92 - Divine Mastering Dragon System

Chapter 92: Exploration Who is this now? He He’s gaze narrowed as she closely observed the girl resting lightly on Xiang Shi Yan’s lap. The girl seemed to be of the same age as He He in her human years, yet compared to the other person dining at the table, her complexion was noticeably paler, with evident signs of illness. Who exactly were these two who were so close with Xiang Shi Yan? He He suppressed the abrupt discomfort she felt upon seeing strangers and quietly quelled the slight jealousy bubbling within her. Turning her surprise into a smile, she asked, "Master? Who are these two...?" Zhu Yun, unable to truly sleep due to the persistent throbbing of her meridians, had only been dozing. Upon hearing the stranger's voice, she lazily opened her groggy eyes to look at the girl standing at the door. She surmised this must be one of the two disciples Xiang Shi Yan had mentioned on their journey back from Huaihai City. Back when they had returned to Beiwuzhen from Huaihai City, Xiang Shi Yan had introduced her two disciples to the somewhat uneasy sisters. When speaking of her eldest disciple, Qin Miao, Xiang Shi Yan wore a complex expression, advising them not to get too close. The twins interpreted her words to mean they should avoid male cultivators to prevent the exposure of secrets and unwanted attention. They found nothing amiss with this interpretation. It could be understood this way, but Xiang Shi Yan's real concern was whether the two might inexplicably be beguiled by the world's will, struggling to claw their way out of a mire only to willingly fall into another man's shadow. As for the other disciple, Xiang Shi Yan couldn't help but chuckle lightly when mentioning her. In her words, He He was also a pitiable child she had met by chance, gentle and family-oriented. However, having lived in a repressive environment for too long, He He was somewhat shy and timid. Only after nurturing her at Yucang Mountain did He He develop some youthful liveliness and charm. Xiang Shi Yan advised them that, considering He He was of a similar age and just beginning her cultivation journey, they should try to get along well. However, this little senior sister didn't seem thrilled about their arrival. With the subtle rejection emanating from He He, Zhu Yun, who had been anxious throughout the journey, unexpectedly felt relieved, her earlier tension dissipating. Being disliked, without needing to go out of her way to please others, was somewhat liberating for her. The brief exchange of glances between the girls didn’t catch Xiang Shi Yan’s attention, but she did notice the sudden disappearance of joy from He He's face. It then dawned on Xiang Shi Yan that perhaps He He, like herself when she was younger, wasn't pleased with the presence of siblings due to past favoritism within the Lin family. Her previous assumption that He He could get along harmoniously with the sisters might have been wishful thinking. Considering this, Xiang Shi Yan felt a bit uneasy. Zhu Yun’s meridians were damaged, and she had been using her spiritual power to soothe Zhu Yun’s uncontrollable energies and widen her meridians. Zhu Yun had leaned against her to rest for a while, and although she hadn't thought it inappropriate at the time, He He’s gaze now seemed to carry some reproach. Not quite understanding, Xiang Shi Yan decided to introduce the newcomers, "I have recently accepted two disciples. Although Zhu Yun and Zhu Yu are of similar age to yours, they entered later and should be regarded as your junior disciples." "I see," He He replied blandly, showing no visible delight about her seniority in rank. Xiang Shi Yan was puzzled, remembering that when she was young, she disliked being treated as a child by her seniors, always wishing her master would bring home another child. Unfortunately, her wish had never come true. With sharp eyes, the young senior sister watched as Zhu Yun coughed softly, rose from the couch, and greeted He He with a bow, “Greetings, Senior Sister He.” The frail girl’s aura appeared as a gentle, pale mist in spiritual sight, vastly different from the solid and contained spiritual power her mother once had. Yet, even if weak, Zhu Yun being an innate celestial root was a fact. This revelation surprised He He. In her previous life, traversing the world, she had only met two with such an impeccable celestial root. She mused with amusement: Xiang Shi Yan certainly had a knack for picking out disciples. What puzzled He He more was the atypical flow of spiritual power and the strange meridian structure in these two junior disciples. The prolonged silence created a tense atmosphere. Though Zhu Yun had some social skills, she seldom interacted with peers; as for Zhu Yu, confined to a secluded residence and having seen few outsiders, He He's suddenly peculiar expression made her instinctively stand protectively beside her sister. Yet, He He chuckled lightly, bowed briefly, and said, “Greetings, junior sisters. There’s no need to be so tense; I won't bite. But Senior Sister Huai Ye, the vinegar jar, can’t be so easily assured.” She then turned to her master, “We were delayed by illusions in the secret realm. Despite being in a dream, Senior Sister Huai Ye still remembers your refusal to take her as a disciple back then, instead urging her to become the sect master's disciple. But you turned around and broke the rule for Senior Brother Qin... she muttered about it sourly on the way.” Xiang Shi Yan felt embarrassed. So, that was what Huai Ye had been holding onto. She hadn’t planned to take Huai Ye as a disciple when bringing her to Yucang Mountain; she could confront the three major families to avenge Gong Ning and rescue Zhu Yun and Zhu Yu from Huaihai City because she had the means to challenge them and the confidence not to endanger Yucang Mountain. But when it came to taking in Qin Miao, she neither understood overnight what caused the fall of the Qin family nor whether Yucang Mountain could protect him. Even though the Qin family head had once given her some guidance, and she had sympathy for the homeless male protagonist, she probably would have found him some other path rather than risk making her sect a target by formally accepting him. Ultimately, Xiang Shi Yan wasn’t a solitary cultivator without ties; Yucang Mountain was her home, and she couldn’t impulsively take on such a precarious responsibility. That’s why her firm plea at the time led to her senior brother sect master agreeing, and everyone mistakenly believed Qin Miao was incredibly significant to her. Honestly, distanced now from the world’s will, Xiang Shi Yan couldn’t quite understand her past actions. She truly couldn’t bear to see a child suffer; had Qin Miao had no other paths, she might have secretly hidden him away, certainly not have openly accepted him and risked drawing dangerous attention to Yucang Mountain. Hearing He He’s playful words, she couldn’t help but rub her forehead. Huai Ye could indeed be so irked over something like this. Since that disciple’s impudent behavior, Xiang Shi Yan had been confused about her feelings. Initially, she thought Huai Ye secretly admired Qin Miao, but then she acted so familiarly yet awkwardly with her as a master… Xiang Shi Yan reminisced with mixed feelings of confusion and regret. After contemplating, she decided to keep it in her heart for the moment. The most pressing issue was the Cloud Veil. She asked, “Did Huai Ye come with you?” He He’s gaze darkened, “Yes, we barely managed to leave before the secret realm closed.” Xiang Shi Yan nodded; He He mentioned illusions, indicating they must have visited the space containing the Cloud Veil. She further inquired, “Did you find any treasures beyond the illusions?” She attempted to covertly draw information from He He about the master's unknown message mentioned earlier, but her real intent was to hint about the experiences they had within the realm. Initially assuming that Huai Ye’s 'message' was to care for the two disciples, He He found it curious as Huai Ye typically wouldn’t need prompting to lookout for her juniors. Her vigilance was justified, especially given Qin Miao’s seemingly foresighted behavior within the realm, making He He wary. It was as though everyone had their own schemes. A cultivator at the Great Completion of the Nascent Soul stage like Xiang Shi Yan—what help could a Unity Stage cultivator like Huai Ye possibly provide in such endeavors, He He wondered, except for He He’s newly acquired Cloud Veil. The dragon skin and dragon eyes should clearly have been in someone else's hands. However, with leadership changing hands within the Taixu Sect, it’s plausible they were lost during the disputes over secret treasures, only to be hidden within a heavily restricted secret realm. If Xiang Shi Yan was privy to any such rumors, it wouldn’t be entirely surprising. He He truthfully replied, “Beyond the illusions lay an empty house, filled with some various books... not even a single low-grade magical artifact was found.” She watched as her master’s face momentarily went blank. Xiang Shi Yan swiftly regained composure, revealing no overt disappointment and merely replied placidly, “Is that so, what a shame.” Feigning realization, He He added, “Oh, right! Huai Ye was called away by Sister Long and asked me to relay that the task you entrusted was incomplete and that she’d return later to accept punishment.” What? By rights, Qin Miao should have been ensnared by the dream illusions, unable to wake before Huai Ye. Yet, something about Xiang Shi Yan’s abrupt changes might have triggered a shift in Qin Miao’s state of mind... Unaware of the clever maneuver He He had employed, Xiang Shi Yan didn’t suspect such a young girl. Observing Xiang Shi Yan’s startled and confused expression, He He found it amusing, recalling dreamt memories of her mother and what truly defined the Path of Emptiness. This led her to find Xiang Shi Yan, with her concealed emotions beneath a composed exterior, extremely intriguing. Someone seemingly aloof and distant, but in reality unable to leave pitiable children unattended—wasn’t this amusing contradiction what made her endearing? Yet, with a master like her, trouble is bound to follow. Didn't she unwittingly pick up a reborn demon like me? Outwardly obedient and respectful young Huai Ye was, behind the scenes, frequently overstepping boundaries and harboring untoward intentions for her master. Qin Miao, who always seemed to stare rudely, aside—what about these two now? The flow of meridians within the two girls was unusual—one especially frail, complex, and delicate. It seemed as though she was on the brink of life and death. He He had never heard of such a condition; it resembled the characteristics of a furnace¹ but was distinctly different. He He found it hard to believe there wasn't some hidden secret behind the sudden appearance of these two. "Speaking of which..." He He looked at Xiang Shi Yan with a dangerous expression, "The secret realm has only been open for a month, yet somehow I have two new junior sisters?" The words carried an air of accusation, jolting Xiang Shi Yan from her contemplation. She realized the atmosphere in the room was quite different from what she had imagined for a first meeting between sisters. Blinking, she replied, "Zhu Yun and Zhu Yu are the children of my senior sister. I had previously made a promise to her, and as they are now ten years old, I decided to bring them to Yucang Mountain for cultivation... Moreover, Huaihai City isn't safe at the moment. Under my protection, they won't be dragged into power struggles." Xiang Shi Yan suddenly sensed something was amiss. It wasn’t merely the age and short period of education that could impede understanding of her words. Why did she instinctively spin a half-truth, when silence would have sufficed? It was as if she believed she should solemnly explain to He He. She was lying. Unbeknownst to Xiang Shi Yan, her lie was instantly exposed through the one-way mental link. He He concealed the flash of coldness in her eyes—why lie? What secrets did these strange girls hold? Zhu Yu smiled faintly, “Thanks to our master’s grace, it's a blessing for me and my sister to join Yucang Mountain.” “Oh, I see.” He He smiled, “If not for the fortune of meeting our master, I might have grown up to be a common village woman. In the coming years, we may live and eat together, so I hope you two won't find me too rough.” “Of course not. We've been secluded since we were young, hardly seen any peers our age, so having a senior sister close in age is a joy for us.” Zhu Yu glanced at her sister, Zhu Yun, who outwardly spoke with steady gentleness, yet clutched her hand tightly, fearing and tense. The innate celestial root was extremely rare and vastly different from ordinary cultivators. Zhu Yun had an inherent ability that even training and experience couldn't compensate for, a sensitivity honed from interactions with those who concealed malice or danger. The enigmatic aura of this senior sister differed vastly from ordinary low-level cultivators. Despite being the same age, the sense of danger from her was inexplicable, prompting Zhu Yun to tighten her grip on her sister’s hand and shield her with half her body. Noticing the latent fear in Zhu Yun's eyes, He He, intrigued, met her gaze, wondering if this sickly girl with a celestial root had sensed anything. This second stare was less relaxed than when Zhu Yun first awoke, and He He suddenly unnerved her, causing a nervous swallow. All her life, He He had recognized the flaws in her character—whatever she considered hers, she refused to share. Although her current hiding in Yucang Mountain, fully aware of her past life, was merely a temporary measure, and she and Xiang Shi Yan were bound to part ways, she couldn't help wanting to keep Xiang Shi Yan separate from others. He He pondered whether her previous unawakened affection for Xiang Shi Yan lingered excessively. The girl thought with annoyance, even when she had signed master-servant pacts in her previous life, her soul had never been as enmeshed as now, especially when her master was not only endearing but also a rare fluffball… Surely, this was her master's fault, right? Thankfully, He He soon averted her gaze, not wishing to spur Xiang Shi Yan to think she was scaring the new junior sisters due to Zhu Yun’s odd behavior. So she said, “We are of a similar age, the titles 'senior' and 'junior' feel distant. Feel free to call me by name, and I will do the same for you.” Xiang Shi Yan, oblivious to the dangerous tension between them, was relieved to see what looked like harmonious interaction among He He, Zhu Yun, and Zhu Yu. She stood up, intending to step out. Anticipating her departure to inquire about Huai Ye's experiences in the secret realm, He He recalled something else and halted her master: “Master, earlier Sister Long held us back... did something happen?” Bringing up the issue, Xiang Shi Yan couldn’t help but frown. She didn’t regret rescuing Zhu Yun and Zhu Yu early on but was regretful she hadn’t anticipated potential developments. The return journey had taken longer than expected, and by the time she brought the sisters back to Yucang Mountain in Beiwuzhen, members of the Taixu Sect had already departed unscathed. “... Elder Bai’s disciples gathered other sect members, blocking everyone at the secret realm’s exit, demanding tolls to pass. Over several days, they robbed several scattered teams,” Xiang Shi Yan sighed. Such bold actions clearly indicated prearranged agreements among sect members before entering the realm. How else could three of the five dispersed Taixu Sect teams group together? This banditry was despicable, and Xiang Shi Yan even suspected Bai Jing Huan was aware of it. According to the Yucang Mountain disciples who encountered them, Bai Jing Huan’s disciple wielded a rare earth-grade spiritual treasure sword, which would never typically be entrusted to a low-level Foundation Establishment disciple. This was clearly his master backing him, making small sects reluctant to protest, opting instead to leave swiftly. They had hoped the other four major sects would advocate for justice, but Taixu Sect disciples bullying the weak wouldn’t risk causing trouble for their sect. The only team halted was coincidentally the one Huai Ye was supposed to lead. On the surface, it seemed they happened to encounter a team that was missing a member yet strong. In reality, Xiang Shi Yan suspected it was guilders directing them to target them due to information leaked when assigning teams. Their real objective was likely Qin Miao. If they hadn’t confirmed Qin Miao wielded the dragonbone blade, they weren’t likely to let it go. In the scuffle, a disciple was accidentally injured, and Xiang Shi Yan suddenly recalled the disciple was close to He He. Her voice hitched as she hesitated, seeing He He's expectant gaze. She continued, “I was derelict in my duty. If I had returned promptly, had we three elders, myself, Yu Ming, and Elder Yi Shi, faced Bai Jing Huan together, we might not have been at a disadvantage and could have forced…” He He noticed something amiss, “Master, if you want to reflect, first tell us clearly—did something happen to someone?” “Yu Ming Senior Sister’s disciple… was injured in the scuffle.” Author's Note: Thank you to the angels who cast votes or watered with nutrient fluid for me between 2022-04-85 35:55:85~2022-04-20 35:05:40~ Thanks to the angel who cast the landmine: Flowing Stone Emperor 1; Thanks to the angel who watered with nutrient fluid: Hot Pot Egg 50 bottles; Abu 5 bottles; Thank you very much for your support, I will continue to work hard! No pop-up ads on this site, permanent domain (xbanxia.com) --- ¹ - The term "furnace" (爐鼎) refers metaphorically to a person used by a cultivator to harvest energy or refine Qi, often in harmful or morally questionable practices.