97 - Divine Mastering Dragon System

### Chapter 80: Estrangement The system's sudden disappearance wasn't a mystery to Xiang Shiyan. She knew it resulted from her reckless actions in Huaihai City, using powers that didn't belong to this world, which led to the system being exiled. However, it was necessary at the time; only with the system's power could she fully grasp her target's movements and ensure the safety of those women and children, allowing them to leave the city unnoticed by the powerful families. Yet, without the system, some things indeed became inconvenient. The last time Xiang Shiyan checked on the progress of Huai Ye and the others within the secret realm, they were near the Mist Gorge. Beyond that, she knew nothing of what transpired. Thus, Huai Ye, neither troubled by the Zhu sisters nor upset that Xiang Shiyan sought Du Ruo's help without waiting for her, caught Xiang Shiyan off guard. But considering that six months ago, Huai Ye had gone to Huaihai City to liaise with the Zhu family on the Sect Master’s orders and had met Zhu Yun and Zhu Yu, Xiang Shiyan had briefed her beforehand. Perhaps she was prepared. Earlier, one part of Xiang Shiyan’s mind was dwelling on Huai Ye’s past transgressions, while the other was pondering the whereabouts of the mysterious Cloak of Clouds. Yet, when Huai Ye spoke with a face full of guilt, Xiang Shiyan instinctively sensed danger and dispelled the noise in her mind. Seeing her frown, Huai Ye's voice grew fainter: "I was foolish, disregarding your warnings, Shishu. Zheng Yiwen from Elder Jing Wu's lineage drugged our food. Fortunately, my junior sister protected me. Though the aphrodisiac seemed ineffective due to her youth, she fell ill with a high fever and delirium for days. She seems better now, but please, Shishu, examine her to prevent any lasting harm." The twins in the room were taken aback, as was Xiang Shiyan. Rubbing her temples, Xiang Shiyan sighed before speaking, "You're easily trusting of others; I know this. I didn't explain clearly before you left, so it's understandable if you didn't take it to heart. Once we're back at the mountain, I'll carefully diagnose He He. Though by coincidence, she saved you, you should thank her properly and remember to stay vigilant in the future." Although Zhu Yun, Zhu Yu, and Huai Ye were all similar in physique, knowing and supporting each other would be beneficial. Yet, waiting for them to become better acquainted seemed wise before revealing everything, allowing them to watch over each other. What troubled her more was the pretext she gave to He He, clearly hinting at a threat to Huai Ye's life. How could that girl be so oblivious? If the food contained poison meant to kill, wouldn't it have backfired? Tight-lipped, she continued, "I specifically tasked He He before you left to guard against any plots against you. She seems more astute than you." Her tone was a mix of exasperation and jest, yet Huai Ye only hung her head lower, replying respectfully, "Your lecture, Shishu, is duly noted." Though still unpardoned for her previous offense, Huai Ye was eager in the secret realm to fulfill Xiang Shiyan’s commissions, partly because she rarely relied on herself, and partly hoping to make amends, desiring not to be overlooked by Xiang Shiyan again. Instead, she failed to retrieve the Cloak of Clouds and put her junior sister in danger. She’d focused so intently on Xiang Shiyan's commands that she neglected those accompanying her. With her own protection, even a senior disciple near Nascent Soul Stage had been assisted; how could those mere nuisances dare to act? The more Huai Ye considered, the more she felt unworthy to face her mentor. Recalling how Xiang Shiyan repeatedly stressed the importance of the Cloak of Clouds, Huai Ye acknowledged her missed opportunity starkly. With a troubled expression, she bowed deeply, "I am incapable, Shishu. Please punish me." Watching her bow low, Xiang Shiyan felt the urge to pat her head and console her not to blame herself. Even as her hand extended, intending to touch Huai Ye, the girl abruptly looked up. Xiang Shiyan froze, meeting those deep, black eyes, feeling a twinge of awkwardness as she withdrew her hand. Clasping her hands behind her back, Xiang Shiyan asked coolly, "When you were drugged, did Qin Miao act out of the ordinary?" In the original work, Qin Miao and Huai Ye had quarreled, which prevented him from warning of Zheng Yiwen's plot in time. Though not the instigator, Xiang Shiyan bore some guilt and used this as a pretext to sever ties between Huai Ye and Qin Miao. Huai Ye furrowed her brow, "Qin Miao seemed aware of the plot, yet he colluded with Zheng Yiwen. I found it disgraceful." Her voice was resolute and cold, aware that due to lack of concrete evidence, justice might not be swift against both men. She did not urge Xiang Shiyan, merely stating her stance. Childhood friends or not, he was but a vile man to her. Huai Ye quickly masked the emotions in her eyes, fearing Xiang Shiyan would notice and perhaps distance herself further. Zhu Yun and Zhu Yu remained silent observers nearby, their conversation never hiding from them. Xiang Shiyan, turning to them, remarked, "Qin Miao is blinded by revenge and prone to err. You know why I cautioned you against becoming too close to him." The twins shared a quick glance, their disdain evident. Then Xiang Shiyan addressed Huai Ye, "I am informed of the situation. Although acquiring evidence might be difficult now, I promise you justice on those involved and the mastermind behind them." Huai Ye, however, appeared worried, "I will be more cautious, but if it involves Elder Jing Wu, you might face risks, Shishu. Perhaps I should seek my master's support for justice." The animosity between Jing Wu Elder and Xiang Shiyan was no secret; ever since the previous sect leader, his disdain for female cultivators of their lineage was palpable. Unable to surpass them in talent or cultivation, any situation was an opportunity to deride them. Whoever inherits his peak, like Zheng Yiwen if he ascended before Jing Wu's passing, could have schemed these treacherous acts under his planning. "No need to speak further. I view you as a dear niece. Why wouldn't I stand by you?" There was a probing look in Xiang Shiyan’s eyes. Huai Ye instinctively wished to object, but biting off the words "but," she closed her mouth. Yet her resistance was apparent, causing Xiang Shiyan to feel an uncomfortable blockage, her expression changing abruptly. Seeing her so, Huai Ye avoided her gaze; both turned pale. After a tense moment, Xiang Shiyan spoke first, "Qin Miao is on his way. You should leave now." With Qin Miao’s leg still injured, it was no surprise he'd hurry to seek treatment from her. Xiang Shiyan quietly sensed him approaching through the ship's corridor. Huai Ye silently bowed in farewell, yet before reaching the door, Xiang Shiyan confirmed once more, "Are you sure Qin Miao didn't wake before you?" "He didn’t. Both Qin Miao and Junior Sister He were deeply entranced in the illusion. I had to kick Qin Miao awake; my junior sister only awoke after escaping the maze." Xiang Shiyan nodded, "I will investigate further. Should the hidden treasure fall to someone unaware, it would surely reveal itself, provided it's not with Qin Miao." "Understood," Huai Ye replied respectfully, then turned and left. Passing Qin Miao in the corridor, his eyes red, she didn’t spare him a glance, her face pale as she headed for the deck. The mountain gate was drawing near, and she needed to prepare the disciples for disembarkation. Despite her anxiety, her duties assigned by Long Rui Qing couldn't be neglected. His whereabouts were unknown, possibly consoling the Master Yu Ming, but after a full day and night, could it be that Master Yu Ming, reminiscing about old acquaintances akin to the junior sisters, had sunk into such profound sorrow that it took this long for them to alleviate his pain? "Master, disciple Qin Miao seeks an audience," the slightly hoarse voice of a young man announced as he knocked on the door. "Enter." Upon entering, Qin Miao saw Xiang Shiyan sitting by the table, sipping tea. The two silent guests beside her remained expressionless. Noticing the familiar faces of the twins, Qin Miao’s pupils contracted. He quickly suppressed his reaction, hoping Xiang Shiyan hadn’t noticed. Approaching, the young man bowed, "I heard my master obtained two precious gems and came to offer greetings." Xiang Shiyan coolly introduced Zhu Yun and Zhu Yu to him. Before Qin Miao could charm the sisters, she inquired, "What happened to your leg?" Qin Miao thought Xiang Shiyan's question showed her concern, briefly revealing joy before collecting himself, "I was bitten by an unknown venomous snake in the secret realm. Although Junior Sister He promptly treated it, there's been no improvement. Currently, my left calf is completely numb." He couldn't help but look at Xiang Shiyan with hopeful eyes. His master possessed the "Pharmacopoeia" written by a legendary medicine sage, documenting all manner of poisons. Surely, she'd have a way to heal him. "Snake venom... are you certain it was snake venom?" Although Xiang Shiyan was aware of the bite, having Qin Miao in front of her piqued her curiosity. Her true spirit sword was exceptionally sensitive to poisons and evil, yet it showed no reaction to Qin Miao. It seemed either enough time had passed for the toxins to be metabolized, or his leg injury was due to something else entirely. Xiang Shiyan couldn’t have anticipated that her young second disciple would alter the composition of the medicine designed to treat snake venom, effectively disrupting the sensory function of Qin Miao’s left leg, rendering him disabled with ease. She asked Qin Miao to reveal where the snake had bitten his left calf. The wound had healed completely with no signs of festering. Xiang Shiyan expressed difficulty, saying, "Without knowing the source of the poison, it’s hard to decipher what caused this, making concocting an antidote nearly impossible. Healing it might be improbable." She wasn’t making excuses, merely speaking the truth. The snake, peculiar as it was, likely wasn’t a common creature. The more she looked, the stranger she found it, yet she couldn’t pinpoint why. When she checked his pulse, her findings were inconclusive. Naturally, since the medicine was topical and nearly a month had passed, there was nothing left to find. Hearing Xiang Shiyan’s words, Qin Miao's face turned ashen. In a faltering voice, he asked, "How could Master be unable to heal me... are you lying to me?" Xiang Shiyan withdrew her hand, frowning at his insinuating question, "Why would you say that?" Swallowing the words questioning his master's favoritism, the young man shook his head pitiably, "Disciple spoke out of turn, I..." But Xiang Shiyan felt no sympathy for him. Qin Miao, as the world's center and a beloved child of fate, wouldn’t need her pity—he would find a way to heal in time, even if she did nothing. Moreover, if she pitied Qin Miao today, would he show pity to others tomorrow? To seize his chance for revenge against Xiang Bai Jing Huan, he allowed Yu Cang Mountain, which protected and nurtured him for many years, to be ravaged by demonic tribes; to quickly reach the Great Ascension stage, despite knowing the Zhu sisters’ special constitutions, he still riskily engaged Zhu Yun; having other ways to cure the love poison, he chose instead to take advantage of the long-coveted opportunity with his master. Qin Miao could easily relish the honor of being the youngest cultivator to reach the Great Ascension stage, unburdened by the sacrifice Zhu Yun made for him. Zhu Yun's life was a tragedy and deserved compassion; Zhu Yu, who perished at the hands of the Zhu clan kin after her cultivation plummeted from being overdrawn—is she not pitiable? Huai Ye, who stalled the Tai Xu Sect’s arrival for him, only for him to flee and leave her to die in vain, isn’t she also pitiable? The demon citizens, killed by his negligence, are they not more deserving of pity than Qin Miao? If there were any excess sympathy to spare, better to save it for those truly in need. Even if she lavished some on herself, it would be a hundred times better than wasting it on Qin Miao, the ungrateful wretch. Fully disappointed and utterly disgusted with Qin Miao, Xiang Shiyan had yet to take his life only because the system warned her that precipitously killing the protagonist could lead to the world's collapse, and at that moment, Qin Miao hadn’t done anything yet. She neither harmed him nor severed his future but merely withdrew all her support. She owed him nothing. With a frigid wave of her sleeve, she dismissed him, "You may leave." Qin Miao's eyes turned red, “If even Master can't help, it seems this is my fate. Farewell, dear sisters, till we meet again.” Meanwhile, on the deck, He He enjoyed the breeze with a satisfied smile. She recalled seeing an object melded with Qin Miao’s spine when her right eye was restored—a long blade made from her bone, integrated into his vertebrae, irretrievable without stripping his spine entirely. Killing or torturing someone who looked so much like that detestable man brought He He no psychological burden, yet sparing Qin Miao served another purpose. The sword bore the remnant soul of someone familiar, slightly worn but recognizable. He He had long suspected that during her slumber in Ji-An Peak's mountain lake, many events transpired in Tai Xu Sect; after all, one who consumed both dragon flesh and blood shouldn’t meet such an easy end. The man who gained everything through devious scheming ultimately lost it all in conflict, yet couldn’t simply surrender to fate. Her dear senior wasn’t handsome nor likable, and his talents pitiful. Wouldn’t Xiang Shiyan ascend to immortality in a century or two if she had digested her? Even if a true dragon were wholly consumed, with flesh, blood, skin, and scales assimilated, filth remains filth—a bug can never become a dragon. Despite donning complete sets of secret treasures, he was still vanquished by an unknown foe eventually. Still, he had cunning in abundance, having managed to anchor himself onto the dragon-bone blade, scheming to possess his descendants’ bodies for revival, likely plotting vengeance against those who stole his treasures and Tai Xu Sect. What a pity, Gu Qin Song, how unfortunate we’re once again siblings in arms. An idea suddenly amused He He, as she strolled into the cabin buoyantly. She happened upon Long Rui Qing being thrown out by a great force from Elder Yu Ming’s chamber. Though her clothes were intact, her shoulders and back were rumpled as if repeatedly grasped, and a stark handprint marked her face. Staring dazedly at the shut door, Long Rui Qing eventually noticed He He’s curious gaze. Standing up to smooth her garments, she offered a sheepish smile, “Junior Sister He, could you please keep this to yourself?” Though her own reputation was trivial, her master’s was sensitive. Provoking her master was to be expelled or killed, but even without this unfilial student, Yu Ming must still uphold his virtue. He He’s nose detected the lingering decadent scent from the room and mixed odors on Long Rui Qing. She instantly understood what had occurred. Uninterested in others’ affairs, she politely smiled, “It’s time to disembark. I came to see if Da Ni needed help. I happened by and saw nothing.” “Great help.” "However, Senior Sister, you might want to handle those marks on your face... and the bite marks on your neck?" Long Rui Qing returned to her room to touch up, while He He cheerfully entered the recovery room where Qian Da Ni was resting. Opening her eyes at the sound, Fu Zhi saw the intimidating one appear, now wearing a face reflecting her brisk spirit, like a child fascinated by a unique beetle, she announced gleefully, “I just found out your master and senior sister are having an affair.” "..." “Did you already know?” “Well... I learned it recently...” Fu Zhi admitted awkwardly. “What brings you here? Just to share gossip?” “Of course not,” He He said with a mysterious smile, settling beside her. “I came to propose a deal.” Fu Zhi’s face fell, cursing the shift from chatter to this, knowing He He was no saint and her offer couldn’t be for a good cause. As expected, the demon warmly offered, “I have a secret about Qin Miao. Hear it out before deciding on a trade?” Fu Zhi clamped her hands over her ears, “I don’t want to hear it!” Ignoring her expression, He He forcibly parted her hands, “Come on, at least listen.” “No! You’re surely tricking me into something!” “What if I told you, it's about the shifting constellations?” The girl’s resistance weakened, and Fu Zhi squinted at He He, her face showing curiosity. With a nuanced smile, He He pronounces each word distinctly, “Qin Miao is a reincarnated soul.” **Author's Note:** I know some readers wanted to see Huai Ye break down upon seeing Zhu Yun and Zhu Yu, but she’s no longer in a position to act spoiled with Xiang Shiyan. Knowing her previous mistakes angered Xiang Shiyan, she’s been extremely cautious. If Xiang Shiyan asked if she’s a fool, she’d probably shake her head so emphatically she’d shoot into the sky! Some people, when neglected, can become nervous and humble, like obedient puppies—perhaps essentially mama's girls inside. Folks, since last night a hundred more followers suddenly joined. Can someone tell me what happened? Did someone recommend my story??? Thanks to the little angels who cast their vote or watered me with nutrient solution between 2022-04-25 21:35:19 and 2022-04-27 14:29:45~ Thank you to the little angel who cast the mines: Changqin Wuyan 1; Thanks to the little angels who watered the nutrient solution: Shanshu 92 bottles; My gosh 20 bottles; Mo Jin Heng 10 bottles; humble pawn 8 bottles; Thank you all for your support, I will continue to work hard!