Qian Yao was a petty person, and that was one thing. It was another to try to trip him up, but the fact that he hit Shen Changxue just because he didn’t listen was definitely unacceptable. But to make up such a ridiculous excuse at the Elder Conference because he couldn’t explain himself?

Wasn’t that just spreading rumors?

Zhong Yinyue was so angry that he couldn’t even eat. When he returned to the palace, he couldn’t swallow his frustration—he finally understood why, in ancient dramas, people would flip tables and throw things at the slightest provocation.

Qian Yao held a high position and wielded great power. Even if he knew the truth, he couldn’t speak out or let anyone hear him. So, what could he do but throw things to vent his anger?

But Zhong Yinyue didn’t even have the interest to throw things.

His head was buzzing with anger.

Elder Qian Yao, Master of Qian Yao Palace, the world’s number one sword, the protagonist’s master… In the original story, he was serious and upright. Although he seemed unapproachable, he actually had a heart of gold. More than once, after severely criticizing and punishing the protagonist, he would personally bring him good spirit herbs at night and even cook porridge for him…

To the protagonist, he was a strict yet soft-hearted master, but to Shen Changxue, he turned out to be such a beast!

Zhong Yinyue was so furious that he drank half a pot of tea.

Just because he didn’t follow his wishes once, he got so angry, and the other elders were quick to slander him behind his back… Who knew how much injustice he was suffering in places Zhong Yinyue couldn’t see!

【I really wish… if the elder were my master, how wonderful that would be.】

Shen Changxue’s words from that day echoed in his ears again.

He was sincere.

Zhong Yinyue wiped his face, thinking that Shen Changxue had always been sincere.

If Qian Yao treated him poorly, then everyone in Qian Yao Palace, being Qian Yao’s disciples, would also be influenced by him, and no one would treat him well.

Everyone looked down on him, both openly and secretly.

So, in the original text, when the protagonist first entered Qian Yao Palace, Shen Changxue would take the initiative to take care of him.

Because no one truly respected him as the senior brother, he wanted an exception.

He wanted an exception.

So Zhong Yinyue got into trouble; he would rather go against his master’s orders to help him.

Because he wanted an exception.

Thinking back, Zhong Yinyue realized that what he told him was incredibly bizarre—his master, who picked him up from a pile of dead bodies and raised him, wanted to kill him. Anyone else would have cursed and yelled in confusion, but Shen Changxue didn’t.

He knew in his heart.

He knew that Qian Yao treated him poorly. He wasn’t stupid; the attitudes of others and his master had already told him everything.

Zhong Yinyue gradually came to understand that Shen Changxue was starved for love.

Desperately starved for love.

Even if the other party was a suspicious outsider like him, he would be eager to grab hold of him just because of a few words.

He wanted an exception so badly.

The more Zhong Yinyue thought about it, the darker his expression became.

He couldn’t let Shen Changxue stay in Qian Yao Palace any longer.

Zhong Yinyue thought that he would only suffer there.

He filled his teapot and drank it all in one go.

The next day was the Tian Jue Grand Ceremony.

Zhong Yinyue didn’t forget what Shen Changxue had entrusted him with. He dismissed Wen Han, who had been responsible for following him during such important occasions, and replaced him with Bai Rendan, appearing at the Tian Jue Grand Ceremony.

—This was to prevent this kid from accidentally following the plot of the original story: getting lost, running to Ling Ji Pavilion, and awakening his damned spiritual root.

Having him accompany the elder meant that Bai Rendan would have to stick to Zhong Yinyue like a shadow that day; there was no better way to keep an eye on him.

The Tian Jue Grand Ceremony began in the morning, with all the elders seated in high positions.

Before the ceremony started, all the disciples stood beneath the Shang Xuan high platform.

The Shang Xuan Sect Master sat in the middle of the seven sect elders, gave a brief opening speech, and after some instructions, waved his hand, allowing the disciples to play.

The Tian Jue Grand Ceremony officially began. Although it was still daytime, several clusters of fireworks were immediately set off at the mountain’s edge, bursting brightly in the sky.

The fireworks were infused with spiritual energy, displaying vibrant colors even in the daylight.

The disciples below cheered and scattered, each going off to have fun.

There were many stalls set up by small vendors that could only be found at the foot of the mountain. Some enthusiastic disciples set up things to sell behind the stalls, calling out to attract customers.

“This year’s ceremony is much more interesting than in previous years,” Elder Yun Xu said, sitting next to Zhong Yinyue, looking approvingly at the scene below, “I haven’t seen these little vendors in a long time.”

“Yeah, these kids seem much happier than in previous years,” Elder Bai Yu nodded, “Although cultivators should stay away from the mundane world, it doesn’t hurt to occasionally enjoy this lively atmosphere.”

“Occasionally is fine, but one must not become too immersed,” the Shang Xuan Sect Master said leisurely, “Remember, we are cultivators; this kind of mundane atmosphere should be discarded. Today’s allowance is just… to let the disciples have some fun. You all shouldn’t develop any improper thoughts.”

“Understood.”

Zhong Yinyue finished his cup of tea. He turned back and gestured for Bai Rendan to pour more tea.

Bai Rendan stepped forward and poured him tea.

“Junior Brother Yu Luan has done well this time; I see it’s already on par with what Senior Brother Qian Yao prepared in previous years,” Elder Bai Yu laughed, “Truly worthy of being Senior Brother Qian Yao. As a senior, you have the heart of a teacher, generously sharing with Junior Brother Yu Luan, who is also an elder of the sect. I admire you.”

Zhong Yinyue picked up the teacup that Bai Rendan had just filled and shot a sideways glance at the other side.

Qian Yao laughed heartily, “Elder Bai Yu, you flatter me; it’s just some trivial matters. To say I’m generously sharing is just some tricks that even monkeys can learn.”

Zhong Yinyue almost crushed the cup in his hand.

What did he just say!?

“Master!”

Bai Rendan exclaimed softly, and when Zhong Yinyue looked down, he saw that he had accidentally spilled some tea, splashing onto his sleeve.

Everyone’s gaze turned toward them.

Zhong Yinyue calmly set down the teacup, pushed Bai Rendan back a bit, and whispered, “It’s fine.”

Seeing something unusual on his side, Elder Ling Ze expressed concern, “What’s wrong?”

“It’s nothing, no need to trouble Sister,” Zhong Yinyue smiled and said, “Senior Brother Qian Yao said he’s generously sharing with me, but why hasn’t he lent me a single disciple these days?”

Elder Qian Yao remained unfazed, “If I’ve already generously shared with you, why would I need to lend you anyone? Besides, I’ve heard that someone else is willing to lend you a hand, so there’s no need for me to help.”

“Senior Brother really knows how to talk,” Zhong Yinyue smiled, “With just a few words, you’ve taken all the credit for this entire ceremony.”

Elder Qian Yao’s calm expression stiffened.

“Clearly, you haven’t even crossed the threshold of my Yu Luan Palace once, yet you can say you’re generously sharing; I went to find you and was met with two closed doors, but you can still say you’re generously sharing; everyone knows that since that day, you’ve been sulking and at odds with me, yet you can still say you’re generously sharing—Senior Brother, you truly are the world’s number one sword, what a great skill you have, to be able to generously share while using the method of hitting a cow across a mountain!”

Elder Qian Yao’s face turned green.

The other elders at the table sensed something was off and immediately either lowered their heads, looked elsewhere, or started drinking tea.

Everyone suddenly became very busy.

“It’s strange; if Senior Brother really taught me something, then this ceremony is also my doing,” Zhong Yinyue said, “I woke up early and worked hard to come here, preparing things and handling trivial matters, while Senior Brother just said a few words, and it became a monkey’s trick.”

“Senior Brother really knows how to talk; how is this any different from saying Yu Luan is a monkey to his face?”

Elder Qian Yao’s face changed, but he quickly regained his composure, forcing a laugh, “Junior Brother Yu Luan, you’re overthinking it; I didn’t mean that at all, just that these matters are too simple.”

“Simple or not, it should be said by those who put in the effort. Someone who did nothing just sits on this high platform, and with a few words, the person who did all this work ends up with no credit,” Zhong Yinyue said lightly, “If this keeps going, I’m afraid no one will want to be the scapegoat for Senior Brother Qian Yao in future ceremonies, right?”

The other elders immediately looked at him with astonished expressions.

Elder Qian Yao’s face was dark enough to drip ink.

“Yu Luan!” He slammed the table, finally unable to hold back his anger, “What do you mean!? What are you trying to say!?”

“Yu Luan doesn’t have as many twists and turns in his thoughts as Senior Brother; what I say is all literal,” Zhong Yinyue picked up his teacup again, smiling, “Senior Brother is overthinking it; Yu Luan has no other meaning, just saying these matters are too… whatever.”

“Whatever is what!? Can’t you speak properly!?”

“Whatever is just whatever,” Zhong Yinyue said, “What are you doing, hurry and sit down. Today is a grand ceremony, such a joyful day, don’t scare the disciples.”

Elder Qian Yao was about to explode, but upon hearing this, he came to his senses and glanced around, seeing that all the elders were looking at him with various expressions.

He couldn’t lose his temper anymore; after twitching his lips, he shot Zhong Yinyue a glare and reluctantly sat down.

“Yu Luan is right,” the Shang Xuan Sect Master said slowly, “You shouldn’t speak like that; no matter how you say it, this is something Yu Luan has worked hard to prepare, how can you say it’s a monkey’s trick?”

Elder Qian Yao was unwilling, “Qian Yao knows he’s wrong.”

He was stubborn, and even if he said it, he wouldn’t truly admit his mistake; verbally acknowledging it was already his biggest concession.

The Shang Xuan Sect Master understood this well and didn’t say more. He took a sip of tea and said, “Yu Luan, there’s a hierarchy of elders and juniors; you shouldn’t put Elder Qian Yao in a difficult position here. If you have something to say in the future, discuss it privately.”

Zhong Yinyue lowered his head and sincerely admitted his mistake, “Yu Luan knows he’s wrong.”

Seeing his attitude improve, the Shang Xuan Sect Master nodded in satisfaction, “You’ve really made a lot of progress recently, but don’t become too proud.”

“Understood.”

Elder Qian Yao snorted in dissatisfaction.

In the afternoon, the elders left the high platform and entered the lower part of the grand ceremony, ready to have some fun.

Elder Guang Han pulled Zhong Yinyue to walk along the edge of the ceremony.

The crowd was bustling nearby, and the two walked slowly with their hands behind their backs.

Elder Guang Han sighed with emotion, “You’ve really changed a lot recently; has something happened?”

Zhong Yinyue replied, “Nothing happened, just read some books and realized my temperament was really bad, so I tried to change a bit.”

Elder Guang Han listened with admiration, “That’s a good thing. But you’re not as flattering as before; some people are happy, and some are not.”

“Those who are flattered are naturally unhappy,” Zhong Yinyue said.

Elder Guang Han laughed heartily, “You’re clever, so I don’t need to say much. But there’s one thing I must remind you. Now that you not only don’t flatter him but also dare to retort when he mocks you, he must be even more furious. I’m sure he’ll make things harder for you, so be careful.”

“Thank you for the reminder, Senior Brother.”

Elder Guang Han nodded, patted his shoulder, and said, “Then I’ll take my leave.”

Elder Guang Han pulled his disciple and turned to enter the grand ceremony venue.

Zhong Yinyue called out to him, “Senior Brother, please wait.”

Elder Guang Han turned back.

Zhong Yinyue bowed to him and said, “To be honest, Junior Brother has something he wants to ask Senior Brother.”

Elder Guang Han was taken aback and turned back, “What is it?”

Zhong Yinyue said, “During the Elder Conference yesterday, when the matter of Shen Changxue’s theft was mentioned, Senior Brother seemed to have told Senior Brother Qian Yao that Shen Changxue’s situation seemed unusual, but didn’t say what was unusual.”

“Though it may be presumptuous, Junior Brother wants to know what makes Shen Changxue different from ordinary people.”