Yu Zhao, disheartened by the duplicity of Lone Moon Peak’s disciples, no longer wished to listen to Cui Jue’s feigned concern. She shut off her five senses and began to review the moments leading to her injury.
Her plan had been rushed but fortunately executed without flaws.
Initially, she intended to spend three years in seclusion. By the time Senior Sister Zhou faced a life-threatening tribulation, regardless of whether she succeeded in Foundation Establishment, she would emerge from her retreat to help her.
However, Quan Ye’s interference forced her to adapt, turning his schemes against him while implicating him in her injury to avenge years of suffering.
Master Qing Yan had long harbored dissatisfaction with Quan Ye’s rebellious nature. Now, with this transgression, severe punishment was inevitable.
For Yu Zhao, this was an opportunity to recuperate in peace while avoiding further entanglements.
Two birds with one stone.
As she anticipated, events unfolded as planned.
This cliff, devoid of spiritual energy and ravaged by relentless gales and lightning, was a feared punishment for most disciples. But for someone like Quan Ye, who trained in body refinement, it was also a grueling yet valuable training ground. Nevertheless, he would endure considerable suffering—a penalty Master Qing Yan had deliberated carefully.
To appease Yu Zhao as the victim, Master Qing Yan gifted her a Fourth-Rank Restorative Pill to aid her recovery and rebuild her foundation.
Several senior brothers, led by Fang Cheng Lang, along with Ye Cong Xin, also offered her numerous restorative pills and spirit stones.
Yu Zhao accepted everything without hesitation, sealed her cave dwelling, and began her extended seclusion.
Three Years Later
“Eldest Senior Brother.”
A soft, clear voice brightened Fang Cheng Lang’s spirits.
He turned to see Ye Cong Xin bounding toward him like a lively deer.
His brief flicker of disappointment was quickly masked with a warm smile. “Junior Sister.”
Ye Cong Xin, oblivious to his fleeting change in expression, grasped his sleeve and pleaded sweetly, “Eldest Senior Brother, can I join the expedition to Dragon Roar Valley in three days? I promise I won’t cause trouble or hold anyone back.”
Her fluttering lashes and pleading gaze gave her the appearance of innocence itself.
Fang Cheng Lang frowned slightly.
Recently, the cultivation world had been abuzz with news of a rare sighting: a male Three-Ranked Seven-Colored Deer in Dragon Roar Valley.
The importance? Only immature male deer had antlers with soft, velvet fur—antlers coveted for alchemy. Furthermore, the sinews, blood, and bones of the Seven-Colored Deer were exceptional materials for both alchemy and artifact crafting. This rare creature was, quite literally, a treasure trove.
Naturally, the news drew cultivators from far and wide.
For the wealthy Five Elements Dao Sect, the deer itself was less significant. Their purpose for the expedition was twofold: provide disciples with valuable training and demonstrate the sect’s dominance.
The leader of the mission was Zhou Jin Yue, the sect master’s eldest disciple, with Fang Cheng Lang serving as deputy leader.
The participating disciples, chosen by the sect master and elders, totaled twenty—primarily those at the Golden Core Stage. From Lone Moon Peak, only Fang Cheng Lang and Lan Zi Yu were selected.
Fang Cheng Lang hesitated to bring Ye Cong Xin. Compared to the other disciples, her cultivation was significantly weaker. Additionally, due to her frail health since childhood, she lacked battle experience.
Bringing her along would inevitably divide his attention, making it harder to fulfill his duties as deputy leader.
After careful thought, Fang Cheng Lang prepared to refuse.
“Junior Sister, as deputy leader, I must ensure the safety of the group. I cannot—”
“Eldest Senior Brother, I can take care of myself! And with Second Senior Brother there, you don’t need to worry about me.”
She cut him off anxiously.
“But…” He hesitated, still unconvinced.
Ye Cong Xin grew more emotional, her voice trembling. “Eldest Senior Brother, I truly wish to go! I’ve never left the Five Elements Dao Sect. Do you want me to remain confined here forever?”
Her desperation escalated into tears. “I want to see the outside world. I don’t want to die knowing only this place. Please, Eldest Senior Brother.”
In the end, her tears broke his resolve.
He sighed. “If Master permits it, I’ll bring you along.”
“Thank you, Eldest Senior Brother! I’ll inform Master immediately—he will agree!”
Ye Cong Xin’s face lit up with joy as she bowed and rushed toward Master Qing Yan’s dwelling at Lone Moon Peak’s summit.
Once she was out of earshot, her cheerful expression darkened.
Although Fang Cheng Lang had relented, satisfaction eluded her.
Three years ago, after Yu Zhao’s injury, she had noticed a subtle change in him. Though he remained gentle, their former closeness was gone, replaced by an invisible barrier.
This sense of alienation unsettled Ye Cong Xin.
Among her five senior brothers, Fang Cheng Lang had the strongest fortune and was the easiest to approach. To absorb his luck and accelerate her cultivation, she needed to rekindle their bond.
This expedition to Dragon Roar Valley was her chance.
She would not let it slip away.
Ye Cong Xin hurried to Master Qing Yan’s cave. Breathless from her haste, she paused outside to catch her breath.
Suddenly, a familiar yet distant voice drifted from within.
“Master, I request permission to join the expedition to Dragon Roar Valley alongside my fellow disciples.”
Yu Zhao.
It was Yu Zhao’s voice!
She had emerged from seclusion!
Why now, of all times? And why was she also joining the expedition?
Was it a coincidence? Or deliberate?
Conflicting emotions swirled in Ye Cong Xin’s mind, tightening her chest. A sudden wave of suffocation left her clutching at her heart, gasping in anguish.