Chapter 127: A Clear Difference
This novel is translated and hosted only on BCatranslation
Among the disciples, Su Ming was often regarded as the least reliable, yet he was undeniably a true Golden Core cultivator. With a few swift moves, he parted the crowd blocking his way, positioning himself protectively beside Ye Cong Xin. His menacing gaze swept across the group like a fierce guardian.
“Third Senior Brother, don’t fight them; it’s just a misunderstanding.”
Ye Cong Xin stood up, her delicate fingers, white as scallion stalks, lightly tugging on Su Ming’s arm. Her voice was soft and imploring.
Su Ming turned to look at her. Today, Ye Cong Xin wore a plain-colored dress, accentuating her jade-like complexion. Her clear eyes carried a hint of worry, and the vulnerability etched between her brows made her seem even more fragile—someone who instinctively inspired protection.
For a moment, Su Ming was dazed.
His little junior sister… had become even more beautiful.
“Third Senior Brother,” she softly called again, her voice like a gentle breeze.
Snapping back to his senses, Su Ming frowned. “You’re saying these people are all your friends?” His skepticism was evident. These people didn’t appear to be the righteous kind; could they have deceived his junior sister?
“Yes, they mean no harm to me,” Ye Cong Xin replied seriously.
“Senior, it is our honor that Miss Ye is willing to associate with us. We would never think of harming her!”
“Miss Ye is kind and approachable. Meeting her is a blessing for us all!”
“Fellow Daoist, we absolutely have no malicious intentions! If you doubt us, I swear upon my Dao heart!”
“…”
Watching the group vehemently defend themselves, some even appearing ready to gouge out their hearts as proof of innocence, Su Ming couldn’t help but feel a sense of strangeness.
“Third Senior Brother, I’m really fine. Please return to your room and rest. Second Senior Brother is probably still waiting for you.”
“Little Junior Sister, aren’t you curious about what I discussed with Eldest Senior Brother?”
Ye Cong Xin offered a bitter smile. “Eldest Senior Brother and Fourth Senior Brother didn’t return with you. I’ve already guessed the outcome.” Lowering her gaze, her voice dropped. “They must still blame me.”
“Absolutely not!”
Su Ming, seeing her distress, dared not press further. After offering a few comforting words, he hurriedly headed upstairs. However, at the staircase’s turn, he stopped and glanced back. The group he had just dispersed had once again gathered around Ye Cong Xin. Their gazes were fervent, yet their actions were disciplined, not daring to overstep any boundaries.
The more Su Ming watched, the stranger it felt.
“Got lectured by Fang Cheng Lang again, didn’t you?”
Looking up, Su Ming realized he had unconsciously entered the room of his Second Senior Brother, Lan Zi Yu.
Lan Zi Yu’s lips curled into a sneer, tinged with disdain and mockery. “I told you before, both he and Cui Jue have been brainwashed by Yu Zhao. Even if Master himself came, he probably couldn’t persuade them. Why bother making things difficult for yourself?”
Seating himself across from Lan Zi Yu, Su Ming sighed. “We’ve been stuck here for three months with nothing to show for it. The grand competition in the cultivation world is approaching. Eldest Senior Brother’s rivals are all in seclusion, training hard and improving their strength. I just wanted to ask him what he’s really planning!”
“Like a dog catching mice—poking your nose where it doesn’t belong,” Lan Zi Yu mocked as usual. Then, shifting his tone, he asked, “What did he say?”
Su Ming’s expression darkened. “Eldest Senior Brother said he has his reasons. If we want to leave, we’re free to go. He doesn’t need us to stay.”
“Ha.” Lan Zi Yu let out a cold laugh. He had expected this outcome.
Fang Cheng Lang and Cui Jue were already beyond saving, utterly consumed by their obsession. If Yu Zhao wanted to throw a tantrum, so be it. But now, they were aiding her, stirring the pot, and trying to pressure him into conceding?
Not a chance.
“Forget about them. Let’s leave tomorrow,” Lan Zi Yu said decisively.
After a moment of hesitation, Su Ming nodded in agreement. Staying here was a waste of time. It would be better to return and prepare for the grand competition in the cultivation world.
“By the way, Second Senior Brother, when I came back just now, I saw Little Junior Sister downstairs with some unfamiliar cultivators. She said they were her friends.”
“Hmm, and?” Lan Zi Yu seemed unconcerned.
Little Junior Sister was known for her good rapport with others in the sect. Making a few friends outside didn’t seem unusual.
“Those people didn’t look like good people…” Su Ming said hesitantly.
The city where they stayed was the closest to Marsh Forest, a sinister place often visited by cultivators of dark arts. Su Ming’s worry wasn’t baseless.
“You have a point,” Lan Zi Yu admitted. “But it doesn’t matter. We’re leaving tomorrow. Even if they have ill intentions, they wouldn’t dare act.”
Su Ming nodded, agreeing with the reasoning, and soon dismissed the matter.
Lan Zi Yu and Su Ming assumed that when they suggested leaving, Ye Cong Xin would readily agree. Thus, her polite refusal caught them by surprise.
Ye Cong Xin explained that she had promised her friends to stay a few more days but assured them they could depart in three days. After some initial shock, Su Ming and Lan Zi Yu accepted her terms.
When Ye Cong Xin returned to her room, she took out an array disc from her storage space, setting up a barrier. She also placed several soundproof talismans on the walls before speaking. “System, report the favorability ratings.”
Ding! Zhang Yuan’s current favorability: 95 points.
Ding! Wei Zi Fang’s current favorability: 89 points.
Ding! Wang Hu’s current favorability: 92 points.
…
The system listed over ten individuals, all with favorability ratings above 85 points. Ye Cong Xin smiled with satisfaction.
She reflected on her past foolishness, wasting time on Fang Cheng Lang and others, forgetting the value of accumulating small gains. Just days ago, she had absorbed a wave of fortune, converting it into stamina points. The lingering discomfort in her chest had vanished, and her body felt significantly lighter.
Thinking about the upcoming grand event in the cultivation world, a spark of ambition ignited in Ye Cong Xin’s eyes. Surely, the prodigies of the cultivation world carried even greater fortune? She could hardly wait.
Three days later, Lan Zi Yu, Su Ming, and Ye Cong Xin set out for the Five Elements Dao Sect. As they left, Su Ming glanced back at the quiet inn and asked, “What about your friends? Why didn’t they come to see you off?”
Ye Cong Xin curved her delicate eyebrows and smiled lightly. “The breeze brushes the bright moon, and mountains and rivers will meet again. There’s no need for farewells.”
Su Ming nodded, half understanding, and felt a strange sense of awe. Little Junior Sister was no longer the same as before.
Lan Zi Yu shared the sentiment. This feeling intensified during their journey when Ye Cong Xin unexpectedly broke through to the late stage of Foundation Establishment. The advancement happened without warning, right before their eyes.
Lan Zi Yu was astonished. He had always known Ye Cong Xin to have a frail constitution. Despite her diligence—spending long hours each day cultivating—her body rejected about half of the spiritual energy she absorbed, leaving only a fraction for actual use. If she overexerted herself, her body would protest violently.
Lan Zi Yu had witnessed her gasping for breath, drenched in cold sweat, after failing to endure excessive spiritual energy. Her progress to Foundation Establishment alone was a miracle. Yet now, she had advanced further, and on the road, no less.
His surprise brought his thoughts to Yu Zhao. Little Junior Sister persevered despite her immense challenges, maintaining an unwavering determination. Meanwhile, Yu Zhao, who had a perfectly healthy body, wasted her days complaining.
The difference between them was stark.