Chapter 29: Loquat (Part 3)

As she stepped outside, Xu Qianyu noticed that although two disciples had knocked on the door, only one was waiting for her.

That person had black hair tied up with a jade crown, and the wind caused his robes to flutter. His figure seemed even more ethereal than a few days ago, unlike any ordinary person.

“Shen Xianjun.” As Shen Suwei heard the sound of approaching footsteps, he turned and saw Xu Qianyu smiling brightly at him.

Seeing her senior brother, Qianyu felt a sense of ease and thus smiled.

Shen Suwei looked at her for a moment before lowering his gaze.

He realized that he was somewhat afraid of things that dazzled too much, like the glint of light from his sleeves or this girl’s smile.

Xu Qianyu’s expression immediately darkened. She hated when she smiled at someone and they ignored her, so she huffed and walked ahead. She was tugged back by the person behind her: “Why don’t you change your clothes?”

Xu Qianyu turned back and replied, “What’s it to you?”

Shen Suwei wasn’t angry; he simply warned calmly, “You’ll get scolded.”

After saying this, he quickly caught up with her, his sleeve brushing against her right shoulder. He deftly plucked a small loquat leaf that had been tucked at the back of her collar and discreetly cast a cleaning spell before swiftly stepping aside to walk alongside her.

The clothes he mentioned were the white disciple robes that the female disciples had placed by her bed along with her meals. She had opened them to find that they were the same as what they wore, simple white robes.

The customs of the immortal sect were different from those of the mortal world. The mortal world valued dark colors, while disciples of the immortal sect preferred light and simple attire. Outer sect disciples mainly wore coarse linen and plain gauze, while inner sect disciples wore fine silk and cloud brocade.

The outfit Xu Binglai came to provide her was about on par with what outer sect disciples wore. Having grown accustomed to soft satin, the moment she put on the disciple robe, she felt itchy all over and took it off immediately.

“That outfit is quite nice. I’ve worn it before,” Xu Qianyu crossed her arms and said, “I feel like it’s trying to polish me.”

Shen Suwei remained silent, quietly considering her words. Xu Qianyu often spoke somewhat exaggeratedly; if the food was hard to swallow, she would say, “That’s not fit for people to eat,” and if the fabric was a bit coarse, she would claim the disciple robe was going to “polish” her entire being.

Clearly, everyone within the sect had already been polished, yet no one had ever voiced such an opinion.

However, he had personally experienced the disparity in the dining standards of the Shui family and the softness of Xu Qianyu’s clothing.

It was natural that she felt uncomfortable.

Though she complained, this flower of the earth, despite looking a bit withered, had not wilted; instead, she appeared vibrant and lively.

Xu Qianyu continued to grumble about the food. She said she had been eating potatoes, corn, and stir-fried cabbage without salt for several days and had never lived like this before. Just as she was speaking, she suddenly felt someone tug at her sleeve and pull her behind the pavilion.

In Shen Suwei’s outstretched palm lay an ice skin mooncake.

Xu Qianyu couldn’t help but glance at him.

Shen Suwei glanced at the ice skin mooncake and asked, “Do you want to eat?”

Upon seeing the crystal-clear ice skin mooncake, Xu Qianyu felt as if she had transcended worlds. The steamed buns from the morning had barely filled her stomach, and now she was starving. She picked it up and stuffed it directly into her mouth: “Yes.”

Feeling embarrassed by her eating posture, she immediately looked around.

Though they were in an open area, a cluster of flowering trees provided significant cover, making it quite secluded. Shen Suwei stood beside her, inadvertently blocking her figure.

Shen Suwei was focused on pinching a leaf from the flowering tree, not watching her, which made her feel awkward: “Don’t look, no one’s here.”

Not long after his words fell, Xu Qianyu caught sight of a figure approaching quickly through the gaps in the flowering tree.

That person was likely an outer sect disciple; upon recognizing Shen Suwei from behind, they intended to come closer to speak. Xu Qianyu’s eyes widened, and Shen Suwei had already sensed the incoming person. His expression stiffened, and with two fingers together from his sleeve, he suddenly flipped them.

A beam of golden light “whooshed” upward, arcing before falling into a distant thicket, startling the disciple, who immediately turned and ran away.

Shen Suwei glanced down and saw that Xu Qianyu, who had been frightened, stuffed the remaining mooncake into her mouth, her cheeks puffed up, unable to speak and looking very flustered, shooting him an annoyed glance.

“……”

Xu Qianyu felt that her senior brother’s gaze toward her was somewhat displeased.

Why should he be displeased? She glared back.

Shen Suwei no longer obstructed her, directly sitting in the corridor with a relaxed demeanor and calmly saying, “He won’t come over.”

Shen Suwei’s relaxed and confident posture influenced her, so Xu Qianyu walked over too, stepping forward to sit on the stone bench in the corridor, slowly swallowing.

As she ate the mooncake, she recalled that in her previous life, every time her senior brother called her to go out, he would give her a quarter of an hour’s notice, allowing for unexpected situations encountered on the way.

After she finished eating, Shen Suwei handed her a handkerchief without urging her to get up.

Indeed, they had used that quarter of an hour’s time.

Xu Qianyu then asked, “Shen Xianjun, I’d like to ask you how to achieve harmony between hand and eye when using a weapon?”

Her question was rather broad, and as she was about to elaborate, Shen Suwei had already understood.

He tilted his head and pondered for a moment, then said, “As a mortal, you cannot achieve harmony between hand and eye. You can only rely on feeling.”

This was quite similar to what contemptous mother-in-law had said about “hand feeling.”

“Then how does one develop a feeling?”

“Practice more.”

This was also precisely what contemptous mother-in-law had said, indicating that for martial artists at a certain level, experiential understanding was largely shared.

Shen Suwei noticed that Xu Qianyu had severely depleted her spiritual energy, unsure if she had been diligently chopping at barriers or had been engaged in some other activity.

He didn’t question her nor interfere with what she did, only answering her inquiries.

“If you want to practice,” he said, “you can divide a piece of white silk into several portions, blindfold yourself, dip a stick in rouge, and try to hit the squares with it. Then, open your eyes and observe the deviation, which will give you a rough idea. Remember that distance, adjust repeatedly, and erase it when you strike.”

Xu Qianyu listened intently, finding this method quite practical and thinking she could try it when she returned.

Shen Suwei said this, but his thoughts drifted to that dark and oppressive place, where a child sat against the wall, a piece of broken porcelain clutched in hand, waiting quietly with a murderous intent.

Beneath him lay dried bloodstains, resembling the color of rouge.

“Then you can stab at lighter, moving objects, like a kite. You will hear the sound of the wind and determine its origin, then apply the rouge and open your eyes to see.”

Then, upon hearing the wind, determine its source, and when it comes close, strike to kill.

Blood splattered from his eyelashes, each drop falling to the ground.

All one needs to do is listen—whether it’s painful gasps, a wheezing like a deflating bellows, or utter silence—then one can discern the force of the strike and adjust accordingly.

“Practice a thousand times, ten thousand times.”

There is only one chance.

Either cut the opponent’s throat or lose one’s life today.

“Then you can gradually achieve hand-eye coordination.”

Slowly, you won’t need to see with your eyes; it will be engraved in your bones.

Shen Suwei suddenly looked up at her. “Time’s up.”

Xu Qianyu, focused on listening, felt a twinge of regret.

“Let’s go.” He had already risen.

Xu Qianyu led him to a familiar spot behind the curtain.

The sect leader’s inner chamber rarely hosted guests. Xu Binglai, proud and aloof, did not like meeting people. In her previous life, she often spoke to her master from behind the curtain.

At that moment, Xu Qianyu’s mind was occupied with two thoughts: how to spin her top and how delicious the osmanthus mooncakes were—infinitely more exquisite than the food in the Xianmen. Would she never taste them again?

Thus, she only half-heartedly listened to what Xu Binglai was saying above, which was likely about accepting one’s fate, being calm and sitting quietly, and not causing trouble for others.

These words were the same as those a Confucian scholar would give her in class—quite tedious. Hearing the first half, she could guess the rest. She only awaited the moment she could ask or be asked to speak before responding properly.

However, after Xu Binglai finished speaking, she fell silent. A small, spinning golden formation appeared before her.

This is…

The formation was inscribed with a pair of intertwined fish runes; such formations existed at all four ferry points. It was a teleportation array that could instantly send someone to a designated place.

Was Xu Binglai sending her back?

She hadn’t even spoken yet.

Xu Qianyu said, “Sect Leader, I have something to ask.”

“What is it?” Xu Binglai’s voice came from behind the curtain, cold and weary. “Make it brief.”

“Someone wants to see you; may I let her in?”

Xu Binglai paused for a moment. “I have an appointment today; we’ll do it another day.”

Another day?! She had come all this way; the person was right here—why should she have to come again?

Xu Qianyu immediately raised her voice, “Just today; is that not possible?”

“…” Xu Binglai heard the voice outside the curtain, cold and petulant, like pearls and jade clattering to the ground. It was quite domineering, with a hint of threat, which surprised her.

Just a moment ago, there had been no noise at all, and she had assumed it was a well-mannered girl. Unexpectedly, she spoke so overbearingly, causing a throb in her temples.

Indeed. How could a well-behaved person attack his restrictions for no reason?

He frowned in annoyance. “No. Step back.”

Xu Qianyu: ?

She stood up, reached out, and lifted the curtain.

Unexpectedly, having whipped the whip too many times these days, she had used too much force and inadvertently pulled the curtain down.

Xu Binglai, who had been leisurely sitting at the tea table, drinking, felt the change in an instant. As a “true lord,” he was incredibly sensitive to the outside world. Before the curtain fell, a surge of battle intent erupted, pushing the attacker several feet away!

But suddenly, a chilling force intruded, colliding with it, forcing it back. Shen Suwei, aware of the instant explosion of sword energy, knelt directly before Xu Qianyu, closing his eyes.

Once again, a chance was wasted.

Kneeling before the master is a sign of respect, but the Sword Monarch should not kneel too often.

If one kneels too much, it loses its value.

Xu Binglai clenched the teacup, looking at the two kneeling amidst the chaos, both surprised and furious.

Firstly, she was astonished by Shen Suwei’s swift reaction; his battle intent was refined and harmless, only pushing the opponent away, whereas Shen Suwei’s sword energy was sharp and direct, striking forward.

She understood the Sword Lord had an instinctive reaction to attacks. With Shen Suwei’s cultivation, he couldn’t harm her, but having his disciple confront her face-to-face was still quite uncomfortable.

If this is how it is without practicing the path of ruthlessness, how will it be in the future?

Secondly, while Shen Suwei knelt, his body completely shielded the main culprit behind him, not allowing even a strand of hair to be seen.

She couldn’t help but slam the teacup down heavily.

Xu Qianyu, sitting behind her senior brother, was also taken aback, her heart racing.

But who knew the quality of the curtains in the Immortal Realm was so poor? The bed curtains at her home could easily support both her and Xiao Dong swinging.

Xu Binglai said, “Suwei, move aside.”

Shen Suwei knew Xu Binglai was angry and remained silent, not moving.

“No need for him to move; I’ll come out myself.” Xu Qianyu was never one to shrink back. She dusted off her skirt, stood up from behind him, and directly stepped over the fallen curtain to approach.

As Xu Binglai’s white hair shone like snowy satin, tied back with a golden crown, the sword mark on his brow was sharp, and his eyes lifted, gazing at her indifferently. Such a handsome face still exuded an immortal aura even when angry.

The closer she got, the brighter the radiance around him became, making it difficult to look directly at him.

Xu Qianyu thought that Shui Wei, like her, loved the most beautiful things.

For this alluring appearance, she forgave him a little in her heart.

In her previous life, she had admired Xu Binglai greatly. If there was no affection, why would she think about making him happy and winning his favor, knowing he didn’t like her?

However, ever since she learned this person was “father,” Xu Binglai’s divine image shattered.

The closer she approached, the more she felt the overwhelming pressure emanating from him. It was the pressure of a strong individual, pushing against her insides. He hadn’t even spoken but could convey the meaning of rejection and expulsion: the weak must crawl and do not deserve to be this close, facing him to speak.

But she insisted on moving forward; with one more step, a slightly bloody sweetness burst forth from between her lips, and when she wiped it, her hand was stained with blood.

Xu Binglai was taken aback, the oppressive atmosphere in the room instantly dissipated: “What are you doing?”

“It’s the Sect Leader who wants to see me,” Xu Qianyu also stopped, glaring at him, “We haven’t even seen what each other looks like, how can this be called ‘meeting’?”

Xu Binglai wanted to scold her: “Can you see clearly now?”

But Xu Qianyu was standing too close to him, and he could indeed see her clearly.

In her pearl-like eyes, his reflection faintly appeared, each lash distinct, looking at him with a hint of disdain.

She actually held his gaze directly, without averting her eyes.

Xu Binglai preferred gentle and delicate ladies, and one only had to look at his original partner and Xu Qianqian to know this.

A woman should be like an orchid in an empty valley, gentle as water, elegant and quiet.

A daughter should be obedient and caring, soft in one’s embrace, evoking a desire to protect.

He had thought this child’s mother would be like that… Forget it, best not to mention it.

The one in front of him… clearly did not meet his slightest expectations for a daughter.

The Shui family had actually raised such an ill-mannered child.

Yet at the same time, he noticed that all of these children resembled their mother, and this one bore the most resemblance to him.

Looking in the mirror was not a good experience.

Xu Binglai had a bit of self-awareness.

He knew that if a woman had a temperament like his, she would surely be somewhat unlikable.

“…” He tilted his head back and drank the tea in his cup, suppressing his thoughts, and coldly lowered his eyelashes, “Who wants to see me?”

“Her.” Xu Qianyu’s lips moved, saying little, directly pulling on the mustard seed golden pearl hanging from her neck, and Shui Weiwei responded slightly as she came out.

Xu Binglai’s celestial-like face immediately revealed an incredulous expression, and he even awkwardly leaned back against the couch.

He never expected someone would be so bold as to bring her—knowing how much he despised Shui Weiwei—so close to him.

But Shui Weiwei had already emerged.

She still dressed like a young girl, wearing a skirt and a hairpin, bouncing in front of him, as if a nightmare had returned: “Xianjun.”

Shen Suwei was sweating profusely.

He knew that Xu Binglai had high cultivation since his teens and roamed freely across the world. But he feared people, liked tranquility, and preferred to be alone, especially not liking noisy environments.

The Sword Lord’s temperament suited him well.

Yet sitting in the position of Sect Leader, entangled in matters, was difficult for him.

Although he was confident Xu Binglai would not harm a mortal, Shen Suwei felt that Xu Qianyu shouldn’t take such a risk, and he was always prepared to step in and save the situation.

Just before Shui Weiwei stepped onto the steps and reached Xu Binglai, Xu Qianyu abruptly pulled her sleeve: “You can’t go any further.”

Shui Weiwei frowned, turning back and struggling to pry Xu Qianyu’s hand off: “You’re bad, you’re bad.”

Xu Binglai looked at Shui Weiwei and then at Xu Qianyu.

His expression was astonished.

He never imagined it would be like this.

On that day, he stayed at the Shui family with Qianqian, where the young lady was gentle and courteous, making appropriate entrances and exits. He then lowered his guard and accepted her invitation to dine together during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

But that very night, after drinking her wine, he stepped into the illusion set up by the demonic creature, making him see his own inner demons, where reality and illusion were hard to distinguish, nearly falling into a nightmare.

Fortunately, he had a firm mind, fighting desperately to shatter the illusion and regain clarity. When he left, that inner demon had still desperately tried to cling to him. Once the dream barrier was broken, revealing its true form, it turned out to be Shui Weiwei! He immediately subdued her, suspecting she was colluding with the demon.

She actually wasn’t, but she took advantage of the situation, causing him to make a grave mistake.

That time, he lost two-thirds of his cultivation, and with Qianqian in tow, it took him several years to face himself, and even more difficult to face Qianqian.

After all, he also bore some fault; it was fine not to pursue it further, and he left behind magical tools as compensation.

However, Shui Weiwei, shamelessly, said she admired him, wanting to marry him, to become the Sect Leader’s wife, and to be Qianqian’s stepmother.

He walked away without a word.

Every time he thought of that incident, he felt dirty all over, hard to tolerate.

Now, looking at Shui Weiwei felt like confronting his own huge blemish.

His breathing grew slightly rapid, forcing himself not to dodge, and looked at her.

However, Shui Weiwei’s vacant gaze simply passed over his face, turning around, then sweeping past him, disappointed: “Aren’t you bringing me to see Xianjun? Where is he?”

Shui Weiwei actually couldn’t recognize him.

Xu Binglai never expected to encounter such a scene upon their reunion; his feelings were somewhat complicated. Would such a woman… really be so confused?

He brought two fingers close to Shui Weiwei’s temple, and she, annoyed, dodged.

There was no external force intervening, nor any celestial techniques to resolve this.

She was the one who couldn’t figure it out, getting more entangled the more she thought, thus going mad. He could only use pills that nourished the mind and spirit, hoping she could come to a resolution herself.

He had never understood how a mortal’s obsession could reach such an extent.

Xu Binglai didn’t know what to say: “You…”

“Forget it.” He said, “Someone, take her away and take good care of her.”

Two young boys in white emerged from behind the screen, saluted the Sect Leader, and then softly spoke, taking Shui Weiwei away, one on each side.

“Now, can you rest easy?” Xu Binglai said to Xu Qianyu.

Xu Qianyu nodded, feeling that a concern had lifted, and picked up the spinning top, feeling much more carefree.

“Is there anything else?”

Xu Qianyu said, “When can the restrictions be lifted? When can I cultivate?”

Xu Binglai was taken aback to hear that she still wanted to cultivate; it was quite a headache for him. He closed his eyes: “You know the Elder Taishang wants your life, right? He’ll soon go into seclusion, and then you’ll be safe. I don’t know when, just wait a bit longer.”

“You stay in the room and don’t run around. Otherwise, your life will be in danger, and I can’t always rescue you…” Xu Binglai reiterated his earlier words.

“I understand.” Xu Qianyu had already gotten the information she cared about, and her two eyes were now fixed on him, her mind having flown far away.

---

She patiently waited for the sentence to pause. Seeing that he took another sip of tea, she hastily bowed in thanks and then turned to run to the teleportation talisman, jumping away out of sight.

She was eager to return to her spinning top.

It was getting late; if the old woman decided to go back, she wouldn’t wait for her.

Xu Binglai finished his tea and intended to brew his next sentence while drinking, but when he looked up, the person was already gone. The intricately carved window behind him instantly “crackled” with frost.

The sect leader hadn’t finished his lecture when he just left like this—what kind of behavior was that?!

He lowered his gaze to the ground where Shen Suiwei was kneeling quietly.

He only knew how to stop him, and when he saw that absurd scene, he just pretended not to see it instead of stopping it!

Xu Binglai, feeling unsettled, decided that if Shen Suiwei spoke, he would scold him right then.

But Shen Suiwei, true to his understanding of Xu Binglai, remained silent and knelt quietly without uttering a word.

Xu Binglai waited for a moment, calming down, and waved his sleeve to turn the curtain on the ground into powder, only to give up and said:

“You can leave now.”

“Yes.” Shen Suiwei slowly got up.

Xu Binglai glanced at him with cold indifference, “I see that your choice of path can be delayed a bit longer.”

Shen Suiwei: “…Yes.”