Chapter 5
Moved?
Sheng Ningyu said she dared not move at all.
The so-called "sense of something" was just that the arrogant and haughty appearance of that boy was quite similar to that of Chu Chang'an back then, which made her a little dazed.
Chu Chang'an, her former fiancé.
The marriage to the Chu family was arranged by Sheng Ningyu's master, the previous generation Sword Master Ning Guihai.
Sheng Ningyu herself didn't actually have any romantic feelings for Chu Chang'an.
Strangely enough, Sheng Ningyu originally thought she should be extremely fond of her fiancé, but after several correspondences and meetings, her feelings for him gradually faded.
She was certain that she didn't like Chu Chang'an.
However, since he was her fiancé and younger than her, Sheng Ningyu felt a bit guilty and treated Chu Chang'an like a junior brother or sister, indulging and pampering him to the point of almost giving him whatever he wanted.
Just before she was sealed away, Sheng Ningyu vaguely heard a rumor that her junior brother, Chu Chang'an, had always been in love with her junior sister, Ning Jiaojiao.
She became that "thorn in my side".
At that time, Sheng Ningyu was somewhat bewildered, but more so disappointed that an acquaintance had kept it from her. She quickly wrote a letter and sent it by wild goose, but before she could receive any follow-up, she was sealed in a coffin.
So, Sheng Ningyu actually has three problems right now.
First, why didn't Chu Chang'an marry Ning Jiaojiao? Instead, rumors spread that he was "deeply in love" with her. What conspiracy is hidden behind this?
Sheng Ningyu gritted her teeth. Why hadn't the Bright Moon Pavilion on the Sea been demolished yet?!
...
In the East China Sea.
Rippling blue waves, shimmering with golden light.
Amidst the surging waves, a towering building resembling a pagoda stands majestically like a mirage, resembling a jade palace or a fairyland on earth.
The sea breaks through the sky, embracing the bright moon; goddesses together ascend to the Jade Pool for a drunken revelry.
Lanterns hang from every upturned eave on every floor of this building, each lantern burning with a mermaid candle that is said to never go out. The surrounding terraces are inlaid with fist-sized luminous pearls. If someone were to look down at the building, they would see that it resembles a moon reflected on the sea.
Lighting lamps during the day, regardless of day or night, and without regard to dawn.
This is called "Bright Moon Pavilion on the Sea".
A sigh appeared on the aged face of the steward, Chu Qing, but it quickly disappeared. He stepped forward to refill Chu Jiye's wine cup and bowed respectfully, saying, "Master, this batch of sword cultivators has all arrived."
His slender fingers paused, and Chu Jiye raised his head, his tone as flat as the current state of the East Sea, utterly devoid of any inflection: "Are you all here?"
Chu Qing lowered his head even further: "Yes."
Below the stage were sword cultivators recruited by the Chu family from the outside world. Most of them were women, but there were also some men. They were all beautiful, and although their swordsmanship was not extraordinary, they each had their own outstanding qualities.
Especially when these people put in their best effort to show off and curry favor with their superiors, their clothes fluttered in the wind, swords clashed, and petals fell on both sides, creating a scene resembling a fairyland.
However, none of them were what Chu Jiye wanted.
With a crisp clang, the white porcelain wine cup was covered in cracks.
Immediately, everyone present bowed. Cold sweat dripped down Chu Qingshan's back, but he still gritted his teeth and stepped forward, bending even lower.
Chu Jiye's tone finally showed some variation, no longer cold, but not angry either.
The dignified head of the Chu family, the number one person in the East Sea, spoke with the innocence and confusion of a child.
He said something that had absolutely nothing to do with practicing swordsmanship.
"Uncle Chu, they're so strange. Why don't they pick up the flowers?"
Upon hearing this, those around him immediately broke out in a cold sweat.
Chu Jiye had said something similar before.
So those sword cultivators racked their brains, poring over records, trying to find traces of the Bright Moon Sword Master between the lines.
Those sword cultivators would also be severely punished for angering the head of the Chu family.
Although fortune is said to be found in danger, who wants to lose their life for no reason?
Thoughts raced through his mind, and Chu Qing almost anticipated what would happen next; his scalp tingled instantly.
Before Chu Qing could stop him, Chu Jiye gripped the white porcelain on the table tightly with his right hand, which was holding a sword. The broken pieces of porcelain were completely embedded in his flesh, making a heart-stopping scraping sound, and blood was dripping everywhere.
His dazed gaze returned to clarity. Chu Jiye gripped the white porcelain tightly, the color draining from his face, and his tone became flat and emotionless once more.
He lowered his eyes, looked at his right hand, and muttered to himself.
Crimson blood spilled onto the table and clothes, instantly leaving a trail.
"Master!"
The rest of the words were drowned out by Chu Jiye's stagnant gaze when he looked up.
All the waiters around were silent, not daring to even breathe too loudly.
"Chu Qing," Chu Jiye said calmly, "go down and receive your punishment."
"……yes."
Chu Qing sighed inwardly.
Chu Qing was originally just an unworthy illegitimate son, but thanks to Chu Jiye's remembrance of the past, he was promoted to his current position as the head steward of the Chu family.
He was older than Chu Jiye and had watched Chu Jiye grow up. Over the years, he had seen all of Chu Jiye's hardships and, as an elder, naturally felt sorry for him.
But his cultivation level is low, how much longer can he live? Once he's gone, the young master will have no one left to talk to.
If today's situation were to repeat itself...
Chu Qing paused, suddenly recalling the message he had just received. He abruptly bent down, gritted his teeth, and said resolutely, "Reporting to the patriarch, I am old and weak, and my mind is muddled. I have forgotten that Young Master Chu Le is still clearing out the puppet obstacles in the towns below the Mitian Realm. Those retainers are with Young Master Le, so they have not yet returned with the sword cultivators. I gave a wrong report just now, please punish me, patriarch!"
Chu Jiye was stunned for a moment.
"The Vast Heaven Realm, the Vast Heaven Realm..."
Chu Jiye murmured several times, and then his stagnant eyes seemed to be filled with starlight, finally brightening up again.
Yes! This is a place he hasn't set foot in since...!
Chu Jiye stood up abruptly, carelessly overturning the table in front of him. The wine pot that was originally on it tipped over, and the rich aroma of the wine mixed with the fragrance of fruits filled the air, carrying a strange fragrance.
Just like Chu Jiye's expression at this moment, it was pale yet radiated a strange and fanatical light.
"Head to the Vast Heaven Realm immediately!"
Chu Qing, sitting to the left, bowed and accepted the greeting, but closed his eyes slightly as he did so, revealing weariness on his aged face.
No destruction, no construction.
I sincerely hope that the head of the family can see through this this time.
...
The question was strange and subtle, and Sheng Ningyu's thoughts drifted for a moment.
She was about to say something joking when she was interrupted by an uncontrollable cough.
Xie Qianjing covered his lips with a handkerchief, coughing violently, seemingly in great pain.
Sheng Ningyu frowned as she looked at him, finding it strange.
Despite feeling extremely uncomfortable, Xie Qianjing spoke softly and gently, with a smile on his face and an elegant and refined demeanor, as if his words were just a casual question.
Only those dark eyes.
Soaked in damp mist, without a trace of a smile, it was like a wild dog soaked in the rain, watching every hurried passerby with longing and vigilance.
Once she puts herself in that situation, Sheng Ningyu remembers her former beloved pet and can no longer feel angry.
"Fellow Daoist Ning?"
Sheng Ningyu sighed.
Never mind, this guy takes things too seriously, I'd better not tease him anymore.
She said, "I'm not moved, I just feel apprehensive."
Xie Qianjing's lips curled up almost imperceptibly. After a moment of silence, he asked softly, "Why?"
This is a case of getting to the bottom of things.
Sheng Ningyu glanced at him and shrugged: "The Chu family's search for someone is ultimately to find a substitute. But the Bright Moon Sword Master is a celestial being, one in a thousand years. How can we mere ants possibly emulate him?"
She can praise herself without any pressure or embarrassment.
After all, Sheng Ningyu felt from the bottom of her heart that she was indeed very outstanding back then.
A prodigy, possessing extraordinary talent and celestial bearing.
The bright moon shines with unparalleled brilliance.
Sheng Ningyu had heard these words countless times in the past.
“That’s true.” Xie Qianjing’s long eyelashes fluttered as he looked past Sheng Ningyu at the commotion in the distance. “We are outsiders after all. It’s a pity that Sword Master Mingyue doesn’t know this, otherwise he would definitely be moved by Patriarch Chu and rekindle his relationship with him.”
The stage was bustling with activity, as someone's demonstration turned into a sword fight, which became increasingly exciting.
I don't think so.
Sheng Ningyu scoffed and turned her gaze to the sword duel in the distance: "I guess if Sword Master Mingyue knew, he would probably feel disgusted, just like me, instead of being moved."
Sheng Ningyu couldn't guarantee anything else, but how could she not know what she was thinking?
She turned her head and caught a glimpse of bloodstains on Xie Qianjing's handkerchief out of the corner of her eye, and sighed silently in her heart.
She swallowed the words she had originally intended to tease him about being sentimental. Seeing that Xie Qianjing seemed about to cough again, Sheng Ningyu couldn't bear it and gently patted his back to comfort him.
She lowered her voice: "I know you're unsettled right now, but for now... let's just get through today, and we can discuss the rest later."
He was indeed unsettled, Xie Qianjing thought.
But it wasn't just because of the Chu family.
Xie Qianjing concealed the expression in his eyes, a hint of mockery playing on his lips.
She always speaks so eloquently, every word touching the heart. Even if she doesn't recognize him at all, or has completely forgotten him, she can still say things so charmingly.
Before the two could say anything more, the steward of the Chu family, who had previously taken a liking to them, could no longer contain himself and signaled the waiter to bring the people up.
“Young Master Chu Le.” The steward bowed respectfully. “I noticed that these two seem to be quite handsome. I thought that bringing them back would please the head of the family.”
He glanced at Xie Qianjing a few times, finding no fault in her face, even though it was partially obscured. But when he turned away, he still stubbornly said, "A vulgar beauty."
With his gaze lowered to Sheng Ningyu's veiled face, Chu Le sneered, "What do you mean by having an outstanding appearance? I bet she's just an ugly monster trying to hide her true looks."
It seemed he hadn't heard her earlier words. Sheng Ningyu's eyes flickered, and she felt even more confident of winning.
The steward broke out in a cold sweat and quickly gestured to Sheng Ningyu: "I told you to come up here, why are you wearing a veil? Take it off now!"
Sheng Ningyu blinked, her tone extremely sincere: "I can't pick them, after all, I'm an ugly monster."
No one had ever called her that before, and she found it quite novel at first.
Manager: "..."
Chu Le: "..."
He was momentarily speechless, then slammed his hand on the table, his face turning red with anger: "Nonsense!"
Sheng Ningyu had been waiting for this sentence. She immediately raised her hand and lifted a corner of her veil, revealing the crisscrossing redness and swelling inside. She sighed and said, "I dare not deceive the young master."
The surrounding cultivators, who had initially been somewhat jealous, now felt a pang of sympathy for Sheng Ningyu, recalling her earlier words: "Sigh, I saw her eating earlier!"
"Indeed! It's completely destroyed, it's truly pitiful!"
"Then why didn't she just say so earlier?"
“Who would want to repeatedly bring up their disfigurement? Especially since she is a female cultivator.”
Sheng Ningyu lowered her head obediently, feigning a sorrowful expression.
Chu Le, as the "instigator," stiffened, and even dared not look at Sheng Ningyu anymore.
He turned his gaze to Xie Qianjing and said stiffly, "Are you done now? You're next to demonstrate your swordsmanship!"
Xie Qianjing neither moved nor spoke, but simply turned his head to look quietly at Sheng Ningyu.
He neither answered nor spoke, but kept his words firmly in mind.
Sheng Ningyu found it somewhat amusing and stepped forward to block Xie Qianjing: "Young Master, this person has been timid since childhood and has never dared to wield a sword, let alone become a brilliant 'sword cultivator'."
Chu Le frowned, suppressing his anger: "And what about you?"
Sheng Ningyu remained calm and composed: "I don't know how to use a sword either."
Having been disobeyed time and again, Chu Le, despite her young age, could no longer suppress her anger and suddenly flew into a rage.
"My Chu family is recruiting sword cultivators here, requiring well-proportioned features and considerable strength. Not only is one of you disfigured, but you don't even know how to use a sword! Are you deliberately making a fool of my Chu family?!"
A note from the author:
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Sheng Ningyu: After all these years, how come the Chu family is still the same?
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