Chapter 009
Chapter 9: Shi Zi Chu’s Grave Injury to a Fellow Disciple – How Should This Be Punished?
Pei Qing You couldn’t quite understand why Chu Zhi Rou wanted Shi Zi Chu to go, but in front of Ye He Qi, he couldn’t afford to act rashly.
Yan Zhou Bai looked at Shi Zi Chu, his gaze darkening slightly.
Noticing something off in Yan Zhou Bai’s expression, Shi Zi Chu spoke in a soft tone tinged with concern, “What’s wrong?”
“The Floating Flower Secret Realm is a mystic-rank realm controlled by the Ye Clan,” Yan Zhou Bai explained. “Only cultivators from foundation establishment to golden core are allowed to enter.”
“The realm is rich in opportunities, but its dangers are comparable to many earth-rank secret realms.”
Yan Zhou Bai then briefed Shi Zi Chu about the Floating Flower Secret Realm.
Shi Zi Chu blinked, “But if I don’t go, my little junior sister will surely think I haven’t forgiven her.”
Yan Zhou Bai glanced at Ye He Qi before turning back to Shi Zi Chu and saying, “Daoist Shi, how about I accompany you?”
It would be easy for him to secure a spot with his status, and he didn’t feel comfortable letting Shi Zi Chu go alone into the Ye Clan’s secret realm.
Ye He Qi’s beautiful peach blossom eyes narrowed slightly.
He knew what Chu Zhi Rou was up to. Letting Yan Zhou Bai accompany Shi Zi Chu to the Floating Flower Secret Realm wouldn’t do.
“I remember the Limitless Sect’s disciple trials are in five days, and Young Sect Master Yan must return to lead them, correct?” Ye He Qi said with a soft smile, his expression innocent and harmless.
“You are the young sect master; your responsibility is important.” Shi Zi Chu spoke understandingly. “Yan Daoist, you must believe in yourself, right?”
Then, with a playful wink, she added, “You once praised my progress, remember?”
Chu Zhi Rou’s invitation was nothing more than a scheme to have Shi Zi Chu meet her end in the Floating Flower Secret Realm. But if she had agreed, it was because she was confident she could survive.
Yan Zhou Bai’s expression was one of helplessness. He spoke with a sigh, “I trust you.”
Having grown accustomed to Shi Zi Chu’s gentle, harmless demeanor, it was easy to forget she wielded a water-based arcane technique that was both righteous and wicked. As long as she wasn’t too greedy, self-defense wouldn’t be a problem for her.
Watching the rapidly developing relationship between Shi Zi Chu and Yan Zhou Bai, Chu Zhi Rou couldn’t help but flinch, as though someone had pressed on a wound. She sucked in a breath.
In an instant, everyone’s attention was drawn to her.
Yan Zhou Bai glanced at her and then turned back to Shi Zi Chu, asking, “Do you want to continue training, or…?”
“Since we’re going to the secret realm, there’s some preparation to be done.” Shi Zi Chu adopted a serious attitude. “I want to go to Jade Void City to gather supplies.”
Before Yan Zhou Bai could respond, Ye He Qi interjected, “How about we go together?”
Seeing the looks exchanged between Shi Zi Chu and Yan Zhou Bai, Ye He Qi smiled brightly. “We’re on our way to Jade Void City to use the teleportation array to Supreme Virtue City; it’s on the way.”
Shi Zi Chu nodded in agreement.
Jade Void City
The group arrived at the city gates using a teleportation talisman.
Inside the city, the lights were bright, and the streets were bustling.
Just as Shi Zi Chu was about to head to the Hundred Treasures Pavilion to buy supplies, the communication talisman at her waist lit up.
Shi Zi Chu picked up the talisman, infusing it with spiritual power, and a voice came through, slightly distant, “Jiu Jiu, where are you?”
Shi Zi Chu glanced at the group of people staring at her before answering, “Jade Void City.”
The next second, the talisman dimmed.
Shi Zi Chu tucked the talisman away and heard Chu Zhi Rou teasing her. “The second senior sister’s voice is so gentle. Who are you chatting with?”
Looking at Chu Zhi Rou’s playful, curious expression, Shi Zi Chu’s lips curved into a smile. “Master.”
Immediately, the playful teasing on Chu Zhi Rou’s face disappeared. A flash of unease crossed her eyes, and her expression grew anxious.
Master?!
Didn’t Senior Uncle Yu Wen say Master had left the sect and wouldn’t return anytime soon?
Why would Master suddenly want to see Shi Zi Chu?
Had Shi Zi Chu lied to her?
The smile on Shi Zi Chu’s lips deepened by a few points.
Ye He Qi was the only one who saw the hidden sarcasm beneath Shi Zi Chu’s gentle smile.
What foolish thing had Chu Zhi Rou done?
Would she drag the Ye Clan down with her?
Pei Qing You’s gaze was fixed on Chu Zhi Rou, who had suddenly gone pale, while Yan Zhou Bai stood behind Shi Zi Chu, not noticing anything.
The communication talisman had been dimmed for only a few breaths when a tall, imposing figure appeared before them with the technique shrink earth into inches.
Chu Zhi Rou froze on the spot.
Master truly came?!
It was over!!!
Shi Zi Chu raised her hand and made a respectful bow, adding a hint of distance in her tone, “Disciple greets Master.”
Xing Lan glanced at Shi Zi Chu and waved his hand dismissively.
Chu Zhi Rou, unable to bear the cold, disdainful gaze from Xing Lan, kneeled in front of him. Her voice, once soft and charming, now trembled, “Master…”
“Limitless Sect Yan Zhou Bai greets Venerable Xing Lan.” Yan Zhou Bai bowed respectfully.
Both Ye He Qi and Pei Qing You also bowed with proper respect.
Xing Lan narrowed his eyes, his cold, sharp gaze sweeping over everyone before finally resting on Chu Zhi Rou.
“Enough.”
His cold voice fell, and Chu Zhi Rou couldn’t stop her legs from trembling. Sweat broke out on her forehead.
As she struggled to keep from collapsing under the oppressive aura, Shi Zi Chu spoke up, “Master, disciple just returned from training in the Celestial Grace Mountain Range. May I rest at a tea house for a bit?”
Xing Lan said nothing but moved his steps toward a nearby tea house.
At the Tea House
The shopkeeper, who had been preparing to warmly greet guests, froze when he sensed the suppressed aura radiating from Xing Lan and dared not move.
Xing Lan had not yet seated himself at the table when suddenly, with a thud, Chu Zhi Rou collapsed to her knees.
Shi Zi Chu winced at the sound, her knees aching in sympathy.
“Come sit.”
At the sound of the voice, Shi Zi Chu looked up to see Xing Lan gazing at her.
Without hesitation, she walked confidently over and took a seat, not shy in the least, despite the gazes of the others.
Yan Zhou Bai stole a glance at the situation, his mind clearly occupied with thoughts of his own.
Ye He Qi, who hadn’t earned the privilege of a seat, stood at the side, refraining from any impulsive actions.
Ignoring the trembling Chu Zhi Rou on the floor, Xing Lan fixed his gaze on Shi Zi Chu and asked, “How was the training?”
“Have you made progress?” Shi Zi Chu touched her nose. “Disciple has been a bit lazy and missed some lessons…”
As she spoke, she noticed Pei Qing You’s wound had opened again and was bleeding. He seemed worried and interrupted her.
“Venerable Xing Lan, what exactly did Rou Rou do wrong? Please…”
Before he could finish, Pei Qing You collapsed to the floor with a thud, kneeling.
It wasn’t fear but simply the crushing effect of the oppressive aura.
Xing Lan didn’t even spare him a glance. Turning back to Shi Zi Chu, he said, “Since you know your foundation is lacking, you must work harder in the future.”
Shi Zi Chu obediently nodded.
In the cultivation world, strength reigned supreme. She had to make up for the ground she had lost in her training!
Pei Qing You, glancing at Chu Zhi Rou’s helpless expression, braved the oppressive aura and raised his voice, “Venerable Xing Lan, if punishment is required, it should be fair! How should Shi Zi Chu be punished for gravely injuring a fellow disciple?”
Xing Lan’s gaze shifted to Pei Qing You and then to Shi Zi Chu.
Had she caused another problem?
“Venerable Xing Lan, allow me to speak.” Yan Zhou Bai raised his hand and bowed, his tone respectful. “The matter started with Fang Wei An, the Peak Master’s son of Qin Tai Peak. He tried to kill someone, and Daoist Shi was forced to defend herself. She may have been too forceful.”
Xing Lan looked Shi Zi Chu over. Seeing no injuries, he spoke, “Tell me more.”
Shi Zi Chu lowered her gaze, her tone growing faint, “Master, you should know, Daoist Fang has admired little junior sister for some time. Perhaps because of the Green Mountain Secret Realm trial, he wanted to teach me a lesson. In any case, it’s nothing serious.”
Listening to Shi Zi Chu downplaying the incident, Xing Lan replied, “I’ll have Qin Tai Peak give an explanation.”
Shi Zi Chu’s smile was soft but satisfied, knowing her objective had been achieved.