Chapter 9: Does She Regret?
Lin Qing Ling swept Li Shuang into his arms and spoke in a cold tone, “Sect Leader, I have taken Li Shuang away. From now on, she will have no ties with that Ling Xu.”
Without another word, he hurried off with Li Shuang clutched tight.
Meng Yi Fei ran a hand along his chin and wore an expression of helpless resignation.
[How is it that I had nothing to say at all?] he wondered. [Did they resolve everything between themselves?]
“Forget it,” he sighed. “As long as they do not stir up too much trouble and can keep face, all will be well. Harmony above all.”
…
At Spirit Void Peak…
Sheng Yuan dashed after them, worry coloring his steps. “Master, Senior Sister—she…” he called out breathlessly.
True Immortal Ling Xu stroked his beard and replied coolly, “In my younger days, I once braved a secret realm and obtained a Restoration Pill that mended meridians! Hmph, this Rebellious Disciple will surely come crawling to me in time.”
His gaze then shifted to Ye Zhao Zhao. “When the time comes, I will have her apologize to you properly.”
Ye Zhao Zhao’s voice softened, “Master, actually…”
Before she could continue, True Immortal Ling Xu interrupted, “I know your heart is kind and you do not mind these trifles, but justice must be served. I shall reclaim what is owed to you.”
Ye Zhao Zhao nodded, touched. Yet in that fleeting moment as she bowed her head, a shadow darkened her eyes.
In her inner System panel, the number read:
0!
Li Shuang’s negative emotions remained at a steadfast zero. Despite the accusations of Sword Spirit and the wrath of Ling Xu, not a single ripple disturbed her. It was as if her heart had been sealed tight, never to stir again.
Ye Zhao Zhao frowned.
The ancient martial technique, the Grand Supreme Emotionless Art, had indeed worked its magic. Could it be that its power was so absolute? This formidable art was unlike any other.
It could not be allowed to continue unchecked! After all, she was but a mishmash of Tri-Spiritual Root fragments. Without Li Shuang’s negative energy fueling her, how could she maintain her swift progress in cultivation?
Once a celebrated genius, she had savored the praises of many. To see her fall from the heavens now was a fate she would never accept.
“Li Shuang!” Ye Zhao Zhao’s inner voice roared. [Our journey together is far from over!]
…
At Emotionless Peak…
Li Shuang lay in a deep stupor. Yet the Grand Supreme Emotionless Art continued its silent work. What was once a grievous wound began healing at a pace visible to the naked eye. As the sole disciple of this supreme art, Li Shuang knew well its restorative might.
As long as a breath remained in her, she would recover. This was why she had promised True Immortal Ling Xu—one strike from him had set their fates, a debt repaid by her enduring resolve.
Lin Qing Ling inspected Li Shuang closely, his eyes glimmering with unspoken wonder. Even though she had only just begun to practice the Grand Supreme Emotionless Art, its intricate wonders were already revealing themselves. At this rate, a rest of three days and three nights would restore her fully.
“Master, is Li Shuang alright?” asked Luo Ming Yue, a trace of worry in her voice. She had seen the true faces of the Spirit Void Peak disciples throughout the day. They were as wild as unruly warriors in a raging battle. Whatever Ye Zhao Zhao said, they believed. But when Li Shuang spoke, they dismissed her words. How had Li Shuang endured so long in such a place?
In days past, Luo Ming Yue had seen Li Shuang as a shining goal to surpass. Ten years ago, Li Shuang’s brilliance was dazzling—a swordplay that soared like a comet, unmatched by any. Luo Ming Yue herself had once been a fiery youth.
Now, a decade later, Li Shuang carried a heavy silence. Gone was the unyielding brilliance of her youth; she had become quiet and reserved. Yet Luo Ming Yue held fast to hope. Some lights, she believed, must hide for a time to shine even brighter later.
“Do not worry. The art is healing her on its own. Let her rest a few days until she awakens on her own,” Lin Qing Ling murmured with a sigh. Luo Ming Yue exhaled in relief.
…
Back at Spirit Void Peak…
True Immortal Ling Xu waited impatiently for Li Shuang to beg for mercy. A wound that had shattered her meridians might heal completely if a restorative pill were taken within three days. After that, it would be forever lost. When that day came, Li Shuang would truly understand the meaning of submission.
This time, if she wished to earn another Restoration Pill, he would teach her the true meaning of reverence for one’s master. And she would have to offer a sincere apology to Ye Zhao Zhao!
Afterwards, she would be confined for months to reflect on her deeds. He intended to break her haughty spirit completely—to grind her pride into dust. Only when she had learned humility might he consider retracting his harsh words.
One day passed with no sign of Li Shuang. True Immortal Ling Xu frowned. [She is remarkably enduring, isn’t she?] he mused, a cold sneer creeping onto his face.
The agony of shattered sinews and errant spiritual energy was a torment few could bear. Each day Li Shuang delayed, the pain grew, yet eventually, she would relent.
Two days passed, still with no word. True Immortal Ling Xu’s face darkened further. “Fine, if Li Shuang seeks death on her own, I cannot be blamed!” he muttered.
Three days passed, and there was still no movement from Li Shuang. His countenance turned ice-cold.
“Master, what of our Eldest Senior Sister? Should we go check on her?” Ye Zhao Zhao asked timidly.
“Check on her?” Ling Xu sneered, “Ye Zhao Zhao, she is no longer your Eldest Senior Sister. If Li Shuang wishes to become a ruined soul, why should I drag her back?”
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Ling Xu’s eyes were void of emotion. Today, if Li Shuang did not arise, she was destined to become a ruined soul. Lin Qing Ling had always claimed to care for Li Shuang, yet in these three days, she had shown no signs of effort. Perhaps Lin Qing Ling’s concern was but a display for others to see. Li Shuang believed she had found a new protector—but in truth…
Ling Xu allowed himself a cold laugh. [Then let Li Shuang fall into ruin.] he thought. If she became a waste, he could no longer accept her as his Disciple. Still, she could serve as a lowly retainer in Spirit Void Peak.
…
On the fourth day, True Immortal Ling Xu still awaited Li Shuang’s plea. Instead, a scroll arrived. Sheng Yuan entered, holding the scroll with a pale face. “Master, Peak Master Lin has proclaimed to the entire sect that today… Li Shuang is to be accepted as the final Disciple! She even sent an invitation for you to witness the ceremony.”
“What?!” True Immortal Ling Xu sprang to his feet, his face turning ashen. Lin Qing Ling truly intended to take Li Shuang as his apprentice? Why would he choose one destined for ruin?
“Who delivered this invitation? Have you asked after Li Shuang’s condition? Are her meridians not shattered?” Ling Xu’s voice was as cold as steel.
Sheng Yuan whispered, “Luo Ming Yue herself brought the invitation. She appeared joyful—like an Eldest Senior Sister without a care.”
For a moment, Sheng Yuan felt lost, unsure whether to rejoice or mourn. Eldest Senior Sister had not become a ruined soul—but did that mean she was forever severed from Spirit Void Peak?
Ling Xu frowned. “I have indeed underestimated Lin Qing Ling.” Then, with a bitter laugh, he declared, “If she wishes to snatch a ruined soul, let her have her way! Sheng Yuan, no longer call Li Shuang your Eldest Senior Sister. She is no longer part of my Spirit Void Peak. From now on, you are my first disciple!”
Sheng Yuan bowed his head and softly answered, “Yes.”
From that day onward, he would no longer have an Eldest Senior Sister. For some reason, a deep, wistful sorrow settled within him.
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