached out to touch the hilt of Chu Le's sword.
Sure enough, the moment her fingertips touched the hilt of the sword, her face turned deathly pale, and she trembled uncontrollably as if struck by lightning and roasted by fire. Startled, Chu Le hurriedly snatched the sword and frantically supported her.
"I believe it! I really believe it!"
At this moment, he's starting to look like a young man.
Sheng Ningyu couldn't help but smile, and when she spoke again, her tone was more sincere: "What I've said... for myself, I want to know whether what I've observed and thought about over the past five years is just castles in the air or something truly feasible. For others, I also sincerely hope that Young Master Chu can take this opportunity to break through the illusions and glimpse the higher realms of swordsmanship."
Chu Le did not speak until Sheng Ningyu left.
He didn't know the internal relationships within the Sword Pavilion, so he didn't dare to agree casually, but he was already tempted.
Chu Le had already noticed it during the contest that morning.
He didn't lose because of a lack of strength, but because he was uncomfortable with Ning Jiao's complicated moves and felt a sense of oppression.
For some reason, in Chu Le's mind, the sword techniques represented by "Sword Pavilion Bright Moon Senior Sister" should be supreme, so oppressive that it makes it impossible for anyone to feel any desire to counter or resist.
However, after actually exchanging blows with Ning Jiao, Chu Le discovered that this was not the case.
As Sheng Ningyu said, the opponent is very strong, but he is also... not someone who can't fight back.
Sheng Ningyu waited quietly.
The shadows of the trees were slanted across the ground. Jin Xianyao appeared out of nowhere and cautiously approached her, wanting to speak but not daring to open his mouth.
Sheng Ningyu glanced at him out of the corner of her eye: "Speak quickly if you have something to say, and don't disturb me while I'm watching the sword fight."
Seeing Sheng Ningyu's impolite tone, Jin Xianyao shuddered, then his eyes lit up with joy: "I knew Junior Sister Sheng wasn't keeping me at arm's length!"
Sheng Ningyu: "..."
To be honest, she really didn't know how to deal with someone as good at self-soothing as Kim Hyun-yo.
Fortunately, Jin Xianyao took over the conversation without her having to say anything.
"I was wrong before. I benefited a lot from my junior sister's guidance in learning swordsmanship, but I was blinded by those rumors... I was really ungrateful! If, if there is anything junior sister Sheng can do to help me, I will do my duty without hesitation!"
Being able to understand it doesn't mean they're stupid.
Sheng Ningyu raised an eyebrow and asked bluntly, "Including instructing you on how to use a sword?"
Jin Xianyao patted his chest and assured her, "Of course! After the performance, I'll go up and listen to my junior sister's instructions!"
Sheng Ningyu immediately made the decision: "It's a deal."
While the two were talking, the sword practice had already begun in the training area below.
Upon returning to the arena, Chu Le's swordplay suddenly changed.
He no longer tried to keep up with Ning Jiao's pace, nor was he confused by those complicated sword moves. On the contrary, this time he was extremely calm, and every sword strike was steady.
On the tree branch, Sheng Ningyu kept a close eye on the two people on the field.
Ning Jiao's composure gradually vanished, and her swordplay began to show genuine disorder. Finally, when Chu Le once again forced her into the pre-planned "opening," she was a little slow in her defense, and Chu Le's sword wind swept across her clothes. Although she was not injured, she was clearly at a disadvantage!
The room fell silent, then a buzz of discussion broke out.
"Senior Sister Mingyue's 'Clear Breeze and Bright Moon' technique has been broken?!"
"Who is this Chu family scion? I've never heard of him before, yet he was able to break through Senior Sister Mingyue's sword technique?"
Chu Le knew when to stop. He sheathed his sword, clasped his hands in a salute, and said, "I am deeply grateful for the guidance of Daoist Mingyue."
His actions confused many disciples below the stage, and the conversation among them shifted dramatically in an instant.
"So it turns out that Senior Sister Mingyue deliberately held back."
"I knew it! How could an unknown young master of the Chu family possibly surpass our Senior Sister Mingyue in swordsmanship!"
The crowd was making a ruckus, but they weren't arguing about swordsmanship.
This was a routine matter, but this time, Jin Xianyao was tired of hearing it.
He said to Sheng Ningyu, "How can these people change so quickly? One minute they're belittling someone, the next they're praising them! They just don't understand."
Jin Xianyao saw it clearly.
The young master of the Chu family may have been lacking in cultivation, but that move truly broke Ning Jiao's "Clear Breeze and Bright Moon".
Sheng Ningyu shook her head, jumped down from the tree, and said in a relaxed tone, "Don't worry about it."
What she cared about was never empty fame, but that one sword move.
Jin Xianyao continued rambling on, while Sheng Ningyu responded absentmindedly.
She thought to herself that the young master of the Chu family was not bad at swordsmanship, but he was a bit too slow and had not completely broken through the "gentle breeze and bright moon" technique.
If it were her, she would definitely be even better.
The mere thought of it startled Sheng Ningyu for a moment.
Putting everything else aside, she can't even hold a sword properly now, so how dare she compare herself to the young master of the Chu family?
On the stage, Ning Jiao did not respond to the flattery. She raised her sword and blocked Chu Le. For the first time, her face, which always carried a fake smile, was devoid of any expression.
She stared intently at Chu Le, her beautiful face revealing a hint of obsession: "May I ask, Young Master Chu, who taught you that move just now?"
Are you really going to assume it was someone else who taught you without even asking?
Chu Le didn't want to answer, but just then Sheng Ningyu fell from the tree, and his gaze involuntarily followed her.
Ning Jiao caught a glimpse of it, and for a moment her expression twisted in a frightening way, but she quickly regained her composed smile.
She glanced around at the disciples, her expression one of elder-like tolerance, and muttered to herself, "No wonder the young master's moves seemed so familiar just now; it turns out it was my junior sister who said so. She's injured, unable to practice swordsmanship, but she loves it and kept pestering me to explain it to her. That's why I told her about the subtleties of my Xuan Du Sword Technique..."
He spoke softly, but the surrounding disciples heard him clearly.
Sheng Ningyu hadn't gone far when she was cornered in a secluded spot by several disciples who were used to flattering the powerful and belittling the weak.
"Hey, isn't this the genius who can teach someone to beat Senior Sister Mingyue just by 'looking' at a sword?"
"What a pity, a genius can't even lift a sword himself, he can only talk a good game."
"Even if you tell others the intricacies of Senior Sister Mingyue's sword techniques, what then? You'll never be able to defeat Senior Sister Mingyue in your entire life!"
The mocking voices were grating, and Jin Xianyao was furious: "Get out of my way, all of you!"
"Oh, and they even have a barking dog."
The leading disciple sneered and blocked Sheng Ningyu's path, uttering extremely vicious words: "I heard that your spiritual bones are injured and your meridians are blocked like stones. What are you doing in the Sword Pavilion, a cripple? You're just bringing shame to the Sword Master."
Sheng Ningyu listened with little interest, her eyes lowered, staring listlessly at the tips of her shoes. But when she saw the hand that was stretched out in front of her, she smiled.
“I am in Sword Pavilion, naturally for the sake of ‘swords’.” Sheng Ningyu raised her eyes, her gaze as clear as autumn water, reflecting the other’s face, which was slightly distorted by jealousy and hatred. “Since I entered the sect, I have watched as many swords have been swung on the Sword Platform. Through wind, frost, rain and snow, I have never missed a single one.”
Sheng Ningyu paused briefly, a very faint, almost pitying smile curving her lips: "As for you, Senior Brother, you must have entered the sect much earlier than me, right? I wonder if, over the years, you have comprehended a sword intent of your own? Or perhaps..."
Sheng Ningyu paused deliberately, her expression one of pity and regret. She leaned forward slightly and lowered her voice, but it was enough for the disciples around her who were listening intently to hear her clearly.
How could the disciple withstand such provocation? He immediately drew his sword.
Great opportunity!
Sheng Ningyu immediately looked at Jin Xianyao, wanting to see just how much potential this senior brother Jin could have in a real battle!
"roll."
The disciples turned around in shock.
A figure in pure white was seen descending gracefully from mid-air.
Her clothes flowed like clouds, making her look like a pampered young lady from the mortal world, yet she exuded an extremely terrifying aura.
It was Ning Jiao who had returned after leaving.
She stood in front of Sheng Ningyu, her face frosty, her eyes icy, and the air seemed to freeze wherever her gaze fell.
The disciples who were so arrogant just moments ago were now ashen-faced, unable to even breathe under the immense spiritual pressure.
Once Ning Jiao's oppressive aura had finally subsided, who would dare linger for even a moment longer? They scattered in panic like startled birds, disappearing without a trace in an instant.
Sheng Ningyu nodded slightly to Jin Xianyao, signaling him to leave quickly as well.
Ning Jiao had clearly come looking for her.
But what does she want from me? Could it be that my previous visit to Chu Le has been exposed? Am I taking her back to apologize to the Sword Master Guihai?
Sheng Ningyu thought about it again and felt that it didn't have to be that bad.
She had never learned swordsmanship, and even if she did, she could easily dismiss it with a simple excuse like "just rambling out of curiosity." At worst...
"Why don't you argue back when they say such things about you? Why don't you fight back?"
Sheng Ningyu was stunned, completely taken aback, and looked up in confusion: "What?"
"That sentence!"
Ning Jiao strode up to Sheng Ningyu, her sleeves fluttering like the bright moonlight falling in the rain. She stared at Sheng Ningyu's quiet, lowered eyes, her chest churning with indescribable emotions.
There was joy and pride.
But more than anything, it was anger that was difficult to express to others.
Sheng Ningyu finally realized what was going on, but she was still puzzled: "Was it the word 'useless person'?" She blinked, raised her hand and waved it, her tone casual and frank: "They didn't say anything wrong."
As she moved, her sleeves drooped down, and sunlight streamed through the eaves of the corridor, shining brightly on her wrists.
Ning Jiao's gaze irresistibly fell on Sheng Ningyu's wrist.
The winding scars were slightly darker in color than the surrounding skin, and their texture was not very smooth, like cracks in white jade, or like the shadows of withered branches.
The sunlight flowing over them did not soften them; instead, it illuminated every undulation and every shadow clearly.
They lay there silently, their pulse rising and falling gently, dappled shadows falling and intertwining among them.
Layer upon layer, truth and falsehood intertwined, like a past that refuses to fade away.
Sheng Ningyu didn't care: "In the way of the sword, if I can't wield a sword, wouldn't I be a 'useless person'?"
Before she could finish speaking, Ning Jiao was already furious. She finally looked away from Sheng Ningyu's wrist, flicked her sleeve, and said in a sharp, almost shrill voice, "Shut up!"
The sleeve unleashed a surge of violent spiritual energy, which, with each burst of energy, caused the shadows of the surrounding trees to sway violently, almost shattering.
Sheng Ningyu's heart sank, realizing something was wrong.
When Jin Xianyao was around, she was confident that she could join forces with him to fend off troublemakers. But now that Ning Jiao has made her move, she has no way to avoid it.
However, the anticipated impact did not materialize.
The surging wave of spiritual energy, upon touching her, dissipated like moonlight striking a gentle barrier, instantly dissolving into countless shimmering fragments of light that silently vanished into the air.
...it did not harm her in the slightest.
First, he unleashed a thunderous rage, and then in an instant, he personally neutralized the killing move. What exactly was Ning Jiao's intention?
Sheng Ningyu paused, looking at the back of the person in front of her, her tone becoming increasingly confused: "I don't care about the idle gossip of some mediocre people, so why should Senior Sister take it to heart?"
...Senior sister.
Senior sister.
Ning Jiao seemed to be frozen in place as she turned around very slowly, inch by inch.
The sunlight streamed over the eaves and fell on her face.
The intense, almost ferocious expression she had shown earlier had shattered and vanished completely the moment she turned around, leaving only a shattered calm.
Sheng Ningyu noticed that the person in front of her had been silent for a long time before finally asking, "You said earlier that you had been watching the sword practice area?"
There's nothing wrong with admitting it, and it will always be discovered eventually.
Sheng Ningyu nodded and said truthfully, "I've been watching everyone practice swordsmanship."
Where?
"On the branches of the largest pear tree in the southwest corner of the sword-fighting field, sometimes when there are fewer people, they will go to the east side."
Ning Jiao stared at her for a long time, seemingly lost in thought.
The sunlight was so intense that Sheng Ningyu's eyes were starting to ache. Just as she was rubbing her eyes, she suddenly heard the person in front of her speak, their voice hoarse.
"I will teach you swordsmanship from now on."
Whether it was a misperception or not, upon hearing those words, Sheng Ningyu felt that the scar on her wrist, which had been painful from touching the sword, seemed to hurt less.
...
However, Ning Jiao did not keep his promise.
Or perhaps, Ning Jiao hadn't had time to fulfill his promise before being ordered to go down the mountain.
Of course, she wasn't the only one acting on orders; Rong Que, who had just emerged from seclusion, was also among them.
"It's not that you're not allowed to go down the mountain to travel, but recently demons and ghosts have been appearing frequently down the mountain, and it's quite unsafe."
Inside the residence, the wisps of tea smoke made the profile of the jade-like young man appear even more gentle and refined.
Rong Que picked up the purple clay teapot, and the clear tea soup poured into the cup like a line of amber. His voice was as gentle as the tea mist: "I heard that during my seclusion, you often traveled with an outer disciple. They seemed to get along very well?"
Heard?
Do those people's gossips travel this far?
Sheng Ningyu leaned against the other side of the coffee table. Upon hearing this, her eyes flickered slightly, and her tone seemed to be disappointed and complaining: "Why does Senior Brother also believe those idle rumors? It's rare to find someone who can play with me. Don't scare him into not talking to me again."
Rong Que lowered his eyes and smiled softly.
Just as Rong Que leaned over to put the teapot back, Sheng Ningyu swiftly reached out and snatched the freshly brewed tea from in front of him.
The teacup was warm to the touch, but Sheng Ningyu was in no hurry to drink it. Instead, she leaned back, raised the teacup high, and tilted her chin at Rong Que, her eyebrows and eyes full of smug satisfaction.
She laughed nonchalantly and asked, "Or does Senior Brother suspect that this disciple is also a demon in disguise?"
Rong Que smiled but remained silent, gazing at her quietly, his eyes as gentle as ever.
"Cough cough...!"
The next moment, Sheng Ningyu suddenly choked and coughed, her whole face scrunched up. She hurriedly put the teacup back on the table and pointed at the dark tea, complaining, "What kind of tea is this? How can it be so bitter!"
Rong Que then slowly reached out and took back the cup of tea that she had rejected. He brushed his fingertips along the rim of the cup and touched it, a very faint, almost imperceptible smile playing on his lips.
"This tea is called 'Hui Gan' (meaning 'sweet aftertaste'), and it is extremely bitter and cold in nature. It was not prepared for you in the first place."
It was clearly an extremely bitter taste, but for some reason, Sheng Ningyu felt a surge of joy from the bottom of her heart.
It was as if... as if she hadn't tasted such bitterness in a long time.
Sheng Ningyu leaned forward and complained, "Second Senior Brother is teasing me again."
“It’s not teasing.” Rong Que imitated her, leaning forward.
The distance between them suddenly closed, and his gentle voice fell as softly as a feather: "It is... punishment."
Sheng Ningyu: "?"
Sheng Ningyu looked up in confusion, resting her chin on her arm: "Why am I being punished?"
The two were very close, close enough to see their own reflections deep in each other's eyes.
Sheng Ningyu could even see how the tiny dust particles in the sunlight briefly lingered on the other person's long eyelashes before quietly sliding off.
The air was filled with the bittersweet aroma of tea, along with a faint, unique floral fragrance that belonged only to Rong Que.
Sheng Ningyu was somewhat dazed.
This kind of close intimacy without any barriers... it seems like it's been a very, very long time since she's had anything like this with her second senior brother.
Rong Que quietly watched the fleeting confusion in her eyes, and the corners of his lips slowly curved upwards.
He spoke softly and slowly: "I'm punishing my junior sister... because she never tells me the truth."
"alright."
Rong Que sighed softly. He sat up straight, and the tray beside him was drawn over by spiritual power. Rong Que took a piece of candied fruit from the tray and put it into Sheng Ningyu's mouth: "This is for you."
The honey aroma enters the mouth, its sweetness lingering until it turns bittersweet.
Sheng Ningyu lowered her eyes, munching on a candied fruit, feeling that the scene was very familiar.
But the person opposite her shouldn't be the second senior brother...
What are you thinking about?
Sheng Ningyu made up without blinking: "I was thinking about demons and ghosts. I wondered what kind of abilities they had that would allow my Sword Pavilion to send out someone like my second senior brother."
Rong Que lightly tapped Sheng Ningyu's brow: "Demons and ghosts are masters at manipulating people's hearts. Don't be curious. The more someone like you does this, the more..."
Sheng Ningyu: "Yue what?"
Rong Que paused for a moment, then said calmly, "The easier it is to fall into their trap."
Sheng Ningyu blinked and joked, "I've remembered what you said, Senior Brother. My will is now firm and my heart is as solid as a rock. All I need is a demon to put it into practice."
This was supposed to be a joke, but Rong Que acted out of character.
He didn't laugh.
Not only had the usual warmth in his eyes disappeared, but even the gentle, spring-like smile that always graced the corners of his lips had vanished.
Rong Que gazed at her quietly, his eyes unfathomably deep, as if he could see something else through the rising aroma of tea.
A person, or... a period of time.
"The time is almost up." Rong Que suddenly stood up, his robes brushing away the lingering tea smoke on the table, and walked towards the door. His voice was even calmer than usual. "What I said earlier was just a joke with my junior sister. That outer disciple, although dull-witted, is simple-minded and honest. He's barely acceptable as a temporary playmate."
Rong Que walked to the door without turning back, leaving only a half-sentence instruction that revealed no emotion: "If you feel bored while I'm away, you can go find him to pass the time."
Just as Rong Que was about to leave, Sheng Ningyu, with a sudden burst of strength, stood up and called out to him.
"Senior brother!"
Rong Que paused, turning slightly to the side, half his face illuminated by the warm indoor light, the other half hidden in the shadows of the corridor: "What is it?"
Sheng Ningyu didn't know what to say.
She looked up, and a gentle breeze blew by, causing the pure white petals to fall like moonlight.
Sheng Ningyu's residence was personally arranged by Rong Que. Upon opening the door, one could see a grove of jade hairpin trees. At this moment, the evening breeze swept through the courtyard, and the pure white petals fell softly. They did not resemble snow, but rather as if someone had crushed the moonlight on the ground and spread it on the bluestone path.
At this moment, Rong Que was standing on the bluestone path.
Tall and elegant, like flawless jade, a perfect gentleman.
Sheng Ningyu gazed at the near-perfect profile where light and shadow met, and spoke as if possessed.
"It's windy down the mountain, senior brother... senior brother, be careful with your eyes."
As soon as she finished speaking, Sheng Ningyu was stunned.
What kind of instruction is this? It sounds more like a curse.
Rong Que seemed to pause for a moment as well.
After a long while, he gave a very soft "hmm." The sound was almost broken into pieces by the falling petals and the evening breeze, and could not be heard clearly.
He didn't look back, but stepped into the swirling white petals. His departing figure was blurred by the falling petals, and Sheng Ningyu breathed a sigh of relief.
She turned around silently, without the slightest hesitation, and following her memory, she made her way to the guest courtyard where the Chu family was temporarily staying that very night.
The moonlight shone through, swift and silent.
Sheng Ningyu avoided the patrolling disciples' route and finally stopped in front of a window that was letting in a faint light.
"Does what Young Master Chu said earlier still stand?" She knocked on the window lattice, her voice extremely low.
The window opened from the inside, revealing Chu Le's slightly surprised face. He quickly composed himself, nodded, but then hesitated to confirm, "Your request... is it really just that I take you down the mountain?"
"Yes," Sheng Ningyu answered decisively.
She wanted to go down the mountain.
Chu Le: "What are you doubting?"
What are you doubting?
On the Chu family's flying boat, white clouds drifted lazily by, and whirlwinds swept past.
Chu Le probed, "So, you suspect your injury is related to Daoist Mingyue?"
Sheng Ningyu thought for a moment: "A little."
Chu Le pondered for a moment, then continued to speculate: "You also suspect Immortal Rong Que?"
Sheng Ningyu: "A little."
Why are they all "somewhat"?
Chu Le paused, his tone becoming incredulous: "You can't possibly doubt the Sword Master Guihai, can you?!"
Sheng Ningyu nodded: "A little."
Good question.
Sheng Ningyu looked at the blurred mountains, rivers, lakes and seas beneath her feet, pondered for a moment, then clasped her hands together and gave her answer in a light tone: "Thinking about it this way, I really don't believe a single one of them."
Chu Le was speechless.
Sheng Ningyu looked at him calmly, and even asked in a good-natured manner, "Does Young Master Chu have any other questions?"
Chu Le immediately waved his hand: "No! Don't say anything more!"
He didn't want to hear any more secrets about the Sword Pavilion!
Sheng Ningyu laughed loudly.
But what she just said was not false.
Whether it was Ning Jiao or Rong Que, Jin Xianyao or those outer disciples... Sheng Ningyu didn't believe a single one of them.
Because at this moment, she no longer believed in "her" self.
In those hazy memories of the past, she was a weak, pitiful little girl who suffered greatly until she met the Sword Master Guihai, who finally found someone to rely on.
Even if the other party ignores her, even if there is no grand ceremony for accepting disciples, allowing outer disciples to bully her at will, she should still know how to be grateful.
But Sheng Ningyu felt that this was not herself.
If it were her...
White clouds drifted leisurely past the ship's side.
As Sheng Ningyu pondered, she suddenly lifted her eyelids and nudged Chu Le beside her: "Tell me, what would I do if someone bullied me?"
Chu Le hissed. He was caught off guard by Sheng Ningyu's heavy blow, but he couldn't retaliate due to her physical condition. He could only rub his shoulder in frustration and said strangely, "Bullying you? Does that person have a death wish, or is he out of his mind?"
Sheng Ningyu smiled.
Yes, even a bystander who has only known someone for five days can see the truth.
“Yes.” She turned her head and looked down at the rapidly receding mountain shadows. Her voice was scattered in the whistling wind, but every word was clear. “This is why I have to go down the mountain.”
Unable to learn swordsmanship?
The flying boat pierced through the clouds, a strong wind brushed her face, causing her clothes to flutter wildly and her black hair to fly.
Chu Le stared blankly.
Ironically, for a moment, he even felt that this person before him was more in line with his imagination of the legendary "Daoist Mingyue" than the highly respected disciple of the Sword Pavilion.
Sheng Ningyu didn't care about Chu Le's thoughts.
She told Chu Le these things not because she trusted him, but simply because she was fearless.
She has nothing she can't tell others, but she dares not speak of her heartbreaks.
Sheng Ningyu tilted her head back, letting the wind from the high sky brush past her eyebrows and the corners of her eyes, a faint smile playing on her lips.
She didn't know what made her so special that everyone wanted her to stay in the Sword Pavilion.
However, the person behind the scenes was wrong. No matter the circumstances, Sheng Ningyu was never a docile and obedient person.
The only person Sheng Ningyu ever truly trusted was herself.
Whatever she desires, whatever she wants to know, even if the road ahead is fraught with uncertainty and thorns, she will fight for it with her own hands and see it for herself.
Sheng Ningyu leaned against the gunwale of the flying boat, her gaze sweeping over the rushing green water and undulating green mountains below. Suddenly, she let out a soft sigh, her tone filled with genuine regret:
"It's strange, but I always feel that before going down the mountain... I should put something down to make it lively."
Chu Le: "...?!"
Who exactly unleashed this scoundrel?!
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The author says: Not only have the identities been reversed, but even the personality and temperament have regressed to their original state.
Sheng Ningyu: [Sunglasses]
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