The Heroine Fell Deeply For Her [Quick Transmigration] 57p1

Chapter 57 p1: Disciple and Wife 

Cen Dianshuang’s promise to take Tao Ning beyond Wangshu Peak after she reached Foundation Establishment was merely a motivational tactic.

Just two months later, however, while meditating on her coral, Cen Dianshuang heard the familiar jingling of the communication bell. Descending the mountain, she found Tao Ning waiting for her, an innocent expression on her face.

“Sorry to disturb you, Master, but I couldn’t suppress it any longer. I think I’m about to reach Foundation Establishment.”

Cen Dianshuang, looking at the surge of purple lightning spiritual energy radiating from her disciple: “…”

Her disciple resembled a bristling, purple, miniature beast.

She finally understood her own master’s exasperated sighs and constant reminders to build a solid foundation, not to rush cultivation.

She looked at Tao Ning, tempted to repeat her master’s words verbatim.

Instead, she calmly retrieved a basket of spirit stones, quickly arranging them into a spirit gathering formation.

There would be no Foundation Establishment Pills. Excessive reliance on pills could lead to impurities and weaken one’s foundation.

While not particularly skilled in formations, the spirit gathering formation was a basic requirement for any cultivator. She quickly created a space saturated with spiritual energy.

The vibrant, yet sharp, lightning spiritual energy converged, the air thick with its power.

“I’ll protect you. Begin,” Cen Dianshuang instructed.

Tao Ning, seated on the jade bed, closed her eyes, focusing her spiritual sense inwards.

This wasn’t her first Foundation Establishment breakthrough. With her residual memories and Cen Dianshuang’s assistance, success was practically guaranteed.

By morning, Wangshu Peak had a new Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Half a month later, after Tao Ning’s cultivation stabilized, Cen Dianshuang visited Shuhan Peak, informing her senior sister of her intention to leave the sect.

Lizhu wasn’t surprised. Cen Dianshuang was a free spirit, always eager to explore the world beyond the mountain gates. Confining her to one place only made her restless.

Traveling the mortal realm also helped Cen Dianshuang cultivate her heart. Unlike other cultivators, her innate purity made her resistant to worldly temptations.

Lizhu: “This trip is different. Your disciple’s cultivation is still low. Keep a close eye on her.”

“I will,” Cen Dianshuang replied, her expression serious, taking her senior sister’s advice to heart. Lizhu, with her numerous disciples, had far more experience.

Then, Lizhu added, “Oh, about the Frost Flowers your Senior Brother Yaodan’s disciple found. She brought back the nectar a month ago. Yesterday, the pills were finally refined. Yaodan had a sudden breakthrough in his alchemy and couldn’t deliver them personally, so he sent them to me.”

Wangshu Peak had only two occupants. With Tao Ning remaining on the peak, no one could bypass the formation.

Lizhu retrieved a small bottle, examining it before putting it back. “You and your disciple are both alike, forgetting everything when you cultivate. Perhaps I should send a few sword attendants to Wangshu Peak to handle your mundane affairs?”

Cen Dianshuang, following her, replied, “No.”

Lizhu: “If you’re staying in a populated area, it shouldn’t be a problem… No? Why not?”

Cen Dianshuang, without missing a beat, used her disciple as an excuse. “I promised Tao Ning I wouldn’t take any other disciples.”

Lizhu, picking up the bottle again and thrusting it into Cen Dianshuang’s hands, said, “You’re using your disciple as a shield.”

Cen Dianshuang returned an innocent look, a tactic learned from Tao Ning. It was effective. Lizhu sighed, unable to scold her, simply reminding her to take plenty of spirit stones.

As a Nascent Soul cultivator, she could survive anywhere, even perched on a tree branch in her true form. Her disciple, however, was more delicate.

As Cen Dianshuang turned to leave, Lizhu called out, “Wangshu Peak isn’t just yours anymore. Try not to summon any unnecessary rain.”

Cen Dianshuang fell silent.

How could she explain that it had already rained, and her true name had been revealed?

A few days later, it was time to depart. Lizhu came to see them off.

Smiling warmly, she addressed Tao Ning. “Congratulations on reaching Foundation Establishment in just three months, Nephew Tao Ning. Such rapid progress.”

Tao Ning, her expression innocent, replied, “Master says it’s a bit fast, but my foundation is solid.”

Lizhu, recognizing the familiar expression, finally understood Cen Dianshuang’s recent behavior.

My little junior sister has been corrupted, she thought with a mixture of amusement and exasperation. “Is that so? Let me see.”

“Please, Sect Leader.” Tao Ning extended her hand.

Lizhu studied her for a moment before placing her fingers on Tao Ning’s wrist. Her initial smile faded as she probed the girl’s meridians, her expression turning serious, her demeanor shifting to that of the Sect Leader.

Tao Ning showed no fear, her gaze steady despite her lowered head.

After a moment, Lizhu withdrew her hand, smiling at the puzzled Cen Dianshuang. “A solid foundation, smooth energy flow. Did you use a Foundation Establishment Pill?”

Cen Dianshuang: “Pills can leave impurities. Best to avoid them if possible.”

Lizhu nodded in agreement. “Wise words. I teach the same to my disciples. However, my new disciple, despite possessing a Yang Flame physique, hasn’t been able to guide spiritual energy into her body yet. She was raised in luxury, her heart still unsettled. She needs more time.”

Cen Dianshuang offered some advice. “If she struggles with guiding spiritual energy, have her practice sword forms for two hours each day, or perhaps sweep the Spirit Sword Tomb.”

Lizhu: “That’s what I was thinking.”

She smoothly changed the subject, escorting them to the mountain gate, watching as their figures grew smaller in the distance.

Two disciples, trailing behind her, sensing her lingering concern for Elder Cen’s disciple, asked, “Master, is something wrong with Disciple Tao Ning?”

Lizhu: “Nothing’s wrong. I was just reminded of your little junior sister. Did she cry again today?”

The disciples replied in unison, “Yes, she soaked three handkerchiefs.”

The purpose of their trip was to gather materials for Tao Ning’s spirit sword. Cen Dianshuang, now a master, felt a newfound sense of responsibility. She had asked Elder Qianlian for a list of necessary materials, intending to collect them all.

Tao Ning had also seen the list. As the Qianqi Peak Master, Elder Qianlian’s recommendations were thorough and meticulous.

Not only did she specify the quantity, appearance, and properties of each material, but she also indicated their locations and, anticipating Cen Dianshuang’s straightforward nature and her disciple’s inexperience, included detailed instructions for their preservation.

Some materials, while essential for crafting exceptionally sharp blades, were delicate, requiring specific storage methods to prevent their spiritual energy from dissipating or clashing with other materials.

Tao Ning was once again impressed by the Hanshan Sect’s collaborative spirit, understanding why the protagonist had cursed their stubborn resistance to his ambitions.

Even after Cen Dianshuang’s sect cleansing, facing retaliation from the protagonist’s harem and followers, the Hanshan Sect had remained defiant, eliminating every threat.

This had destabilized the sect, making them a target for the Demonic and Demonic Beast Realms.

Then, the ensuing chaos caused by the masterless Wanhun Cauldron, with everyone vying for its power, had led to Cen Dianshuang sacrificing herself to seal it, restoring peace to the three realms.

No one could destroy the Wanhun Cauldron, except its creator, whose weakness remained unknown, even to Elder Qianlian.

The Hanshan Sect, and Cen Dianshuang in particular, had acted with unwavering righteousness.

Tao Ning: “520, is there any progress?”

520, looking at the perpetually grey progress bar: 【No. They haven’t met yet. The progress bar is inactive.】

Just as Tao Ning was about to respond, the flying sword jolted, a dark shape whizzing past them.

High above the clouds, with the world spread out beneath them, she had no time to admire the scenery. Instinctively, she grabbed Cen Dianshuang’s waist, her cheek pressing against her back.

The embrace was unexpectedly intimate, close enough to hear Cen Dianshuang’s startled heartbeat.

Cen Dianshuang froze, her body stiffening, especially between her collarbone and her thighs.

She rarely tolerated such close contact, let alone embraces. If it weren’t for the fact that it was her disciple, she might have thrown the girl off her sword.

Tao Ning’s voice, slightly muffled, asked, “Master?”

Her hair whipping in the wind, she reached out, smoothing Cen Dianshuang’s stray strands, holding them in her hand.

They were cool and soft, like Cen Dianshuang herself, a cold exterior concealing a warmth within.

Recasting the wind barrier, Cen Dianshuang steadied her voice. “I was… distracted. A bird flew into us. Are you alright?”

She felt Tao Ning’s cheek rub against her back, a silent shake of the head, then her disciple’s slightly shaky voice. “I’m fine.”

She’s scared, but she won’t admit it, Cen Dianshuang thought, glancing at the arms around her waist. Her heart softened. Let her hug me. It’s not like I’ll lose any feathers or weight.

After a moment of silence, with no indication from Cen Dianshuang to let go, Tao Ning tightened her grip slightly, leaning against her master with an air of complete trust and dependence.

Hidden beneath her wind-blown hair, a sly smile curved her lips, her fox-like eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

520, observing this scene, unsure how to react, thought, This is… strange.