The Villain Recognizes the Female Lead as His Master [Transmigration] - Chapter 32

In the corner, Li Tao carried a small bag of peanuts to see Zhang Wei off. Tears welled in his eyes as he held Zhang Wei’s hand. “Second Uncle, when you go to the Upper Cultivation Realm, you must take good care of yourself. Don’t let those rats bully you, and try to avoid conflicts with them!” As he spoke, Li Tao wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes.

Zhang Wei watched the other’s unconvincing acting with a silent expression, replying leisurely, “If you’re really that reluctant to see me go, why not come with me?”

At these words, Li Tao’s tears froze in his eyes for a moment before he resumed sobbing. “In principle, a nephew should stay by your side to serve you, but I’ve formed a contract with someone and truly cannot leave my master! Second Uncle, you won’t blame me, will you?” With that, he stuffed the peanuts he had brought into Zhang Wei’s hands. “I don’t have much to give you, but these peanuts are all I have. Take them for the journey!” Once again, he covered his face and wept.

Once Zhang Wei was gone, the household would be under his control! No more would he have to endure his second uncle’s daily “words of wisdom,” and no one would smack him on the head anymore! Though inwardly overjoyed, Li Tao maintained his tearful performance.

That was until he heard Chi Jinnian’s plea: “Shizun, take me with you.”

Instantly, Li Tao felt as if a mouthful of blood had surged up his throat.

Chi Jinnian clutched tightly at Yuan Shao’s skirt, the once-smooth gauze now wrinkled from her grip. Yet, stubbornly, she refused to let go.

“Shizun.” Before she could finish her words, two streams of tears once again flowed from the corners of her eyes. “Take me with you.”

Seeing this, Yuan Shao turned and stepped back from the stairs. Gazing at the young girl’s tear-streaked face, her nose red from crying, her heart ached as she gently wiped the tears away. “A-Nian, be good, don’t cry anymore.”

Only when Yuan Shao returned did Chi Jinnian release the hem of her skirt.

Yuan Shao looked at her little disciple’s reddened eyes and asked, “A-Nian, why are you suddenly willing to come with me now? Did someone force you?”

As she spoke, Yuan Shao instinctively glanced at Chi Lin standing nearby.

Noticing this, Chi Jinnian quickly grabbed Yuan Shao’s arm. “No, Shizun, it’s just that I couldn’t see my own feelings clearly before. I want to follow you it has nothing to do with anyone else.”

Was that really the case? Doubt flickered in Yuan Shao’s heart. She asked seriously, “Then why didn’t you answer when I asked you before, but now you’re suddenly willing?” She took Chi Jinnian’s hand, her fingers inadvertently brushing against the jade bracelet on the other’s wrist. The bracelet swayed lightly, the golden bell attached to it tinkling softly. Yuan Shao told her, “A-Nian, do you know? If you come with me now, you will truly have to be my disciple for life. Have you really thought this through?”

Chi Jinnian sniffled and, after a long pause, asked in return, “Shizun, you said you would treat me well does that still hold true?”

“It does,” Yuan Shao replied.

“But I’m foolish. Maybe I won’t achieve anything in my cultivation. I’m not diligent either; I’m always lazy and might not even be able to work hard. Shizun, would you still not mind?”

“I wouldn’t mind.”

“But… Shizun, what if others mock you because of me? What if people say, ‘The great Yuan Shao actually took on such a useless disciple’? Shizun, would you be angry?”

Yuan Shao smiled and took Chi Jinnian’s pair of snow-white, delicate hands into her palms. “With me here, no one would dare say such things about you. If anyone does, your master will be the first to stand up for you. How about that?”

Chi Jinnian could find no further excuses. She could only nod.

With Chi Lin present, no matter what she said, she had to follow Yuan Shao back to the Upper Cultivation Realm. Otherwise, not only would she face a grim fate, but Yuan Shao’s destiny might also be altered. If she couldn’t survive until the very end, Chi Jinnian would never be able to return home.

Chi Jinnian approached Chi Lin, keeping her head lowered and unwilling to look at him. “Father,” she replied, “I’m leaving with Master.”

Seeing this, Chi Lin suppressed the joy in his heart, maintaining a cold expression as he snorted disdainfully. “Useless thing, why are you crying? Who told you to throw yourself at someone without even doing anything? And now, is she willing to take you?”

Chi Jinnian said nothing, merely turning her face away.

“A’Nian, come here.” Yuan Shao suddenly stepped forward, shielding Chi Jinnian behind her as she faced Chi Lin. First, she raised her arms in a respectful salute. “I am very grateful that you are willing to part with A’Nian and let her come with me. However.” Yuan Shao’s tone suddenly shifted. “A’Nian has already accepted my palace bell, she is my disciple and a member of the Evergreen Sect. Every year, no fewer than eight to ten thousand people wish to join our Evergreen Sect to cultivate, yet very few become inner disciples. Aside from Su Tingxi, A’Nian is the only one who has become my disciple.”

Yuan Shao continued, “So I hope you will show her some respect. First, the fact that A’Nian could stand out among so many disciples is proof enough that she is clear-minded and ambitious. Your casual remark of ‘useless’ is hardly appropriate. Second, from beginning to end, I have regarded A’Nian as my most treasured possession. I love and protect her. To me, it has never been a matter of whether I want her or not. If she is willing to follow me, I am overjoyed; if she is not, I would never force her. That makes your mention of ‘throwing herself’ even more unfounded. Lastly.”

Yuan Shao suddenly lifted her gaze. Though the corners of her eyes held a smile, the chill in her expression was unmistakable. “Since A’Nian is willing to come with me, I will undoubtedly protect her from now on. If you speak disrespectfully to her, it is an insult to my Evergreen Sect. The Evergreen Sect will not tolerate it, and neither will I. I believe you would not wish to stand against the Evergreen Sect, would you? So, I hope you will be more cautious with your words in the future. Respecting A’Nian means respecting the Evergreen Sect. Don’t you agree?”

Yuan Shao’s words caused Chi Lin’s face to darken instantly. Yet he could not explode in anger, he couldn’t afford to break ties with her outright at this moment, as he still hoped Chi Jinnian would follow her and infiltrate the Evergreen Sect from within. So he had to endure it, watching this sharp-tongued woman assert her authority over him. Chi Lin’s clenched fists made a faint creaking sound, but he could only nod and say, “Fine.”

Not to be outdone, Chi Jinnian stepped forward in front of Yuan Shao and extended her palm toward Chi Lin. “Father, your daughter is leaving with Master. Have you prepared the initiation gift?”

Though reluctant at heart, Chi Jinnian still had the Condensed Jade Elixir on her mind. Since she was going with Yuan Shao anyway, it would be a great loss if she didn’t obtain it. “Father, this was agreed upon long ago.”

Chi Lin was unwilling to just hand over his treasure to that young man who had dared to challenge him, yet he was also eager to obtain Yuan Shao’s inner core as quickly as possible. So, he had no choice but to pull out the brocade box from his bosom and, as if venting his frustration, slam it heavily into Chi Jin Nian’s palm. “Ungrateful wretch! Now that you have your pretty boy, you don’t want your father anymore!”

Wei Hong suddenly coughed, cutting off the words that had been on the tip of Chi Lin’s tongue.

After a moment to compose himself, Chi Lin recalled Wei Hong’s reminder before they left: he couldn’t push Chi Jinnian too hard; he had to maintain control over her to maximize her usefulness. With this in mind, his tone softened slightly as he said to Chi Jinnian, “No matter what, you’re my only daughter. If you’re going to apprentice under a master, it must be done with grandeur we can’t let anyone look down on you. Consider this a farewell gift; it’s not too shabby for you.”

Chi Jinnian didn’t stand on ceremony and accepted the item graciously, then clasped her hands in a salute. “Thank you, Father, for your understanding. I’ll be on my way now.”

Seeing this, Wei Hong directed the dragon and lion dance troupes to start performing again, and the surrounding commoners joined in the cheers: “Congratulations to the young lady of the Chi family! Congratulations to Immortal Master Yuan! Congratulations to Master Chi!”

The atmosphere was one of jubilation all around, but Su Tingxi’s expression grew increasingly gloomy. This young mistress of the demon realm was going to continue posing as his junior sister and even return with them to that place filled with memories of him and his master. He didn’t want that!

He didn’t want a pair of eyes constantly watching them whenever he was alone with his master.

Chi Jinnian noticed that Su Tingxi seemed off and thought about summoning Li Tao. But when she found him, she saw that Li Tao had fainted and was leaning against Zhang Wei.

Chi Jinnian looked from Li Tao to Zhang Wei. Zhang Wei, supporting his nephew, said awkwardly, “My nephew hasn’t seen much of the world. Being able to stay by my side all this time has made him a bit too excited!”

“Oh!” Chi Jinnian nodded. “When he wakes up, please congratulate him for me.” She then grabbed Li Tao and Zhang Wei and handed them over to Su Tingxi. “Sorry to trouble you, Senior Brother, to take care of them.”

Just as Su Tingxi was about to lose his temper, he noticed Chi Jinnian’s strange gaze directed behind him. Following her line of sight, he spotted Wei Yang hiding in the shadows.

In that moment, he understood: if they didn’t take Chi Jinnian with them, they probably wouldn’t be able to leave the demon realm. Reluctantly, he accepted the situation and took Li Tao and Zhang Wei into his hands.

Seeing that Su Tingxi had grasped her meaning, Chi Jinnian raised her hands in a salute. “Thank you.”

But before she could utter the words “Senior Brother,” Yuan Shao interrupted her. “Stop looking. It’s time to set off.”

Amid the crowd’s enthusiastic send-off, Yuan Shao took Chi Jinnian’s hand and led her forward. At that moment, someone in the crowd whistled toward the sky, and Cai Wei and Cai Yue, along with the four attendants Dong, Nan, Xi, and Bei began tossing fresh flowers in their direction. Especially the four attendants, who stood particularly close, throwing flowers while crying out, “Young Mistress, we’ll be waiting for you! Don’t forget about us come back soon!”

Yuan Shao, standing close to Chi Jinnian, was inevitably hit by quite a few flowers. But when she heard those words, she suddenly stopped in her tracks and turned to look in the direction of the voices.

Chi Jinnian thought she was upset about being hit, so she quickly caught the flower that flew toward them again and carefully handed it to Yuan Shao. “Master, the flower do you like it?”

Yuan Shao lowered her gaze and glanced at the fresh flower in her little disciple’s hand. The petals seemed to still carry dewdrops, clearly picked just that morning. The flower was brilliantly red, exquisitely beautiful, delicate and soft, with a fragrant scent no wonder it was so coveted.

“I prefer to grow flowers myself,” Yuan Shao said as she took the flower and gently tucked it into Chi Jinnian’s hair by her temple. Then, she had her stand on her right side, holding her hand as they continued forward, shielding her from the flowers coming from the left.

As soon as they left the demon realm, Chi Jinnian pulled Yuan Shao aside and handed her the Ningbi Pill. “Master, there’s only one of these, and it’s my father’s treasure. After taking it, you’re guaranteed to build your foundation on the spot. Hurry up and take it!”

Chi Jinnian knew that this Ningbi Pill was no ordinary item. Before the story’s conclusion, Yuan Shao, who had already formed a golden core, consumed it and successfully turned the tables against Chi Lin, ascending to immortality. If the current Yuan Shao took it, building her foundation was certain, but Chi Jinnian wasn’t sure if it would directly help her form an inner core.

“For me?” Yuan Shao’s gaze deepened as she looked at Chi Jinnian. This pill was it really meant for her?

Yuan Shao recalled how Chi Jinnian had obtained it. It was a gift from Chi Jinnian’s father, prepared at great expense to support his daughter. But Yuan Shao had always been asking for her little disciple’s opinion, why would her father think that Yuan Shao looked down on her, or that her disciple was forcing herself on her?

Yuan Shao looked at Chi Jinnian with astonishment. There was only one explanation: a father would only go to such lengths to support his daughter if she had been wronged.

So, all those arrangements her little disciple had made earlier disregarding her own reputation, letting everyone think she was the one forcing herself forward, were all to obtain this pill for her?

Her hand trembled slightly as she raised it, yet she couldn’t bring herself to take the small brocade box. With a serious expression, Yuan Shao asked, “A’Nian, I’m asking you did you decide to come with me on a whim, or had you planned it from the start?”

“Ah?” Chi Jinnian hesitated at the crucial question. Seeing Yuan Shao’s resolute expression, she realized she had been found out—she hadn’t genuinely intended to follow her from the beginning.

Indeed, Yuan Shao had asked for her thoughts before. If she had truly been willing, why would she have waited until the last moment to chase after her?

Chi Jinnian lowered her eyes and murmured softly, “Master, you saw through me.”

Yuan Shao nodded in response.

Chi Jinnian’s heart sank. It’s over! What if Yuan Shao realizes I wasn’t sincere and gets so angry she abandons me? But this is the world inside the book where could I go alone? Back to the demon realm? But Chi Lin would never let me off easily!

Thinking this, Chi Jinnian quickly grabbed Yuan Shao’s hand, her eyes pleading. “I’m sorry, Master. I didn’t mean to deceive you. I promise, from today on, I’ll listen to you obediently. I won’t run off, and I’ll do whatever you say! So please, don’t throw me away please don’t abandon me!”

Seeing Chi Jinnian’s panicked expression, Yuan Shao felt a pang of heartache, though it was soon overshadowed by a surge of joy. She held Chi Jinnian’s hand firmly and asked, word by word, “You won’t run off?”

“Mhm.” Chi Jinnian nodded.

“Really, you’ll listen to everything I say?”

“Mhm.”

“Good.” Yuan Shao took the brocade box from Chi Jinnian’s hands, opened it wide, and retrieved the pill inside. However, she split it in half and said, “Then let’s each take half of this, alright?”

Chi Jinnian hadn’t expected Yuan Shao to still be wary of her. Was she suspecting that she had poisoned the pill? Such a precious item, she didn’t want it herself. All she wished for was Yuan Shao’s swift ascension so she could return home quickly.

Chi Jinnian shook her head. “Master, this is my gift for becoming your disciple. I can’t take it.”

Yuan Shao gently touched the jade hairpin in her bun. “Didn’t you already give me a gift for becoming my disciple? This doesn’t count as that; you can take it.”

“But.”

“Didn’t you just say you’d listen to everything I say? Are you going back on your word now?”

Just as Chi Jinnian was about to argue, Yuan Shao seized the moment and slipped the half pill into her mouth. Yuan Shao’s fingertips were cool, while Chi Jinnian’s lips were warm. At the touch, Yuan Shao felt a warm current flow from her fingertips straight into her heart.

The medicine was of high quality, melting as soon as it entered the mouth. Before Chi Jinnian could react, it had already transformed into a sweet sensation, flowing down into her abdomen. Then, she felt her entire body grow warm, somewhat similar to the sensation when Yuan Shao had transferred spiritual energy to her before.

In her consciousness, it seemed as if a vast, expansive world had opened up.

Seeing Chi Jinnian’s unusual state, Yuan Shao reached out and touched her forehead, then smiled and told her, “Congratulations, A’Nian. You’ve built your foundation.”