Chapter 37

On the second day, the sky was clear, untainted by the slightest speck of dust, as tranquil and infinite as an endless emerald sea. With an honored guest expected to arrive today, the Xianmeng Sect’s gates were wide open. Su Lingyu and Qu Panyan were already waiting there early in front of the majestic entrance. Qu Panyan had fully recovered from her fever today, so Su Lingyu allowed her to wait alongside her.

A red dot suddenly streaked across the sky and gradually approached Xianmeng Sect. As it drew nearer, they could see a celestial horse-drawn carriage made of black nanmu wood with gold and jade ornaments decorated the exterior. It had elegant and smooth lines and was adorned with the Qu family’s Flame Crest insignia. Following closely behind were dozens of black-clothed guards flying on swords, creating a magnificent and imposing scene that made people not dare to act recklessly.

The guards accompanying the major family leaders always chose to fly on swords rather than using the sky and earth flight formations, mainly to maintain an imposing presence. Dozens of bright lights couldn’t compare to the visual impact created by dozens of formidable and valiant elites standing and flying on swords.

The celestial horse-drawn carriage descended slowly and gracefully on the ground. Yan Wu lifted the mysterious dark-colored curtain, revealing the person with a stunningly beautiful face inside the carriage.

Qu Panyan smiled and called out, “Sister!”

Qu Muqiu responded with a charming smile and gracefully stepped out of the carriage. She reached out and caught the person who ran over joyfully, asking in a gentle and warm voice, “Is Yan’er behaving well at Xianmeng Sect? Did you make Sister Lingyu angry?”

Qu Panyan was left momentarily speechless, “…” Sister, I can’t answer that question.

Just the day before yesterday, she had angered Su Lingyu and was punished to copy scriptures twenty times. She still had a few more times to go…

“Panyan has been very well-behaved,” Su Lingyu appeared behind her at some point and answered on her behalf, “She has never made me angry.”

“That’s good.” Qu Muqiu smiled gently and then noticed the fire jade inexplicably appearing on her little sister’s neck. She picked it up and examined it, asking, “What’s this fire jade for?”

Su Lingyu replied, “She has a Minor Heavenly Punishment due to her Gold Core rejection, so I made this fire jade to protect her from the cold aura of Tailing Peak.”

Qu Muqiu looked at Qu Panyan in surprise. No one in the Qu family had experienced a Minor Heavenly Punishment in hundreds of years because it was rare, so it had been forgotten by the elders and unknown to the younger generation. How could she have expected that Qu Panyan would be the “chosen one”?

Qu Muqiu affectionately touched Qu Panyan’s hair, choosing not to tell her that no one in the Qu family had experienced a Minor Heavenly Punishment in hundreds of years. She showed a gentle and tender expression, saying, “you’ve been through so much, my dear Yan’er.”

Unaware of the truth, Qu Panyan comforted her, “Sister, you don’t need to worry about me. Sister Lingyu said that Elder Tianhong can teach me the method of integration to help me overcome this tribulation.”

Qu Muqiu nodded with relief and looked at the fire jade again with a slightly uneasy expression. The intricate carvings on the fire jade seemed to have a profound impact on her, making it difficult for her to accept it for a while.

Afraid that her sister might say it’s ugly like Yue Xiaomeng did and unknowingly offend Su Lingyu, Qu Panyan hurriedly said, “Sister Lingyu personally carved it. Doesn’t it look beautiful?” Sister, I believe you can understand. Please give some face to your best friend!

Qu Muqiu’s smile deepened, her expression sincere and her words earnest, “Yes, it’s beautiful. We appreciate Master Su’s personal efforts.”

Su Lingyu didn’t mind at all and just said, “There’s no need for such formality between us,” before leading her inside the sect to be received.

As usual, Su Lingyu entertained Qu Muqiu in the teahouse on the Tailing Peak. The teahouse was built on the mountain, surrounded by delicate spiritual flowers and exotic plants, and the ground was full of lively spiritual beasts. Looking around, under the azure sky, one could see the rolling and hazy green mountains stretching towards the horizon, creating a breathtaking scenery.

Qu Muqiu came today to discuss family matters with Su Lingyu, so she didn’t let Qu Panyan eavesdrop on their conversation. Qu Panyan didn’t ask much and promptly left.

Qu Panyan went to find Elder Changxing, as she had agreed with Su Lingyu yesterday. Today, Su Lingyu was responsible for receiving Qu Muqiu and didn’t have time to protect her. However, she still had to meet Second Master Yue, so Su Lingyu suggested that the bored Elder Changxing accompany her and Yue Xiaomeng to avoid any accidents.

Once Qu Panyan left, Qu Muqiu glanced around at the spirit servants, so Su Lingyu understood her intentions and dismissed them.

Qu Muqiu smiled faintly and said, “I won’t beat around the bush. Today, I’m here to ask about the Skyfire Tribe’s Holy Child.”

Su Lingyu couldn’t help but frown, “Why ask about her?”

Qu Muqiu played with the white jade teacup, “Because she has formed an alliance with the Liu Clan.”

She looked up at Su Lingyu, her gaze deep as the sea, “You must know how much of a threat the Skyfire Tribe’s Holy Child is to the Qu Clan.”

Su Lingyu naturally knew; it was an almost insurmountable obstacle.

Qu Muqiu continued, “The newly appointed head of the Liu Clan, Liu Yizhi, that young and courageous junior, intends to start with the Qu Clan and completely shatter the unwritten balance among the aristocratic families.”

“I don’t know how he persuaded the Skyfire Tribe’s Holy Child, who never interacts with the outside world, to form an alliance. I also don’t know what conditions that esteemed Holy Child presented. As the head of the Qu Clan, I cannot sit back and wait for death. So, I came here to ask you and take precautions.”

Su Lingyu said solemnly, “What do you want to know?”

Qu Muqiu asked, “Her name is A Yiduo. She once was a disciple of the Xianmeng Sect and a disciple of Elder Changxing, your grand-disciple, right?”

Su Lingyu nodded.

Qu Muqiu continued, “What is her personality like? Is she easy to get along with? And what are her weaknesses?”

Su Lingyu replied, “A Yiduo has a violent temperament and follows the motto ‘those who obey me prosper, those who oppose me perish.’ She considers her status as the Holy Child and a future Saintess to be superior to others, looks down on everyone, and is arrogant and conceited. She’s not easy to get along with. I don’t know what her weaknesses are.”

Upon hearing this, Qu Muqiu suddenly laughed and asked, “You seem to dislike this grand-disciple of yours?”

Su Lingyu frowned, “She doesn’t deserve to be my grand-disciple.”

Qu Muqiu asserted, “You really don’t like her.” Every word describing A Yiduo was far from flattering.

Su Lingyu’s expression was serious as she said, “I don’t like her. She’s even more annoying than Lou Wuhua.” After some thought, she added, “One hundred people like Lou Wuhua can’t compare to a single A Yiduo.”

Compared to A Yiduo, Lou Wuhua seemed gentle and amiable!

Qu Muqiu smiled but suddenly sighed softly. Su Lingyu’s eyes showed a trace of worry. “What are you planning to do?”

As close friends, she would certainly lend a hand, but it would be far from enough. Qu Muqiu must have her own strategy.

Qu Muqiu’s lips gradually regained their gentle smile. “The Qu Clan has an old ally among the Ice-attribute noble families, which can provide temporary support for now. Recently, I’ve been trying to win over the Kang Clan, who is quite powerful but indecisive. I still need an opportunity to make them firmly join the Qu Clan. As for the Yue Clan, the ally of the Liu Clan, their attitude towards my Qu Clan has softened due to Yan’er’s previous help in saving Sixth Miss Yue before.”

Qu Muqiu looked at the clear tea in her cup. “The Yue Clan has always valued gratitude, and they adore Sixth Miss Yue. I am at least seventy percent confident that when the Qu and Liu families officially break ties, the Yue Clan will choose to remain neutral.”

She smiled slowly, “My little girl has indeed done a great favor for her big sister.”

“Muqiu,” Su Lingyu changed the subject and suddenly asked, “Do you happen to know Second Master Yue?”

Qu Muqiu smiled faintly, “Yue Qianlang made a big name for himself at the Beast Hunt five years ago and won the rare Divine Deer, which he gave to Sixth Miss Yue. All family heads are aware of him.”

Five years ago, Yue Qianlang and Qu Changye attracted a lot of attention from the major family heads, just like the present time. As family heads, they not only focused on their own family’s development but also paid attention to the rising talents of other families to stay well-informed.

Compared to the methods used by Yue Qianlang and Qu Changye, Qu Panyan’s fame spread much simpler, all thanks to An Cheng’s assistance. Now, everyone knows that the Third Miss of the Qu Clan and the Sect Master of the Xianmeng Sect are rivals in love.

Su Lingyu asked again, “Do you know who his love interest is?”

Qu Muqiu was taken aback for a moment and said leisurely, “Yes, I know. It’s me.”

Su Lingyu looked surprised, “When did you find out?”

Qu Muqiu replied, “After Yan’er saved Sixth Miss Yue, Yue Qianlang and the head of the Yue family came to express their gratitude and give gifts. That’s when I noticed.”

Su Lingyu inquired, “What do you feel about him?”

Qu Muqiu smiled, “I feel nothing. I’ve been meaning to find the right time to advise him to turn back, but recently, I’ve been too busy dealing with the Liu Clan and couldn’t find the opportunity.”

In her heart, there was no one who could make her feel moved. Love would never surpass her loyalty to the Qu Clan.

Qu Muqiu asked again, “But how did you find out?”

Naturally, it was Qu Panyan who told her.

Su Lingyu answered, “Panyan gets along well with Xiaomeng. They’re good friends.”

Qu Muqiu nodded knowingly and said, “Not diligently cultivating and always being distracted by other things, she really has caused you a lot of trouble.”

“No,” Su Lingyu immediately defended Qu Panyan, “Panyan is good and hasn’t caused me any trouble. It’s just that she can’t cultivate due to the Minor Heavenly Punishment. Don’t blame her.”

Qu Muqiu gazed at her and asked, “You are very protective of Yan’er. It seems that you like her a lot?”

Su Lingyu didn’t respond and turned her head to look at the layers of clouds outside the sky, falling into silence.

Qu Muqiu didn’t get her answer and realized that she might be preparing for something, so she didn’t press further. She knew Su Lingyu would speak when she was ready.

Qu Muqiu held up the teacup and lightly blew away the small tea leaves floating on the tea surface. The tea liquid was golden-yellow, and its fragrance wafted through the air, carrying a subtle sweetness.

She took a shallow sip, feeling the mild sweetness spreading on her tongue, and the tea fragrance filled her mouth, accompanied by a gentle breeze that relaxed her body and mind.

After a while, Qu Muqiu heard Su Lingyu speak again, “Muqiu, there’s something I must confess to you.”

Qu Muqiu raised her eyes to meet Su Lingyu’s clear and bright gaze, which carried an undeniable seriousness. This seriousness somehow infected her, prompting her to carefully set down her teacup and attentively listen to what she had to say.

Su Lingyu said solemnly, “I like Panyan.”

Qu Muqiu was momentarily stunned.

Su Lingyu continued, “I want to be her Dao companion and protect her for all eternity.”

“You are her elder, and we are also close friends, so I don’t want to hide this from you.”

Qu Muqiu asked, “Does Yan’er know about this?”

“She doesn’t know yet,” Su Lingyu replied, “I want to take it slowly, and I’m willing to wait until she develops feelings for me.”

“What about you? Do you mind?” Su Lingyu asked hesitantly, feeling a bit nervous.

When Lou Wuhua pursued her in the past, Qu Muqiu didn’t say much. But now, the situation was different. Now, she was the one who wanted to pursue Qu Muqiu’s biological younger sister.

The reactions of those directly involved and bystanders were completely different. With her own sister involved, did Qu Muqiu really not mind?

However, Qu Muqiu couldn’t help but burst into laughter, breaking her usual elegance and grace, laughing heartily and saying “I didn’t expect that” several times. After she had enough laughter, she returned to her usual refined demeanor.

Su Lingyu frowned in confusion, “What didn’t you expect?”

Qu Muqiu covered her lips, a smile evident in her eyes and brows, “I didn’t expect that while Lou Wuhua couldn’t win you over, my little sister succeeded. I thought you weren’t interested in women.”

Su Lingyu’s frown deepened. She clearly just didn’t like Lou Wuhua…

Su Lingyu asked tentatively, “Do you mind?”

“I don’t mind.”

Qu Muqiu slowly held Su Lingyu’s hand, as if giving her strength, her expression tender.

“All beings are equal, and so is love. Regardless of whether the other person is male or female, you have the right to pursue the one you love.”

“We are close friends, and I will always support your decision.”

Prev / ToC / Next

---

We’re currently looking for editors, so if you’re interested at all, then please contact @Glariosa or @sinensis on discord.

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: iToon

---