My Senior Sister Says She Will Marry No One But Me - Chapter 30.1

The Emei Sect leader had visited the Miaoyin Sect a few times before, but back then, Du Yunge was still a child with a poor memory. Her only impression of the woman was, “This is the one who sends those sweet candies.” The next time she saw her was in her previous life, when Du Yunge descended Miaoyin Mountain. Piecing together these fragmented memories, the Emei Sect leader in Du Yunge’s mind was not particularly vivid at most, she was a stern, respected elder who treated her with the care of a personal disciple.

The moment the Emei Sect leader personally came out to greet them, all those vague impressions solidified. Standing before Du Yunge was a woman who appeared quite severe, yet anyone could tell her stern exterior concealed a kind heart. Now, as she led the way, Du Yunge and Xue Shuyan followed half a step behind, listening as she pointed out the various sights of the Emei Sect:

“Over there is the Thread of Sky. If Sect Leader isn’t afraid of heights, you might want to take a look. The path between the cliffs is so narrow that only a sliver of sky is visible overhead hence the name. The trail is treacherous, wide enough for only one person, and without mastery of qinggong, a single misstep could mean certain death. That’s why it’s also called ‘Life and Death Hanging by a Thread.’ But Sect Leader need not worry Shuyan can accompany you, ensuring your safety.”

“That is the Clear Sound Pavilion, with its soaring eaves and elegant Tang Dynasty architecture. It serves as a resting spot for our disciples when ascending or descending the mountain. Surrounded by lush fir trees and murmuring streams, it’s a perfect place to escape the summer heat.”

Du Yunge nodded repeatedly as she took in the sights. This was her first time visiting another sect, and she intended to savor every moment. The Emei Sect leader, delighted by her earnest and attentive demeanor, found herself speaking more than usual. It wasn’t until they reached the reception hall that she finally paused and broached the main subject:

“I’ve sent someone to fetch the music score you need. However, it’s an ancient artifact, quite precious, so please be patient. Would you mind keeping an old woman company with some conversation in the meantime?”

Du Yunge accepted the tea offered by a maid and replied gracefully:

“Thank you for your kindness, Sect Leader. I’m overjoyed and would be honored to oblige.”

As her slender fingers rested on the blue-and-white porcelain bowl adorned with lotus and swimming fish motifs, they seemed to glow with a delicate, captivating elegance. Her poised response and dignified demeanor only deepened the Emei Sect leader’s affection for her. Just then, a disciple returned, carrying a gilded sandalwood box containing the music score left by the founding leader of the Miaoyin Sect. The box, worn smooth in many places from years of handling, had a deep, understated luster, a clear testament to its age and heritage.

The Emei Sect leader pushed the box forward and said:

“Here is the item left with us by Du Baoqin, the founding master of the Miaoyin Sect. It is said that when she entrusted this object to our Emei Sect, she repeatedly emphasized, ‘Unless the rightful master of the Miaoyin Sect, who can practice the Demonic Melody of Heaven, comes in person, even the Jade Emperor himself must not be given this.’ From this, one can see that the founding master was a person of strong character. Today, being able to hand it over to you is truly returning it to its rightful owner, a joyous occasion for all.”

The moment Du Yunge took the box, its weight caused her hands to sink abruptly. Fortunately, Xue Shuyan was beside her and steadied her, naturally taking the substantial box from her hands. Just then, the Emei Sect Leader spoke again:

“Is this your first time descending the mountain, Sect Master? If so, why not linger a few more days at Emei? It would be a good opportunity to rest and recover your energy, and you could take your time studying the qin score here. Wouldn’t that be a wonderful arrangement?”

Du Yunge thought this was a fine idea and instinctively turned to Xue Shuyan first, asking, “What does Senior Sister think?”

Before Xue Shuyan could respond, the Emei Sect Leader smiled and nodded, looking at Xue Shuyan as if she were her own direct disciple:

“You and the Sect Master share such a close bond. If you decide to stay, I now have an idea for arranging your accommodations. Originally, there were no suites on Mount Emei, making it inconvenient to host you, but seeing you today, I realize we can prepare a room with a green gauze cabinet for you both.”

“Previously, I wrote to your sect at an old friend’s request, intending to propose a match for the Sect Master. But after seeing you today, I realize I was too presumptuous. Please do not take it to heart, Sect Master, and feel free to stay on Mount Emei for a while.”

As Du Yunge and Xue Shuyan, who was carrying the box, left the reception hall and headed toward their quarters, every Emei disciple they encountered along the way bowed respectfully. A few lively and bold inner-circle female disciples even took the opportunity to chat with Du Yunge:

“Sect Master Du, how is the scenery on Mount Wangyou? I’ve heard that once winter arrives, the mountain is sealed by heavy snow, barring outsiders from ascending. They say it’s a breathtaking sight of silver-clad, ice-bound beauty is that truly the case?”

“Sect Master Du, you must stay on Mount Emei for a few more days! We rarely get to descend the mountain and have never seen someone as ethereal as you. Seeing you today has been a true feast for the eyes.”

“We’ve long heard that Senior Sister Xue’s martial skills are unparalleled, ranking among the finest in the Central Plains martial world. Since you trained together and are as close as siblings, Sect Master Du, you must also have unique insights into martial arts. Would it be convenient someday to ask you for a few moves?”

Xue Shuyan possessed unparalleled martial prowess and had mastered the essence of numerous schools. In fact, she had learned the techniques of nearly every prominent sect in the Central Plains from Feng Chengchun, and had even deduced many of their secret, untaught methods on her own. Initially, her actions infuriated the leaders of many sects, leaving them fuming with rage. However, upon reflection, they had to admit that deducing these secrets was a testament to her extraordinary skill. Befriending such a remarkable individual was undoubtedly a wise move. Thus, before long, most of the younger generation in the Central Plains martial world, with the guidance and tacit approval of their elders, began addressing her as “Senior Sister Xue.”

Before Du Yunge could respond to the question, Xue Shuyan intercepted it. The stern-faced, tall woman in blue robes narrowed her eyes slightly and cast a cold glance downward, instantly freezing the Emei inner disciple who had been trying to inch closer to Du Yunge in her tracks.

“Inconvenient.”

“If you truly wish to seek martial guidance, you may ask me.”

The unfortunate Emei disciple, who had been bluntly rebuffed by Xue Shuyan, inwardly groaned. Who didn’t know that Xue Shuyan was a martial fanatic who, when it came to training, acknowledged no one but her own sect leader? Seeking guidance from her was no different from volunteering to be beaten up! Besides, they were all adults, why stick to such straightforward, blunt methods? Did Xue Shuyan really think that asking to “seek martial guidance” from the sect leader was purely about martial arts? How utterly lacking in romantic sensibility! It was clear that Xue Shuyan was fiercely protective of her beautiful sect leader, leaving no opening for outsiders to get close.

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