Chapter 215: The Lonely Star of the Southern Isles, A Visit from a Distinguished Guest
Cheng Yishi felt a pang of awkwardness.
She hadn’t expected her sister to appear so suddenly.
Although she now possessed extraordinary powers, she didn’t want to reveal her connection to the supernatural to her family, to avoid worrying them.
If Yuqing had seen her wielding a giant axe, chasing someone through the courtyard, she would have been terrified.
That was why she had quickly dispelled her Yin energy and returned to her normal form. But she had lost her balance for a moment, almost stumbling into Yang Chanzhen’s arms.
Fortunately, Yang Chanzhen had steadied her, preventing a potentially embarrassing situation.
“Haa…”
Cheng Yishi smoothed her hair and adjusted her robe, her face flushed. “I apologize for the interruption, Miss Yang. It seems there was an unexpected… complication.”
“It’s fine. But that young lady, she’s your sister, isn’t she?”
Yang Chanzhen’s voice was still calm and ethereal. “You two share a resemblance.”
“Indeed, she’s my younger sister.”
“She has a kind heart. You should cherish her.”
Cheng Yishi’s eyes flickered. “You can tell if she’s kind-hearted just by looking at her, Miss Yang?”
“It’s just a feeling.”
Yang Chanzhen said calmly, “Her eyes are clear and pure. She seems to be close to you, her gaze filled with affection.”
Cheng Yishi was silent.
She had always been distant towards her younger sisters.
But as time passed, they, especially Yuqing, had become more and more affectionate towards her. It made her feel a strange mix of emotions.
She had grown up under the shadow of her parents’ dark secrets, and then her younger sister, Xinyin, had fallen into darkness, causing chaos and tragedy.
For a long time, she hadn’t cared much about the Cheng family. If it weren’t for her duty as the eldest daughter, she wouldn’t have even bothered managing the household.
But now…
She was starting to realize that she had missed out on so much. Hatred and grief had blinded her, preventing her from seeing the love and care that still existed within her family.
Seeing the complex emotions on her face, Yang Chanzhen suddenly said, “The ‘Lonely Star of the Southern Isles’… it’s an ancient legend. Those who bear this fate are destined for tragedy and betrayal, their families destroyed, their lives filled with hardship and suffering.
They might possess extraordinary talent, but they’re ultimately alone, their fate a lonely and tragic one, a testament to the cruelty of destiny.”
“…”
Cheng Yishi clenched her fists, her expression grim. “Is that why you didn’t want to tell me the truth, Miss Yang?”
“It’s not always a good thing to know one’s fate. Those with weak minds might even give up on life, their actions driven by despair, fulfilling the very prophecy they fear, their light extinguished before it can even shine.”
Yang Chanzhen’s voice was calm as she walked back to the stone table.
Cheng Yishi watched her go, her face pale.
This Lonely Star of the Southern Isles… it sounded just as ominous as the “Solitary Star of Heavenly Slaughter.”
If some charlatan fortune teller had told her this, she wouldn’t have believed it. Fate and destiny were abstract concepts.
But she had already witnessed the power of the supernatural, and this Yang Chanzhen, her background and abilities a mystery, her words carried weight.
“If I truly bear this fate… will it harm Tianlu and my family?”
Cheng Yishi’s voice was low and filled with concern.
Yang Chanzhen turned to look at her, her gaze calm. “Knowing this, you’re not worried about your own safety? You’re only thinking about Master Lin and your family?”
“It’s my choice.”
“You truly care for him.”
Yang Chanzhen nodded slightly, then continued, “Don’t worry. I told you this because your fate won’t harm those around you, nor will it threaten Master Lin.”
Cheng Yishi was confused. “Why not?”
“You’re different from the previous Lonely Stars.”
Yang Chanzhen touched her chest. “You have a heart.”
“What does that have to do with anything—”
“The Lonely Stars of the past were all cruel and heartless individuals, devoid of emotion. Even the loss of their families meant nothing to them.” Yang Chanzhen explained calmly, “They were cold and ruthless, driven only by their desire for power and conquest.
Perhaps it was their very coldness and detachment that allowed them to achieve such heights in cultivation. They rose to power quickly, their names feared throughout the land. Those who encountered them trembled in fear. That’s why the legend of the ‘Lonely Star of the Southern Isles’ has persisted.”
“Do you understand now?”
Yang Chanzhen sat down gracefully. “The Lonely Star’s fate isn’t inherently destructive. It’s their lack of compassion and empathy, their disregard for morality, that brings disaster upon those around them. If they possessed a heart, if they understood human emotions, they wouldn’t have to fear this fate.”
Cheng Yishi pondered her words.
So it was a misunderstanding, a misinterpretation of cause and effect, that had given this fate such a terrifying reputation?
In reality, the Lonely Star…
“Whether it’s a blessing or a curse depends on the individual.”
“Then why didn’t you tell me this before, Miss Yang? Why wait until now?” Cheng Yishi was still confused.
“I wanted to observe you, Miss Cheng, to see if your feelings were genuine.”
Yang Chanzhen’s expression remained calm. “According to the ancient records, there was once a Lonely Star who seemed perfectly normal, but it turned out to be a deception, a carefully crafted illusion.”
“But why did you suddenly tell me this after our spar?”
“I trust my intuition.”
Yang Chanzhen picked up her teacup and took a sip, her face still veiled. “I saw your concern for your sister, and your worry for Master Lin’s safety… You’re different from the Lonely Stars of the past, Miss Cheng. You can overcome this curse.
And you have a special connection with Master Lin.”
Cheng Yishi’s expression turned strange. “I think that last part is the most important, isn’t it, Miss Yang?”
“Indeed.”
Yang Chanzhen didn’t hesitate to admit it. “With Master Lin by your side, his power and abilities will protect you.”
“You know about Tianlu’s power?”
“Of course.”
Yang Chanzhen sighed softly. “I don’t know how he obtained such power, but he’s truly extraordinary, practically a divine being. To him, I’m no different from those ordinary mortals outside.
He could easily change a person’s fate, even that of a Lonely Star.”
Cheng Yishi smiled faintly. “You have great faith in Tianlu, Miss Yang.
But I still don’t know much about you, or your relationship with him.”
“He and I…”
Yang Chanzhen hesitated, her voice trailing off.
She shook her head. “We haven’t interacted much. He saved my life, and I owe him a debt of gratitude. That’s why I’m here to protect you.”
A life debt…?
Cheng Yishi pondered her words, a playful smile appearing on her lips. “It seems there’s more to your story, Miss Yang. A hidden romance, perhaps?”
“There’s no need to pry, Miss Cheng. I won’t tell you.”
Seeing her unwavering expression, Cheng Yishi sighed inwardly.
If she refused to talk, there was nothing she could do to force her.
After all, their brief spar had revealed a significant gap in their strength. Even with all her techniques, she couldn’t defeat Yang Chanzhen, who had even been holding back, guiding her movements, teaching her.
If they fought seriously, Cheng Yishi had no doubt that she would be utterly defeated.
But…
She clenched her hand, her expression darkening.
Her cultivation was still too weak. Although she had never desired immense power or world-conquering strength, she still had to rely on Tianlu to protect her from her own fate.
She felt a pang of guilt and frustration.
“You seem to blame yourself, Miss Cheng.”
Yang Chanzhen’s voice suddenly broke the silence. “You think your weakness is a burden to Master Lin?
There’s no need for such self-deprecating thoughts. You have a close relationship with him. You’ll be married soon. And as husband and wife, there’s no such thing as owing each other. You should support and care for each other. He can guide you on your path of cultivation, and you can offer him your support in other ways.”
Cheng Yishi bit her lip and nodded. “Thank you for your kind words, Miss Yang. I’ll keep that in mind.”
But at that moment, a faint, unfamiliar aura drifted towards them.
“—Who’s there?”
Cheng Yishi frowned and looked towards the estate gate.
Her maid, who had been standing in a corner of the courtyard, exchanged a few words with another maid who had just arrived, then hurried over, her face filled with concern. “Miss, it’s the ‘distinguished guest.’”
“I understand. Stay here. I’ll go and meet him.”
Cheng Yishi reassured her maid, exchanged glances with Yang Chanzhen, and walked towards the gate.
Yang Chanzhen sipped her tea, her eyes following Cheng Yishi, her expression unreadable.
But she glanced at the nervous maid and said softly, “You have a strong constitution and a fortunate destiny. Would you be interested in learning some self-defense techniques, to protect your mistress?”
“Eh?”
The maid was stunned.
Then she shook her head vigorously, her hair flying around her face.
Yang Chanzhen looked away, her voice calm. “There’s no need to rush your decision. We have plenty of time.”
“…”
…
“Who are those people standing in front of the Cheng residence?”
“Judging by their clothes, they seem…”
“Shh! Don’t talk about them! They’re important people!”
The street in front of the Cheng residence was filled with curious onlookers, pointing and whispering about the group of ten or so people standing at the gate, their identities and purpose unclear.
Creak
The gate opened, and Cheng Yishi saw a handsome young man, dressed in luxurious robes, his aura refined and noble. A single glance at the ornaments he wore revealed his high status.
And behind him were several burly men, clearly his bodyguards. Even without drawing their swords, their powerful auras and martial arts cultivation were evident.
They were all at least at the Pure Yang Realm, perhaps even the Azure Spirit Realm!
Extraordinary experts!
And beside the young man stood a young girl, her appearance sweet and charming in her colorful robe.
But her face was clouded with a frown, and she said coldly, “We’ve been knocking for a while now. The Cheng residence is quite arrogant, keeping us waiting at the gate.”
“Now, now,” the young man chuckled, tapping her shoulder playfully. “We must be polite. Don’t be rude.”
He smiled and bowed slightly. “I’ve heard that the current head of the Cheng family is a great beauty, the most beautiful woman in Changling. And now, seeing you in person, Miss Cheng, the rumors are true. You’re truly captivating.”
Cheng Yishi frowned slightly. “You flatter me, Sir. But may I ask why you’ve come here—”
“Just a friendly visit.”
The young man chuckled. “I’ll be staying in Changling County for a while, and I enjoy making new acquaintances. I couldn’t resist coming to see you.”
“After all, most of the prominent families in this town have already paid their respects. But the Cheng family has been silent.” The young girl crossed her arms and grumbled. “We had to come here ourselves.”
Cheng Yishi’s eyes flickered, and she said, “Actually, Sir, I don’t think you came here for the Cheng family. With your status and position, why would you bother greeting someone like me?”
The young man smiled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “You’re as perceptive and intelligent as the rumors say, Miss Cheng.
You’re right. I came here for the legendary Master Lin, hoping to witness his extraordinary talent. But I heard he’s out of town, so I decided to visit you instead.”
Cheng Yishi nodded curtly. “Master Lin might not return for a few days, Sir. You’ll have to wait. If you’re willing to wait, you can return to your residence and come back later.”
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