Chapter 61

Chapter 61: Title

"But believe me, A’shang—I never wanted to hurt you!" She shut her eyes sadly, tears falling. In that moment, she thought of her missing parents and ten years of memories with Ye Qingshang.

She couldn’t have both, and she couldn’t make the choice.

Ye Qingshang felt unsettled seeing Qiu Huayi’s state. Had she noticed Qiu Huayi’s unusual behavior earlier in their past life—uncovering the truth as she had this time—they might have avoided the tragedy where both lost their lives.

She’d had countless opportunities but misplaced her trust, repeatedly believing Mu Rongyan. This happened in their past life and again now. She sighed deeply, yet her heart remained heavy.

Suddenly, warmth enveloped her right hand as Mu Huaiyun gently covered her fingers. "Qingshang," he murmured softly, "tell her about the Qiu family now."

His words reminded her: last night, while leaving the Qiu residence, they had expended immense spiritual power to erect a defensive barrier within the Illusionary Net Formation. This protected Qiu Huayi’s parents without triggering the formation’s alarms.

Their combined efforts ensured that even if Mu Rongyan personally intervened, he could no longer alter the situation.

"Huayi." As the young woman opened her eyes, Ye Qingshang pulled her into an embrace. This hug settled debts from both lifetimes—poisonings, deaths—all grievances dissolved like clouds scattering before wind, leaving no resentment behind.

Ye Qingshang stroked her neck comfortingly. "The Qiu family is safe. We placed a barrier—your parents won’t suffer under Mu Rongyan’s control anymore. Don’t cry. I trust you."

"Truly?" Qiu Huayi’s voice trembled with disbelief as she pulled back, searching Ye Qingshang’s face. Her A’shang had always excelled beyond her reach, yet fear lingered: *Would A’shang shield her this time too?*

Ye Qingshang wiped Qiu Huayi’s tears away. "Ah Yun and I agreed before coming. If you’re willing, we’ll attempt it."

Qiu Huayi sniffled, confused. "Attempt what?"

Ye Qingshang’s eyes turned icy. Behind her, Mu Huaiyun’s gaze darkened. "We’ll turn their scheme against them."

*

Seven days later, the master’s crowning ceremony commenced.

Frostbite Sect brimmed with joy, celebrating its first new master in years.

As in her past life, Ye Qingshang rose at dawn for the ritual. Fighting exhaustion, her gaze drifted toward Mu Rongyan. He stood composed, a faint smile touching his lips—almost imperceptible yet serene. His graceful demeanor, unchanged through time, made Ye Qingshang feel transported backward.

Her hidden fingers curled into her sleeves as she looked away. Hatred flashed in her eyes. *After today, past debts will be settled. He’ll pay for his endless schemes.*

By chen hour (7-9 AM), the ceremony concluded. Ye Qingshang withdrew first, heading to the main hall for meditation.

In the entrance, Qiu Huayi approached with a jade pot, her expression conflicted. "A’shang, drink this? You’ll miss it during meditation."

Ye Qingshang met her eyes, a pure light gleaming in her own as she smiled faintly. "Alright."

Meanwhile, disciples and guests dispersed from Frostbite Sect’s square. The sect leader and elders prepared to depart.

Yu Songshang walked beside Ning Jiwei, leading the elders. "Jiwei," he remarked approvingly, "your disciple is extraordinary. I sensed her uniqueness years ago—now she’s a master."

He chuckled. "The young are a rising force. The future is theirs; even making her sect leader would be inadequate."

Perhaps softened by the occasion, Ning Jiwei’s usual coldness eased slightly. "Sect Leader overestimates her. Qingshang may not bear such expectations."

"Don’t undervalue her!" Yu Songshang countered. "Her achievements rival yours at her age. After mastering cultivation, godhood should follow—"

He broke off, noticing Ning Jiwei’s expression frost over again. The unspoken truth hung heavy:

Everyone in the cultivation world knew Master Ning’s prowess plateaued after he became a master at twenty. Though his cultivation progressed, his realm never advanced. He lingered one step from godhood—a decade of unfulfilled hopes.

Silence fell. As Yu Songshang cleared his throat, a young disciple rushed around the corner—the same one who’d delivered Qiu Huayi’s food box.

Panting, he bowed. "Sect Leader! Elders! Master Ye entrusted me with urgent news!"

Yu Songshang’s face turned solemn. "Speak."

The young disciple nervously swallowed dryly and pulled out a token from his sleeve. "This is Master Ye’s token. She requests the sect leader and esteemed elders to gather at the main hall."

"To the main hall?" The elders exchanged puzzled glances. The main hall was a place reserved for quiet meditation, typically frequented only by the sect leader and grandmasters. Why would Ye Qingshang summon them there?

Yu Songshang pressed for confirmation, "Are you certain there’s no mistake in the message?"

The young disciple shook his head, recalling Ye Qingshang’s words before adding earnestly, "Master Ye also mentioned the main hall is too austere, so she prepared an entertaining performance to lift everyone’s spirits."

The revelation visibly startled the assembly. Though unsettled, they recognized the genuine token and sensed urgency. As they prepared to depart, a voice cut through—cold and clear as a snow lotus in bloom. "My disciple’s mischief isn’t your concern. I’ll handle this personally."