Chapter 140: Liu Yiyi’s Stance (Third Watch)

“I just can’t bear to leave my master!” Liu Yiyi blinked her big eyes, thinking hard for a long moment before softly speaking.

Xiao Cheng had saved her once, and later they had practiced cultivation together. After that, she felt something indescribable for him—something she couldn’t let go of, even wishing to be with him forever.

On the other hand, her master had raised her for over a decade, taught her to read, to cultivate, and the debt of gratitude weighed heavily on her heart. She couldn’t bear to leave her master behind.

She was torn. If only Xiao Cheng could stay on Mount Shenfeng…

Huian, the venerable cultivator, sighed softly to himself, thinking that indeed, grown daughters are hard to keep. Although Liu Yiyi’s words were subtle, the meaning was clear: she wanted to leave with Xiao Cheng, but she couldn’t bear to part from her master.

“Do you remember what happened after you fell into the water?” Huian asked, addressing the question that weighed most heavily on his mind.

Liu Yiyi lowered her head, her chest heaving slightly with shame, unwilling to meet her master’s gaze. Although she hadn’t felt anything amiss during their joint cultivation yesterday, the more she thought about it afterward, the more embarrassed she became. Now, being asked by her master, she found it hard to speak.

Seeing Liu Yiyi’s expression, Huian’s anger flared. He had suspected that Xiao Cheng might have taken advantage of her while she was unconscious, but now it seemed that Liu Yiyi was fully aware of what had transpired and that Xiao Cheng had acted while she was awake.

“That vile wretch!” Huian trembled with rage.

Liu Yiyi was taken aback, not understanding why her master would speak so harshly of Xiao Cheng. Then she guessed her master must have misunderstood something.

“Master, it’s not what you think, it’s just that...”

Blushing deeply, Liu Yiyi briefly recounted what had happened in the cave yesterday—how she saw Xiao Cheng poisoned and, upon noticing his insignia, used the dual cultivation method inscribed there to help him detoxify. She omitted the part where Xiao Cheng flipped her over and pinned her down.

After hearing her account, Huian opened his mouth as if to say something, but no words came out.

Then, with a sudden cough, he spat out a mouthful of blood, overcome with anger.

He had thought Xiao Cheng took advantage of Liu Yiyi’s vulnerability, but now it was clear that Liu Yiyi’s naivety led her to use the dual cultivation technique to feed off him.

He had known about Liu Yiyi’s recent advancement and had been curious, but his priority was stopping Xiao Cheng from taking her away, so he hadn’t asked. Now it made sense that her progress came entirely from gains taken from Xiao Cheng.

How was this any different from the practices of dark cultivators?

Xiao Cheng had suffered greatly, yet he had helped the Zhongling Sect rid itself of a great danger and returned the sect’s insignia. He came to the mountain without mentioning the feeding incident, did not blame Liu Yiyi, and wanted to take her with him. Meanwhile, Huian had even attacked Xiao Cheng on his sword.

Looking back, Huian felt overwhelming guilt. It was all because Liu Yiyi was naïve; Xiao Cheng bore no blame.

---

“Master, what’s wrong?” Liu Yiyi hurried to support him.

Huian raised his aged hand as if to slap her, frustrated at raising such an uncomprehending disciple.

But he couldn’t bring himself to strike her. After all, Liu Yiyi acted out of kindness, not understanding the difference between dual cultivation and feeding off someone.

He blamed himself for never teaching the three sisters about the dangers of the opposite sex, thinking they were still too young. Dual cultivation was no trivial matter.

“Alas! Such folly!” Huian stomped his foot and lowered his hand.

“Master, I know I was wrong. I won’t do it again!” Liu Yiyi hung her head, tears brimming in her eyes. Her master had never been so stern with her before.

“There will be no next time. A woman only has one chance in her life!” Huian said, a wistful look in his eyes, then shook his head.

Though the situation was unexpected, the outcome wasn’t so bad. Setting aside the dual cultivation issue, Xiao Cheng was clearly a young man of great responsibility and strength. If Liu Yiyi followed him, it would be a blessing for her.

“Well then, Yiyi, there are things you don’t understand. I’ll tell you now—if you’re to be with Young Master Xiao, you must never be too willful. A man’s patience has its limits.

Also, never provoke other men—not even a glance. In your eyes, there must only be Young Master Xiao.

He is the heir of a great family in Huhai. Going with him to enjoy a good life isn’t bad at all. Come back to visit your master during festivals—that will satisfy me.”

After saying this, Huian’s expression grew weary, his wrinkles deepening. How could he bear to let Liu Yiyi leave Zhongling Sect? But since she had made this choice willingly, and Xiao Cheng accepted her, this old man could not stand in the way of her happiness.

“Master, I don’t want to leave you!”

Liu Yiyi’s voice broke as tears flowed. Though she longed to see the world and be with Xiao Cheng, the thought of her master’s advanced age and not knowing when she would see him again overwhelmed her with sorrow.

“Silly girl, come back to visit whenever you want. It’s easy out there—there are cars and planes. You can return home in just a day!”

Huian’s heart softened, his old eyes moist.

---

Xiao Cheng settled Mu Hongru at the foot of the mountain, helping him to slowly circulate his true energy, smoothing his meridians, and explaining the basics of cultivation. He also clarified once more that he was not a celestial being, only a cultivator.

He had expected Mu Hongru to be disappointed, but to his surprise, Mu Hongru was even happier.

In Mu Hongru’s eyes, his master was an invincible figure who could fly through the skies and travel the earth. If his master wasn’t a celestial, then Mu Hongru had even more hope of achieving such feats himself, especially since his master seemed quite young. That was why he was so joyous.

When Xiao Cheng returned to Mount Shenfeng, he saw Liu Yiyi and her master embracing tearfully. He guessed that Liu Yiyi had agreed to leave with him.

“Young Master Xiao, I apologize for my misunderstanding last night. Please forgive me. Yiyi is still young and inexperienced; I hope you will be patient with her,” Huian said, bowing deeply in apology.

Xiao Cheng quickly stepped aside, guessing that Liu Yiyi must have told Huian about what had happened in the cave.

“It’s alright. I will take good care of Yiyi. It’s my duty,” Xiao Cheng replied.

“Your words comfort me greatly. I entrust Yiyi to you. Also, I have one more request—please, after I pass away, look after Qingqing and Biru for Yiyi’s sake.”

Xiao Cheng was slightly surprised but nodded in agreement.

“Thank you for your hospitality, Venerable. My clan has other matters to attend to, so I won’t stay long. If you have time, please visit Huhai. Also, if Yiyi’s two elder sisters wish to cultivate in the secular world, they may come to Huhai as well.”

Not wanting to delay further, Xiao Cheng was eager to return to his many family affairs.

“When Qingqing and Biru reach the nascent stage, they will begin secular cultivation. I will send them to find you then. As for what comes after, that will be up to you younger generations. I will not interfere,” Huian said with a faint smile. The Liu sisters had always had somewhat unique constitutions, and now that he saw Xiao Cheng’s impeccable character, strength, and family background, his thoughts had deepened.

Liu Qingqing and Liu Biru had quietly arrived behind Huian and blushed slightly upon hearing their master’s ambiguous words.

Xiao Cheng awkwardly smiled, then asked Liu Yiyi to pack her things before leaving Mount Shenfeng.

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