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Before dawn, Shi Luoyi returned to her room.
With the protection of the cultivators, the mortals of Cangshan Village finally had their first good night’s sleep in days.
Shi Luoyi walked over to the Drought Earth Formation and found that most of the mist had already dissipated. She let out a sigh of relief. It seemed some things hadn’t changed, which gave her more confidence in saving Han Shu.
Han Shu, Li Feilan, Wei Changyuan, and Bian Qingxuan had all stayed up guarding the formation through the night. Both Han Shu and Bian Qingxuan were Pill Cultivators, who often excelled in setting up arrays compared to Sword or Blade Cultivators.
Li Feilan and Wei Changyuan, though Sword Cultivators, were far more advanced in cultivation than the other disciples and had been protecting them during the process.
The disciples were all eager to know if the Drought Earth Formation had worked. After calming the villagers, they all came early to check on it.
Even Xue An woke up early. At this moment, they gathered around Bian Qingxuan, fussing over her with concern.
“Junior Sister, you’ve worked so hard through the night. Are you feeling unwell?”
“The Drought Earth Formation is so effective—Junior Sister is truly amazing!”
“Junior Sister, take some pills to replenish your blood and energy. Rest for a while before heading over.”
Bian Qingxuan quickly replied, “I’m not tired at all. Thank you for your concern, Senior Brothers. If we’re talking about skill, it’s actually Sister Luoyi who deserves the credit. She was the one who came up with the Drought Earth Formation!”
Shi Luoyi thought to herself, Here it comes, finally.
As expected, the disciples immediately turned hostile gazes toward Shi Luoyi. Xue An narrowed his eyes and said, “If she hadn’t come along, we might not have encountered this cursed mist, wasting our time! Stop defending her all the time. I heard that not long ago, she even injured you.”
Bian Qingxuan sighed helplessly and said to Shi Luoyi, “That was my fault too. I accidentally picked one of Sister Luoyi’s flowers, and she got upset. Sister Luoyi, I’ve already realized my mistake. Are you still mad at me?”
After saying this, she looked over with pitiful, pleading eyes.
All the disciples turned their gazes toward Shi Luoyi as if ready to leap to Bian Qingxuan’s defense the moment she said a single word like “resentment.”
“…” Shi Luoyi kept a cold expression. In her past life, she would have been enraged enough to want to lash out at her, but now she couldn’t be bothered to watch this group performance. She simply turned and walked away.
A single question lingered in her mind: This trick of Bian Qingxuan’s always worked. Did these disciples really have any brains?
She had tried explaining herself, confronting them, and even resorting to physical action. But no matter what she did, it seemed useless.
On the other side, Li Feilan was observing the formation. Seeing Shi Luoyi’s darkened expression, she smiled and said, “Feeling upset? Come sit with me, Junior Sister.”
“No,” Shi Luoyi softened her tone upon seeing her. “Thank you for your hard work last night, Senior Sister Li.”
Li Feilan’s gaze swept across the disciples, then landed on Wei Changyuan, who was intently focused on the formation. She sighed inwardly. Such a beautiful young girl—why was she always disliked by her fellow disciples? It was strange. Comparing her to others, this radiant young woman stood out.
Even someone of Li Feilan’s age had been struck by how stunning Shi Luoyi was when she first saw her on Buye Mountain. As an elder, she felt pity for the girl, who lacked the protection of her father. Comforting her, she said, “It’s alright. Changyuan is a good child. As long as he treats you well, that’s what matters. Most of the disciples are still young. You used to live on Buye Mountain and didn’t interact much with them, so naturally, they’re closer to Qingxuan. Once they get to know you, they’ll grow to like you.”
Because of Li Feilan’s kindness and warmth, Shi Luoyi felt a small flicker of comfort in her heart.
But she also knew clearly that Wei Changyuan liked Bian Qingxuan.
Still, Shi Luoyi harbored no deep resentment. She hadn’t even been genuinely angry with Bian Qingxuan earlier.
No matter how two-faced Bian Qingxuan was, she had genuinely guarded the formation all night and eliminated many demonic creatures. The Three Realms needed cultivators like her, and this was why Shi Luoyi rarely harbored murderous thoughts toward Bian Qingxuan, whether in her past life or this one.
In her past life, Shi Luoyi had been young and quick-tempered, easily ignited by a few words—like a firecracker ready to explode. In this life, she had made up her mind to simply observe as her junior sister performed her act. She wanted to see if her junior sister could conquer the Three Realms with her terrifying charm. If that day ever came, she, as her senior sister, would surely applaud her.
Compared to the enthusiastic disciples, Bian Lingyu arrived the latest.
However, the moment he appeared, Bian Qingxuan immediately shifted from her lukewarm demeanor with the other disciples and rushed forward, lifting her skirts and smiling brightly, “Brother!”
She instantly noticed something off about Bian Lingyu and said with a worried tone, “What happened? Did you not rest well last night? Your face is so pale.”
Bian Lingyu didn’t even look at her. Instinctively, his gaze drifted toward Shi Luoyi.
The young girl was sitting close to Li Feilan, holding her Divine Meteor Blade, curled up in a small ball at the center of the formation as if sulking, refusing to glance back at them even once.
Amusement sparkled in Bian Qingxuan’s eyes, but her expression remained sweet as she extended her hand to him. “Where are the peach wood swords you prepared for me, Brother?”
The more she acted like this, the less likely he was to spare her a glance.
However, Bian Qingxuan was genuinely surprised that Shi Luoyi hadn’t lost her temper on the spot today. It seemed that over the past two years, Shi Luoyi had indeed grown somewhat wiser and wouldn’t be provoked so easily anymore. Perhaps only Wei Changyuan could still stir her emotions now.
Bian Lingyu withdrew his gaze, his eyes turning cold. He knew Bian Qingxuan’s tricks and felt repulsed. However, the bigger picture was more important. Thinking of the need to eliminate the Untransformed Toad, he reluctantly handed her two peach wood swords.
Bian Qingxuan frowned, unsatisfied. “Only two?”
She leaned closer to him, lowering her voice sweetly. “You must have prepared some for Sister Luoyi too, right? Ah, my dear brother, she won’t accept them. Can you bear being rejected by her? Why not give them all to me instead? Otherwise, if I die at the hands of the Untransformed Toad, you’ll share the blame.”
This was when Bian Lingyu despised her the most. The bone spikes beneath his sleeve bristled with fighting intent. “I’ll only give you two. Speak from a distance—I don’t want to fight you here.”
Bian Qingxuan didn’t dare provoke him further. When he said “fight,” it wasn’t just an empty threat. Remembering her still-unhealed hand injury, she straightened her posture.
However, Bian Qingxuan had already achieved her goal. To the eyes of the onlookers, this exchange served as proof of their deep sibling bond. Many male disciples cast envious glances at Bian Lingyu.
Bian Qingxuan tucked the two swords away and smiled imperceptibly. What others thought didn’t matter; as long as Shi Luoyi harbored some estrangement toward Bian Lingyu, her plan was successful.
The only regret was—why only two peach wood swords?
Her slender fingers traced the blades, sensing the surging spiritual energy and blood essence within. She clicked her tongue softly. Such excellent protective talismans—her clumsy, socially awkward brother probably gave them away without the recipient even realizing their value.
They’d likely be discarded as worthless scraps.
Thinking of how hard her two seniors had worked, Shi Luoyi took over guarding the Drought Earth Formation for the day under Li Feilan’s guidance.
The mist was dissipating quickly. After tonight, they would be able to enter Qingshui Village smoothly tomorrow.
In the evening, when she returned to the farmhouse, she was surprised to find three peach wood swords lying on the table. She let out a soft “Hmm?” and picked them up to examine them. They looked familiar.
Hadn’t these been the peach wood swords Bian Lingyu had spent the entire night carving yesterday?
The peach wood swords lay innocently in her palm, stirring up some forgotten memories. Shi Luoyi finally recalled that before entering Qingshui Village in her past life, she had received something similar.
However, back then, she had seen Bian Qingxuan also wearing a similar peach wood sword and assumed it was their deliberate attempt to disgust her.
The next day, she had slammed the peach wood sword in front of them, expressing her disdain.
At that time, Bian Qingxuan had been momentarily stunned before breaking into laughter, while Bian Lingyu’s face instantly turned pale.
He clenched his lips tightly, saying nothing.
It was Bian Qingxuan who picked it up, sighing, “So Senior Sister despises ‘him’ so much? But I quite like it.”
What had Shi Luoyi said at that time?
She had sneered, “If you like it, take it. I don’t care—stop trying to disgust me.”
Now, the same peach wood swords were placed on her table again. She thought that perhaps it wasn’t malicious provocation from Bian Lingyu or Bian Qingxuan this time.
Unlike her past life, last night, Shi Luoyi had personally witnessed how Bian Lingyu carved them. His hands were covered with scratches from the wood splinters, braving the snowstorm all night without a moment’s rest.
Hesitating for a moment, Shi Luoyi tucked the peach wood swords into her chest.
She didn’t know what Bian Lingyu intended. Was he trying to reconcile between his sister and herself? Or was he worried that after being caught giving her the poisonous pill, she might harm him again in Qingshui Village?
Perhaps this was the sense of security a mortal sought?
Shi Luoyi sighed. Though… most likely, Bian Lingyu probably didn’t even realize these small swords were useless.
She vaguely knew that many mortals were stubborn by nature. Even if he feared death or was afraid of her, he wouldn’t show it and remained defiant, like stray cats in the mortal world—puffing themselves up to scare others despite feeling insecure. Mortals always suffered when immortals fought.
Whether it was an attempt at “reconciliation” or a way to whitewash the “poisonous pill” incident, since he had sent her something, Shi Luoyi didn’t want him to remain fearful. Her mother often taught her about reciprocity. Should she give something to Bian Lingyu as well? Something to indicate, “I won’t hurt you anymore.”
But don’t expect her to forgive or like Bian Qingxuan—she would never reconcile with someone she hated most in this lifetime!
By noon the next day, the mist had completely dissipated.
Bian Qingxuan had softly asked Xue An to take good care of Bian Lingyu the previous night. Although Xue An felt disgruntled, he didn’t deliberately make things difficult for Bian Lingyu to please her.
Early that morning, he came to hint that he had done as she requested, seeking credit. Bian Qingxuan smiled outwardly but inwardly felt impatient dealing with him: You fool, if you really render Bian Lingyu incapable of action, all of you will die here!
She was somewhat apprehensive about the Untransformed Toad and thus kept thinking about the other few swords Bian Lingyu had made. She couldn’t believe he wouldn’t leave some for Shi Luoyi.
Given Bian Lingyu’s proud personality, he probably slipped them secretly to the little peacock.
Bian Qingxuan sneered—it was truly self-inflicted humiliation.
Yesterday, she had deliberately asked Bian Lingyu for the peach wood swords in front of Shi Luoyi. If Shi Luoyi had heard, she definitely wouldn’t accept them.
When Bian Lingyu left the house, he silently glanced toward Shi Luoyi’s door. Bian Qingxuan smirked slightly—he probably knew he’d be rejected, right?
Not long after, Shi Luoyi pushed the door open.
She was still wearing her clothes from Buye Mountain—a light yellow blouse, a green silk skirt, a pale pink sash draped over her arm, and a fiery red long blade strapped to her back.
In her heart, Bian Qingxuan mocked: A foolish sword cultivator raised by her father without a mother, not knowing how women should dress. Yet, she had to admit that the girl’s face was infuriatingly beautiful, making her detestable.
Such a flashy and laughable outfit looked surprisingly cute and beautiful on her, without any awkwardness.
Indeed, the disciples around her began to lose focus once again—including Xue An, who had mocked Shi Luoyi just yesterday.
Bian Qingxuan frowned, irritated, and flicked her fingers under her sleeve, snapping to bring them back to their senses. They unconsciously averted their gazes.
Bian Qingxuan’s eyes fell on Shi Luoyi’s waist, widening in disbelief.
On Shi Luoyi’s green waistband hung three neat peach wood swords.
Bian Qingxuan immediately realized something was wrong and quickly looked away. Bian Lingyu’s eyes also fell on Shi Luoyi’s waist, his long lashes hiding his gaze, leaving his thoughts unknown.
Even worse, Shi Luoyi walked toward them!
Shi Luoyi said, “Bian Lingyu, I have something to say to you. Can you come over?”
Bian Lingyu remained silent, unwilling to go.
In his eyes, the night before, Shi Luoyi had seen him carving the peach wood. Now she was asking him to come over, which could only mean one thing—returning the item to him.
All the memories she left him were filled with impatience, misplaced anger, and rejection.
Yet he silently followed her.
In the winter of the human world, still carrying the chill of snow, he only felt icy cold in his palm.
They arrived under the banyan tree. Bian Lingyu lowered his eyes, hating himself, waiting to be hurt once more.
However, in the wind and snow, the girl’s sash fluttered. She stretched out her hand, revealing a pale pink ribbon in her palm that matched the color of her sash. She hesitantly spoke, “Thank you for the peach wood swords. I think I understand your meaning. I promise I won’t harm you in Qingshui Village. All things considered, I owe you. This is all I have—it’s Thousand Fragrance Silk from Buye Mountain. It can… um…”
Shi Luoyi paused, feeling awkward about explaining that this useless thing could only let her recognize him. But only she knew that after entering Qingshui Village, this seemingly useless item would actually be effective against the Untransformed Toad.
Having lived another life, she couldn’t explain how she knew what was in Qingshui Village. Shi Luoyi gave up and said, “It doesn’t have much use, but it’s my gift in return. Regardless of our past grievances, surviving and returning alive is the most important thing now. I think you might feel the same way. So, can you temporarily forgive me and accept it?”
She wasn’t sure if Bian Lingyu would accept it, given that he had once thrown back even a hundred-year-old blood lingzhi.
Bian Lingyu remained motionless for a long time. Just as Shi Luoyi thought she would be scolded again, his fingers trembled slightly, and he reached out to take the ribbon, murmuring softly, “Alright.”
Eh?
Just like that, he accepted it?
Bian Qingxuan’s eyes nearly froze with coldness. She anxiously thought, Shi Luoyi must throw it back to him!
However, they walked away, whispering something indistinct. When Shi Luoyi returned, the peach wood swords were still hanging on her waist.
Bian Qingxuan’s heart sank. She looked at Bian Lingyu.
She noticed he lightly pursed his lips, usually dead and icy, but now there was a faint glimmer of vitality in his eyes.
He was like a dying withered tree, but now suddenly sprouted tiny green buds. He clutched something in his hand absentmindedly.
Bian Qingxuan closed her eyes. Don’t rush, don’t rush. This is just the beginning. Shi Luoyi has someone she likes; she won’t fall for Bian Lingyu. I still have a chance, right?
She looked at Wei Changyuan standing beside Han Shu, her eyes darkening.
In Shi Luoyi’s memory, Qingshui Village was filled with vast expanses of ponds.
But they weren’t the lotus-filled ponds she had seen before her death—they were cold, foul-smelling, and nauseating. The villagers’ houses weren’t built on them but hidden among bamboo groves.
The group chose to enter Qingshui Village at noon, when yang energy was at its peak.
Before entering, Han Shu carefully explained many details to the disciples.
Shi Luoyi solemnly reminded everyone, “Once we go in, if we get separated, trust no one! Because it’s very likely that the monster can transform.”
Xue An snorted at her, “Transform? Do you really think this broken place still has ancient beasts? Any monsters capable of transformation died long ago. Sister Luoyi, if you’re scared, you can still go back now.”
Shi Luoyi ignored him. This man’s mind was probably already preoccupied with Bian Qingxuan—he could listen or not.
Although Master Shi had taught her kindness, she wasn’t kind enough to eagerly save a group of people who disliked her.
Shi Luoyi only held Han Shu’s hand firmly and earnestly said, “Elder Han Shu, promise me that once we enter, trust no one, even if it’s me! When the time comes, don’t hesitate to act.”
Han Shu was momentarily startled but didn’t doubt her words, pondering for a moment before nodding, “Alright.”
She assumed that Master Shi had taught Luoyi something, and she trusted Shi Luoyi in an inexplicable way.
Everyone entered together. The mist had disappeared, but the moment they stepped into Qingshui Village, their consciousness jolted slightly, causing a brief daze. A blinding light scattered before their eyes, and Shi Luoyi instinctively raised her hand to shield her eyes.
When the bright light faded, she abruptly found herself sitting beside a pond.
An elegant lotus flower had somehow fallen into her lap.
A man squatted in front of her, smiling helplessly, “What’s wrong? Are you tired? You’ll need your strength tonight for the wedding chamber, my bride.”
Shi Luoyi lowered her hand, astonished to see someone entirely different from her past life. Her heart sank as she called out the name of the person before her.
“Jiang Yan?”
The person before her was none other than the missing Young Sect Leader of Chuan Yun Sect!
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