Chapter 162: How Could It Be Her?
This novel is translated and hosted only on BCatranslation
At the main peak of the Five Elements Sect, the atmosphere was charged with excitement and anticipation.
“I accept,” Yu Zhao said, her voice firm and resolute.
Zhou Jin Yue’s face lit up with a smile, as radiant as a flower blooming in the sunlight. “Junior Sister Yu Zhao, I knew you’d agree!”
Zhang Jun, standing nearby, couldn’t contain his enthusiasm. He clenched his fists in triumph. “With you on the team, we’re definitely going to take first place!”
Seeing the genuine happiness on Zhou Jin Yue and Zhang Jun’s faces, Yu Zhao felt the heavy weight that had been on her shoulders since her encounter with Quan Ye begin to lift.
Before returning to the Five Elements Sect, Yu Zhao had been uncertain whether Senior Sister Jin Yue would save a spot for her on the team. Each team could only have five members, and every position was incredibly precious, especially with only two teams allowed to represent the sect in the upcoming competition. Yu Zhao had prepared herself for the possibility of being left out. But reality had exceeded her expectations.
Senior Sister Jin Yue had indeed saved a spot for her, and Yu Zhao didn’t hesitate to accept the offer. Turning it down wasn’t even an option in her mind.
“Besides me and Zhang Jun, there’s also Lu Li and Pu Xing He. You’ll meet them during tomorrow’s selection in the sect,” Zhou Jin Yue explained, her tone full of confidence.
Yu Zhao nodded, recognizing the names of the other two team members. Lu Li and Pu Xing He were both top students under different peak masters, well-known for their skills and talents within the sect.
But as she thought about them, Yu Zhao’s expression grew a little darker. Senior Sister Lu Li had a kind and gentle nature, making her easy to get along with. However, Pu Xing He had been a thorn in her side in her previous life, often targeting her because of Ye Cong Xin. Yu Zhao wasn’t sure if history would repeat itself in this life.
Despite these concerns, Yu Zhao kept her thoughts to herself. There was no point in worrying Senior Sister Jin Yue over something that might not even happen.
After they finalized the meeting time for the next day, Yu Zhao handed Senior Sister Jin Yue a small gift she had prepared and then took her leave, heading toward the Treasure Library.
When she arrived, she saw Elder Gu sitting at the entrance, deeply absorbed in an ancient book. Yu Zhao hesitated, unsure whether to approach him or wait quietly until he noticed her. Just as she was about to decide, Elder Gu looked up and noticed her.
“You’re back, so why didn’t you come in to say hello to this old man?” Elder Gu chided, his white beard twitching slightly as he frowned in displeasure.
Yu Zhao quickly stepped forward, bowing her head in apology. “I saw you were deep into your reading, Elder Gu, and I didn’t want to disturb you. Please don’t be upset.”
Elder Gu huffed, though there was no real anger in his voice. “At least you’ve got some manners, girl. But next time, just come straight up and talk to me. There’s no need to stand on ceremony.”
He looked her over, a small smile finally breaking through his stern expression. “Not bad, you’ve made some progress. You haven’t let this old man down.”
Yu Zhao bowed again, this time with genuine gratitude. “I’ve grown thanks to your teachings, Elder Gu. I’m very grateful.”
Whether it was the Illusory Tide Technique or the materials she needed to craft the Floating Life Mirror, Elder Gu had always been there to guide her. Even though he hadn’t formally taken her as a disciple, he treated her like one, and Yu Zhao respected him deeply for it.
Elder Gu straightened up, clearly pleased with her words. “You’ve worked hard, so it’s only natural that you’ve improved.”
Yu Zhao smiled and then pulled out several food boxes from her storage space, setting them on the table in front of Elder Gu.
“What’s this? Take it away, take it away! I don’t want your things!” Elder Gu exclaimed, his eyes widening in mock irritation.
“Elder Gu, these are just some local specialties I picked up while traveling. They’re nothing fancy, just a small token of my appreciation. Please take a look,” Yu Zhao said, her tone warm and persuasive.
Elder Gu eyed the boxes suspiciously but eventually opened one. The rich aroma of golden, fried fish balls filled the air, and he couldn’t help but swallow involuntarily.
Curious, he opened the second box and found paper-thin, translucent fish slices neatly arranged. Elder Gu quickly closed the box, a pleased smile spreading across his face. “You’ve put some thought into this.”
Yu Zhao chuckled and pulled out a few simple ceramic jars from her storage space. “These are some rice wines I found in a small town. The flavor is mild but unique.”
This time, Elder Gu didn’t protest. He accepted the gifts with a nod, clearly satisfied.
The atmosphere between them grew more relaxed after that. When Elder Gu learned that Yu Zhao had obtained another part of the Illusory Tide Technique’s inheritance, he sighed, marveling at the strange workings of fate. Originally, he had helped her out of pity, not wanting her talent to go to waste. But now, it seemed that his guidance had led her to a technique that was perfectly suited for her.
“Will you be participating in tomorrow’s internal sect selection?” he asked, his tone curious.
“Yes, I’ve already teamed up with Senior Sister Jin Yue from the main peak,” Yu Zhao replied.
Elder Gu’s eyes lit up with excitement. “With you and Jin Yue on the team, the Five Elements Sect is sure to win first place again in the competition.”
Yu Zhao smiled but didn’t say anything more.
Elder Gu could see that she was confident, and that made him even happier. They continued chatting for another two hours before Elder Gu finally shooed her away, reminding her that he would be attending tomorrow’s selection to watch her performance. Yu Zhao readily agreed.
As she left the Treasure Library, Yu Zhao planned to head back to her place to prepare for tomorrow’s selection. But as she approached the foot of Lone Moon Peak, she suddenly remembered that she no longer lived there. Her current residence was in the inner courtyard where the inner sect disciples lived.
Shaking her head at her own forgetfulness, she changed direction and headed for the inner courtyard.
Now that she thought about it, she had only lived at the small courtyard on Lone Moon Peak for less than a month after winning it from Xiu Luo. No wonder she had forgotten that she had moved.
When Yu Zhao arrived at the inner courtyard, she paused for a moment. She still remembered how intense and competitive the atmosphere used to be whenever she stepped into the inner courtyard. But now, as she stood there, she realized that she didn’t feel that same pressure anymore. Had she changed, or…
“Yu Zhao? You’re finally back.”
The door of the central house at the foot of the mountain opened, and Xiu Luo stepped out, her eyes bright with excitement.
“Yes, I’m back,” Yu Zhao replied with a nod.
“You… you’ve formed your core? I can’t even see through your cultivation level anymore. You’ve reached the mid-core formation stage?” Xiu Luo’s excitement quickly faded as she realized that Yu Zhao’s cultivation had far surpassed hers. She had been gearing up for a rematch to reclaim her honor, but now, the thought of facing Yu Zhao again seemed pointless.
“Is there no one else in the inner courtyard? Where are the others?” Yu Zhao asked, noticing the unusual quietness.
“They’re here,” Xiu Luo replied weakly. “They’re probably all in their rooms cultivating.”
Yu Zhao raised an eyebrow in surprise. If everyone was cultivating in their rooms, why didn’t she feel that intense, competitive atmosphere?
Seeing the confusion on Yu Zhao’s face, Xiu Luo couldn’t help but sneer a little. “They’ve been corrupted by their desires. They’re not as driven to cultivate as they used to be. Only Feng Qi Yun and a few others still put in any real effort.”
Yu Zhao wanted to ask more, but Xiu Luo quickly changed the subject. “Tomorrow is the internal selection for the sect teams participating in the competition. Since you’ve returned at this time, I assume you’re planning to compete?”
“Yes,” Yu Zhao confirmed.
“Are you planning to team up with Senior Brother Fang and the others from Lone Moon Peak?” Xiu Luo asked, her gaze intense as she waited for Yu Zhao’s answer, her fingers unconsciously gripping the hem of her robe.
This novel is translated and hosted only on BCatranslation
“No, I’m teaming up with Senior Sister Jin Yue from the main peak,” Yu Zhao said calmly.
Xiu Luo’s initial relief turned to disappointment. “So, it was you that Senior Sister Jin Yue was waiting for!” she muttered, trying to mask her frustration. She had hoped to hear that Yu Zhao would be teaming up with others, perhaps giving her a chance to join the competition herself. But hearing that Yu Zhao had been chosen by the sect’s top senior sister made her feel even more inadequate.
Then, a thought struck her, and her eyes widened in shock. “But if you’re not teaming up with Senior Brother Fang and the others, doesn’t that mean they’re short a person?”
Yu Zhao could see where Xiu Luo’s thoughts were going and smiled slightly. “How could they be short? You’ve probably forgotten about the little junior sister at Lone Moon Peak, haven’t you?”
Xiu Luo’s eyes widened in disbelief as she stammered, “How could it be her?”