After My Rebirth, I Ended Up Happily Ever After with the Saintess - Chapter 55

The Enforcement Hall’s “Meditation Chamber” was not a gloomy prison, but a secluded, tranquil courtyard located on the back mountain of the Hall. The courtyard was isolated by a formation array, and contained a quiet room, a study, and all necessary living supplies. However, entry and exit were restricted, and enforcement disciples took turns standing guard. It was less of a confinement and more of a house arrest.

For Ye Li, this place ironically became a rare sanctuary after the clamor. Undisturbed, she could peacefully consolidate her cultivation and digest the gains from the secret realm.

She sat cross-legged on a mat in the quiet room, her mind sinking into her body. The Imperial Script of the Deep Azure Heavens (YouhuanDijing) slowly circulated. The intensely frigid spiritual energy flowed like a stream through her increasingly resilient and widened meridians. Inside her Dantian Qi Sea, the spiritual energy was dense, having reached the limit of the Spirit Awakening stage. She was only one step away from condensing her Spiritual Pulse and stepping into the Pulse Condensing stage.

But she was not rushing to break through. The inheritance from Venerable Xuan Huan and the refinement by the Star Source Liquid had made her foundation incredibly solid. She needed to polish this foundation to perfection, paving a smooth path for her future.

In her Sea of Consciousness, the fragment of the Wheel of Reincarnation Mirror quietly floated, emitting a warm, clear light. After receiving the inheritance, she felt a slightly tighter connection with the mysterious fragment, and her control over the cool intent it emitted—which enhanced her comprehension—became much more adept. She began using this power to repeatedly deduce the various permutations of the first level of the Steps of the Boundless Universe (HuanyuWuzongBu), “Star Flash,” as well as the force application techniques for the first move of the Ice Soul Sealing Heaven Finger (BingpoFengtianZhi), “Ice Mark.”

Time quietly passed during her meditation. The turmoil regarding her outside the chamber grew more intense, but the Meditation Chamber remained utterly tranquil.

Three days later, the Reclusive Master Muyun came to visit. He dismissed the guarding disciples and sat opposite Ye Li at a stone table in the courtyard.

“How are you feeling?” Reclusive Master Muyun asked, his tone as gentle as ever.

“Thank you for your concern, Master. Your disciple is well, and is using this opportunity to settle down and cultivate,” Ye Li responded respectfully.

Reclusive Master Muyun nodded, his gaze deep as he looked at her. “The Elder Council has deliberated on your matter several times. Elder Situ of the War Frenzy Peak was strongly insistent on severe punishment. However, I and several friendly Elders believe that Gao Sheng and the others were the initial aggressors, and your actions were self-defense, which is justifiable. As for the inheritance… the Sect ultimately decided that as long as it is not an unorthodox or demonic cultivation method, the disciples’ fortuitous encounters will not be interfered with, and should instead be encouraged.”

This result was within Ye Li’s expectations. For the Xuan Yun Sect to stand for a thousand years, it naturally possessed its own magnanimity. It was impossible for them to openly seize a disciple’s fortuitous encounter, especially without concrete evidence of “demonic cultivation.” Although the War Frenzy Peak was a formidable power, they could not completely dominate the situation.

“Thank you, Master, for your protection,” Ye Li thanked him sincerely. She knew Reclusive Master Muyun must have exerted significant effort on her behalf.

“No need to thank me; you earned it yourself,” Reclusive Master Muyun waved his hand, changing the subject. “However, while the death penalty is avoided, you can’t escape some punishment. The Sect’s final ruling is: Although your severely wounding fellow disciple Shi Feng had its reasons, the methods were excessive. You are to be confined to Cloud Elixir Peak for three months as punishment, your one year’s Sect stipend will be deducted, and you must compensate Shi Feng with a certain amount of medicinal pills for his recovery. Do you have any objections to this?”

Three months of confinement and a deduction of one year’s stipend? This punishment was akin to a loud clap of thunder followed by light rain. Confinement was perfect for her to cultivate in peace, and her stipend was already meager. With her current wealth, she didn’t care about the deduction. As for compensating with medicinal pills, that was a minor matter.

“This disciple has no objections and willingly accepts the punishment,” Ye Li calmly accepted.

“Good,” a flicker of satisfaction flashed in Reclusive Master Muyun’s eyes. “You may leave the Meditation Chamber tomorrow and return to Cloud Elixir Peak. However, Li’er, after this incident, you are now at the center of attention. Many within the Sect are envious of your inheritance, and the War Frenzy Peak will not let this go. Outside the Sect, the news has likely leaked, and it’s inevitable that petty opportunists will covet your belongings. You must act with even greater caution in the future.”

“This disciple understands.” Ye Li’s gaze narrowed slightly. Reclusive Master Muyun’s reminder was exactly her concern. A single person’s strength is ultimately limited. Against potential open and hidden attacks, she needed her own power.

“Master,” Ye Li pondered for a moment before speaking. “Your disciple has an immodest request. I wish to form a small group within the peak, named the ‘Shadow Pavilion’ (Youge), whose purpose is to exchange cultivation insights with a few trusted fellow disciples, offer mutual assistance, and respond to potential crises. Is this in accordance with Sect rules?”

She did not hide her intentions, choosing instead to be candid with Reclusive Master Muyun. Gaining this Peak Master’s tacit approval, or even support, was crucial.

Upon hearing this, Reclusive Master Muyun was not surprised, but instead showed a knowing smile. He took a light sip of tea. “The Sect encourages normal interaction and mutual improvement among disciples. As long as it doesn’t violate the Sect rules, doesn’t constitute forming a faction for selfish gain, and doesn’t endanger the Sect, there is no issue with small, spontaneously organized disciple groups. ‘Shadow Pavilion’… The name is quite good; secluded yet capable of illumination, containing hidden profundity. Since you have this intention, go ahead and do it. Cloud Elixir Peak will ultimately be your backing.”

With Reclusive Master Muyun’s explicit support, Ye Li felt great peace of mind. “Thank you, Master!”

The next day, under the watchful eyes of countless disciples, Ye Li calmly walked out of the Enforcement Hall, personally escorted back to Cloud Elixir Peak by Reclusive Master Muyun. The Sect’s final decision on her punishment was subsequently announced, sparking much discussion, but most people felt that the heavy hand had been lifted lightly, indicating the high-level Sect authorities’ attitude toward Ye Li.

Returning to her small courtyard on Cloud Elixir Peak, Ye Li did not immediately enter seclusion. She first sent out covert invitations through Lin Feng to several people.

…

Two days later, at night. In a quiet bamboo forest behind Cloud Elixir Peak.

Moonlight, like water, sprinkled dappled light through the bamboo leaves. Ye Li stood with her hands behind her back, her posture tall and straight, her cold, clear gaze sweeping over the four figures standing before her.

Lin Feng, still maintaining his calm and capable appearance, his eyes holding the usual loyalty and respect.

Zhao Xiao Yi, appearing a bit nervous, but more excited and resolute.

Besides these two, there were two new faces.

One was a tall, cool-tempered woman named Xia Zhihe, an inner sect disciple of Cloud Elixir Peak. Her cultivation had reached the mid-Pulse Condensing stage, and she specialized in the Dao of Pills and spiritual plants. In the secret realm, she had been ambushed by spirit beasts while harvesting a rare spiritual herb. Ye Li happened to pass by and helped her escape the danger. Xia Zhihe was aloof and disliked socializing, but she was clear about gratitude and grudges. She remembered Ye Li’s life-saving grace and, after careful consideration upon learning of Ye Li’s intention to form the Shadow Pavilion, decided to join.

The other was a young man of short stature but unusually sharp eyes, named Sun Xiaohou, a well-known “gossip” within the Sect. His cultivation was only at the late Spirit Awakening stage, but his intelligence network was extremely efficient, and he was particularly adept at gathering various secret information and market trends. He had once offended people from the War Frenzy Peak while selling information and was secretly extricated by Ye Li once. He admired and was grateful to Ye Li. Lin Feng had observed him for a long time, deemed his capabilities outstanding and his background relatively clean, and recommended him to Ye Li.

These four people were the initial core team Ye Li had selected for the Shadow Pavilion. Lin Feng would oversee the overall situation and be responsible for intelligence analysis; Zhao Xiao Yi would handle external liaison and miscellaneous tasks; Xia Zhihe could provide support in medicinal pills and some high-end connections; and Sun Xiaohou would specialize in information gathering.

Ye Li’s gaze slowly swept over the four, her voice cold and clear. “You all know why I have invited you here today; Lin Feng must have already explained it. I intend to establish the ‘Shadow Pavilion,’ not for vying for power or building a faction. The initial intention is only four words: Self-Reliance, Mutual-Assistance.”

She paused, then continued, “The path of cultivation is like sailing against the current—it’s difficult to go it alone. Though the Sect is large, it is not a pure land. Resources are limited, and conflict is inevitable. We gather here for the purpose of information sharing, to avoid being misled; resource mutual-assistance, to overcome difficulties together; to have aid in times of crisis; and to encourage each other on the path.”

“The Shadow Pavilion is newly established; we do not seek scale, but sincerity. Our initial goals are threefold:”

“First, establish a secret and reliable intelligence network, especially regarding the movements of Gao Sheng and the War Frenzy Peak, Sect missions, market prices, and external developments. We must grasp this information promptly.”

“Second, internal resource sharing and exchange. For example, Senior Sister Zhihe’s refined medicinal pills can be preferentially supplied to Pavilion members at an internal price; the cultivation methods, insights, talisman materials, and other items we acquire can also be mutually exchanged.”

“Third, discreet development and accumulation of strength. The existence of the Shadow Pavilion is temporarily not to be disclosed externally, and the identity of its members must be strictly confidential. All actions must be taken with the premise of not attracting the Sect’s attention.”

After speaking, Ye Li looked at the four. “To join the Shadow Pavilion, you must swear a Heart Demon Vow, vowing never to betray fellow Pavilion members and never to leak the Pavilion’s secrets. The path ahead may hold risks. If you are unwilling, withdraw now, and I will not hold it against you.”

Lin Feng was the first to step forward without hesitation, kneeling on one knee and swearing the Heart Demon Vow. “I, Lin Feng, am willing to follow the Pavilion Master, join the Shadow Pavilion, stand together in life and death, and never betray this oath!” He had long since staked his future on Ye Li.

Zhao Xiao Yi followed closely, swearing with excitement, “I, Zhao Xiao Yi, swear to follow the Pavilion Master to the death!”

Xia Zhihe was silent for a moment, her cool eyes looking at Ye Li. She slowly said, “I, Xia Zhihe, distinguish clearly between gratitude and grudges. A life-saving grace must be repaid. The Shadow Pavilion’s philosophy also aligns with my own wishes. I am willing to join.” Having said this, she also swore the vow.

Sun Xiaohou scratched his head and chuckled. “I, Sun Xiaohou, don’t have much talent, but my ears are sharp and my legs are fast. Since the Pavilion Master values me, I’ll dedicate this information-gathering life of mine to the Shadow Pavilion!” He also swore the oath readily.

Seeing that all four had taken the oath, a hint of satisfaction flashed in Ye Li’s eyes. She lifted her hand in a gesture to help them rise. “Good! From this moment on, we are members of the Shadow Pavilion, sharing honor and disgrace!”

She took out several items she had prepared earlier. Four black tokens of a special material, engraved with secret cloud patterns, were distributed to the four. “This is the Shadow Pavilion Token. It serves as both proof of identity and a small communication talisman, allowing for emergency contact within a certain range. I will inform you of the usage method shortly.”

She then took out several jade bottles containing high-grade Spirit Tempering Pills, which she had refined using some of the spiritual herbs harvested in the secret realm, and distributed them. “This is a welcoming gift to aid your cultivation.”

Finally, her gaze sharpened. “The Shadow Pavilion is newly established, and a hundred things need to be done. Lin Feng, you are responsible for overall affairs and formulating the initial internal regulations. Xiaohou, your primary task is to closely monitor the movements of Gao Sheng, Shi Feng, and others from the War Frenzy Peak after they leave the hospital, as well as the spreading rumors about the secret realm inheritance both within and outside the Sect. Zhihe, please keep an eye on the market for medicinal pills and spiritual herbs at Pill Cloud Peak and various markets, especially resources related to healing and breakthrough. Xiaoyi, you will assist Lin Feng and be responsible for the daily communication between us.”

“Yes, Pavilion Master!” The four responded in unison, their eyes flashing with excitement and a sense of mission.

Under the moonlight, within the shadowed bamboo forest, the embryonic form of an organization destined to stir up the Spirit World in the future was quietly born. It was like a faint light in the dark night—though weak, it contained the potential to start a prairie fire.

Ye Li looked at the four initial members, a faint heroic feeling rising in her heart. The road ahead was still perilous, but at least she was no longer alone. The Shadow Pavilion would be her foundational basis for confronting all challenges.

“You may disperse; each of you be careful.” Ye Li waved her hand.

The four bowed and silently merged into the bamboo forest night, as if they had never appeared.

Ye Li stood alone for a moment, looking toward the direction of Heaven Profound Peak, her eyes deep.

“Gao Sheng, Situ Kuang… and those enemies hidden in the dark… Wait for it. The game has just begun.”