After My Rebirth, I Ended Up Happily Ever After with the Saintess - Chapter 79

Qin Yixuan’s late-night visit and subtle warning acted as a signal, indicating that the turmoil within the Mysterious Cloud Sect, stirred up by the Ice Soul Profound Palace ruins, was gradually transforming from an undercurrent into open contention. Ye Li, this newly risen, (meritorious), yet controversial genius disciple, naturally became the focus of various powers attempting to win over or suppress her.

The next day, visitors began to arrive.

The first was a kind-faced middle-aged female cultivator, dressed in the robes of a Crimson Cloud Peak Deacon. She introduced herself as surnamed Wang, claiming to have been sent by True Person Miaoyin to visit Ye Li and bring several types of spirit tea from Crimson Cloud Peak that nourish the divine soul.

“Junior Sister Ye is a talent favored by heaven, and her trip to the Northern Territory has earned immense merit for the sect; she is truly a model for our generation,” Deacon Wang said with a cordial, amicable smile. “Martial Aunt Miaoyin often says that Cloud Elixir Peak and Crimson Cloud Peak are of the same lineage, both relying on the Elixir Dao to assist cultivation. Martial Aunt also greatly admires your talent in the Elixir Dao. Should Junior Sister Ye have any doubts regarding the Elixir Dao, or require any elixirs for assistance, our Crimson Cloud Peak will certainly lend its full support.”

The intention to win her over was clear. The Peak Master of Crimson Cloud Peak, True Person Miaoyin, belonged to a relatively neutral yet influential faction within the sect, maintaining a decent relationship with Recluse Muyun. This gesture of goodwill was both an investment in Ye Li’s potential and perhaps a means to secure more influence for Crimson Cloud Peak in the future exploration of the ruins.

Ye Li’s expression remained calm. She accepted the spirit tea and politely responded, “Many thanks for the kindness of Martial Aunt Miaoyin and Martial Aunt Wang. I am undeserving of such praise. Should I have any confusion regarding the Elixir Dao in the future, I will certainly seek guidance from the seniors of Crimson Cloud Peak.”

She neither explicitly accepted nor flatly refused, striking a perfect balance in her attitude. Seeing this, Deacon Wang did not press the matter. After a few more pleasantries, she departed with a smile.

Not long after the people from Crimson Cloud Peak left, a true successor disciple from Sword Peak delivered a handwritten decree from Peak Master Lingyunzi, inviting Ye Li to visit the Sword Peak’s Sword Discourse Platform when she had time to spar with the Sword Peak disciples and exchange insights on swordsmanship. Although the decree did not explicitly state the purpose, Lingyunzi’s upright character and appreciation for talent were well-known. This act clearly expressed Sword Peak’s recognition and goodwill, serving as a form of implicit support.

Ye Li likewise responded respectfully, expressing her long-held admiration for Peak Master Lingyunzi and Sword Peak, and stating that she would certainly pay them a visit for guidance once she was properly prepared.

The consecutive gestures of goodwill from two peaks made Ye Li’s small courtyard bustling for a time and attracted even more attention. However, the real pressure was soon to follow.

On the third day, a stern-faced deacon, dressed in the robes of the Enforcement Hall, arrived. His tone was strictly business: “Ye Li, regarding the ‘Heart-Asking Mirror’ verification for the disciples selected to explore the Ice Soul Profound Palace ruins, the Enforcement Hall has drafted preliminary regulations. Due to your unique circumstances, Elder Yan specifically ordered me to come and ask if you have any concerns or anything that needs to be reported in advance?” This statement seemed like routine procedure but actually contained a hidden trap. Should Ye Li’s answer be even slightly amiss, it could be exploited.

Ye Li inwardly sneered, knowing that the faction of Situ Kuang was beginning to apply pressure. She had already thought of a countermeasure and calmly stated, “Reporting to the Deacon, this disciple has no objections to the sect’s rules. The Heart-Asking Mirror verification is for the sect’s safety, and this disciple should naturally cooperate. However, this disciple’s cultivation method is unique, and I have refined a Star Core, so my aura may be different from ordinary people. If this causes an abnormal fluctuation in the Heart-Asking Mirror at that time, I hope the sect will investigate clearly and not misunderstand.”

By proactively highlighting the potential impacts of her “unique cultivation method” and the “Star Core,” she appeared open and aboveboard, effectively silencing those who might try to make an issue of it. The deacon gave her a deep look, recorded the information, and then took his leave to report back.

The most direct effort to win her over came from Recluse Muyun. During a private conversation between master and disciple, Recluse Muyun spoke frankly: “Li’er, currently within the sect, the Sect Master’s faction naturally supports you. I have also communicated extensively with Peak Masters Miaoyin and Lingyun, and they think highly of you. However, Situ Kuang’s side will certainly not give up. The exploration of the ruins is fraught with danger, not only from external forces but possibly from within. Do you… need me to mediate for you and secure an explicit alignment?”

Recluse Muyun hoped that Ye Li would completely align with the Sect Master’s faction to gain more comprehensive protection.

Ye Li pondered for a long time, then shook her head: “Master, I am grateful for your protection. But if I were to explicitly take a side now, while it might grant temporary security, it would also completely put me at odds with War Frenzy Peak, leaving no room for reconciliation. I would rather rely on my performance and merit during this exploration to earn the status I deserve. Furthermore, I have many secrets; being too deeply tied to any single faction might create complications.”

She paused, then continued, “I believe maintaining a certain degree of independence might be more beneficial for the sect, for you, Master, and for myself. I am only loyal to the sect’s interests and abide by the sect’s rules. As for the factional disputes, I do not wish to be overly involved.”

Hearing this, a hint of appreciation flashed in Recluse Muyun’s eyes. He knew this disciple possessed lofty ambitions and was unwilling to be controlled by others. While this idea of maintaining independence and establishing a foothold through merit carried greater risk, if successful, her foundation would be far more stable.

“So be it,” Recluse Muyun sighed. “Since you have this ambition, I will support you. However, independence does not mean isolation; the necessary support will not be lacking. Regarding the Heart-Asking Mirror matter, the Sect Master and I have our plans; you need not worry too much. When exploring the ruins, be extremely cautious, especially… guard against cold arrows from behind.”

“I understand,” Ye Li replied solemnly.

Apart from these overt contacts, the intelligence network of the Shadow Pavilion also relayed back more information about the undercurrents. Sun Xiaohou discovered that War Frenzy Peak had been frequently interacting with several secondary peaks affiliated with them, seemingly plotting something. Gao Sheng had openly vowed to “make things difficult” for Ye Li in the ruins. Furthermore, an envoy from the Blazing Flame Sect had secretly visited Situ Kuang, and although the specific content was unknown, it was clearly not for anything good.

Facing such a complex situation, Ye Li maintained her composure. She knew that complete self-isolation was impossible until her personal strength was sufficient to ignore the rules (such as breaking through to the Primordial Elixir realm and becoming an elder-level existence in the sect). However, becoming prematurely entangled in the factional struggles and becoming a pawn in their power grab was a sure path to self-destruction.

Her strategy was clear: leverage power without dependency, achieve merit while avoiding strife.

She would utilize the influence of the Sect Master and her Master to ensure basic fairness and security; rely on her own strength and merits to earn respect and resources; and strive to avoid direct involvement in the factional conflicts, focusing her main efforts on increasing her strength and completing the mission.

She politely declined all overly enthusiastic invitations to alliance banquets and sidestepped various probing alliance proposals. Most of her time was spent in deep seclusion, either cultivating or preparing for the ruins exploration. She utilized the privileges of an elite disciple to peruse a vast number of ancient formation, restriction, and Northern Territory geography texts, continuously refining her Star Silence sword techniques and Universe Trace-less Steps.

Simultaneously, she also intensified her support for Lin Feng and Xia Zhihe through the Shadow Pavilion, hoping they could break through to the Spirit Residence realm as soon as possible. Once successful, the Shadow Pavilion would have a stronger foundation.

This low-key and focused attitude, on the contrary, made some neutral elders and high-level figures regard her more highly. Not being arrogant or impatient, and having the patience to wait, was the mindset essential for those who achieve great things.

However, the trees may desire tranquility, but the wind will not cease. Just before the formal announcement of the ruin exploration roster, a sudden disturbance once again pushed Ye Li into the spotlight. An Elder from the Artifact Hall, who was closely affiliated with War Frenzy Peak, suddenly lodged a protest with the Enforcement Hall, claiming that the Dark Ice Sword Ye Li used in the Northern Territory bore an extreme resemblance in its refining technique to a stolen ancient ice-element sword blank blueprint from the Artifact Hall. They demanded that Ye Li surrender the Dark Ice Sword for investigation!

This move was undoubtedly a severe blow to Ye Li’s reputation. If the accusation were proven true, it could even jeopardize her qualification to participate in the ruins exploration!

Evidently, this was another round of attack launched by Situ Kuang’s faction, separate from the Heart-Asking Mirror. The vortex of factional conflict was, after all, inevitably going to drag her into its depths. Could Ye Li once again resolve the crisis and maintain the “independence” she desired? This open and covert struggle surrounding the Ice Soul Profound Palace ruins had only just begun.