Participating In The Erudition Trials (1)
When Bai Ye looked up, Ji Fu schooled his expression. “Yes, I wish to train there.”
There was a moment of hesitation when he asked, “About Qing Xuantian, you—”
“Ah! It’s dinnertime, let’s not talk about this. Come on Little Ye, ignore that man.” Yao Cuihua interrupted from the side.
The reaction from the old couple was understandable. After all, the whole village knew about her crush on Qing Xuantian. They were simply worried she would crawl back to him despite the maltreatment he subjected her to.
Bai Ye felt the need to clarify her stance on the issue. “I’m done with him. We are two separate entities now.” She truly was done with that piece of human trash.
The old couple were surprised to hear her say that. Ji Da only smiled at Bai Ye. “Little Ye, you—”
“I don’t like Qing Xuantian anymore.” Bai Ye reaffirmed her stance.
“Okay, okay.” Ji Fu nodded and clasped his hands. “If you decide so, Grandpa Ji will support you. Grandpa Qin and the whole village will back you up.”
“Okay.” Bai Ye nodded. She was not sure of what she could do with their support but she appreciated the kindness shown to her by Ji Fu and his family.
…
After dinner, Ji Fu brought Bai Ye to the central room.
Ji Fu broke the silence. “Little Ye, you asked about somewhere with Dark Spiritual Energy. That’s not an easy place to reach.”
It was not unexpected. She did some thinking during dinnertime and surmised that Bai Zhan must have trained in these spots when he was away.
She nodded. “I know but I would like to try. If you have any tips?”
“You don’t have to go to those places to train. I know you’re part of the dark but you can rank up even with your usual training,” Ji Fu advised.
He consoled Bai Ye. “Grandpa Ji knows you’ve had it rough these past two days, but it’s over now. We have a plan to send you to Imperial City. You will live under the protection of the Qin family. No one would dare to antagonize you there, you can rest assured.”
The villagers had prepared an escape plan for Bai Ye so she could be rid of Qing Xuantian’s influences.
Master Qin was rumored to be the strongest warrior in the empire. He was favored by the emperor and wielded substantial power over the empire’s military forces.
Being by Master Qin’s side would free her from Qing Xuantian’s harassment. However…
Bai Ye wanted to stand on her own two feet. “I would still like to attempt.”
“Little Ye…” Ji Fu sounded exasperated.
The young girl stood her ground. “I know you all have my best interest in mind and I know I will be treated well in the Qin family, but I want to try this.”
Ji Fu stared Bai Ye down. He realized she was no longer the lively young girl he once knew. Standing before him was a girl who was forced to grow up after her grandfather’s demise.
He would be happy for Bai Ye if she matured organically. They had arrived too late and the child had experienced too much suffering to retain her innocence.
Although it pained him to let her go, he gave her the information she sought. “Okay. If you must, you should head for Qingyun and participate in The Erudition Trials.”