95 - Divine Mastering Dragon System

Chapter 95: Returning to the Mountain "Knock, knock." Long Rui Qing stood silently before the tightly shut door of her master, Yu Ming Jun. She tapped gently, her presence bringing a touch of life to the dim corridor that felt rather stifling. As she glanced back at the empty hallway, the absence of her companion, Huai Ye, was felt, as he had gone ahead to report to Xiang Shi Yan. He was likely sulking now due to the unexpected arrival of two junior sisters that Shi Yan had brought back without warning. Thinking about the Zhu sisters she had met for the first time today, Long Rui Qing, known for her customary warmth, found her smile fading. For a considerable time in the past, Qi Wei Jun Gong Ning and Yue Hua Jun Xiang Shi Yan were known for their extraordinary talent and striking beauty, praised as the twin jewels of Yu Cang Mountain. Over a decade ago, Gong Ning formed a cultivation partnership with Zhu Cheng, the newly appointed head of the Zhu family. With Zhu Cheng's status drawing attention, Gong Ning moved to Huai Hai City and had not returned since. Qi Wei Jun was rumored to be gentle and graceful, a person whose soft and gentle nature clashed with her decision to cut all ties with her longstanding mountain home and childhood friends. Among the older disciples, especially those who knew her before she left Yu Cang Mountain, speculation about why Gong Ning abruptly severed relations with them ran rife. Even more peculiar was the fact that while Gong Ning unilaterally cut off contact with the mountain and her old friends, Yu Cang Mountain also ceased all communication with her. The exchanges between Yu Cang Mountain and the Zhu family in Huai Hai City became much more frequent after Gong Ning's marriage to Zhu Cheng compared to before, which seemed unexpected given that Zhu Cheng and Gong Ning had seemingly little in common before their sudden union. Outsiders speculated wildly, with one popular theory suggesting that, as the weakest entities among the Five Great Sects and the Seven Great Clans, Yu Cang Mountain and the Zhu family chose to form an alliance through marriage. Gong Ning was said to be forced into marriage with Zhu Cheng, enduring hardship and cutting ties with the mountain due to their shame. Yu Cang Mountain, feeling guilty, distanced themselves from her as well. These are just baseless guesses. As a disciple acquainted with the inner workings of the sect, Long Rui Qing couldn't claim detailed knowledge of past events, but she was certain that the notion of an alliance was conjured up out of thin air. She couldn't imagine a promising Nascent Soul cultivator willingly marrying someone they hardly knew, or choosing to have children at the cost of her potential to attain immortality—a decision that would severely diminish her cultivation. Long Rui Qing was more inclined to believe that marriage, living as a spouse, and having children were Gong Ning's own choices. She didn't understand why Gong Ning ceased communication with her old acquaintances but could somewhat deduce why none of the people from Yu Cang Mountain reached out to her. Others often described the four disciples of Yu Cang Mountain’s former leader as having inherited her cold and aloof nature after living together for over a decade. This statement was half true and half false. Living in Yu Cang Mountain for more than ten years, Long Rui Qing knew well that while her master Yu Ming was an exception, understanding the sect leader and Yue Hua elder because of her relationship with Huai Ye, some people are just naturally proud and stubborn. Among the four siblings, perhaps Gong Ning was the only one slightly more straightforward and cordial. Her presence might have exacerbated the peculiar personalities of the other three to such an extent that, once this sole mediator severed ties, none were willing to bow down in the face of this perplexing estrangement. Or perhaps they understood Gong Ning too well and knew that no amount of humility could mend the sudden departure… Long Rui Qing was not privy to their inner thoughts but could only piece together a narrative based on available clues. If they truly were indifferent, why would Yu Cang Mountain allow a waning Zhu family to linger until now? To protect their junior sister and forsake minor benefits for this entanglement even now, allowing Yu Cang Mountain to gradually become an indispensable ally of the Zhu family, was an expression of the sect leader’s tenderness. Ten years after Gong Ning's passing, Li Huai began drawing Yu Cang Mountain's resources away from the faltering Zhu family and redirecting them to more urgent causes. It was Xiang Shi Yan who, ten years ago, dragged the reluctant Yu Ming to Huai Hai City upon hearing the astonishing news of Gong Ning giving birth. It was also Shi Yan who brought Gong Ning's twins back years later. Regardless of the emotions involved, it's clear that she's never let go of those memories. As for Yu Ming… With a soft touch on the door, Long Rui Qing called out gently, "Master, it's me." Inside, there was no response. Perhaps some talisman was affixed, blocking both sound and spiritual perception. However, any disturbances outside would likely still be heard within. Long Rui Qing knocked again, "Is Master feeling well? I'm genuinely concerned. Please, let me see you, just open the door." Her voice was inherently soft and clear, invoking an involuntary sense of fondness and allowing one to imagine, even without seeing her face, a serene young girl smiling as if soothing someone. Still, there was no reply. Long Rui Qing stood, waiting a moment, confirming with disappointment that Yu Ming still didn't intend to open the door. She softly reassured, "Aunt Xiang is currently being kept busy by Huai Ye. I truly have no intention of deceiving you into opening the door." After a brief silence, Long Rui Qing sensed the barrier on the door being lifted. With a creak, it opened slightly, revealing Yu Ming Jun's tear-stained face, red and moist eyes peeking through the gap. Yu Ming was born a mortal, picked up by the former head of the sect and, despite being well-cared for, she never grew tall—remaining petite even into adulthood. Compared to Xiang Shi Yan's striking features, Yu Ming had an endearingly delicate appearance. Her clear, graceful features were somewhat charming, though marred by her frequent frown, making her seem more like a fierce, small creature. Despite not reaching the early prowess of Xiang Shi Yan or Gong Ning in forming a core, Yu Ming was much faster than the average cultivator, maintaining a youthful appearance due to her baby-faced looks, sometimes appearing even younger than her years. When Yu Ming opened the door, her tears hadn’t dried, with a teardrop pitifully clinging to her lower lashes yet to fall, evoking a strong sense of empathy. A Nascent Soul cultivator, already a renowned elder for a century, secretly weeping in her room was something outsiders would hardly believe. Especially since just half a day earlier, she had stood fearless against Bai Jing Huan, a formidable figure in the cultivation world, unwavering under his powerful aura, leaving all in awe. Now, before her disciple, all semblance of authority as a teacher was gone, calling for admiration and surprise. With sorrow woven into her brows, Yu Ming's usually tense expression had softened considerably, filling with a pent-up need to vent. Yet upon encountering the expected comforting gaze of her beloved disciple, she saw none of that gentleness. Long Rui Qing's demeanor was cold; she stood taller than Yu Ming, shadows accentuating her stern countenance, making her appear even more intimidating. Her dark, unknowable gaze met her master's caught-off-guard eyes through the door gap. With a swift motion, Long Rui Qing pushed past Yu Ming, slipped her hand through the door to block it, and entered her master's private space. Long Rui Qing shut the door behind her, surprising Yu Ming, who still appeared slightly dazed. Her disciple pinned her gently yet firmly against the door. Yu Ming's nerves, already strained, tensed as she was pressed against the door. Her usually gentle disciple’s unusual intensity contrasted with her spontaneous, often uncontrollable emotional outbursts. Since taking her as a disciple, she'd frequently shown this younger woman her embarrassing sides, becoming accustomed to receiving comfort, prompting her to naturally seek solace at her young disciple's presence this time as well. "A-A Qing, what are you doing?" Long Rui Qing effortlessly clasped Yu Ming's wrists together, holding her with a shoulder against the door. The esteemed Nascent Soul cultivator, captured so simply by her barely-Core Formation disciple, was indeed a marvel. As Yu Ming squirmed, her back brushed against Long Rui Qing, sparking a touch of embarrassment. How could her disciple seem so transformed without her noticing? At twenty-one, she was already a mature woman. The young woman's warmth brushed against her ear and hairline, heating Yu Ming's ears as that plain, emotionless voice inquired, "How many Heavenly Silkworm Patterns did you use when confronting Elder Bai earlier?" Yu Ming, still vainly trying to free her wrists, became guiltier and clammed up at the query. "Master, at your age, shouldn't need reminding by a disciple not to rashly endanger herself. Your own crafted talismans—are you unaware of the harm they can bring to your body?" With her spiritual energy depleted and backfired by her created talismans, Yu Ming, now vulnerable akin to a mortal woman, had no defense whatsoever against Long Rui Qing. Yu Ming, the elder, gingerly turned her head away, biting back her words. The tear from earlier had already slid down to her jaw, yet her reddened eyes still carried an air of tender helplessness. The unusual edge of her disciple's ire instinctively unsettled her. Yu Ming sensed impending doom, yet clung to a thread of hope. This thread of doubt and indifference vanished suddenly as she felt an intrusion against her covered skin. Yu Ming's gaze darted sideways in shock, and she struggled even more heatedly. With a distressed frown, she scolded her daring disciple, "How dare you... What are you trying to do?" Both individuals remained fully clothed, though their attire was slightly crumpled from the shoulder and neck rubbing together. The voluminous garments of Yu Cang Mountain, a style Yu Ming had worn for over three centuries, had hitherto left certain vulnerabilities unnoticed. Unable to close her knees, the older woman's sudden yelp filled the room, her flushed cheeks betraying her embarrassment. Anger clouded Yu Ming's eyes as rapid thoughts flitted through her mind, leaving her expression tinged with indignation. She gritted out her disciple's full name, "Long Rui Qing! You... you..." For a moment, words eluded her, the phrases swirling in her throat as if they'd been swallowed by her tears. Her vision clouded with tears again, and her robe was hiked askew. Whether it was pure fear induced by Long Rui Qing or some unspoken reason, Yu Ming's body jerked violently as sobs overcame her, tears streaming down as she blinked. A low sigh whispered at her ear, "Master always loves to cry." Long Rui Qing once wondered why her master, despite her age and experience, still seemed so fragile. Eventually, she realized it was simply because someone had always been there to wipe her tears. Even when the day came when her cries were met with silence, Yu Ming stubbornly awaited comfort from others. The restraint on Yu Ming's wrists intensified as Long Rui Qing pressed her harder against the door. From one perspective, it seemed she merely embraced Yu Ming; however, only the master knew the audacity of her disciple’s violations, demanding what should not exist between them. Her disciple was force-feeding her this bitter fruit of reversed decorum, compelling her to swallow deeply, unable to spit it out. Literally. "Ah—" Yu Ming let out a soft scream, helplessly sobbing, "What has become of you?" Long Rui Qing would never normally treat her revered master this way, but the movements that conveyed threats and menace were undeniably from her usually serene and tamed pupil, evidenced by the calluses on her fingers from her sword practice. Yu Ming didn't struggle too long; indeed, she hadn't resisted much at all. Her room was protected by her own isolation talismans, making outside detection difficult, but by merely shifting a bit, she could use her teeth to peel off the charm on the door. With the acuity of Xiang Shi Yan's spiritual sense, she would immediately notice any incident within a mere ten meters. She pleaded softly, "I won't be so reckless anymore, A Qing, please... why are you angry?" This wasn’t the tone of a teacher—a sticky, sweet plea Long Rui Qing had only heard from her master once during a drunken stupefaction. Despite Yu Ming's frail physique and lack of curves, the impropriety it stirred in Long Rui Qing remained known only to her. Ensconced in sorrow, her master had clung to her garment, curled up on the mat, sobbing softly for someone who would never return. Now, however, her thoughts resided purely inward. Realizing this provided Long Rui Qing a sense of elation. After a moment, she spoke as if to herself, her voice husky with excitement, carrying a sinister edge. "Has Master met those new junior sisters today?" "Mm... yes, yes. Uh, what's that sound?" "It's a pity I joined too late to have seen Qi Wei Jun's countenance." Upon hearing that name, Yu Ming's body stiffened. Before she could gather her thoughts, her disciple had already released her wrists, even withdrew her other hand, casually wiping it on her clothes before holding Yu Ming’s face tenderly. Even from this close proximity, they did not kiss. Long Rui Qing supported her unstable master, gazing into her unfocused eyes. Yu Ming also stared back at her, but a sudden sound—the jingle of bells—filled the air confusingly. Did A Qing change her accessories? she wondered hazily. “Didn’t you accept me because I resembled her? Yet, after seeing Qi Wei Jun's daughters today, they don't seem similar." A youthful marvel truly lasts a lifetime, doesn’t it? She smiled, though her eyes remained icy. Long Rui Qing was satisfied to see her master had ceased reacting to that name, merely whimpering delicately, “What sound… A Qing? Bells… not bells?” "Ah, just a little trinket I bought while training down the mountain, finally found a use for it today as a gift for Master." The bell-like object wasn't attached to Long Rui Qing. Although she claimed it was for Yu Ming, it was nowhere to be found, its occasional jingle emerging from some unreachable corner. "Won’t Master answer?" Long Rui Qing left a gentle peck on her earlobe, patting her back to calm her. It was as if she had drawn and released her master’s bowstring, her vexation ebbing like the tide, restoring her usual demeanor as the gentle disciple and honorable elder sister. She jovially suggested, "I've heard the elder twin has a single wind affinity; perhaps Master might ask Aunt Xiang if she can be transferred to you?" Her face showed no trace of malice, yet the bell's continuous sound persisted, even muddling Yu Ming's already unclear mind, leaving her wary of speaking carelessly. A sense of muddled vision saw Yu Ming lean forward, lightly grazing her lips against Long Rui Qing's mouth corner. The perpetrator's actions gradually ceased, Long Rui Qing cradled Yu Ming in her arms, laying her on the bed before seeking a cloth to clean up any traces of water and stains on the floor. Having completed this, she turned again toward her master, shivering nervously while curled up on the bed. Yu Ming's toes clenched and stretched reflexively, her attire prim and proper, yet her eyes betraying a hint of impropriety. "Master is not accustomed to restraint; indulging herself repeatedly leads to such exhaustion." Long Rui Qing maintained a composed distance, the atmosphere tense even more than earlier. "I wasn’t… A Qing! Please..." Yu Ming's voice fluctuated between sobs and whispers, pleading plaintively. Long Rui Qing's expression darkened momentarily before she approached the bed, deftly undoing her belt. “No way, we’re not even halfway—Master already wants to escape?” In that precise moment, only Long Rui Qing knew, amidst the burning turmoil, what thoughts lurked. Kill me, she whispered inside, banish me far away. Holding onto such desires, Long Rui Qing indulged in tormenting her poor master unrestrainedly. Beneath the flowing emotions lay tumultuous shadows, a forced compulsion. Xiao Tian Ji hadn't listened closely, slow synapses taking a moment to differentiate the master's soft, unfamiliar tone. Upon realizing the inappropriateness, she swiftly withdrew her spiritual energy from the water mirror, abruptly ending the suggestive sounds. After a long silence, the warmth on her cheeks and neck proved hard to dispel. Fu Zhi sat up, patting her face briefly before tending to her sprained ankle and limping away from the room. Much later, when a junior nephew carrying organized documents sought her for help, the disciples stationed before Jing Yue Residence informed him that Fu Zhi had already left, infuriating him enough to jump up in anger again. Fu Zhi, meanwhile, hobbled back alone to the pool and resumed her form as 'Qian Da Ni.' Once her consciousness settled, she realized one of her hands had fallen numb. Turning to look, she saw Xu You Qing asleep on her hand, her face tear-streaked and puffy-eyed. Since leaving the secret realm, she hadn’t visited, feeling conflicted. Only after everyone else had departed did Xu You Qing dare to come out, sitting beside her bed and quietly sobbing while holding her friend’s hand. Though a difficult, headstrong girl, she was not without her charms. Fu Zhi gently patted the back of her head, inadvertently waking Xu You Qing. With a sleepy whimper, Xu You Qing raised her head, only to meet Fu Zhi’s calm gaze, immediately tensing as if about to cry again. "Alright, no more tears. See? I'm fine." "But, if it weren't for me..." Xu You Qing's tears flowed once more, wiping them with her sleeves as she spoke nasally, leaving Fu Zhi uncertain of exactly what she was trying to convey. Maintaining a composed demeanor scarcely suited for a child, Fu Zhi merely brushed away her tears, speaking softly, “Since you remember, I’ll forgive you this time, alright?” Unaware of being consoled as if she were a child, Xu You Qing sniffled and nodded, resting her cheek against Fu Zhi’s hand. The subtle vibrations beneath signaled the flying ship’s departure. After over a month filled with trials, they were finally on their way home again. Author’s Note: The story officially enters the Qin Miao arc. Senior Sister Long is one of the key figures in the next main storyline. I’m so sleepy, I don't even know what I’m writing anymore. The bell is a 'mian ling', please Google it. Thank you to the little angels who showered me with votes of dominance or nutrients between 2022-04-22 35:59:24~2022-04-24 05:38:54~ Thanks to the angels for nourishing me with nutrient solution: Ah Bu 5 bottles; Thank you all so much for the support, I’ll keep working hard! 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