Category: The Heroine Fell Deeply For Her [Quick Transmigration]

Chapter 58: Disciple and Wife

With Cen Dianshuang, a peak Nascent Soul cultivator, as her protector, Tao Ning quickly gathered the materials on her list.

However, when it came to cultivation, Cen Dianshuang was a strict and unforgiving master.

She insisted Tao Ning face every challenge head-on, intervening with Xuan Ying only when the threat exceeded her disciple’s current capabilities.

A swordsman couldn’t be afraid of injury or bloodshed. Tao Ning learned this firsthand, her swordsmanship improving with every wound, her mastery of the Hanshan Sect’s Carefree Sword technique growing steadily.

The Carefree Sword had nineteen forms, but she had only mastered the first ten. She understood the remaining nine in theory, but hadn’t fully grasped their essence.

However, ten forms were sufficient. At least, among cultivators of her level, she was unmatched.

A deafening roar echoed from the depths of the mine, followed by the rumbling tremors of a large demonic beast charging through the tunnels.

A woman in white, holding a zither, stood on a ledge above the mine entrance, her gaze fixed on the source of the commotion.

Her spiritual sense pierced through the earth, observing the battle between her disciple and the beast within the twisting tunnels.

Suddenly, her hand rested on the zither strings, her lips tightening slightly.

A moment later, a deafening explosion rocked the mine, a cloud of dust erupting from the entrance, followed by a grey blur. It was fast, but not fast enough.

Tao Ning emerged, her eyes fixed on the expanding cloud of dust, her light robes swirling around her as she landed gracefully.

Before her feet even touched the ground, her sword flashed, multiplying into a thousand shimmering blades, each crackling with lightning spiritual energy. With a sweep of her arms, she unleashed a torrent of sword intent towards the dust cloud.

The newly formed cloud dispersed again, the surrounding area now shrouded in a thick, yellow haze that seemed to writhe and shift with a life of its own.

It was then that they realized it wasn’t dust, but an Earth-type demonic beast.

Weakened but enraged, the beast attacked Tao Ning relentlessly, seizing the opportunity to reform its scattered form, coalescing into its true shape.

It lunged at Tao Ning, its jaws wide open, letting out a piercing shriek.

Compared to the massive beast they had encountered within the mine, the Golden-Backed Sand Wolf was now half its original size, clearly weakened.

Tao Ning assessed the situation.

The beast was said to be impervious to blades, its form shifting like sand, making it difficult to target. But she had already bisected it with a single strike, its form offering little resistance.

Yet, moments later, it had seamlessly reformed, lashing out with its tail, summoning a field of earthen spikes.

Her sword flashed, not the Carefree Sword this time, but one of the Thirteen Forms of Falling Snow, her body a blur as she lunged towards the beast.

The Sand Wolf, scoffing at this seemingly suicidal attack, opened its jaws, anticipating an easy meal.

Tao Ning, her face impassive, met its charge head-on, her sword piercing its body, forcing it to abandon its attack and disperse into another cloud of dust.

Her sword, embedded in a rock outside the mine entrance, hummed softly. She didn’t recall it.

Raising her hands, she summoned a shimmering zither, dodging the earthen spikes as she began to play, one hand cradling the instrument, the other plucking the strings.

The melody was called Chaos Heart.

The Sand Wolf, reforming its body, paused, its ears twitching as it listened to the music, its movements slowing.

Then, the girl it had been about to devour vanished, reappearing on its back.

Instinctively, it tried to disperse its form, but something was wrong. It couldn’t control its body, its sandy form refusing to scatter. Panic surged through it as it tried to shake off the figure on its back.

Too late. Tao Ning put away the zither, summoning her sword, and with a swift, decisive strike, severed its head.

The Sand Wolf, which had been as elusive as sand in life, now lay dead, its body solid, blood gurgling from the wound.

Tao Ning flicked the blood from her sword.

Cen Dianshuang descended from a nearby boulder, her white robes brushing against the grass as she stopped before the Sand Wolf, examining the wound.

Pointing at the fatal blow, she commented, “Slightly off. A fraction to the side, and it would have survived. Your hand isn’t steady enough.”

Tao Ning nodded, her breathing slightly ragged. “I’ll practice another twenty thousand strikes each day.”

A skilled artifact refiner’s hands were always steady. This wasn’t her first time facing an opponent of a higher realm, but battling a Golden Core Sand Wolf with her mid-Foundation Establishment cultivation had pushed her to her limits.

Cen Dianshuang, generally satisfied with Tao Ning’s combat skills, pointed out a few areas for improvement.

Almost winning wasn’t good enough. In a true life-or-death situation, “almost” meant death.

The path of cultivation wasn’t for those seeking comfort and safety.

Tao Ning acknowledged her master’s critique, taking it to heart.

When it came to swordsmanship, Cen Dianshuang was the undisputed expert.

They entered the mine together, searching for the Gold Essence.

Without the Sand Wolf, the mine was eerily silent. The walls bore the marks of excavation, old scars partially obscured by dark stains, which, upon closer inspection, Tao Ning recognized as dried blood.

Overlapping these older marks were her own sword strikes, still faintly crackling with residual lightning spiritual energy.

Deeper within the mine, discarded mining tools lay scattered on the ground, covered in dust. A chilling aura emanated from a pit, its bottom filled with human bones.

Clearly, this mine had once been worked by mortals.

The Sand Wolf, drawn by the scent of the Gold Essence, had likely claimed the mine as its territory, guarding its treasure until it matured.

Tao Ning could picture the scene: miners working diligently, then the sudden appearance of a massive wolf, trapping and slaughtering those who couldn’t escape.

Cen Dianshuang, seeing a skull staring up at them with empty sockets, sent a wave of earth tumbling down, burying the remains.

May they rest in peace, she thought.

“Let’s go. The Gold Essence is deeper within,” she said to Tao Ning.

The Gold Essence, hidden deep within the earth, nearing maturity, had attracted an unexpected guest.

Further down, the light faded completely. Tao Ning’s hand glowed, illuminating their path.

Cen Dianshuang, about to retrieve a night pearl, turned to see the source of the light: the Flame Dragon Furnace.

Tao Ning had instructed it to remain small, providing just enough light to see, explaining that she was too injured to carry it.

The furnace, like an obedient Academy disciple, complied perfectly, its flames flickering happily at Tao Ning’s praise.

Cen Dianshuang: “…”

She had never seen the Flame Dragon Furnace so well-behaved. When she found it in the secret realm, it had been merrily incinerating everyone’s hair, only sparing Cen Dianshuang, grudgingly agreeing to follow her.

Tao Ning, noticing Cen Dianshuang’s gaze, looked up. “Master?”

“I have a question for you.” Cen Dianshuang continued, “Your swordsmanship is… powerful, your movements controlled and precise. You wouldn’t be suited to a light, narrow sword like Xuan Ying.”

Cen Dianshuang’s definition of “light” differed from ordinary mortals. She considered a boulder “light.” Xuan Ying weighed three boulders.

Xuan Ying was a rare, narrow sword, barely two fingers wide and three feet long, as clear and cold as ice, its movements swift and deadly, unsuitable for heavy, sweeping strikes. It was a sharp, but fragile, blade.

“A spirit sword forms a soul bond with its master. It’s not a decision to be taken lightly. What kind of sword do you want?”

Tao Ning: “A heavy sword. Three fingers wide, three feet long, its edge dull, its power overwhelming. I’ll call it Poheng – Breaker of Obstacles.”

That was the kind of sword she envisioned for herself.

Cen Dianshuang: “You’ve given this some thought. It’s a good choice for you.”

A Music Cultivator also needed a zither. Assuming Tao Ning hadn’t considered this, she offered her expertise.

“I’ll ask my senior sister to craft one for you.”

Having the Qianqi Peak Master craft two spirit weapons for a mere Foundation Establishment disciple was a significant favor.

Tao Ning: “But I promised Jiamu before leaving the mountain that she would craft my weapons. She’ll be upset if I ask Elder Qianlian.”

Young friendships were built on sincerity, not favors.

Everyone knew an elder’s craftsmanship was superior, but a promise was a promise.

Cen Dianshuang remembered Jin Jiamu, the girl who had shared the roasted pheasant with Tao Ning in the bamboo grove. Elder Qianlian had praised her talent, comparing her to Cen Dianshuang’s younger self.

Tao Ning’s cultivation was still low. Her spirit weapons could be refined later. Breaking a promise to a friend wasn’t ideal.

Besides, wielding high-level artifacts at such a low level would only make her a target. Cultivators who killed for treasure were common.

Cen Dianshuang agreed. “Very well. As you wish.”

Tao Ning smiled, her voice cheerful. “Thank you, Master.”

She reached out, taking Cen Dianshuang’s sleeve, and they continued their journey together.

With the Gold Essence secured, the remaining items on the list were even rarer and more difficult to obtain.

Tao Ning, looking at the list, felt like she was playing a leveling-up game, her experience points steadily increasing.

Then, glancing at the inactive Sever Fate progress bar, she sighed deeply.

520: 【Does that sigh sound familiar?】

Tao Ning, resting her chin on her hands, let out another dramatic sigh. “Does it?”

520: 【Yes. You sound like the protagonist. She always sighs like that, her face expressionless.】

Tao Ning: “…”

Footsteps approached. A hand rested on her head. Without looking up, she reached up, covering the hand with her own.

The years hadn’t just enhanced her cultivation. Her hands were now as large as Cen Dianshuang’s.

“Master?”

Cen Dianshuang didn’t bother withdrawing her hand, continuing to stroke Tao Ning’s hair. “Is your wound hurting again?”

It was a minor injury, easily healed with a bit of spiritual energy.

If it hadn’t healed, it was either unintentional or… intentional.

Tao Ning nodded miserably. “A little.”

Cen Dianshuang retrieved a jar of ointment, beckoning her closer. “Give me your hand.”

Tao Ning extended her hand. The wound, a scrape from an earthen spike in the mine, was still slightly discolored from the residual demonic energy.

Cen Dianshuang, without comment, applied the ointment, her fingers gently spreading it over the wound, ignoring Tao Ning’s exaggerated winces.

She knew her disciple was just being dramatic.

“Does it hurt that much?”

Tao Ning, realizing she had overdone it, sat up straighter, her expression turning serious. “No, not at all. I feel great! I could take on three Sand Wolves at once!”

Cen Dianshuang chuckled. “You’re such a drama queen.”

She rarely laughed, her demeanor usually cold and aloof, the Ice Beauty of the Hanshan Sect. Her smile was like the melting of snow, breathtakingly beautiful.

Tao Ning stared, captivated, then grabbed Cen Dianshuang’s hand, tilting her head. “Smile again, Master.”

Cen Dianshuang blinked, confused. “Did I smile?”

Tao Ning nodded eagerly. “Yes! I’ve never seen you smile before. Please, smile again.”

Cen Dianshuang’s lips twitched, then, seeing the intense longing in Tao Ning’s eyes, she withdrew her hand, her expression turning serious. “I don’t smile.”

Tao Ning reached out instinctively, her fingers brushing against Cen Dianshuang’s sleeve as it rested on the table.

Too obvious, she thought, cursing her own impulsiveness.

Cen Dianshuang wasn’t oblivious. She had simply been in a position of authority for too long, but she wasn’t a block of ice. She wouldn’t miss such a blatant display of affection. She was, after all, the Disciplinary Hall Elder.

Tao Ning couldn’t predict the consequences.

They sat at a table in an inn, facing each other.

Sunlight streamed in through the window, the sounds of the bustling street outside creating a strange contrast to the quiet intimacy of the room. Neither spoke.

Their shadows stretched across the floor, separated by the table, but the figure on the left hadn’t withdrawn her hand from the table.

An unspoken tension filled the air, neither acceptance nor rejection.

520 was also stunned, a single thought echoing through its core – They’re so alike.

The resemblance wasn’t apparent in their features, but in their smiles, their mannerisms. It almost made 520 question if there was another system, another soul, attached to its host.

But Tao Ning remained silent, and in this strange, charged atmosphere, 520 also dared not speak.

Something felt… off. It couldn’t articulate it, but the feeling was there.

A knock on the door broke the silence. Tao Ning stood up to answer it.

The innkeeper, beaming, greeted her. “Immortal Masters, the beast meat you requested is ready.”

Two young boys, probably errand runners, stood behind him, carrying covered trays.

Tao Ning stepped aside, allowing them to enter.

They had hunted a demonic beast earlier, its meat beneficial for cultivation. Feeling lazy, they had asked the inn’s cook to prepare it.

Cooking didn’t diminish the meat’s spiritual energy.

Cen Dianshuang was meditating behind the screen, her figure barely visible.

The innkeeper and his assistants, careful not to disturb the “immortal masters,” quickly placed the dishes on the table and left.

They had traveled to a more populated area, seeking refuge in an inn after slaying the Sand Wolf.

The difference between cultivators and mortals was readily apparent. Cultivators, regardless of age or gender, possessed an ethereal aura, their appearance often enhanced by their cultivation. Their arrival in the city had attracted curious stares.

The locals had only heard stories of flying immortals. Seeing two in person was a novelty.

Amidst the whispers and curious glances, the two sword-wielding women entered the inn, the innkeeper’s demeanor a mix of awe and fear.

520 had assumed the unusual quiet between them would dissipate by morning, but it lasted longer than anticipated.

Chapter 57 p2: Disciple and Wife 

Meanwhile, beneath a tree outside a ruined city, Er Lan watched as Xiao Haoran vomited violently.

A little bit of speed, and he was already incapacitated.

Rolling her eyes, she muttered, Useless. If it weren’t for the Demon Lord’s instructions to keep an eye on him, she would have disposed of him already.

After he finished retching, she tossed him her waterskin. “Are you alright? Drink some water.”

Xiao Haoran, dizzy and nauseous, fumbled with the waterskin, wanting nothing more than to lie down and die.

Er Lan watched, wondering if she should leave him to his fate if he collapsed into the dirt.

To avoid appearing heartless, she maintained a safe distance, her voice feigning concern. “Feeling better? I have some high-grade Calming Pills. Here.”

She rummaged through her storage ring. Xiao Haoran, eager to regain her favor, staggered towards her.

At least she was offering high-grade pills.

He wasn’t afraid of heights. He had ridden rollercoasters in his previous life. It was Er Lan’s speed that had undone him, his stomach churning with cold air.

Er Lan retrieved a pill, its herbal scent refreshing, and handed it to him, masking her impatience as she looked away.

While her apparent cultivation level was late Foundation Establishment, her true cultivation, with her reversed meridians, was at the peak of Golden Core, half a step away from Nascent Soul.

If it weren’t for this Qi Refining weakling, she could have reached their destination in a matter of hours.

Her unique meridians allowed her to cultivate both spiritual and demonic energy, a result of her mixed heritage, a one-in-a-million occurrence.

This rare ability had attracted the attention of the current Demon Lord, who had adopted and trained her before sending her to the Radiant Realm.

She addressed Xiao Haoran. “Is this the place with the treasures? It looks like a deserted city.”

Xiao Haoran pointed at the faded sign above the city gates. “What does that say?”

Er Lan: “…”

“Four Borders City.”

Xiao Haoran nodded. “Then this is it.”

According to the Heavenly Book, Four Borders City had once been prosperous, but a flood, followed by a devastating plague, had forced its inhabitants to flee. Those who remained perished.

Rumors of a curse, of a place where those who entered never left, turned it into a ghost city.

Its isolation had allowed a Heaven-grade spiritual herb to grow undisturbed.

Er Lan extended her spiritual sense, but detected nothing unusual.

Xiao Haoran, seeing her confusion, explained, “The Ice Soul Grass is here, along with its companion flower, the Flameheart Flower. They are naturally opposing forces, yet they grow together, their spiritual energy concealed until they mature. I only need the grass. You can have the flower.”

The gentle nature of the Flameheart Flower made it ideal for clearing blocked meridians. The Heavenly Book described Cen Dianshuang using it to clear his meridians.

After Four Borders City, their next destination was Shadow City.

But that was fifty years in the future. His priority was restoring his meridians and awakening his bloodline.

Er Lan, after a moment of thought, agreed.

---

Reaching a resting spot, Tao Ning released her hold on Cen Dianshuang’s waist, preparing to feign a stumble.

Her plan was to gradually acclimate her master to physical affection, starting with hugs, then progressing to… other things. So far, she had only achieved the hugging part.

But Cen Dianshuang didn’t turn around. She walked away, seemingly scanning their surroundings.

A Nascent Soul cultivator’s spiritual sense could cover an entire mountain. There was no need for visual confirmation.

Tao Ning studied her master’s retreating figure, sensing… discomfort.

As Cen Dianshuang walked further away, Tao Ning called out, “Mas…”

Before she could finish, Cen Dianshuang practically vanished into the trees.

Incredibly fast.

Tao Ning reached out, her hand grasping at empty air.

Did I go too far?

If not for maintaining her image as a composed and dignified master, Cen Dianshuang would have simply flown away.

After putting some distance between them, she stopped by a patch of flowers, plucking a leaf and flicking it with a practiced gesture. A black snake, its vital point struck, fell to the ground.

She ignored her kill, standing motionless, her hand instinctively reaching for her belt.

There was no longer a weight there, yet she could still feel the arms around her waist, the tightening grip of fear.

As a peak Nascent Soul cultivator, on the verge of Soul Transformation, losing control of her sword was unthinkable. A sword cultivator who couldn’t control their sword should have their hand chopped off.

But in that moment, embraced by those gentle arms, her hand had faltered.

Tao Ning waited, eventually seeing Cen Dianshuang return, a dead rabbit impaled on Xuan Ying.

Her disciple was too picky to eat Fasting Pills. Since this rabbit had the misfortune of crossing their path, it was destined to become dinner.

Cen Dianshuang casually tossed the rabbit at Tao Ning’s feet. “Eat.”

Tao Ning wasn’t particularly hungry. Foundation Establishment cultivators could abstain from food. But she wouldn’t refuse her master’s offering.

Her eyes shining, she showered Cen Dianshuang with praise, her words of gratitude and admiration bringing a faint smile to the elder’s lips.

Tao Ning found a stream, diligently preparing the rabbit.

It had been half a month since her last meal. Since reaching Foundation Establishment, she had focused solely on cultivation, practicing the zither and the sword to solidify her realm.

Ready to cook, she retrieved the Flame Dragon Furnace, which, after its experiences with steamed buns, Silverfish soup, and roasted pheasant, adamantly refused to cook the rabbit.

Its flames flickered weakly, as if saying, Kill me now, but I won’t cook this.

Tao Ning sighed, giving up, gathering firewood instead. “Just borrowing your fire. That should be acceptable, right?”

A tiny flame emerged from the furnace, igniting the wood instantly. Tao Ning, impressed by the furnace’s loyalty, commented, “Only willing to cook creatures from Wangshu Peak, refusing outsiders. You’re quite the discerning gourmet. I’ve never seen such a loyal artifact.”

The flames flickered happily, sending out another small spark, which Tao Ning quickly extinguished. “That’s enough. Any more, and it’ll burn.”

520: 【What about me?】

Tao Ning, having just appeased the furnace, now had to deal with her AI companion. “520, don’t be silly. You’re my most valued partner.”

520 giggled electronically. 【Really?】

Cen Dianshuang, seated on a nearby rock, smelled the roasting rabbit, remembering Tao Ning’s earlier pronouncements about Bird Immortals.

She had thought then, Whoever takes her as a disciple is asking for trouble.

Now, she simply thought, Such audacity, teasing her master.

Looking at the rabbit sizzling over the fire, Tao Ning thought of the snow-white bundle, which hadn’t reappeared since its identity was revealed.

She had asked Cen Dianshuang about it, describing its appearance, but not its name, emphasizing the distinctive red feather.

Cen Dianshuang had feigned ignorance, suggesting it might belong to the Beast Taming Peak.

Before asking, Tao Ning had already visited the Beast Taming Peak, its menagerie filled with a variety of creatures, but the familiar white bundle was nowhere to be found. She had chatted briefly with the disciples, then left without revealing her true purpose.

After that, she had focused on cultivation, abandoning her search.

Cen Dianshuang had been relieved. She wasn’t good at lying. If her disciple had pressed further, she wouldn’t have known what to say.

Deceiving Tao Ning was far more difficult than being deceived by her.

The rabbit cooked, Tao Ning, as usual, asked, “Master, which part do you want?”

Cen Dianshuang, meditating with her eyes closed, her brow furrowing almost imperceptibly, replied, “I’m not eating.”

“Alright…” Tao Ning began eating, then paused as a cool voice echoed through the night. “After you’re done, I’ll teach you sword flight.”

With Cen Dianshuang’s high standards, it would be an intensive, accelerated lesson. Failure to learn within an afternoon would be considered… incompetence.

The rabbit suddenly tasted less appealing.

Learning sword flight meant receiving a low-grade spirit sword from her master, enabling independent travel. What was the point of learning something that prevented… closeness?

A rustling sound, then the snapping of twigs. Someone approached Cen Dianshuang.

She wasn’t in deep meditation, her senses still aware of her surroundings.

A hand gently touched her knee, the scent of roasted meat wafting towards her. A soft voice whispered, “Master…”

Cen Dianshuang opened her eyes. Her disciple was crouching beside her, holding a bundle wrapped in oiled paper, looking up at her with wide, pleading eyes.

Her usually sharp, fox-like eyes were downcast, her voice trembling slightly. “Master, do you… not want to fly with me anymore? Do you… dislike me?”

Cen Dianshuang’s head throbbed. Clingy, she thought.

She didn’t pull away her sleeve, shaking her head. “I’ve never thought that.”

Tao Ning’s eyes brightened, relieved. “I’m willing to learn sword flight, Master, but… can we still fly together after I learn?”

Her expression suggested imminent tears if Cen Dianshuang refused.

Cen Dianshuang: “…”

What could she say?

She nodded. “Alright.”

Tao Ning, placing the bundle down, leaned closer. “You’re the best, Master. I like you the most. Will you eat with me? I’m lonely eating alone.”

Cen Dianshuang sighed, her voice resigned. “Yes, yes, I’ll eat with you.”

Tao Ning offered her the rabbit, thinking, Master is truly a master of saying one thing and meaning another.

Chapter 57 p1: Disciple and Wife 

Cen Dianshuang’s promise to take Tao Ning beyond Wangshu Peak after she reached Foundation Establishment was merely a motivational tactic.

Just two months later, however, while meditating on her coral, Cen Dianshuang heard the familiar jingling of the communication bell. Descending the mountain, she found Tao Ning waiting for her, an innocent expression on her face.

“Sorry to disturb you, Master, but I couldn’t suppress it any longer. I think I’m about to reach Foundation Establishment.”

Cen Dianshuang, looking at the surge of purple lightning spiritual energy radiating from her disciple: “…”

Her disciple resembled a bristling, purple, miniature beast.

She finally understood her own master’s exasperated sighs and constant reminders to build a solid foundation, not to rush cultivation.

She looked at Tao Ning, tempted to repeat her master’s words verbatim.

Instead, she calmly retrieved a basket of spirit stones, quickly arranging them into a spirit gathering formation.

There would be no Foundation Establishment Pills. Excessive reliance on pills could lead to impurities and weaken one’s foundation.

While not particularly skilled in formations, the spirit gathering formation was a basic requirement for any cultivator. She quickly created a space saturated with spiritual energy.

The vibrant, yet sharp, lightning spiritual energy converged, the air thick with its power.

“I’ll protect you. Begin,” Cen Dianshuang instructed.

Tao Ning, seated on the jade bed, closed her eyes, focusing her spiritual sense inwards.

This wasn’t her first Foundation Establishment breakthrough. With her residual memories and Cen Dianshuang’s assistance, success was practically guaranteed.

By morning, Wangshu Peak had a new Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Half a month later, after Tao Ning’s cultivation stabilized, Cen Dianshuang visited Shuhan Peak, informing her senior sister of her intention to leave the sect.

Lizhu wasn’t surprised. Cen Dianshuang was a free spirit, always eager to explore the world beyond the mountain gates. Confining her to one place only made her restless.

Traveling the mortal realm also helped Cen Dianshuang cultivate her heart. Unlike other cultivators, her innate purity made her resistant to worldly temptations.

Lizhu: “This trip is different. Your disciple’s cultivation is still low. Keep a close eye on her.”

“I will,” Cen Dianshuang replied, her expression serious, taking her senior sister’s advice to heart. Lizhu, with her numerous disciples, had far more experience.

Then, Lizhu added, “Oh, about the Frost Flowers your Senior Brother Yaodan’s disciple found. She brought back the nectar a month ago. Yesterday, the pills were finally refined. Yaodan had a sudden breakthrough in his alchemy and couldn’t deliver them personally, so he sent them to me.”

Wangshu Peak had only two occupants. With Tao Ning remaining on the peak, no one could bypass the formation.

Lizhu retrieved a small bottle, examining it before putting it back. “You and your disciple are both alike, forgetting everything when you cultivate. Perhaps I should send a few sword attendants to Wangshu Peak to handle your mundane affairs?”

Cen Dianshuang, following her, replied, “No.”

Lizhu: “If you’re staying in a populated area, it shouldn’t be a problem… No? Why not?”

Cen Dianshuang, without missing a beat, used her disciple as an excuse. “I promised Tao Ning I wouldn’t take any other disciples.”

Lizhu, picking up the bottle again and thrusting it into Cen Dianshuang’s hands, said, “You’re using your disciple as a shield.”

Cen Dianshuang returned an innocent look, a tactic learned from Tao Ning. It was effective. Lizhu sighed, unable to scold her, simply reminding her to take plenty of spirit stones.

As a Nascent Soul cultivator, she could survive anywhere, even perched on a tree branch in her true form. Her disciple, however, was more delicate.

As Cen Dianshuang turned to leave, Lizhu called out, “Wangshu Peak isn’t just yours anymore. Try not to summon any unnecessary rain.”

Cen Dianshuang fell silent.

How could she explain that it had already rained, and her true name had been revealed?

A few days later, it was time to depart. Lizhu came to see them off.

Smiling warmly, she addressed Tao Ning. “Congratulations on reaching Foundation Establishment in just three months, Nephew Tao Ning. Such rapid progress.”

Tao Ning, her expression innocent, replied, “Master says it’s a bit fast, but my foundation is solid.”

Lizhu, recognizing the familiar expression, finally understood Cen Dianshuang’s recent behavior.

My little junior sister has been corrupted, she thought with a mixture of amusement and exasperation. “Is that so? Let me see.”

“Please, Sect Leader.” Tao Ning extended her hand.

Lizhu studied her for a moment before placing her fingers on Tao Ning’s wrist. Her initial smile faded as she probed the girl’s meridians, her expression turning serious, her demeanor shifting to that of the Sect Leader.

Tao Ning showed no fear, her gaze steady despite her lowered head.

After a moment, Lizhu withdrew her hand, smiling at the puzzled Cen Dianshuang. “A solid foundation, smooth energy flow. Did you use a Foundation Establishment Pill?”

Cen Dianshuang: “Pills can leave impurities. Best to avoid them if possible.”

Lizhu nodded in agreement. “Wise words. I teach the same to my disciples. However, my new disciple, despite possessing a Yang Flame physique, hasn’t been able to guide spiritual energy into her body yet. She was raised in luxury, her heart still unsettled. She needs more time.”

Cen Dianshuang offered some advice. “If she struggles with guiding spiritual energy, have her practice sword forms for two hours each day, or perhaps sweep the Spirit Sword Tomb.”

Lizhu: “That’s what I was thinking.”

She smoothly changed the subject, escorting them to the mountain gate, watching as their figures grew smaller in the distance.

Two disciples, trailing behind her, sensing her lingering concern for Elder Cen’s disciple, asked, “Master, is something wrong with Disciple Tao Ning?”

Lizhu: “Nothing’s wrong. I was just reminded of your little junior sister. Did she cry again today?”

The disciples replied in unison, “Yes, she soaked three handkerchiefs.”

The purpose of their trip was to gather materials for Tao Ning’s spirit sword. Cen Dianshuang, now a master, felt a newfound sense of responsibility. She had asked Elder Qianlian for a list of necessary materials, intending to collect them all.

Tao Ning had also seen the list. As the Qianqi Peak Master, Elder Qianlian’s recommendations were thorough and meticulous.

Not only did she specify the quantity, appearance, and properties of each material, but she also indicated their locations and, anticipating Cen Dianshuang’s straightforward nature and her disciple’s inexperience, included detailed instructions for their preservation.

Some materials, while essential for crafting exceptionally sharp blades, were delicate, requiring specific storage methods to prevent their spiritual energy from dissipating or clashing with other materials.

Tao Ning was once again impressed by the Hanshan Sect’s collaborative spirit, understanding why the protagonist had cursed their stubborn resistance to his ambitions.

Even after Cen Dianshuang’s sect cleansing, facing retaliation from the protagonist’s harem and followers, the Hanshan Sect had remained defiant, eliminating every threat.

This had destabilized the sect, making them a target for the Demonic and Demonic Beast Realms.

Then, the ensuing chaos caused by the masterless Wanhun Cauldron, with everyone vying for its power, had led to Cen Dianshuang sacrificing herself to seal it, restoring peace to the three realms.

No one could destroy the Wanhun Cauldron, except its creator, whose weakness remained unknown, even to Elder Qianlian.

The Hanshan Sect, and Cen Dianshuang in particular, had acted with unwavering righteousness.

Tao Ning: “520, is there any progress?”

520, looking at the perpetually grey progress bar: 【No. They haven’t met yet. The progress bar is inactive.】

Just as Tao Ning was about to respond, the flying sword jolted, a dark shape whizzing past them.

High above the clouds, with the world spread out beneath them, she had no time to admire the scenery. Instinctively, she grabbed Cen Dianshuang’s waist, her cheek pressing against her back.

The embrace was unexpectedly intimate, close enough to hear Cen Dianshuang’s startled heartbeat.

Cen Dianshuang froze, her body stiffening, especially between her collarbone and her thighs.

She rarely tolerated such close contact, let alone embraces. If it weren’t for the fact that it was her disciple, she might have thrown the girl off her sword.

Tao Ning’s voice, slightly muffled, asked, “Master?”

Her hair whipping in the wind, she reached out, smoothing Cen Dianshuang’s stray strands, holding them in her hand.

They were cool and soft, like Cen Dianshuang herself, a cold exterior concealing a warmth within.

Recasting the wind barrier, Cen Dianshuang steadied her voice. “I was… distracted. A bird flew into us. Are you alright?”

She felt Tao Ning’s cheek rub against her back, a silent shake of the head, then her disciple’s slightly shaky voice. “I’m fine.”

She’s scared, but she won’t admit it, Cen Dianshuang thought, glancing at the arms around her waist. Her heart softened. Let her hug me. It’s not like I’ll lose any feathers or weight.

After a moment of silence, with no indication from Cen Dianshuang to let go, Tao Ning tightened her grip slightly, leaning against her master with an air of complete trust and dependence.

Hidden beneath her wind-blown hair, a sly smile curved her lips, her fox-like eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

520, observing this scene, unsure how to react, thought, This is… strange.