Firstly, A-Qing, on the verge of breaking through to the Nascent Soul Stage, hadn’t asked her for protection, but instead chose Pei Ruyi, with whom she only had an ordinary relationship before.
Secondly, the sword strike Pei Ruyi had aimed at her was extraordinary. As the Head Disciple of the Sword Dao, she could sense the resolve within that sword.
That was no protective sword; it was a sword meant to cleave an enemy to pieces, regardless of the cost to herself.
Even if she had struck for someone else’s protection, that person must be incredibly important to her.
Was it for A-Qing?
She narrowed her eyes, her gaze flickering slightly as she looked at Pei Ruyi.
Pei Ruyi, for her part, felt a bit unnerved under Xiao Qingxuan’s stare and subconsciously patted down her clothes, trying to make the scent of Verdant Wood Flower as faint as possible.
“Since Senior Sister Xiao is here, I’ll head back to the peak to cultivate then.” A hint of guilt crept into her tone.
Seeing that familiar look and hearing that familiar tone, the Xiao Qingxuan before her was undoubtedly the real one.
But upon hearing this, Xiao Qingxuan didn’t move, instead continuing to scrutinize Pei Ruyi.
She was very curious about what exactly had happened to Pei Ruyi recently.
It had only been four or five days since that morning she’d seen Pei Ruyi near the Sword Testing Platform at Heavenly Sword Peak.
Within just a few short days, Pei Ruyi’s Sword Heart seemed to have been reshaped, and the swords she swung were far stronger.
Even her outward appearance had reverted to its original state. She was no longer influenced, no longer proactively imitating her.
But, after all, she was a Junior Sister from her own peak. Becoming stronger was always a good thing.
Of course, it would be even better if she kept her distance from A-Qing.
Watching the silent Xiao Qingxuan, Pei Ruyi started to feel panicked.
Had she been discovered…
It didn’t matter if she was killed by Xiao Qingxuan herself, but she didn’t want everything to be dug up, bringing trouble to Ye Luqing.
Besides, she’d rather be killed by Ye Luqing than by Xiao Qingxuan.
After all, she had already entrusted her life to her.
Thinking this, Pei Ruyi gathered her courage and decided to take a reckless gamble:
“Senior Sister Xiao, do you need me to take you to her?”
Hearing this, Xiao Qingxuan frowned.
“No need.”
She didn’t want Pei Ruyi getting too involved.
Hearing Xiao Qingxuan’s words, Pei Ruyi finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Her gamble had paid off; Senior Sister Xiao hadn’t found them out.
However, just as she was about to leave, Xiao Qingxuan called her back.
“Wait.”
“Senior Sister Xiao, what instructions do you have?” Pei Ruyi turned back, forcing herself to remain calm.
Xiao Qingxuan stepped forward, adjusted Pei Ruyi’s collar, and smoothed out the wrinkles on her sword robe.
“During this time, thank you for taking care of A-Qing, Junior Sister Pei.”
Pei Ruyi froze, but her heart was unexpectedly calm.
If this had been a few years ago, with Xiao Qingxuan making such an intimate gesture, she would have been so excited she’d be at a loss, her face red enough to bleed.
But now, her only thought was hoping the other woman wouldn’t get too close, wouldn’t notice that the wrinkles on her robe were caused by holding Ye Luqing in her arms.
“Xu Cheng’an is set to break through to the Spirit Transformation Stage within these years and rise to the rank of Elder; Lian Tianliu lacks dedication and is unsuited for great responsibility.” Xiao Qingxuan said, looking at her.
“Cultivate diligently. When you reach the Peak Nascent Soul Stage, I will support you in becoming the Head Disciple of Heavenly Sword Peak.”
Hearing this, Pei Ruyi’s heart leaped violently.
Head Disciple of Heavenly Sword Peak, the position she had dreamed of for so long.
This position could only be held by Direct Disciples or True Disciples. After Xiao Qingxuan broke through to the Half-Step Spirit Transformation Stage, the eldest Senior Brother in seclusion, Xu Cheng’an, became Head Disciple, but in practice, all authority was exercised by the Second Senior Brother, Lian Tianliu.
Once Xu Cheng’an broke through to the Spirit Transformation Stage, this position would still be something the True Disciples would have to compete for.
And with Xiao Qingxuan’s support, her bid for the Head Disciple position would be like adding wings to a tiger.
At that thought, her heart surged with excitement.
“Senior Sister Xiao, I…”
But when she raised her head and saw the faint warning in Xiao Qingxuan’s eyes, her heart instantly cooled again, and the words stuck in her throat.
That look clearly said: Take the position of Head Disciple, and from now on, stop coveting her Ye Luqing.
Pei Ruyi immediately lowered her head again. She thought she had disguised herself well, but she had still underestimated Xiao Qingxuan.
This former Head Disciple was anything but simple; she must have noticed some clues.
She bowed her head, and where Xiao Qingxuan couldn’t see, a sharp, keen light flickered in her ice-blue eyes.
“Ruyi’s cultivation is shallow and still needs refinement. I dare not shoulder such great responsibility.”
The sounds around them died down instantly, as if even the wind had disappeared.
Cold sweat had long since soaked Pei Ruyi’s back. Though her words were tactful, this was the first time she had proactively refused Xiao Qingxuan.
Even without looking up, she could feel the immense pressure emanating from the woman before her, enough to make her, a True Monarch powerhouse at the Early Nascent Soul Stage, unable to stand straight.
Xiao Qingxuan said no more. She silently glanced at Pei Ruyi, then walked past her, heading into the small courtyard.
Even after Xiao Qingxuan had left, Pei Ruyi’s body remained frozen in that bowing posture, as if crushed by some invisible weight, unable to move.
A long while later, she finally straightened her back slowly. Her entire body was soaked with sweat, and she panted lightly, as exhausted as if she had just survived a great battle. But her eyes remained bright and sharp.
Her body shivered slightly, not from fear, but from a strange kind of excitement.
For Qing… she had directly defied Xiao Qingxuan for the first time.
She felt a thread of twisted emotion, and her Sword Heart had actually grown a bit stronger.
The feelings she’d had for six years since joining the sect—her admiration for Xiao Qingxuan, her unrequited love, all those complex emotions hadn’t vanished. Instead, they seemed to have transformed into nourishment, feeding the newly born Sword Heart.
Her feelings for Ye Luqing were devouring her feelings for Xiao Qingxuan.
‘Heh… hehe…’
Pei Ruyi stumbled away down Azure Sky Peak, an eerie laugh occasionally escaping her lips.
…………
Xiao Qingxuan arrived at Ye Luqing’s small courtyard and walked directly into the house.
Seeing the Sword Qi surrounding A-Qing, she instantly felt a wave of irritation.
With a gentle wave of her hand, the Sword Qi Pei Ruyi had left to protect Ye Luqing instantly dissipated.
Looking at A-Qing, who was still in the midst of her breakthrough, Xiao Qingxuan’s expression grew increasingly heavy.
Ever since A-Qing had woken up, she seemed like a completely different person.
Even with amnesia, the difference from her previous personality was too vast.
She thought it was because she herself had suppressed A-Qing’s personality. If A-Qing hadn’t been with her all along, maybe she would have been like this now—lively, passionate, liked by everyone.
Instead of just being a little follower behind her, without a single friend besides herself.
Yes, with A-Qing being so cute, kind, and gentle, who wouldn’t like her?
Self-blame and guilt filled Xiao Qingxuan’s heart, but vanished just as quickly.
She wanted to claim A-Qing for herself. Whenever she saw A-Qing beside other people, she felt a sharp pain in her heart, as if a piece of it was missing.
She simply couldn’t imagine what she would do without A-Qing.
“I’m sorry…”
Xiao Qingxuan gently caressed Ye Luqing’s face.
She would never give A-Qing up to anyone. If it went against A-Qing’s wishes, she would find another way to make up for it.
She sat on the bed, pulling Ye Luqing into her arms.
As if sensing Xiao Qingxuan’s aura, Ye Luqing actually let out a soft moan.
“Elder Sister…”
Xiao Qingxuan’s eyes instantly became gentle. She leaned down slightly, bringing her face right next to Ye Luqing’s cheek.
“A-Qing, I’m here…”
“I’ve always been here…”
