Chapter 56: A Simple Way to Say Thanks
This novel is translated and hosted on BCatranslation
Xiu Luo looked like a withered flower, rapidly losing her vitality. Elder Hou, standing by her side, was visibly anxious.
Xiu Luo was his most promising disciple among the inner sect members. He had deliberately chosen her to humble Yu Zhao while also giving her a chance to gain recognition and improve her odds of becoming a personal disciple.
But things hadn’t gone as he’d planned.
If Xiu Luo lost her fighting spirit and her Dao heart shattered because of this, Elder Hou feared he would be forever blamed.
This couldn’t happen!
Elder Hou paced nervously, like an ant on a hot pan, uncertain about what to do next.
Just then, Yu Zhao stepped forward and stood before Xiu Luo.
“Didn’t you want to become a personal disciple? Are you giving up so soon?”
Xiu Luo kept her head low and said nothing.
Outwardly, Yu Zhao appeared calm, but inwardly, she was just as nervous.
Could it be that she had gone too far and crushed Xiu Luo’s spirit entirely?
She had only wanted to test the effects of her Illusion Technique, not destroy Xiu Luo’s confidence.
“Do you know Su Ming?” Yu Zhao asked after a moment of thought.
Xiu Luo’s ears twitched.
Su Ming?
Of course, she knew of him.
He was Master Qing Yan’s third disciple—wealthy beyond imagination and a major benefactor of the Five Elements Market.
But why would Yu Zhao mention him?
“Su Ming also fell for my illusion once. He even spent a long time talking to a wooden post,” Yu Zhao said nonchalantly, showing no intention of defending Su Ming’s reputation. In fact, she felt generous just for not embellishing the story further.
“You see, if both of you couldn’t break free from my illusion, it means your strengths are comparable. Since he became a personal disciple, you should believe that you can do it too.”
“Huh?”
Yu Zhao’s unconventional words of comfort completely confused Xiu Luo.
It made so much sense yet seemed somehow… off.
She lifted her tearful eyes to Elder Hou, silently pleading for guidance.
What could Elder Hou do? He was in a tough spot too.
He couldn’t openly admit that Xiu Luo and Su Ming were on the same level of skill—not in front of so many disciples. That would be a direct slap to Master Qing Yan’s face.
So, Elder Hou vaguely hummed in agreement and nodded, giving the impression of approval without actually confirming anything.
But Xiu Luo didn’t overthink it. She was desperate for reassurance to rebuild her confidence.
Seeing Elder Hou’s apparent acknowledgment, her spirits lifted.
So, she wasn’t entirely hopeless after all.
Taking a deep breath, she faced Yu Zhao with renewed determination.
“Thank you.”
Yu Zhao’s presence had pulled her out of her complacency, making her keenly aware of the vast gap between herself and the powerful personal disciples.
But Yu Zhao also gave her hope.
If she worked hard enough, she could one day become a personal disciple—better yet, one more outstanding than Su Ming.
Yu Zhao smiled brightly. “You’re welcome. But if you really want to thank me, how about letting me have this courtyard?”
Only now did Yu Zhao reveal her true intentions.
Xiu Luo: “?”
The other inner sect disciples, still trying to follow the conversation: “?”
The abrupt change of topic was too fast for anyone to process.
Yu Zhao maintained her polite smile.
Xiu Luo, realizing what Yu Zhao meant, nodded quickly like a pecking chick. “Of course, no problem! I’ll move out immediately.”
After such an embarrassing incident, Xiu Luo didn’t want to experience anything similar again. If Yu Zhao wanted something, she’d give it to her without hesitation.
“With your residence settled, I’ll take my leave. Stay here and take your time to adjust,” Elder Hou said with a sigh.
He felt utterly drained.
He didn’t want to see Yu Zhao anymore.
Could this be why the sect master didn’t let her stay on the Main Peak?
Did he think she was too much trouble?
“Farewell, Elder Hou.”
As the disciples respectfully bid Elder Hou goodbye, he waved his sleeve lightly and departed, not leaving a trace behind, like clouds dispersing into the sky.
Xiu Luo returned to the courtyard and quickly packed her belongings into her storage pouch. After one last, reluctant glance at the room, she stepped outside. Facing Yu Zhao, who stood by the entrance, Xiu Luo said, “From now on, it’s yours.”
Her expression was downcast, her head drooping like a stray puppy without a home. Yu Zhao began to feel a little guilty.
She hesitantly extended an invitation, “Would you like to stay for a cup of tea?”
Xiu Luo: “…”
That really wasn’t necessary.
Taking a deep breath, Xiu Luo replied, “Maybe another time. I need to find a place to stay now.”
Yu Zhao caught a faint hint of menace in her parting words.
Realization dawned upon Yu Zhao.
Casting a sympathetic glance at the inner sect disciples still gathered to watch the spectacle, Yu Zhao nodded slightly at Xiu Luo before stepping into the courtyard and shutting the wooden gate behind her.
In that moment, the noisy world outside was completely sealed off, and the courtyard fell into serene quiet. Yu Zhao relished the newfound tranquility.
She first walked around the ancient tree in the courtyard, her curiosity piqued. Standing in its shade, she felt a refreshing coolness wash over her, bringing a satisfied smile to her face. After circling the tree, she explored the fence’s perimeter before heading into the rooms.
The courtyard had three rooms in total. The center was the main hall, the right side housed a meditation chamber, and the left was the living quarters. All the rooms were similar in size and layout.
After familiarizing herself with the setup, Yu Zhao imprinted her divine sense onto the restriction stone, gaining control over the courtyard’s protective array. Instantly, every blade of grass and tree within the courtyard came under her command.
Her first act as the courtyard’s new master was to enter the meditation chamber and activate its protective array. Once she felt the chamber enveloped by an invisible barrier, Yu Zhao finally relaxed. She reached into her sleeve and pulled out the storage pouch given to her by Sect Master Ji Yuan.
With a quiet breath, her divine sense slipped into the pouch.
Though Yu Zhao had anticipated that Sect Master Ji Yuan’s reward would be substantial, the sight of the mountain of spirit stones inside still made her tear up—with joy, from the corners of her mouth.
“Sister Zhou, from now on, you’re my one and only senior sister!”
The Sect Master’s generosity was truly straightforward.
The pouch contained nothing but spirit stones. Piles and piles of them.
Suppressing her excitement, Yu Zhao carefully counted the spirit stones.
The staggering total left her utterly euphoric.
With this wealth, she could quickly gather the materials she needed to refine her life-bonded artifact. Afterward, by collecting some medicinal ingredients and refining a batch of pills, she could even attempt to break through to the Golden Core Stage.
Placing the storage pouch aside, Yu Zhao couldn’t help but reflect. Ever since leaving Lone Moon Peak, her luck had taken a turn for the better.
Indeed.
Lone Moon Peak had been stifling her.
Her good days were just beginning.
With that thought, Yu Zhao’s determination surged. She silently recited the Clear Heart Incantation twice, calming her emotions. Once she felt composed, she closed her eyes and began absorbing spiritual energy.
She needed to stabilize her cultivation fully before setting off on another training journey.
Time waited for no one.
…
Outside the courtyard.
Xiu Luo found herself staring down a crowd of inner sect disciples.
Their earlier laughter had turned into wails and regretful faces.
“Senior Sister Xiu Luo, we were wrong.”
“Yes, yes, we shouldn’t have stayed here. We’ll leave right away, we swear!”
“Senior Sister Xiu Luo, please don’t hit me. I’m willing to give you my place to stay!”
“….”
Some apologized, some groaned in despair, and a few even sobbed.
“Silence!” Xiu Luo snapped, her sharp gaze sweeping over them.
The crowd immediately fell quiet.
Then, Xiu Luo’s eyes landed on a tall, long-haired youth with peach-blossom-shaped eyes standing at the front of the group. A sly smile curved her lips.
“Feng Qi Yun, your territory—I want it!”