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

Chapter 78: News of Death Three years had passed, a mere blink of an eye. Winter was setting in once again at North Penalty Mountain, where snow continued to fall gracefully, painting the landscape in unrelenting white. Time seemed to leave no mark here, regardless of how many disciples came and went; the North Penalty Palace remained steadfast in its unchanging structure. Reflecting on this, Ning Song Wu couldn't help but smile. The consistent scenery of North Penalty Palace throughout the seasons made her painting a fitting piece for hanging in the Honor and Decline Pavilion, matching any season perfectly. The ten-year-old girl had grown significantly taller, her features now beginning to bloom into an astonishing beauty. The previous frailty and timidity had long vanished. Dressed in a light, goose-yellow sleeve robe, the bright red pendant at her neck contrasted with a vermilion spot between her brows, exuding an aura so charming one might be tempted to pinch her cheeks. Ning Song Wu lay lazily across the desk, holding a wolf hairbrush stained with ink in her left hand, contemplating the layout of her painting. "Ning Song Wu, it's time to eat," Cen Ran entered the room, lovingly tousling Ning Song Wu's hair. At sixteen, Cen Ran had matured into a youth of enchanting grace, his every gesture exhibiting warmth and kindness. "Senior Sister, I'm not hungry yet," Ning Song Wu playfully whined, her dark eyes darting mischievously. "Isn't Master returning from Mount Hua today? I haven’t seen her for half a month. I need to finish this painting to gift her." Cen Ran chuckled softly, "Alright, if Master sees your progress, she's sure to be pleased." Upon hearing this, Ning Song Wu suddenly puffed up indignantly, "Master isn't old at all!" Cen Ran patted Ning Song Wu's head lightly, "Alright, I was just teasing you. Later, I'll have Senior Brother Zi Sheng bring your meal here. Remember to eat." As the youngest girl in the sect, Ning Song Wu’s early life was fraught with hardships that tugged at one’s heartstrings. Ran Fan Yin doted on her, and Luo Sheng and Cen Ran indulged her as if they wanted to place her on a pedestal. Over the past three years, they nurtured Ning Song Wu into a bold spirit, unafraid of heaven or earth. She rarely heeded anyone’s advice, except for Ran Fan Yin. If the master said one, she dared not say two. Sometimes, Cen Ran thought that the sect might have sheltered Ning Song Wu too well, leaving her with less life experience, leading to such an exuberant personality. But fortunately, with Master around, no matter how headstrong, she wouldn’t dare defy Ran Fan Yin. "Senior Sister…" Ning Song Wu suddenly slumped like a deflated balloon, her tone defeated. "Master has been gone for sixteen days, tomorrow will be the seventeenth... Why didn’t she take me to Mount Hua with her as promised... she said she would return quickly, it's been so long... so long..." Her words trailed off, tinged with a whimper. "Oh, and Master said she'll teach you swordplay when she returns." Ning Song Wu sniffled, dabbing her tears and snot with a handkerchief, her speech muffled, "What’s the point of learning swordplay? As long as Master is back, that’s all that matters..." Cen Ran chuckled with a shake of his head. After all, she was still a child. The time was almost due. "Sleeping through cultivation to the Golden Core stage and still dissatisfied?" Lin Yu Xue felt a strong urge to punch this sorrowful face, suspecting Ning Song Wu was flaunting. Ning Song Wu was genuinely upset. She had no desire to grow stronger, just wanted to live a carefree life of fifty or so years, now stretched to several centuries. She knew her thoughts were different from most people’s, that voicing them might make others think she was crazy, yet Ning Song Wu was already halfway there. In the face of Lin Yu Xue's surprised gaze, Ning Song Wu sat up from the grass, stretching leisurely, "Cultivating immortality is about seeking the Way, what is your Way, Senior Sister?" Lin Yu Xue paused, "Why ask that?" "Just curious. When I first met you, you seemed a bit shy, but once familiar, I realized you’re quite the madwoman. I can’t find anything you truly care about." Although displeased by the label 'madwoman,' Lin Yu Xue didn’t react, her expression twitching slightly. "I initially sought cultivation to avoid marriage. After escaping, I was brought to Cang Jun Mountain by Master. But time flew quickly, and the parents who forced the marriage are long gone." Ning Song Wu suddenly became curious, "May I ask your age, Senior Sister?" Lin Yu Xue pondered, "Hmm, close to two hundred, I think." Goodness, another senior added to the list. Ning Song Wu thought Lin Yu Xue now seemed kindly, though it was understandable. To mortals, everyone on Cang Jun Mountain was akin to a deity, yet Ning Song Wu never fit in; she longed to be an ordinary mortal. "So, what does Senior Sister seek in cultivation? Is it for immortality? But why the desire for immortality?" "Why so convoluted? I cultivate… to watch over someone." Speaking gently, Lin Yu Xue's voice was as tender as when Ning Song Wu first met her. Ning Song Wu couldn’t help but caution, "Is it really for someone else that you cultivate? What if they can't reciprocate? Is investing so much worthwhile if nothing comes of it? Will you never be overwhelmed by sorrow?" Pain flickered across Lin Yu Xue's face before she returned to her usual carefree demeanor and, like a senior, playfully admonished Ning Song Wu: "Why ask so much? Kids like you haven’t even been in love—well, except you and the Martial Uncle, what's the deal? It seems intense." Ning Song Wu's expression darkened, and thoughts of cultivation and sacrifice vanished. Right-handed, she threw a punch at Lin Yu Xue's face, "Prepare yourself!" Lin Yu Xue easily dodged, soaring into the air with a whoosh, "Oh! Don't be shy, dear sister! Your comeback journey is long, but I have faith in you!" What nonsense! Furious and embarrassed, Ning Song Wu had gained cultivation but not magical skills, and could only roar in anger, "Get lost!" "Ning Song Wu." A cool, calm voice extinguished Ning Song Wu's fury, and she turned stiffly, spotting a figure in azure robes. Oh no, she’d forgotten that Master was out of seclusion. How much of the conversation had she overheard? Gingerly, Ning Song Wu approached Ran Fan Yin, stammering, "M-Master, when did you arrive?" "Not long ago." Ning Song Wu secretly glanced at Ran Fan Yin's face, noting no change in her usual indifferent expression, implying no anger. Relieved, she sighed inwardly. But wait, if anyone was to be punished, it should be Lin Yu Xue, not her. Why was she worried? Ning Song Wu found herself increasingly baffled. While she continued to mull over her thoughts, Ran Fan Yin suddenly asked, "What does 'come back stronger' mean? Did you quarrel with Junior Lin?" Ran Fan Yin seemed genuinely puzzled, staring at her beloved disciple with a keen curiosity. Don't develop curiosity for such bizarre things! Ning Song Wu screamed internally, breaking into a cold sweat, and quickly provided a fanciful explanation: "It means I can’t beat Senior Lin right now, but when I'm stronger, I will. Senior Lin was just encouraging me to improve. Yes, that's it!" Ran Fan Yin nodded in understanding, "I see," and said, "Then come with me to practice spells. Your physique—I've discussed with my junior brother—poses great danger without strong protection." Ning Song Wu processed the gravity in her master's sentiments and questioned, "Why is it dangerous?" "A Spirit Devouring Constitution is optimal for storing spiritual power, yet it’s also the most alluring to demons. In essence, you are the most appetizing delicacy to them." So that was it. Following Ran Fan Yin, Ning Song Wu’s expression grew somber. Observing her apprentice’s mood, Ran Fan Yin made a quiet promise, "Don’t worry, I'll protect you." Stunned, Ning Song Wu felt a rush of warmth, her eyes prickling with tears. The emotions were so genuine she hesitated to express them outwardly, instead beaming brightly, "Indeed! After all, Master is the greatest in the world!" Oh, master, oh master... do you know someone once made such a pledge to me and fulfilled it, yet left me utterly alone, a ghost wandering the world? Seek the Way in cultivation? But what Way am I pursuing? All I ever wanted was to merely live for the sake of being alive. Descending the mountain path shaded by lush foliage, sunlight filtered through tangled branches casting dappled shadows over the azure robes, bird songs echoing in the distance, enhancing the peak's serenity. Recalling the earlier conversation with Lin Yu Xue, Ning Song Wu softly asked, "Master, what is the Way you seek?" She anticipated a grand answer about caring for all living beings or ensuring human happiness. But Ran Fan Yin only paused, her eyes clouded with confusion, and admitted, "I don’t know." How could that be her answer? "Come along, it's getting late, and today’s practice isn’t done," Ran Fan Yin clearly didn't wish to dwell further on the topic. Ning Song Wu wisely refrained from pressing, feigning her regular demeanor, "Ahaha! I'm just a registered disciple, no need to work so hard." "...I've discussed with my junior brother, and you will be my true disciple," Ran Fan Yin had never intended to take on a disciple. Preferring solitude and wary of attachments' potential to cause hesitation, she was told too many ties would dull one’s sword and decision-making. But having taken this step, she knew she must bear the responsibility. Ning Song Wu knew that, if she had heard such news in the past, she would have absolutely refused. However, now, she felt no aversion—instead, there was a hint of joy. A smile played at her lips, "Aren't you afraid I'll annoy you, Master?" "I'm not afraid, so there's no need for you to try." Ning Song Wu followed behind Ran Fan Yin, hands clasped behind her back, with a lively voice, "Your foolish disciple will rely on your guidance." At the main peak of Cang Jun Mountain, Cen Ran was seated within the palace, a formation map floating before him as he studied it, brow furrowed. The formation depicted matched the one from Wan Family Village. Unfortunately, despite scouring all the texts at Cang Jun Mountain, he found no explanations. Chen Si Ting had been identified as a hybrid of bone demon and human soul, and the 'painful memories' she mentioned likely stemmed from illusions created by the formation. Overall, things were a mess. Someone had to be behind this, and the use of human souls to create other beings was a practice long banned by the cultivation world. In addition to these issues, he had to oversee the ceremony for his senior sister accepting a new disciple, which required inviting numerous human experts—another headache. Cen Ran felt his hair was sure to thin further due to this stress. He couldn't help but sigh, "Senior Sister, you should at least help with something." "Master, may I come in?" Luo Sheng's voice came from outside. Cen Ran composed himself; it was crucial to maintain a proper image in front of his disciples. "Come in." Luo Sheng entered, his posture upright, perfectly attired in his disciple's robes, with not a single flaw. "Master, I’ve informed the other sects about the head's disciple acceptance," Luo Sheng reported. Cen Ran felt a sense of relief looking at his capable eldest disciple. At least there was someone who could assist him. "Well done, my disciple. How is your cultivation progressing?" he asked sincerely. Luo Sheng's face briefly showed frustration, "I've stalled at the peak of the Golden Core stage." Cen Ran knew how diligent this disciple was, so he attempted to console him, "Don’t be disheartened. Spend some time exchanging insights with your sister Lin Yu Xue. You share the same stage; perhaps you can gain insights from each other." Cen Ran mainly feared Luo Sheng might get trapped in rigid ideas, while Lin Yu Xue's lively nature might invigorate him. But ideals don't always match reality. For several reasons, Luo Sheng harbored an intense dislike for Lin Yu Xue, often wishing she would disappear. Nonetheless, he couldn't show such sentiments before his master. "Yes, Master." "There's no need to be so formal." "Yes, Master." Cen Ran was at a loss for words. He noticed Luo Sheng seemed reluctant to speak, as if wishing to ask something. "Is there something you want to ask? Don't be afraid, speak freely." Given permission, Luo Sheng dared to voice his concern, "Is it true that Junior Sister Ning has reached the initial stage of Golden Core?" "It is. Her unique physique is quite fortunate—living to reach sixteen is itself a blessing." Luo Sheng's hand trembled slightly by his side. The fact troubled him; hundreds of years of effort couldn't measure up to a prodigy’s sixteen. Cen Ran noticed his reaction and gently reminded him, "Calm your heart." Awakened, Luo Sheng felt cold sweat down his cheeks, realizing his loss of composure, and quickly apologized, "Please punish me, Master." Cen Ran felt an even greater headache watching his disciple kneel, and sighed, "It's not about punishment; it's about learning to forgive yourself. Do you understand?" "I understand, Master." Cen Ran knew she didn’t fully grasp it. Feeling mentally drained, he simply waved his hand, "You may leave." "Yes, Master." As Luo Sheng left the hall, he closed the door behind him. Seeing Luo Sheng exit, Lin Yu Xue called out, "Senior Brother! You're out. Let's go back together." Luo Sheng gave her a cold glance, his tone distant, "No need." Lin Yu Xue watched Luo Sheng walk away, her smile fading. Luo Sheng leaned lazily against a stone pillar at the mountain gate, estimating the time under the sun. Looking from a distance, Cen Ran and Ning Song Wu were engaged in quiet conversation, Ning Song Wu glancing eagerly outdoors. Through the mist approached an elegant figure, familiar in gait and grace, captivating with each step. As if the winds and snow swayed in harmony with her, it was like a celestial being treading upon the mortal realm. "Master!" Ning Song Wu shouted joyfully, dashing towards Ran Fan Yin and plunging into her embrace. "You seem to have grown taller in this half month," Ran Fan Yin smiled, gently stroking Ning Song Wu's hair. As Ning Song Wu buried her head in Ran Fan Yin's chest, enveloped in familiar comfort and the fragrance of plum blossoms, she felt her cheeks flush. Despite countless embraces, she still felt bashful. "Master, why did you return so late? I missed you," Ning Song Wu complained softly in Ran Fan Yin's ear. "Junior Sister, Master usually spends months away cultivating. This time, she hurried back in just over ten days for you. Isn’t that enough?" Luo Sheng teased. Ran Fan Yin lifted Ning Song Wu into her arms, carrying her easily despite the girl's increased size, "Let's head to the Honor and Decline Pavilion." "Hey, Junior Sister, why is your face so red?" Luo Sheng teased as he walked alongside them. Ning Song Wu blushed even deeper, feeling Ran Fan Yin's hand supporting her, prompting her to wrap her arms around her master's slender neck and bury her face in shame and joy. She cherished her master's affectionate hold and felt a pang, fearing she’d outgrow it one day. Ran Fan Yin tilted her head slightly, whispering softly in Ning Song Wu’s ear, "Don’t forget to come to my quarters tonight." Ning Song Wu nodded eagerly, lifting her face to observe Ran Fan Yin's fair and alluring features, her heart racing with the urge to kiss. Yet, doubts lingered—wouldn’t Master be angry? No, Master pampered her so much, she surely wouldn’t mind such trivial actions… but she always seemed so cool. After a moment's hesitation, Ning Song Wu decided to act, stealing a quick, shy kiss on Ran Fan Yin’s earlobe, before burying her face in her shoulder like a child who had innocently erred. Ran Fan Yin continued her dignified pace, feeling a sudden warm, fleeting sensation on her ear. Her sensitive ears burned crimson, spreading a blush across her face and neck. Oh, this little daredevil... only she would dare be so bold. Ran Fan Yin frowned, considering a rebuke, but Ning Song Wu preemptively pleaded in a sweet voice, "Master… your disciple was wrong…" Ran Fan Yin found herself unable to scold further but was unwilling to let the matter slide without consequence. A moment later, Ran Fan Yin's gentle yet firm voice echoed in Ning Song Wu's ear, "Tonight, bring a ruler to my quarters."