After Forgetting Two Exes - Chapter 4

“Senior Sister! Are you still not up?”

Outside the room, Zhong Ling knocked on the door with urgency in her voice.

Ji Xun Yue was jolted awake. With bleary eyes, she yawned and opened the door.

Zhong Ling looked both exasperated and amused. “Senior Sister, the sun is almost setting!”

Ji Xun Yue glanced at the sky and murmured to herself, “How is it evening already?”

She reached out and pinched her junior sister’s puffed-up cheeks. “Master is in meditation; let me be a little lazy.”

Today was the tenth day of the third month, marking their tenth day since joining the Yunxing Sect.

After the Immortal Selection Ceremony ended, Xuan Huai had locked himself in the alchemy room to deal with a batch of Soul-Chasing Grass, remaining unseen ever since.

His seclusion had left Ji Xun Yue’s thousand-year-old resentment with nowhere to go.

It wasn’t that she hadn’t thought about smashing or burning down his sect, but under the gaze of her junior sister’s bright, innocent eyes, how could she act like a delinquent senior sister?

She had to be a role model, except when it came to studying.

The Immortal Realm had established morning classes for this batch of cultivators. These classes ran for half a day every morning for two months, covering the basics of cultivation and methods for honing one’s Dao heart.

The sect would eventually teach these things anyway; the morning classes were mainly to provide cultivators a chance to socialize with their peers.

Zhong Ling was diligent and studious, waking up early every day to attend. Ji Xun Yue had accompanied her on the first day but nearly slept through the entire lecture. After that, she simply skipped, sleeping until she lost track of time. Regardless, if she failed to progress, it was Xuan Huai’s reputation on the line, not hers. Besides, she felt that sleep helped regulate her internal breath and refine her cultivation; she could never seem to get enough of it.

If nothing else, after ten days of relaxation, it was exactly as Yu Qianchan had said: she was in the Immortal Realm for a vacation.

As for revenge, she had almost forgotten she was even here for that.

“Senior Sister, aren’t you hungry after sleeping all day?” Zhong Ling asked, helpless yet worried. “I’ve made dinner. Come and eat something.”

At the mention of food, Ji Xun Yue’s eyes lit up. “Come in and sit for a moment while I freshen up.”

Cultivators who had just left the mortal realm required several years of practice before they could achieve Bigu, or fasting from grain. Their bodies were not yet adapted to spiritual materials that supplemented internal strength, so the Immortal Realm distributed mortal ingredients for them to eat.

Ji Xun Yue had brought back a pile of ingredients but never expected that cooking would be such a challenge. Fortunately, Zhong Ling was skilled in the kitchen, quickly whipping up ordinary but delicious mortal home-cooked meals.

After washing up, Ji Xun Yue and Zhong Ling left the room and walked through the corridor toward the dining hall.

The disciples’ quarters were on the east side of the Yunxing Sect, fully equipped with a kitchen and dining facilities.

As they walked side-by-side, Ji Xun Yue looked at her junior sister, who was half a head shorter than her, and sighed. “Junior Sister, you’re only thirteen. How do you know how to do everything?”

Zhong Ling’s cheeks flushed red as she waved her hands frantically. “Senior Sister, you praise me every single day. I’m getting embarrassed.”

Ji Xun Yue smiled. “Alright, alright, I won’t tease you anymore.”

After ten days together, she had grown increasingly fond of this well-behaved and sensible girl.

When laughing with her junior sister, she would often experience a daze, as if she had returned to the happy days of her youth with A-Yin.

Her thoughts were interrupted by faint voices coming from the direction of the main hall.

Ji Xun Yue stopped and looked toward the sound. “Did you hear that? Is there someone at the main hall?”

Zhong Ling blinked, shaking her head. “I didn’t hear anything.”

Ji Xun Yue faintly heard someone calling Xuan Huai’s name. “Come on, let’s go take a look.”

Upon entering the main hall, they saw a strange man walking toward the alchemy room in the back. He appeared to have a high level of cultivation.

Ji Xun Yue called out a warning: “May I ask for your honorable name, Immortal? Why have you trespassed into the Yunxing Sect?”

The man turned at the sound of her voice, his gaze sweeping over the two of them.

The younger girl timidly hid behind the older woman, while the woman herself pressed her lips together and frowned. Her instinctive expression and posture while on guard reminded him of someone.

After a brief moment of daze, he said joyfully, “Are you two Xuan Huai’s new disciples?”

Seeing his composed demeanor and how familiar he seemed with the Yunxing Sect, he appeared to be an acquaintance of Xuan Huai.

Ji Xun Yue relaxed her guard slightly. “Does the Immortal know our Master?”

The man was handsome with clear features and a bright smile. “Of course. We’ve been close friends for many years. My name is Shi Yuan.”

“Greetings, Immortal Shi Yuan. This disciple is Ye Jinyue, and this is my junior sister, Zhong Ling.” Ji Xun Yue reacted quickly, and Zhong Ling followed with a timid bow.

“No need for such formality,” Shi Yuan waved his hand dismissively. “Where is Xuan Huai? Don’t tell me he’s refining medicine again.”

“Master is indeed in the alchemy room.”

“An old friend arrives, and he doesn’t even come out to greet me,” Shi Yuan tutted, then asked, “I imagine he hasn’t looked after you at all since you joined. Don’t worry, I’ll help you call him out.”

“There is no need,” a cold voice carried by internal strength echoed from the back hall. “I would not dare to neglect a visit from Immortal Shi Yuan.”

Xuan Huai had actually ended his meditation.

Thinking of dinner, Ji Xun Yue quickly said, “Then we disciples shall not disturb the Immortal and Master’s reunion. We will take our leave.”

Shi Yuan said, “I came specifically to see Xuan Huai’s new disciples. Don’t go yet.”

How could Ji Xun Yue let him delay the important business of eating?

She said bluntly, “Please forgive us, Immortal. We are truly starving. Could we please fill our stomachs first?”

To her surprise, Shi Yuan looked delighted. “Oh? You’ve made dinner? Is it mortal food? I haven’t tasted that in ages. Bring it to Xuan Huai’s place; let’s have a sect gathering.”

“Our sect gathering?” This guy really didn’t treat himself like a stranger.

Zhong Ling whispered, “But I’m afraid there isn’t enough. Should I go make more?”

Shi Yuan nodded slightly. “That would be wonderful. Go on, no rush.”

Xuan Huai’s residence was located behind the alchemy room, up a winding path through a bamboo forest, leading to a private courtyard.

Unlike the usual grand and towering architecture of the Immortal Realm, this place was simple and quiet. Several houses were arranged neatly, possessing the air of a secluded retreat.

Ji Xun Yue carried the food basket, looking around as she walked, while Zhong Ling walked silently beside her.

Noticing her junior sister’s nervousness, Ji Xun Yue comforted her. “Don’t worry. Immortals usually eat tasteless spiritual materials. Your cooking is top-tier; these dishes will definitely satisfy them.”

Zhong Ling gave a grateful smile.

Upon entering the front yard, they saw Xuan Huai and Shi Yuan standing under the shade of a tree nearby, seemingly in conversation.

Xuan Huai’s expression was indifferent, while Shi Yuan looked somewhat troubled.

One was her thousand-year enemy, and the other had ruined her dinner plans. Although she found both of them annoying, she had to admit they were quite striking standing together.

Xuan Huai’s essence was one of aloof detachment; his gaze, in particular, was as cold as ice, making people hesitate to approach. However, this coldness was softened by his gentle facial features, creating a sense of yearning in others.

When Shi Yuan wasn’t smiling, he had a sharp, handsome face that felt piercing, but when he smiled, his features relaxed, making him feel much more approachable.

Dislike them as she might, they were certainly easy on the eyes.

Before Xuan Huai could speak, Shi Yuan gestured for them to come over, pointing to a stone table nearby. “This table fits us perfectly. Let’s eat while we enjoy the view.”

Ji Xun Yue looked around; the scenery was indeed beautiful.

Cangxing Province, where the Yunxing Sect was located, was a plain, and this was one of the few elevated spots. The courtyard was situated at the northernmost edge of the province, facing south. Looking out, it felt as if they were suspended in the clouds.

Under the setting sun, the endless sea of clouds was dyed with the lingering colors of dusk, and distant floating provinces were faintly visible.

Ji Xun Yue placed the basket on the table and set out the dishes and utensils.

Shi Yuan suddenly said, “Why is there no wine? Xuan Huai, you’ve taken in two great disciples; shouldn’t we celebrate? You can’t be stingy with your ‘Breeze Drunk’ this time.”

Xuan Huai shot him a sidelong glance. “You certainly know how to take advantage of a situation.”

Shi Yuan smiled triumphantly. “Then I’ll go get it. Don’t worry, I know where it’s hidden.”

Only the master and his two disciples remained in the courtyard. Without Shi Yuan to liven the mood, an awkward silence filled the air.

Xuan Huai gazed at the clouds in a daze. Ji Xun Yue and Zhong Ling stood by the table, unsure whether to sit, stand, talk, or stay quiet.

Perhaps because of her laziness over the past few days, as she looked at his handsome profile now, Ji Xun Yue found she couldn’t summon any anger.

She even began to doubt: was he really her enemy?

Xuan Huai suddenly turned his head and asked, “What have you been doing these past few days?”

Ji Xun Yue snapped out of it, feeling guilty. “Um, attended morning classes, read some books.”

Xuan Huai didn’t press her on her vague answer, merely nodding. “The alchemy work is finished. Tomorrow, I will begin teaching you how to refine Qi.”

“I’m here for revenge, not to become an immortal,” Ji Xun Yue thought bitterly, though she complied outwardly.

Zhong Ling, on the other hand, was full of anticipation. “Thank you, Master!”

Another lapse into silence followed, but fortunately, Shi Yuan returned before long.

He placed the wine on the stone table, sat down first, and greeted them warmly. “Come, come, everyone sit.”

Ji Xun Yue and Zhong Ling exchanged glances. Seeing that Xuan Huai hadn’t moved yet, they remained standing.

Shi Yuan raised an eyebrow. “We aren’t like those sects that obsess over status and hierarchy.”

Ji Xun Yue admired his frankness and smiled. “The Immortal is truly unconventional.”

Shi Yuan shook his head as he spoke, “You girl, you speak so formally. Young people should have more energy.”

Ji Xun Yue gave a sheepish smile, feeling a bit insulted as someone over six thousand years old.

Shi Yuan lowered his voice and winked at the two of them. “I’m telling you, Xuan Huai must be sulking because I took his Breeze Drunk. I know that look of his anywhere!”

Xuan Huai gave him a cold look and sat down; his expression indeed seemed somewhat temperamental.

Only then did Ji Xun Yue and Zhong Ling sit.

On her left, Zhong Ling looked stiff and reserved. Across from her, Shi Yuan smiled freely. On her right, Xuan Huai maintained a cold face.

Ji Xun Yue realized that the atmosphere of this meal would depend entirely on her and Shi Yuan.

She truly wondered how two people with such polar opposite personalities like Xuan Huai and Shi Yuan became friends.

Shi Yuan looked at the spread of food with a healthy appetite. He took a bite and praised, “The finest flavors of the mortal world are nothing more than this.”

Ji Xun Yue quickly credited the hero: “Immortal, these were all made by my junior sister. Her skills are extraordinary.”

Shi Yuan turned to Zhong Ling and showered her with praise, making her blush to the tips of her ears.

Ji Xun Yue chimed in with a smile, feeling that this immortal life was quite pleasant.

But at that moment, a cold gaze swept toward her.

Meeting Xuan Huai’s eyes, Ji Xun Yue immediately retracted her expression, looking down and feigning composure.

She had been a bit too lively.

However, that gaze did not pull away. She quickly forced another smile. “Master, you should also try Junior Sister’s cooking.”

Xuan Huai stared at her fixedly, his expression appearing to soften slightly.

Shi Yuan also urged him, “Yeah, look at you, not saying a word, not eating a bite. You’re like a wooden block.”

Xuan Huai ignored him, took a bite, and nodded slightly. “The skill is indeed good.”

Hearing the praise, Zhong Ling finally felt at ease.

“Speaking of which, I haven’t been to the mortal realm in two or three thousand years. I really miss it,” Shi Yuan sighed, reminiscing about the past.

Ji Xun Yue asked casually, “The Immortal shouldn’t have restrictions on visiting the mortal realm. Why haven’t you gone in so long?”

Shi Yuan opened his mouth, his face turning red and white. “I…”

“He was in secluded cultivation,” Xuan Huai interjected, glancing at Shi Yuan.

Shi Yuan hurriedly agreed, “Right, right.”

As the atmosphere stiffened, Shi Yuan picked up the wine jar, poured some for Xuan Huai, and then a cup for himself. “I finally get to taste the Breeze Drunk I’ve been craving. Do you two want some?”

Ji Xun Yue nodded readily, while Zhong Ling shook her head.

Shi Yuan took a sip and sighed, “Mellow on the entrance, pleasant in the aftertaste. Good wine.”

Ji Xun Yue also took a sip. It was indeed mellow and smooth, with a long-lasting finish.

Xuan Huai didn’t join the conversation, appearing to drink in silence.

However, Shi Yuan had opened the floodgates of conversation. The three of them listened to him talk eloquently, and it wasn’t tedious.

Eventually, the topic turned to Ji Xun Yue and Zhong Ling. “I really regret forgetting about the Immortal Selection Ceremony. Otherwise, I’d have disciples to keep me company now. Xuan Huai, if you don’t know how to be a master, why don’t you hand these great disciples over to me?”

Xuan Huai said calmly, “You forgot the event yourself. Who else can you blame?”

“Wasn’t I being chased by Ling Ran? I went to Wangxing Province to hide for a few months and ended up forgetting. Sigh, she always reminds me of, that person.”

Ji Xun Yue asked curiously, “Which person?”

Shi Yuan hadn’t intended to answer, but seeing the faint smile on her face and the brightness in her eyes, perhaps spurred by the wine, he suddenly saw Ye Jinyue overlap with the figure in his memory.

His face darkened, and he said resentfully, “You’re not allowed to ask!”

Ji Xun Yue was stunned by the rebuff. After exchanging a look with Zhong Ling, she gave a helpless smile.

Shi Yuan continued to himself, “Why am I destined to be pursued my whole life?”

Fearing she would reopen a wound, Ji Xun Yue didn’t dare ask again.

The sky gradually darkened as the four of them finished their meal.

Shi Yuan had drunk quite a bit. He looked normal, but his speech carried a hint of drunkenness.

Before leaving, he said, “Jinyue, Zhong Ling, your master and I are old friends. Why don’t you treat me as half a master? I ascended later than him; how about you call me Martial Uncle?”

Zhong Ling obediently called out, “Martial Uncle.”

Shi Yuan nodded with satisfaction and then stared at Ji Xun Yue.

Ji Xun Yue found it difficult to say. She couldn’t help but look at Xuan Huai, but he was looking elsewhere, seemingly indifferent.

She had no choice but to squeeze out a smile and said stiffly, “Martial Uncle.”

Shi Yuan this (satisfied at last), turned to leave, and waved his hand at them. “No need to see me out.”

Thinking she could use this chance to dig for some information about Xuan Huai, Ji Xun Yue quickly said, “That won’t do! Martial Uncle, let me see you off!”

With that, she chased after Shi Yuan, not noticing that Xuan Huai’s expression had instantly turned cold.

Xuan Huai stared fixedly at her back, a wave of bitterness rising in his heart.

Why does she remember no one, yet smiles only for Shi Yuan?