Chapter 156: Yu Zhao’s Pain, No Wonder She Refused to Return
This novel is translated and hosted only on BCatranslation
Yu Zhao had decisively severed ties with the people of Lone Moon Peak, determined never to be entangled with them again. Whether Master Qing Yan regretted it later was of no concern to her, nor did she care to delve into it.
“Actually, Master Qing Yan didn’t mean for it to turn out this way, he just… Forget it.”
Sect Master Wu Sang seemed to want to explain further, but upon seeing Yu Zhao’s indifferent expression, he decided to let it go.
“Mu Ye’s breakthrough before the assessment owes much to your efforts. This is a token of thanks from the Green Wood Sect—please accept it.”
He retrieved a square box from his sleeve and sent it floating toward Yu Zhao using his spiritual energy.
Yu Zhao was taken aback.
Since leaving Lone Moon Peak, the number of gifts she received had only increased. Clearly, Lone Moon Peak had been her nemesis.
“Sect Master Wu Sang, Mu Ye and I hit it off instantly. It was only right for me to help. I can’t accept this gift. However, I do have a favor to ask and hope Sect Master Wu Sang will grant it.”
Hearing her initial refusal, Wu Sang thought Yu Zhao was simply modest. But her next words revealed her intentions.
He chuckled. “You must be referring to your two senior brothers. Rest assured, even if only for Master Qing Yan’s sake, the Green Wood Sect would never abandon them.”
He assumed he’d guessed her thoughts correctly, only to see Yu Zhao staring at him in surprise.
“Sect Master Wu Sang, their situation has nothing to do with me. I have a different request.”
Wu Sang was momentarily embarrassed and cleared his throat. “What is it?”
“I would like to borrow your sect’s alchemy room.”
Without hesitation, Wu Sang agreed. But moments later, he realized Yu Zhao was of the water spiritual root. Startled, he asked, “You can refine pills?”
Now it was Yu Zhao’s turn to feel awkward. “No.”
“Then why borrow the alchemy room?”
Yu Zhao forced a sheepish smile. “To be honest, Sect Master Wu Sang, I want to use the alchemy room’s fire vein to craft my life-bound artifact. I promise it’s a one-time thing. It won’t happen again!”
“You!”
Sect Master Wu Sang was dumbfounded. In all his years as a sect leader, no one had ever dared to make such a bold request.
“Sect Master, I have no choice. Could you grant me this favor for Mu Ye’s sake?”
Initially hesitant to make the request, Yu Zhao had observed Wu Sang’s satisfaction with Mu Ye, the Young Sect Master. She feared involving Mu Ye might tarnish her reputation within the sect. Hence, she decided to approach Wu Sang directly, ensuring Mu Ye wouldn’t be implicated.
“You! You’re audacious beyond measure,” Sect Master Wu Sang finally said with a laugh, shaking his head.
The heavy weight in Yu Zhao’s heart lifted instantly.
“Fine, just this once—for Mu Ye’s sake.” Wu Sang flicked a stone token from his sleeve. “This is the pass to Alchemy Room Thirty-Nine. Remember, this is the only exception.”
Yu Zhao caught the token with both hands, bowing deeply. “Thank you, Sect Master Wu Sang.”
“Take the gift box as well. I, as the sect master, am not petty enough to take back a gift once given.”
Wu Sang’s words left no room for further refusal. Accepting the box, Yu Zhao thanked him once more before retreating respectfully.
Watching her careful demeanor, Wu Sang couldn’t help but shake his head with a smile, recalling her audacious request.
“What an interesting disciple. A pity she has a water spiritual root.”
But at least she had helped preserve his cherished Young Sect Master, leaving him with little regret. Wu Sang was confident that Mu Ye’s future achievements would not disappoint.
“Yu Zhao, you’re out! What did the Sect Master say to you?”
Mu Ye eagerly approached Yu Zhao the moment she emerged, curiosity sparkling in her eyes.
Yu Zhao glanced around and saw that it was just the two of them nearby. With an air of seriousness, she clasped her hands and performed a formal salute toward Mu Ye.
“Greetings, Young Sect Master.”
Mu Ye froze for a moment before bursting into laughter.
“Ahem, you may rise,” she replied, trying to match the tone of playfulness.
The two locked eyes and then laughed together. Mu Ye flung herself into Yu Zhao’s arms, hugging her tightly.
“Yu Zhao, thank you. Truly, thank you for being here.”
Thank you for showing up when I needed you the most. Thank you for helping me without holding back.
“You’re welcome. This is what you deserve,” Yu Zhao said gently, patting Mu Ye’s back.
Though Yu Zhao didn’t know what had occurred during the Pill Hall disciple assessment in her previous life, nor why Wang Qian had taken the position of Young Sect Master, she had seen Mu Ye’s hard work and dedication firsthand in this life. Mu Ye had earned her title.
After calming her emotions, Mu Ye invited Yu Zhao to a celebratory banquet hosted by the sect disciples. However, Yu Zhao politely declined, explaining that she planned to refine her life-bound artifact in the artifact refining chamber.
Mu Ye was initially surprised by Yu Zhao’s choice, finding it hard to believe. But since Yu Zhao trusted her, she decided to reciprocate that trust wholeheartedly.
She escorted Yu Zhao to the thirty-ninth artifact refining chamber and watched as the doors slowly closed. For some reason, she felt an inexplicable excitement. Even during the banquet, her thoughts frequently wandered to Yu Zhao, hard at work in the chamber.
“Young Sect Master.”
As the banquet was nearing its end, an unexpected figure appeared before Mu Ye.
She raised an eyebrow. “Senior Brother Fang.”
Fang Cheng Lang hesitated briefly before voicing his question.
“Why isn’t Junior Sister Yu with you?”
Fang Cheng Lang had met Mu Ye before in Dragon Roar Valley and knew that Yu Zhao had come to the Green Wood Sect because of Mu Ye. Seeing Mu Ye at the banquet without Yu Zhao made him uneasy.
“She… she’s occupied with something,” Mu Ye replied, deciding to conceal Yu Zhao’s artifact refinement.
Mu Ye had noticed back in Dragon Roar Valley that Yu Zhao didn’t seem particularly close to her so-called Senior Brother. Since Yu Zhao didn’t want to interact with him, there was no reason for Mu Ye to divulge her plans.
Fang Cheng Lang sensed Mu Ye’s guarded and dismissive attitude. He forced a bitter smile and said, “I mean no harm. I just want to know if she’s safe.”
Mu Ye frowned.
“Senior Brother Fang, what are you implying? Why would Yu Zhao be in danger within the Green Wood Sect’s territory?”
“I’m not saying…”
“And besides, with her strength, the only ones who could threaten her are the Nascent Soul elders. Are you suggesting that our sect elders might harm her?”
“No, I didn’t mean…”
“Oh, I get it now. You think her time at the Five Elements Dao Sect wasn’t great, so you’re worried she’s constantly in danger. Senior Brother Fang, maybe you should reflect on yourself. Have you shown Yu Zhao enough care? Have you reined in the behavior of your fellow disciples? Poor Yu Zhao. No wonder she doesn’t want to return.”
Mu Ye’s cutting words landed like daggers, leaving Fang Cheng Lang pale and trembling.
“Did she really say… that she doesn’t want to go back?” he asked, his voice shaky.
Would she really prefer staying in a foreign sect over returning to the one that raised her? Did she truly hate them that much? Hate them enough to sever ties with her own sect?
“Hey, don’t jump to conclusions! She didn’t say anything. That’s just my guess!” Mu Ye quickly added.