Ex-girlfriend (Part 2)

Having exited the Sun Palace’s main hall, Shangguan Xue gently massaged her face, still smarting from the recent kick, and grumbled inwardly:

“Honestly, I merely asked if we had gotten back together; why did she have to kick my face?”

“Still, Sister Dong only kicked me after I had helped her remove her boots, indicating she wasn’t truly furious.”

“Which means, there’s still a chance for us to reconcile.”

A knowing chuckle escaped her as this thought crossed her mind, and she then pondered:

“Next, I should seek out… Beigong Qingmei.”

Wielding her Hegemon Blade, she cleaved open space itself and stepped into the Ink Pavilion’s main city.

Having been established over five centuries ago, the Ink Pavilion now stood as a co-ruler of the Central Continent alongside the Sun Palace, a hallowed ground in the hearts of cultivators.

Within the Ink Pavilion’s main city, a statue also stood, depicting its founder, the Painting Saint. Shangguan Xue offered a respectful bow to her as well.

“If I had been born in the Central Continent, cultivation would not have been so arduous.”

A wave of deep sentiment washed over Shangguan Xue.

In this world, everyone possessed spiritual energy, yet merely possessing it was not enough for cultivation. One required suitable Spirit Arts—cultivation methods for harnessing spiritual energy. Spirit Arts ranged from weak to strong, categorized into Mortal Grade, Refined Grade, and Saint Grade.

Shangguan Xue had been born in the Xi’ye Dynasty of the Southern Continent. There, powerful aristocratic clans monopolized Spirit Arts, leaving commoners without the right to cultivate.

Had she not fortuitously acquired a “Martial Art,” she would have already lived out her days and passed away.

In stark contrast, the Ink Pavilion in the Central Continent established academies and colleges, reaching deep into rural areas to disseminate Spirit Arts, thereby enabling everyone in the Central Continent to cultivate. Cultivators across the Central Continent were universally grateful to the Ink Pavilion.

“An organization that championed compulsory education was destroyed by Hao Jin,” Shangguan Xue fumed. “He must have been one of those who slipped through the cracks of compulsory education.”

As she mused aloud, she arrived below the main pavilion:

“The Martial Saint requests an audience with the Pavilion Master.”

Moments later, Shangguan Xue was led by an attendant to the Pavilion Master’s door.

She raised her hand and knocked. Immediately, the door swung open, revealing a silver-haired woman standing behind it.

‘No, why are you here?’ Shangguan Xue nodded, acknowledging her:

“Greetings, Senior Beigong.”

Beigong Wenhong, the Ink Pavilion’s Grand Elder, returned the greeting:

“Martial Saint, there’s no need for such formality. To what do we owe this visit?”

“Oh, I have an important matter to discuss with the Pavilion Master.”

Beigong Wenhong nodded slightly and began to walk away:

“Then you two may talk; I shall take my leave.”

“Senior Beigong, take care,” Shangguan Xue called out after her.

Beigong Wenhong was merely at the Minor Accomplishment stage of the Creation Realm, her cultivation level inferior to Shangguan Xue’s. However, Shangguan Xue’s deference stemmed from her other identity…

She was the mother of the Ink Pavilion Master, “Mystic Dye Saint” Beigong Qingmei.

‘How is this any different from meeting the parents?’ Shangguan Xue muttered.

Inside the room, a silver-haired woman, clad in tight-fitting attire, stood leaning against the wall. She lifted her gaze to the newcomer, her eyes gleaming like molten gold.

This was a special physique known as “Fiery Golden Eyes,” capable of seeing a thousand miles away, perceiving minute details up close, and discerning truth from falsehood.

Upon seeing Shangguan Xue, Beigong Qingmei’s brows furrowed tightly:

“You’re looking for me? For what purpose?”

“Naturally, it’s about a significant matter.” Shangguan Xue gestured, silently asking if she could sit.

“Sit,” Beigong Qingmei said, settling herself onto the floor as well. “I’m listening; tell me what you have to say.”

Shangguan Xue spoke directly:

“I died twenty years in the future. My killer was the Fated Child of humanity, yet he possessed half-Merman blood. He led the Mermen to attack the Central Continent.”

At these words, Beigong Qingmei’s brows furrowed even more deeply, almost forming the character for “king” on her forehead.

Shangguan Xue knew that Beigong Qingmei’s father had died defending against a Merman invasion, so this news clearly struck a chord with her.

The Martial Saint pressed on, striking while the iron was hot:

“In that battle, not only did you and I, and a few others, perish, but even Senior Beigong… also fell in battle.”

Beigong Qingmei froze for a moment, then her Fiery Golden Eyes blazed with intense light, like scorching molten lava.

It turned out that Beigong Wenhong had held a high position for a century, having many husbands and children. As a child, Beigong Qingmei had not been favored.

Therefore, she had diligently cultivated, solely to earn her mother’s special affection.

Beigong Qingmei held deep affection for her father, with whom she had relied upon since childhood, and she valued her mother immensely. The Fated Child’s actions naturally struck a chord deep within her.

Taking several deep breaths, the Ink Pavilion Master calmed her emotions and met Shangguan Xue’s gaze, saying:

“You didn’t come to me merely to relay this news. You must have a solution, don’t you? Tell me.”

“Clever,” Shangguan Xue quickly praised her, then added, “My method involves me cultivating anew, seizing his opportunities, plundering his destiny, and shattering his Dao heart.”

“But I can’t do it alone; I’ll need your assistance.”

Her furrowed brows relaxed, and Beigong Qingmei replied swiftly:

“Is that so?… I’ll help you. What do you need me to do?”

“Straightforward,” Shangguan Xue praised again. “I’ll explain the details tomorrow on Cuiyun Peak.”

“Alright then.” Beigong Qingmei’s delicate brows furrowed slightly once more. “So, you’re going to seek out the others now?” She understood the implication of “you all.”

“Yes,” Shangguan Xue replied, feeling less intimidated by her. “I’ve already spoken with Shi Ledong, and now I’m going to find the other two.”

Beigong Qingmei didn’t seem angry, at least outwardly. She merely asked, bewildered:

“I’m curious, how did you manage to persuade Sister Dong?”

“The Fated Child fell in love with a Nightmare…” Shangguan Xue merely offered a brief hint.

Beigong Qingmei suddenly understood: “So when he invaded the Central Continent, he also led the Nightmare clan? Then Sister Dong would indeed slaughter him.”

“Clever, Qingmei.” Shangguan Xue switched to the familiar address they used in their closer days, a hint of mischievous delight in her eyes.

“I’m hardly clever,” Beigong Qingmei snorted. “If I were, how could I have been deceived by you in matters of the heart?”

‘Who deceived you! We were both willing… No, wasn’t it you who deceived me? How are you rewriting history and twisting the blame?’

Shangguan Xue almost lost her composure.

“Oh, right, I need to go out for a bit.” Beigong Qingmei stood up. “Sister Xue, please bring me my shoes.” She indicated the shoes’ location.

‘She called me Sister…’ Shangguan Xue struggled to suppress a smile, and scurried to retrieve the shoes for Beigong Qingmei.

“Squat down and hold them with both hands,” Beigong Qingmei instructed her. “Yes, just like that. A little higher. Perfect.”