In her hand was a “Thunderclap,” a protective item commonly carried by sect disciples in emergencies. It wasn’t lethal, but once triggered, its celestial power would surge into the sky, alerting anyone within a hundred-mile radius to its presence. Zhe Sang hadn’t expected Bai Shuo, a half-immortal, to have access to an inner disciple’s item.
“Senior Brother Zhe Sang, it’s just a small tree spirit I picked up while gathering herbs. Even if the sect leader discovers it, the most that’ll happen is I’ll be expelled from Miao Miao. Think carefully—if Senior Sister Er Yun sees… this scene…” Bai Shuo gestured subtly toward Er Li, who was pale and visibly shaken. “Even with a hundred excuses, she might not believe you…”
“You!” Zhe Sang’s face darkened with anger, but he held his hand, unwilling to make another move. For a moment, the cave was locked in tense silence.
“Senior Brother Zhe Sang,” Bai Shuo continued, “I only wish to make elixirs in peace at the herb hut. I don’t want trouble, and I can’t afford it. You are the primary disciple of our sect leader—why exchange your reputation for the life of a mere half-immortal?”
Zhe Sang’s gaze lingered on the “Thunderclap” in her hand before he scoffed.
Seeing an opportunity, Bai Shuo quickly added, “If Senior Brother is willing to let this slide and keep Mu Mu’s demon nature a secret, I’m willing to swear an oath never to speak of tonight’s events to anyone.”
Zhe Sang narrowed his eyes and then said, “I could keep this little demon’s identity hidden for you, but… you’ll have to do something for me in return.”
Bai Shuo hesitated.
* * *
Er Yun opened the door and saw a familiar figure standing under a tree in the courtyard. Her steps faltered, and with a complex expression, she sighed and approached.
“Senior Brother.” The figure turned—it was Zhe Sang.
News of his return had spread across Miao Miao. After three years away, Zhe Sang’s spiritual strength had grown, and his once arrogant demeanor had softened, becoming polite and respectful toward all the disciples. Even Song Feng was pleased with the change in his primary disciple, believing he’d returned at just the right time, given the sect’s current situation.
Only Er Yun felt troubled upon hearing of his return. Although her marriage to Zhe Sang had been arranged from childhood, and despite Song He having accepted Chong Zhao as a disciple before his passing, their engagement had not been officially broken. Er Yun’s heart was set on Chong Zhao, and marriage to Zhe Sang was now impossible for her. For days, she had wanted to find a way to tell Zhe Sang clearly, but her sense of guilt and their shared history left her at a loss for words. She had avoided him, never expecting he would seek her out himself.
“Junior Sister, it’s been a long time. You haven’t changed,” Zhe Sang said with a gentle smile. He reached out to pat her shoulder, but Er Yun quickly stepped back, avoiding his touch.
Surprised, he withdrew his hand with an awkward smile.
“I… Senior Brother, I…” Er Yun stammered.
Zhe Sang sighed. “It seems our bond as senior and junior has faded with the years. Master told me you were injured while training outside the island. Here, I brought you a hundred-year spirit dew to help with your recovery.” He took out a porcelain vial from his robe and held it out to her.
Seeing his thoughtfulness, Er Yun found herself unable to speak. Taking the vial, she opened her mouth to speak—
“Junior Sister,” Zhe Sang interrupted, “I went to see the sect leader earlier and asked him to annul our engagement.”
Stunned, Er Yun thought she had misheard. She looked up, seeing only warmth in Zhe Sang’s gaze.
“I understood your feelings three years ago. We grew up together; how could I bear to see you troubled? Our marriage was merely the wish of our masters, and now that your heart lies elsewhere, I sincerely wish you and Junior Brother Chong Zhao happiness.”
Seeing the reluctant look in Zhe Sang’s eyes, Er Yun felt a twinge of sadness, and her eyes grew misty, unsure of what to say.
Patting her head gently, Zhe Sang turned and walked away.
“Thank you, Senior Brother Zhe Sang!” she called after him.
He paused but did not look back, continuing on his way.
As he walked out of sight, a sense of relief and gratitude washed over Er Yun, dispelling her long-held worries. A smile spread across her face. What she couldn’t see was the mocking, cold expression that briefly crossed Zhe Sang’s face as he walked away.
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