Chapter 15
What's the problem?
Sheng Ningyu was taken aback. Xie Qianjing's gaze fell on her face: "What are you thinking, Fellow Daoist Sheng?"
Sheng Ningyu was pondering when she blurted out without thinking, "It's nothing, it's just that I feel like I've heard this before..."
As soon as he finished speaking, Xie Qianjing's beautiful face turned even colder.
If we keep talking, I'm afraid we really won't be able to appease them.
Sheng Ningyu immediately stopped talking, and said with a wry smile, "I'll save you, I'll definitely save you."
"You'll definitely save me?" Xie Qianjing repeated, a hint of sarcasm creeping into his lips. "Fellow Daoist Mingyue's answer is so straightforward, it makes me feel uneasy."
[I was lying to you, Xie Qianjing. Didn't you already know the answer?]
I will never choose you! Never!
【Now, Xie Qianjing, before I reunite with Chu Chang'an, before I find my old friends again, before I'm surrounded by loneliness... kill me now!】
Instead of trying to suppress me in the desolate mountains, why not just kill me once and for all? This is your only chance to control me and dispel your inner demons!
"good."
Xie Qianjing agreed with a smile, but Sheng Ningyu found the smile rather strange.
Sheng Ningyu spoke first: "Give me your hand."
Xie Qianjing paused, his eyes filled with even more red mist, but he still extended his right hand as instructed.
Her fingers were long and slender, her palms facing upwards. As her sleeves slipped down, a few slightly protruding blue veins were revealed on her forearms, their color contrasting sharply with her jade-like skin, making her even more beautiful.
Sheng Ningyu admired it in her heart for a few seconds before taking out the item: "Here, this is yours."
Xie Qianjing's gaze fell, and a hint of surprise finally crossed his usually calm and composed face.
The moment Sheng Ningyu asked him to extend his hand, Xie Qianjing thought about many things.
Swords, lies, deception, blood.
But I never expected it to be a pear blossom.
“These are pear blossoms that fell from the tree next to me when I drew my sword earlier. I thought they were pretty, so I picked two.” Recalling Xie Qianjing’s earlier words, Sheng Ningyu added, “The one that the little girl from Yunwang Palace picked was a bit wrinkled and not as pretty as yours. I kept the prettiest one for you.”
Light as a feather, yet weighing more than a thousand pieces of gold.
Xie Qianjing slightly clenched his right hand, stared at the pear blossom in his palm in silence for a long time, and when he spoke, his voice was a little hoarse, as if he were talking to himself: "Chu Jiye didn't have it either."
Sheng Ningyu: "?"
She thought for a moment and laughed, "You must have the wrong person. The young man from the Chu family is named Chu Le."
Xie Qianjing looked up at the person beside him, as if a patch of snow that had never melted for a year had finally melted.
He chuckled softly, "Hmm, I remembered it wrong."
Sheng Ningyu's jade-like fingertips touched the petals, and she couldn't tell which one was more beautiful.
She thought to herself, "Beauty really does lead people astray."
Sliding from the soft petals to the stamen, savoring a wisp of fragrance, and kneading the stamen repeatedly until it was almost broken, Xie Qianjing finally smiled contentedly and looked up at Sheng Ningyu: "Why didn't you give it to me before?"
Even a single flower can bring so much joy.
Sheng Ningyu shook her head, yawned, and leaned lazily against the tree: "It's nothing special, I'm afraid you'll laugh at me if I take it out. I didn't even want to give it to you, but I felt you seemed to be in a bad mood just now, so I thought I'd just take it out."
Sheng Ningyu thought to herself, her mind wandering, that this trick of hers was originally meant to coax children.
Surprisingly, it had a remarkable effect on this person as well.
The red mist in my eyes finally dissipated.
Xie Qianjing was silent for a moment, then said, "Thank you, I like it very much."
He tucked the pear blossom into his robes and said to Sheng Ningyu, "The gauze on your right hand is a little loose. Let me straighten it for you."
Sheng Ningyu raised her hand to look at it, feeling that there was nothing wrong. But then she remembered the comfortable warmth emanating from Xie Qianjing, and decisively nodded, "Then thank you very much."
...
Compared to the smooth journey of Sheng Ningyu and her group, the Chu family's journey was extremely bumpy.
Whether it was just my imagination or not, ever since I parted ways with the people from Yunwang Palace in the grove that day, the puppet obstacles I encountered along the way have become increasingly troublesome.
Even with the patriarch Chu Jiye, who had reached the Heavenly Power Realm, present, Chu Le was still quite annoyed by this situation.
It's not that it can't be solved, it's just that there are too many people involved, and when they're a mixed bag, the puppet barrier can easily slip through if you're not careful.
What are you hesitating about?
Chu Le was startled and almost got entangled in the puppet threads in front of him. Fortunately, something cut the annoying threads first.
If the fan is the size of a regular fan, and its shimmering colors make it immediately apparent that it is no ordinary object.
The moment this thing appeared, the restless crowd calmed down considerably, and their eyes kept drifting towards it. Even Chu Le couldn't help but take a few more glances.
This item is called the "Yin-Yang Mirror," a treasure of the Chu family, which can only be used by each successive head of the family.
The Yin-Yang Mirror, as its name suggests, can connect Yin and Yang, reverse time, and reveal the true form of any demon or ghost. It can also protect its owner from any evil influences and prevent any monsters or evil spirits from getting close.
In addition, it is said to have the miraculous effects of warming the soul and stopping serious injuries, and the successive heads of the Chu family have never been without this item.
Chu Jiye put away the Yin-Yang Mirror and said calmly, "Chu Le."
"yes!"
"I will not make a move again. I will deal with these things within the time it takes for an incense stick to burn."
If he recovers within the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, he might survive with someone protecting him, but those sword cultivators probably won't be able to hold on!
Chu Jiye: "If even these problems can't be solved, there's no need to go to the Chu family."
"That kid from the Yuan family is good at protecting his own people." Chu Jiye put his hands behind his back and said coldly, "You can also see if you're capable."
Chu Le lowered his head and gripped his sword tightly: "...Yes."
After experiencing several such incidents, when they returned to the Chu family, the number of people had decreased by nearly half compared to the initial number.
Anyone who was tainted by the puppet barrier was killed by Chu Jiye with a single sword strike.
"Why act like a child?" Chu Jiye shook the blood off the tip of his sword and said indifferently, "If these people were to fall into the mortal world, they would be even more afraid of the cold."
Chu Le bit her lip and remained silent.
These puppet barriers are completely different from before; each one is ferocious. When they appear, the red mist almost obscures the sky and the sun. Once invaded, there is no chance of being saved.
"Why didn't Uncle step in to save us sooner?" Chu Le asked cautiously.
Not only him, but everyone behind him was terrified.
In the past, everyone knew that the head of the Chu family was extremely protective of his own. Why is he so hostile today? Is he determined to let someone die without offering any help?
In theory, everyone present can be considered a retainer of the Chu family.
"If I hadn't come, this would have been their fate."
“You should know,” Chu Jiye paused, a gentle look flashing across his face, as quick as moonlight breaking through on a rainy day, “that evil must be eradicated completely.”
These were the words that Senior Sister Mingyue had said to him when he was young.
Upon thinking of Sheng Ningyu, the fierce aura emanating from Chu Jiye suddenly dissipated.
However, Chu Le was young and somewhat disheartened by what had happened. So when he asked Chu Jiye for a sword cultivator before going to the confinement room, Chu Jiye only glanced at him and nodded without objection: "Whatever you want."
After saying this, he flew away, and the group of people immediately bowed and said, "Respectfully seeing off the patriarch."
When he looked up again, Chu Jiye had vanished.
Chu Le breathed a sigh of relief, then felt a pang of disappointment: "Uncle, did you go to the Bright Moon Pavilion on the Sea again? Without anyone else?"
Over the years, Chu Jiye has almost never stayed at the Chu family home, instead staying at the Mingyue Tower on the sea.
But he wouldn't let anyone stay there, not even Chu Le.
Chu Qing sighed: "The patriarch must be in a bad mood."
They went there with great hope, and were just as disappointed when they saw that not a single sword cultivator could withstand the puppet barrier.
It's no less than falling from the clouds to the bottom of the valley.
Chu Qing said, "I hope the patriarch can come to a realization."
He turned around, looked at Chu Le, and asked with a kind expression, "What does the young master need these sword cultivators for?"
While Chu Jiye was busy, Chu Le was always taken care of by his retainers and servants, and Chu Qing would also inquire about him from time to time, so that he would not be at a loss for words when the head of the household asked about Chu Le.
Chu Le's thinking is very simple.
If that ugly monster could do it with a wooden branch, there's no reason why he couldn't do it with a sword!
Moreover, although that person has now gone with Yuan Shuhe, who is about the same age as him, if Qingyi Academy really reopens, the two of them might meet at the academy.
Although Qingyi Academy is called an academy, it is actually a gathering place for various sects and aristocratic families.
Resource sharing and mutual exchange of resources.
Some harmless moves can be learned from each other, and similarly, sparring is also allowed.
Chu Le thought bitterly that he would gather seventeen or eighteen people and perform this in front of Yuan Shuhe and that ugly monster, and see how smug they would be!
He, the young master of the Chu family, certainly doesn't lack a flower!
Chu Qing didn't quite understand, thinking it was just childish behavior, acting on a whim, and didn't take it seriously. He just noted it down, planning to bring it up as a funny story when the family head was in a better mood.
He beckoned to the sword cultivators and condescendingly instructed them: "You are fortunate to have entered the Chu family. From now on, you shall obey the young master's orders without fail. If you perform well, you will be rewarded."
The sword cultivators who were standing here were originally here hoping to obtain some pills and treasures to rise to the top in one step. Upon hearing this, they were even more delighted and said in unison, "We will follow your orders, young master."
...
After bidding farewell to Xie Qianjing, Sheng Ningyu, Yuan Shuhe, and others arrived at Yunwang Palace.
Yunwang Palace is nestled in the mountains, surrounded by dense forests and clear streams. It can be reached by walking along a winding path. At first glance, the path seems unremarkable, like an ordinary village road. However, the further one goes, the more one's cultivation level will be able to perceive its differences.
The aroma of the medicinal herbs permeated the air, nourishing the heart and soul.
At the entrance, there is a huge rock with the three characters "Yunwang Palace" written on it. The characters are vigorous and powerful, but apart from the word "ancient and simple", there is nothing else to praise about the rock.
Yao Youling: "This is my Yunwang Palace. Is it the same as Fellow Daoist Ning imagined?"
Sheng Ningyu: "If all the disciples inside are as easy to get along with as you are, then that's exactly what I was thinking."
The group all laughed, and Yuan Shuhe gestured an invitation: "Fellow Daoist Ning, please."
Because the people of Yunwang Palace had a good impression of Sheng Ningyu, after asking Sheng Ningyu's opinion, Yuan Shu and Dangzhen arranged for her to live next door to Ji Qingwu.
After taking Sheng Ningyu's pulse, Yuan Shuhe frowned and said he would find a way. He left her a bottle of Gubenxuxiandan (a traditional Chinese medicine for strengthening the body and restoring virginity) to take first, and then hurriedly left, heading straight for the library.
Sheng Ningyu was very generous. As mentioned before, under Ji Qingwu's guidance, she did some daily lessons with the disciples of Yunwang Palace, and became familiar with them in just a few days.
Then, she received a message.
"The Palace Master and the former Elder Lord are coming back!"
The disciples of Yunwang Palace were overjoyed.
Listening to their casual conversation, Sheng Ningyu lifted her veil and calmly took a bite of the pastry.
Good, it seems she can find a way to attract Yuan Daojun's attention.
The female disciple who spoke paused for a moment, then inadvertently caught a glimpse of Sheng Ningyu lifting her veil. She was struck dumb, and murmured, "Where have I seen her before?"
Immediately, someone scoffed, "Come on, you've met a handsome cultivator, and everyone says they've seen him before!"
"What are you saying!" The female disciple blushed. "I really did see it!"
"Then tell me where it is?"
"In...in the portrait inside Madam Xiang's house?"
After saying this, it seemed that even the speaker himself didn't believe it, and there was a hint of hesitation in his tone at the end.
Even so, the room remained silent.
Sheng Ningyu remained calm.
When she chose to come to Linghuanwu, she was prepared to recognize that old man, Yuan Daojun.
The reason she hasn't taken any action yet is simply because Sheng Ningyu is looking for a way to bypass Yuan Bushu and see Yuan Daojun directly.
As for whether it looks similar or not, those are minor matters.
Sixty years have passed. What should have been forgotten has long been forgotten, and what should not have been forgotten will not be easily encountered in this desolate place.
Therefore, Sheng Ningyu remained very composed.
However, before she could casually steer everyone away from this topic, she was about to do so.
The disciples erupted in a clamor.
"Is it that portrait?!"
"Yes! That's the one!"
"I've never seen it. I've only heard from the disciples that the lady treasures that painting extremely, and even the palace master can't easily touch it!"
Now that you mention it, it really does look very similar!
"No wonder I felt a sense of familiarity and warmth when I saw Fellow Daoist Ning in the grove!"
"Isn't that the painting of the Bright Moon Sword Master?!"
These words were followed by another silence.
After exchanging glances for a few seconds, the disciples all turned their gazes to the corner.
Sheng Ningyu, who was itching to grab the fifth piece of pastry, thought to herself: "..."
In the blink of an eye, everything changed.
This revelation was truly unexpected.
Sheng Ningyu flicked her wrist, picked up the plate, placed it in front of everyone, and winked: "Then you guys eat first?"
Ji Qingwu protected Sheng Ningyu, while the little girl said fiercely, "So what if they look alike? There are plenty of people in the world who look alike! You're not allowed to ask!"
Sheng Ningyu picked up a piece of pastry, stuffed it into her mouth, and mumbled, "This is a long story, let me finish eating first."
Let her think about how to make it up.
A note from the author:
----------------------
Xie Qianjing: She gave me flowers, so I won't kill her today.
Inner Demon: I've said it eight hundred times, the Inner Demon Zone doesn't accept those with love-struck minds! No way!
Sheng Ningyu: The little genius's random fabrication machine is back online!
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