Chapter 047: Persuasion and Changed Perspective

Bluewater walked out of Qiangu’s room, his mind still swirling with the recent conversation, but the laughter of three people in the flower garden drew his attention away. The garden was filled with lively chatter and laughter, as if there were endless things to say and no end to their mirth—a lightheartedness that stood in stark contrast to Bluewater’s own mood. He had only intended to pass by the entrance, but that single, fleeting glance ensnared his very soul.

No matter the place, no matter the company, Snow Ze was always the brightest, the most beautiful presence—the one he could never let go of.

What did Bluewater truly care about in this world? Only Tianshan and Snow Ze. Nothing more.

“Senior Brother!”

“Are you just passing by, Senior Brother?”

“He’s busy, don’t call out to him!”

“Then let’s just—”

As the words faded, the mischievous smiles of Lotus Seed and Ji Lin flashed through Bluewater’s mind. Without a second thought, he turned back, striding boldly into the garden. “What are you up to again?”

The moment he entered, he saw the three of them grinning at him. Lotus Seed and Ji Lin were sitting properly, not bullying Snow Ze at all.

“Senior Brother, are you worried I’m bullying our junior sister again?”

“What, do you bully her often?”

Bluewater’s expression hardened as he cast a cold glance at Ji Lin. “How can you still be so unruly at a time like this?”

He turned to leave, but Ji Lin called out behind him.

“Senior Brother, where are you off to? Has Master given you another task?”

“Yes!” Bluewater replied curtly, quickly leaving the garden for the training grounds.

As Bluewater’s figure receded, Lotus Seed and Ji Lin resumed their campaign to persuade Snow Ze, urging her to make a decision.

“Junior Sister, just look at our Senior Brother—so dashing and extraordinary, handsome and heroic… As the junior sister he cherishes most, shouldn’t you show him some appreciation?”

“That’s right! You mustn’t diminish his standing, nor forget that you’re the cherished disciple of the Celestial Sovereign of Qiangu, daughter of the Pure Lotus Celestial Master, and the only daughter of the Kunlun Sect Leader… By any measure, you’re duty-bound, and shouldn’t belittle yourself or shirk your responsibilities!”

Snow Ze merely shook her head coolly, continuing to toy with the fallen flower in her hand, unmoved by their endless chatter.

“How can you be so indifferent? This frosty demeanor does suit our Senior Brother, though!” Ji Lin patted her shoulder gently, saying, “We’ve grown up together as fellow disciples. How can you treat me like this? I am your Second Brother, after all!”

“Senior Sister, just look—our Snow Bamboo Hall truly produces talents! Senior Brother and Second Brother both hold important positions and are leaders among the three thousand male disciples of Tianshan. And you?” Lotus Seed scooted closer, adopting a persuasive tone. “If you don’t step up, won’t others look down on you? Even if you don’t care for Master’s or the Celestial Master’s reputation, at least spare a thought for me!”

Snow Ze gave a cold laugh. “Oh? Why should I consider you?”

“You’re the senior sister, the third among us. If you don’t act or progress, how am I supposed to climb the ranks and bring glory to my family?”

Ji Lin burst out laughing. “Well, who would’ve thought Lotus Seed had such ambition, wanting to bring glory to her ancestors!”

Snow Ze chuckled softly and touched Lotus Seed’s face. “See? Your clever Second Brother is poking fun at you. Who was it who said that just being admitted to Tianshan was enough to be content? Now you’re my junior, and you’re not satisfied? Still craving position and power—what is it you want?”

Lotus Seed pouted, elbowing her cheek. “You always get the better of me.”

Snow Ze shook her head helplessly, set the flower aside, and spoke calmly and earnestly to them both. “It’s not that I don’t want to step up or to bring honor to our hall. But Tianshan is a place of quiet cultivation; there’s no need for power or renown. Master never cared for such things, and all I wish for is a peaceful life. Doesn’t Senior Brother already serve as a model for Snow Bamboo Hall, both inside and out? Why strive for more?”

“I used to think the same, but after coming to the mountain, I realized that even among Tianshan’s disciples, not all are pure in thought. While most are devoted to cultivation, many still pursue high positions—just look at those two pretentious Spirit Maidens!”

“What are you saying, Lotus Seed?”

“I agree with her,” Ji Lin said, gently tapping Lotus Seed’s head with a smile. “When it comes to worldly matters, Lotus Seed is sharper than most. Tianshan has its flaws. Since the position of Celestial Maiden has been vacant, many have coveted it, and there are plenty who wish to become the Celestial Officer or its leader. The Spirit Maidens have always appeared upright, but lately, something seems off. In the end, you’ve become a threat in their eyes!”

Snow Ze’s expression turned blank, uncertain how to respond, her heart growing increasingly uneasy: Could it be that Tianshan is not what it once was? And what of my dream… No, that was likely just fantasy. But what now? Everyone’s mindset seems to have shifted—what about mine?

Lotus Seed, delighted, praised Ji Lin effusively. “So our Second Brother’s laziness and foolishness are just a front! You see through all matters, great and small. I’d thought you’d defend Tianshan’s reputation and those two senior sisters, but you’re honest and astute—truly impressive!”

Ji Lin basked in the praise, replying with pride, “Naturally! A senior brother must act the part. Though Senior Brother usually takes the spotlight, and it’s not my place to protect our junior or root out villains, that doesn’t mean I’m incapable. I’m always on the lookout for opportunities!”

Lotus Seed giggled. “Seems your dedication matches mine, Second Brother! I’m truly impressed.”

Snow Ze pondered their words, glancing at their earnest faces, and felt a chill in her heart.

“To think, after all these years in Kunlun, so much has changed here. Senior sisters who once treated me kindly now see me as a thorn in their side. Then why did they ally with us before? Was it just for appearances or out of necessity?”

“Yes, so many things have happened in just a few days since you descended the mountain. Only now do we understand the Spirit Maidens’ true intentions.”

Ji Lin nodded. “Exactly. Not to mention old matters—think of the anomaly you encountered during your last search. Do you know why that happened? Or why Senior Brother suddenly brought you back today?”

Snow Ze froze, unable to voice her suspicions.

“That’s right,” Lotus Seed confirmed gravely. “The first time, it was White Feather Spirit Maiden who wanted to see Senior Brother. The second, it was Shear Velvet who wanted to show off in front of the Celestial Sovereign of Jiucang.”

“What?” Snow Ze was incredulous. “Do you have any proof? Why would Senior Sister White Feather choose that moment to see Senior Brother? And why would Shear Velvet seek to impress the Celestial Sovereign? It doesn’t add up…”

Lotus Seed smiled. “It may seem illogical to you, but it’s perfectly reasonable. You were taught by the kindest of masters and never learned to see malice in others; naturally, you can’t understand the Spirit Maidens’ actions. If you think I’m being paranoid or slandering them out of fear, feel free to ask Second Brother.”

Ji Lin chuckled awkwardly, then admitted to Snow Ze, “Honestly, I didn’t intend to tell you—living carefree isn’t a bad thing. But the situation is special now. You need to know, lest they deceive or harm you…”

“Senior Brother!” Snow Ze stood, too agitated to refute, yet unwilling to believe.

“Listen to me,” Ji Lin said, deciding to be completely candid. “White Feather Spirit Maiden has always admired Senior Brother, so she’s wary of you. I needn’t say more. Shear Velvet stands out among all the female disciples; she craves the highest authority, and with the Celestial Master secluded, this is her chance.”

“So my presence cost them something?” Snow Ze was stunned, turmoil surging within: Are those two senior sisters truly at the root of all this? And if so, why hasn’t Senior Brother warned me? No, that’s not his way; he wouldn’t reveal these things to the other two without reason. Could there be something more behind it?

“Now you know what you must do, right?” Lotus Seed linked arms with Snow Ze, gazing at her expectantly.

Snow Ze sighed. “But if what you say is true—if they truly lack discipline and pure intentions—why is it only you two who speak of it? Neither the Celestial Master nor the Sovereign has passed judgment. The matter can’t be so simple.”

Lotus Seed hesitated. “Isn’t it because the Celestial Master is in seclusion and there’s no one to maintain order on Tianshan? No one dares cause a major incident.”

“Really? Would the Celestial Sovereign care so much about appearances? Is it in Jiucang’s character to overlook the faults of his disciples?”

Ji Lin smiled faintly, his gaze steady. “Everyone has their stubborn side, and the Celestial Sovereign is no exception—especially Jiucang. He values Tianshan’s reputation and his disciples’ feelings. Perhaps, because the positions of Spirit Maidens are so important, he’s unwilling to hurt them.”

Lotus Seed nodded. “That’s why we want you to strive harder, to surpass them. Only then will you avoid being bullied or looked down upon. Since ancient times, power belongs to the strong. If they covet authority, then to avoid being wronged, you must stand above them.”