Chapter 142

At Lingyun Sect’s Lu Manor in Tianfeng City, numerous disciples had gathered, now divided into two opposing groups.

“How could you suggest replacing Elder Sister Qu and Junior Sister Jiao due to their injuries when we’re all fellow disciples?” Lou Zhiming, a male cultivator, rebuked his peers sternly.

“We wouldn’t dare disrespect them,” another cultivator, facing him with solemnity, replied. “We hold our senior sisters in high regard, but as they were wounded by demon cultivators, purging the demonic qi will take time. It would be best for them to rest while substitute disciples step up, ensuring Lingyun Sect maintains its leadership position.”

“That’s precisely our concern,” added a female cultivator, her flowing robes accentuated by the sway of her folding fan, without mincing words. “Lingyun Sect has held the top spot five times already. If we lose it now to another sect, won’t that become a laughingstock?”

The root of this dispute traced back to the sudden attack by the demon cultivator days ago. Qu Xirong and Jiao Xiao had suffered the most severe injuries, making recovery through medicinal pills alone challenging. Lingyun Sect had dispatched over twenty core disciples, along with three designated substitutes, perfectly positioned to fill any gaps.

However, the difficulty lay in Qu Xirong’s status—she was the daughter of the sect leader, and Jiao Xiao, closely allied with her, belonged to the trusted Jiao Clan. The elder leading their team also hailed from the same clan, rendering both girls untouchable.

In contrast, the substitute disciples relegated to backup roles had little influence within the sect, paling in comparison to those connected to the sect leader’s lineage.

“Enough.” Jiao Yong, the team’s leader, swiftly intervened. With a displeased glance at the disciples clamoring to replace Jiao Xiao and Qu Xirong, he declared firmly, “Setting aside other matters, the Tianfeng Pavilion competition is imminent. Zhang Shuhuai, Yu Wei—as captain and vice-captain, leading this disturbance, what do you intend?”

“Disregarding sect rules will result in penalties upon our return. Head directly to the Punishment Hall for your discipline.”

“Elder Jiao, how imposing,” Yu Wei sneered before Zhang Shuhuai could respond. She waved her folding fan even more vigorously, her tone flippant. “If I so choose when we get back, I’ll retreat to my Jinyang Peak and recount Elder Jiao’s ‘accomplishments’ to my esteemed ancestor. Let’s see then who ends up facing punishment in the Punishment Hall—me or you.”

Jiao Yong’s expression shifted.

In this team, Zhang Shuhuai, with his profound cultivation and commanding presence, had been appointed as captain. Right behind him was Yu Wei, whose reckless demeanor belied her status as no ordinary second-generation scion. No one dared underestimate her, given she belonged to the direct lineage of Jinyang Peak—the peak lord’s most cherished descendant.

Yu Wei snapped shut her folding fan and pointed it accusingly. “Each reserve disciple is highly skilled, yet you refuse to let them compete where they belong. This reeks of favoritism.”

Zhang Shuhuai added, “The reputation of our sect takes precedence. Please consider Lingyun Sect’s interests, Elder.”

One relied on intimidation, while the other presented facts and reasoned calmly. Caught off guard, Jiao Yong found himself thoroughly speechless, his face flushing red.

Lou Zhiming, who had been most fervent at the start, sensed the tide turning against him. He attempted to jump back into the fray but was promptly restrained by Yu Wei. “Enough groveling,” she snapped. “If not for Hang Yunhe being half-dead at Xingshan, you wouldn’t have the chance to be Qu Xirong’s puppet. You’re truly pathetic.”

Lou Zhiming sprang up from his chair with a thud. “You—”

“Stop quarreling.” A weak female voice drifted in from outside, drawing everyone’s attention.

Qu Xirong entered alongside Jiao Xiao, her face concealed behind a veil imbued with spiritual energy, hiding her features beneath it.

However, those present had witnessed firsthand how demonic qi had ravaged half of her face that day. Recalling this, as a fellow female cultivator, Yu Wei couldn’t help feeling a twinge of sympathy for Qu Xirong.

As if sensing Yu Wei’s gaze, Qu Xirong approached her directly, her voice soft and plaintive. “Junior Sister Yu, if there are any misunderstandings between us, please come speak to me directly.”

Yu Wei’s newfound sympathy vanished entirely, replaced by confusion. How could a mere injury change Qu Xirong’s demeanor so drastically? Had she abandoned her previous persona of maturity and responsibility? Was she now adopting the route of the pitiable white lotus?

With a strained smile, she continued, “Yu Wei, why resort to underhanded tactics behind our backs? Using the Tianfeng Pavilion as an excuse to marginalize Elder Sister Qu—she barely slept last night and wept secretly, already distraught over her injury. And now you’re inciting others to remove her from the team list—it’s like stabbing her right in the heart.”

“Junior Sister Jiao, please don’t say such things,” Qu Xirong interjected. “Rest assured, Junior Sister Yu, I’m aware that my condition might hinder us. I will…” She closed her eyes, her body trembling slightly, as if in great anguish, “I will voluntarily withdraw from the Tianfeng Pavilion team.”

The sight of this usually proud sect daughter displaying vulnerability stirred the emotions of many fellow disciples.

Lou Zhiming was the first to speak up, “By exploiting Senior Brother Zhang’s concern for the team, you’ve orchestrated her exclusion—you must have harbored secret resentment against Senior Sister Qu all along! Seizing this opportunity to strike is truly despicable!”

Elder Jiao sighed deeply, his tone filled with distress. “To treat one’s own comrades so harshly…”

“Don’t upset yourself further, Elder Sister Qu,” another disciple chimed in. “Resting should be your priority now. As for the Tianfeng Pavilion, I don’t think it’s necessary to replace anyone. We can simply provide extra support for you and Senior Sister Jiao during the event.”

“Yes, before leaving, we were confident about securing the top spot together. Now without both senior sisters, it feels incomplete.”

Even one of the reserve disciples chimed in quietly, “Maybe we should just let it be? The senior sisters seem spirited enough, and their injuries aren’t severe.”

Accusations, consolations, and stifled sobs echoed around the room. Yu Wei exchanged glances with Zhang Shuhuai—she feeling utterly helpless, he with a splitting headache.

Yu Wei gritted her teeth. There were always people like this who, when you tried to reason with them, would tug at your emotions instead; whenever you addressed serious matters, they’d accuse you of bias or even jealousy towards them.

As she seethed silently, through a crowd of comforting figures, she met Qu Xirong’s gaze. Qu Xirong paused momentarily before curling her lips upwards and emitting a soft sob.

Fuck! I’m going to die from anger—I swear, fucking hell! Can someone please step in?!

As if answering Yu Wei’s thoughts, a familiar presence suddenly approached from afar, sweeping over the Lodging Courtyard like a biting spring chill. This aura was potent and commanding, devoid of hostility yet instantly clearing everyone’s minds and instinctively tensing their spirits, causing all voices to falter.

The courtyard fell silent for a moment.

“Is that… Senior Big Sister?” Zhang Shuhuai murmured, looking outside.

“Senior Big Sister.” Yu Wei’s eyes lit up.

“Elder Song,” Jiao Yong exclaimed, hastily stepping out of the hall.

“Senior Big Sister is here!” The eyes of several disciples lit up, momentarily forgetting all about comforting Qu Xirong as they followed Jiao Yong to welcome Song Pianxian.

The space beside Qu Xirong suddenly emptied out, leaving her alone with only Jiao Xiao and Lou Zhiming—utterly desolate company. She clenched the plain handkerchief tightly, fury blazing within her gaze.

In mere moments, lively voices erupted outside, overlapping so rapidly it was impossible to follow each conversation. Meanwhile, by Qu Xirong’s side, there remained only the solitary figures of Jiao Xiao and Lou Zhiming, their presence starkly diminished.

Soon, footsteps approached from the distance. Taking a deep breath, Qu Xirong straightened her posture and carefully composed her expression before lifting her head to look.

Surrounded by a throng of disciples, accompanied by Jiao Yong, two individuals entered—the unmistakable figure of Song Pianxian among them. Qu Xirong’s gaze flickered briefly before settling on the girl beside Song Pianxian: Yu Yi had arrived as well.

Yu Yi still wore her light teal crane cloak, her slender frame delicate and petite, with narrow shoulders and a slim waist protected closely by her puppet. Her complexion appeared much improved, glowing like tender peach blossoms, even hinting at a trace of allure in her eyes. However, this subtle touch of maturity was swiftly tempered by the sweet dimples adorning her cheeks, creating an enchanting charm that held one’s gaze irresistibly.

At first glance, she seemed contented—is this why she came, to mock Qu Xirong? Resentment swelled within Qu Xirong towards the other cultivators for their incompetence; not a single one could best Song Pianxian. She also despised Jiao Xiao’s useless suggestion. With great effort, she suppressed her seething anger, striving to keep her voice steady:

“Elder Song, Yu Yi, what brings you here?”

Yu Wei, who had been closely following Song Pianxian’s every step, promptly answered, “Elder Song must have heard about our ambush and came specifically to check on us.”

Qu Xirong furrowed her brow, annoyance flickering in her eyes. Turning away, she whispered softly, “Since we couldn’t reach a conclusion earlier, Junior Sister Yu, please return for now. If any lingering biases remain against me, I’ll address them with you after speaking with the elder.”

Why was Qu Xirong rushing everyone out so quickly? Yu Wei felt disgruntled; at that moment, she cared little for this hypocritical white lotus and only wanted more glimpses of Senior Big Sister.

It wasn’t just her—Zhang Shuhuai and the other disciples whom Song Pianxian had saved alongside Yu Wei also gazed upon their senior sister with admiration and respect.

Despite feeling justified in her gaze, Yu Wei found herself being shooed away by the irrelevant Qu Xirong. With a naturally short temper, hearing Qu Xirong’s meddling once again made her bristle. Her eyebrows arched as she snapped, “Neither Senior Big Sister nor the Elder has said anything yet. Who gave you the authority to dismiss guests?”

As soon as these words left Yu Wei’s mouth, Qu Xirong swayed unsteadily, tears splashing onto her veil.

Yu Wei, feeling entirely justified and secure in her stance, was taken aback by Qu Xirong’s attempt to drive her away. With a volatile temper already, she bristled at this further provocation from Qu Xirong.

Lou Zhiming swiftly retorted, “Yu Wei, you show no respect to your elders! Time and again, you’ve insulted Elder Sister Qu—how audacious!”

“Show some decorum,” Elder Jiao scolded sternly. “If this continues, forget about participating in Tianfeng Pavilion.”

Is Qu Xirong made of paper? Is she so fragile? Anyone unaware might think Yu Wei had put a knife to her throat. Fuming, Yu Wei stomped her feet and vigorously fanned herself with her folding fan.

Amidst the tension, a soft voice interjected, “What seems to be the issue here?”

Yu Wei looked up to see it was Yu Yi. Having spent most of her time away from the sect, she rarely encountered Yu Yi. She only knew that Yu Yi’s experiences were quite legendary. However, since Senior Big Sister was treated well as Yu Yi’s puppet, Yu Wei felt a measure of affection towards her by association. Suppressing her temper, she briefly recounted the dispute leading up to this moment.

“…It appears that despite being weakened, Elder Sister Qu remains on the team, while I, who merely spoke the truth, am forced out of Tianfeng Pavilion.” Unable to resist, Yu Wei added another biting remark at the end.

Jiao Yong’s brow twitched anxiously. “If you continue like this—”

“Why does the Elder always reprimand Senior Sister Yu?”

Yu Yi’s voice wasn’t loud, but it was enough to make Jiao Yong swallow his remaining words. She took a few steps closer to Qu Xirong, who instinctively retreated half a pace before forcefully stopping herself.

What did Yu Yi intend to do? Qu Xirong braced herself as if facing a formidable adversary.

What could Junior Sister Yu Yi possibly attempt? It seemed unlikely she’d outwit this White Lotus; after all, Qu Xirong had perfected the art of playing victim, leaving Yu Yi vulnerable to her manipulations.

As Yu Wei watched with little hope, she noticed that Yu Yi’s eyes welled up even before she spoke. They shimmered like pebbles cleansed by a spiritual spring, reflecting the purity of a gentle spirit beast. Blinking back tears, Yu Yi choked out, “Why burden yourself so, Senior Sister? Straining under such hardship.”

Qu Xirong flinched slightly and responded, softer still, “What is Junior Sister saying? Participating in Tianfeng Pavilion has always been my duty…”

Before she finished, Yu Yi shook her head vigorously, seemingly dismissing every word. Qu Xirong had no choice but to stop, the rest of her sentence caught in her throat, unable to continue.

“Pretending to be strong before others is one thing, but we’re the closest of sisters,” Yu Yi raised her face, her accusation childlike yet poignant. With red-rimmed eyes against her fair complexion, she looked unbearably pitiable and endearing—no one could dislike her.

---

Come join the Discord, where all the cool kids hang out!

Please support us on Ko-Fi. You can now read extra chapters by supporting.

Translator: Glariosa
Editor: Ruu

---

---