Chapter 5: A Sword’s Startling Appearance
Someone really is like a pampered white cat, not even willing to get their paws dirty…
Yin Buran ignored Xu Chuo and leisurely walked into the crowd.
She was wearing only a thin white robe.
The material of the garment was extremely special; under the lamplight, it shimmered like sparkling water, and the dark lotus patterns on the hem glowed.
Such intricate patterns on her body made her seem exceptionally noble, and also increasingly frail, as if she couldn’t even bear the weight of her clothes.
Xu Chuo put away her bell, and the cultivators who had been standing stiffly hurried to make way, lowering their heads and not daring to look.
Yin Buran strolled into the middle of the two parties as if she were in her own courtyard and said faintly, “Since there is a dispute, why not examine the body directly to see how he died?”
Xu Chuo quickly bowed respectfully. “The venerable one is right. This junior was a bit impulsive upon seeing my junior brother’s demise. Please forgive me.”
With a single “too impulsive,” she glossed over her previous forceful attitude.
She gave a look to the people around her, and they immediately prepared to carry the body away.
Just as Ning Ruoque frowned, she heard Yin Buran beside her ask coolly, “Where are you taking it?”
The few cultivators froze on the spot, not knowing whether to move or stay. They were like plucked quails, trembling with fear.
Compared to Xu Chuo, it seemed Yin Buran was the one who could not be offended here.
Ignoring the undercurrents in the area, Yin Buran pointed to a flat spot. “Put it here. I can examine it now.”
The men carrying the corpse quickly complied, afraid of being too slow. The young woman wanted to speak again, but she had barely moved when Xu Chuo pressed her down.
Xu Chuo lowered her head and said calmly, “With the venerable one taking action, we naturally have no objections.”
The previously tense atmosphere was instantly suppressed.
Her gaze was lowered, and her white hair was tied up with a green satin ribbon, making her look cold and self-possessed.
Thus, a dead silence fell, allowing the bright moonlight to shatter all over the ground.
Ning Ruoque was no stranger to such a scene.
Or rather, this was the Yin Buran she was most familiar with.
Neither dust nor blood should ever touch her sleeves.
Ning Ruoque lowered her knife and silently retreated into the shadows cast by the trees, not wanting to attract any attention.
And in the center of the area, Yin Buran came to a conclusion without even moving her hands—
“Judging by the wound, this person has been dead for many days.”
These words were like a stone cast into a calm lake, creating a thousand ripples.
Most of the Brightlight Pavilion disciples present grew restless, discussing amongst themselves in hushed tones.
The young woman from before argued, “Impossible! I spoke with Junior Brother this morning.”
With her taking the lead, the others also stood up one by one to testify.
“That’s right! I saw him in the back mountains yesterday.”
“He greeted me as well.”
“There must be some mistake…”
Of course, some people did not express an opinion, such as Xu Chuo.
Ning Ruoque observed her discreetly, while she silently watched Yin Buran.
Normally, Yin Buran wouldn’t explain a single word.
But her mood tonight was rather good, so she patiently said, “All the blood in his body has been drained, which is why there are no bloodstains around.”
Besides, Ning Ruoque’s attack had been ruthless. A discerning eye could see that her blade had cut straight to the vital pulse.
But there wasn’t even a speck of blood on the ground, and the corpse was clean. This was absolutely impossible.
The young woman still refused to accept it. “Could it be that she tampered with it?”
But as soon as the words left her mouth, the young woman regretted them.
That person was Azurefall Creek’s “Divine Pivot Lord,” the leader of the medical cultivator lineage. How could she not see through such a trick?
Xu Chuo scolded in a low voice, “Tang Jin, do not be rude. Venerable one—”
Yin Buran casually raised her eyes, interrupting Xu Chuo’s words, and said, “Her? Her cultivation is too low. I’m afraid she couldn’t do such a thing.”
“Go and cut open the body. It will be more convincing for everyone.”
As her voice fell, no one in the crowd responded. They all followed Yin Buran’s gaze—
There, in the dim light, stood a dark figure. Even her knife was held harmlessly behind her back, concealing the sharp-edged demeanor she had displayed earlier.
Ning Ruoque, with her low cultivation and attempt to reduce her presence: “…”
She was just a minor rogue cultivator now, with the lowest status among the group. She had no right to refuse on the spot.
Ning Ruoque had no choice but to take the willow-leaf knife and squat down in front of the corpse.
And she grumbled inwardly, Someone really is like a pampered white cat, not even willing to get their paws dirty, always ordering people around.
But then she remembered Yin Buran’s weak and feeble state earlier and couldn’t help but wonder, Is she still so frail now?
“The abdomen,” Yin Buran’s slightly hoarse voice sounded.
Ning Ruoque immediately focused. The sharp blade pierced the corpse’s waist and abdomen, cutting through the flesh with almost no resistance.
At the sight of the flesh and blood, Yan Lingge subconsciously covered her mouth, and most of the people present cried out in alarm.
This corpse, not only did it have no blood, but it also had no internal organs! The bones inside had even begun to rot and turn black.
It was likely that its spiritual energy had long since dissipated, no wonder it could be possessed by a fiend.
Some of the more timid people instantly turned pale.
The “Junior Brother” who had been alive and well, talking to them during the day—was he human or ghost?
The young woman called Tang Jin took a step back and looked timidly at Xu Chuo. “Senior Sister, this—”
To cause such a death, the culprit was most likely a demonic cultivator.
There were few demonic cultivators in the cultivation world today, but every time one appeared, it would cause hundreds, thousands, or even tens of thousands of casualties.
Therefore, ordinary immortal sects like Brightlight Pavilion would turn pale at the mere mention of them.
Xu Chuo pressed her temples, a visible headache and exhaustion written all over her face.
“Everyone, please remain calm. I will naturally report this matter to our master. If necessary, Brightlight Pavilion will report to the Immortal Alliance for assistance in order to capture the culprit as soon as possible.”
“Venerable one, what do you think of this—”
Before she could finish, Yin Buran raised her hand and formed a seal. “Focus the mind, pacify the soul.”
In that instant, the wind rustled through the bamboo forest, and the moonlight even outshone the dim courtyard lamps.
Ning Ruoque felt a sense of comfort throughout her body.
The spiritual veins in her body were gently nourished, and the discomfort from her soul leaving her body was completely dispelled, as comfortable as soaking in a hot spring.
She let out a long sigh, guessing that Yin Buran had kindly shared a bit of her spiritual energy with her while pacifying the corpse’s soul.
The gruesome wounds on the corpse gradually healed, and it finally closed its eyes.
The people who had retreated far away gathered around again, discussing in low voices how to send off their fellow sect member.
Ning Ruoque quietly slipped out of the crowd, wishing she could hide herself in the shadows and slip away when no one was looking.
Even now, she hadn’t given up on her plan, especially after meeting the not-so-normal Yin Buran.
She didn’t want to get close to Yin Buran at all!
Just then, a crisp voice suddenly came from outside the courtyard. “Little Senior Sister, so you’re here!”
A young girl with a round face and almond eyes came running in, ignoring the atmosphere of the scene and showing no curiosity about what had happened before.
She eagerly approached Yin Buran and took her hand with concern. “The wind is strong at night. Where’s your cloak? Your hands are so cold.”
Yin Buran had returned to her previous lazy state, answering weakly, “Left it on her bed.”
Qingtong turned to look at Ning Ruoque, then trotted back into the room to find the cloak.
Ning Ruoque: ?
Wait, why did she glare at me for no reason?
Their exchange was not intentionally hidden from Xu Chuo, who naturally heard it clearly.
After ordering the others to carry the corpse away, her gaze swept between the two and she asked unhurriedly, “The venerable one and this…”
Ning Ruoque said casually, “My name is Ning Man.”
This wasn’t exactly a lie. Almost no one knew that before she was taken in by her master, her given name was simply “Man.”
Xu Chuo put on a friendly smile. “Did the venerable one and fellow Daoist Ning hit it off at first sight?”
Qingtong was quick. She had already retrieved the fox-fur cloak and, without a word, draped it over Yin Buran, even tucking it in tightly.
It was clear that Yin Buran was used to being taken care of, and these actions did not affect her answer in the slightest.
She spoke slowly, “Not at all. She is my—”
“Cough, cough!”
Ning Ruoque suddenly coughed twice, with a suspicion of overdoing it, afraid that Yin Buran would say something strange.
Yin Buran glanced at her and continued, “She is my patient. We met by chance, so I came over for a follow-up consultation.”
At this point in the conversation, she saw Yin Buran yawn and figured the woman should be leaving soon.
She could then use her ordinary, low-cultivation identity to make a quick escape.
As expected, Xu Chuo was good at reading people and thoughtfully advised Yin Buran to go back and rest.
She even smiled and praised, “The venerable one truly has a doctor’s benevolent heart. I won’t disturb your reunion.”
The latter did not refuse. After walking a few steps, she suddenly looked back. “Aren’t you coming?”
Ning Ruoque’s heart, which had just settled down, nearly leaped out of her throat again.
“I…”
Yin Buran frowned in annoyance. “Your condition has worsened. It cannot be delayed. You must be treated tonight.”
Even Qingtong shot her a displeased look, as if blaming her for annoying Yin Buran.
Ning Ruoque: “…”
This is bad. If she really follows, she probably won’t be able to escape for a long time.
Ning Ruoque was still struggling, her gaze shifting to Yan Lingge’s face, considering whether to use her as an excuse.
Who would have thought that even Yan Lingge would earnestly advise, “Senior, your health is more important.”
Ning Ruoque felt like a puppet, being carried and pushed onto a stage against her will to act in a bizarre play.
But all she wanted was to find her sword.
Seeing Yin Buran’s face growing colder, Ning Ruoque lowered her eyes in frustration, carefully hiding the reluctance in them.
“Alright.”
Patient is better than fiancée. Ning Ruoque reluctantly accepted this identity.
She followed behind Yin Buran. As she was about to step out of the courtyard gate, she looked back as if guided by a whim.
In the fading lamplight, the bamboo shadows swayed.
Yan Lingge stood alone, waving at her with a small gesture and a shy smile.
Ning Ruoque mimicked her action, gave a small wave, and then quickened her pace to catch up with Yin Buran.
***
It had to be said, the residence Brightlight Pavilion provided for Yin Buran was extraordinary.
A courtyard facing south, with a gurgling stream, winter sweet plum blossoms braving the snow and frost, and no lack of rockeries and pavilions. It was even arranged with spirit stones to gather a large amount of spiritual energy.
The interior was meticulously designed, with even the window sills made of the finest mahogany. It was a level of wealth Ning Ruoque had never experienced.
As soon as she followed Yin Buran into the room, Qingtong consciously closed the door and retreated outside.
Ning Ruoque felt that this young girl was strange, always harboring an inexplicable hostility towards her.
Just as she was about to say something, she saw Yin Buran take out a pearl the size of a pigeon’s egg and place it on the table.
In an instant, a mist rose, and a cold, yin aura filled the room, then dissipated in a very short time.
Ning Ruoque strained her ears but could no longer hear any sounds from outside, as if she had been thrown into a separate space.
This must be the legendary “Mirage Pearl,” of which there were no more than ten in the entire world.
She saw Yin Buran take off her heavy cloak and lean listlessly against the chaise lounge, her lips even paler than when they first met.
Ning Ruoque didn’t dare to sit.
She considered for a moment, then hesitantly asked, “What are you doing at Brightlight Pavilion?”
Brightlight Pavilion was not a renowned major sect. With Yin Buran’s status, there was absolutely no need for her to come in person.
Yin Buran turned her head away. “I’m tired. I don’t want to talk about this tonight.”
She raised her hand and gently pulled, and the hair ribbon fell onto the couch.
Her white hair cascaded down, shedding all traces of dignity and reserve, adding a cat-like laziness.
Then she lifted her chin. “Besides, with such a beautiful moon, it would be a pity to talk about serious matters.”
Although Ning Ruoque really wanted to get to the bottom of things, seeing how tired the other person was, with even her words sounding soft and tangled like a ball of yarn, she could only nod.
“You’re right. The moonlight is perfect tonight. I should seize the time to cultivate.”
The events of the day had given her a strong sense of crisis.
She had relied too much on her experience.
But in the cultivation world, strength was paramount. If she encountered a strong enemy, experience would be hard-pressed to make up for the gap in cultivation. If this continued, she would suffer a great loss sooner or later.
She scanned the room, looking for a suitable place to meditate without disturbing Yin Buran’s rest.
Before Yin Buran could say another word, Ning Ruoque had already turned her back.
“…”
She was silent for a few seconds, then stood up abruptly, clenched her fist, and struck fiercely at Ning Ruoque.
However, the latter deftly moved a small step to the side, and Yin Buran’s fist just grazed her shoulder.
It was light and airy, like being pounced on by a small animal.
Ning Ruoque tugged at her clothes, her face full of confusion. “Is there something on my shoulder?”
Yin Buran did not answer.
She stared blankly at the floor for a second or two, then with difficulty, shifted her gaze to the window.
Then she pointed to the cool couch covered with a straw mat and, in a complete change from her soft tone, said coldly, “You will cultivate there tonight.”
