Chapter 9

Chapter 9: Did She Regret It?

Lifting Li Shuang into her arms, Lin Qing Ling said coolly: “Sect Master, I am taking Li Shuang with me. From now on, she has no ties to Ling Xu.” With that, she rushed off carrying Li Shuang.

Meng Yi Fei rubbed his chin with a helpless look. [From start to finish, why do I feel like I never got to say anything? Those two finished all the talking themselves. Forget it. As long as they do not make this too big and we can keep up appearances, that is enough. Harmony matters most.]

On Ling Xu Peak, Sheng Yuan jogged a few steps to catch up and said: “Master, Senior Sister, she…”

Stroking his beard, Immortal Ling Xu said coldly: “Years ago, I found a Restoration Pill in a secret realm. It can regrow meridians. Hmph. That wretched disciple will come beg for it.”

Looking at Ye Zhao Zhao, Immortal Ling Xu said: “When she comes, I will make her apologize to you properly.”

Ye Zhao Zhao said gently: “Master, actually…”

Immortal Ling Xu cut her off and said: “I know you are kind and do not mind these things, but I must get justice for you.”

Ye Zhao Zhao nodded with a moved expression, but when she lowered her head, her eyes dimmed. [My system panel shows zero. Li Shuang’s negative emotions are still zero. The Sword Spirit’s accusation and Ling Xu’s anger did nothing to her. It is like her feelings have been locked away and no longer ripple at all. Supreme Emotionless Art… Is this the effect of the Supreme Emotionless Art? How overbearing. This will not do. I only have Mixed Spiritual Roots. Without the boost from Li Shuang’s negative emotions, how can I keep my fast cultivation speed? If I had never tasted being praised as a genius, fine. But I have already enjoyed it. I will never allow myself to fall from the clouds. Li Shuang, we are not done.]

On Emotionless Peak, Li Shuang lay unconscious, yet the Supreme Emotionless Art ran on its own. Wounds that were normally almost impossible to heal improved at a speed visible to the eye as the art turned within her. As the only person to enter this peerless art, Li Shuang knew well how strong its power to recover was. As long as she had a breath left, she would always be able to come back. This was why she had accepted Immortal Ling Xu’s demand. Taking one palm to end all cause and effect was worth it.

Checking Li Shuang’s condition, Lin Qing Ling’s eyes shone with surprise. She said to herself: “She has only just started switching to the Supreme Emotionless Art, and this art already shows its marvels.” At this rate of self repair, three days and three nights of sleep would restore Li Shuang to normal.

“Master, will Li Shuang be all right?” Luo Ming Yue asked, a little worried.

She had followed Li Shuang all day and had seen the faces of the people on Ling Xu Peak from start to finish. Those people were like they had lost their minds. They believed everything Ye Zhao Zhao said. They believed nothing Li Shuang said. [How did Li Shuang endure so many years in a place like that? Once, I set Li Shuang as the target I must surpass. Ten years ago, she shone bright. Her sword swept the field. No one could match her. I too was once a youth full of sharp pride. Ten years later, Li Shuang has grown much more silent. She looks low key and restrained and no longer shows the edge she had back then. But I believe some lights hide for a time only to bloom better later.]

“No problem,” Lin Qing Ling sighed as she said: “Her art is moving by itself. Let her rest a few days and she will be fine. We will wait for her to wake up on her own.”

Only then did Luo Ming Yue breathe out in relief.

On Ling Xu Peak, Immortal Ling Xu waited for Li Shuang to come beg for mercy. Wounds like severed meridians could still be healed if the pill was taken within three days. After three days, it would never recover. At that time, Li Shuang would surely bow her head.

[When she comes for the Restoration Pill, I will teach her what it means to respect the teacher and value the Way. She must apologize well to Zhao Zhao. After that, I will confine her for a few months so she can reflect. I must teach this senior disciple once and for all, break her pride, and grind her to dust. If she reflects well, I may take back the harsh words I spoke.]

One day passed. No one came. Immortal Ling Xu frowned. [Li Shuang can really endure.] He soon let out a cold laugh. [Severed meridians and wild, raging spiritual power are pains few can bear. Each day she waits is one more day of suffering. In the end, she will yield.]

Two days passed. Still no one came. Immortal Ling Xu’s face darkened. [Fine, fine. If Li Shuang means to seek death, I, as her Master, am not to blame.]

Three days passed. There was still no movement from Li Shuang’s side. Immortal Ling Xu’s face went completely cold.

Cautiously, Ye Zhao Zhao said: “Master, we do not know First Senior Sister’s situation right now. Should we go check on her?”

“Check on her?” Immortal Ling Xu let out a cold laugh and said: “Zhao Zhao, from today on she is no longer your First Senior Sister, so do not call her that. If Li Shuang wishes to be a cripple, why should I pull her up.”

His look stayed flat and cold. [If she does not come today, she is fated to become a cripple. Lin Qing Ling claimed to value her so much, yet did nothing these three days. Right. That so called ancient art from a thousand years ago may not even be real. Lin Qing Ling’s show of valuing her is likely for others to see. Li Shuang thinks she found a new backer, but…] He sneered. [Let her become a cripple. I will not take her back as a disciple, but I can always make her do odd jobs on Ling Xu Peak.]

On the fourth day, Immortal Ling Xu was still waiting for Li Shuang to come save herself.

Instead, he received an invitation.

Sheng Yuan came in carrying it, face a bit pale, and said: “Master, Peak Master Lin has announced to the whole sect that today she will accept Li Shuang as her Closed Door Disciple. She also sent an invitation asking you to attend the ceremony.”

“What!” Immortal Ling Xu shot to his feet, and his face turned black. Lin Qing Ling truly meant to take Li Shuang as a disciple? Why would she take a cripple!

“Who delivered the invitation? Did you ask about Li Shuang’s condition? Are her meridians ruined?” Ling Xu asked in a cold voice.

Softly, Sheng Yuan said: “Luo Ming Yue delivered it herself. She looked happy. First Senior Sister… did not seem to be in trouble.”

For a moment Sheng Yuan felt lost. He could not tell if he should be happy or sad. First Senior Sister had not become a cripple. But from now on, she would truly have nothing to do with Ling Xu Peak.

Immortal Ling Xu frowned and said: “I underestimated Lin Qing Ling.”

Then he let out a cold laugh and said: “If she likes to snatch a cripple, let her. Sheng Yuan, are you still calling Li Shuang First Senior Sister? She has nothing to do with Ling Xu Peak anymore. Do not call her that again. From now on, you are my First Disciple.”

Head lowered, Sheng Yuan answered softly: “Yes.”

[From now on… I have no First Senior Sister.] For some reason, a wave of empty loss washed over him.