Chapter 156
Chapter 156: Blue Rain Marsh
Looking at Shi Zi Chu, her eyes full of curiosity, Ye He Qi gave a faint smile. The thought of what he was about to do made his smile grow wider.
“Venerable Xing Lan asked for me, I must go ahead,” he said, not waiting for Shi Zi Chu to respond before standing up and leaving.
“Hey?”
Watching Ye He Qi stride away, Shi Zi Chu blinked, then, slightly annoyed, rubbed Xue Gu’s head.
How can he tease me like this?
He left right in the middle of his sentence!
…
Perhaps because Ye He Qi viewed Shi Zi Chu as a means to an end rather than someone with whom he shared emotions, Xing Lan said nothing. After discussing matters regarding Elder Ye Cheng and Ye Qing Zi, Ye He Qi exited the grand hall.
He looked up at the sky.
By now, the ritual of apprenticeship had already dispersed.
“Clan Chief Ye.”
The familiar voice made Ye He Qi turn his attention.
Shi Zi Chu stood a few steps away, holding a white cat in her arms, her face adorned with a gentle smile.
“Daoist Shi.” Ye He Qi greeted her politely, then, taking the initiative, asked, “Daoist Shi, are you here to see me off?”
“Previously, Ye Clan was dominated by Clan Chief Ye’s family, and while Elder Ye Cheng and Ye Qing Zi had ambitions, they dared not act rashly,” Shi Zi Chu spoke on her own.
Ye He Qi nodded in acknowledgment.
“Now, with the sudden appearance of the great ascension level Ye Chi Wei, Elder Ye Cheng and his daughter are taking advantage of the chaos, hoping to use this opportunity to force Clan Chief Ye into marrying Ye Qing Zi,” Shi Zi Chu continued.
Seeing Ye He Qi nod, she thought for a moment before speaking again, “The simplest solution would be for Clan Chief Ye to marry Ye Qing Zi. Then, once the deed is done, you could deal with them later.”
Marrying Ye Qing Zi would win Elder Ye Cheng’s support, making it an exchange that cost little. After eliminating Ye Chi Wei, disposing of the Ye father and daughter would be much easier.
Ye He Qi glanced back at the grand hall and, with a slight reminder, said, “Daoist Shi, Venerable Xing Lan is still inside.”
Shi Zi Chu, seemingly oblivious to Ye He Qi’s hint, teasingly asked, “Clan Chief Ye, are you unwilling to kill your wife?”
“…” Ye He Qi shook his head, his tone calm but firm, “I have my limits.”
The Ye father and daughter weren’t worth such a great sacrifice.
Shi Zi Chu narrowed her eyes. “Are you saying I have no limits?”
“Not at all,” Ye He Qi replied with a warm yet resigned smile. “Daoist Shi’s method is certainly simple, but I’m not yet at the point where I’m desperate.”
Unnoticed, Xing Lan had come out of the hall, his expression as cold and calm as ever as he watched the two of them speaking from a distance.
Ye He Qi turned to face Xing Lan, performing a respectful bow. “It seems we’ve covered everything. I’ll take my leave now.”
With that, he gave a slight nod to Shi Zi Chu and left.
“Master.” Shi Zi Chu, cradling Xue Gu, approached. “I plan to go to Supreme Virtue City.”
Although the storyline had already diverged from its original path, certain opportunities would still present themselves. The latest was the chance at Blue Rain Marsh. The nearest town to the marsh was Supreme Virtue City, and she intended to leave from there.
“The danger of Blue Rain Marsh is high; do not go alone,” Xing Lan advised.
Shi Zi Chu nodded.
Xing Lan continued, “I am forging the Ru Heng sword next. You might want to go with Meng Xi Yu.”
Meng Xi Yu was one of the few people Jiu Jiu trusted completely. Moreover, with Sect Master Meng behind him, should they run into danger, Sect Master Meng could intervene quickly.
For all these reasons, Meng Xi Yu was the best choice.
Shi Zi Chu nodded. “I will ask him about it later.”
Xing Lan gave a slight nod of approval.
Seeing the calm man, Shi Zi Chu’s eyes flickered. “Master…”
Her master could be so inconsistent—when A’Yu was mentioned, he showed no reaction, but when Sheng Sheng was brought up, his mood changed in an instant.
Knowing exactly what she was thinking, Xing Lan spoke coldly. “Meng Xi Yu is out of the picture, is he not?”
The most foolish thing Meng Xi Yu did was try to become Jiu Jiu’s Dao companion. And of course, it was that very mistake that led to his exclusion.
Now that he was out of the picture, why should he waste any more attention on him?
“I wish Jiang Wan Sheng were equally foolish,” Xing Lan muttered. “But sadly, that little madman is quite clever and understands Jiu Jiu.”
Shi Zi Chu nodded in understanding.
Thinking of Sect Master Meng, Xing Lan gave one last warning. “Don’t go too far. After all, he is the Sect Master’s only son. If Jiu Jiu goes too far, it will be difficult for me to handle.”
“I understand.” Shi Zi Chu spoke obediently. “Senior Uncle Meng treats you well, and he’s also been good to me. I know my boundaries.”
Xing Lan gave a small nod.
After leaving Rising Succession Peak, it didn’t take long for Shi Zi Chu to reach Jade Void Peak.
When Meng Xi Yu arrived, he found Shi Zi Chu standing there, petting the cat.
He walked over in large strides, immediately asking, “About Blue Rain Marsh?”
Shi Zi Chu nodded.
“Each peak is currently organizing disciples to go for training at Blue Rain Marsh,” Meng Xi Yu answered succinctly. “Master plans for me to lead the team. It seems Venerable Xing Lan hasn’t told you about this.”
Shi Zi Chu nodded again.
The reason she didn’t want to be the first disciple was because of the responsibilities that came with it. During training trips, she would need to lead disciples, and in daily life, she would have to make time to teach them cultivation.
Knowing Shi Zi Chu’s nature, Meng Xi Yu spoke. “I’ll talk to Father about it.”
Though his father had only one son, there were still other disciples.
The task of leading this training expedition had been passed to another disciple.
Watching Meng Xi Yu hurry off, Shi Zi Chu petted Xue Gu’s furry head.
“Shi Zi Chu?”
A hostile voice broke the calm.
Shi Zi Chu looked up to see several men and women standing on the nearby steps.
At the forefront was a woman, dressed in expensive clothes and shining jewels, her face made up with meticulous care but radiating clear hostility.
Meng Yun Jiao.
Sect Master Meng’s adopted daughter and Meng Xi Yu’s sworn sister.
From the start, Meng Yun Jiao had never gotten along with her. The reason was simple—Meng Xi Yu was kind to her, and Meng Yun Jiao, jealous, wasn’t pleased.
This animosity grew over time, and now, whenever she saw Shi Zi Chu, she either sought trouble or tried to provoke her.
Without a word, Meng Yun Jiao whipped out a lash and aimed it at Shi Zi Chu. “How dare you show your face at Jade Void Peak!”
Shi Zi Chu lightly tapped the ground with her foot and effortlessly dodged.
“Preposterous!”
A voice, cold and sharp as a blade, rang out.
The lash aimed at Shi Zi Chu was struck back by a surge of spiritual power.
If Meng Yun Jiao hadn’t reacted quickly, the lash would have struck her face.
Watching Meng Xi Yu stride over, Shi Zi Chu stood calmly. Meng Yun Jiao stomped her foot in fury. “Brother!”
“Call me Sect Master less,” Meng Xi Yu replied coldly.
Ignoring Meng Yun Jiao’s angry and aggrieved expression, Meng Xi Yu spoke to Shi Zi Chu. “I’ve spoken with Father. Let’s go.”
Shi Zi Chu nodded.
As they turned to leave, Meng Yun Jiao nearly threw her lash in frustration.
“Eldest Miss, don’t be angry. It’s just a fox spirit,” one of Meng Yun Jiao’s disciples nervously spoke up.
“I’ve heard Blue Rain Marsh has been quite lively lately. Perhaps Shi Zi Chu is trying to get the Sect Master to accompany her on the training trip?”
“Maybe.”
The disciples continued to gossip, offering suggestions as they did.
Meng Yun Jiao seethed with anger. “I’m going to find my adoptive father!”
She was sure her big brother knew what was going on. She had to stop him from going with Shi Zi Chu! She would never let that fox spirit steal him away!