Chapter 129

Chapter 129: Reunion of Siblings

The Cold Frost Mystic Ice Needle was forged primarily from ten-thousand-year profound ice. As the owner’s cultivation increased, the number of ice needles she could control would multiply as well. With powerful divine sense, these needles could pierce into an enemy’s body, moving freely inside to target their weakest points.

Moreover, the Cold Frost Mystic Ice Needle did not merely attack the physical body; it also wounded the soul. This effect was possible because Soul-Devouring Iron was mixed into its creation.

Given Yun Xi’s current divine sense, if she unleashed her full power, she could control at least five thousand needles. Yet, not wishing to expose herself, she limited the number to around five hundred—an average display of divine sense control.

To help his owner practice the ice needle technique, Dian Dian nearly became a pincushion. Luckily, he managed to burrow underground at the last moment, narrowly blocking the swarm of ice needles. Otherwise, he might have been the first spirit beast in history turned into a hedgehog.

Fortunately, Yun Xi only lost control once. After that, there were no further mishaps. She even compensated Dian Dian with two medium-grade spirit stones, soothing his delicate little heart.

Yun Xi concluded her cultivation retreat in the fourth month. By then, she had thoroughly mastered her master’s teachings, blending them seamlessly with her own understanding. Moreover, now that she possessed an ice-based cultivation technique, she could finally sense her stagnant cultivation begin to loosen—a promising sign.

After leaving seclusion, Yun Xi trained alone in the rear mountains, gathering some spoils. Soon after, she sent out communication talismans inviting the Wei clan disciples to Frostridge Peak—including Wei Yun Qing.

Coincidentally, Wei Yun Qing received the message just as she was awkwardly conversing with Sheng Yu Hong.

Ever since Wei Yun Qing “misunderstood” Wei Yun Xi last time, Sheng Yu Hong had grown noticeably distant. This made her anxious and further deepened her resentment towards Yun Xi.

She was certain her current state wasn’t meant for her. It should have been her at the center of everyone’s attention, receiving admiration and praise—not Wei Yun Xi. This inner turmoil nearly caused her to suffer qi deviation during her cultivation.

Sheng Yu Hong wasn’t foolish. To become the Sect Master’s Chief Disciple required insight, and he had clearly observed that the two Junior Sister Weis didn’t get along. They merely maintained surface-level civility while each pursued her own path.

He favored Wei Yun Xi more—not only because of the inexplicable feeling she stirred within him but also because she treated him only with admiration. However, since Yun Xi had entered the Inner Sect through her own efforts, even her respectful attitude toward him had faded, treating him as just another fellow disciple. Strangely, this caused a subtle sense of loss within him.

Had Yun Xi known Sheng Yu Hong’s thoughts, she would have scoffed: [You’re overthinking it. I never admired you; it was all an act. The only reason I never spoke rudely was that my strength didn’t allow it.]

Yet, driven by that sense of loss, Sheng Yu Hong actively sought opportunities to draw closer to Yun Xi. Thus, he took the initiative and asked, “Junior Sister Wei, might I accompany you to Frostridge Peak that day?”

Wei Yun Qing nearly drove her fingernails into her palms. Still, she forced a smile and replied, “Of course, junior sister will meet you first, and we can visit Yun Xi together.”

“Excellent.” Upon receiving confirmation, Sheng Yu Hong immediately left to prepare a gift.

Wei Yun Qing took a deep breath and returned to her residence, reminding herself she had to endure—after all, her opponent was stronger, and had a more influential backing.

Zong Hao and the others happily prepared congratulatory gifts upon receiving Yun Xi’s message, and early the next day, they eagerly headed to Frostridge Peak.

Yun Xi had already instructed the Frostridge Peak disciples, personally waiting at the mountain foot to greet her Wei family siblings.

Wei Yun Ting and Wei Yun Ying arrived first. Yun Ting had just broken through to Foundation Establishment and came merely to offer congratulations before promptly returning to cultivation. After handing Yun Xi her gift, she quickly departed.

Wei Yun Ying, still lingering in late Qi Refining stage, wasn’t anxious to advance, having already secured a Foundation Establishment Pill. Instead, she diligently polished her cultivation, seeing this visit as a chance to build good relations with Yun Xi.

With a bright smile, Wei Yun Ying said, “Yun Xi, congratulations on becoming a disciple of a Nascent Soul True Lord! In the future, I’ll have to address you as Senior Uncle whenever we meet in the sect.”

Yun Xi responded gently, “We are family sisters. Privately, just call me Yun Xi.”

Yet Yun Xi didn’t refuse the title “Senior Uncle.” The gap between them had naturally widened; there was no need for her to lower herself.

Wei Yun Ying’s words had been a test. Hearing Yun Xi’s reply left her a bit uneasy, but she wisely chose silence. They exchanged a few more pleasantries before Wei Zong Yu and Wei Zong Hao arrived together, having met on the way.

Zong Yu was also in no hurry for Foundation Establishment, aiming instead for the path of a sword cultivator. He sincerely congratulated Yun Xi and remained deeply grateful for her past care.

He could cultivate at his leisure precisely because he had a Foundation Establishment Pill—one personally refined by Yun Xi. He remembered clearly that this kindness was not something to be taken for granted, even among clan disciples.

“Senior Uncle Wei, congratulations on joining Frostridge Peak. Your path of cultivation will surely become smoother from now on.”

“You’re too kind. Privately, just call me Yun Xi.”

After a brief exchange, Wei Zong Yu added, “Zong Han and Zong Jin teamed up for a sect mission and couldn’t return immediately. They asked me to convey their congratulations and will visit once their mission is complete.”

“That’s fine.”

Believing everyone who intended to come had arrived, Yun Xi was about to guide everyone to her residence when a voice interrupted her.

“Yun Xi, we’re late.”

Without turning, the four already knew who it was—Wei Yun Qing had spoken.

Yun Xi glanced back at Wei Yun Qing and Sheng Yu Hong beside her, instantly understanding. Those two had inevitably come together again.

Fortunately, she hadn’t become the Sect Master’s disciple, meaning she wouldn’t be Wei Yun Qing’s stepping stone to entangle Sheng Yu Hong. Whatever relationship those two wished to have was none of her concern.

Sensing the tense atmosphere, Sheng Yu Hong cleared his throat slightly, “Junior sister Yun Xi, forgive my uninvited arrival. That day I encountered junior sister Wei Yun Qing, just as your communication talisman arrived. I decided to come and congratulate you personally.”

Holding to the principle of not striking a smiling face, Yun Xi maintained a polite but distant expression, gesturing calmly to invite everyone toward her residence.

Upon seeing the pond of third-grade Snow Ice Flowers in Yun Xi’s courtyard, Wei Yun Qing felt jealousy burn in her eyes. Unable to suppress her feelings, she remarked bitterly, “Yun Xi, isn’t it inappropriate to claim these Snow Ice Flowers as your own?”

Yun Xi swept a calm glance over her, replying evenly, “These Snow Ice Flowers are common everywhere on Frostridge Peak. Master said this particular pond was the best for my cultivation and permitted me to keep it.”

“Really? Your master treats you exceptionally well.”

“Indeed. I had many cultivation questions prepared, but since Master went into seclusion to attempt a breakthrough to Divine Transformation, I’ll have to wait until she emerges to ask.”

Yun Xi was deliberately showing off.

Wei Yun Qing realized that one more word might drive her to spit blood. Forcing a graceful smile, she took a seat beside the stone table in the yard, pretending to chat amiably with Wei Yun Ying.

Seizing the moment, Sheng Yu Hong stepped forward and handed Yun Xi a jade box, clearly stating it was his congratulatory gift.