Chapter 010

Chapter 10: Uncertain Future

Among the fifty-four children from the Wei family tested for spiritual roots, only sixteen showed any potential. Though less than half had succeeded, the Wei family was satisfied, especially since Wei Yun Qing possessed a dual water-wood spiritual root—a highly respectable talent in Emerald Jade City.

All children who showed spiritual potential were kept at the Wei main residence. The upcoming year was critical, determining their destiny. This was their final chance to seize control of their fates.

Having a spiritual root did not mean guaranteed success. Only those who achieved Qi induction could truly begin cultivation, and only those who succeeded in Foundation Establishment could proudly call themselves cultivators, with a chance to pursue the Great Dao.

Thus, the year ahead was vital. These Wei children had to cross the threshold of Qi induction, and then, based on their progress and unique talents, choose the cultivation paths awaiting them.

But none of this concerned Wei Yun Qing, for Wei Ling Yue had already decided to send his eldest daughter to the Grand Righteous Sect for cultivation.

When Du Ruo Lan heard this news, joy filled her heart, brightening her face. Wei Yun Qing noticed and asked curiously, “Mother, why are you so happy today?”

Du Ruo Lan gently stroked her daughter’s silky hair, smiling genuinely as she answered, “Of course mother is happy. Your father told me privately that he’ll send you to cultivate at the Grand Righteous Sect. These next three months are crucial. You must quickly achieve Qi induction and, even better, raise your cultivation to the third layer of Qi refining. Then your chances of entering the Grand Righteous Sect will be much greater, and perhaps you’ll find yourself a good master to teach you.”

She continued softly, “With guidance from a powerful master, your cultivation will advance swiftly. With the sect supporting you, mother’s position in the Wei family will also become more secure. That way, the entire Wei clan will focus their resources on you.”

Wei Yun Qing nodded vigorously after hearing her mother’s words, promising immediately, “Mother, don’t worry. Daughter understands what needs to be done.” After thinking briefly, she added, “Mother, I want to take Wei Yun Xi to the Grand Righteous Sect with me.”

Du Ruo Lan froze momentarily, then frowned and asked, “Qing’er, did someone say something to you? Why do you want to bring Yun Xi along to the Grand Righteous Sect?”

Wei Yun Qing was too young to articulate her reasoning clearly; she simply sensed that having Wei Yun Xi by her side would benefit her. Indeed, the young girl’s instincts for self-preservation were remarkably sharp.

Du Ruo Lan, however, didn’t share this thought. To her, the Grand Righteous Sect was the second-ranked sect in the western region, and the Wei family’s places were extremely limited. Why should Wei Yun Xi benefit from this opportunity? She had no intention of paving the way for Feng Jia Yun’s daughter.

The Wei family only received these precious sect positions because their ancestor had old ties with a Nascent Soul Senior in the Grand Righteous Sect, who showed the Wei family a bit of favor. But this favor only granted them entry—the senior wouldn’t concern himself with how far they progressed.

Seeing her mother’s hesitation, Wei Yun Qing anxiously tugged Du Ruo Lan’s sleeve, saying urgently, “Mother, I want to bring Wei Yun Xi—she has valuable things.”

Du Ruo Lan’s eyes flickered with understanding as she instantly thought of the hairpin her daughter had desired earlier. She patted Wei Yun Qing’s hand reassuringly, “Don’t worry, daughter. Mother understands. But we still need your father’s approval. Yun Xi’s talent is inferior to yours; your father may not agree to send her into the sect.”

Wei Yun Qing anxiously persisted, “Mother, you must think of something quickly.”

“My daughter, relax. Mother will talk to your father about it.”

After comforting her daughter, Du Ruo Lan promptly sent a trusted servant to investigate matters in Radiant Brilliance Courtyard.

At this moment, Wei Yun Xi was unaware that Wei Yun Qing had already set her sights on her, hoping she would once again become a source of fortune. Right now, Wei Yun Xi was busy organizing her storage pendant, preparing items for the next day’s clan lessons.

Chun Yu and the other three young maids silently assisted her. They knew clearly that once their young miss began cultivation, she would quickly outpace them. The help they could offer her would diminish day by day.

Just then, the Wei family’s steward arrived at Radiant Brilliance Courtyard accompanied by an ordinary-looking maidservant. Respectfully, he addressed Wei Yun Xi, “Young miss, this maidservant was assigned by Master. She has cultivation at the third layer of Qi refining and will serve as your personal attendant and protector. From today onward, she will escort you daily to the cultivation hall and safeguard you during your training.”

Hearing this, Wei Yun Xi’s small brows slightly furrowed, but quickly she smiled sweetly and said politely, “Grandpa Steward, please thank Father on my behalf.” Turning to the maidservant standing quietly beside him, she asked gently, “How should I address this elder sister?”

The woman immediately replied humbly, “This servant is called Zhen Zhu, undeserving of young miss calling me elder sister.”

Wei Yun Xi didn’t know this maidservant’s background, but seeing her cultivation level, she maintained courtesy, “Then I’ll call you Zhen Zhu from now on. You can follow Chun Yu to the side courtyard to settle in. Come pick me up tomorrow morning for lessons.”

“Yes, young miss.” Zhen Zhu tactfully followed Chun Yu and left the main courtyard.

Having delivered his charge, the steward bowed and left. His many tasks awaited him, and his personal visit showed clearly Master Wei Ling Yue’s care for this daughter.

After he left, Wei Yun Xi questioned her remaining three maids, “That Zhen Zhu seemed unfamiliar. Have any of you seen her before?”

All three shook their heads, though Dong Mei briefly showed hesitation, catching Wei Yun Xi’s sharp eyes.

“Dong Mei, do you know her?” Wei Yun Xi immediately asked.

Dong Mei quickly shook her head, explaining softly, “Replying to young miss, this servant does not know this Zhen Zhu, but I saw her speaking with Liu Xu from Madam Du’s courtyard. I couldn’t hear clearly; they were quite far away.”

Alarm bells immediately rang in Wei Yun Xi’s mind upon hearing this. If Zhen Zhu was connected to Du Ruo Lan, her placement by Wei Yun Xi’s side spelled trouble—it meant she was under surveillance.

Xia Mo and Qiu Tao exchanged anxious glances, their expressions worried. This new maidservant had cultivation, unlike them. Even if they wanted to help their young miss, they wouldn’t know how.

Wei Yun Xi stroked her chubby chin thoughtfully with a tiny hand before beckoning Dong Mei closer and whispering something into her ear. Dong Mei’s eyes brightened, and she hurriedly exited Radiant Brilliance Courtyard, quietly slipping out through the Wei residence’s back gate.

Wei Yun Xi carried on as usual. After dinner, she went to bed early, falling asleep peacefully.

Late into the silent night, a shadow slipped quietly into Radiant Brilliance Courtyard’s main bedroom, moving swiftly to Wei Yun Xi’s bedside. The figure first snatched her storage pendant from the pillow, inspecting its contents carefully before placing it back.

The shadow then searched the entire bedroom thoroughly. Finding nothing else, it quietly retreated into the darkness.

The next morning, yawning sleepily, Wei Yun Xi was gently coaxed from her bed by Chun Yu. She immediately checked the storage pendant beside her pillow. Relieved that nothing was missing, she nonetheless noticed someone had moved it.

“Chun Yu, who was on night duty last night?”

“Replying to young miss, it was Xia Mo.”

“Send her in.”