Dialogue

Gong Changqian was just the appetizer.

The next dog to fall—Wang Cheng.

Dealing with Wang Cheng was simple.

Just reveal the evidence Lu Yunling had provided—his destruction was guaranteed.

Gong Ning couldn’t help but wonder—where did Lu Yunling find such perfect, incriminating proof?

Each piece was so precise, so damning.

But for Lu Yunling, it wasn’t hard.

With memories of the past life, she knew countless future events.

If you can’t find your way through a maze forward—just walk it backward.

Soon, Gong Ning hit a dilemma.

Wang Cheng’s dealings with Gong Changqian were essentially bribery from Tianjian Pavilion—using outsiders to commit their dirty work.

Destroying Wang Cheng would naturally damage Tianjian Pavilion.

But here lay the problem.

Gong Ning didn’t fear retaliation.

But she wasn’t alone anymore.

Even if Yu’ao vowed to protect her forever—there was still another issue.

Wang Cheng belonged to the Sword-Steering Hut.

Remove him—and the Sword-Steering Hut would be implicated.

And righteous sects valued reputation above all.

Xuantian Sword Sect had already been affected.

If not for Tang Qiaohuan, the Sect Master would’ve stepped in to ask her to let go.

Push further—and two, even three parties would suffer.

All consequences would eventually fall back on Xuantian Sword Sect as a whole.

This was Gong Ning’s hesitation.

Should she use this method?

Or choose one with less impact?

She couldn’t indulge in self-righteousness—claiming this was for Xuantian Sword Sect’s good, for purging internal corruption.

This was a Golden Core cultivator.

No sect would discard one so easily.

After much thought, Gong Ning decided to visit the Sword-Steering Hut Master—Shen Yanqiu.

Steal someone’s disciple—then target their subordinate?

This grudge would be terrifying.

The two sects were already at odds.

More conflict must be avoided.

She brought Lu Yunling and went to the Sword-Steering Hut.

Shen Yanqiu was a cultivation fanatic—staying in the Hut year-round, as if she’d abandoned all senses and desires.

When she saw Lu Yunling again—alongside Gong Ning—spiritual energy surged toward Gong Ning like a tide.

Lu Yunling instantly stepped in front of her Master.

The move made Shen Yanqiu frown—then withdraw the energy.

Not meant to kill.

Just to test her strength.

So this was the Master Yunling favored?

So weak.

“Junior Gong Ning pays respects to Senior.”

Shen Yanqiu was from the same era as Gong Ning’s master—nearly five hundred years old, at Nascent Soul Layer Seven—higher than Jiang Yuyao.

Calling herself junior—no issue.

“A century ago, you hid behind Su Qingyi.
Two months ago, behind Jiang Yuyao.
Now—are you hiding behind your disciple too?”

Cold sarcasm from the start—each word sharp as a blade.

Normally, Gong Ning would openly admit her weakness.

But now—she carried her disciple’s trust.

She couldn’t let the Hut Master think Yunling had made a wrong choice.

“Senior jokes.
A century ago, sheltered by my Master—my fortune.
Two months ago, protected by Yu’ao—our deep bond.
Now, shielded by Yunling—her devotion.
Gong Ning is blessed thrice over—to receive such favor.”

Shen Yanqiu sneered inwardly—sharp-tongued.

Only those who dared oppose her deserved respect.

Those who groveled were contemptible.

“What do you want?”

“To thank Senior—for allowing Yunling to stay with me.”

“You know what you’re saying?”

Shen Yanqiu’s brow tightened.

To her, Gong Ning’s words sounded like mockery.

“I truly mean thanks—no other intent.”

Gong Ning stepped forward, pulling out her gifts from the System space.

Her palm slowly opened.

“This is the Soul-Sealing Seal, from Beiling Kingdom bordering Great Yan.
It contains a thread of ancient Xuanwu spiritual power—can suppress heart demons, stabilize the cave’s spiritual veins.
You dwell deep in the Sword Hut—this may protect your cultivation from external evil.”

Even an old monster like Shen Yanqiu was slightly stunned.

She didn’t know the seal—but the Four Divine Beasts were legendary.

A flick of her finger—the second gift appeared.

On a white jade tray lay three pills, each the size of a longan.

“Qingming Nourishing Spirit Pills.
Obtained in my youth.
Nourish the soul, stabilize the sea of consciousness.
During closed-door cultivation, no fear of heart demon backlash.
One pill brings peace, protects the Dao heart.”

Finally, she revealed a velvet-covered long case.

Inside—a blank sword blank, unsharpened.

“Heart-Link Sword Marrow.
A blade forged with it gains sentience.
Even when flying apart—it moves like an extension of the arm, responding to thought.”

Three treasures laid bare.

All Gong Ning’s collection—meant for her disciples someday.

But for Yunling, for Lingling, to clean up her Master’s mess—she had to use them now.

Carefully chosen.

The Hut Master loved cultivation.

The seal had Xuanwu’s mind-protection.

The pills helped deep meditation.

The last—perfect for the Azure Cloud Sword Flight Formula.

These were meant for powerful allies—like that fat donkey who helped her.

But at her level, few things gave real benefit.

Even slight aid was priceless.

“These are just humble gifts from my travels.
That Yunling stays with me—is due to your kindness.
I hope Senior understands… Gong Ning values Yunling deeply.”

Shen Yanqiu saw her cleverness.

A little trickery—but sincere.

She waved—taking the first two.

“The last is useless to me.
I already have a suitable weapon.
Leave it for Yunling.”

Exactly as planned.

Seemingly offering three gifts—actually only two.

She knew Shen Yanqiu would give the third to Yunling.

“You’ve gone through all this trouble—surely there’s more.”

“You see through me.
Gong Ning has one more request—seeking your guidance on the Azure Cloud Sword Flight Formula.”

Shen Yanqiu didn’t know if she was laughing or scoffing.
“You have nerve—asking about another sect’s supreme art?”

“Gong Ning will sign a contract.
I will never cultivate it, nor leak it—only use it to teach Yunling.”

Shen Yanqiu’s expression softened slightly.

Honest enough.

Su Qingyi’s disciple was better than her—knew how to behave.

She pulled out a notebook—made of unknown material—and sent it floating into Gong Ning’s hand.

“My years of insights. Study as you wish.
No need for a contract—I doubt you’d dare betray it.”

“Thank you, Senior, for your generosity.”

Preliminaries done.

Whether affection was gained or not—it was time for the final step.

“Lastly—one more matter.
Wang Cheng of your Hut bears a grudge against me.
I intend to retaliate.
I ask that you do not interfere.”