Chapter 26: Promise
After returning to the Wuhui Sect from the Upper Celestial Realm, life resumed its peaceful rhythm. True to her word, Luo Jinxiao didn’t breathe a word about the sword to anyone. And since the divine sword maintained its unassuming appearance, it didn’t attract any unwanted attention.
Only Elder Liu, upon catching a glimpse of it, reacted with a subtle shift in his expression. However, he wisely refrained from asking any questions.
As for the disciple named Wei Ziran, he vanished without a trace, as if he had never existed. His disappearance cast a shadow over the sect for a while, with rumors swirling that he had met an untimely end in the Upper Celestial Realm. Several elders even dispatched search parties, but their efforts proved futile.
Only Luo Jinxiao knew the truth: that the disciple had vanished within the Wuhui Sect itself.
Qu Weiyin, meanwhile, remained conspicuously absent in the days that followed. Concerned, Luo Jinxiao pleaded with Lu Fanzhi to inquire about her whereabouts through her master, Gui Jiu. The answer she received did little to ease her worries: Junior Shishu Qu had entered seclusion immediately upon their return from the Upper Celestial Realm and wouldn’t be emerging anytime soon.
Luo Jinxiao experienced a wave of relief at this news, followed by a nagging sense of guilt. She couldn’t shake the feeling that Qu Weiyin’s sudden retreat was a direct result of witnessing that illusion.
Did I really upset her that badly? she wondered, replaying the scene in her mind. The memory of Qu Weiyin’s shocked and horrified expression filled her with remorse. I need to apologize. I need to explain that it wasn’t what she thought.
But apologizing to a Demon Lord was no easy feat. Luo Jinxiao racked her brain, trying to come up with a suitable gift. Then, her gaze fell upon the slumbering form of Qiongqi, and an idea sparked.
“Little Sweetie, it’s all up to you,” she whispered, crawling over to the slumbering beast and offering it her hand try to shake Qiongqi’s paw.
Qiongqi merely burrowed deeper into its paws, ignoring her completely.
“Come on, just this once. You know the Demon Lord has a soft spot for you. Don’t let her stern demeanor fool you. She’s easy to win over. Just give her those puppy-dog eyes, and she’ll forget all about being angry,” Luo Jinxiao coaxed. “I know it wasn’t my intention, but I owe her an apology. We cultivators must be honest and upright and never let misunderstandings fester.”
Qiongqi opened one eye, baring its fangs menacingly.
“Oh, right. You’re not exactly a cultivator, are you? You’re a…ferocious beast,” Luo Jinxiao amended sheepishly. “Just help me out this once, and I’ll give you…two whole cows!”
She held up two fingers for emphasis.
Qiongqi continued to glare at her, fangs still bared.
“Fine! Ten cows! But that’s my final offer!” Luo Jinxiao said through gritted teeth.
Mollified at last, Qiongqi retracted its fangs and offered her its paw, sealing the deal.
Meanwhile, in the secluded tranquility of the Hanyun Pavilion…
Incense smoke curled lazily in the air, stirred by a gentle breeze that wafted through the open window. The scent of sandalwood and lotus blossoms mingled with the cool, crisp air, creating an atmosphere of serene detachment.
Qu Weiyin sat at the desk, a book lying open before her. The pages, left unturned, fluttered in the breeze, as if unsure where to land.
A stray lock of hair escaped her elaborate hairstyle, falling across her forehead. Her phoenix eyes stared straight ahead, their usual intensity replaced by a disconcerting blankness.
“Are you done yet? You’ve been staring into space for an entire day!” a voice complained.
Qu Weiyin blinked, her gaze slowly focusing on the small figure seated across from her.
“You’ve been acting strangely ever since we returned from the Upper Celestial Realm,” the sword spirit continued, her small face creased with concern. “You’re either meditating like an old monk or sitting here like a statue, completely unresponsive. You don’t read, you don’t cultivate…”
“Don’t tell me you’re still hung up on not getting the divine sword. That’s easily remedied. I could just go and obliterate that little brat’s soul right now and claim it for you.” The sword spirit started to rise, but Qu Weiyin slammed her hand down on the table, stopping her in her tracks.
“Quiet,” Qu Weiyin said coldly.
As soon as she lifted her hand, the sword spirit puffed herself back up like a balloon, smoothing down her ruffled feathers. “Fine, fine, no need to be so scary about it,” she grumbled.
“Seriously, though, are you really going to keep protecting that little brat? You’re practically raising her to be your downfall. What happens when she decides to turn on you, with that righteous cultivator act of hers?”
“And the fact that she was able to claim the divine sword? That speaks volumes about her potential. She’s clearly hiding something. That girl is nothing but trouble. Even if you can’t bring yourself to eliminate the threat entirely, you should at least keep your distance.”
Qu Weiyin listened with half an ear, her fingers idly flipping through the pages of the book in front of her.
The sword spirit has a point. There are too many unanswered questions. The memory of that unsettling illusion resurfaced. What did it mean? And why did Luo Jinxiao’s illusion feature me, in my past life, no less?
She had only offered Luo Jinxiao a sliver of guidance, driven by a fleeting sense of empathy for a fellow cultivator burdened with the same rare constitution. She hadn’t wanted the girl to suffer the same agonizing fate she had.
But if even the smallest act of kindness could lead to such unwanted complications, then perhaps distance was for the best.
As if conjured by her thoughts, the image of herself from Luo Jinxiao’s illusion flashed before her eyes. Her hand twitched, and the corner of the book she was holding ripped clean through.
She smoothed the page down, her brow frowned in irritation. The sword spirit opened her mouth to speak, but before she could utter a word, the clay pot sitting on the table shattered, splitting cleanly in two.
The sword spirit flinched, falling silent. Whenever Qu Weiyin’s temper flared, something inevitably broke. It was best not to tempt fate.
“Someone’s here,” Qu Weiyin said, glancing at the door. She nodded at the sword spirit, silently instructing her to answer it.
The sword spirit hopped off the table and flitted over to the door, throwing it open. She blinked in surprise. Hovering outside, wings fluttering, was Qiongqi, its four paws dangling beneath.
The sword spirit slammed the door shut.
“Who is it?” Qu Weiyin frowned.
The sword spirit shook her head, indicating that there was no one there.
As if to contradict her, Qiongqi, choosing to forgo the traditional entrance, launched itself through the window. It landed gracefully on the table, its back straight, and shook out its fur with an air of practiced elegance.
Qu Weiyin’s eyes softened for a moment. “It’s…” she began, then stopped herself, unable to bring herself to utter the ridiculous nickname that had sprung to mind. “Qiongqi?”
Remembering Luo Jinxiao’s instructions, Qiongqi wasted no time in launching itself into Qu Weiyin’s arms. It nuzzled its furry head against her, purring with contentment. Qu Weiyin, who usually abhorred physical contact, surprised even herself by returning the gesture, a rare smile gracing her lips.
Her smile transformed her features, softening the sharp edges of her beauty. Her phoenix eyes crinkled at the corners, and her lips curved upwards, erasing any trace of her usual aloofness.
But the smile was fleeting, quickly replaced by her customary impassiveness. She glanced at the door. “You can come in now. There’s no need to hide.”
Only then did Luo Jinxiao push open the door, awkwardly stepping inside. Before she could take two steps, the door slammed shut behind her with a resounding bang that nearly took her off her feet.
“Junior Shishu, I came to see how you were doing,” she said, forcing a cheerful smile. She started towards Qu Weiyin, but the other woman’s icy glare made her slow her pace.
“Shouldn’t you be cultivating instead of wasting my time?” Qu Weiyin asked, her voice cool and distant. She ran a hand down Qiongqi’s back, her touch surprisingly gentle.
“I thought you might be lonely here all by yourself, so I brought Little Sweetie to keep you company,” Luo Jinxiao explained, flashing a bright, disarming smile.
“I’ve spent centuries in solitude. I don’t need company. You can leave now,” Qu Weiyin said, setting Qiongqi down and waving her hand dismissively.
Luo Jinxiao, desperate, shot Qiongqi a pleading look.
On cue, Qiongqi let out a dramatic yelp and launched itself at Qu Weiyin, burying its head in her arms and clinging to her robes with surprising strength. To complete the performance, it even managed to squeeze out a few glistening tears.
It was a display of theatrical distress that would have melted even the coldest of hearts. Qu Weiyin stared at it for a moment, torn between amusement and exasperation. Finally, with a resigned sigh, she scooped it up into her arms.
Luo Jinxiao, relieved that her plan was working, silently vowed to reward Qiongqi with an extra cow for its efforts.
“What do you need? Speak.” Qu Weiyin said, lifting her eyes to meet Luo Jinxiao’s gaze. Her heart skipped a beat before she looked away indifferently.
“It’s just…about the other day. I wanted to explain. I swear, I’ve never had any improper thoughts about you, Junior Shishu. Not a single one! I swear on my life! If I’m lying, may I be struck by lightning!” Luo Jinxiao raised three fingers to the heavens, her expression earnest.
As if on cue, the clear sky above them darkened ominously. A flash of blue lightning crackled across the horizon, followed by a deafening clap of thunder.
Luo Jinxiao couldn’t help but shrink her neck and look back, meeting Qu Weiyin’s amused gaze.
I’m cursed, I swear, Luo Jinxiao thought despairingly. One minute it’s a perfectly sunny day, the next…this. Is the universe really against me?
“It’s not me, Junior Shishu! I swear, it’s just a coincidence! If the lightning doesn’t strike me, that means I’m telling the truth…”
“Enough,” Qu Weiyin interrupted, her voice firm. With a flick of her wrist, the open window slammed shut, blocking out the approaching storm.
She resumed stroking Qiongqi’s fur. “Whatever you’re thinking is your business, it has nothing to do with me. I won’t be angry because of it.”
“Really?” Luo Jinxiao asked in a soft voice.
“Really,” Qu Weiyin confirmed. “However, you must promise me that you will never speak of what you saw in that illusion. To anyone. Ever again. Do you understand?” She tapped her finger on the table, and another clap of thunder shook the pavilion.
Luo Jinxiao jumped, nodding vigorously. “Yes, Junior Shishu. I promise!”
“Good. Now, if there’s nothing else…” Qu Weiyin made a shooing motion with her hand.
“Right. Of course. Thank you, Junior Shishu.” Luo Jinxiao bowed hastily and hurried towards the door. As she stepped outside, a gust of wind slammed into her, bringing with it a torrent of rain. She wiped the water from her face, shot Qu Weiyin a shaky grin, and summoned her sword, disappearing into the stormy sky.
Qu Weiyin let out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. She shook her head, a faint smile playing on her lips. She lowered her gaze to the Qiongqi in her arms, lost in thought. However, to the sword spirit, her mood seemed noticeably brighter.
“Why is it that you always seem so…happy when that brat is around?” the sword spirit asked, hopping onto the table and tilting her head in confusion. “What did you see in that illusion?”
“We will not speak of this again,” Qu Weiyin said, her voice firm. One look was all it took to silence the sword spirit.
“Fine, I won’t bring it up. No need to be so fierce,” the sword spirit mumbled. “Although, I have to say, you’re awfully red for someone who’s not bothered…”
Unable to bear it, Qu Weiyin covered her cheeks with her sleeve. With her free hand, she summoned the Crescent Star Sword from its place on the shelf. The sword spirit let out a yelp as she was sucked back into the blade.
The next morning, Luo Jinxiao was up before dawn. As the first rays of sunlight touched the horizon, she was already in the training courtyard, diligently practicing the new cultivation technique Elder Xiu had taught her upon their return to the Wuhui Sect.
According to Elder Xiu, it was a secret technique passed down through his family for generations, a move of unparalleled lethality. He hadn’t planned on sharing it so soon, but after their recent expedition, he’d decided that if he didn’t impart his wisdom now, Luo Jinxiao, with her uncanny ability to attract trouble, might not live long enough to learn it.
His words, though blunt, held a grain of truth. The technique was undeniably powerful, and Luo Jinxiao was determined to master it.
She was still mastering the first level, but in just a few days, she had already grasped the basics.
As the morning light gradually brightened, the sky seemed to be painted with layers of gold and red, spreading out like ink on the clouds, soon covering half the sky. The morning sun bathed her in warmth, like being wrapped in a cozy blanket.
She stretched lazily and made her way to the Wuhui Palace to meet Lu Fanzhi. The grand hall, as expected of a cultivator’s dwelling, had been restored to its former glory in a matter of days.
“You’re up early,” Lu Fanzhi said, stifling a yawn as she entered the hall. Only a handful of disciples were present at this hour, gathered in small groups, their voices hushed in conversation.
“Had nothing else to do, so I came early. So, who’s teaching today?” Luo Jinxiao asked.
“I believe it’s Elder He.”
Luo Jinxiao nodded, and as if summoned by her thoughts, a young disciple dressed in yellow approached them. He looked her up and down appraisingly. “You’re Luo Jinxiao?”
“Yes, that’s me.” Luo Jinxiao frowned, glancing at Lu Fanzhi. “Can I help you, Senior Brother?”
“Elder He is requesting your presence at the library. He said it was urgent and had something to do with…the Pure Yin spiritual root,” the disciple said.
Elder He? Before Luo Jinxiao could inquire further, the disciple vanished.
“The Pure Yin spiritual root? What’s that?” Lu Fanzhi frowned, her brow creased with concern. “There are a lot of people in the sect who don’t like you, Jinxiao. This could be a trap. I’ll come with you.”
Luo Jinxiao frowned and looked around the empty hall, then shook her head. Her eyes narrowed in thought. This matter sounded suspicious, but since it concerned her spiritual roots, it was very tempting.
“Even if it is a trap, it won’t do you any good to come along. Stay here. If I’m not back by the time class starts, go find…” She trailed off, her mind racing. The Wuhui Sect was filled with powerful cultivators, but who could she possibly turn to for help if this was indeed a trap?
Elder Xiu? He was notoriously reclusive, prone to disappearing for weeks on end. There was no guarantee she’d be able to find him, and even if she did, would he even be willing to help?
Luo Ning? No, she couldn’t drag her little sister into this.
“If things go bad…find Junior Shishu Qu. Tell her…tell her I’m willing to offer her anything in return for her help,” Luo Jinxiao said, a strange sense of certainty settling over her. For some reason, she couldn’t quite explain, she felt certain that Qu Weiyin would come to her aid.
But that’s probably just wishful thinking.
She offered Lu Fanzhi a reassuring smile and headed for the door.
