245 - Destroyer of Ice and Fire

Thus, she followed Chen Sitong’s words and adopted a proud demeanor, maintaining an air of disdain toward Chen Sitong as she spoke, “Of course. I deliberately led you to Master just so she could take care of you. A lowly creature like you can be crushed by a mere finger of my Master!” Ning Songwu seemed as though she would start looking down her nose at any moment. Ran Fanyin's brows lightly furrowed, and she interjected coldly, “No, that's too much credit.” Ning Songwu was momentarily perplexed and asked in confusion, “What do you mean, Master?” Ran Fanyin responded earnestly, “You've overestimated her ability.” Realizing that Ran Fanyin was implying Chen Sitong wasn’t even worth a finger of her Master’s power, Ning Songwu was unexpectedly impressed by her Master’s skill in sarcasm. Ning Songwu couldn’t help but glance back, only to find Ran Fanyin also turning her head towards her. The sudden closeness allowed Ning Songwu to see the clarity of her dark green eyes, untainted by any impurity. Ran Fanyin’s serious expression showed she wasn’t joking but genuinely believed what she said. Ran Fanyin's intense gaze sought correction from Ning Songwu, making the latter feel a bit embarrassed. She awkwardly laughed and turned back, “Master is right.” The atmosphere between them was subtle, but Chen Sitong felt intensely agitated inside. However, lacking the courage to escalate things, she resorted to verbal jabs, “Oh~ I see you two share a deep teacher-student bond. Too bad you fell into my hands, isn’t this embarrassing?” Chen Sitong emphasized the words "deep bond" in a way that made Ning Songwu uncomfortable. Despite the mockery, Chen Sitong didn’t take any drastic actions, revealing her own lack of confidence. Softening her tone slightly, Ning Songwu coaxed gently, “I don’t think you’re inherently evil. There must be some reason you harmed the people here. Explain it to my Master, and she will surely let you go.” Ran Fanyin remained still, not showing any reaction. Ning Songwu's hand was tied with hers. She subtly brushed against Ran Fanyin's hand, earning a puzzled look from her Master. Ning Songwu felt increasingly anxious; holding onto the hope of survival, she couldn’t afford to die now. So, she continued brushing her hand against Ran Fanyin’s. Knowing Ran Fanyin disliked excessive physical contact, her tactic worked as planned. Ran Fanyin let out a light “hmm,” which sounded as if she agreed with Ning Songwu's statement. “See, my Master agrees!” Chen Sitong’s face darkened upon hearing this exchange. Given past experiences, she didn’t trust that Ran Fanyin would spare her, but there was a yearning for understanding. She didn’t move but began to laugh maniacally. A chilly wind whipped through the stone chamber, lifting her fiery red robes. In Chen Sitong’s laughter, Ning Songwu sensed a profound sorrow. Could it be that her earlier guess was right, that this demon really had grievances? The wind and laughter ceased abruptly within the chamber. Chen Sitong’s demeanor softened, tinged with self-mockery as she spoke, “Then listen to my story. I hope the Honored One can give me an answer afterward.” Chen Sitong began her tale softly. Her parents were refugees who found their way to Wan Jia Village. Outsiders were not welcomed there, compounded by the early death of Chen’s father, leaving just her and her mother. To survive in the village, her mother remarried to an old, irascible bachelor. Only then could they find a foothold. But the old man treated them poorly, frequently subjecting them to abuse. Being mute, Chen Sitong could only make indistinct sounds like a pitiful little dog when beaten. Her mother urged patience, assuring that the old man, being aged and frail, wouldn’t last long. Endure, and it would eventually get better. Chen endured, covering her bruised arms, tears in her eyes, obediently nodding. Unfortunately, her mother never saw that day. One snowy morning, after a night spent out, the old man returned, beating her mercilessly. It was New Year’s, and the villagers celebrated with firecrackers, masking her mother’s screams. Chen Sitong trembled in a corner, watching in terror as her mother was beaten to death. This murder shocked the authorities. Chen watched as her mother’s body was carried away, blood dried on the floor, stale air filled with stench. The old man was taken by the authorities, leaving only the mute Chen Sitong. The commotion attracted the villagers, who pointed and gossiped. “Do you think this mute girl is cursed? She caused the death of her father and now her mother too.” “Indeed. Her mother’s death was horrific. I took a glance; her eyes were gouged out, she couldn't die in peace.” “Hiss! Could there be grievances? Should we call a little immortal from the Li Shui Sect for exorcism?” “Luckily, my husband doesn’t beat me.” The last remark carried a tone of relief and pride. Chen Sitong looked at the woman. Feeling uneasy under Chen Sitong’s gaze, the woman lashed out, “What are you staring at! Bringing such bad luck during New Year’s.” Someone pulled the woman aside, suggesting she stop talking. Before leaving, the woman spat at Chen Sitong and walked away with her basket. Chen Sitong remained unresponsive. She was always timid, enduring everything. She thought about her mother’s eyes that couldn’t close under the white cloth, her desperate screams, and herself cowering in the corner. The old man wasn’t properly punished; released after a few days due to his connections, while Chen’s maternal family wasn’t around to protect her. He came back, hurling insults at her deceased mother and calling her a bastard. Chen Sitong endured silently, not even uttering sobs. Later, two immortals from the Li Shui Sect arrived. To the villagers, they were worlds apart from them. Chen Sitong thought these must be the deities her mother spoke of.