Chapter 114: The Plot

The Wuyang River remained as picturesque as ever.

Shuo had been cultivating for three hours and felt a significant surge in his inner power, reaping great benefits for both body and mind. After much deliberation, he remained determined to break through the Snow Realm barrier as soon as possible, so he quietly slipped into a secluded grove.

Glancing left and right to ensure he was alone, Shuo produced the Profound Heart Mirror.

After chanting the incantation, the face of Jianrong appeared within the glass.

"What is it?"

"Are you outside?"

"No, I am at the Mei Zhen Palace, but someone is coming!"

"Understood, I will be brief. Have you gathered any news about the Snow Realm?"

"None. I have only recently regained my mobility, and Xue Ze and the others have been staying in the Snow Bamboo Fields; they haven't gone up in a long time."

"Doesn't she go every day?"

"The Heavenly Venerable has decreed that once every five days is sufficient!"

"That is good news. Continue your investigation; I need to make preparations soon!"

"Understood!"

As Shuo withdrew the mirror, Jianrong heard footsteps approaching. She thought to herself, *Fortunately, this is not the Plum Blossom Curse, and it leaves no trace, or I would have been discovered. I must win over Bai Yu as soon as possible.*

Shortly after, Bai Yu entered.

"Senior Sister, are you feeling better?"

Jianrong smiled. "After eating the soup you brewed for me last time, I am quite recovered!"

"Was it truly that miraculous?"

"Indeed!" Jianrong smiled. "I wonder, what did you use as the meat base? It has such nourishing effects; it is truly astonishing!"

Bai Yu paused, her expression revealing a trace of sorrow and guilt. After being pressed, she whispered, "To be honest... it was a feather pigeon. For you, Senior Sister, I had no other choice!"

"What?" Jianrong feigned shock, widening her eyes at Bai Yu.

Bai Yu sighed, her eyes reddening. "I have always kept company with the feather pigeons and felt a deep bond with them. Do you think I am not pained? But I only have one good Senior Sister. Seeing you suffer day and night without improvement, I had no choice! I trust my feather pigeons will forgive me!"

"But... but this is a violation of the rules!" Jianrong said, though she thought, *As expected of the person I chose; truly ruthless and obedient. However, do you think I cannot see through your little schemes? You are just trying to win my heart with this, aren't you? Rest assured, I am more than happy to have you on my side. Why would I ever break our alliance?*

"This matter is between you and me. As long as we keep our mouths shut, it will never be revealed."

Bai Yu caught the look in Jianrong’s eyes and pondered her own plans.

Jianrong nodded and asked softly, "But aren't the feather pigeons limited in number? If one is missing, wouldn't it be discovered?"

"The one I used was not a registered pigeon; it had no owner. It was a newborn, not yet recorded in the archives. Such pigeons carry the spiritual energy of the Heavenly Mountain, which is why they are so nourishing!"

"No wonder I recovered so quickly! I truly owe you everything! Rest assured, from now on we are like sisters. I will not treat you poorly. Even when I recover, I will ensure you have a share of the acting Heavenly Master position, so that you and Lan Shui can continue to meet and sustain your relationship."

"Bai Yu thanks you, Senior Sister!"

***

Reading books, practicing calligraphy, chanting spells, and meditating—such a life was not for Lianzi.

With more exciting things on her mind, she naturally could not focus on cultivation, and Lianzi had slipped down the mountain once again.

Every time Lianzi left, Xue Ze would be filled with anxiety and gloom, for Lianzi never consulted her, knowing full well she would never agree.

"It has been five hours already! How am I supposed to explain this to Senior Brother? I pray no one asks about you!"

Xue Ze practiced her ice arts while imagining Lianzi’s situation in the mortal world. Last time, Lianzi had returned full of excitement, recounting the heroic deeds and dashing charm of Feng Xing. It seemed she was once again hopelessly infatuated.

"Junior Sister, practicing your magic?"

Xue Ze froze, standing rooted to the spot, afraid to turn around. *Why is Senior Brother here? What do I do? If it were the Second Senior Brother, it would be easier...*

"What is wrong? You are so distracted you didn't even notice me!" Lan Shui walked up to her.

Xue Ze looked down and smiled, feigning nonchalance. "Senior Brother, have you finished your work?"

"Yes, I came to check on you and Lianzi. I heard you two were having trouble with your cultivation again!"

Xue Ze smiled, pretending to be calm. "Actually, we have already consulted Master about it, so please do not worry!"

"Is that so?" Lan Shui smiled faintly, knowing full well the truth.

"Yes, please go and attend to your business! I still need to practice my arts!" Xue Ze stepped aside gracefully, walking away nervously.

"Junior Sister!" Lan Shui grabbed her hand and led her to a seat. "Are you trying to chase me away? Are you really so diligent? Studying every single moment—are you trying to catch up to me?"

Xue Ze shook her head blankly, thinking, *It’s over. Senior Brother won’t leave; he is definitely going to ask about Lianzi. What do I do?*

"Where is Lianzi?" Lan Shui asked as expected.

Xue Ze was startled and turned away, hiding her nervous expression. She recalled the scene before Lianzi left:

*"You go down the mountain every seven days; that is the absolute limit. You want to push it further? If something happens, I cannot take the responsibility! You should focus. You and Feng Xing aren't even together, so stop dwelling on it!"*

*"I can't. If I don't see him for a day, I panic. Even though he doesn't see me often, I just want to..."*

*"No, you cannot be this reckless anymore. I won't be your accomplice. If we get caught, Master and the Senior Brothers will scold me to death and despise you too. Don't go down the mountain anymore. Give me back my Nine-Command Pearl!"*

*"Senior Sister, please! I won't be caught. I’ll be back soon, three hours at most! If anyone asks, just say I went to pick flowers! Master is busy, Second Senior Brother is easy to fool, and as for the Eldest Senior Brother... you can use your charms on him!"*

Snapping out of her thoughts, Xue Ze heard Lan Shui’s question: "Junior Sister, what are you thinking about?"

"Nothing!"

"Is that so?" Lan Shui stroked Xue Ze’s hair, his expression shifting slightly.

Xue Ze smiled awkwardly and muttered to herself, "Charms... the use of charms?"

Lan Shui looked at her with confusion, leaning in closer. "What did you say?"

"I was saying..." Xue Ze caught herself, realizing her mistake. Meeting Lan Shui’s gaze, she felt a wave of shyness and began to step backward.

"Junior Sister? What is wrong with you?"

"No—nothing at all!"

Xue Ze, not looking where she was walking, bumped into a stone edge. A sharp pain shot through her foot, and she felt nothing else.

"Junior Sister!"

Lan Shui instantly teleported in front of her, catching her and looking at her with concern. "Are you alright?"

Xue Ze shook her head. "I'm fine, please put me down!"

As soon as she touched the ground, a wave of pain shot from her toes straight to her heart, making her shudder and wince, though she only let out a muffled groan.

Seeing this, Lan Shui picked her up and said as he walked, "Why were you walking so fast? How did you manage to bump your foot?"

Xue Ze blushed, unable to speak, her mind repeating the word "charms." She looked at Lan Shui’s face, feeling as though she were glued to him, unable to look away. *Senior Brother is truly handsome. He even has the faint scent of orchids about him...*

Xue Ze inhaled the fragrance, feeling a wave of joy, and couldn't help but lean into his robes, rubbing against his shoulder. *It smells so good. Is it the scent of his clothes? Wait, it’s not just that... why does it smell like a sachet?*

"Junior Sister!"

Lan Shui whispered, his ears turning bright red. Her hair brushed against his neck and face, and her breath was so close it made him feel shy.

"Uh... Senior Brother, what is it?"

"Here, lie down!"

Xue Ze sniffed once more before finally letting go. Lan Shui placed her on the couch and lowered his head to examine her foot.

"You’ve injured your left foot. In the future, don't be so reckless. Are you not afraid of pain?"

Xue Ze touched her own face, thinking, *I’m not afraid of pain! I was only afraid you would ask about Lianzi. Well, since the charms didn't work, at least I can use the 'bitter flesh' tactic!*

A faint smile touched the corner of Lan Shui’s mouth, leaving Xue Ze slightly stunned. Before she could look closer, the smile vanished, leaving her suspicious.

"Senior Brother, what are you smiling at?"

"Me? Was I smiling?" Lan Shui turned away awkwardly, using his magic to soothe her pain.

Xue Ze smiled brightly and whispered to herself, "This tactic is quite useful, ha ha ha."

"What tactic?" Lan Shui suddenly turned back.

Xue Ze froze, her face filled with alarm. "Senior Brother, please turn back around!"

"Tell me, what tactic is it?" Lan Shui deliberately turned back and leaned in close to her. "What is this? Are you playing tricks on your Senior Brother now?"

"Uh... this... this is..."