After Forgetting Two Exes - Chapter 25

Ten years, it was neither long nor short.

In the vast journey of cultivation, it was a mere blink of an eye, but for disciples who relied on spiritual herbs to advance their cultivation, it was an exceptionally cruel punishment.

Furthermore, the scope of the punishment extended to the entire Yanming Sect.

Usually, when the Six Great Immortal Sects handled disputes behind closed doors, it was common practice to “raise the paddle high but strike lightly.” When had there ever been a penalty this severe?

Ji Xun Yue watched Fang Qing Chen, whose face was ashen with suppressed rage. While she felt a sense of vindication, she knew she would have to be even more wary of him in the future.

However, while there was an official ban, the Yanming Sect would undoubtedly receive secret aid from other sects, so it wouldn’t be entirely unbearable.

Ji Xun Yue wasn’t the only one; Shen Zhi Yao also felt a secret sense of schadenfreude. Seeing Fang Qing Chen suffer actually made her feel quite pleasant.

No one had expected the Imperial Princess to grace the Immortal Realm today. Usually, her master acted high and mighty due to his status as an Elder’s disciple, but before the God Tribe, was he not still forced to bow his head and scrape, not daring to utter a single word of rebuttal?

She no longer had any misgivings; dragging him down with her was a bargain.

Yan Gui Hong felt his pride wounded. He lightly turned the prayer beads in his hand, intending to say a few more words, but Yu Qian Chan had already moved on to the second matter.

“Rong Chen, how did such a massive disturbance break out on your side as well?”

“Reporting to the Imperial Princess, Yu Zai Ye has been in my Fenglan Sect for three hundred years. The sect has taught him everything without reservation, yet I know not what resentment he harbors to damage the sect’s image so publicly!”

Rong Chen bowed, his wide sleeves sliding to his elbows to reveal the incantation seals carved into his forearms.

His techniques were primarily based on talismans and seals, and he had reached the realm where he could fuse his spiritual tools with his body, forming rows of incantations that manifested on his skin.

He caught a glimpse of his surroundings out of the corner of his eye and added, “Imperial Princess, this is a private matter of our Fenglan Sect. Allowing outsiders to overhear might damage our sect’s reputation. I hope the Imperial Princess will grant us privacy.”

“No matter. Having more people listen might provide some good advice. Regarding today’s events, no one is permitted to speak of them outside these walls.” Framed by her status as a sovereign, Yu Qian Chan appeared elegant, yet she carried a condescending air of scrutiny.

Rong Chen did not dare to disobey and could only bow in acceptance.

Yu Qian Chan looked at the people standing below and gestured with a slight lift of her wrist. “Members of the Yanming and Yunxing Sects, please take your seats.”

Fang Qing Chen had no intention of involving himself in Fenglan Sect’s business, but hearing this, his brow arched. He decided to take the opportunity to observe the God Realm’s attitude and took his seat.

Although there was an empty seat beside him, Shen Zhi Yao stood behind him, looking very humble.

Ji Xun Yue was tired of standing. She originally wanted to sit, but seeing the two across from her, she figured she should dutifully walk behind Xuan Huai.

However, she heard Xuan Huai whisper, “Sit down.”

She turned back in surprise, meeting his smiling gaze. Her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly looked away.

Well, different masters meant different treatment for their disciples.

Thus, Ji Xun Yue sat down boldly beside Xuan Huai. Looking up, she met Shen Zhi Yao’s complex gaze and couldn’t help but shoot her a provocative smile.

Their interactions did not escape Yu Qian Chan’s notice. A smile touched her lips before she quickly regained her composure. “Yu Zai Ye, why do you insist on leaving the Fenglan Sect? Did the sect treat you poorly?”

Yu Zai Ye said in a deep voice, “It is simply that I no longer wish to remain in the Fenglan Sect.”

“If you want to leave, you must provide a reasonable explanation.”

“Because last month, a friend of mine, died.”

This statement caused a wave of shock among the crowd; only Yu Qian Chan remained calm.

Ji Xun Yue frowned. Did this have to do with the forbidden art of stealing cultivation? Could it be that Yu Qian Chan had anticipated this all along?

Rong Chen and Feng Yan quickly exchanged a glance.

Yu Qian Chan said, “Explain everything clearly from the beginning.”

Yu Zai Ye replied, “Yes. Two hundred years ago, by a stroke of luck, I met a brother from the Youzhen Sect named Cai Bin. He had practiced for nearly two thousand years but was perpetually stuck in the Fifth Realm. Two months ago, he told me he was joining the Fenglan Sect.”

“Enough! I know exactly what matter you are speaking of!” Feng Yan interrupted him, disregarding etiquette, then hurriedly bowed in apology. “Imperial Princess, it turns out Yu Zai Ye harbors resentment toward the sect because of this. I fear he cannot explain it clearly, so let me explain instead.”

Yu Qian Chan gave a shallow smile, one laced with unquestionable authority. “I did not ask you to speak.”

Feng Yan looked crestfallen and was forced to shut his mouth.

Rong Chen was more composed than him, shooting him a glance to signal him not to lose his footing.

Yu Zai Ye continued, “Only then did I learn that cultivators could change sects. I was naturally happy that Brother Cai could come, but his talent was mediocre, yet he was able to join the Fenglan Sect. I asked him the reason, but his answer was vague.”

The Elders set aside their indifferent attitudes, all staring at Yu Zai Ye with various thoughts of their own.

Yu Qian Chan adjusted the jade hairpin in her hair. Though she seemed casual, her tone was one of reprimand. “Rong Chen, why did the Fenglan Sect accept Cai Bin? Do you not always prioritize a disciple’s talent?”

Rong Chen pondered for a moment and said steadily, “After Cai Bin’s passing, the sect investigated the cause of his death. He was in a relationship with a disciple named Yuan Wan Yi. Wan Yi is exceptionally talented, and her ascension is imminent. Cai Bin’s mediocre talent made them an ill-matched pair. It was Wan Yi who begged her master, Immortal Shi Yan, to take Cai Bin as a disciple so he could enter the Fenglan Sect.”

This Cai Bin sounded like a devoted lover, but was the truth really so simple?

Yu Zai Ye questioned, “Everyone in the sect knows that Senior Sister Yuan has another immortal partner. Furthermore, I never heard Brother Cai mention this matter. Does the Sect Leader have proof for these words?”

Rong Chen sneered. “If you don’t believe it, I can call Yuan Wan Yi here for a confrontation. She was indeed unfaithful in her feelings; the Fenglan Sect failed to discipline her properly. I ask the Imperial Princess for punishment.”

Immortals cannot procreate, so the moral constraints regarding romance were not as strict as in the Mortal Realm. It was not uncommon for one to have several partners, though most kept their dalliances secret for fear of being judged and shaming their sect.

“One after another, you all beg for punishment after just a few words. You are quite impatient,” Yu Qian Chan mocked unhurriedly. “So, how did Cai Bin die?”

Rong Chen said decisively, “Cai Bin discovered his lover’s betrayal and, coupled with another failed breakthrough, he couldn’t see a way forward and took his own life.”

Hearing this, a coldness settled between Yu Qian Chan’s brows. She thought for a moment, then spoke slowly, “Yu Zai Ye, you do not accept this reason?”

Yu Zai Ye shook his head. “I do not believe it. First, Brother Cai was devoted to cultivation; I never saw him close to any woman. Second, in the month before he died, he told me multiple times that his breakthrough to the Sixth Realm was imminent and that he was very confident. Third, I saw Brother Cai’s body. His death was gruesome, with multiple wounds deep enough to see bone. If he were intent on dying, he wouldn’t have such severe injuries.”

Organized, logical, and based on evidence, the matter was becoming increasingly mysterious.

Unfortunately, Cai Bin was dead. All that remained were the testimonies Rong Chen and his people had prepared. No matter how much Yu Zai Ye objected, there was no way to verify the truth.

“Yu Zai Ye, do not talk nonsense before the Imperial Princess! Cai Bin’s body had none of the wounds you mentioned!” Feng Yan immediately shouted his rebuttal.

Yu Zai Ye’s expression was calm. “Now that Brother Cai’s remains have returned to the heavens and earth, the truth can no longer be verified. I have no intention of dwelling on this. It is simply that my master and I have conflicting stories, and a rift has grown between me and the sect. It is no longer suitable for me to remain and continue my practice. I implore the Sect Leader and my Master to allow me to leave the sect. I will remember the debt of their teaching for the rest of my life.”

After he finished, a silence fell over the hall.

Ji Xun Yue watched everyone’s reactions coldly.

Seeing that Yu Zai Ye did not intend to dig deeper into Cai Bin’s cause of death, Rong Chen’s expression seemed to soften, as if he had breathed a sigh of relief.

The Elders reacted similarly. It seemed they were all well aware of the underlying reasons.

With the higher-ups deceiving those above and suppressing those below, finding evidence would not be easy.

Yu Qian Chan said thoughtfully, “What is the Fenglan Sect’s stance? Will you release him?”

Rong Chen thought it over. While having a disciple abandon the sect was a profound humiliation, keeping Yu Zai Ye around might turn him into a liability.

He flicked his sleeves, feigning magnanimity. “Since the Immortal Selection, the Immortal Realm has always upheld the principle that immortal destiny comes first. Since he is determined to leave the Fenglan Sect, I will not stop him. I hope that even without the sect’s guidance, he will practice diligently and ascend to immortality soon.”

“Thank you, Imperial Princess. Thank you, Sect Leader. Thank you, Master.” No joy showed on Yu Zai Ye’s face. He first bowed his head to Yu Qian Chan, then faced Rong Chen and Feng Yan, bowing three times to each.

Thus, the bond of master and disciple was severed. Yu Zai Ye became a man without a sect.

Ji Xun Yue looked at him. She originally wanted to ask if Xuan Huai was willing to take him as a disciple, but in the end, she didn’t speak.

While she couldn’t bear to see a promising talent go to waste, his background might bring trouble to Xuan Huai and her Junior Sister.

“What? You picked up another disciple?”

Shi Yuan was shocked beyond belief when he heard that his “uninspired” niece had actually caused a sensation at the competition. By the time he reached Taiwei Isle, however, the event had ended.

Hearing that the involved parties had gone to the Lingxiao Palace, he returned to the Yunxing Sect to wait. In the end, he didn’t just wait for Xuan Huai and Ji Xun Yue, but a stranger as well.

And upon further inquiry, it turned out this person had left the Fenglan Sect and been taken in as a disciple by Xuan Huai?

Faced with Shi Yuan’s slack-jawed expression, Xuan Huai gave a cold nod.

Shi Yuan was instantly heartbroken. “If I had known, I would have gone to watch this competition too.”

Yu Zai Ye sized up Shi Yuan and asked, “Master, who is this immortal?”

Shi Yuan hurried to answer, “I am Shi Yuan, your master’s close friend. You can just call me ‘Uncle-Master’.”

Hearing the words “close friend,” Xuan Huai’s expression remained flat.

Ji Xun Yue stood to the side, enjoying the show. Although she had been scolded to her face by Shi Yuan just a few days ago, seeing him now wasn’t particularly awkward.

Yu Zai Ye bowed respectfully. “Greetings, Uncle-Master.”

Shi Yuan was overjoyed, his smile bright. “He’s a good kid, and his talent is decent. I’m afraid Xuan Huai can’t handle teaching three disciples and might hold you back. Are you willing to switch masters?”

Yu Zai Ye shook his head. “Thank you for the kind offer, Uncle-Master.”

“Uncle-Master, you should just dutifully wait for the next Immortal Selection. Don’t miss it again when the time comes.”

Ji Xun Yue burst out laughing, earning an indignant glare from Shi Yuan.

Though he was rejected, Shi Yuan was extremely curious about Yu Zai Ye’s prestigious background and wouldn’t stop pestering him with questions.

Ji Xun Yue listened for a long time and managed to hear the important parts.

This new Junior Brother of hers could wash clothes, cook, and do any kind of chore.

He was quite a valuable addition.

When Xuan Huai had asked Yu Zai Ye if he wanted to join the Yunxing Sect, everyone’s expressions had been more colorful than the last, even Ji Xun Yue had been very surprised.

She hadn’t expected him to have such a plan, but then again, he had done the same for Zhong Ling.

Since Yu Qian Chan hadn’t pursued the cause of Cai Bin’s death, the Fenglan Sect likely wouldn’t cling to Yu Zai Ye, at least for the time being.

Everything had a trade-off. Xuan Huai had made the decision for her, saving her from her own hesitation.

Yu Zai Ye naturally wanted to continue his cultivation; after thinking it over for a moment, he agreed.

As for why he was the “Junior Brother,” even though he had practiced longer than her, he insisted on calculating it based on the order of entry. After all, it would be improper to take away someone else’s status as the Eldest Disciple right from the start.

In other words, Zhong Ling was now a “Senior Sister” as well. She wondered how she would feel about suddenly having a Junior Brother; she really wanted to see her Junior Sister soon.

Ji Xun Yue looked at the harmonious sect, a warmth filling her heart. Yet she couldn’t help but wonder: did some things really turn out the same way regardless of whether she intervened or not?

After they got acquainted, Shi Yuan specifically called for Yu Zai Ye to show off his culinary skills.

Facing the overly enthusiastic Uncle-Master, Yu Zai Ye remained reserved and nodded silently.

Ji Xun Yue broke off to guide him to the kitchen to help him get familiar with the surroundings when she was called back by Shi Yuan.

She waited for Shi Yuan to speak, but the latter looked at Xuan Huai. “Xuan Huai, you lead him to the kitchen. I have something I want to say to Jinyue alone.”

Xuan Huai’s expression was somewhat cold. He glanced at Shi Yuan and Ji Xun Yue, said nothing, and turned to leave.

Yu Zai Ye politely took his leave of the two and followed him.

Once the two were far away, Ji Xun Yue asked, “What does Uncle-Master want with me?”

“Previously, didn’t you suggest I try talking to her again?” Shi Yuan hesitated, his expression turning unnatural as he discussed his private affairs. “But I’ve been to the Demon Realm for several days in a row, and she refuses to see me. Her subordinates say she is in seclusion, but I always feel it’s just an excuse because she doesn’t want to see me.”

” ”

Why wouldn’t she see you? Because her true self is in the Immortal Realm.

She hadn’t expected Shi Yuan to move so quickly. Ji Xun Yue sighed silently. She had been busy with her cultivation and the competition these past few days and had no time to worry about anything else.

She comforted him, “Perhaps she really is in seclusion. Regardless, at least see her once before deciding.”

Shi Yuan didn’t answer immediately. He lowered his head in thought for a moment and asked, “Do you think I shouldn’t give up?”

“Uncle-Master has always been haunted by this. It’s better to clear things up.”

“Alright. Then I will try again tomorrow.”

Ji Xun Yue echoed his sentiment a few times. She was only free in the middle of the night now; she would have to be the one to arrange their meeting.

Once Shi Yuan made up his mind, he regained his usual cheerfulness. He asked curiously, “By the way, Jinyue, what is the situation with your cultivation? How did you break through in just two days?”

So, it turned out he hadn’t noticed a thing these past few days.