74 - Crazy! Criticizing the Prime Minister for Being a Servant

### Chapter 74: Pent-Up Frustration The next day at noon. Ran Fan Yin awoke feeling a bit disoriented. She hadn’t slept so soundly in a long time. As she gradually became more awake, she realized something heavy was pressing on her body. Looking down, she saw the beggar clinging tightly to her, sleeping peacefully. Her gaze softened, which was rare for her, as she gently petted the top of his head. The child's hair was unbelievably soft, enough to melt her heart. "Master, you're awake. Do you wish to get up now?" A maidservant from the Luo family was already standing by. Ran Fan Yin nodded and gently roused the beggar. He awoke bleary-eyed and disoriented, glancing around until his eyes met hers, whereupon his face broke into a radiant smile. As she rose to dress, she realized her sleeping posture from the previous night had been awkward, leaving her body feeling sore. She frowned slightly, and the maidservant cautiously asked, "Master, hot water is ready in your chamber. Would you like to bathe now?" Nodding, Ran Fan Yin acknowledged how filthy she felt, owing to various reasons, and that a wash was long overdue. Yet, as she glanced at the beggar, who was looking at her with wide eyes, it seemed as though he couldn’t bear to part from her. "Take good care of him, make sure he's dressed and his hair is tied. I’ll be back soon." "Master, today is the third day of the twelfth month. You promised to meet Master Jiang Yue at the Sword Forge Pool." Ran Fan Yin paused. Oh, right... She had indeed agreed to meet her senior brother Jiang Yue there. But what about the child? This room did house some antiques and treasures, and if he broke them... Oh well, it would be best to first find Jiang Yue. Ran Fan Yin sighed, "Call Cen Ran to watch over him; I'll return later." After getting herself ready, she donned a clean, understated white gauze robe and headed toward the Sword Forge Pool. Each time Ran Fan Yin visited to request a sword, Jiang Yue never hesitated to agree. Of the fewer than ten legendary swords that Jiang Yue had forged, three resided in the Glory-Fade Pavilion: one belonging to Ran Fan Yin and two for her disciples. Such a relationship spoke volumes, and it was evident to all how much Jiang Yue doted on his junior sister. When Ran Fan Yin arrived at the Sword Forge Pool, Jiang Yue was standing with his back to her, intently observing the pool. Although at that time Jiang Yue had the appearance of a twenty-year-old, just like when they both attained their cultivation level. The back of the young man, standing tall and straight, with his hair tied by a white jade lotus crown, gave the commonly seen northern penal robe a unique flair. Upon sensing Ran Fan Yin's arrival, Jiang Yue turned with a gentle smile, "Ran Fan Yin." Jiang Yue's refined demeanor and serene disposition mirrored Ran Fan Yin's, not to mention his appearance was so strikingly handsome it was no wonder he was the dream idol for countless female disciples in the Northern Penal Palace. "I returned in a hurry this time; apologies for keeping senior brother waiting." "There's no need for such politeness between us. Have a seat and tell me, did your trip to Mount Kunlun yield any insights?" Jiang Yue lounged casually by the Sword Forge Pool, looking quite at ease. "It wasn’t much different from previous visits." "Do you recall the initial teachings of the Northern Penal Palace?" Jiang Yue’s voice was gentle, carrying an inexplicable comfort. "Of course. The sect's teachings state that the Northern Penal Palace earned its name because people are born into the world with many sins, obscured by countless illusions. Entering the sect to cultivate is a process of cleansing those sins, and a form of punishment." "What those in the world fail to see clearly is what you currently fail to see. People are blinded because they are deeply entrenched; you fail to see because you have never been blinded. How can you break through and progress when you do not see through the illusions?" Ran Fan Yin nodded in silence, though her thoughts clearly drifted away from Jiang Yue’s teachings. By now, the little one at home should be fully awake, she thought. Would the child be causing a ruckus upon realizing she wasn’t there? "Seeing as you're distracted, is there unfinished business at the Glory-Fade Pavilion?" Jiang Yue inquired considerately. After a moment of reflection, Ran Fan Yin replied, "On my way back this time, I picked up a beggar. His mind hasn't fully developed, and I'm uncertain how to handle him." "What do you mean ‘handle him’? Do you really need to ponder this, Ran Fan Yin?" Jiang Yue chuckled lightly, his handsome face gently shaking, "If you like him, take him as your disciple. If you're unwilling to take care of him, send him to any of our sect's Daoists, or find a family off the mountain to foster him." "Mm..." Ran Fan Yin deliberated for a long time, lightly tapping her slender, pearly fingers on the rough stone wall, "I'll just take him as my disciple." Recalling the beggar's endearing face, so full of reliance and affection for her, Ran Fan Yin thought perhaps there was no better choice to take under her wing. "From your expression, it's clear you intended to take him in," Jiang Yue said with a smile. "So, with a new disciple under your wing, what gifts are you planning this time? I remember Luo Sheng and Cen Ran both received swords that you requested from me." Having decided to take the beggar as a disciple, warmth spread through Ran Fan Yin's heart, causing an involuntary smile at the corners of her lips, "Is senior brother still able to forge a sword?" "I may not be able to forge swords for several years; it's a pity. But you should be more creative with sect gifts now, always having me forge swords lacks sincerity." "As you say, senior brother." She thought with uncertainty about whether there might be someone like Chen Si Ting in this situation. Ning Song Wu remained motionless, this place near the center of the array had more wandering spirits compared to the surroundings, and her senses were obscured. Ning Song Wu could only evade dangers through instinct. Suddenly, the nauseating stench vanished, replaced by a fragrant scent of grass and familiar yet hazy sounds. "Why are you closing your eyes? Open them." A gentle voice coaxed, and Ning Song Wu felt someone trying to pry open her eyelids—more specifically, a demon. Feeling complicated, she didn't fall into an illusion as she did last time. Ning Song Wu knew this was false, but still, she opened her eyes. Before her stood a person with short, snow-white hair and large red eyes that blinked adorably. Looking at the grown-up Yuan Er, Ning Song Wu's eyes softened for a moment before turning cold. "I closed my eyes to escape." Upon hearing the word “escape,” Yuan Er grew agitated, tears glistening in her eyes as she clung to Ning Song Wu. "You can't leave! There are monsters outside! They'll eat you!" Indeed, there would be danger outside, but it would be ghosts, not monsters. Whether she was trapped here by consciousness or body remained unknown. Ning Song Wu forcefully removed Yuan Er's hold and noticed a tree in the distance. With thoughts of using her previous method to leave, she disregarded Yuan Er's terrified expression, charging toward the tree. At the impact, a shower of leaves descended as blood trickled down Ning Song Wu's face. The sensation was startlingly real, making her vision blur and the world double. Was her body also caught in the illusion this time? Watching Yuan Er rush over, Ning Song Wu sighed inwardly, "This is much more troublesome than the last time." Yuan Er lifted Ning Song Wu, her voice filled with sorrow and regret, "Do you want to escape from me that badly? Just because... Just because I'm a demon." The words were too familiar, reminding Ning Song Wu of those days when they had depended on each other. The array had won, each illusion crafted to pierce the heart deeply. How utterly revolting. As the scenery changed, deeper lay more houses, silent and devoid of life. Ran Fan Yin only glanced once before continuing towards the direction where Chen Si Ting had fled. Suddenly, a chill ran through her as the scene ahead morphed, echoing a familiar voice. This image was from an event that had occurred four hundred years ago, not something that should be happening now, at this place. In the illusion, a young girl resembling Ran Fan Yin stared blankly at the sky. A man leaned on a cane, slowly approaching her. Once behind her, he spoke, "What is the little one pondering?" Ran Fan Yin glanced back and, seeing it was her master, shook her head, "I don't know what I should think about." Ran Xiao Gui sat next to her, "Why not try contemplating on your own?" Ran Fan Yin shook her head, "Following master is enough for me." "Master will leave eventually, what will you do then?" Ran Xiao Gui turned, her gaze full of charm, "Why not leave with master?" Ran Fan Yin coldly observed the illusion, sensing something was wrong from the start, and did not step into it. She swung her sword, intending to dispel this illusion that marred her master's image. With the power of her spirit, the illusion shattered into fragments like falling snowflakes. Beneath the vanishing illusion lay the same empty village and a trembling Chen Si Ting. This time, you won't escape. Ran Fan Yin released her spiritual pressure, subduing Chen Si Ting. Chen Si Ting, filled with unwillingness, shouted, "You said you would spare me!" Ran Fan Yin's tone remained calm, "You murdered so many and imprisoned their souls, denying them reincarnation, making reason with you unnecessary." Chen Si Ting's face transformed into a cackling skull, her voice already ancient, now hysterically grating, "What makes you so noble! You executioner! Do you think you are saving anything?" "I am saving the living." Chen Si Ting was amused, her hollow eyes flickering with ghostly fire. "Saving the world? You're nothing but an accomplice to the wicked!" Ran Fan Yin didn’t get angry at her nonsensical words. She gestured in the air, and as her hand closed, Chen Si Ting’s form began to distort. With a sudden clear sound, Ning Song Wu awoke to find herself holding a sword, standing before the unconscious Lin Yu Xue. Her hand gripping the sword was numb. Sighing, Ning Song Wu dropped the sword, muttering, "Sleepwalking again?" A faint spiritual aura flickered around Lin Yu Xue, suggesting that Ning Song Wu had attacked her with the sword. Thankfully, nothing significant occurred. Realizing Ran Fan Yin wasn’t there, she presumed that her master had pursued Chen Si Ting and began to recall events prior to her fainting. Feeling a bit helpless, Ning Song Wu didn’t understand why Ran Fan Yin brought her along if she was just a burden. If possible, she preferred to idly spend her days atop Zhao Ci Peak. She settled down somewhere to wait, leaning against a wall to gaze at the sky. As the sun dipped lower, turning the sky from blue to gold, Ran Fan Yin still hadn’t returned. Ning Song Wu wasn’t inclined to search for her. As long as there was no danger, that was fine. If it were something even Ran Fan Yin couldn’t handle, Ning Song Wu would only be providing more complication. Turning to look at Lin Yu Xue and Luo Sheng beside her, both seemed trapped in some nightmare, brows slightly furrowed, sweating coldly, and Luo Sheng even shedding tears from the corners of his eyes. "Senior Sister Lin, Senior Sister Luo." Ning Song Wu called several times, but without any response. It seemed her senior sisters weren't much use here either. She stepped over them and attempted to wake the elder of the Li Shui Sect, but received no response. As dusk descended, Ning Song Wu wrapped her arms around herself, listening to the cicadas’ incessant chirping, and the eerie creaks of an unlatched window wagging in the breeze. She wasn't scared, just tired, making her drowsy until eventually, she succumbed to sleep. A soft jingle of bells resounded in her ears, a continuous clinking. Caught between dreams and reality, Ning Song Wu rubbed her eyes only to find herself holding a rope. Her hands had shrunk, and glancing back, she realized she was leading a small tawny calf. A bell hung around its neck, jingling with each move. This wasn't Wan Jia Village… Wait, what was Wan Jia Village? Wasn't she just following Mother's instructions to herd calves? Feeling like something slipped her mind, Ning Song Wu couldn’t quite recall what. "Fog! Time to come home for dinner!" A woman in plain clothes yelled from afar. An inexplicable sourness welled in Ning Song Wu’s heart, as this scene seemed long forgotten. Leading the little calf, she approached the woman. The woman took Ning Song Wu’s hand warmly, chuckling. “Told you not to go herding calves, see, you're so tired.” Ning Song Wu, loath to release that warmth, replied, “Mother, I’m not tired.” “Oh sure, drenched in sweat like this.” The woman wiped Ning Song Wu’s sweat with her sleeve. Back home, sitting quietly at the table eating, Ning Song Wu’s mother's heart was content. “Fog is enjoying her meal today, seeing it makes me hungry too.” Was she not normally eating like this? It seemed off to Ning Song Wu; she should always be grateful for a meal, much less having the luxury of enjoying it. After dinner, her mother gathered the dishes, wiping the table down, murmuring, “Fog, don’t go out these days. They say there's a monster in the west hills.” The mention of "monster" stung. Ning Song Wu instinctively raised her hand, the back of which was filthy. She felt like something was missing. "What are you staring at, Fog?" Her mother's voice was no longer comforting as she glanced up with a knowing smile, "Aren't monsters supposed to be in the east hills?" Her mother's face changed instantly, clamping Ning Song Wu’s mouth, “Hush, child, nonsense!” Ning Song Wu laughed with eyes wild, gently prying away her mother’s hand, “They’re in the east. You got eaten by one, Mother.” Panic struck her mother, "How can you say such things? You must be dizzy from herding calves; go sleep, some rest will clear it up." Ning Song Wu rested her head against her hand, watching her mother. Swinging her little feet, she seemed just a mischievous child. "Mother, aren’t I already asleep? But it’s time to wake up now." With that, her expression shifted, she jumped from the chair, charging headfirst into the corner of the wall. Pain flared up, and warmth oozed over her eyes, causing them to shut instinctively. In the ensuing dizziness, Ning Song Wu slowly opened her eyes. The unfamiliar stone wall came into view, the pain in the illusion startlingly real. She tried rubbing her temples but found her hands were bound. “Don’t move.” Stopping her struggles, Ning Song Wu was surprised, “Master, you’re here too?” Ran Fan Yin and Ning Song Wu were tied together, but Ran Fan Yin’s cool body temperature made Ning Song Wu think she was tied to a pillar. Somehow, it steadied Ning Song Wu’s nerves. “Is the monster really so powerful you can’t handle her, Master?” Ran Fan Yin closed her eyes. Being tied with Ning Song Wu, whose squirming tickled her back, made her feel slightly flustered. Yet her voice remained calm, “No, there’s also an array here.” If not for such traps, Ran Fan Yin wouldn’t have been defeated. Ning Song Wu couldn’t see Ran Fan Yin’s unusual expression, so she stopped struggling, accepting their predicament. “Master, can’t you destroy the rope?” “No.” Ran Fan Yin examined the rope binding them, perplexed. She hadn’t known Chen Si Ting, yet this foe seemed oddly familiar with her weaknesses. The ropes shimmered with golden light, revealing incantations when Ran Fan Yin moved slightly. Sensing her master’s movement, Ning Song Wu asked, “Have you found something?” “Not yet.” With thoughts that everything seemed ending, Ning Song Wu found herself viewing Ran Fan Yin more favorably, bantering, “A pity to meet one’s end at the youthful age of sixteen.” Disliking her nominal master, yet admitting Ran Fan Yin’s looks were appealing even to her, Ning Song Wu teased, “Dying alongside you isn’t so bad, Master.” Ran Fan Yin was slightly affected, pausing before softly replying, “No, your life will be much longer.” “Indeed, you lived five hundred years. Still, it’s an unfortunate comparison.” “That’s not what I meant.” “If not, then does Master still have means to escape?” “I…” Ran Fan Yin found herself tangled in Ning Song Wu’s words, uncertain how to proceed. Her intent was to comfort Ning Song Wu, yet it appeared Ning Song Wu saw things more clearly. Unexpectedly, this awkward master incited Ning Song Wu’s laughter, the stark contrast making her amusement uncontrollable. Ran Fan Yin’s face blushed deeper, maintaining her composure with a teacher’s demeanor, “Why laugh amid this peril?” Ning Song Wu laughed until her stomach hurt, unable to wipe the tears from her eyes in the given situation. Continuing to tease, she said, “Master, perhaps the monster didn't kill you because she’s enamored by your beauty.” For centuries, no one dared jest with Ran Fan Yin, her overwhelming power and cool demeanor leaving others with only reverent admiration. Thus Ning Song Wu was honored to be the first to jokingly flirt with her. Internally somewhat indignant, Ran Fan Yin couldn’t help but recall a lesson from her master in human interaction. “Give tit for tat,” she faintly retorted, “She captured you, too, perhaps for your charm.” Ning Song Wu was momentarily silenced, perturbed at the joke. The monster, though able to mimic a beautiful woman, was fundamentally a skeletal spirit, which Ning Song Wu entirely rejected. Intending to further jest in reprisal, Ning Song Wu paused as Ran Fan Yin stated, “She’s here.” Indeed, a creaking sounded at the cave entrance, and Ning Song Wu turned to see Chen Si Ting approaching. She hadn’t taken human form; instead, two red ghost lights flickered within her hollow eye sockets. That ancient voice echoed, “Unexpected for you, little one, to dispel this elder’s illusions.” “Your praise is too generous.” Chen Si Ting ignored Ning Song Wu, directly gazing into Ran Fan Yin's eyes. Seeing absolutely no fear in the ‘Azure Frost Venerable’, she began to doubt if there was any hidden strategy left. She discreetly retreated two steps, feeling a bit more secure, before chuckling, "Isn’t it a shame for the great Azure Frost Venerable to fall into my little specter hands?" “You are not a demon.” Initially believing her to be an animated skeleton, Ran Fan Yin now sensed Chen Si Ting didn’t fit that assumption. A strange mix of human, ghost, and demon aura clashed within her. Startled, Chen Si Ting took another step back. Noticing Chen Si Ting's subtle actions, Ning Song Wu pondered a plan, hoping to intimidate the apparition. Yet fake was fake, Ning Song Wu without answering her simply pushed the specter away. Then she tried casting a healing spell upon herself, but it proved useless. Realizing this, Ning Song Wu decided not to waste further effort. She stumbled forward, determined to escape, for she had now found meaning in life—her master was waiting for her. "Don't leave!" Yuan Er chased after her and clung tightly to Ning Song Wu's ankle. Startled, Ning Song Wu looked down and coldly ordered, "Let go." Yuan Er's white hair was matted with dirt as she tearfully pleaded, "You can't leave. If you do, I'll be all alone!" "Are you even human?" "Do you care so much that I'm a demon?" “You’re just an illusion. The real Yuan Er died right in front of me.” Yuan Er began to sob, "You hate me so much, but I’ve done nothing wrong!" This clingy, tearful demeanor mirrored Ning Song Wu's memories precisely, yet she never understood why this rabbit demon was so attached to her. Even though she had always looked at Yuan Er with disdain, the demon continued to attach herself, eventually leading to her death because of Ning Song Wu. Even aware that all this was just an illusion, Ning Song Wu couldn’t help but ask, "Why are you so attached to me?" Her body trembled not because of the illusion, but because of old memories. Illusions are born of the heart's desires; they can sense an intruder's feelings and memories but not the motives behind actions in those memories. The question was a source of confusion for Ning Song Wu, yet she never expected an answer from it, and the illusion couldn’t comprehend the answer she sought. Thus, the illusory Yuan Er froze. She ceased her crying, her words evasive, "If you stay, I will tell you." Ning Song Wu watched her for a moment, then suddenly laughed. Her laughter was quiet at first, but then it turned hysterical. "Stay here? Impossible! Unless you answer me!" Ning Song Wu crouched down and harshly gripped Yuan Er’s face, her features twisted with rage: "Tell me! What’s so hard to say? Answer me! Why? If you're really her, just tell me!" In that instant, Ning Song Wu’s eyes slowly turned red, and the rabbit demon seemed scared, struggling wildly. "Let me go! Let me go! You're insane!" ~ This look of terror didn’t match her memories. At the end, Yuan Er would have cursed loudly, "Why don’t people like you just die!" Suddenly, Yuan Er stopped struggling. Her body and the surroundings collapsed, then reformed into another scene. Ning Song Wu's pupils contracted. Yuan Er, bloodied, stood before her, eyes filled with venomous hatred, her once-white hair now stained red as she shouted hoarsely, "Why are you still alive? Why do people like you live on?" Stay calm, Ning Song Wu. This is an illusion. She silently recited this to herself, shutting her eyes once more. "Open your eyes, you beast! Why won’t you die!" "Is it because I'm a demon that you killed me? Have I ever, ever harmed you?" The breaking point was not the illusion itself but the guilt it dredged up. Pain, like wine, grows more intoxicating with age. She whispered softly, "I'm sorry." In places unseen by Ning Song Wu, the blood-soaked Yuan Er laughed a sinister laugh, her voice venomous and tempting, "I say, stay with me in hell. That way, you’ll find redemption. After all, hasn’t this rotting world already crumbled in your eyes? There will be no more pain if it doesn’t exist." Ning Song Wu halted her tears, murmuring, “Yes, if it didn’t exist…” The clear chime of a bell suddenly jolted Ning Song Wu awake, leaving her drenched in cold sweat. Opening her eyes, she found the bell her master gave her floating before her, its light dispelling the surrounding darkness. Reaching out, the bell gently descended into her palm. Feeling a warmth in her heart, she thought, "That's right, I still have my master." Just when success seemed within reach, the bell had shattered the illusion. “Yuan Er” was clearly displeased, mocking her, “Now that you’ve found your life’s purpose, you forget the past. You know you betrayed me.” A flicker of guilt crossed Ning Song Wu’s eyes, but Yuan Er was gone, and it was Ning Song Wu who had long tormented herself. She composed herself and wiped her tears with her hand, saying, “Since you aren’t her, don't speak for her using her face.” With that, Ning Song Wu delivered a palm strike toward “Yuan Er.” Realizing it could no longer control Ning Song Wu, the false Yuan Er engaged her in combat. The entity mimicking Yuan Er was the conscious awareness born of the array, having sensed the danger Ning Song Wu posed, it sought to eliminate her or consume her consciousness to take over her body. Exchange after exchange, Ning Song Wu realized her own clumsy strikes were no match for it, and a misstep resulted in a slash across her right arm by the array spirit. Though in pain, Ning Song Wu refused to retreat, pushing forward with ferocity as the array spirit overconfidently advanced. The spirit had assumed Ning Song Wu would recoil from the injury but was caught off guard by her reckless charge, receiving a punch to the face. The array spirit staggered back two steps, shocked and enraged by the audacity of someone still in the Golden Core stage, shifting form as it could no longer maintain Yuan Er's visage. It lost all sense, unable to heed the threat of Ning Song Wu’s spirit-devouring body, and erupted into countless dark mists attacking her. Ning Song Wu resisted the oppressive force with all her might, her lips stained with blood. For the first time in such peril, her thought was not of death but a desire to live, to see that person with azure robes and untainted eyes. She had yet to leave her mark in her master’s eyes. If she died, someone else might steal her master away—unthinkable! Ning Song Wu shouted out, "Live on for me!" The bell suddenly rang again with a sense of urgency. In that desperate moment, Ning Song Wu remembered her spirit-devouring body, recalling He Lan Mian Mian's words, she focused her mind on the array spirit. The dark mist encircling her slackened its assault, losing momentum as it merged toward her. Realization returned to the array spirit’s consciousness too late; it attempted to subdue its malevolence and hide. Upon absorbing the spirit's malice, Ning Song Wu's complexion paled, her crimson eyes forming a haunting yet striking contrast. Quivering, her legs barely supported her; she stepped toward the array spirit menacingly. “Stay back!” it cried, terrified. Ning Song Wu spat blood with a defiant smile. “You want to kill me? You’re the prey now.” Sensing her dire state, the spirit threatened, "Absorb any more malice, and you will perish! Won’t you see your master again?" But Ning Song Wu pressed on, clutching her injured arm. With every step she took, the spirit involuntarily retreated, leaking power as it remained her target. Consciousness growing murky, Ning Song Wu struggled to maintain focus. She must not fall here, she told herself. The sound of tearing echoed from behind—a breach in the barrier’s fabric—followed by a clear yet unusually frantic voice. "Ning Song Wu!" Turning, Ning Song Wu saw a blur of azure. “Such a pity... I can’t see my master worry for me,” she thought, feeling oddly content. "I’m so tired. Can I sleep now…" Ran Fan Yin had been pursuing her own master when the sound of the bell alerted her to Ning Song Wu's peril, prompting her to follow the sound. She broke through the array spirit’s barrier and, seeing Ning Song Wu gravely injured, called out to her. Ning Song Wu turned back, offering a relieved smile before losing consciousness. Ran Fan Yin caught her weakened form, her heart seething with both anger and suspicion. For in that instant, Ning Song Wu's crimson eyes mirrored those of the demon emperor, Dan Zhu. Ran Fan Yin and Jiang Yue had returned to the Glory-Fade Pavilion late in the afternoon. Judging by the maidservant's expression at the door, it was clear something was amiss inside. As expected, upon stepping into the residence, Ran Fan Yin was met with the chaotic sounds of Luo Sheng and Cen Ran. Before she could even advance, a small figure dashed out like an arrow, colliding forcefully into her. She quickly secured the little one against her. "A brat, darting around like a monkey…" Luo Sheng came charging out, anger evident. Upon seeing Ran Fan Yin, his expression froze, stopping him dead. Behind him, Cen Ran's voice called out, "You must catch her..." only to crash into the halted Luo Sheng, both promptly showing reverence: "Master." The beggar boy initially struggled but paused upon catching the familiar scent of plum blossoms emanating from Ran Fan Yin, obediently nuzzling into her embrace. “Zi Sheng, Cen Ran, come inside.” She led the beggar in as Luo Sheng and Cen Ran exchanged puzzled glances before following. Ran Fan Yin surveyed the disheveled interior, choosing an intact chair with an air of elegant composure. She set the beggar child beside her before pausing for a moment to speak with solemnity, "I have decided to take her as my disciple. Kneel." The beggar looked to Ran Fan Yin in bewilderment. Cen Ran stepped forward, assisting the beggar to kneel. Ran Fan Yin spoke solemnly, “From this day forth, you are a disciple of the Northern Penal Sect, and I, Ran Fan Yin, am your personal master. As long as I live, I will protect you; as long as I draw breath, I will teach you. All my life's knowledge will be yours, not to make you bring glory to our sect, but to ensure you respect your master and the Dao, work hard and diligently, stay true to the path, and remain obedient and respectful.” The beggar’s clear gaze focused on Ran Fan Yin, as though he understood everything, or perhaps nothing at all. Luo Sheng raised an eyebrow as he observed, “I knew Master would take her in. But Master, have you considered how you'll care for the little rascal in the future? Shi Mei and I didn’t even have a moment to ourselves the whole day…” Cen Ran interrupted Luo Sheng’s droning, “Master, since this child doesn’t have a name yet, might I ask…” Ran Fan Yin nodded, realizing she had indeed overlooked this. Her thoughts drifted to the conversation with Jiang Yue earlier in the day. After pondering for a moment, she finally said, “She has endured such hardships at a young age. Now that she has joined the Northern Penal Palace, I hope in the future she can see past the illusions of the world and succeed both in swordsmanship and the Dao. Let her be named Ning Song Wu.” The beggar, unable to comprehend Ran Fan Yin's words, nevertheless beamed joyfully, clutching Ran Fan Yin’s sleeve when she cast a gentle gaze their way. He smiled with the utmost sweetness.