C16 They Broke Their Habitual Thinking and Thought That the Junior Sisters Were Really Powerful.
Elder Wang of the Swiftglades Sect had departed.
Known as Wang Bailichuan, he was a renowned entity within the contemporary Cultivation World.
His cultivation had reached the esteemed Void Treading realm – a remarkable achievement to attain the sixth level.
Moreover, he was on the cusp of the seventh.
His personal issuance of a challenge spoke volumes about his deep-seated intentions.
"If my memory serves me right, this old coot's visit wasn't solely to issue a challenge."
It was also to set the stage for the upcoming narrative!
Ye Ning began to piece together the significant plot points from the book.
A plot that revolved around the emergence of a treasure.
It was then that he heard the soft voice of his Master, "Ning."
"Yes, Master. Your disciple is present."
Ye Ning harbored a subtle fear towards his Master.
Yet, he noticed an unexpected softness in her demeanor today, contrasting with her sternness when sending him to the Scripture Pavilion the day before.
Jin Lingzi let out a soft sigh, "You acted too rashly earlier."
"Master, as cultivators, we must be brave and diligent, never shrinking from a challenge."
"You were the one who instilled this philosophy in me."
Jin Lingzi shook her head, "I once believed that too."
"But now, having entered the Dao Transformation Stage, my perspective has evolved."
"Valor and progress are indeed commendable."
"However, without the ability to measure one's heart, such actions might backfire."
"Hence, Ning, you must temper your bold strides with caution."
"Maintaining the balance of Yin and Yang is the essence of our Cultivation World, lest we stray into the Devil Dao."
With each word from Jin Lingzi, Ye Ning nodded earnestly in agreement.
His response was not mere formality; it was genuine acceptance.
Master's words resonated with truth.
Indeed, Ye Ning had always embodied the philosophy of balancing work with rest.
"Is Master's change of heart genuine?"
He couldn't shake off the memory of being suspected as a spy by her.
Jin Lingzi knew she had to concoct an excuse to smooth over the abrupt shift in her behavior from the previous day.
If not, Ning's sensitive nature might harbor resentment, which would be detrimental.
She couldn't afford to get too close to Ye Ning; too much closeness could lead to unintended emotions – an outcome she desperately wanted to avoid.
Yet, she couldn't distance herself too much either.
If Ye Ning sensed her indifference or suspicion, it could potentially push him towards the Devil Dao.
The key was to find the right balance.
With a spark of inspiration, Jin Lingzi explained,
"Yesterday, upon your return from seclusion, I noticed an intensity in your eyes, a hint of malevolence."
"That's why I insisted you spend time in the Scripture Pavilion, to cultivate a peaceful mind."
A smile graced Ye Ning's face as he replied, "Disciple is grateful for your concern, Master."
But inside, Ye Ning's anxiety intensified.
"Murderous aura!"
Master had detected the presence of a murderous aura!
That meant she had likely discovered the existence of the Bloodthirsty Pearl beforehand.
This was troubling, indeed!
He would have to tread carefully in the days ahead, leaving no room for error.
Jin Lingzi added, "That's why I believe you were too hasty in accepting the challenge – it's fraught with peril."
"Yes, Master, your lesson is well taken." At that moment, Ye Ning knew better than to contradict his Master.
He was earnest in his demeanor and humbly accepted both the education and criticism offered to him.
Then he spoke, "Master, I shall heed your guidance."
"However, this time the Swiftglades Sect's arrival is clearly with ill intent."
"I cannot retreat."
"It's not Jiang Tiannan from the Swiftglades Sect, but Jiang Feng. If I refuse, wouldn't that make us the laughingstock of the righteous sects?"
Hmm, Master places great importance on our sect's reputation.
She should be pleased with my stance!
The master and disciple exchanged thoughts back and forth.
Jin Lingzi cautioned Ye Ning repeatedly not to rush into action or compromise his own well-being for the sake of the sect's honor.
Ye Ning realized with unease that Master was testing him.
So he reassured her, "Master, rest assured. With me, Ye Ning, here, all challenges will be trivial!"
While they were engaged in conversation, Chen Qingwei, who had been listening, could no longer contain herself.
Her voice, crisp as a chime of silver bells, interrupted:
"Master, Eldest Senior Brother!"
"Why are you acting so formal with each other?"
"The Martial Uncles aren't even here."
Chen Qingwei's words brought silence to both Jin Lingzi and Ye Ning.
Indeed, had their conversation not become too guarded?
But why had it suddenly turned this way?
Jin Lingzi and Ye Ning exchanged a glance, then quickly averted their eyes.
"We are family..." Jin Lingzi mused internally.
Ye Ning reflected, "Family, such a comforting word."
"Yet, no matter how comforting, it's not as precious as one's life."
"Sigh..."
Such discomfort!
And so, they lapsed into silence once more.
...
Luckily, Chen Qingwei had her own ideas.
She overlooked the sudden, inexplicable awkwardness between her Master and Eldest Senior Brother.
With excitement, she proposed,
"Actually, I've got a great idea!"
"Oh? Qingwei, let's hear it," they urged.
Qingwei, your timing couldn't be better!
Jin Lingzi instinctively warned, "Qingwei, please don't be reckless."
Chen Qingwei thought to herself, "Hmph, Master always underestimates me, treating me like a child."
"But Eldest Senior Brother is the best!"
Regardless, I, Chen Qingwei, am determined to stand by Eldest Senior Brother.
"It's quite straightforward!"
"If it's not Jiang Tiannan but Jiang Feng who has come from the Swiftglades, then why should our Irontalons send Eldest Senior Brother to respond?"
"A King faces a King, a General faces a General!"
Upon hearing this, even Ye Ning regarded Chen Qingwei with newfound respect.
"Brilliant, Chen Qingwei!"
He had been trapped in a rigid mindset, fully absorbed in the original storyline.
He had been fixated on adhering to the main plot!
In the original narrative, it was "himself" who had taken action and triumphed over Jiang Feng.
So, Ye Ning pondered,
How could he maintain composure and poise in his victory over Jiang Feng?
He must uphold the dignity of the Irontalons and yet display his own style.
But he must avoid being too showy and attracting resentment.
Yet, why must he be the one to confront Jiang Feng?
As the King of the Irontalons, engaging Jiang Feng would put him at a disadvantage, regardless of how splendid the victory.
The proper strategy is King versus King, General versus General!
Chen Qingwei then added, "If Jiang Feng seeks a challenge with Eldest Senior Brother, so be it!"
"First, try to beat me, your junior sister!"
Chen Qingwei was brimming with enthusiasm, her fighting spirit boundless.
"Master, allow me to take this on!"
"Am I supposed to be scared of Jiang Feng? Not a chance."
Jin Lingzi found himself hesitating!