Chapter 119
Chapter 119: Bloodlines and Boundaries
Pei Luo Xiu’s serious expression conveyed to Shi Zi Chu that trouble may soon follow, a pursuit from Sect Master Pei that would not be easily forgotten.
As they journeyed, A’Xiu shared with Shi Zi Chu the tales of her years spent in the sect.
Once, she had been brought to the Jade Void Sect by Xing Lan, while A’Xiu had been saved by Sect Master Pei and brought to the Returning Cloud Sect. Though Pei Qing You may have been an enigma, not of human origin, Sect Master Pei was as human as they came—and a kind one at that. He had given A’Xiu her name and made her his personal disciple.
“Not to mention anything else,” Shi Zi Chu mused, “A’Xiu’s cultivation is impressive—before she even reached thirty, she was already at the half-step Nascent Soul. Talent matters, but without the right resources, talent can mean little.”
“I don’t think it’s that great,” Shi Zi Chu said with mock fear. “I’m afraid Sect Master Pei will come after me for stealing A’Xiu away.”
A’Xiu was Sect Master Pei’s pride, his most accomplished disciple. If Shi Zi Chu truly led A’Xiu to Rising Succession Peak, Sect Master Pei would surely erupt in fury.
“Master is really nice,” Pei Luo Xiu said earnestly. “If I tell Master how awful Pei Qing You is, I’m sure Master will side with me!”
Shi Zi Chu raised a hand, lightly tapping her on the head, a helpless smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “He might be kind, but you’re teetering on the edge of betraying your sect.”
“I have my reasons!” Pei Luo Xiu puffed her cheeks in defiance. “Pei Qing You has broken my heart! I can’t stay at Returning Cloud Sect any longer!”
Though Master was kind, in her heart, Big Sister Shi would always be first! Besides, switching to Rising Succession Peak didn’t make her evil—she’d still visit Master regularly.
Shi Zi Chu could not help but laugh, exasperated yet amused.
“You always come up with the wildest ideas,” she said gently, disbelief in her voice. “But you must realize that your current cultivation didn’t come easily. As long as Sect Master Pei treats you well, and you share a good bond with your fellow disciples, there’s no reason to leave the Returning Cloud Sect.”
Pei Luo Xiu pouted. “Fine, fine.”
Although Pei Qing You may not have been human, neither her Master nor the other disciples had mistreated her. Especially…
“You might not know Pei Qing Yi,” Pei Luo Xiu whispered, leaning closer with a shy expression. “He’s Pei Qing You’s real big brother, but he’s nothing like him. He’s truly wonderful!”
Shi Zi Chu turned to her, understanding instantly. A’Xiu had feelings for Pei Qing Yi.
Two fiancés—one loved Chu Zhi Rou, the other loved her fiancée’s elder brother.
There was an old saying: “A family that doesn’t share the same blood doesn’t walk the same path.”
…
In the study, Pei Luo Xiu paused at the door.
Shi Zi Chu entered to find Ye He Qi watering a small pine tree in the corner of the room.
Without turning, Ye He Qi’s voice carried a warning. “Demon race.”
Shi Zi Chu raised two fingers and flicked her wrist, sending a black serpent darting out of her sleeve.
The serpent, feigning sleep as it healed, was flung out of the window with a soft thud, hissing and growling in annoyance as it landed on the ground below.
Ye He Qi formed a hand seal, creating a barrier to isolate the noise.
“If it’s the Azure Luan heritage, it’s no surprise she has its tail feathers,” Ye He Qi remarked calmly, turning to face her.
Shi Zi Chu, her expression serene, took a seat in a nearby circle chair. Though her face remained gentle, Ye He Qi noticed a subtle unease in her demeanor.
He moved closer and sat beside her. “What’s wrong?”
“Dirty,” Shi Zi Chu said flatly, looking at him. “I need to wash my hands.”
Understanding her peculiarities, Ye He Qi responded with a knowing smile. “Then come to Bamboo Cloud Courtyard for dinner afterward.”
It wasn’t urgent—merely a matter of gathering information and making plans regarding the Azure Luan heritage.
Shi Zi Chu, eager, rose and departed.
Pei Luo Xiu, seeing Shi Zi Chu leave, refrained from asking anything.
The guard led the way as they made their way to the south courtyard.
Upon arriving, Shi Zi Chu washed her hands over and over, scrubbing until her skin was red and raw. Only then did she stop.
She quickly bathed and changed into a fresh gown, having discarded the ruined disciple robes.
By the time she finished, the sun was beginning to set.
A faint glow from the communication talisman caught her eye. Shi Zi Chu picked it up, infused it with spiritual power, and spoke, “Master.”
Xing Lan, back at Rising Succession Peak, responded, “At Ye Clans?”
Shi Zi Chu replied with a simple “Mm,” then continued, “Junior Sister Zhi Rou helped me get rid of the snake venom. It’s time to repay her kindness.”
“The Alchemist Association matter is taken care of,” Xing Lan said dismissively, before adding, “You did well this time.”
He wasn’t displeased with Jiu Jiu’s cleverness—he simply didn’t like how she often hurt herself while dealing with her enemies.
Shi Zi Chu couldn’t resist teasing him, “Master, aren’t you just encouraging her misdeeds?”
Xing Lan smiled wryly. “Not quite. I’m merely protecting my disciple.”
Jiu Jiu wasn’t one to pick fights, but if anyone dared harm her, they would face his wrath.
Shi Zi Chu was about to praise Xing Lan further when a knock echoed at the door.
“Young Lady Shi,” came the guard’s voice.
“The old madam is here to see you.”
Liu Cui Yu?
Shi Zi Chu turned to Xing Lan and said, “Master, I have something to deal with here. I’ll return in a few days.”
Xing Lan acknowledged her words, and she severed the connection.
Tying her hair into a spirit-snake knot, Shi Zi Chu left the room.
She opened the door to find Liu Cui Yu standing at the entrance of the courtyard. The older woman wore a displeased expression, struggling to maintain an air of nobility.
Upon seeing Shi Zi Chu, Liu Cui Yu forced a smile. “Daoist Shi, would you care to join me for dinner at Cui An Hall?”
Shi Zi Chu smiled softly, her tone polite. “Old Madam, I appreciate the invitation, but Clan Chief Ye has asked me to dine at Bamboo Cloud Courtyard.”
Liu Cui Yu’s smile faltered, her expression twisting into a dark glare as she scrutinized Shi Zi Chu.
Without hesitation, Shi Zi Chu turned to the guard. “Please escort her out.”
The guard nodded and promptly led Liu Cui Yu away.
Pei Luo Xiu, stepping out from a side room, saw Shi Zi Chu standing in the courtyard.
The gentle purple gown she wore accentuated her graceful form, her long hair flowing behind her, half cascading freely and half tied in a spirit-snake knot. Two jade hairpins adorned the style—simple, yet elegant.
The admiration in Pei Luo Xiu’s eyes was palpable, and Shi Zi Chu, sensing her gaze, glanced back.
Pei Luo Xiu hurried over, then paused, noticing a black serpent coiled on a nearby table.
“This demonic beast knows its master,” she remarked casually before standing before Shi Zi Chu. A playful smile brightened her delicate face. “Big Sister Shi, are you leaving?”
“Going to Bamboo Cloud Courtyard for dinner.” Shi Zi Chu reached out, gently brushing Pei Luo Xiu’s cheek. “The Supreme Virtue City is bustling. Shall we take a stroll later?”
She couldn’t afford for Ye He Qi’s plans to be exposed to others.
Pei Luo Xiu nuzzled Shi Zi Chu’s hand like a cat. “Yes, I’ll wait for you here, Big Sister Shi!”
Shi Zi Chu nodded lightly, her tone calm.
…
At Bamboo Cloud Courtyard, Shi Zi Chu sat down in the flower hall where a number of delicious dishes had already been laid out before her.
Ye He Qi, without any pleasantries, smiled softly. “Help yourself.”
Shi Zi Chu picked up her chopsticks and reached for the plum duck.