Chapter 18: She Broke Her Promise

This novel is translated and hosted on BCatranslation

“Fairy, take care.”

Manager Liu stood at the doorway, watching the young woman’s silhouette fade into the distance, his heart filled with admiration.

As expected, no disciple of the Five Elements Dao Sect was ordinary.

Fairy Zhou and Fairy Yu each had their own strengths, yet compared to them, Su Ming fell far behind.

Also, did Su Ming know the secret behind that black crystal stone?

Manager Liu pondered briefly, then shook his head, deciding to keep it to himself.

This transaction had earned him a considerable commission; silence was his best option.

To keep quiet meant living longer.

…

Inside the cave dwelling, Yu Zhao sat cross-legged with her eyes closed.

After a long while, she exhaled deeply, a spark of determination flashing in her gaze.

Everything was in place—she just needed the final touch.

Once she adjusted herself to peak condition, she could begin her foundation reformation.

Yu Zhao retrieved a bottle of Rootless Liquid and drank it.

The gentle liquid quickly transformed into pure spiritual energy, coursing through her limbs and bones.

She held her breath, focusing on her breathing.

Invisible blue light particles in the air seemed drawn to her by some unseen force, swarming toward her and quietly merging into her body. The spiritual energy in her meridians steadily grew.

Unconsciously, she let go of all distractions, entering a state of complete focus.

…

On Lone Moon Peak, an unusual bustle was taking place.

Cui Jue, who had been in seclusion refining pills, and Quan Ye, who had been training outside, returned around the same time.

Ye Cong Xin promptly decided to host a small gathering, inviting her five senior brothers to join her in a bamboo grove halfway up the peak. A clear stream ran through the forest, creating a serene atmosphere.

Matching tables and chairs lined both sides, accompanied by a selection of fine wine and spiritual fruits.

Su Ming, ever eager to attend lively gatherings, was the first to arrive after Ye Cong Xin.

Seeing the elegant setup in the grove, his eyes sparkled. He couldn’t stop praising his junior sister’s meticulous care.

In the past, their gatherings were far less elaborate—they’d simply find an open spot to sit and chat. This event, however, had a unique charm.

The second to arrive was Fang Cheng Lang.

His intention was to help with the preparations, but seeing everything already arranged, he felt both comforted and a little heartbroken.

“Eldest Senior Brother, please have a seat. Today, it’s my show!” Ye Cong Xin ran up to him, guiding him to a seat.

Fang Cheng Lang couldn’t refuse and smiled as he complied.

No sooner had he sat than another figure appeared in the grove.

“Ah, Fourth Senior Brother is here!”

Ye Cong Xin’s playful smile lit up her face, her crescent-shaped eyes glowing with excitement.

Her face, which had recently lost its sickly pallor, now shone with youthful vibrancy and charm.

Cui Jue parted the bamboo leaves blocking his path, only to be greeted by her delightful smile.

His cold expression softened slightly. “Junior Sister.”

Cui Jue, who spent years refining pills, carried a faint medicinal fragrance. Coupled with his jade-like complexion and elegant demeanor, he resembled a celestial herb untouched by the mortal world.

Having learned from their master that Ye Cong Xin had become the youngest disciple of Lone Moon Peak, Cui Jue harbored no objection.

“Fourth Senior Brother, long time no see,” Ye Cong Xin said, her cheeks tinged pink as she looked at Cui Jue, whose handsomeness was unmatched.

Cui Jue retrieved a black jade bottle from his sleeve. “A gift.”

Ye Cong Xin’s heart skipped a beat.

It was the pill she had long yearned for.

She bit her lip lightly before taking the bottle. “Thank you, Fourth Senior Brother.”

Cui Jue nodded slightly before turning to greet his other senior brothers.

“Eldest Senior Brother. Third Senior Brother.”

Fang Cheng Lang studied him and, seeing Cui Jue in good spirits, asked with a smile, “Did your seclusion go well?”

Cui Jue nodded.

Then fell silent.

Fang Cheng Lang, already accustomed to Cui Jue’s reticent nature, didn’t mind.

Cui Jue only talked more when Little Six was present.

At this thought, Fang Cheng Lang paused, his eyes darting toward the arrangement of seats.

Four on the left, three on the right.

Seven seats, perfectly aligned with the seven disciples of Lone Moon Peak.

He sighed in relief, berating himself for his unfounded suspicions.

His junior sister had a generous heart—she wouldn’t exclude Little Six.

As for whether Little Six would show up?

Fang Cheng Lang never doubted it.

“Eldest Senior Brother! Haha! I’m here!”

A loud, brash voice echoed through the bamboo grove.

A robust figure strode in.

The man had broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and long legs, clad in the sect’s standard attire. Yet his wild aura betrayed a touch of unruliness.

Fang Cheng Lang frowned.

After a year apart, this man looked even more like a rogue cultivator.

“Fifth Brother! You’re finally back, and you—”

Su Ming spotted Quan Ye and immediately seized the chance to complain.

However, he was promptly interrupted by Fang Cheng Lang’s cold command.

“Quiet!”

Su Ming closed his mouth reluctantly.

Quan Ye glanced between the two but didn’t dwell on it. Instead, he strode up to Ye Cong Xin, pulling out a handful of spiritual herbs, dirt still clinging to their roots. “Junior Sister, here’s your meeting gift!”

The herbs were crudely bundled, yet Ye Cong Xin didn’t mind at all. She accepted them with a sweet smile.

These herbs, after all, were harvested from the Thorny Secret Realm—their potency far exceeded ordinary herbs.

Quan Ye, satisfied, sat down with a thud, glancing around. “We’re just missing Second Senior Brother and Little… Sixth Senior Sister. Where are they?”

“Second Senior Brother is always late, but the other one… Hmph,” Su Ming sneered, his tone laced with resentment.

Even someone as straightforward as Quan Ye caught the sarcasm. “Did you fight with Sixth Senior Sister?”

“Fight? She doesn’t even… mmph!”

Fang Cheng Lang shot him a warning glare and shoved a spirit fruit into Su Ming’s mouth, signaling him to stop talking.

He intended to resolve the siblings’ conflict and wouldn’t let Su Ming ruin it.

Quan Ye exchanged glances with Cui Jue.

Clearly, much had happened in their absence.

Time passed.

Finally, Lan Zi Yu arrived, unhurried as ever.

“Yo, everyone’s here,” he said, nonchalantly taking a seat across from Fang Cheng Lang. “We can start now.”

Lan Zi Yu’s casual tardiness was no surprise—he was always the last to arrive. His presence signaled the start of their gatherings.

But not this time.

Ye Cong Xin spoke softly, “Second Senior Brother, we can’t start yet. Sixth Senior Sister hasn’t arrived.”

Her words elicited varied reactions.

Cui Jue and Quan Ye, unaware, looked surprised. Lan Zi Yu and Su Ming’s expressions darkened, while Fang Cheng Lang felt deeply conflicted.

Yu Zhao had always considered Lone Moon Peak her home, her master and brothers her family. She had vowed never to miss a family gathering.

But now… she had broken her promise.

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