Before Jiu Hui and Zhi You left Wangshu Pavilion, Yu Jing summoned them to the main hall of the sect.
“Be extra careful when you’re traveling outside. Your sect uncles and I have prepared some return gifts for you, so take them with you.” Yu Jing pointed at the various souvenirs on the table, then turned to look at Zhi You, smiling as she asked, “Have you gotten used to being out with Jiu Hui all this time?”
Zhi You nodded. “The elders treated me very well.”
“That’s good.” Yu Jing took the incense and bowed to the ancestors of Wangshu Pavilion: “The path of cultivation is long. Travel more, see more, and have more joy and fewer regrets in life.”
“Yes.” Zhi You looked at these dim life tablets. Wangshu Pavilion had indeed been remarkable for allowing the small Taolin City to remain in peace.
“When I was young, I was in a hurry to advance, always thinking about making Wangshu Pavilion flourish. Your ancestor told me that children don’t need to go too fast. If you go too fast, you’ll miss the scenery along the way.” Yu Jing inserted the incense. “Walk slowly and watch slowly, enjoy life, and take care of yourself.”
Jiu Hui looked up at Yu Jing.carpreads.pages.dev
Yu Jing tapped her on the head. “Wangshu Pavilion has a protective grand formation left behind by our ancestors, so I won’t invite them to visit our sect. You can take them around Taolin City to have a look.”
“Mm-hmm.” Jiu Hui rubbed the spot that had been knocked and nodded. “Master, I also plan to go to the Jiutian Sect.”
“Are you bringing those three people from your hometown with you?” Yu Jing raised her voice slightly.
“I’ll go with Zhi You,” Jiu Hui explained. “I’ve already written a letter to the Qinglan School to report about the incident where Sha Luojia took Zhi You and me to the Demon Clan. It’s better if we go to the Jiutian Sect in person.”
Bu Ting was a suspicious and thoughtful person, so it would be more efficient to explain it to him in person.
Mainly… she wanted to go and see the excitement.
Yu Jing gave her a half-smile and asked, “Is it really that simple?”
Jiu Hui touched her nose. “I’ll also visit Immortal Venerable Bu to check on his health.”
Yu Jing laughed out loud. She cleared her throat and nodded. “Alright, go.”
What’s wrong with a child wanting to watch the excitement? As long as the child is not bullied.
Jiu Hui and Zhi You returned to Taolin City and found Bai Yan and the others eating dumplings at Boss Song’s dumpling stall.
“Boss Song, another bowl of peanut filling, please.” Yu Li stacked the empty bowl to the side and ordered another one.
The diners at the neighboring tables stopped eating their own rice dumplings to watch how many rice dumplings Yu Li could eat.
Some people also advised Yu Li to stop eating, saying that it wasn’t worth it if she got a stomachache.
“Boss Song, she’s full. She doesn’t need any more.” Jiu Hui took out a piece of broken silver from her purse and handed it to Boss Song. She turned her head and smiled at Yu Li. “My little sister doesn’t know any better. She’s made a laughingstock of herself.”
One of the diners recognized Jiu Hui and exclaimed in surprise, “Miss Jiu, is this your younger sister? She has quite an appetite.”
“This child has had a big appetite since she was little.” Jiu Hui nodded with a smile.
“I just told her not to eat anymore. Glutinous rice dumplings are hard to digest, and eating so many can easily cause indigestion. But the little girl said she wasn’t full yet.” The kind old woman sighed in relief. “So she was just born with a big appetite. That’s a relief.”
After returning to the inn with the trio, Jiu Hui’s smile faded. “Everyone sit down,” she said.
“Sister, we didn’t go out and cause trouble, and we didn’t provoke anyone.” Yu Li saw that the smile on Jiu Hui’s face was a little strange, and she explained with a blush, “Even when someone bumped into Kong Cangnan today, he held back and didn’t curse.”
“I’m very pleased that you were able to do this, but do you know that there aren’t many ordinary people who can eat ten bowls of rice dumplings?” Jiu Hui rubbed her forehead. “Fortunately, this is Taolin City. If it were a city with stronger vigilance, the people would have suspected you a long time ago.”
“I only ate a few more bowls of rice dumplings…”
“Because any anomaly could potentially bring them a calamity.” Jiu Hui sighed. “Mortals are defenseless, and the demons who cultivate evil techniques feed on them. Some unprotected people have developed a habit of being alarmed by the slightest thing. Any behavior that deviates from the norm will arouse their fear.”
“I was wrong.” Yu Li admitted her mistake with a blush. “I’ll be more careful in the future.”
“It’s not your fault. You’ve had too little contact with humans.” Seeing Yu Li pinching the corner of her clothes and admitting her mistake, Jiu Hui’s heart softened. “Next time, before you do anything, observe other ordinary people more.”
“It’s my fault,” Bai Yan said. “I saw Yu Li was enjoying her meal and forgot to remind her.”
“It’s not a big deal.” Jiu Hui smiled. “Taolin City is a great place. You should stay here for a few more days.”
“Does the young master like this place very much?” Seeing that Jiu Hui did not blame her, Yu Li gradually regained her vitality.
Jiu Hui nodded. “The people here are very nice.”
“Boss Song seems to be a yao?” Bai Yan wondered. “Taolin City has its protective city formation activated, and we can only travel freely between major cities because of the jade pendant Elder Huang gave us. Boss Song has a low cultivation level, and Taolin City is protected by Wangshu Pavilion. Could it be that the entire sect hasn’t discovered her yao identity?”
“She’s a three- or four-hundred-year-old little yao. How could she stay in the city’s protective formation without a token from our Wangshu Pavilion?” Jiu Hui shook her head. “Not only our Wangshu Pavilion, but also several commoners know her true identity.”
“They know?!” Kong Cangnan exclaimed in surprise. “If they know, why did they let her stay in the city? Aren’t the people of Wangshu Pavilion afraid?”
“What’s there to be afraid of?” Jiu Hui laughed. “Are you afraid she’ll put cilantro in the peanut filling?”
“But she’s a yao. Isn’t the cultivation world always terrified of yaos and demons?”
“But for us at Wangshu Pavilion, she’s just a member of Taolin City.” Jiu Hui chuckled. “For the people of Taolin City, Boss Song is a warm and kind person who makes delicious soup dumplings at a fair price. That’s enough for them.”
“Even if she is a yao?”
“Yes.”
Bai Yan seemed to understand a little why the young master liked Wangshu Pavilion and this city.
“After lunch, Zhi You and I will go to Jiutian Sect. You guys wait for us in Taolin City.” Jiu Hui hesitated for a moment. “If you encounter something that you can’t resolve, you can go to Wangshu Pavilion to find my master.”
Bai Yan looked at Jiu Hui thoughtfully, and he hesitated to speak, “Young Master, do you mean…”
Jiu Hui shook her head gently. Bai Yan glanced at the sky and swallowed the words he was about to say.
After lunch with the three of them, Jiu Hui and Zhi You left the city. They saw that the prisoners of the City Lord’s Mansion were picking up stones to repair the road near the moat. Zhang San, who could pick up ten stones at a time, stood out from the crowd.
“Brother Zhang, amazing!”
“Brother Zhang, you’re so powerful. What crime did you commit to be sentenced to so many years in the City Lord’s Mansion?”
Zhang San ignored the prisoners who were trying to curry favor with him. When he got tired of being asked questions, he dropped the thousand-pound stone heavily to the ground and said expressionlessly, “Attempted murder by poisoning.”
The approaching prisoners were so frightened by his gaze that they dared not breathe. Even after Zhang San picked up the stone again and walked away, no one dared to speak again.
Across the moat, Zhang San stopped and looked across the river at Jiu Hui and Zhi You on the opposite bank.
He lowered his head to look at the rough cloth clothes on his body, nodded at Jiu Hui and Zhi You, and turned to continue picking up stones. His hair, which was like silk before, had been cut off by more than half at some point, and was tied up with a wooden stick. He looked a bit down and out, but also a bit carefree after letting go of everything.
Zhang San was Zhang San, no longer the aloof and arrogant youngest Elder of the Jiutian Sect.
“Let’s go.” Jiu Hui retracted her gaze and turned to ask Zhi You, “After we return from the Jiutian Sect, where should we go to play?”
“I don’t know.” Zhi You shook his head. “But wherever you go, I’ll go.”
He had no relatives, no place to call home, and nowhere he would rather be than by Jiu Hui’s side.
“Alright.” Jiu Hui threw out the flying boat. “When the time comes, we’ll draw lots. Wherever we land, that’s where we’ll go.”
“Alright.” Zhi You smiled.
As long as he was with Jiu Hui, where did it matter where they went?
“This matter is of course important!” The Fourth Elder said, slapping the table. “As the number one sword sect in the world, we, the Jiutian Sect, cannot allow such rumors to tarnish our sect master!”
“We must investigate this matter by any means necessary.” The Fourth Elder’s face was full of anger. “It’s only been a day, do you know what they’re saying outside?”
“They say that the Wanhuo Sect doesn’t dare to come and find trouble with the Sect Master because he’s guilty. He and the Sect Master both love the same female demon.” The Fourth Elder couldn’t bear it anymore. “If we let these rumors spread any further, I’m afraid that tomorrow people will be saying that the current Demon King is also the Sect Master’s son.”
“Ahem.” Third Elder cleared his throat a few times, interrupting Fourth Elder’s furious accusations. “Fourth Elder, you can take your time to speak. There’s no need to get so worked up.”
“Now that things have come to this, can you still sit still?” The Fourth Elder pointed the finger at the Third Elder. “Do you mean to let them continue to slander us?”
“Elders, Sect Master Huo of the Wanhuo Sect has come to pay a visit.”
All the Elders: “…”
The Second Elder stood up and said, “Please come in quickly.”
Sect Master Huo was a straightforward person. He had not taken the outside rumors seriously, but now that they were getting more and more out of hand, with some people even saying that he had not spoken up or asked the Jiutian Sect for an explanation because he had a guilty conscience, he could no longer ignore them.
He was hundreds of years older than Bu Ting. He had never been close to women in his life. At this age, he was rumored to have done such a messy thing. Even if it was not for himself, he had to stand up and show his attitude.
Upon seeing several Elders of the Jiutian Sect personally coming out to greet him, Sect Master Huo revealed an awkward smile. “Greetings, fellow Daoists.”
“Greetings, Sect Master Huo.” The two parties greeted each other, both feeling a bit awkward.
“Why have you come here today, Sect Master?” sneered the Fourth Elder. “Could it be that you’ve also come to distance yourself from our Jiutian Sect because of those rumors circulating outside?”
Sect Master Huo: “…”
That’s what it means, but your expression is so ugly that I don’t dare to say it. It makes me seem very unkind.
“Sect Master Huo, please forgive us. Last night, our Sect Master was so angered by the troublemakers that he vomited blood and fainted. He only woke up half an hour ago. Fourth Elder was worried about the Sect Master and spoke rashly. Please don’t take it to heart.” Seeing Sect Master Huo’s awkward expression, the Second Elder spoke up to ease the tension. “Sect Master, you’ve come from afar. Please come inside for some tea.”
“Many thanks, fellow Daoist.” Sect Master Huo quickly took over the conversation. “I wonder how Sect Master Bu’s injuries are?”
The Second Elder sighed and shook his head. He invited Sect Master Huo to sit down inside and said, “Sect Master, your injuries have not improved, and you have been slandered by malicious people. We are very worried.”
Bu Ting had been injured by Immortal Lord Fuguang, which was not something to be proud of. Sect Master Huo could not say much, so he could only comfort him, “Perhaps the Immortal Lord will forgive Sect Master Bu in a few days.”
No one knew the true strength of Lord Fuguang. For many years, Lord Fuguang had been a giant vessel, absorbing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth with his physical body, then transforming it into spiritual power and transmitting it into the Ten Immortal Cauldrons.
In the endless torment and imprisonment of day after day, year after year, even a normal person could turn into a madman who had lost his mind, let alone Lord Fuguang, who had never experienced a normal life since he was born.
The pain of absorbing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth with one’s physical body was something that ordinary cultivators would only experience briefly when advancing to the Tribulation Crossing stage. However, Immortal Lord Fuguang had to endure this torment every single moment without respite.
Sect Master Huo couldn’t even figure out why Bu Ting would go and displease the Immortal Lord.
Hadn’t they already owed the Immortal Lord enough?
The Second Elder smiled wryly. Too many things had happened this year, and the reputation of the Jiutian Sect had been damaged repeatedly. Otherwise, the cultivators in the cultivation world would not have dared to discuss the rumors about the Sect Master like this.
It was nothing more than a case of kicking someone when they were down.
“Rumors don’t draw blood or cause visible wounds, but when they spread widely, they become invisible swords that can harm people without leaving a trace.” Sect Master Huo rubbed his thigh with his palm. “Our Wanhuo Sect has been on good terms with the Jiutian Sect for many years, and I don’t want to let those rumors ruin our relationship. But…”
Upon hearing the word “but,” the Elders felt a vague sense of foreboding in their hearts.
“But I’m the master of a sect. While I value our friendship, I also have to protect the reputation of my sect.” Sect Master Huo rubbed his knees with his palms so hard that they almost sparked. “Since I haven’t come out to say anything these past few days, everyone outside is saying that I’m guilty. Look at the mess this has become…”
So what?
The Elders looked at the Sect Master Huo with strange expressions. What did this have to do with their Jiutian Sect?
“Are those rumors outside really not related to you?” Sect Master Huo saw that the faces of these Elders were not right, and he smiled and said, “Of course they are not related to you, I just asked casually, I didn’t mean anything else.”
All the Elders were speechless…
Pooh!
Do you have the guts to look in a mirror and tell yourself that you don’t have any other intentions?
“Elders, the core disciples of Wangshu Pavilion’s master, Jiu Hui and Zhi You, have come to pay their respects.”
“What’s this?” Sect Master Huo asked in surprise. “Now those rumors outside have dragged both Little Friends Jiu Hui and Zhi You into this?”
The Elders were also secretly pondering. Could it be that a new rumor had emerged? Why hadn’t they heard about it?
After Jiu Hui and Zhi You were led into the banquet hall by the core disciple of the Jiutian Sect, they saw everyone deep in thought, their brows furrowed.
Jiu Hui’s gaze swept over the Sect Master of the Wanhuo Sect. She wondered in her heart, did Sect Master Huo quarrel with the Elders of the Jiutian Sect?
“Juniors Jiu Hui and Zhi You, greetings to all seniors.”
“Young friends, please don’t stand on ceremony.” The Second Elder invited the two to sit down, observing their expressions. “May I ask why you two have come today…”
Were they also here to cause trouble for them?
“Junior came here today for the matter of the Demon Clan’s Princess, Sha Luojia.”
The Elders sighed inwardly, they really came to cause trouble.
“Little friend Jiu Hui, what kind of rumors are being spread about you outside?” Seeing that someone was as unlucky as himself, Sect Master Huo looked at Jiu Hui with extra kindness. “If you have any grievances, tell us and we’ll help you solve them.”
“Rumors?” Jiu Hui shook her head, her face full of bewilderment. “It’s not a rumor.”
Not a rumor?!
Sect Master Huo couldn’t help but lean his head towards Jiu Hui’s direction.
Could Sha Luojia really be Bu Ting’s daughter?
I really didn’t expect Bu Ting to be such a playboy.
“Some time ago, when Zhi You and I were passing through Songcheng, we were captured by Sha Luojia and taken to the Demon Realm.”
“What?!” Sect Master Huo glanced at the Elders of the Jiutian Sect and touched the wine jug magic weapon at his waist. “Young friend, don’t be afraid. With me here, if you’ve suffered any grievances, just tell me about them.”
The Elders of the Jiutian Sect were speechless…
Why are you looking at us?
What do you mean by that look?!
What did she have to be afraid of?
“Oh.” Jiu Hui nodded blankly. “Thank you, Sect Master Huo.”
“You’re welcome. Please continue.”
“After we were taken to the Demon Realm, Sha Luojia threatened me, telling me to find a way to gain the old Demon King’s trust, and then seize the opportunity to kill him.” Jiu Hui repeated the reason she had already told the Jiutian Sect Elders once before.
“This demon has such vicious methods.” Sect Master Huo looked at the Elders of the Jiutian Sect with even more suspicion. Sha Luojia had killed the old Demon King so easily, perhaps he wasn’t her real father.
“That night, I also saw a person.” Jiu Hui seemed to want to say something but didn’t dare to.
“Who?” Sect Master Huo was just getting excited, how could he let Jiu Hui stop: “Quickly tell us.”
“Zhi You and I saw Daoist Master Yin Ji.”
“He is a traitor to our Jiutian Sect and is unworthy of the title of Daoist Master.” The Fourth Elder said with a sullen face, “What did that evil doer do?”
“Elder Yin Ji heard that we were imprisoned in Kunqian Palace and tried to rescue us,” Jiu Hui said. “But the old Demon King found out and broke his natal sword and crushed his sword-wielding hand.”
The faces of the elders of the Jiutian Sect turned extremely ugly. Even though they had verbally disdained Yin Ji, he was a child they had watched grow up. They had seen him grow bit by bit, practicing swordsmanship day after day, and finally becoming the brilliant young elder of the Jiutian Sect.
Now that they hear that his natal sword had been broken, and even the hand that wielded it had been crushed, who could act as if nothing had happened?
“How is he… now?” The Second Elder’s voice was a little hoarse.
Jiu Hui shook her head. “Later, several mysterious experts appeared and fought the old Demon King in a chaotic battle. We were knocked unconscious by the overflowing demonic energy. When Zhi You and I woke up, the old Demon King had already been killed by the experts, and Daoist Master Yin Ji was nowhere to be found.”
No trace meant there was still hope of survival.
The Elders were in a state of turmoil, and none of them spoke first.
“Daoist Master Yin Ji was willing to save even minor sect disciples like me and Zhi You, and he refused to submit even when facing the old Demon King.” Jiu Hui asked, “Please forgive me for my impertinence, Elders, but could there be another reason why Daoist Master Yin Ji betrayed the sect?”
Sect Master Huo was so excited that he picked up the teacup on the table and took a big sip. Of course there was a hidden reason. He had gone to the Demon Realm to protect the Sect Master’s daughter!
“Young friend, are you serious?”
“This junior dare not speak recklessly.” Jiu Hui said solemnly, “Regarding the matter of the Demon Clan, this junior dare not conceal it, so I have come here to report it to your sect.”
“Say that again.” A man pushed the door open and strode in. His eyes burned as he looked at Jiu Hui. “Is it true that there are other hidden circumstances behind Yin Ji’s betrayal of the sect?”
Jiu Hui nodded at the newcomer.
“Did Yin Ji really come to save you?”
Jiu Hui nodded again.
“Did he really fight the old Demon King to the death, refusing to beg for mercy?”
Jiu Hui continued to nod. “It is true. I dare to swear to the heavens.”
The Grand Elder swayed, and he bowed to Jiu Hui in a daze. “Thank you for informing me, little friend.”
He lowered his head and looked at his own hands. It was he who had personally destroyed Yin Ji’s spiritual platform and cultivation. If he hadn’t destroyed Yin Ji’s spiritual platform, the old Demon King might not have broken his natal sword and crushed his sword-wielding hand.
“Senior Brother.” The Second Elder looked at the First Elder with concern and stood up to support him.
“I’m fine.” The Grand Elder gradually calmed down. “I must go and ask the Sect Master about this matter!”
“No need to ask.” Nan Feng walked in from outside, followed by Shiyi.
Shiyi cupped his hands towards Jiu Hui and stood obediently in the corner.
“Nan Feng, do you know the truth of the matter?” The Grand Elder stared at Nan Feng as if he wanted to see through his entire body.
“Grand Elder, Sect Uncle Yin Ji is not a traitor to the sect. He pretended to be in love with the Demon Princess to infiltrate the Demon Realm as a spy.” Nan Feng did not dare to look the Grand Elder in the eyes. “I will arrange for someone to find Sect Uncle Yin Ji…”
“What if we find him?” The Grand Elder sneered. “He’s lost his natal sword and one of his hands. Even if he manages to survive, will the Jiutian Sect still have a place for him?”
“Yes.” Nan Feng said each word clearly. “He is this junior’s sect uncle. The Jiutian Sect will always be his home.”
“Home?” The Grand Elder seemed to have heard a joke. “Which home would be willing to let their child do such a shameful thing?”
“From this day forward, I, Zhang He, withdraw from the Jiutian Sect. From now on, my life, death, illness, and old age have nothing to do with the Jiutian Sect.” The Grand Elder pulled off the Elder’s badge from his waist and handed it to Nan Feng.
“Grand Elder…” Nan Feng was reluctant to reach out to take it.
“What am I, a Grand Elder?” The elder’s badge fell to the ground as Zhang He mocked himself. “I can’t dissuade the Sect Master from his mistakes, nor can I protect my own disciple. I’m useless!”
“Eldest Senior Brother!” The Second Elder looked at the Elder Token that had fallen to the ground, got up, and picked it up with trembling hands. “Why do you have to do this…”
“If you still acknowledge me as your Senior Brother, then stop trying to persuade me.” Zhang He shook his head. “The world is vast and I have stayed at the Jiutian Sect for too long. It’s time for me to go out and explore.”
“Senior, our Wangshu Pavilion has picturesque scenery. Why don’t you come to our Wangshu Pavilion to be an Elder?” Jiu Hui said with a smile. “Our sect has very few disciples, and each one is a treasure. Plus, there’s not much to worry about on a daily basis. If you come to our sect, you’ll definitely be very comfortable.”
Sect Master Huo: “…”
Everyone from the Jiutian Sect was speechless.
At this point, you’re still trying to poach my people? Who’s more shameless than you?
“Wangshu Pavilion is indeed a good place.” Nan Feng slowly came back to his senses and bowed deeply to him. “Grand Elder, this junior has no face to keep you here. It’s good that you can go to Wangshu Pavilion.”
Sect Master Huo stared at the empty teacup in disbelief. Little friend Nan Feng, are you a spy sent by Wangshu Pavilion?
Author’s Note
Grand Elder: I quit!
Little Garlic Chive: Come to me, I offer five insurances and two funds*, the money is not much, but the work is also not much!