Chapter 40

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Chapter 40: Title

Xia Shi arrived at Chengxian Restaurant with a stormy face. Seeing two drunken figures babbling nonsense made her face darken further.

Her gaze swept over the wine jars: one still sealed, the other over half-empty.

Yan Li immediately stood when she arrived, murmuring, "Master Fan."

"The sect leader said you’re usually responsible. Why didn’t you stop this?"

"…Couldn’t."

"New friend? And such a pretty one! Drink with me?" Lu Ciyou suddenly lurched sideways, flailing an arm until Yan Li steadied her. "Young master."

"A Li, release me!" Lu Ciyou shoved forward to grab at Xia Shi, grinning sloppily. "This fairy-looking beauty! What’s your name?"

Xia Shi: "…"

Disgraceful drunkard.

Yan Li clamped a hand over the young lady’s mouth. "Forgive us, Master Fan. I’ll take them back. Please watch Suiyin."

She wrapped an arm around the swaying noblewoman and flew away on her sword.

Xia Shi sighed softly, settling at the table. She cracked open the sealed wine jar and poured herself a cup.

Fragrant aroma filled the air.

She lifted the delicate cup and drained it in one motion.

When reaching for more, a burning hand suddenly clamped over hers.

"You… hic! Drinking my… hic! wine?"

Suiyin’s head bobbed up before thunking onto the table. She showed no reaction to the reddening forehead.

Xia Shi huffed a laugh, peeling off Suiyin’s fingers one by one.

No sooner had she freed her hand than Suiyin began tugging at her own collar, flushed skin spreading from neck to ears.

"Hot…"

Xia Shi’s glance caught pale skin beneath rumpled fabric. She averted her eyes, straightening the collar with rough tugs. "Sit properly!"

Suiyin lifted her head, displaying the red mark. "Hehe~"

Xia Shi: "……"

Why bother scolding a drunk?

Before withdrawing her hand, arms suddenly wrapped around hers pressing against softness. Xia Shi froze, expression stiffening.

“Let go of me.”

Suiyin’s tight embrace made it difficult for Xia Shi to move her arm properly.

“No.” Suiyin lowered her head, pressing her flushed cheek against the cool, smooth fabric of Xia Shi’s robe. She mumbled, “Cool… smells nice… so comfy.”

Xia Shi glanced skyward. If she actually brought this drunkard back, the sect leader would have her head.

She scanned the nearly empty restaurant. Spotting Xia He descending the stairs after serving customers, she waved.

Xia He’s face lit up at the sight of her benefactor. She hurried over. “How may I assist?”

“Any vacant rooms?”

“Yes.” Xia He eyed Suiyin clinging to Xia Shi’s arm. “Shall I prepare sobering broth?”

“Please.”

—

Yan Li had gone to great lengths smuggling Lu Ciyou back to the guest compound, dodging night patrols and sect members. The last thing needed was rumors about the Liujin Pavilion’s young master reeking of alcohol in Sanqing Realm.

After laying the unconscious woman on the bed, Yan Li fetched warm water. Her practiced hands dabbed at the sweat beading on Lu Ciyou’s alcohol-flushed skin.

“A Li.” Lu Ciyou’s eyes opened, clearer now than at Chengxian Restaurant. She watched Yan Li’s meticulous cleansing.

“Hm?”

The drunk woman suddenly pushed upright, alcohol-laced breath fogging between them. Yan Li’s lashes fluttered, lips pressed thin.

Lu Ciyou hooked an arm around Yan Li’s neck, dragging her closer. The liquor scent intensified as she nuzzled the caretaker’s throat.

“Young master, you’re—”

“A Li!” Lu Ciyou’s brows knotted. “How many times? No titles.”

“…Ciyou.”

“Good girl.” Lu Ciyou chuckled, burying her face in Yan Li’s collar. “Stay with me tonight.”

Yan Li froze.

“Young master, this isn’t—”

Teeth grazed her neck—not biting, just petulant pressure. Then warmth. Wetness. Yan Li jerked back violently.

*Thud.* Lu Ciyou’s skull struck the bedframe. Her pained grimace melted into unconsciousness.

Yan Li stood trembling, the washcloth forgotten at her feet. A sudden chime of magic snapped her back to reality, forcing composure into her stiff limbs.

The message had only two words: "Come now."

Yan Li destroyed the message, carefully adjusted Lu Ciyou’s blanket, lit calming incense in the room, and shut the door behind her.

Soon after, she arrived at Yuxing Hall. The disciples outside had been dismissed, so she entered swiftly.

"Master."

Ye Xiao had been waiting. His brows tightened the moment he saw her. "You reek of wine. Have you been drinking?"

"I’ve always obeyed the sect rules. The scent comes from Young Master Lu."

Yan Li answered calmly. Ye Xiao, having raised her since childhood, knew she never lied.

"Stay near her, but don’t adopt her careless ways." He moved closer to pat her shoulder but froze mid-motion, his gaze locking onto something.

"Master?"

"Outrageous!" Ye Xiao roared, trembling as he pointed at her. "You’re my sole disciple, destined to lead this sect! I allowed you fourteen years to repay your debt, but now you wallow in lust? You shame me!"

He turned away, sleeve whipping through the air, his chest heaving with rage.

Yan Li knelt abruptly, shock numbing her. Never had he spoken such harshness. She bit her lip till it bled, refusing to cry.

"Master, what have I done wrong?"

"Look!"

A Water Mirror materialized before her, reflecting her pallid face, bloodshot eyes, and the vivid bite mark on her neck.

"No! Lu Ciyou bit me accidentally while drunk!"

Ye Xiao’s face darkened further. "I’ll settle your debts. From now on, stay away from her! Act like the sect leader’s heir you’re meant to be!"

A fierce wind struck her. Yan Li knelt rigidly as her mask clattered to the floor, stripping all pretense.

"Your name joins the Immortal Sect competition tomorrow. Kneel here until dawn!"

The sect leader stormed out, face thunderous. He flew toward Autumn Forest Peak but veered mid-air—toward Scripture Hall instead.

———

At daybreak, Suiyin woke to skull-splitting pain.

Her throat burned like sun-baked clay, triggering ragged coughs.

"Fairy Lord, water."

She gulped the offered drink before rasping, "Where…?"

"This is Chengxian Restaurant’s guest room. Our owner let you rest here after… last night." Xia He avoided mentioning Xia Shi’s visit.

"Thank you." Rubbing her temples, Suiyin asked, "Where are my companions?"

"They left hours ago."

"What time is it now?"

"Half of Si hour has passed."

Suiyin startled, immediately rising to gather her belongings before rushing back to Sanqing Realm.

Along the path, she encountered numerous disciples from other sects ascending the mountain, their conversations inevitably filled with gossip.

Walking behind them, Suiyin overheard many intriguing tales.

Until someone asked: "Have you heard about the new elder in Sanqing Realm?"

Someone quickly added: "Rumors say she’s called Elder Wuwei."

"Wuwei… that must be Xia Wuwei!"

"Didn’t she die?"

"Die? She’s been hiding in Sanqing Realm since failing her tribulation, clinging to life."

"She dares reappear? Becoming an elder? How shameless! As if anyone forgot what happened Four Hundred Years Ago! She caused countless talented disciples’ deaths. Even Lu Qingyu of Liujin Pavilion and Xuanhua of Qingyun City suffered unjust calamities because of her. Heartless wretch!"

A blade-like sword energy suddenly tore through air, flinging the last speaker backward. Others staggered from the energy’s shockwave.

Such fierce sword energy!

"Who’s there?!"

None anticipated violence within Sanqing Realm.

The fallen Taiyi Sect disciple lay groaning, blood staining his disciple’s robes. Others drew swords toward the energy’s origin.

A stunning female cultivator stood watching them, crimson dress flaring. Though bearing no Long Sword, shimmering sword energy rippled around her.

"Fellow Immortal," one demanded, "why attack without cause?"

"Whom were you discussing?" Suiyin’s gaze swept the group, her deceptively pleasant smile lingering.

Had Xia Shi witnessed this smile hiding knives, she’d suspect Huaiwen impersonated Suiyin.

"Xia… Xia Wuwei," blurted one disciple before being elbowed silent.

"His foul mouth required correction. Any objections?" Suiyin’s contemptuous glance at the whimpering figure implied he’d be dead anywhere but Sanqing Realm.

"Suiyin! Junior sister!"

Looking up, Suiyin saw Senior Sister Zuo Ji flying toward them atop her magic sword.

"Senior Sister Zuo Ji." Suiyin bowed respectfully.

Sheathing her blade, Zuo Ji whispered: "Trouble here?"

The sect leader had sent her to welcome visitors at mountain’s foot. Spotting her red-clad junior confronting this group, she’d rushed over – none should bully Sanqing disciples here.

Though strangers to Suiyin, all recognized Zuo Ji. Newcomers to Sanqing Realm avoided conflicts.

"No, no, Senior Sister Zuo Ji misunderstood."

"Yes, yes, it was all just a misunderstanding."

The group forced stiff smiles, shoving each other back and forth as they scrambled up the mountain. Two broke away to carry the unconscious Taiyi Sect disciple.

When the crowd disappeared, Zuo Ji spoke, "Junior Sister Suiyin, the Immortal Sect Conference approaches. Return to prepare – didn’t you register for the grand competition?"

Suiyin nodded. "I’ll take my leave then. Farewell, Senior Sister."

Zuo Ji inclined her head.

They passed each other on the mountain path.

Near the main peak’s guest quarters, Suiyin encountered Lu Ciyou rubbing her temples, the young lady squinting at her surroundings.

"Looking for something?" Suiyin asked.

"Where’s A Li? She always guards my door when I sleep." Lu Ciyou winced, pressing fingers gently to her scalp. "Feels like someone clubbed me last night."

"Can’t lose a grown woman that easily." Suiyin crossed her arms. "More importantly – why abandon me at Chengxian Restaurant?"

"Don’t ask me!" Lu Ciyou groaned. "I don’t even remember returning."

"Senior Sister Yan Li."

Both girls turned.

Sanqing disciples bowed outside the courtyard to a figure standing apart. The woman acknowledged them with a tilt of her head before glancing toward the courtyard.

Lu Ciyou’s temper exploded like firecrackers. "What’re you staring at? Scram before you ruin my day!"

Yan Li’s eyelashes fluttered downward. She walked away, sword clutched tight.