After My Rebirth, I Ended Up Happily Ever After with the Saintess - Chapter 78

Just as Ye Li was concentrating on formulating a strategy regarding the “Heart-Testing Mirror,” a simple communication talisman pierced the small courtyard’s array and lightly floated down in front of her. The talisman carried a trace of clear, chilling Water-element spiritual energy fluctuation, and the aura was familiar—it belonged to Qin Yixuan.

Ye Li raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised. Since their return from the Northern Realm, although they were in the same sect, the two of them had not interacted again. Qin Yixuan had a cold, aloof nature and disliked socializing; her initiating contact was genuinely rare.

She probed with her spiritual sense. The talisman contained only a few brief words: “Tonight at the Hour of Zi (11 PM – 1 AM), by the shores of the Azure Wave Pool, a conversation.”

The Azure Wave Pool was a secluded scenic spot in the rear mountains of the Profound Cloud Sect, rarely visited at night. Qin Yixuan choosing this location clearly indicated a desire to avoid drawing attention.

“What is the matter?” Ye Li pondered for a moment before replying with two words: “Agreed.”

As the Hour of Zi approached, the moonlight shone like water, casting its glow upon the silent rear mountains. The Azure Wave Pool resembled a gigantic mirror, reflecting the myriad stars and the bright moon. Mist filled the air by the pool, and the chill was penetrating.

When Ye Li arrived, Qin Yixuan was already standing by the pool. She was still clad in a white robe, appearing like an otherworldly immortal untouched by mortal dust in the moonlight, pure and solitary. She gazed at the tranquil water, seemingly lost in thought.

Hearing footsteps, Qin Yixuan slowly turned. Her clear, beautiful eyes, like a cold pool, rested on Ye Li, and she nodded slightly: “You’ve come.”

Ye Li stopped a short distance beside her, also looking at the water: “Senior Sister Qin has invited me. May I ask what advice you have?”

The two stood side by side, the moonlight stretching their shadows, and the atmosphere settled into a subtle silence.

After a long while, Qin Yixuan finally spoke. Her voice was still calm, but lacked some of her usual detachment: “What is your view on the ruins of the Ice Soul Profound Palace?”

Ye Li’s heart stirred. She hadn’t expected Qin Yixuan to bring up the matter so directly. She responded with an expressionless tone: “Opportunities and risks coexist. An ancient sect’s ruins hold immense temptation, but the dangers within are likely far beyond expectation.”

“Indeed.” Qin Yixuan slightly turned her head to look at Ye Li. “Undercurrents are surging within the sect. What are your thoughts on Peak Lord Situ’s proposal for the Heart-Testing Mirror?”

Ye Li’s gaze sharpened, meeting Qin Yixuan’s eyes. The other party’s gaze was clear and candid, seemingly without any intent to test, but rather like a… reminder? Or perhaps, seeking confirmation of a stance?

“The inspection with the Heart-Testing Mirror complies with the rules,” Ye Li’s tone was placid, betraying no emotion. “However, if someone tries to use it to make an issue, it may discourage those who have rendered meritorious service.”

A faint curve seemed to grace the corner of Qin Yixuan’s mouth, quickly vanishing: “You are quite calm. It seems you already have a plan to deal with it?”

“It’s not a ‘plan,’ merely responding as events unfold,” Ye Li did not answer directly, instead asking, “Senior Sister Qin seems quite concerned about this matter?”

Qin Yixuan turned her gaze back to the water and said softly: “The Azure Water Pavilion is also interested in the Ice Soul Profound Palace.”

Ye Li realized the truth. Of course, the Ice Soul Profound Palace was an ancient Ice-element sect. Its legacy and resources held immense attraction for the Azure Water Pavilion, which also excelled in Water-element cultivation methods. As a core disciple of the Azure Water Pavilion, Qin Yixuan naturally bore the responsibility of securing benefits for her sect. Her visit today was likely on behalf of the Azure Water Pavilion to establish a certain level of contact or probe.

“So, is the Azure Water Pavilion planning to cooperate with my Profound Cloud Sect, or… compete?” Ye Li directly addressed the core issue.

Qin Yixuan was silent for a moment, then said: “That depends on the attitude of the Profound Cloud Sect, and also on… the actual situation within the ruins. If the risks are too great, mutually beneficial cooperation might be the better choice. If the opportunities are controllable, relying on individual abilities is normal.”

She paused, then continued: “I sought you out today, not on behalf of the sect, but purely for a personal view. Ye Li, you and I are very alike.”

Ye Li was slightly taken aback.

Qin Yixuan’s voice sounded somewhat ethereal in the night wind: “We both pursue power, have our own convictions, are unwilling to be constrained by others, and disdain petty, underhanded schemes. From the Cloud Mist Secret Realm to the Northern Realm Ice Plains, I have witnessed your growth.”

This was the first time Qin Yixuan had expressed her recognition of Ye Li so frankly. Ye Li could feel that these words were not empty flattery.

“Senior Sister is overpraising me,” Ye Li’s tone softened slightly. “Senior Sister’s innate talent is also a role model for our generation.”

Qin Yixuan shook her head: “There’s no need to be modest. Among cultivators of our generation, the capable lead the way. Your ability to achieve what you have with a Meridian Condensing Realm cultivation has already proven everything.” When she mentioned the “Meridian Condensing Realm,” her tone was calm, clearly not looking down on Ye Li because of her realm, but rather valuing her actual combat strength and character.

“You must be careful regarding the Heart-Testing Mirror matter,” Qin Yixuan’s tone suddenly shifted, reminding her again. “Situ Kuang will not give up easily. The sect’s internal structure is also not monolithic. However, since you have performed a great service for the sect, the Sect Master and Martial Uncle Mu Yun will surely protect you. As long as you yourself are flawless, others will have difficulty finding a vulnerability.”

These words were an almost explicit release of goodwill. She was telling Ye Li that there was support from the higher echelons, so she didn’t need to worry too much, but she still needed to be fully prepared.

Ye Li felt a subtle warmth in her heart. Although she did not know whether Qin Yixuan’s action was based on the sect’s interests or pure personal appreciation, this reminder was undoubtedly timely. She nodded: “Thank you for the reminder, Senior Sister. Ye Li will remember it.”

Silence fell between them again, but the atmosphere was much more harmonious than before. A subtle equilibrium, based on mutual recognition and understanding, quietly established itself under the moonlight. They were competitors, due to their positions and opportunities; but they could also be potential allies, due to their similar characters and the common obstacles they faced (such as internal sectarian strife).

“Should there truly be an opportunity for a joint effort in the exploration of the ruins…” Qin Yixuan suddenly said softly, not finishing her sentence, but the meaning was already clear.

Ye Li took over: “If circumstances necessitate it and our interests align, a joint effort is not out of the question.”

This was their tacit understanding. No promises, no binding commitment; everything would be decided based on the situation. But this unspoken potential for cooperation was, in itself, a powerful force.

“Very well.” Qin Yixuan nodded, seemingly having achieved the purpose of her conversation. She looked at Ye Li one last time: “I hope to see a more brilliant display from you in those ruins. Farewell.”

With that, her form slightly moved, and she transformed into a faint blue light, vanishing into the moonlight. She came suddenly and departed unrestrainedly.

Ye Li stood alone by the pool, looking in the direction where Qin Yixuan had disappeared, her mind filled with churning thoughts. This night talk with Qin Yixuan carried a significant amount of information. The intentions of the Azure Water Pavilion, the undercurrents within the sect, and the subtle goodwill released by this aloof immortal maiden all gave her a clearer understanding of the impending ruin exploration.

“A joint effort, huh…” Ye Li murmured to herself. Having an extra friend is always better than an extra enemy, especially a formidable opponent who is also a potential ally, like Qin Yixuan, who possesses great strength and a straightforward character. As for the Heart-Testing Mirror… a cold glint flashed in her eyes. Situ Kuang wanting to use this to make trouble would not be so easy.

She looked up at the starry sky, and the Star Core in her Sea of Consciousness pulsed slightly. The fundamental answer to dealing with everything was the enhancement of her own strength. No matter how the external situation changes, being strong herself is the only way to remain invincible.

The relationship with Qin Yixuan had reached a subtle point of balance at this moment. Hostility gradually faded, and appreciation grew, yet the competition and the divide in their positions still existed. This complex and genuine relationship might last longer on this brutal path of cultivation than a simple friendship or enmity.

Ye Li turned, her silhouette melting into the night, and returned to Cloud Pill Peak. In the days to come, she needed to make more thorough preparations to deal with the Heart-Testing Mirror and the exploration of the ruins. And the Dark Pavilion would, in this coming storm, face its true test.