The Cold, Aloof Senior Sister Deserves To Be Paired With A Peerless Beauty - Chapter 31

Will she be sending something today?

In the distance, the sunset glow seemed to carpet the ground in blood red. Clouds drifted toward the horizon as a lone goose returned to its nest, its cry echoing across the sky.

The disciples guarding the gate felt inexplicably drowsy. As they blinked and yawned, they felt only a wisp of a cool breeze brush past. When they opened their eyes again, everything appeared normal, they didn’t notice a tall, slender figure passing through the barrier and entering the sect.

The lingering rays of the setting sun lengthened the person’s shadow. With robes fluttering like an immortal, the thin silhouette felt strangely lonely.

On the training grounds, the disciples had finished their daily practice, gathering in small groups to chat.

“Sigh, have you seen the new disciple Elder Yilin took in?”

“I’ve seen him, but…” The speaker hesitated, glancing around cautiously before lowering their voice. “With that kind of aptitude, he’s not even fit to be a gatekeeper.”

He spoke softly, but he couldn’t hide his confusion. Hearing this, those around him frowned.

“He was brought back by Elder Yilin himself, he must have something special about him for the future,” one said tactfully, out of respect for the Elder. Despite this, they didn’t understand why Elder Yilin would go down the mountain specifically to bring Mo Fan back.

The disciple who had been at the gate that day remembered something and spoke up. “The day the Elder brought him back, I saw him from afar. The boy was skin and bones, covered in filth.”

“Exactly, he was picked up from a pile of beggars.”

“Since when did the Elder have the habit of picking people up without looking at their potential?”

“Don’t you think he’s quite pitiful?”

This single sentence seemed to flip a switch. Suddenly, a wave of sympathy surged in their minds. Even those who were dissatisfied earlier changed their expressions. It was as if they felt a collective responsibility to care for him, despite barely knowing him.

“Pitiful in what way?”

A cold voice, like winter frost, made them shiver involuntarily. When they regained their senses and looked toward the source, they saw a chilly/elegant figure. They immediately bowed in panic and greeted her respectfully.

“Eldest Senior Sister.”

Chi Li nodded slightly but remained silent. Her gaze swept over them like an interrogation, making them tremble. Feeling the oppressive pressure, one of them spoke awkwardly.

“Senior Sister, we just… we felt that Elder Yilin’s new disciple is quite pitiful.”

Chi Li’s eyes narrowed slightly as she focused on the speaker. The person felt a chill run down their spine as a cold wind seemed to blow around them. Her voice was like a lute string, beautiful, yet terrifying.

“Are the starving cats and dogs by the roadside pitiful?”

Confused by the sudden question, the disciples answered anyway. “Even as beasts, they are indeed pitiful.”

Chi Li’s gaze grew sharper, making them bow their heads even lower. She continued, “If cats and dogs are pitiful, there are thousands upon thousands of pitiful beggars in this world. Are we required to pity every single one of them?”

As her words fell, it was as if a veil was lifted, the inexplicable sympathy in their hearts vanished. However, they realized she was essentially contradicting her own Master. They exchanged looks but were wise enough not to ask.

“Senior Sister is right to lecture us.”

Seeing that Chi Li hadn’t left yet, they scrambled for a new topic. “Did Senior Sister come out of seclusion to find Elder Yilin?”

When Chi Li had left for Huang City, she used “secluded cultivation” as her excuse. She looked away and said indifferently, “I am going to take Junior Sister Mu to the Armory to pick out a few items.”

Though Mu Zhi wasn’t under Elder Yilin, she was the disciple of Elder Shangling. Both Elders were equally matched, and they were famously generous with gifts, often sending double portions. Furthermore, news of Mu Zhi’s spiritual root test had spread through the sect, compared to Mo Fan, her talent was truly enviable.

Suddenly, a disciple looked up at Chi Li and said, “Senior Sister, Junior Brother Mo is also going.”

The depths of Chi Li’s eyes turned icy. The disciple began to shake uncontrollably but kept staring at her, as if trying to remind her of something. The heavy pressure intensified, the disciple’s expression turned to horror as he stumbled back and fell to the ground, no longer daring to look at her.

Chi Li sneered and spoke ruthlessly. “He can go if he wants. What does that have to do with me?”

The others looked at the “bold” disciple in confusion, whispering, “Senior Sister is so busy. If he wants to go, he can go by himself. Why bother her?”

The fallen disciple turned pale. He couldn’t understand why he had acted as if possessed. He lowered his head and stammered, “Senior Sister, I didn’t mean…”

“Don’t bring his matters up to annoy me again,” Chi Li interrupted coldly. Her blatant dislike made everyone present shudder.

“Yes, Senior Sister. Have a safe journey.”

Only after Chi Li left did they breathe a sigh of relief.

“What’s wrong with Senior Sister?”

A disciple who knew some inside information whispered, “Haven’t you heard? That Mo Fan broke into the barrier of Senior Sister’s residence.”

Everyone gasped, shocked by Mo Fan’s audacity.

“Did Senior Sister let him in on purpose?” someone guessed. The others rolled their eyes. “What are you thinking? Senior Sister loves her peace. Besides, why would she let a male disciple in? I heard she was furious, she chopped down two thousand-year-old spiritual trees.”

“Stop speculating. You all know what happened back then with Senior Sister…” They sighed, ending the conversation.

Chi Li returned to her residence. Not finding Mu Zhi in her room, she went to her usual cultivation spot. From a distance, she saw a figure with her back turned.

Chi Li walked over silently, careful not to disturb her. She raised a finger to her lips, signaling the playful spiritual fish in the river to stay quiet. The fish retreated begrudgingly.

She sat down beside her. A breeze blew, causing the other girl’s hair ribbon to flutter before Chi Li’s eyes. Looking at the ribbon, the coldness in Chi Li’s eyes melted into endless tenderness. Spiritual energy gathered around them, and the companion sword, Zhaoyuan, glowed brighter than before.

Mu Zhi had her eyes closed, unaware of the presence beside her. When she finished her session and opened her eyes, she reached out to play with the fish, only to find the shore empty. Just as she was wondering why, she heard a light chuckle.

Instinctively, Mu Zhi turned on guard. Her hand hit the Zhaoyuan sword, and a cold blade was instantly pressed against the visitor’s neck.

However, upon seeing the face, Mu Zhi’s hand trembled. The blade reflected a beautiful, cool countenance filled with a smile.

“Mu Zhi, I’m back.”

As the words fell, the sword dropped. Mu Zhi threw herself into Chi Li’s arms, hugging her tightly with joy. She buried her face in Chi Li’s shoulder. The stray hairs tickled Chi Li’s skin, making her heart quiver.

“Senior Sister finally decided to come back.” Her voice was full of a happiness reserved only for Chi Li.

Chi Li felt a twinge of guilt. Only five days after bringing Mu Zhi back, she had left her alone to handle her own business. Feeling Mu Zhi’s genuine longing, she gently patted her back and spoke in a soothing tone.

“Alright, alright. Haven’t I returned?” Chi Li looked at her with pride. “You’ve already reached the Inedia stage. I knew my Little Junior Sister was a born genius.”

Mu Zhi hugged her tighter. “I’m still far behind Senior Sister.”

Chi Li laughed. “I’ve been practicing for a long time. You’ve only been at it for a few days.”

Mu Zhi snuggled closer, her hair brushing against Chi Li. “Then I will practice with Senior Sister for a long, long time.”

Chi Li didn’t see the flicker of emotion in Mu Zhi’s eyes. She replied dotingly, “Then you stay with me and practice for a long, long time.”

Her tone was playful, yet it carried the weight of a promise. Mu Zhi’s eyes lit up. She shifted in Chi Li’s arms, and her soft lips, whether by accident or design, brushed lightly against Chi Li’s neck.

Being a sensitive spot, Chi Li’s body stiffened for a moment. She considered pushing her away but ultimately couldn’t bring herself to do it, letting the girl stay in her embrace.

Sensing Chi Li’s indulgence, Mu Zhi’s smile deepened. She began playing with Chi Li’s hair accessories and noticed they were different from her usual simple style. She pulled back to look at Chi Li properly.

Though Chi Li still dressed elegantly, Mu Zhi could tell the fabric was superior and the ornaments were of high quality.

“Is Senior Sister wearing the clothes I prepared?” Mu Zhi asked happily. Even though she couldn’t pick them in person, she had carefully instructed the servants on the fabrics.

Chi Li nodded and lightly tapped Mu Zhi’s nose before she could react. “Don’t send so many next time. I don’t have enough clones to wear them all.”

Mu Zhi pouted. “I want Senior Sister to look beautiful. Even though you’re already stunning, your usual clothes are too plain.”

Knowing Mu Zhi’s stubbornness, Chi Li knew she wouldn’t change her mind easily. Mu Zhi then looked at the simplest hairpins Chi Li had chosen and frowned before brightening up. “If Senior Sister doesn’t like those, I’ll have new ones made for you.”

Chi Li laughed helplessly at the girl’s constant desire to buy her things. “I brought something for you.”

Mu Zhi’s eyes sparkled with anticipation. Chi Li handed over a finely crafted sachet. Despite having seen countless jewels, Mu Zhi held the sachet delicately. The embroidery was simple, but it emitted a faint, refreshing floral scent.

“I went searching specifically for the things inside,” Chi Li said, then added seriously, “You must not give this to anyone else.”

Mu Zhi paused. “Does it have a special effect?” She moved to open it, but Chi Li stopped her.

“It is for saving your life,” Chi Li said with a serious expression, though her eyes still held a smile.

Mu Zhi stared at the sachet for a long time before hanging it carefully at her waist. She traced the pattern with her finger. “I love it very much.”