My System, My Wife Feng Aotian [Transmigration] - Chapter 39.1

The heavy winter snow went largely unnoticed.

It drifted gently down, blanketing the mountains and rivers.

Feng Jue, having tied back her long hair, stepped onto the deck and bowed respectfully to the two Pavilion Masters of the Autumn Water Pavilion who had come to her aid.

“Thank you for your righteous support, Senior Masters,” she said.

The Pavilion Masters raised their hands in dismissal. “No need for formalities,” they replied.

“It’s been only nineteen years since the Old Palace Master’s passing, yet these people have already forgotten her kindness. Nie Xiu is as shameless as his Master!” Pavilion Master Qiu spoke with disdain when mentioning the Yuding Sect. “The Yuding Sect is filled with arrogant fools with hearts as narrow as sesame seeds. Since he failed to gain an advantage over you today, he’ll surely harbor resentment. You must be vigilant in the future.”

Feng Jue nodded, her gaze shifting to the boundless white expanse outside the ship. The Yuding Sect’s vessel had long since crashed, its fate unknown.

She smirked inwardly, but when she looked up again, her expression was calm as she invited the two Pavilion Masters inside to discuss.

Hiding behind her Senior Sister Apprentice, Qiu Shuangshuang suddenly understood why Wei Yutong had said those things back in the Secret Realm. She followed Wei Yutong inside, tugging on her Senior Sister’s sleeve and whispering, “I always thought the great battles of the Jiutian Cult happened centuries ago, just legends. I never realized Senior Feng passed away only about a decade ago.”

Wei Yutong raised a finger to her lips and cautioned Qiu Shuangshuang, “Don’t say such things in front of Palace Master Feng. It might upset her.”

Qiu Shuangshuang nodded immediately. She still wanted to apprentice under Feng Jue; how could she dare upset her? She glanced at Xue Bufan standing on the deck and beckoned him over. “Young Master Xue, come join us! I want to tell my parents how you saved me so they can thank you properly!”

Xue Bufan clasped his hands in a respectful salute. “I didn’t save you for the gratitude of your elders. I simply have a request: I wish to travel to the Nanyang Continent. Might I ask for a ride on your sect’s ship for part of the journey?”

What a small matter! Qiu Shuangshuang agreed immediately.

The ship landed at the summit of a mountain, where they brewed tea and warmed wine against the snowy backdrop. Siyi went below to change her clothes and tend to her injuries. Instead of sending other disciples, Feng Jue personally brewed the tea.

The aroma of tea filled the air as Mother Qiu gazed at Feng Jue’s eyes, faintly seeing the spirited woman from years ago—the one who had vowed to save all living beings. The sight stirred memories, but she couldn’t bear to dwell on the past. With a smile, she said, “My darling Shuangshuang has been pampered all her life, convinced she’s a fearless devil incarnate. Now that she’s ventured out, she’ll likely be stripped of that facade.”

“She’s young and unaware of the vastness of the world. We’re deeply grateful for your assistance,” Mother Qiu said, rising to bow to Feng Jue and Xue Bufan.

The two juniors immediately stood up to avoid the formalities.

Qiu Shuangshuang continued to hide behind Wei Yutong, fearing she’d be dragged out for a scolding.

Pavilion Master Qiu spoke, “We have only this precious daughter, and her safety is our utmost concern. We cannot bear even a minor mishap befalling her. This great kindness will be etched in the hearts of every member of the Autumn Water Pavilion. Should you ever require our assistance in the future, please send a Communication Talisman.” As he spoke, he produced six maple leaves.

The leaves were vibrant crimson, as if freshly plucked from the branch.

“These leaves contain the cultivation power of my wife and myself,” Pavilion Master Qiu continued. “Each can withstand a full-force attack from a Deity Transformation Stage cultivator. They can save your lives or be refined to aid your cultivation—how you use them is up to you. Please accept this humble token of our gratitude.”

Feng Jue and Xue Bufan thanked the Pavilion Masters and each took three maple leaves.

Feng Jue discreetly tucked a red maple leaf into her sleeve. 03 curiously held up a red maple leaf and compared its crimson hue to the red trim of Feng Jue’s sleeve.

It was the exact color of Feng Jue’s flames!

03 placed the maple leaf on her head, and a few flowers sprouted above her head.

Putting aside their thanks, the group began discussing the events that had transpired in the Secret Realm. However, the two Pavilion Masters didn’t inquire about who had obtained the Inheritance. As they chattered about inconsequential matters, Qiu Shuangshuang felt a twinge of frustration. Gathering her courage, she suddenly leaped out from behind Wei Yutong and declared loudly, “Father, Mother, I’ve decided! I want to become Palace Master Feng’s apprentice!”

Feng Jue, who was sipping tea, remained unfazed, her expression calm and her gaze unbroken as she replied evenly, “I have already refused.”

The two Pavilion Masters of the Autumn Water Pavilion wore complex expressions, especially Qiu Shuangshuang’s mother, who seemed tempted to drag her daughter over and shake some sense into her. I clearly didn’t forget to give her a brain when I gave birth to her!

Pavilion Master Qiu cleared his throat. “The Fire Spiritual Root lineage of Lanyang Palace’s Qihuang Peak has been passed down through generations. How could you possibly become her apprentice?”

Qiu Shuangshuang’s courage remained undimmed. “Palace Master Feng possesses talismans imbued with Sword Intent. If I become her apprentice, I can study the Sword Intent within those talismans. I want to learn to dance like snow!”

She raised her hand, index and middle fingers together, mimicking a sword strike.

Feng Jue lowered her gaze, glancing at her puffed-up sleeve. A little ball holding a maple leaf curiously fanned her sleeve, worried she might be too warm.

Outside the window, snowflakes drifted softly, blanketing the withered branches and grass in a thick layer of white. The swirling flakes seemed to yearn to drift through the open curtains, to share tea and conversation with the humans. But the moment they touched the Barrier, they silently melted, disturbing no one.

Mother Qiu said, “You’ve been training with a spear since childhood.”

“I’m still young,” Qiu Shuangshuang replied. “It’s not too late to learn the sword!”

Mother Qiu sighed, while Qiu Shuangshuang spoke with unwavering conviction.

In the silence that followed, Feng Jue set down her teacup with a click and said calmly, “Absurd.”

Qiu Shuangshuang suddenly flinched, instinctively ducking closer to Mother Qiu. Mother Qiu gave her a amused look before turning to Wei Yutong. “Tongtong, throw your Junior Sister Apprentice overboard. On the way back, she’s not allowed to ride the boat—she must fly behind it.”

Wei Yutong said helplessly, “Yes. Junior Sister Apprentice, please proceed.”

Qiu Shuangshuang immediately forgot her “Qiu Bukui” vow, tears streaming down her face as she clung to Mother Qiu’s arm and sobbed, “What’s wrong with wanting to learn? Didn’t you always encourage me to strive for progress? I just want to improve!”

The pavilion echoed with Qiu Shuangshuang’s wails, as if she no longer considered these outsiders. Feng Jue, who had no desire to get involved in other people’s affairs, inwardly scoffed but calmly replied, “If you simply wish to study Sword Intent through Sword Talismans, why seek me as your master?”

Qiu Shuangshuang wrung her hands, her heart pounding. She admired Feng Jue so much that she wanted to become her apprentice; learning sword techniques was secondary! If she couldn’t come up with a convincing reason, how could she stay?

At the mention of Sword Intent, Pavilion Master Qiu’s eyes lit up. “This Sword Intent is extraordinary. Might I ask the name of the swordsman?”

If he were a living cultivator, allowing Qiu Shuangshuang to become his apprentice wouldn’t be out of the question!

Feng Jue opened her mouth, then, under the expectant gazes of the three Qiu family members, said expressionlessly, “He has no name.”

“We weren’t close.”

“All I have is the talisman.” Seeing Qiu Shuangshuang about to protest, Feng Jue added ruthlessly, “And it’s already been used up.”

Qiu Shuangshuang: “Waaah.”

The young swordsman, who Feng Jue claimed to be unfamiliar with, sat on her lap, holding a maple leaf. He gently scraped her pale arm with its sharp tip. Feng Jue shuddered violently, nearly flinging 03 across the room.

What are you doing?!

A faint warmth spread across Feng Jue’s ears. Discreetly, she reached into her sleeve, snatched the maple leaf, and stored it in her Storage Ring. To anyone watching, it appeared as if Feng Jue had merely shifted her sitting posture.

Pavilion Master Qiu noticed Qiu Shuangshuang’s pitiful tears and felt a pang of sympathy. An idea struck him. He exchanged a glance with his wife, then lifted his teacup and said, “In my centuries of cultivation, I’ve never encountered such a Sword Intent. The wielder must be a young disciple of this era, though I wonder why they’ve concealed their identity. However, there may be an opportunity to meet this person.”

Feng Jue raised an eyebrow, thinking to herself, Not a person, but a Bead.

And not someone you’d want to meet.

Seeing that Feng Jue truly had no intention of accepting her as a disciple, Qiu Shuangshuang shifted her focus to the secondary goal. Learning to summon snow would still be impressive! She exclaimed excitedly, “Father, tell us quickly!”

Pavilion Master Qiu surveyed the room. Apart from himself and his wife, the four others present were all exceptionally young juniors. He burst into laughter. “Do you know of the Five Continents Grand Competition?”

The Five Continents Grand Competition?

Feng Jue tilted her head, puzzled.

Xue Bufan’s eyes lit up. “Could that be the Five Continents Grand Competition used by the Wendao Academy in the Central Continent to recruit disciples?”

“Exactly!” Pavilion Master Qiu chuckled. “I have an old friend who teaches at the Wendao Academy. He sent me a message saying that after the battle with the Jiutian Cult, the cultivation world has suffered a severe talent shortage. There are hardly any Deity Transformation Stage cultivators left, and the academy’s glory from a thousand years ago has faded. To address this, the Headmaster plans to revive the Five Continents Grand Competition to select talented individuals for cultivation!”

03 opened her notes, scribbling the meeting minutes while adding a question mark next to “Wendao Academy.”

Is it a school? A 985 institution?

A faint glint flashed in Feng Jue’s eyes as she spoke slowly. “The Wendao Academy is located at the heart of the Central Continent. Several Immortals ascended there, leaving countless secret treasures and inheritances. It’s said that entering the academy is akin to knocking on the Immortal Gate. However, the academy doesn’t easily accept disciples. The last time was…”

Qiu Shuangshuang’s mother smiled gently at Feng Jue. “Your mother was the last disciple of her generation. She studied at the Wendao Academy and fought alongside the current Headmaster against the demons of the Jiutian Cult. The bond between them runs deep. You will undoubtedly have a place in the Five Continents Grand Competition.”

Feng Jue lifted her chin, her expression somewhat arrogant. “Even without that past connection, I would still participate.”

Observing her attitude, the two Pavilion Masters of the Autumn Water Pavilion smiled warmly and rose. “When the Five Continents Grand Competition begins, disciples from all five continents will vie for a place. When the world’s talents gather, you’ll naturally meet the person you wish to see.”

“So, hurry back with us and focus on your cultivation. If you lose to someone then, you might end up running away from home in tears again,” Qiu Shuangshuang’s mother teased, playfully tapping her daughter’s forehead.

Qiu Shuangshuang covered her forehead, muttering, “Who would lose… Wait a minute!”

She looked up at Feng Jue and emphasized loudly, “I’m not just seeking Sword Intent to become Palace Master Feng’s disciple! I’m truly captivated by her elegance! I want to become as graceful as Palace Master Feng!”

Even if her admiration was rejected, she had to express her reverence for Palace Master Feng!

The elegant Palace Master Feng, upon hearing this, felt not the slightest bit pleased. Instead, an unreadable expression crossed her face, and she had a strong urge to pull the ball from her sleeve and toss it away. She wanted to prevent 03 from hearing these words and developing any more absurd ideas. Rising, she saw her guests off.

“Miss Qiu, safe travels.”

Wei Yutong tugged Qiu Shuangshuang along as they left.

Feng Jue turned to Xue Bufan.

As her junior brother, Xue Bufan looked expectantly at Feng Jue, his “Senior Sister Apprentice,” and said, “Palace Master Feng, I’ll head to the Nanyang Continent first. I’ll see you at the Five Continents Grand Competition.”

“Senior Sister Apprentice” replied, “Get lost.”

Xue Bufan “got lost” onto the Autumn Water Pavilion’s large ship, rolling away into the southern distance.

Once the two Autumn Water Pavilion ships had vanished into the heavy snow, 03 emerged from Feng Jue’s sleeve with a sigh of relief. Drifting onto her shoulder, it calmly stated, “At Chongshan Immortal Palace, Xue Bufan voluntarily revealed the truth about the Spiritual Consciousness of the Chongshan Immortal Venerable. Even now, ‘Old Grandpa’ still has no intention of revealing himself to you.”

In 03’s eyes, “Old Grandpa” was like an on-demand reading device, always ready to appear. The System suspected that “Old Grandpa” was feeling guilty.

“Xue Bufan was nearly expelled from the Lianshan Sect. Instead of seeking retribution against them for damaging his Spiritual Root, he traveled all the way to the Nanyang Continent. They must have something he needs there.”

Feng Jue explained, “The Nanyang Continent is home to the two Pavilion Masters of the Autumn Water Pavilion. Qiu Shuangshuang’s mother is the current wielder of the Divine Artifact, the Water Dragon’s Roar. With two Deity Transformation Stage Cultivators guarding them, the Spiritual Consciousness likely won’t dare cause trouble. But if even they can’t stop it from stirring up chaos, that’s beyond my current capabilities.”

03 turned to Feng Jue. “If ‘Old Grandpa’s’ goal is to seize Xue Bufan’s body, this villain will likely make his move in the later stages of the story. Feng Jue, should you inform the two Pavilion Masters of the Autumn Water Pavilion and strike preemptively?”

Of course, there’s also the powerful System!

In 03’s understanding, eliminating the story’s main boss would prematurely end the narrative, freeing Feng Jue from its influence and preventing her from becoming entangled in the protagonist’s storyline.

Moreover, the System could then select a strong cultivation partner for Feng Jue, ensuring both professional success and romantic fulfillment—a truly flawless outcome.

But Feng Jue’s thoughts were focused on one thing: whether the Spiritual Consciousness was truly benevolent or malevolent. If it was merely helping Xue Bufan, the so-called “Chosen of the Heavenly Dao,” in his cultivation, that would be acceptable. But if it was evil, as the Palace Master of Lanyang Palace, she would never allow a second great demon to arise.

Though Feng Jue was arrogant and defiant, it didn’t mean she lacked caution. After a moment’s consideration, she said to 03, “After meeting the two Pavilion Masters, I had an idea, but now I have a better one.”

“The current Headmaster of Wendao Academy is the foremost cultivator under the Heavenly Dao today. During the Five Continents Grand Competition, he will undoubtedly appear as the Headmaster. At that time, I’ll privately ask him to investigate. Out of respect for my mother, he won’t ignore my request.”

“How strong is he?” 03 asked curiously.

Feng Jue glanced at the Silver Ball perched eagerly on her shoulder, her lips twitching. “Very strong.”

So you’d better behave!

03 settled obediently on Feng Jue’s shoulder, meekly replying, “Oh!”

Feng Jue nodded in satisfaction, her restrained arrogance before elders now fully on display. With a sweep of her sleeve, she dispelled the Barrier and commanded coldly, “Set sail! Return to the Palace!”

The attending disciples bowed in assent. The golden-red ship unfurled its Phoenix Flag and soared eastward.

In the cramped cabin at the bottom of the ship, Xue Mengtao sat, gazing out the window.

Snowflakes drifted gently, their patterns reflected in her eyes.

A few medicinal herbs lay on the head of the bed. When Xue Mengtao had received them from Siyi, she hadn’t felt the expected surprise or excitement. Her mind was occupied by other thoughts.

A disciple knocked on the door. “Mengtao,” they called, “we’re almost at Lanyang City. You should hurry and get ready. Oh, and Elder Siyi mentioned she gave you some instructions earlier. Would you like me to accompany you?”

Xue Mengtao snapped out of her thoughts. “No need,” she replied through the door. “I can manage on my own. You’re still injured. Return to the palace and focus on your recovery.”

“My injuries are minor. But you—how are you feeling? Can you even get out of bed?”

“Mm,” Xue Mengtao replied. “I’ll come find you after I finish my tasks.”

The disciple chuckled. “Mengtao, hurry up and reach Foundation Establishment to join the Inner Sect! Then we can go on cultivation trips together, just like we promised!”

“Alright,” Xue Mengtao agreed. After the disciple left, she realized she was smiling.

Surprised, she touched her face and murmured, “So my heart can hold thoughts beyond Young Master Xue after all.”

The outside world was vast, far beyond the trivial matters confined to the courtyard. Here, she could cultivate freely and inspire astonishment and envy. She had long grown accustomed to being looked down upon by the aloof young masters and ladies, treated like mere ants. Even when she was at Young Master Xue’s side, people’s outward respect concealed their true belief that she was nothing more than a worthless servant.

Xue Mengtao’s smile gradually faded. She stood up, picked up the sword from the head of the bed, and walked out after the ship landed.

Support My System, My Wife Feng Aotian [Transmigration]