My System, My Wife Feng Aotian [Transmigration] - Chapter 53.1

03’s rhythmic voice echoed through the surroundings, and in that moment, the expressions of the three people around her were truly remarkable.

Xue Mengtao gasped. Gu Yuqing’s face went blank, flushing crimson with a mixture of panic and anger. Wen Chunsheng froze, his mouth hanging open. After a long pause, he slowly said, “No…”

“Senior Brother Apprentice!” Gu Yuqing stamped her foot, her voice brimming with fury. “This person is accusing us of impropriety!”

Is that what she meant?

03 looked at them curiously. “Is there something incorrect in my description? I seek your guidance.”

If this isn’t a private exchange, what are they doing here?

If this were a proper date, 03 glanced around, humans don’t seem to prefer dark, secluded places for dates, especially ones hidden behind barriers. Based on her mission experience, such settings are typically used for activities meant to remain hidden. But since the parties involved deny it, 03 decided to rephrase her question.

This time, she used a question.

“Are you trying to conceal something?” she asked in a cold, detached voice, her tone perfectly polite.

Wen Chunsheng: “……”

Gu Yuqing: “……”

Xue Mengtao clapped a hand over her mouth, afraid her laughter would disturb this deathly silence.

“Senior Brother Apprentice!” Gu Yuqing stomped her foot in anger, rushing toward 03 and pointing at her. “Watch your filthy mouth!”

03 tilted her head. “Confusion.”

So what exactly is wrong? She wanted to know too!

Wen Chunsheng pressed a hand against Gu Yuqing’s arm and bent down to bow deeply to 03 and Xue Mengtao, a helpless flush spreading across his face. He hurriedly explained, “It’s just that Junior Sister Gu had previously committed a mistake and is still undergoing punishment… I happened to run into her and saw her looking so sad, so I just wanted to comfort her a little, but I was afraid someone would see and misunderstand, so I…”

“I didn’t realize this would be even more misleading.” He chuckled helplessly, his face calm, as if he wasn’t afraid of further questioning.

Xue Mengtao had heard from Mu Rong about Gu Yuqing’s repeated attempts to meet with Peak Master Yan at Renyang Peak, only to be turned away each time. Mu Rong disliked Gu Yuqing, and naturally, Xue Mengtao felt the same way. She glanced at Gu Yuqing, who was standing behind Wen Chunsheng, scrutinizing him with a fierce gaze, her usually delicate features twisted by anger. Xue Mengtao lowered her lashes.

03 was also observing Gu Yuqing. Seeing her glare with such fury, her delicate features contorted, 03 slapped his forehead and exclaimed, “Aiya.”

“If this isn’t a misunderstanding, then I apologize,” 03 said with a hearty laugh. “My apologies for accusing you of secretly passing illicit goods under the cover of night.”

“If you want to comfort a heartbroken person, I’d suggest finding a beautiful place and bringing a small gift,” 03 advised Wen Chunsheng. “If you don’t have a gift, at least make sure you can clearly see each other’s faces.”

Wen Chunsheng smiled. “Senior Sister Apprentice’s advice is wise, but sometimes the setting doesn’t matter. What’s important is the sincerity of your feelings.”

03 understood. “You truly care deeply for this woman.”

Gu Yuqing’s face flushed crimson, but Wen Chunsheng continued, “I’ve known Junior Sister Gu since childhood, watching her grow up. I see her as my own sister, and naturally, I cherish and protect her. Even when she’s wrong, I can only accept it and guide her to improve. Of course, I want what’s best for her.”

“…”

Gu Yuqing’s racing heart was doused by Wen Chunsheng’s words. Disappointment washed over her face as she glared resentfully at 03. “Who are you to ask so many questions? What does it matter to you what happens between Senior Brother Apprentice and me?”

Indeed, it had nothing to do with her.

03 felt a pang of guilt.

She was just investigating!

Gu Yuqing pointed at 03’s expressionless, beautiful face, her long lashes blinking rhythmically, faint fluorescence rising and falling with each movement. Wen Chunsheng gripped Gu Yuqing’s hand and pressed her arm down, whispering, “Junior Sister Gu, this is Senior Sister Apprentice, a distinguished guest of Lanyang Palace. Today, her battle against the Elder of the Scarlet Thunder Sword Sect was truly remarkable and awe-inspiring.”

What remarkable battle? Gu Yuqing knew nothing of it. But she sensed this woman was someone formidable. With a slight pout, she withdrew her hand.

Within Lanyang Palace, aside from the Deity Transformation Stage Elder who remained in seclusion, the most formidable figure was Gu Yuqing’s Master, Yan Qingluan. None of the other Peak Masters or Elders could match her prowess. Gu Yuqing felt somewhat dismissive of them, believing that Lanyang Palace’s prestige in the Eastern Continent owed greatly to her Master’s efforts. The Elders of other sects were nothing special in comparison.

Wen Chunsheng smiled at 03 and said to Gu Yuqing, “Junior Sister Apprentice, it’s time for you to return.”

Gu Yuqing, still lingering over what he had just said, cast one last lingering glance at Wen Chunsheng before turning to leave. 03’s gaze fell on the jade pendant clutched in Gu Yuqing’s hand, curiosity flickering in her eyes.

Should I just ask outright? But the human didn’t seem willing to show it to her. 03 pondered quietly. Nearby, Gu Yuqing glanced around and said to Wen Chunsheng, “Since Senior Brother Apprentice insists I return, I’ll take my leave. But you shouldn’t linger here too long either. Be careful you don’t fall victim to malicious schemes or slander!”

As she spoke, Gu Yuqing shot a meaningful glance at 03 and Xue Mengtao, her words clearly implying a hidden threat. Wen Chunsheng remained silent, but Gu Yuqing didn’t expect a reply. She strode away with her chest puffed out and head held high. As she brushed past Xue Mengtao, the latter suddenly looked up and smiled at her.

“Senior Sister Apprentice,” she called out.

Gu Yuqing snapped, “Who’s your Senior Sister Apprentice?!”

03 looked up. “Hm?”

Seeing Xue Mengtao’s startled expression, Gu Yuqing’s heart skipped a beat.

03 asked curiously, “Were you calling me?”

“Yes,” Xue Mengtao nodded. “We’re heading to Deyang Peak, and this palace attendant is going the same way. We might as well travel together.”

“Alright,” 03 agreed.

Palace attendant? Gu Yuqing felt a pang of resentment. Her fall from grace had been orchestrated by Siyi, and since Xue Mengtao was Siyi’s disciple, Gu Yuqing’s hatred extended to her as well. She shot Xue Mengtao a cold glare.

Xue Mengtao, neither deferential nor confrontational, asked Gu Yuqing, “Did I say something wrong? It’s so late. Why aren’t you returning to rest? Do you not have work tomorrow?” Her tone was gentle, without a trace of hostility, yet Gu Yuqing felt deeply insulted.

Before Gu Yuqing could react, Wen Chunsheng spoke from the side, “Since the three of you are traveling together, I have other matters to attend to and will take my leave now.”

He offered a warm smile, bowed courteously, and turned to depart.

03 watched Wen Chunsheng’s retreating figure with an impassive expression.

Gu Yuqing frowned at Wen Chunsheng’s departure. She glanced back at the two quiet women following her, snorted coldly, and continued walking with her head down.

Her cultivation was suppressed at the Qi Condensation Stage, forcing her to walk on foot. Yet the two women behind her insisted on following, and Gu Yuqing couldn’t shake them off. Her anxiety and irritation grew, especially since Xue Mengtao kept chattering incessantly, introducing the surrounding mountain peaks to the silver-haired woman and even explaining the trees planted along the path.

“Senior Sister Apprentice,” Xue Mengtao said, “this is an osmanthus tree. The folk saying ‘Moon Palace Osmanthus’ refers to passing the imperial examination. I imagine the Five Continents Grand Competition is like the mortal realm’s imperial examination. May we all achieve ‘Moon Palace Osmanthus’ success.”

03 clapped her hands. “What a wonderful symbolism!”

I’ll pick a branch from Feng Jue’s osmanthus tree when we return!

Xue Mengtao continued, “The Immortal Maidens from Wendao Academy have already arrived at Lanyang Palace. Registration for the selection trials begins tomorrow. I truly hope I can pass the first Grand Competition.”

03 raised her hands and waved encouragingly. “Good luck!”

“Thank you, Senior Sister Apprentice,” Xue Mengtao said, her eyes curving into a smile as she glanced at Gu Yuqing, who was walking faster and faster ahead. She quickened her pace and continued with a cheerful tone, “I’ve only been at the Foundation Establishment stage for half a year, and my cultivation is still quite low. Lanyang Palace has so many talented and hardworking Senior Sister and Senior Brother Apprentices. Compared to everyone else, I still have a long way to go. The Wendao Academy isn’t somewhere you can just wish your way into. Ah…”

As they walked and chatted, Gu Yuqing suddenly stopped and turned around, roaring at Xue Mengtao, “Shut up!”

03 was startled, and if it could emit bubbles, it would have displayed a classic “scared stiff” meme. It tilted its head in confusion.

Gu Yuqing was growing increasingly agitated by Xue Mengtao’s constant chatter about the Grand Competition and the Academy. She wanted to tear out the girl’s tongue! She sneered at Xue Mengtao, “What’s there to be so smug about? Coming here to lord it over me, boasting about being able to participate in the Grand Competition?”

Xue Mengtao feigned surprise, waving her hand. “I was just chatting with Senior Sister Apprentice. How is that boasting?”

03 suddenly glanced at Xue Mengtao, wanting to pull up her character profile to compare.

She should be Xue Mengtao, right…?

Gu Yuqing was so furious with Xue Mengtao that she felt dazed. Ever since the Chongshan Secret Realm, it felt like the misfortune spirit had taken ahold of her life, allowing anyone and everyone to flaunt their power in her face! She raised her arm, glaring at the Spiritual Lock encircling it with loathing.

“Let me make this clear,” she declared. “The moment I return to Lanyang Palace, I’ll pack my bags and withdraw. You’re wasting your breath trying to impress me!” She gripped the Spiritual Lock and scratched at it fiercely.

The lock remained immovable.

03 spoke politely, “Need my help?”

She raised her sword.

Xue Mengtao turned to 03. “This palace attendant, Gu Yuqing, was disrespectful to the Palace Master and maliciously speculated to tarnish Lanyang Palace’s reputation. As punishment, Master assigned her to serve in the Spiritual Beast Hall, and the Spiritual Lock is her punishment.”

03 lowered her sword immediately, her tone displeased. “Did she bully Feng Jue?”

Gu Yuqing’s smug expression froze, replaced by a cold sneer. “Since I’m no longer a disciple of Lanyang Palace, I won’t endure humiliation in this place! Let you slander me all you want!”

Slander?

03 shook her head. “If this is Siyi’s punishment, then you must have done something wrong.”

“You bullied Feng Jue and tried to escape punishment after being caught—this isn’t acceptable.”

Her hand tightened on her sword hilt.

Gu Yuqing’s eyes widened as she realized something was amiss. Why was Xue Mengtao persistently provoking her with talk of the Grand Competition? And this silver-haired woman, who seemed mentally impaired—was Xue Mengtao trying to use her to eliminate her rival?

“Shameless!”

All that talk of weakness and low self-esteem was just an act!

“You’re in league with Siyi, both of you are equally shameless!” Gu Yuqing shouted, turning and fleeing.

A low hum resonated through the air.

A frigid aura surged forward, coalescing into wisps of icy mist that swirled around like a dragon. 03 raised her sword and, with visible effort, swung it forward.

Boom!

Sword energy roared, forming a dense Ice Wall that erupted from the ground and slammed into place before Gu Yuqing with a deafening thud. The wall radiated a bone-chilling Sword Intent. Gu Yuqing froze mid-step, her blood turning to ice in her veins as she stared dumbly at the towering barrier.

Slash.

The Ice Wall, sharp as a blade, sliced past her cheek, leaving a thin gash. Strands of black hair, whipped by the biting wind, snapped and fluttered to the frost-covered ground, freezing instantly.

Had Gu Yuqing taken another step forward, she would have suffered far more than this single wound!

Nascent Soul Stage…

Gu Yuqing trembled as she raised her hand, slowly turning her head to stare in shock at the silver-haired woman.

Sword energy swirled around her, the blade in her hand radiating a luminous glow like the full moon. Flecks of white light danced around the translucent sword, making her seem almost ethereal. Her eyes remained calm and serene, as tranquil as still water, even after she had just conjured an Ice Wall to block Gu Yuqing’s path moments before.

“Senior Brother Wen…” Gu Yuqing cried out involuntarily, fear gripping her. Only now did she understand why Wen Chunsheng had urged her to flee.

“You… you think you can just attack people because you’re stronger?” Gu Yuqing demanded, her voice strained, but her resolve faltered, her words lacking conviction.

Xue Mengtao suddenly understood why her Master often sighed. Lanyang Palace was vast and teeming with people; her Master truly had a difficult job.

03 met Gu Yuqing’s gaze, recognizing the emotion in her eyes. She had seen this same venomous resentment earlier today, on the face of an elder from the Scarlet Thunder Sword Sect.

Hatred.

03 blinked. “You want to kill me too?” she asked.

“You’re no match for me. I’ve seen so many people today, and you’re weaker than all of them,” 03 declared. “I still can’t fully control my power, so killing you would be effortless. Not harming you would be as difficult as climbing to the heavens.”

Without enough points to purchase the equipment needed to ascend, 03 had to face the reality of being a poor System.

She sighed.

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