Shen Changxue had been locked in this woodshed for several days now, speaking with a weak voice, as if his breath was barely there. When he said this, his expression was filled with melancholy, clearly feeling powerless about the situation.

He really didn’t want to acknowledge this master, yet he had no choice but to call him “Master.” Life was beyond his control.

Zhong Yinyue felt a pang of heartache and said, “Don’t be sad. If you want to come under my wing, I will definitely help you find a way. Once you join my sect, I won’t let you suffer this kind of nonsense again.”

In the noble Tianjue Sect, everyone spoke with restraint and decorum. Shen Changxue had never heard anyone use such crude language before, and he couldn’t help but laugh.

“Well, it’s not that easy. After all, that’s Master Qianyao,” Shen Changxue replied, “Elder, don’t rush. I’m not completely without options.”

Zhong Yinyue’s eyes lit up: “You have a plan?”

“Sort of,” Shen Changxue chuckled lightly, “but it will take some time… It’s fine, I’ve already been here for over a decade, so what’s a little longer?”

“It’s good that you want to escape. I will definitely help you,” Zhong Yinyue nodded. “If you need anything, just tell me, and I will help you.”

Shen Changxue chuckled softly and said, “Though it’s not directly related, I actually have something I’d like to ask the Elder for help with right now.”

As soon as Zhong Yinyue heard that there was something he could do, he quickly said, “Go ahead!”

Zhong Yinyue was eager to help, but Shen Changxue suddenly fell silent. This matter seemed quite difficult to bring up. After a long pause, Shen Changxue slowly tugged at his outer robe, bowed his head for a long time, and finally hesitantly raised his head, looking pitiful and stammering, “Elder, it’s just… it’s really cold here, and I’ve been locked in this woodshed for several days… I haven’t had a good night’s sleep… I wonder if the Elder could stay with me tonight, so I can lean against you and get some sleep…?”

Zhong Yinyue was taken aback.

Shen Changxue’s expression was sorrowful, and his face was flushed as he spoke, truly pitiful.

A grown man, and one of the most graceful sword dancers in the Tianjue Sect, renowned for his unparalleled swordsmanship, was actually being forced into such a state by Qianyao…

He was reduced to begging someone else just to have a warm and cozy sleep in a woodshed!

Zhong Yinyue’s heart ached terribly, and he quickly said, “Of course, I can!”

He propped himself up and walked over to Shen Changxue. Leaning against the wall, Shen Changxue slowly moved closer, extending his hand. He was hesitant to actually touch Zhong Yinyue, being timid and cautious, not daring to lean too heavily against him.

Zhong Yinyue pulled him closer and said, “Don’t be so reserved with me, don’t be afraid.”

He pulled Shen Changxue into his embrace, laying him down so that he could rest his head on Zhong Yinyue’s legs.

Leaning against the cold, hard wall of the woodshed, he gently patted Shen Changxue, who was only wearing a thin robe, like a child, coaxing him into a deep sleep.

At first, Shen Changxue’s body was stiff, and Zhong Yinyue could feel it.

But gradually, he relaxed and fell asleep on Zhong Yinyue’s legs.

Outside, the wind and snow howled.

The next morning, Zhong Yinyue tidied up the food box, quietly cast a deep sleep spell on Shen Changxue, and while he was still asleep, changed his medicine. He left behind two bottles of spiritual medicine, lit a candle, and hurriedly left.

Zhong Yinyue hardly slept that night. The floor of the woodshed was made of rough straw, and the walls were cold wood, hard as a rock, making it impossible to sleep.

The next day was the elder meeting before the grand ceremony.

Zhong Yinyue led Wen Han up to Shang Xuan Mountain.

“I heard someone say that this morning, Shen Shixiong entered Qianyao Palace and was called in by Elder Qianyao for a scolding. The scolding didn’t last long, just the time it takes to burn two incense sticks, and then Shen Shixiong returned to his own palace,” Wen Han said, following behind Zhong Yinyue.

“However, Shen Shixiong didn’t look well, his complexion was poor… It seems Elder Qianyao was too harsh on him.”

“That celestial whip is not an ordinary whip from the mortal world; it inflicts pain with spiritual law when it touches the flesh. Just a couple of hits are enough to be unbearable, yet he went and beat him until his skin was torn and flesh was lacerated. How could he be fine?” Zhong Yinyue said. “Alright, you should stop asking about these things in the future. You’re still young; knowing too much isn’t good for you.”

“Oh, okay, I’ll listen to my master,” Wen Han obediently replied, though he was reluctant to defend himself, “I’m just worried about Shen Shixiong… Master, why did Elder Qianyao punish him so severely? Did Shen Shixiong do something serious?”

“How would I know?” Zhong Yinyue replied.

Zhong Yinyue lied without a hint of embarrassment.

“Elder Qianyao has been acting strangely lately, why is he at odds with the master again, and why did he impose such an inexplicable heavy punishment on Shen Shixiong without explaining the reason? Elder Qianyao, known as the number one sword in the world, I thought he would be broad-minded like the sect leader…”

Well, everyone thought that way.

Zhong Yinyue couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly. In the original story, although Qianyao was strict with the protagonist, he actually showed more care after the protagonist made a big mistake, not even scolding him. Even readers outside the book said that Geng Mingji was truly a person who could tolerate a lot.

But looking at it now, he was just a petty old man.

The original book didn’t mention that Shen Changxue would be treated as a possession by Qianyao.

The book was entirely from the protagonist’s perspective. From that viewpoint, it was hard to see Qianyao as such a beast.

Lost in thought, Zhong Yinyue entered the Shang Xuan Mountain Palace.

Geng Mingji was already in his seat, sipping from a teacup. The disciple standing behind him wasn’t Shen Changxue, but one of those who had come to Yuluan Mountain Palace in the past few days, doing nothing but enjoying free food and drink before leaving.

Seeing Zhong Yinyue, this disciple smiled at him, but the smile looked quite mocking.

Wen Han felt displeased but didn’t dare to argue, only muttering behind Zhong Yinyue, “What’s with that look?”

“Keep your mouth shut.”

Zhong Yinyue smiled at everyone and took his seat.

Once everyone was present, the Shang Xuan Sect Leader sat in a high position and got straight to the point, “Everyone, now that we’re all here.”

“Today, there’s nothing major. It’s just that the grand ceremony… has been arranged. Our Tianjue Sect must set aside worldly thoughts and focus on cultivation throughout the year, and only on this day can we let loose and have fun. I believe that when that day comes, the disciples in the sect will surely be… in high spirits, so I ask everyone to keep an eye on your disciples and ensure that no accidents happen due to excessive excitement.”

What? Do you also have safety speeches to prevent stampedes here?

This elder meeting felt more and more like a teaching seminar.

Zhong Yinyue picked up his teacup, sipping tea while listening to the Shang Xuan Sect Leader ramble on.

“After this grand ceremony… this year, the five-year celestial sect conference will also be held again.”

The celestial sect conference is a martial arts competition in the realm of celestial cultivation.

At that time, all the celestial sects in the realm will participate in this conference.

The top three celestial sects will each present a top-tier ten-thousand-year treasure to the conference as a prize for the top three places. Those who rank in the top three will be able to take the prize home.

At that time, the top-tier treasure will belong to that disciple.

I remember the original text mentioned that Qianyao’s ancient celestial sword, which is hard to find from the highest heavens to the depths of the underworld, was won by him during the celestial sect conference in his youth.

Zhong Yinyue glanced at the ancient sword resting beside Qianyao’s chair.

In the original book, this sword accompanied Elder Qianyao in slaying demons and upholding justice. The sword was called Hook Moon; although it looked simple, its blade was chilling, and its sound was like the wind, clearly not an ordinary sword.

The Sect Leader spoke again, “As the number one sect in the world, our Tianjue Sect naturally has to follow the usual practice from previous years… and present a treasure at the conference.”

“However, even though I say this, the treasures of each of you belong to you, and I can’t force anyone to present one. It wouldn’t be right to make you elders feel wronged just because you are elders… There’s no such principle in this world.”

“So this time, it will be the same as before,” the Shang Xuan Sect Leader continued, “After the grand ceremony, when spring arrives, all of you should take your disciples who are preparing to attend the conference to explore the secret realm.”

“The ten-thousand-year treasures obtained from this secret realm will be presented to the conference. The rest will be distributed among the disciples. This way, you won’t have to dig into your own pockets, and it will also serve as training for… your disciples.”

“It has always been this way in previous years,” the Shang Xuan Sect Leader said. “This year, does anyone have any objections?”

No one responded.

The Shang Xuan Sect Leader waited for a moment; the six elders remained silent and calm, so he continued, “Since there are no objections, then this matter is settled. For this grand ceremony, please remind your disciples to be careful and not to get hurt due to excessive excitement. Now…”

Just as the Shang Xuan Sect Leader was about to conclude the elder meeting, Elder Lingze suddenly interrupted, “Sect Leader.”

The Shang Xuan Sect Leader looked at her, “Hmm?”

“Lingze has a question,” she said.

The Shang Xuan Sect Leader put away the book in his hand and said seriously, “Speak.”

“Recently, Lingze heard disciples in the sect say that Elder Qianyao seems to have heavily punished a disciple but hasn’t explained the reason to the outside world.” Lingze looked at Qianyao, “This has caused quite a stir. Senior Brother, as teachers, if we heavily punish a student, we should let others know why, right?”

As soon as she said this, everyone turned to look at Geng Mingji.

Under everyone’s gaze, Geng Mingji calmly took a sip of tea.

He set down the teacup, smiled, and said, “Elder Lingze, your words make it sound like Qianyao punished the student without reason.”

Elder Lingze’s expression darkened.

Beside her, Elder Baiyu quickly said, “Yes, Junior Sister, your words sound like you’re questioning Senior Brother Qianyao’s punishment, which isn’t right.”

“I didn’t mean that,” Elder Lingze replied. “It’s just that as teachers, if we heavily punish a student without explaining the reason, it will only increase the panic among other disciples. If he did something wrong, it should be made known. There’s nothing wrong with letting others learn from it, right?”

“Or is there something that Senior Brother can’t let others know?”

Qianyao’s expression darkened.

His gaze suddenly shifted, glaring at Zhong Yinyue.

Zhong Yinyue blinked a couple of times, pretending to be confused.

“Junior Sister, don’t be so aggressive!”

Elder Yunxu, who had been quiet, suddenly spoke up, “How can you speak to Senior Brother like that? This is truly disrespectful!”

“During discussions, we should only discuss reason, not seniority,” Elder Lingze said solemnly. “If we are bound by etiquette and can’t speak our minds, we won’t be able to cultivate. Has Senior Brother forgotten the teachings of our master when we were young?”

The Lingze she mentioned was the previous Lingze Elder.

Everyone present inherited the titles of the previous elders and sat here.

“I’m not trying to make things difficult for Senior Brother; I just hope he can explain the reason,” Elder Lingze said. “Hiding it will only lead to more rumors outside, which is not good for Changxue or Senior Brother.”

“Junior Sister makes a valid point, Senior Brother,” Elder Guanghan also chimed in, “That child has always been obedient. If you suddenly punish him so harshly without explaining the reason, it’s natural for speculation to increase.”

Even Elder Guanghan was saying this, so Geng Mingji’s expression softened a bit.

He set down his teacup and sighed, “It’s not that I don’t want to say, but the matter that child committed is too difficult to speak of. I’m only keeping quiet for his own good.”

What a load of nonsense! Is it really that hard to help me out?

Zhong Yinyue turned his face away, secretly rolling his eyes.

Elder Guanghan became curious, “What exactly did he do?”

“This… sigh.” Elder Qianyao shook his head, looking pained, “Although I’m doing this for his own good and shouldn’t say, since Junior Sister has brought it up, if I don’t say anything, it would seem unreasonable and that I punished him randomly.”

He sighed and said, “The truth is, he sneaked into my palace late at night, attempting to steal the treasures from my palace.”

Zhong Yinyue: “?”

“Wh…!?” Elder Guanghan was shocked, “It’s actually a theft!?”

Everyone in the room looked astonished.

“That’s impossible!” Elder Guanghan said, “This must be a misunderstanding, Senior Brother. That child was raised by you, and besides, he is…”

Elder Guanghan suddenly fell silent.

He awkwardly glanced around at the others, then turned back and said, “In any case, it’s impossible! You know his situation!”

Zhong Yinyue was already angry at Qianyao’s foolish remarks, but Elder Guanghan’s abrupt silence made him even more puzzled.

What is he?

What is Shen Changxue?

Zhong Yinyue couldn’t know, as Elder Guanghan didn’t continue.

Geng Mingji also stood up from his seat, bowing deeply to the Sect Leader and everyone present.

“After such a heavy punishment without explanation, it is indeed Qianyao’s lack of consideration,” Geng Mingji said. “I apologize for causing everyone concern. Qianyao will handle this matter properly. Causing such a disturbance before the grand ceremony is a failure on my part as a teacher, and I will ensure proper discipline for my disciples in the future.”

“Shen Changxue is my top disciple; for him to do such a thing is also due to my lack of care for him, which led to a moment of foolishness. I hope everyone will not hold any grudges against him in the future.”

Qianyao bowed deeply to them.

Zhong Yinyue furrowed his brows tightly. He picked up his teacup and drank it all in one go.

As he descended from Shang Xuan Mountain, Zhong Yinyue was so angry that he walked quickly, his sleeves flailing as if he were about to perform on stage, and Wen Han couldn’t keep up with him.

“Master! Master!” he shouted from behind, “Master, don’t be angry! The Sect Leader praised you several times today for organizing the grand ceremony well! Don’t be angry!”

Wen Han hurriedly caught up, following behind him, “Master, I know that Shen Shixiong’s theft has made you furious. I know you care for Shen Shixiong… but, after all, one shouldn’t judge a person by their appearance. Besides, Elder Qianyao indeed doesn’t pay much attention to Shen Shixiong. Perhaps Shen Shixiong really just had a moment of thoughtlessness, wanting Elder to notice him more, wanting to improve his cultivation, which led to this…”

“Bullshit!”

Zhong Yinyue finally couldn’t take it anymore, turning around and scolding, “Are you stupid? Have you absorbed any of the teachings I’ve given you over these days? Can’t you see through such a simple lie!?”

“Lie, lie?” Wen Han blinked in confusion, “Is Elder Qianyao actually lying?”

“Of course!” Zhong Yinyue scolded, “Shen Changxue is the top disciple! He’s always under Qianyao’s watchful eye. Even if he were to steal a treasure, he wouldn’t be able to use it. What’s the point of stealing it? Digging his own grave? Is he in a hurry to die!?”

Once he said that, Wen Han realized that something indeed felt off.

“Right… stealing something he can’t use.” He muttered, “But why would Elder Qianyao lie? What’s he trying to smear Shen Shixiong for?”

“Isn’t this—”

Zhong Yinyue was about to scold that it was a stupid question, but when he turned to see Wen Han’s clear, innocent eyes, he couldn’t say anything.

—The number one sword in the world, Elder Qianyao, was a man who would eat people without spitting out their bones. Saying this to a child who still harbored dreams of cultivation seemed too cruel.

Zhong Yinyue rubbed his face, not knowing what else to say, and could only wave his hand, “Forget it, let’s go home.”

“Oh, okay.”

Zhong Yinyue turned to leave, and Wen Han hurriedly followed.