Chapter 077
Chapter 77: Could it be that Second Senior Sister Didn’t Prepare Anything?
Looking at the row of personal disciples, Xing Lan didn’t intend to give them a chance to show off. However, Shi Zi Chu, who feared no chaos under heaven, couldn’t resist stirring things up. With a sweet, gentle voice filled with playful admiration, she softly exclaimed, “Master, look at Sixth Junior Sister, she’s truly thoughtful~”
Her slightly rising tone was like a child seeking affection from Xing Lan, but those familiar with Shi Zi Chu knew it carried hidden mischief.
Xing Lan glanced sideways, catching the sly glimmer in Shi Zi Chu’s charming eyes, then silently withdrew his gaze. In a cold, indifferent tone, he asked, “What gift?”
Hearing Master’s inquiry, joy filled Chu Zhi Rou’s heart. Swiftly, she retrieved a prepared brocade jade box from her storage ring and respectfully lifted it above her head with both hands, presenting it eagerly. In a sweet and lively voice, she announced, “Disciple has prepared a piece of starlight iron for Master.” Raising her delicate face, Chu Zhi Rou gazed expectantly at Xing Lan, looking adorably eager for praise.
Starlight iron?
Eighth rank starlight iron?
Many pairs of eyes moved from Chu Zhi Rou toward Ye He Qi.
No one believed Chu Zhi Rou could possess eighth rank starlight iron. They assumed it was Ye He Qi who had prepared this lavish gift beforehand.
Shi Zi Chu, however, didn’t think Ye He Qi would be so extravagant.
This meant that Chu Zhi Rou had obtained the starlight iron on her own.
[So this is the heroine!]
The Female Villain System proudly mocked Shi Zi Chu. [And I’ve got even better news! The heroine’s injuries are completely healed! Your immobilization technique was just a sharpening stone for her sword! You wicked female side character, just wait and see…]
As the system continued its arrogant chatter, Xue Gu clawed at it fiercely until it howled in protest and was finally kicked back into the doghouse.
Looking at Chu Zhi Rou’s no longer pale face, Shi Zi Chu maintained a sweet smile, but her heart truly began to envy her.
Was there any way to seize the heroine’s fortune?
She envied Chu Zhi Rou deeply.
Despite being severely injured, Chu Zhi Rou had completely recovered in less than a month without a spirit healing pill. This immobilization technique must have been a heaven-sent opportunity.
Thinking this, Shi Zi Chu drew back her thoughts and glanced toward Ye He Qi, who sat in a prominent seat.
Their similarly enchanting peach-blossom eyes met for a brief moment, exchanging a glance understood only by them.
Eighth rank starlight iron was an extraordinary sword-forging material for sword cultivators.
Xing Lan raised his hand slightly, and the starlight iron flew from the brocade jade box into his palm.
Forget it. Given Jiu Jiu’s unpredictable temperament, she likely wouldn’t want anything Chu Zhi Rou gave her.
He would save this starlight iron as a welcoming gift for the new junior sister he had found.
“You’ve been thoughtful.”
Casually setting down the starlight iron, Xing Lan’s cold and authoritative voice gave no hint of pleasure or displeasure.
“I’m glad Master likes it,” Chu Zhi Rou responded sweetly, smiling charmingly, her pure and lovely face filled with innocent joy.
Noting that Chu Zhi Rou had already reached the early Golden Core stage, Xing Lan’s slender eyes grew unreadable, and he asked casually, “Have your injuries healed?”
Chu Zhi Rou’s luck was indeed remarkable. It seemed she’d encountered a great fortune, fully healed from her injuries, and even gained this piece of starlight iron.
But this was not the reason she had caused Jiu Jiu to vanish.
Chu Zhi Rou’s heart leapt. Hearing the cold yet caring voice, her cheeks flushed, and her heartbeat quickened with excitement.
She knew Master still cared deeply for her!
Master had likely been too busy lately to inquire after her. Now, seeing her again, he immediately showed concern.
“Thank you, Master, for your care. Disciple’s injuries have fully healed,” Chu Zhi Rou said softly, smiling bashfully. Her slightly blushing cheeks were as delicate as newly-bloomed peach blossoms.
Shi Zi Chu narrowed her eyes slightly, observing Chu Zhi Rou’s shy and somewhat flirtatious demeanor.
It seemed this heroine had romantic intentions toward Xing Lan as well.
Unfortunately, Xing Lan required both love at first sight and gradual affection. To put it bluntly, if he wasn’t interested from the start, no effort afterward would change his mind.
Shi Zi Chu’s slight concern vanished upon glimpsing Xing Lan’s cold, handsome profile.
Xing Lan was too difficult to please, so she’d better not waste her energy.
Just as Xing Lan was about to invite Xu Zhou Ye and the others to sit and begin the banquet, Chu Zhi Rou looked toward Shi Zi Chu with an innocent, bright smile, asking sweetly, “Second Senior Sister, you’re Master’s favorite—what gift have you prepared?”
Shi Zi Chu blinked, looking somewhat confused, as if silently asking [Did I need to prepare something?]
Seeing this, Chu Zhi Rou’s heart surged with excitement, convinced that Shi Zi Chu had forgotten about this entirely!
Ye He Qi lowered his eyes slightly, a faint smile playing on his lips.
He had specifically mentioned this matter to Shi Zi Chu before. Knowing her meticulous nature, how could she possibly forget?
Xing Lan turned to glance at Shi Zi Chu. Seeing her slightly puzzled expression, he withdrew his gaze without comment.
Jiu Jiu was clearly struggling to contain her mischievous ideas.
Chu Zhi Rou, unable to hide her surprise, exclaimed, “Could it be that Second Senior Sister didn’t prepare anything?”
“This…” Shi Zi Chu hesitated visibly.
Her troubled expression further convinced Chu Zhi Rou and the others:
Shi Zi Chu truly had forgotten the gift!
Hua Ting Li, still resentful after being punished by the Disciplinary Hall because of Shi Zi Chu, immediately seized this opportunity. He sneered mockingly, “Coming empty-handed to celebrate Master’s ascension to Tribulation Crossing—some people truly fail as disciples!”
The Venerables seated nearby frowned at the rude remark.
Immediately afterward, there was a “thump” as Hua Ting Li fell to his knees.
“You still haven’t learned your lesson.”
The criticism was cold, indifferent, and merciless.
Hua Ting Li turned pale. The brief satisfaction he felt vanished instantly, replaced by fear and regret.
Chu Zhi Rou quickly raised her hands respectfully, interceding, “Master, Fourth Senior Brother didn’t mean it. It’s just…”
She paused, glancing at Shi Zi Chu with mild disapproval. “Second Senior Sister forgot to prepare a gift for such a joyous occasion. Fourth Senior Brother’s words were indeed harsh, but Second Senior Sister is at fault as well.”
The Venerables present dared not casually comment.
Venerable Xing Lan’s favoritism toward Shi Zi Chu was more than apparent—he was utterly biased. Besides, gifting wasn’t truly significant. Perhaps Shi Zi Chu had already privately presented her gift.
Observing Chu Zhi Rou’s attempt at fairness, Shi Zi Chu suddenly laughed aloud.
“What are you laughing about?” Xu Zhou Ye harshly scolded, assuming a stern posture as the eldest senior disciple. “Do you not realize what occasion this is? Utterly disrespectful!”
His words had barely left his mouth when another “thump” sounded, and Xu Zhou Ye also knelt down.
Ming Xi Su and Lu Cang raised their heads sharply toward Master but quickly bowed beneath his oppressive aura.
Xing Lan’s voice was as icy and sharp as a winter river, authoritative and unforgiving, “Am I dead already, that you think you must discipline others for me?”
Xu Zhou Ye’s back curved instantly, voice trembling, “Disciple dares not!”
“Accusing your Senior Sister without evidence, sowing discord—your intentions are impure.”
As Xing Lan finished speaking, he waved his hand, flinging the piece of starlight iron to land at Chu Zhi Rou’s feet.
Chu Zhi Rou’s knees buckled, and she knelt immediately. That merciless rebuke burned her like fire. Looking at the starlight iron before her, she was overwhelmed with embarrassment and hurt.
Her nose stung, eyes filled with tears, and soon silent tears spilled freely, pitifully soaking the ground.
A cold, heavy silence fell over the banquet hall.
The Venerables had their own thoughts, the room quiet enough to hear Chu Zhi Rou’s tears dripping softly onto the floor.
Prepared in advance, Sect Master Pei decisively sealed his son’s mouth with spiritual power.