Chapter 52: She Did Have Some Regrets
So Mu Tao was being guarded by outsiders now…
In the original story, although many people from other immortal sects came to Mount Chao Yao after the theft of the Upper Spirit Lamp and the awakening of the Demon Bone, the protagonist was captured and imprisoned by her own master.
But now, outsiders were guarding Mu Tao. It seemed the changes to the timeline had made things much more difficult for Mount Chao Yao.
“Is…is she alright?” Li Yu asked. “Are they mistreating her?”
“More and more people are arriving at Mount Chao Yao, almost all of them here to discuss what to do with Mu Tao.” Si Qinglan said. “She is, after all, your only disciple. Since you’re unconscious and haven’t expressed your opinion, they haven’t decided on a course of action, and they don’t dare act rashly.”
Li Yu: “…”
Si Qinglan: “They haven’t mistreated her yet, but…Mount Chao Yao’s current situation…we might not be able to protect her.”
Li Yu: “…”
Si Qinglan: “They’re all saying…”
Li Yu: “Saying what?”
Si Qinglan pouted and lowered her voice. “They’re saying that you, as the guardian of the Upper Spirit Lamp, kept a Demon Bone by your side, perhaps with ulterior motives…that you should hand over the Lamp, and the Demon Bone should be destroyed…”
Li Yu frowned.
She remembered that in the original story, the other immortal sects didn’t demand the Upper Spirit Lamp, only that Mount Chao Yao destroy the Demon Bone.
Her own weakened state must have emboldened them.
“Anyone who wants the Upper Spirit Lamp can have it,” Li Yu said in a low voice, exhaling slowly, her tone firm. “As for Mu Tao, I will never hand her over.”
Si Qinglan sighed and looked out the window. “In the past, they wouldn’t dare speak to us like this.”
Mentioning this, Si Qinglan started another tirade.
She said that Mount Chao Yao, although located in the East Sea of the human realm, was under the jurisdiction of the Heavenly Realm.
After the battle four thousand years ago, the ancient gods fell, and the Heavenly Realm was severely weakened. To recover, they only left one Heavenly Gate open for the human realm.
The Heavenly Gate couldn’t be opened without divine or demonic power. After that battle, Li Yu was the only god willing to remain in the human realm, so the Heavenly Gate was left on Mount Chao Yao.
This gate, hidden amidst the mountains and the sea, was the only path for terrestrial immortals to ascend to the Heavenly Realm.
As the only connection to the Heavenly Realm, and with the Three Revered Ones guarding it, Mount Chao Yao had always been the leader among human immortal sects, a place revered by countless cultivators.
In the past, when the mountain gate was closed, even finding Mount Chao Yao was difficult for other sects.
And when they occasionally opened the mountain gates, those who came were always respectful, their intentions to curry favor obvious.
But ever since the mountain gate was broken and the Upper Spirit Lamp stolen, many outsiders had arrived.
These uninvited guests, all claiming to want to help, acted as if they owned the place, completely disrespectful.
“Bad news travels fast! You left, and they arrived right after!” Si Qinglan’s voice was filled with anger. “Mount Chao Yao lost the Upper Spirit Lamp, you weren’t here, Weisheng was in hibernation, and those opportunistic bastards, seeing my weakened state, acted as if I was nothing!”
“…”
“I waited so long for your news, and it wasn’t even good news.” Si Qinglan’s sigh was heavier than usual. “I thought that with you back, they would behave, but you returned unconscious, and you’ve been like this for seven days!”
“Seven days?” Li Yu was surprised. “I was…unconscious for seven days…?”
“Yes, seven days!” Si Qinglan said exasperatedly. “If you hadn’t woken up, I would have thought you were going into a long slumber like Weisheng! Do you know how many people have been demanding to see you? I blocked them all! If they saw you like this, they wouldn’t even show us the slightest respect!”
“…”
“I’ve heard so many sarcastic remarks these past few days!”
“…”
“A dragon stranded in shallow water is bullied by shrimps, a tiger fallen into a plain is mocked by dogs…” Si Qinglan fumed. “The current Mount Chao Yao is like a leaky house in a downpour, a broken ship in a storm, a plucked phoenix is no better than a chicken!”
Si Qinglan’s voice was filled with indignation, venting the frustration she had bottled up.
Li Yu pretended to listen attentively but had already zoned out.
Hearing that she had been unconscious for seven days, she immediately checked the system stats.
And the numbers made her feel unwell.
【Character Compatibility: 60%】
【Current Protagonist Blackening Value: 65%】
The protagonist’s blackening value increasing was one thing, but her own compatibility dropping so drastically was terrifying!
In the past, this would have been an instant game over!
System, explain! Who deducted these points?!
【Not a specific person, Host. It’s the general sentiment within Mount Chao Yao, both inside and outside, towards you.】
What?
【With the Demon Bone awakened, and her being your only disciple, you have been unconscious since returning, without addressing the situation publicly like the original owner would have. This has caused suspicion and discontent.】
Address the situation? How?
Was she supposed to abandon Mu Tao like the original owner, just to regain her prestige?
—Absolutely not!
She knew the consequences of hurting Mu Tao at this point.
She had to stay calm.
It was only 60%; there was still room to fall. No need to panic.
She had been on the verge of death countless times; her mental fortitude was stronger than before. She wasn’t afraid.
Thinking this, Li Yu calmed down slightly.
Si Qinglan was still complaining; if no one interrupted her, she would probably continue until sunset.
Li Yu sighed and grabbed her wrist.
Si Qinglan froze and looked down. “What? Why are you suddenly grabbing me?”
Li Yu: “I want to see Mu Tao.”
Si Qinglan sighed, her eyes filled with both worry and exasperation. “Can’t you rest for a couple more days?”
Li Yu: “…”
Si Qinglan: “In your current state, can you even walk?”
Li Yu: “…”
Si Qinglan: “If those people outside see how weak you are, Little Taotao’s situation will only worsen.”
Li Yu: “She’ll be scared without me…”
“Little Qin Yuan has been visiting and chatting with her, and Little Mo Yichu also went to check on her.” Si Qinglan said softly. “Don’t worry, she’s been very quiet and well-behaved, not scared at all.”
“Not scared at all…?”
“Yes.” Si Qinglan nodded. “She said you would protect her.”
“…”
“So you should focus on recovering and regaining your strength!” Si Qinglan patted Li Yu’s hand. “Only then can we protect her.”
Li Yu’s eyes unfocused for a moment, then she asked, “How can I recover quickly?”
“I’ve used every spiritual medicine available at Qianlizhu. I’m also low on spiritual energy now and can’t create anything better.” Si Qinglan said seriously, “Since you’re awake, once you regain some strength, you can circulate your spiritual energy and accelerate the healing process.”
Li Yu asked, “How do I circulate my spiritual energy?”
Si Qinglan froze, her mouth opening and closing, clearly not understanding the question.
Seeing her confused look, Li Yu repeated the question, “How do I circulate my spiritual energy?”
Si Qinglan placed her hand on Li Yu’s forehead.
Si Qinglan: “Have you lost your mind?”
Li Yu: “I’ve lost my mind.”
Si Qinglan: “You…”
Li Yu: “Teach me.”
Their eyes met in the silent room.
Li Yu saw a complex, unreadable expression in Si Qinglan’s eyes, an expression she had never seen before.
She knew this question would arouse suspicion, but she had no one else to ask.
Mount Chao Yao was facing immense pressure; she didn’t have time to figure this out on her own. She had to recover quickly to face the inevitable.
Si Qinglan was her only hope.
“I need to recover quickly, help me.”
“…”
“Si Qinglan?”
“…”
After a long silence, Si Qinglan sighed deeply.
She looked down at the pale Li Yu and chuckled softly. “How strange, Li Yu, you’re actually asking me for help.”
“I…”
“Since you’ve lost your mind, I suppose I can help you.” Si Qinglan asked casually, “So eager, can you even sit up?”
Li Yu chuckled softly. “I just did, and you pushed me back down.”
Si Qinglan: “Then sit up, and I’ll teach you—how—to—circulate—your—spiritual—energy!”
Her sarcastic tone was both amusing and exasperating.
Fortunately, Si Qinglan didn’t ask any further questions, just patiently guided her in circulating her spiritual energy after she sat up.
Initially, Li Yu struggled, so Si Qinglan used her own spiritual energy to guide her, allowing her to clearly feel its flow through her meridians.
During this process, Si Qinglan sensed the damage to Li Yu’s meridians and frowned, muttering about her neglecting her injuries and letting her condition worsen.
Li Yu didn’t dare speak, silently accepting the scolding.
She hadn’t understood these things before, just lying in bed whenever she was injured.
Now that she thought about it, the last time she circulated her spiritual energy was probably the day she arrived in this world.
Regardless, she finally understood how to do it now.
After teaching her, Si Qinglan said she had to deal with the outsiders and reluctantly left.
Seemingly worried, before leaving, she added, “I know you’re worried about Mu Tao, but the bigger picture is more important. Don’t leave this place until you’ve fully recovered.”
“Mm,” Li Yu nodded.
Even that small movement made her head feel heavy.
After Si Qinglan left, she continued circulating her spiritual energy, despite her fatigue.
When she opened her eyes again, dusk had fallen.
She felt slightly better, just slightly.
Snow was still falling outside, but the barrier prevented it from entering the room.
Li Yu suddenly thought of her residence at Chaoxi Pond.
Had it been snowing this heavily all these days?
The little snowman in the courtyard, without spiritual energy protection, must be buried under the snow.
Thankfully, the ice flower by the window wouldn’t melt. Otherwise, everything would have changed during her absence.
Thinking this, Li Yu looked down at the Harmony Bells on her wrist.
After a brief hesitation, she infused them with a sliver of spiritual energy.
Almost instantly, the other bells chimed softly in response.
Two soft chimes, then silence, like her little disciple’s gentle greeting.
In the novel, the Spirit Restraint Hall was Mount Chao Yao’s prison, used to confine disciples and spirits who committed serious offenses, as well as captured demons and monsters.
Every cell had a barrier that suppressed spiritual energy, and for those with high cultivation, more powerful restraints were used.
Li Yu remembered the place as cold, damp, and filled with eerie sounds.
The little protagonist in the original story was terrified of that place, constantly crying after being imprisoned there by her master.
Si Qinglan saying that Mu Tao had been quiet and well-behaved, not making a fuss, sounded like a comforting lie.
But it was good that Qin Yuan and Mo Yichu had visited her.
At least they knew about her Demon Bone and hadn’t abandoned her. Their visits showed their support, which should offer Mu Tao some comfort.
Compared to the original story, there were more people on Mu Tao’s side now.
Perhaps the situation wasn’t as dire as she had imagined.
Si Qinglan could still control the outsiders for now, but it wouldn’t last.
If this crucial plot point was unavoidable, no matter what she did, Mu Tao would eventually be bound to the execution platform.
And in that situation, Si Qinglan would prioritize Mount Chao Yao and wouldn’t interfere.
In the original story, there was still the male protagonist who would risk everything to save her, but Mu Tao and Mo Yichu weren’t close enough now. Even if he felt sympathy, he wouldn’t dare defy the immortal sects.
She had to recover quickly to protect Mu Tao.
Li Yu sighed and infused the Harmony Bells with another sliver of spiritual energy, a silent response, a silent promise.
She closed her eyes and circulated her spiritual energy, then, exhausted, lay down and fell asleep.
Since waking up, Li Yu often heard the Harmony Bells chiming softly.
Every morning, afternoon, and evening, two soft chimes, like her little disciple’s daily greetings.
The sound comforted her.
Without Mu Tao by her side, even the most delicious meals felt bland.
Fortunately, Qin Yuan occasionally brought news about Mu Tao from the Spirit Restraint Hall, and Si Qinglan relayed these messages to her.
Qin Yuan said that Mu Tao had been a bit gloomy initially, but after learning that Li Yu had woken up, she seemed much happier.
The food in the Spirit Restraint Hall was terrible, so Qin Yuan always snuck in some treats for Mu Tao.
Because of this, the two girls were scolded more than once by the disciples guarding the Hall.
But both Qin Yuan and Mu Tao always accepted the scoldings with good grace.
The disciples, seeing their pitiful expressions, couldn’t bring themselves to say much, just muttering, “Don’t do it again.”
But them not repeating the offense was unlikely.
Qin Yuan, although always accepting reprimands with humility, never learned her lesson.
After a few incidents, she even discovered something new.
When Mo Yichu brought food, the disciples didn’t dare say anything.
So, whenever she wanted to bring Mu Tao treats, she would ask Mo Yichu to accompany her.
And then she would complain about the disciples’ double standards.
Qin Yuan: “What’s wrong with them? Do they think my cultivation is too low, or that Master Li Yu doesn’t have enough face?!”
Si Qinglan, hearing this, closed her eyes and said calmly, “It’s because your cultivation is too low.”
Admitting her own lack of “face” was impossible.
Seeing the amusement in Li Yu’s eyes, she quickly added, “If I went, those juniors wouldn’t dare say a word!”
“Mm-hmm.”
“Little Qin Yuan is still young, her temperament and cultivation far inferior to Little Mo Yichu’s. It’s normal for the disciples not to give her special treatment!” Si Qinglan frowned. “What do you mean, ‘my face isn’t enough’? I’m the one managing everything on Mount Chao Yao; how could my face be any less valuable? Little Taotao is also ostracized, why don’t they say your face isn’t enough?!”
It was clear that Si Qinglan was frustrated with the outsiders.
Mentioning “face” was like poking a sore spot, triggering her indiscriminate rage.
Realizing she had digressed, Si Qinglan returned to the topic.
“By the way, Little Qin Yuan said that Little Taotao is worried about your health… That girl can’t keep secrets, so I didn’t tell her about your condition, and she couldn’t tell Mu Tao anything specific.”
Li Yu: “…”
Si Qinglan: “If you have any message for Little Taotao, tell me, and I’ll ask Qin Yuan to deliver it.”
Li Yu thought for a moment, then, feeling that there wasn’t anything important to say, just smiled and said, “Just tell her…that the food at Qianlizhu isn’t very good.”
Si Qinglan took a deep breath, her hand raising and lowering several times as if wanting to point at her, then she restrained herself.
“Li Yu, you’re unbelievable.”
“Just being honest.”
“You’ve been living here, enjoying free food and medicine, not to mention all the rare herbs and elixirs.” Si Qinglan placed her hands on her hips. “I haven’t even complained, and you’re criticizing the food here!”
“Alright, alright, don’t be angry,” Li Yu chuckled. “Come to Chaoxi Pond sometime, and I’ll have Mu Tao cook you a good meal.”
Si Qinglan gritted her teeth, falling silent.
After a moment, she muttered, “Little Taotao’s cooking is indeed good, you’re lucky to have her… Why don’t I have such a talented disciple?”
Li Yu smiled, lowering her gaze.
Si Qinglan sighed regretfully. “If it weren’t for you taking her to Chaoxi Pond, I would have kept her at Qianlizhu.”
This Si Qinglan, always wanting to steal other people’s disciples, yet always failing.
But then again, if she had succeeded, the story would have been completely different.
Si Qinglan: “What are you smiling about?”
Li Yu: “Nothing.”
Si Qinglan: “I saw you!”
Li Yu: “…Did you?”
Si Qinglan: “Of course! I wasn’t mistaken! Are you making fun of me?!”
Li Yu: “No!”
Si Qinglan stared at Li Yu suspiciously for a long time, then asked softly, “How are your injuries?”
Li Yu: “…”
Although she didn’t want to admit it, they weren’t healing well.
Si Qinglan: “I can’t hold them off much longer…”
Li Yu: “What do you mean?”
Si Qinglan: “They’re saying that this can’t go on forever. It’s been half a month. If you don’t address the situation, it will be seen as harboring a demon.”
Li Yu: “Not surprising.”
She remembered that the original owner had hesitated about handing Mu Tao over.
But this hesitation couldn’t withstand the pressure from the other immortal sects, and after a period of delay, she had ultimately given in.
Si Qinglan: “They’ve decided to set up a demon-slaying formation on the Cloud Platform.”
Li Yu: “Is that so…”
“I’ve told them countless times that Mu Tao is kind and innocent, just a child who doesn’t understand anything, that she has never done anything wrong, and as long as we reseal her Demon Bone, there won’t be any problems… But her Demon Bone is connected to the Heavenly Demon; no one dares take that risk.”
Si Qinglan frowned and asked, “Li Yu, what are you going to do?”
Li Yu: “If they all want her dead, will you save her?”
Si Qinglan: “…”
Li Yu: “I will.”
Si Qinglan: “…”
Li Yu thought for a moment, then said firmly, “If it comes to that, please…don’t stop me.”
Si Qinglan: “If that day comes, at least let me…pretend to try and stop you…”
Li Yu chuckled.
Si Qinglan lowered her gaze and muttered, “Sometimes I wonder if…bringing her here was a mistake…”
Li Yu: “Actually, I’m curious, how could someone like you bring her here?”
Si Qinglan suddenly stood up and walked to the window, looking at the falling snow.
After a long silence, she sighed softly. “I’d like to know the answer to that question myself…”
She said there were many things she didn’t understand, and this was just one of them.
Whenever she encountered something she couldn’t understand, she would simply put it aside, hoping the answer would come eventually.
She had never regretted anything before.
But this matter…its impact on Mount Chao Yao was too great.
She did have some regrets.
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