Chapter 987: Am I Actually A Genius?

So, she planned to use the one tactic she disdained the most.

“I just want those who were poaching and beating people to pay for what they did. I’m Qian Duoduo. I don’t care for money and power.” Qian Duoduo, Treasure Pavilion’s low-key owner, joined the conversation.

It seemed this conflict was between Treasure Pavilion and Cozy Pavilion, not their powerful backers.

“I understand. But you all need to know—I won’t keep helping. Once this is settled, I’m done.” Ye Wenxin made her stance clear, knowing that if she helped once, they’d surely come asking again.

Qian Duoduo showed a hint of dislike. Ye Wenxin could guess from that expression how dissatisfied he was with her.

Honestly, though, no one could resolve things with the Cozy Pavilion faster than Ye Wenxin.

“Thank you, Celestial Master Ye.” Sister Hong gave her a grateful smile. Unlike the others who were too caught up in the situation, only she saw that Ye Wenxin’s real strength wasn’t in her cultivation.

It was a pity that the emperor wanted to make Fang Cheng, Sister Hong’s younger sister, his empress, and Long Qingyue still needed pieces close to him. Otherwise, Ye Wenxin would try to pull Sister Hong into Long Qingyue’s camp.

Sister Hong kept smiling as they walked, her age giving her a motherly aura. Even though they just headed out, she was already asking about dinner.

“Celestial Master Ye, what would you like to eat tonight?”

Starved for affection as Ye Wenxin was, she had no resistance to gentle people. When Sister Hong unconsciously reached out to touch her head, she didn’t dodge.

But Ye Wenxin suddenly felt a chill. She subtly pulled away and, sure enough, caught Han Shanxue’s gaze.

Among the women Ye Wenxin knew, those who became her masters disliked her getting too close to others. Since Han Shanxue had decided to give all the care she hadn’t received from her master to Ye Wenxin, Ye Wenxin must avoid being too friendly with others in her presence.

As expected, Han Shanxue walked over to pat her head, pleased that she kept her distance from Sister Hong.

Han Shanxue wasn’t oblivious. She could tell Sister Hong was trying to take advantage of Ye Wenxin’s “loss.” But cultivators walked a different path than others. Once they set foot on it, solitude was inevitable.

Sister Hong was a rogue cultivator. She didn’t have a long lifespan like them, nor could she give up materialistic things. If Ye Wenxin wanted a new Dao partner, it must not be someone with such a short life.

So when Ye Wenxin sensibly avoided any ambiguous closeness with Sister Hong, Han Shanxue felt she was truly suited to be her disciple.

Han Shanxue now poured all the care and responsibility that Feng Jiu had failed to give her into Ye Wenxin.

In contrast, she maintained a distance from Fei Chai because he was male.

Fei Chai continued chatting cheerfully, unaware that his master had neglected him due to his gender and of the unspoken bond between Han Shanxue and Ye Wenxin.

The group wore Treasure Pavilion’s staff uniforms. Qian Duoduo had put on a brocade robe and a jade-inlaid square cap. He had a ring on each finger and comported himself in a way that tempted robbery.

With such a flashy display, Ye Wenxin felt certain someone had already informed Long Qingyue of the amusing spectacle.

She lowered her head, trying to minimize her presence, only to find Han Shanxue staring at her.

Though this had become Han Shanxue’s norm lately, the affectionate staring still made Ye Wenxin uncomfortable. She forced a tiny smile, suddenly missing the days spent with Beast Taming Garden’s Head Senior Sister.

Ye Wenxin never had to worry about the unsighted Xuan Luofei watching her.

But she couldn’t admit to her discomfort, so she shifted her gaze, pretending to admire the scenery.

However, Han Shanxue’s cultivation method was odd, lending a chill even to her gaze. Ye Wenxin quickly moved over to Fei Chai.

Strangely, Han Shanxue suddenly stopped looking.

“Junior Sister Ye, is something the matter?” Fei Chai remained unaware that Han Shanxue had already written him off. And since Ye Wenxin was his first junior sister, he was especially friendly toward her.

“I wanted to ask you about Fenghua Xueyue techniques, Senior Brother.”

“Well, you can’t rush it,” said Fei Chai. “Just take your time. I’ve been training for half a year and only managed to make it palm-sized. With your pace, you should see some results within a year.”

Ye Wenxin was confused. She had produced a plate-sized flame after just one night of training. The difference made her start to wonder if she was actually a genius.

But after thinking it through, she attributed the progress to the Unfettered Heart Sutra. Pushing down the notion of being a genius, Ye Wenxin humbly asked Fei Chai for further advice.

Unfortunately, Fei Chai was a loyal yet incompetent stereotype, and his explanations didn’t help much. They did pass the time, though. When Ye Wenxin felt like she was about to fall asleep while walking, they finally arrived at the Cozy Pavilion.

The place was abuzz with people. Many recognized Qian Duoduo and quickly made way for him. The Cozy Pavilion had also made preparations, as a squad of Secret Guards in dark uniforms appeared.

A man emerged from the main entrance with a few attendants. “What brings you to my Cozy Pavilion today, Boss Qian,” he said, smiling.

This man was Black Panther, the current boss of Cozy Pavilion. Rumor had it he was once a bandit chief from some mountain stronghold. Fatty later reformed him, and he came to the pavilion, becoming the boss.

Black Panther had a broad frame and powerful build. He was a Golden Core-stage rogue cultivator. Unlike typical cultivators, he specialized in body cultivation. Standing two meters tall with an oppressive aura, he gave off an intimidating impression.

At least, that was what the storyteller said. After looking at his face, Ye Wenxin confirmed she didn’t know him and quietly stepped back.

Suddenly, Ye Wenxin’s back hit an obstacle. Glancing back, she saw that a Secret Guard had blocked her path. His eyes were cold, as if he intended to kill any troublemakers on the spot.

“Where do you think you’re going, miss? You’ve already made it to the doorstep, and now you’re trying to run?” Black Panther noticed her attempt to slip away and openly mocked her.

Ye Wenxin felt awkward as all eyes turned to her.