After Changing Her Fate, the Vicious Female Villain and the Protagonist Got an HE! - Chapter 23

Chapter 23: The Mission

Green Bamboo Peak’s main hall.

Wen Shurong walked into the hall side-by-side with her Senior Sister and saw two women sitting beside a green jade table, playing a game of chess.

She took a step forward and performed the bowing ritual to greet her Master along with her Senior Sister.

Yue Lan put down the white piece she was holding and fixed her gaze upon them.

She had only sensed her disciple’s return earlier, not knowing the specific cultivation level. Now that they were close, observing the fluctuations of her spiritual power, she was at the middle stage of the Soul Transformation Stage.

Yue Lan’s face could not hide her surprise.

Previously at the divine shrine, Shurong had bid her farewell, going alone to the Kunlun Mountains to search for the divine medicine. At that time, she was genuinely worried for her disciple, only hoping that she would be safe and sound.

Before leaving, Shurong had asked her if she was still willing to return to the Lingxiao Sect.

At that time, Yue Lan did not give an answer, only because she was in a spirit body state, her physical body having been sacrificed to form an array, no longer existing. Returning to the sect meant she could not interact with her fellow disciples as before.

Later, Senior Sister Jiu Xuan saw that she was often worried and persuaded her to return to the Lingxiao Sect together.

This was because Shurong’s soul lamp was kept in the sect. Through the soul lamp, she could constantly monitor her disciple’s current state and confirm if she was in mortal danger.

Yue Lan was restricted by the divine way techniques and could not move beyond three li from the enshrined statue. To accommodate this, Jiu Xuan specifically used the Universe in the Sleeve Technique to move the entire divine shrine away from Fountain Ancient City.

Now seeing her disciple, Yue Lan was shocked by the speed of her cultivation advancement, and genuinely happy for her.

After the greeting, Wen Shurong inquired about the matters she had observed upon arriving.

“Master, has something happened on Green Bamboo Peak? I see that the layout on the peak has changed drastically compared to half a year ago, and the disciples on the peak seem to have disappeared?”

Bringing this up, Yue Lan sighed softly and countered with a question: “In the years I was away, does Shurong or Junior Nephew Qin know about the former Peak Master Wu Yuan’s actions?”

Wen Shurong nodded: “We generally know some. Back then, Master, you sacrificed your body to form an array, protecting the citizens of a city. That person learned you couldn’t return, schemed to seize the Peak Master position, and from then on, conspired with the peak elders to withhold your disciple’s monthly stipend. Later, your disciple couldn’t endure it, voluntarily requested to leave, and went to Ruo Yun Peak.”

At this point, Wen Shurong paused slightly, hesitated for a moment, and then added: “More than half a year ago, this person had the peak disciples spread rumors and was later punished by the Sect Master to the Forest of Contemplation.”

After speaking, she cautiously glanced at her Senior Sister. Meeting a pair of gentle eyes, the slight awkwardness that had just arisen in her heart dissipated.

Although the rumor was completely groundless, she did not want to bring it up again, and she was also worried that her Senior Sister might mind.

After all, back then, her Senior Sister had mentioned that Sect Master Luo Hua liked women.

At that time, she only felt that her Senior Sister was overthinking. After all, her status and cultivation were unequal to the Sect Master’s, and in the cultivation world, there was no shortage of beautiful women due to techniques that preserve youth and beauty.

Later, when she stayed in the Wang Xian Residence for many days, the Sect Master cast spells to suppress her Cold Poison. The attitude shown was purely the care of a sect elder for a junior.

However, Wen Shurong had not expected that ill-intentioned person to use this matter to widely spread rumors within the sect.

Wen Shurong utterly despised the culprit.

With no evidence, he maliciously speculated and slandered. At that time, she even felt that Wu Yuan’s punishment was too light. However, upon careful thought, being confined to the Forest of Contemplation for a hundred years without being able to cultivate meant his path to cultivation was completely severed, considering his lifespan.

Yue Lan had heard about the rumors from Senior Sister Jiu Xuan after returning to the Lingxiao Sect.

“Shurong, you have suffered grievances all these years. All the original disciples on the peak have been reassigned to the Outer Sect as laborers. Don’t intercede for them. Those people colluded to ostracize you, forcing you to leave Green Bamboo Peak. Later, when the rumors were spreading, they stood by coldly, or even assisted the evildoer. This is the consequence they deserve!”

When Wen Shurong reported the rumors to Luo Hua at the time, Luo Hua penalized all Green Bamboo Peak disciples by deducting five years of their monthly stipend, cutting off all cultivation resources during that period, and prohibiting them from leaving the sect.

This punishment was in line with the sect’s regulations.

Yue Lan’s actions were purely out of heartache for her disciple. When Luo Hua learned about it, she did not inquire further, essentially giving tacit approval.

Wen Shurong understood her Master’s intention. She was only touched and did not object.

“Although your disciple suffered grievances in the past, everything became clear later, so Master, please don’t grieve for your disciple anymore.”

Yue Lan nodded: “Shurong, what you mentioned earlier, the former Peak Master Wu Yuan’s crime is just the tip of the iceberg. Do you know that this person has now been executed by the Sect Master?”

Hearing this, Wen Shurong was surprised at first, but considering Wu Yuan’s petty nature, it was not strange if he had done something detrimental to the sect.

Yue Lan continued: “This person had been in contact with an elder of the Taiyi Sect for two years, receiving guidance from them to secretly set up a Spirit Peeping Array beneath Green Bamboo Peak. Such an act is considered treason to the sect.”

Wen Shurong frowned slightly: “Spirit Peeping Arrays are usually used by some cultivators to monitor the enemy’s movements, allowing them to clearly know what is happening in the array’s location. If that’s the case, then for these two years, Green Bamboo Peak had no secrets from the Taiyi Sect?”

Yue Lan nodded: “After I returned to the Lingxiao Sect, I accidentally went underground and discovered the existence of this array. I immediately destroyed it. To be cautious, I completely changed the layout of the peak.”

Wen Shurong realized: “So that’s it. Master, have you heard about the destruction of the Demon Subduing Grand Arrays in various regions?”

Bringing up this matter, Yue Lan’s expression became much more solemn.

“The Sect Master said that this demon calamity is very serious. If it is not handled properly, the entire Xuan Yuan Realm might fall.”

Qin Niyun interjected at the appropriate time: “My Junior Sister and I were attacked by a group of Half-Demons on our way back to the sect. We can now basically confirm that the destruction of the Demon Subduing Grand Array is related to Zhou Kong.”

Hearing this, Jiu Xuan, who was sitting on the other side of the green jade table, stood up and, with a flick of her sleeve, took out two oval-shaped jade pendants of a pale purple color.

“These were refined jointly by the Sect Master and me. Inside, a secret technique, specially used by the sect to track enemies, is set up. If you encounter Zhou Kong in the future, shatter them immediately. The secret technique will activate and permanently lock onto the enemy’s whereabouts.”

After speaking, she waved her delicate hand, supporting the jade pendants with spiritual power and levitating them across the air toward the two girls.

Wen Shurong and her Senior Sister accepted the jade pendants together.

Seeing this, Jiu Xuan continued: “Before, the Sect Master tried to search for Zhou Kong’s traces. Unfortunately, he only sent puppets to move around outside, and his main body was mostly hidden in the void, with an uncertain location. If this secret technique can be successfully activated in the future, we can gain the upper hand and find a way to completely eliminate this formidable enemy!”

Qin Niyun remembered something and asked: “This person seized the body of Zhen Xuanzi of the Taiyi Sect. I wonder if the cultivators of that sect have learned the truth?”

Jiu Xuan sighed softly: “The internal relations of the Taiyi Sect are complex. Our sect has informed them of this matter, but so far, no reply has been received. I even wondered if the Taiyi Sect has been completely controlled by Zhou Kong.”

Wen Shurong frowned and pondered for a moment: “That possibility is not high. The enemy chose to hide in the void to evade the Xuan Yuan Realm’s Heavenly Dao perception. If Zhou Kong really did that, it’s unlikely the Heavenly Dao wouldn’t notice. That would deviate from his original intention and is not entirely logical. I guess the cultivators controlled by him within the Taiyi Sect do exist, but they should only be a minority.”

Jiu Xuan nodded: “I hope so. Two Junior Nieces, something else happened during the days you were away.”

Wen Shurong was somewhat curious: “What is it?”

Yue Lan supplemented in detail: “It’s related to the Ancient Yuan Secret Realm. Among the four sects’ disciples who entered the secret realm together, only our Lingxiao Sect had the fewest casualties. The other three sects suspected that our sect secretly ordered disciples to act privately. The Tian Xuan Sect even brought out two witnesses, pointing out that you and Junior Nephew Qin went on a killing spree in the secret realm.”

Wen Shurong frowned and explained: “Master, on that day, those people tried to seize the treasure first. Senior Sister and I killed them only in self-defense. In that situation, there was absolutely no way to resolve it peacefully. If they hadn’t died, Senior Sister and I would have been the ones to suffer!”

Jiu Xuan reassured them: “Don’t worry, two Junior Nieces. The sect has already investigated this matter and presented corresponding evidence. The three sects knew they were in the wrong and didn’t continue to harass us. The reason I bring this up is to tell the two Junior Nieces that the fact that you possess Innate Spiritual Treasures is now common knowledge. Be extra careful when traveling outside from now on.”

Innate Spiritual Treasures, anywhere in the world, would lead to a bloody struggle.

The contention in the secret realm before was the best proof.

Wen Shurong had already mentally prepared herself and was not flustered now. Qin Niyun was even more so.

They spoke simultaneously, thanking Jiu Xuan for the reminder.

Yue Lan saw their perfect synchronization and, combined with what she had seen and heard in Fountain Ancient City before, became even more certain of her guess.

Seizing this moment, she considered her words and spoke: “Shurong, Junior Nephew Qin, are you two…”

Wen Shurong guessed her Master’s implied meaning and immediately replied with a smile: “Your disciple and Senior Sister have confessed their feelings to each other and are in love.”

Qin Niyun took the opportunity to hold her Junior Sister’s right hand. Their eyes met in mid-air, and the affection in their gaze was fully evident.

Seeing this, Yue Lan thought ‘As expected’ and her gentle gaze fell upon the girl in white, gradually becoming serious.

“Junior Nephew Qin, Shurong is pure and kind-hearted. Since you agreed to be with her, you must treat her well. In the future, unless Shurong is at fault first, if you dare to betray her, I will not forgive you!”

Qin Niyun’s eyes were resolute: “My lifelong beloved is only Junior Sister Wen!”

There were no vows or curses in her words, yet they were incredibly sincere, fully expressing her true feelings.

Both Yue Lan and Jiu Xuan, at this moment, heard the deeply engraved affection in her voice.

Wen Shurong looked at her Senior Sister, her eyes filled with boundless tenderness and warmth.

In the past, when she was afflicted with the Cold Poison, struggled daily, and was subjected to the sarcasm of her fellow disciples, she had complained about the injustice of the Heavenly Dao. But now, she felt gratitude towards the heavens.

If all the past hardships were just so she could know and be with her Senior Sister, then she would no longer have the slightest complaint.

Seeing the two gazing at each other with deep affection, Jiu Xuan lightly coughed and teased: “Be a bit more restrained in front of your Master and Martial Aunt. You have a long life ahead of you.”

Wen Shurong blushed, quickly lowered her head, and even her earlobes turned slightly pink.

Yue Lan saw this and raised an eye to glare at Jiu Xuan.

Qin Niyun spoke at the opportune moment: “When the demon calamity is resolved and the enemy is killed, I plan to hold a Joint Ceremony with my Junior Sister in the sect.”

Yue Lan frowned and asked: “Senior Sister Gu went out on a journey and hasn’t returned yet. Junior Nephew Qin, have you told your Master about your and Shurong’s matter?”

Qin Niyun slowly shook her head and explained in detail:

“When Master left the sect, she did not leave any contact information for your disciple. When I became her disciple years ago, Master mentioned that cultivators are not like mortals, their lifespans are relatively long, so she advised your disciple to carefully consider matters of affection and focus on cultivation. However, Master also mentioned that if, in the future, your disciple met someone she truly loved and wanted to spend her life with, she would not obstruct it, and everything would be based on your disciple’s wishes.”

Wen Shurong involuntarily felt a flutter in her heart hearing the first half of the statement, only to be relieved when her Senior Sister finished speaking.

Such an honest and unreserved account was the most sincere.

Yue Lan no longer had any worries and nodded with satisfaction.

“Now that your cultivation has greatly advanced, and it coincides with the demon calamity, the sect is in need of manpower. The Sect Master might assign missions these days. You can accept them based on the situation. If it is too dangerous, consult with me first. It’s not too late to decide then.”

Wen Shurong and Qin Niyun naturally had no objection to this.

The two stayed in the main hall for a long time. Yue Lan suggested that her disciple move back to Green Bamboo Peak to live.

This peak’s spiritual qi density was significantly higher than that of Ruo Yun Peak.

Now that all the disciples on the peak had been cleared out, there was ample space. Living here, they would not be disturbed by unfamiliar fellow disciples, making it very suitable for cultivation.

As for Qin Niyun, she would still reside on Crane Return Peak. Since the two had not yet held the Joint Ceremony, Yue Lan did not consider allowing them to live together for the time being.

Wen Shurong agreed to her Master’s proposal.

After leaving the main hall, the look in her Senior Sister’s eyes carried a hint of grievance.

She was about to speak, but in the next instant, she was suddenly embraced by her Senior Sister.

Qin Niyun breathed in the familiar fragrance near her nose and spoke in a low voice: “I didn’t expect to be separated from Junior Sister after returning to the sect. In that case, it was better to be free outside.”

Wen Shurong hugged her back, reassuring her with a smile: “Senior Sister, this is only temporary. When all the crises are resolved, we will be together forever.”

Qin Niyun responded with a muffled sound.

Her beloved was right in front of her. Thinking of being temporarily separated, she felt incredibly reluctant. Even though they were in the same sect and could see each other at any time, she couldn’t suppress this emotion.

The two stayed outside the hall for a long time until a transmission talisman flew in from a distance, breaking the romantic atmosphere.

The talisman was sent by Sect Master Luo Hua. It assigned them a mission: to investigate the sect’s traitors.

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