Chapter 130

Chapter 130: Cold and Distant

Yun Xi’s eyes briefly swept over the jade box, and she politely said, “Thank you, Senior Brother Sheng. I appreciate your kindness, but I can’t accept your gift.”

Sheng Yu Hong froze, clearly surprised by Yun Xi’s refusal. A faint disappointment flickered across his face, and he gently insisted, “Junior Sister Yun Xi, it’s merely a congratulatory gift.”

A flash of irritation crossed Yun Xi’s eyes, yet her voice remained courteous, “Senior Brother Sheng, your gift is obviously precious. It wouldn’t be right for me to accept something so valuable.”

As a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, Sheng Yu Hong naturally caught the brief look of annoyance in her eyes. For a moment, he felt genuinely hurt. This was the first time someone had rejected a gift he personally brought.

The other four members of the Wei Clan kept silent. They were here as guests and trusted Yun Xi to handle the situation appropriately.

Only Wei Yun Qing secretly relished Sheng Yu Hong’s awkwardness, masking her envy behind a helpful facade as she attempted to smooth things over, “Yun Xi, Senior Brother is showing kindness. Your rejection seems a bit distant.”

Yun Xi offered a smile that didn’t reach her eyes and said curtly, “Of course, I wouldn’t be distant with my own family, but a senior brother is still just a senior brother.”

Sheng Yu Hong quickly interjected, “Sect Master Teacher and True Lord Yu Ling are fellow disciples. Technically, we share the same Grandmaster, so our relationship should be much closer.”

Yun Xi’s annoyance intensified—[Is he really this oblivious? Can’t he take a hint?] She furrowed her brows, her voice turning colder, “Senior Brother Sheng, relationships aren’t defined by these kinds of ties.”

Her meaning was clear: [I don’t wish to become close with you.]

Sheng Yu Hong had his own pride. Understanding Yun Xi had no intention of drawing closer to him, he silently placed down the gift, then excused himself and left.

Only after Sheng Yu Hong departed did Wei Yun Qing hypocritically say, “Yun Xi, Senior Brother Sheng is our sect’s top senior disciple. Even if you dislike him, you could at least pretend for politeness’ sake.”

Yun Xi coldly retorted, “Yun Qing, I clearly invited only disciples from our Wei Clan and no outsiders. Why did you take the liberty of bringing someone along?”

Wei Yun Qing feigned innocence, replying with an injured expression, “When you sent the message, Senior Brother was right beside me. He offered to accompany me here. How could I refuse? Unlike you, I don’t have a Nascent Soul master backing me.”

Though her reasoning sounded convincing, Yun Xi refused to indulge her. “Since you knew he invited himself, shouldn’t you at least have informed me beforehand?”

“How was I supposed to know your relationship was this strained, to the point you wouldn’t even address him as Senior Brother?”

Secretly, Yun Qing was delighted to witness their disagreement.

The Wei siblings looked at each other curiously, wondering why Yun Xi disliked Senior Brother Sheng, a rising star who was widely admired in the sect.

Wei Yun Ying hesitantly asked, “Yun Xi, did Senior Brother Sheng do something to upset you?”

Yun Xi’s brows creased slightly. She couldn’t exactly say she disliked Sheng Yu Hong because he was behind the Sect Master’s plan to accept her as a disciple—a thing most people considered a huge honor.

“Our personalities simply don’t mesh. I’ll avoid him in the future.”

She quickly changed the subject, unwilling to elaborate further.

Wei Yun Qing, eager to console Sheng Yu Hong and improve her own standing with him, lingered only briefly, presented Yun Xi with a second-rank spirit plant she’d cultivated herself, and then excused herself.

Yun Xi made no effort to persuade her to stay. She had invited Yun Qing only as a formality to show superficial sisterly harmony. Unexpectedly, Yun Qing had brought Sheng Yu Hong, greatly annoying her.

After Yun Qing left, Wei Yun Ying cautiously remarked, “Yun Xi, Yun Qing seems quite fond of Senior Brother Sheng.”

Yun Xi shook her head, indifferent. “That has nothing to do with me. I have no desire for things not meant for me. My only ambition is to ascend and see wider worlds. Love and romance would only slow my cultivation.”

Wei Yun Ying fell silent, startled by Yun Xi’s seriousness. Zong Yu wholeheartedly agreed, as his only passion was the sword.

Zong Hao also shared Yun Xi’s sentiment. Had his talent not improved, the family might have arranged a marriage for him. Now, with his rapid cultivation, ascension was clearly within his reach, and wasting time on romance was not something he considered.

Changing the topic, Yun Xi mentioned her plan to return briefly to the family. Yun Ying and Zong Yu, still in Qi Refining, lacked the qualifications for such a trip.

Zong Hao, however, was qualified but currently engrossed in refining techniques. Now wasn’t the best time for him to leave.

He suggested, “Yun Xi, perhaps you could wait a few days until my refining technique breaks through. We could then return together.”

Yun Xi thought for a moment and then said, “The sect competition is less than a year away. It affects your master selection and future resources. You should focus on preparations. If not this time, there will be many other chances to return home together.”

Zong Hao sighed softly, somewhat regretful, “Alright, please be careful on the road.”

“I will. If you need anything, just message me.”

Afterward, Yun Xi served them a small feast of demon beast meat and spirit wine she had prepared. In the afternoon, she personally escorted them off Frostridge Peak.

Yun Xi spent the next three days preparing carefully for her journey. She visited Forging Peak to commission a Golden Core Elder to refine a robe from the Five-Colored Boa skin she’d acquired.

The colorful scales of the boa made for an exquisitely shimmering robe. South Daoist Master’s forging skill was remarkable, and he even crafted a matching hairband.

After promptly paying the refining fee, Yun Xi happily returned to Frostridge Peak. She tried on the new robe, changing its colors to a subtle sky-blue along with the matching hairband, making the ensemble elegant yet understated.

Preparations complete, Yun Xi visited the task hall, accepted two outside missions, and left Grand Righteous Sect.

Her first stop was Grand Righteous City, where she disposed of items she no longer needed. She placed the storage bracelet into her hidden space, as its contents were valuable and would invite trouble if discovered. She wanted to preemptively avoid any risk.

The storage ring with the hidden function, however, remained on her finger, containing emergency items. Common items were visibly stored in the pouch at her waist.

Dian Dian, refusing to enter the spirit beast pouch, stubbornly nestled in Yun Xi’s embrace, proudly claiming it was “for better treasure hunting.”

Sheng Yu Hong learned of Yun Xi’s departure only two days later when he intended to speak with her privately, believing they had a misunderstanding. Unfortunately, he was too late.

By then, Yun Xi had already left Grand Righteous City, taking an ordinary flying boat toward Rosy Cloud Valley.

Since Rosy Cloud Valley was on her way to Emerald Jade City, Yun Xi had chosen a mission to catch Rosy Cloud Butterfly in the valley.

These butterflies, exclusive to Rosy Cloud Valley and lending it their name, posed no threat, reaching only third rank at most. Yet, the powder from their wings was highly prized as an alchemical neutralizer.

Moreover, Rosy Cloud Butterfly were renowned for their beauty. Their wings, delicate as cicada silk and shimmering like dawn’s first blush, sparkled enchantingly in sunlight, captivating all who saw them and earning the butterfly its elegant name.