A Senior’s Confession and a Sister’s Concern

With matters having reached this point, Xiao Miao’s Shizun materialized from within the storage ring.

After all, her own disciple had already revealed her existence to the young man before them; to continue hiding would betray a cowardly fear of death. Considering she had once been a cultivator in the Incarnation Stage, she was hardly one to fear a junior like him.

Gazing at the white-clothed woman who had suddenly materialized before him, appearing as a translucent phantom, Qin Yan mused inwardly, ‘Excellent, excellent. Everything aligns now. No wonder Xiao Miao’s cultivation recovered so swiftly.’

“Greetings, Senior.”

Qin Yan bowed deeply, performing the ritual with utmost respect.

“Good, good. Truly a disciple of a great sect, your etiquette is impeccable.”

The white-clothed woman seemed immensely pleased, her gaze moving from Qin Yan to Xiao Miao beside her before she continued:

“You and Xiao Miao once shared a bond of destiny, but because of me, that bond was shattered. When I resided within this storage ring, I was without consciousness; my spiritual essence instinctively absorbed Xiao Miao’s spiritual power, causing her cultivation to regress…”

As she explained the chain of events, Qin Yan and Xiao Miao listened in silence. The incident had already occurred, and its consequences were evident. Yet, by speaking these words, the white-clothed woman signified her willingness to accept responsibility for the outcome.

“During our time in the Demon City, it was also I who instructed Xiao Miao to seek out that unique water. My intention was to assist you after finding it, but who could have foreseen that a Nascent Soul Flood Dragon was hidden there? Had its cultivation been lower, I could have easily intervened and slain it, but it was in the Nascent Soul realm, and I was merely a remnant soul. Consequently, you all nearly perished at the hands of that Flood Dragon, and for that, I bear the blame as well.”

“Furthermore, it was I who made Xiao Miao leave without a word, all to prevent your Shizun from discovering my presence.”

The white-clothed woman continued, but Xiao Miao found herself feeling a sense of unease as she listened.

Her Shizun seemed to be shouldering all the blame. Clearly, she felt a deep remorse for having broken them apart. Since her disciple cherished the young man before them, it was only natural that she wouldn’t want him to harbor any resentment towards her disciple. Though it sounded plausible, the intricate web of karma in the world could hardly be untangled with a few simple words.

“Senior, the world is ever-changing, and under the entanglement of karma, none of this… can truly be blamed on anyone,” Qin Yan stated. “However, my Senior Sister is truly to be pitied; she, too, suffered greatly in her efforts to save me.”

“Your Senior Sister is indeed a person of unwavering courage.”

The white-clothed woman spoke, recalling how Yu Qingxuan had confronted the Nascent Soul Flood Dragon directly, tearing out her Golden Core with her own hands, then preparing to have everyone take Qin Yan and leave first.

“Xiao Miao possesses that unique water, and with Senior’s abilities, I believe my Senior Sister can be restored,” Qin Yan spoke again, a surge of joy in his heart as he eagerly looked at the white-clothed woman before him. A cultivator in the Incarnation Stage, even as a mere remnant soul, represented an absolute pinnacle of existence in these Northern Lands. The knowledge and abilities she possessed were beyond replication by others.

“I will naturally take full responsibility for this matter. However, the crucial part will require you to persuade your Senior Sister, for you are well aware of her attitude towards Xiao Miao.”

A smile graced the white-clothed woman’s face as she spoke. It was indeed peculiar for a male cultivator of such exceptional talent and striking appearance not to be pursued. She understood the underlying sentiment of Qin Yan’s Senior Sister, and this, she mused, would only serve to further temper her own disciple.

“I will do my best.”

A cyan lotus bloomed beneath Qin Yan’s feet, and he offered the white-clothed woman a wry smile. ‘This matter,’ he conceded, ‘is both simple and not so simple; indeed, it is rather complex.’

Having uttered these words, the white-clothed woman retreated back into the storage ring. Xiao Miao, utterly bewildered by the latter part of the conversation, couldn’t fathom why Qin Yan’s Senior Sister would harbor such an attitude towards her. Her Shizun had never offered an explanation for this, for no verbal account could ever leave as deep an impression as direct experience. However, with someone right before her who could provide answers, Xiao Miao turned to Qin Yan and asked, “I don’t know why, but I always feel your Senior Sister harbors a strange animosity towards me, yet I don’t believe I’ve ever offended her.”

The question struck Qin Yan as endearingly naive. Gazing at the innocent young woman before him, he found her utterly charming.

“Perhaps she’s jealous?”

Qin Yan replied.

“Jealous?!”

Xiao Miao’s face registered pure shock. “But aren’t you two Senior Sister and Junior Brother? Why would she be jealous of me? Could it be… could it be that you, Qin Yan, and your Senior Sister have already…”

“Don’t spout nonsense. Are you trying to spread rumors?”

Qin Yan quickly cut off Xiao Miao’s words. Between him and his Senior Sister, there was truly nothing of the sort.

At this moment, Xiao Miao also realized her words had been inappropriate. To suddenly suggest such a thing to a male cultivator was practically slandering his innocence. She quickly bowed in apology, saying:

“My apologies, Qin Yan. Please forgive my bluntness.”

Qin Yan, however, was unconcerned by her apology.

Suddenly, a premonition stirred within him, and he looked up at the sky, where a spirit bird was swiftly flying towards him. Soon, the spirit bird landed before Qin Yan, a letter tied to its leg.

Upon seeing the spirit bird, Qin Yan already guessed who had sent the letter. He mused that perhaps the bird had struggled to locate him within the secret realm.

He untied the letter, and indeed, it was written by his Senior Sister, Yu Qingxuan, herself. It truly was a case of ‘speak of the devil, and he shall appear’ — or rather, ‘speak of Yu Qingxuan, and her letter arrives’.

Qin Yan then opened the letter.

“I wonder if all has been well with you recently? While secluded cultivation in the mountains is beneficial, it ultimately cannot compare to the trials of the mundane world. As you are new to this realm, enduring wind and dew must be commonplace, and the currents of the jianghu are fraught with treachery. I implore you to take the utmost care of yourself and consider everything thoroughly before acting. Your straightforward nature and emphasis on loyalty are strengths, yet you must also guard against the unpredictability of human hearts and never easily trust others.”

“This journey must have significantly broadened your horizons. Have you encountered any extraordinary individuals or strange occurrences, or perhaps explored a secret realm or immortal trace brimming with spiritual energy? I’ve heard that an ancient cultivator’s abode has appeared in the Southern Reaches, and military strategists within the State of Chu have also begun to mobilize. I wonder if you have passed through these regions and what insights or gains you may have acquired. Should you encounter any difficulties in your cultivation, or if you have gained new enlightenment regarding the Dao, feel free to elaborate in your letter. Though I, your Senior Sister, may be lacking, I might still be able to offer you some counsel.”

“More importantly, have you encountered any hardships? Whether it be expenses for your travels, making enemies, or reaching a bottleneck in your cultivation, you must never struggle alone. The sect will always be your steadfast support, and here with your Senior Sister, there will always be a cup of clear tea and a welcoming conversation awaiting you. Should you require assistance, simply send a message to the nearest sect branch, and I will surely be informed.”

Every line brimmed with concern, filling Qin Yan’s heart with profound warmth.

“Your Senior Sister recently descended the mountain to visit our old home. Our parents there are still well. If you, Junior Brother, are close to Senior Sister’s home, I hope you will come and visit.”

“The paths of the jianghu are long, and the immortal Dao stretches endlessly. I hope for your safety, and that we may together comprehend the Great Dao.”