37 Reunion
Chu Qing stopped in her tracks. She could guess Ling Xueluo's intentions and couldn't help but sigh softly.
"Snowfall, you're here—"
"Master, is what they said true?" Ling Xueluo seemed a little flustered, but she still mustered up the courage to ask about the things that had kept her up at night for the past two days.
"Um."
Chu Qing only gave a simple syllable in response. She wanted to continue explaining, but after thinking about it, she felt that explaining wouldn't help the other party. The facts were there, and no matter how much she tried to explain, the final outcome would still be the same.
"Master, don't you want your senior brother anymore?" She clenched her hands tightly in her sleeves. She couldn't believe it. She couldn't believe that her master had become so cold-hearted in just one year and had completely given up on the master-disciple relationship that had lasted for so long.
Her senior brother was so good, and her master was also so good to him. She didn't believe that her master thought her senior brother was a demon that everyone should kill. Her master—he was clearly not like that.
"Xueluo, stay in the courtyard with Moyu these next few days." Chu Qing looked at the sky. "It's getting late, go back now."
"Master!"
Ling Xueluo, like a little animal, stubbornly looked up and stared directly into Chu Qing's eyes, but the other party only glanced at her lightly and closed the door without turning her head.
Separated by only a door, it seems to push two hearts further and further apart.
It seems that everything has changed since some point. The Cloud Mist Sect is no longer as calm as it used to be, but is now full of hidden storms. If you are not careful, you will be drenched and battered.
They haven't sat down together to talk in a long time, not even a single word.
A year has passed. Ling Xuelu walked back in a daze, the dark night sky making her feel even more desolate.
The next day, the weather was excellent, and the competition that everyone had been looking forward to was about to begin. Chu Qing and her two companions stood on the high platform, calmly watching the new disciples who were going to compete.
"Hmph, Brother Jing'an, see you on stage at the very end!"
Chi Yuanhan still had a carefree attitude, but his words and expressions were more familiar than when the two of them first went to Qingshan Peak together. Zhao Jing'an just glanced at him indifferently, but when he turned around, the corner of his lips inadvertently curled up.
It must be said that the talents of two top-grade Heavenly Spiritual Roots are not something that everyone can match through hard work. In just half a day, the names of Zhao Jing'an and Chi Yuanhan had spread among the disciples of Green Mountain Peak.
"Zhao Jing'an and Chi Yuanhan are indeed highly talented. Anyone who goes toe-to-toe with them for a few moves will be beaten down. Tsk tsk tsk, the younger generation is truly formidable!"
"Stop pretending. Once he becomes a disciple, why don't you have a match with him?" The disciples watching discussed among themselves. At noon, the disciple competition determined the final three contestants: Zhao Jing'an, Chi Yuanhan, and Yan Ziming.
When Zhao Jing'an and Chi Yuanhan faced off, it took them quite a while to determine a winner. However, Zhao Jing'an's cultivation and spiritual power were more stable and profound, and he was more experienced than Chi Yuanhan.
Chi Yuanhan walked alongside him into the main hall where the three elders were. He seemed a little angry, his face flushed as he threatened, "Zhao Jing'an, you...you wait, I will definitely defeat you!"
"Alright, I'll be waiting." Zhao Jing'an couldn't help but chuckle, but quickly regained his serious expression. He looked at the main hall in front of him, unable to hide his excitement.
The door was pushed open, and a woman in a silver-white robe sat in the high seat in the center. Her eyebrows were light and long, and her eyes revealed no emotion, but her whole being exuded the pressure of a powerful person, like a handful of white snow on a distant mountain peak, bright and otherworldly, unattainable.
"Greetings, Elder."
"Get up."
Chu Qing sized up the three of them. Zhao Jing'an stood on the far left, still looking calm and composed, with a cold and steady expression. In the middle was Yan Ziming, whose cute baby face couldn't hide his emotions. He was so nervous that he unconsciously clenched his fingers and secretly looked around.
But the one on the far right—is that Chi Yuanhan?
The fifteen or sixteen-year-old boy had a slight upturn at the corners of his mouth, exuding a lazy yet bright youthful vibe. He had sword-like eyebrows, bright eyes, fair skin, and his phoenix eyes were perfectly upturned. There was also a beauty mark under his left eye.
He seemed to notice Chu Qing's gaze, and the moment he turned to meet her eyes, he revealed a bright smile without reservation.
Suddenly, distant memories deep within my heart became increasingly clear...
Chu Qing lowered her eyes, but could not ignore the bitterness in her heart. Whether Yin Li could return depended on today.
"Qingge, do you have any disciples you'd like to take on?"
Hua Qi chimed in, "I still think Jing An has a good personality and is suitable for you."
"Hmm," Chu Qing replied casually, then picked up the Cloud Mist Sect token from the side and slowly walked down.
At this moment, Chi Yuanhan felt his blood boiling and his heart almost jumping out of his chest. He couldn't contain himself and quietly raised his head, trying to attract people with his burning gaze.
Elder Qingge seemed to have seen through his thoughts. Her eyes were filled with warmth, and a faint smile appeared on her lips as she walked step by step toward him.
thud
thud
thud
Chi Yuanhan felt himself trembling uncontrollably, not from fear, but from excitement.
"look up."
The gentle voice struck the other person's heart. He stared at the deity in his heart in disbelief, and joy almost made him lose his mind.
That's how Yin Li looked at Chu Qingge back then, wasn't it?
The thought flashed through Chu Qing's mind for a moment, but she quickly put it out of her mind.
"Take it."
A pale, white finger held out a jade pendant. Chi Yuanhan quickly reached out and carefully took it. The warmth of the pendant on his fingertips left him speechless for a long time.
Is he really going to become Elder Qingge's disciple?!
"Qingge".
Hua Qi stood up, seemingly in disbelief. He hadn't even sat down by the time Chu Qing returned to her seat.
"Qingge, don't you think this child looks like... like..."
Xu Zhiqiu frowned slightly. It didn't matter whose disciple Chi Yuanhan was, but it couldn't be Chu Qingge's.
Because they are so alike.
Their every smile and frown, even the way they look at each other, is remarkably similar.
"Don't worry, no, he's not him, I can tell the difference."
Chu Qing casually transmitted the secret message to the two of them. Chi Yuanhan was indeed similar to Yin Li in some ways, but that was only in the eyes of outsiders.
Chi Yuanhan's feelings were more of admiration and cautiousness, while Yin Li...
Chu Qing smiled inwardly. That rebellious, insolent little madman, she wondered when he would ever remember his master.
Seeing Chu Qing's explanation, the other two were too embarrassed to say anything more. They knew that sometimes, some things couldn't be stopped.
In the end, Zhao Jing'an was taken away by Hua Qi, and Yan Ziming went to Xu Zhi Qiu.
After receiving their tokens, the three bowed and stood still, awaiting the elders' assessment.
Chu Qing sat calmly, but for some reason, she felt a sudden panic the moment she handed over the token. The panic did not subside with time, but instead became more and more difficult to ignore. At this moment, she had to drink some tea to try to calm her strange emotions.
Boom!
Boom!
Suddenly, the once clear sky darkened, thunder roared across the sky, and in the instant the dark clouds intertwined, crimson lightning flashed continuously.
A storm is brewing.
Almost simultaneously, the system in his mind began screaming frantically: [Beep! Beep! Attention, host! The male protagonist's corruption level is rising rapidly! The host's life is in imminent danger! Please find a way to escape!!!]
They've arrived.
Chu Qing understood, but the system's reaction was so frustrating that she couldn't help but complain. It was a life-threatening situation, and instead of providing protective measures, it made her figure out how to do it herself. Did it learn its exploitative practices from capitalists?
"This, this is—" Before Yan Ziming could react, he heard the person beside him take out his sword and say with a solemn expression, "It's demonic energy."
Zhao Jing'an narrowed his eyes, glanced at Chi Yuanhan who was still standing there dumbfounded on his right, and couldn't help but raise his hand and slap the back of the other's head. "What are you standing there for? Get your sword!"
"Ah! Oh! No, no!" Chi Yuanhan exclaimed incredulously, "The demons... the demons have arrived like this? Do they have a grudge against Green Mountain Peak—"
He shut his mouth the moment he saw Chu Qing stand up.
He seemed to know why. To be honest, if the Demon Lord really came, he was somewhat looking forward to seeing what the other party would look like.
Everyone said that he was a prodigy, gentle and refined, a jade tree in full bloom—almost no amount of beautiful adjectives could fully capture his beauty, but Chi Yuanhan felt that he must be even less than himself.
"Quickly set up the formation!"
Hua Qi was the first to walk out of the main hall and stand on the high circular platform, instructing his disciples to form a battle formation.
In mid-air, amidst a flurry of lightning, a red figure suddenly appeared. The wind whipped his clothes around him, revealing black hair, a scarlet robe, and eyes covered by a white silk ribbon, yet this did not diminish his imposing aura.
"Yin Li, you're not dead."
Xu Zhi Qiu's face was gloomy, but she subconsciously looked at Chu Qing in front of her.
"Master, it's been a long time."
With a wave of his hand, the person above dispersed the formation that was not yet fully formed. Hua Qi did not have time to give any further instructions, but the group was trapped by the barrier set up by Yin Li and had nowhere to escape.
The other person slowly descended, and even though the surroundings were dark, it couldn't diminish the allure of her beauty.
Her hair flew wildly down her back like brocade, and Yin Li casually unleashed her aura, like a vengeful ghost from a battlefield. Even with her eyes covered, the chilling coldness, murderous intent, and bloodlust within her were still released with unbridled pleasure.
He moved forward, and with each step he took, everyone's heart tightened. Chu Qing stood quietly opposite him, without making any move.
"Yin Li".
She tried to make her voice sound less excited and longing, and just as she was about to open her mouth, the other person pressed their index finger against her lips.
His speed—it's so fast.
A cool fragrance wafted from between her clothes, and a subtle, oppressive aura surrounded Chu Qing, rendering her unable to move.
"Shh—" Yin Li lightly rubbed her lips with his thumb, leaning very close, his warm breath brushing against Chu Qing's ear: "Who is your new little apprentice?"
The tone was sinister yet steady, carrying a hint of cunning, but Chu Qing sensed a palpable killing intent, along with a trace of—unnoticeable—jealousy and resentment.
"Yin Li, listen to me, I—"
"It's him, isn't it?"
Yin Li pointed a finger, and the demonic energy instantly flew towards Chi Yuanhan's brow not far away. However, before it could get close, it was dispersed by a cold sword intent.
Zhao Jing'an had somehow appeared in front of the other person, watching Yin Li warily.
Oh.
A soft laugh dissipated into the air, but before Zhao Jing'an could react, he was pulled into the air by the dense demonic energy, as if he was about to be thrown down hard.
"Yin Li!" Chu Qing tried to break through the restriction, but fortunately he did not really suppress his spiritual power. She grasped Yin Li's raised arm with one hand, and the warm touch made him startled.
"Let go, release them."
An overwhelming, indescribable rage surged through Yin Li's body. His breathing became rapid, as if he were enraged. He raised his hand and grabbed Chu Qing's neck, but only lightly wrapped his arms around her. His teeth were almost ground to powder as he angrily squeezed out the words: "Let them go, but have you thought about the price you'll pay? Hmm? My good, master!"
[Author's Note]
Yin Xiaogou: What?! Master actually took on a disciple! Let me see which scoundrel this is!!!
Chu Qing: Goodness, it's all an act.
Yin Xiaogou was extremely aggrieved: You actually took on a new apprentice! And someone who idolizes you so much! I'm going to kill him!
Chu Qing: Hey, hey, we haven't even had the apprenticeship ceremony yet, it's not—
Yin Xiaogou: You still want him to perform the apprenticeship ceremony?! No way!
Chu Qing: Okay, you're the boss, whatever you say goes, I'll listen to you.
Yin Xiaogou was satisfied: Hmph, you can only stay by my side.
Author (I can't bear to look):
Haha, it's great to see you again! So happy! Maybe I'll update again tomorrow! [Go for it!]
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