The capital is released

How did the conversation go with them?

On the way back, Xiao Menglan suddenly asked Cao Xueyan this question.

Cao Xueyan thought for a moment, then said:

We had a pleasant talk.

Heh, your eyelids are about to droop.

The wind up there was too strong, it made it hard to keep my eyes open!

Cao Xueyan defended herself.

Xiao Menglan simply said:

You don’t have to hide from me. When it’s only the two of us, there’s no need to put on a front.

Cao Xueyan felt that was true, so she switched her wording:

They were very warm, but I’m not really used to it.

Hearing this, Xiao Menglan sighed and said:

Everyone knows that Zhao Yunlu’s disciple is calculating. I suppose while I was away, he said something to you that upset you.

Not exactly upset.

Cao Xueyan said awkwardly:

He wanted me to help promote his shop, simply relying on your reputation, Master.

I feel that the grace you have given me is something I may never repay in this lifetime. How could I accept such a thing without your permission?

That Jade Zhen Pavilion opened by Dan Ye is said to have business across the entire Xuan Iron Immortal Dynasty. Though he relies on the name of the Qingyun Sword Sect, you can still see he has some skill.

A store like that earns no small amount of profit each year. Are you truly not tempted?

Xiao Menglan said, implying something.

Cao Xueyan shook her head quickly:

Master has already given me more than enough. Greed devours the heart like a snake swallowing an elephant. Receiving such favor, how could I dare covet more?

Xiao Menglan was amused by this, laughing until her shoulders trembled. It was a beautiful sight, but Cao Xueyan, standing on the flying sword and afraid of heights, only dared to hold tightly around her waist, too afraid to look up, and thus missed it completely.

You really… such a sweet mouth, you do know how to speak.

Xiao Menglan sounded like she was scolding, but her mood was clearly very good.

Cao Xueyan protested:

Why is Master laughing?

I am sincere. What is funny about that?

I am laughing because your sincerity is adorably foolish.

Xiao Menglan steadied herself and spoke seriously:

When you build your foundation, you will understand. Though your Master appears powerful, there are still many things I cannot hand to you. Some things you must fight for yourself.

Fate and opportunity are limited. If you do not claim them, someone else will.

Disciple understands.

But truly, I do not like that Dan Ye’s way of doing things.

Still, this time, I owe Zhao Yunlu a favor.

Next time he comes to ask, it would be better for you to agree. I will handle the matter behind it.

Hearing this, Cao Xueyan understood that her Master was paving the way for her future. But Xiao Menglan was not one to speak her heart easily. Only in the intimacy of their private moments did she reveal her true warmth.

Cao Xueyan remembered every kindness.

Habits formed over centuries are not easily changed, yet Xiao Menglan was indeed building connections for her.

The Qingyun Sword Sect is not small, but neither is it the whole world. Beyond the sect are other sects, beyond the dynasty are other dynasties. One day, Cao Xueyan would have to step out.

Master’s favor… just how big is it?

Cao Xueyan asked softly.

Hm? Xiao Menglan looked back at her. Why do you ask that?

I was wondering… how long I would have to work for Dan Ye to repay that favor.

Why rush to repay it?

Xiao Menglan found this amusing.

If a favor is repaid too soon, the connection disappears. Foolish child, I worked hard to build this bridge for you. And you are thinking of tearing it down as soon as you cross?

R-Really?

Cao Xueyan was dazed. She truly was not familiar with worldly matters.

In her past life, she had barely attended school before being hospitalized.

In this life… well, she had always been solitary.

This was indeed an area she lacked.

Favor is something like: I owe you, you owe me. After enough exchanges, it becomes what they call a network of connections.

Disciple will remember!

Just remembering is not enough.

You must interact with more people. Good people, and bad people too. There is a saying in the cultivation world: “Do not waste a villain, and do not disappoint a good person.” That is the meaning.

But… Master, you don’t really go out much either.

…Right.

Xiao Menglan raised an eyebrow in mock anger:

When we return, kneel and accept your punishment.

No, Master! Cao Xueyan cried pitifully. I was wrong! I hurt!

No discussion. We return now!

The flying sword sped up. Cao Xueyan felt the world turn upside down, clung to Xiao Menglan’s waist, and shut her eyes tight.

Soon, they arrived at Inviting-Moon Palace.

Xiao Menglan stepped off the sword and pulled along the weak-legged Cao Xueyan. They returned to the inner chamber, closing the door.

She set Cao Xueyan down and sat on the bed, crossing her long legs, her feet swaying in front of Cao Xueyan’s eyes.

Speak. How should Master punish you?

Cao Xueyan already knew the outcome. There was nothing more to say.

I will accept whatever Master decides. I have no complaints.

How boring.

Xiao Menglan wanted her to choose for herself.

If you don’t choose, I may redo everything we did last time.

Cao Xueyan’s eyes widened. Those memories flashed rapidly in her mind. If all of that happened again in one night, she truly could not endure it.

T-Then… the hand… please use your hand.

Are you sure?

Cao Xueyan closed her eyes and accepted her fate:

Yes. Master, please.

What followed was an intimate, wordless exchange, tender and overwhelming, familiar between them.

Afterward, Cao Xueyan drank water to regain strength, while Xiao Menglan gracefully tidied herself with a handkerchief.

The carpet beneath them was a mess and would need cleaning later.

Among the treasures Zhao Yunlu keeps, there are several innate spiritual items you require. With these, you are already halfway to forming your innate foundation.

Though this concerned the crucial step of foundation building, Cao Xueyan still seemed dazed, not fully recovered.

Xiao Menglan stepped down, now only in thin silk socks, their soft outline faintly visible.

Was Master too harsh just now?

Cao Xueyan did not answer, but she leaned quietly into the arms that wrapped around her.

I was already being gentle.

Cao Xueyan pouted — that was her being gentle?

When you build your foundation, I will enter closed-door cultivation. If I am lucky enough to break through, I will be able to protect you better.

She gently brushed her lips to Cao Xueyan’s ear, soft and warm.

Cao Xueyan turned and kissed her.

What was there to resent?

To have someone who protects her heart and soul — how many lifetimes of suffering had she endured to be allowed such warmth now?

Meanwhile, elsewhere, another Master was also disciplining a disciple.

You all leave first.

Zhao Yunlu waved his hand, dismissing the younger disciples.

Soon, only teacher and disciple remained.

Kneel.

Zhao Yunlu’s voice was calm, neither anger nor joy.

Dan Ye fell to his knees, head lowered deeply.

Between Zhao Yunlu’s furrowed brows was a sorrow that could not be dispelled.