Chapter 118: Schemes

At Zhengjun Tower, the atmosphere was solemn, yet below, heated debates unfolded among the people.

The Venerable Qian Gui and Venerable Jiu Cang had discussed the matter thoroughly. They cast a spell to conceal the glow of the Red Star, restoring the Celestial Dawn to its original state and stabilizing the world.

When it came to dispatching disciples down the mountain, Qian Gui expressed his thoughts, and Jiu Cang also felt it unwise to trouble the disciples of the Snow Bamboo Sect again. Thus, he summoned the elite disciples of the Heavenly Mountain.

“I have made my intentions clear. Is there anyone willing to volunteer?” As soon as the words fell, many eagerly raised their hands, but Ji Lin stopped them.

“Fellow disciples, going down the mountain entails numerous tasks and the risk of broken strings on the qin. It requires those well-versed in the laws of heaven and earth, meticulous and cautious. You may even encounter demons along the way, thus a deep level of cultivation is necessary. It would be unwise to act rashly.”

Jiu Cang chuckled, “Ji Lin, what do you mean by that? Do you think our juniors are inferior to you?”

“Respectfully, Venerable, Ji Lin means no offense. He only wishes for the most suitable individuals to undertake the mission.”

Jian Rong smiled and said to Ji Lin, “Ji Lin fears the juniors lack experience and might get injured or fall into traps. It seems this opportunity to shine will once again be monopolized by the Snow Bamboo Sect, huh?”

“Heh, Sister, you jest!” Ji Lin smiled. “The Snow Bamboo Sect is indeed talented and uniquely gifted, but there are only four disciples. Some time ago, each of us went down the mountain on missions and succeeded, setting an example! This matter isn’t too dangerous and can be entrusted to others, but we must choose wisely.”

“Oh? Then who do you consider talented, Ji Lin?” Jiu Cang asked with a smile.

Ji Lin looked deliberately at Jian Rong. “I believe both of them are excellent—women of virtue and talent, wise and brave. Most importantly, they have not served the Heavenly Mountain by going down the mountain for a long time.”

“Ji Lin, don’t speak recklessly! Is going down the mountain the only way to serve?” Jian Rong retorted unhappily.

Bai Yu stepped forward too. “My sister and I usually handle matters within the Heavenly Mountain and have not been involved in such complicated and dangerous affairs. Frankly, it’s a bit shameful, but also the reason why we’re unsuitable. If this mission isn’t handled well, wouldn’t that bring ridicule upon us?”

“How could that be? Talents must be tempered. Who is born skilled?” Lian Zi smiled coldly at Bai Yu, mocking, “Could it be that Sister Bai’s ambitions are small, not as diligent as Lian Zi? Though my cultivation is shallow and knowledge limited compared to her, I have made several merits. Does Sister feel ashamed of this?”

Bai Yu glanced at Xue Ze and sneered. “Everyone has their own aspirations and roles. I manage the Feather Pigeon and handle affairs—how could I have so much leisure? If I evaluate myself, I am certainly less carefree than the Snow Region Fairy, and far less comfortable than Sister Lian Zi!”

Xue Ze stopped the angry Lian Zi and gave Bai Yu a faint smile. “I think Sister’s words are somewhat inappropriate. We are all Heavenly Mountain disciples engaged in vital duties. How can one judge by leisure alone? Senior brother and sisters recommended two talents, how can you reject them with excuses and anger?”

Jian Rong approached Bai Yu, glaring fiercely at the others. “I have been ill for some time and can barely walk. You want me to go down the mountain? Sister works tirelessly day and night, no easier than Lan Shui. The Feather Pigeon cannot do without her. How could she be sent down? I believe your recommendations are ill-intentioned!”

Faced with such pressure, Lan Shui naturally stepped forward, shielding Xue Ze behind her.

“Claiming illness as an excuse? That sounds like shirking responsibility. Moreover, the capable bear more burdens; the wise handle them well. Our recommendations are made with respect for these two women. How can we answer with accusations? As for busy or idle, that is unreasonable. An ant’s daily toil is a lifetime; a phoenix’s brief dew drink is a lifetime. Whether busy or not depends on the individual. Those who cannot manage time well will lack leisure, while those who do are truly thoughtful and wise!”

No sooner had Lan Shui spoken than Jiu Cang approached with a smile.

“At times like this, if not the disciples of Qian Gui carrying missions down the mountain, it is your quarrels here. What meaning does it serve? No need for further argument. Tasks must be assigned fairly and properly. This time, we shall not trouble the Snow Bamboo Sect’s disciples.”

Hearing this, Jian Rong quickly responded, “Venerable, why not establish a rule to prevent such scenes? If someone volunteers for a task, fine. If not, the person who last went down assigns the next mission. How about that?”

“Involving fairness and talent, not bad! Yet, it may mix personal feelings and cannot be perfect.”

“Venerable, you worry too much. All Heavenly Mountain disciples are united in protecting the mountain and would not act recklessly. Only those who have gone down the mountain can decide future matters and pass the task to their successors, thus ensuring continuity!”

Jiu Cang hesitated briefly, then nodded. “Very well, let’s try it. Last time Lan Shui went down, so Lan Shui shall assign and recommend.”

Lan Shui glanced at Qian Gui, then looked expressionless at Bai Yu. “In that case, I recommend Bai Yu!”

Bai Yu felt honored and not at all embarrassed. She asked, “Senior brother, why do you recommend me?”

“This mission requires caution and profound magic. You are clever, quick-witted, and knowledgeable. I believe you will not err.”

Hearing Lan Shui’s praise, Bai Yu’s heart felt as if soaked in honey, sweet and warm.

“To receive such esteem from senior brother is my honor! If this rule is applied to me, I shall not refuse. I accept this mission!”

Jiu Cang smiled. “Very good!”

Bai Yu glanced at Jian Rong, and they smiled knowingly at each other. They had long planned for this and anticipated the Snow Bamboo Sect’s tactics. Before arriving at Zhengjun Tower, Jian Rong had discussed with Bai Yu:

“They will surely recommend one of us. Whoever it is, we will first offer some objections to make them stubborn about it.”

“Why? How do you know?”

“I have been idle these days and naturally thought about this. Only by maintaining our usual style and opposing them can we provoke their thoughts and make this seem normal. Then I will suggest a method for Lan Shui to assign people. Whoever of us faces a difficult task next can assign Xue Ze to go down.”

“Senior sister, your foresight is impeccable. I’m no match for you! But will this mission down the mountain be difficult?”

“No, but future tasks will grow harder!”

With the matter settled, Bai Yu lingered, as if wanting to speak with Lan Shui.

Lian Zi noticed and whispered to Xue Ze, “Sister, Bai Yu seems to want to say something to senior brother. What shall we do?”

“Let’s leave. We have much training to do and many spells to learn!”

As they were about to leave, Lan Shui grabbed Xue Ze’s arm. “I’m going back too. Won’t you wait for me?”

Xue Ze and Lian Zi exchanged glances, awkwardly standing beside Lan Shui watching Bai Yu approach step by step.

“Hey, sister, look at her eyes… I feel like melting!”

“Don’t say that. What if we offend her again?”

“Sister, let’s get closer and listen to what they’re saying!”

“Mind your manners—no prying or eavesdropping!”

Bai Yu shot a cold glance at Xue Ze and Lian Zi, inwardly distressed: Even when I speak to senior brother, they have to monitor me. Do they really take me seriously? Xue Ze is spoiled and arrogant, but Lian Zi dares to offend me repeatedly. I won’t miss the chance if it comes...

“Spirit maiden, what do you wish to say to me?”

Lan Shui’s voice brought Bai Yu back to herself. She smiled gently and quickly replied, “It has been a long time since I last received a mission down the mountain. Thanks to your high regard, I now have this opportunity. May I ask... if senior brother has any advice or instructions?”