Chapter 56 – Enemies Reunite, Running Into the Female Lead and the Second Male Lead (1/2)

On the high platform in the plaza, several elder supervisors stood side by side.

Once everyone had gathered, the presiding elder Tian Ji Zi announced, “For this journey to the Yunshan Secret Realm, Elder Ling will remain outside to await your return. The chief disciple Shen Xuanli will accompany all disciples into the Yunshan Secret Realm.”

“This time, the secret realm will remain open for ten days. On the way, you will make an overnight stop near Yunhai City. At that time, disciples may purchase any necessary supplies in the city.”

“Let me remind you all—whether in Yunhai City or within the Yunshan Secret Realm—you must obey the chief disciple’s instructions.”

“As disciples of Penglai Sect, no matter where you travel, you are not to provoke trouble, frame fellow sect members, engage in conflict with disciples of other sects, or commit any acts that would harm the sect’s interests. Violators will be dealt with according to the sect rules—there will be no leniency!”

“We disciples shall abide by the elder’s teachings!”

All the disciples responded in unison, their voices shaking the skies.

“Depart!”

With Elder Tian Ji’s command, a flying vessel slowly lifted into the sky.

As with all flying magical tools, flying vessels also came in grades.

This particular vessel was exquisitely designed, with smooth lines, its form resembling a massive spiritual bird spreading its wings to soar across the sky.

Made from highly unique materials, the vessel was able to withstand fierce winds and lightning, ensuring the disciples’ safety during flight.

The interior was spacious enough to accommodate at least two hundred people and was equipped with multiple rooms and resting areas for cultivation and rest.

Various spell formations were laid out inside to ensure both speed and stability.

During the journey, disciples could either cultivate or enjoy the breathtaking sea of clouds and majestic mountain views.

Though the vessel couldn’t hold thousands, its craftsmanship was undoubtedly top-tier. Its sheer luxury made that evident.

This was Zuo Wei’s first time on a flying vessel, and she was brimming with excitement—she couldn’t stay put in the room at all. So, she dragged Ye Qingning up to the deck.

The previous day’s announcement had revealed the list of selected disciples. Since Zuo Wei already knew she’d made the cut, she wasn’t surprised to see her name.

However, someone quickly noticed that there were fifty-one disciples on the list, sparking heated discussion.

Especially since Zuo Wei’s name was listed last, which naturally stirred speculation.

Thankfully, the disciple who posted the list explained that two senior brothers were supposed to accompany them, but one had to enter seclusion and couldn’t make the trip.

After some discussion, the sect leader and elders decided to take one more Foundation Establishment disciple instead, since everyone’s cultivation would be suppressed to that realm anyway.

That explanation settled the commotion—everyone thought it made sense.

But Zuo Wei wasn’t fooled. She knew what was going on.

After all, the news about Ye Qingning helping Wan Jin block the lightning tribulation had spread far and wide. It was also the day when Ye Qingning asked Wan Zhao about the disciple list.

Thinking about this made Zuo Wei feel incredibly grateful. If it weren’t for Ye Qingning, she would never have gotten the chance to enter the Yunshan Secret Realm.

She must have accumulated some amazing karma in her past life to meet a junior sister like Ning.

Snapping out of her thoughts, Zuo Wei immediately leaned over the railing with Ye Qingning to gaze at the sea of clouds.

Below, the clouds churned like ocean waves, turbulent and awe-inspiring.

Endless and boundless—the sight stirred reverence in their hearts. Even though Ye Qingning had traveled on flying vessels in her past life, the magnificent view before her still filled her with a sense of grandeur and peace.

By now, quite a few disciples had gathered on the deck, chatting in small groups. Their joy was unmistakable.

Some were discussing what to buy in Yunhai City; others were planning their teams.

Ye Qingning and Zuo Wei had already formed a seven-person team when the list was announced. They’d also made plans to go on a shopping spree once they arrived in the city.

Back in the room, Ye Qingning pulled out her talisman brush and paper to draw talismans. With a full day of travel ahead, she didn’t want to waste time. Drawing talismans required accumulation and practice—not something achieved overnight.

…

The next day, just as Ye Qingning finished drawing the last talisman and was about to rest, she heard faint voices outside:

“Look! That’s Yunhai City! We’ve arrived at Yunhai City!”

“Where’s Junior Sister Ye? Quick, go call her! Once the vessel lands, we’ll go shopping together! Everything in the Wanbao Pavilion is crazy expensive, and I have a ton of stuff I still want to buy! Today’s a must-shop day! Big spree! And I’m eating all the snacks!”

Though Ye Qingning sighed helplessly, a smile crept onto her lips. She immediately recognized the lively voice as Si Qian’s.

Before she could even step onto the deck, she saw Zuo Wei happily rushing over to get her.

As expected—shopping and snacking were a woman’s divine birthright.

---

Chapter 56 – Enemies Reunite, Running Into the Female Lead and the Second Male Lead (2/2)

Seeing Yunhai City again, it looked just as it had the last time.

From above, the city appeared to float in the sky, surrounded by clouds like an endless sea—a true sky city, just like in legends.

The vessel landed outside the city, and this time, the disciples didn’t need to look for inns to stay in.

Elder Ling had a private residence in Yunhai City, and not just any residence—a luxurious one, or so the rumors claimed.

According to him, it was more than enough to house the entire group.

The disciples also learned that Elder Ling didn’t have many hobbies aside from cultivating and enlightenment. His other obsession was collecting homes and building dwellings.

Rumor had it that even in the black market, two full streets of shops belonged to him.

Ye Qingning could only think: if this old man lived in the modern world, he’d absolutely be a landlord… or a rent lord, more like it.

Upon entering the city, they followed Elder Ling to his mansion, which spanned nearly an entire street. The plaque above the gate read boldly: Heart Refinement Garden.

“Come, let’s take a look inside,” Elder Ling said with a wave of his hand.

The gates opened on their own, and the disciples quickly followed him in.

Inside, there were artificial hills and flowing water, exotic flowers and rare herbs—each plant a rare spiritual species.

Some alchemy disciples were practically drooling but didn’t dare pick anything, even with Elder Ling gone. If caught, the consequences wouldn’t be pleasant.

After a quick tour, living arrangements were made. Ye Qingning, Zuo Wei, Si Nan, and Si Qian shared one courtyard, while the other three male disciples from their team stayed in another.

Once settled, Zuo Wei latched onto Ye Qingning’s arm while Si Qian impatiently urged them to head out. It was as if, if they were even a second late, the entire city’s stock would be sold out.

Soon, the four of them arrived at Yunhai City’s market. The bustling scene made Si Qian exclaim:

“Wow, so many people! My sister and I have visited other cities before, but none were as prosperous as this!”

“There’s so much to see—we need to explore properly and see if we can find anything good!” Zuo Wei had also been swayed by Si Qian’s excitement, completely unrecognizable as someone who had just suffered heartbreak.

Ye Qingning and Si Nan could only smile helplessly as they watched the two girls chirp like birds set free, endlessly chattering away.

The market was packed with people. Vendors called out energetically, and the sheer variety of goods dazzled the eyes.

Si Qian and Zuo Wei wandered from stall to stall, marveling at everything they saw.

“Junior Sister Ning, look at this hairpin—it’s so pretty!”

Zuo Wei picked up a pink hairpin and held it up to Ye Qingning’s hair, marveling at how anything looked good on her.

“Mhm, it’s very nice,” Ye Qingning nodded, then picked up another one and placed it near Zuo Wei’s head. “This one suits you too.”

Zuo Wei’s eyes lit up. The hairpin Ye Qingning picked was simple yet elegant, with delicate hollowed-out light purple flowers. The more she looked at it, the more she liked it.

The stall owner immediately chimed in, “Excellent taste, fairy! This isn’t an ordinary hairpin—this is a top-grade magic tool!”

Zuo Wei blinked. A top-grade magic tool? It looked like a regular accessory!

“I’m no artifact refiner, but don’t think you can fool me.”

The vendor hastily explained, “Fairy, though the design is simple, the material is incredibly rare! Long-term wear enhances spiritual energy and aids cultivation. Hairpins made from such spiritual ore are nearly impossible to come by!”

“And look closely—those flower petals aren’t fixed. They move according to the wearer’s intent, as if alive! Regular hairpins can’t do that!”

“I’m not exaggerating. Don’t underestimate Yunhai City’s wares. You won’t find anything this good even in the black market!”

Ye Qingning sighed inwardly—this guy really knew how to talk. She could tell Zuo Wei was tempted.

Just as Zuo Wei opened her mouth to ask for the price, an arrogant female voice suddenly cut in:

“This hairpin’s not bad. She may not know its worth, but I do. How much is it? I’ll take it!”

Ye Qingning didn’t even have to turn around—she already knew who it was.

Tsk, speak of the devil—no escaping fate.

The system shrieked: [Ning Ning! It’s Ye Hanyue and Xie Jiuli!]

—

Mini Theater:

Xie Jiuli: Finally! My debut!

Ye Qingning: Scram. Now.