The bicentennial grand ceremony for the Northern Chen Patriarch was originally intended to demonstrate the six sects’ powerful influence. It aimed to intimidate the demonic cult and show off to other righteous sects. However, the ceremony took unexpected turns, ultimately backfiring. Not only did it reveal the discord among the six sects, but it also culminated in Wu Yuanying’s shocking and tragic incident.
As Cai Zhao said, the ceremony was truly ill-fated.
Originally, a three-day feast was planned after the ceremony. Now, seeing the embarrassment and displeasure of the Northern Chen Six Sects, the gathered sects on Wanshui Qianshan Cliff hastily bid farewell, not even staying for dinner. Although the innkeepers in Qingque Town wore faces like indebted corpses, their food couldn’t possibly be poisonous enough to kill.
The empathetic Changchun Temple left first. Before departing, Master Fakong glanced at the magnificent Muwei Palace and suddenly told Cai Pingchun, “This old monk has been thinking of your elder sister lately.”
Enlightened Master Juexing didn’t leave with them. As planned, he took his sister Ning Xiaofeng, nephew Cai Han, and a pile of luggage to visit the gravely ill Lady Ning. Before the nuns of Xuankong Nunnery left, he enthusiastically invited Master Jingyuan to join them, suggesting it might be the last chance to see her old friend. Unexpectedly, this invitation earned him a lecture from Master Jingyuan about how “monastics should be detached from worldly affairs.”
After Master Jingyuan left, Enlightened Master Juexing told the Cai siblings, “Monastics are born of parents too. If we’re supposed to sever all family ties to leave the secular world, we might as well give up the gardens and orchards around the temples and all go begging together.”
There was a significant age gap between Juexing and Ning Xiaofeng. Before Ning Xiaofeng even entered the martial world, Juexing had already completed his training. Reportedly, in his youth, the master had spent six years as a wandering monk.
For the first three years, he roamed freely in the martial world, indulging in both virtuous and questionable activities. He fought frequently and consumed plenty of meat and wine.
In the latter three years, he focused on helping common people in towns and villages, specializing in resolving conflicts between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law, sisters-in-law, and brothers dividing family property.
Had Nie Hengcheng not suddenly turned against them, forcing Changchun Temple to urgently recall him as a guardian, Juexing might have established a “Dirty Clothes Branch” of Changchun Temple, guaranteeing even more flourishing business than the main temple.
Naturally, Taichu Observatory was the first of the six sects to leave. Everyone understood why, so no one tried to stop them. Only Qi Yunke pulled Wang Yuanjing aside to offer some words of encouragement, urging him not to be discouraged and to work hard to restore the sect’s reputation.
The severely injured Wu Gang and Wu Xiong stayed on Wanshui Qianshan Cliff to recover. Once healed, they could go wherever they wished.
This decision was the result of discussions among Qi Zhou and others. These two were Wu Yuanying’s cousins, raised and taught by him in Taichu Observatory since childhood. They were undoubtedly loyal to their elder cousin. Although Qiu Yuanfeng was dead, his close disciples might still harbor resentment towards these two. If any further incidents occurred, it would only worsen Taichu Observatory’s reputation.
Next to leave were Guangtian Gate and Siqimen.
Song Shijun was eager to reorganize his sect. After this trip, he resolved to treat corrupt managers, big and small, with winter’s merciless cold; to show midsummer’s passionate warmth to the widows and orphans of Leigong Village; and finally, to prune the disciples within the sect like autumn winds sweeping away fallen leaves, determined to rid the sect of rebellious and resentful individuals like Qiu Yuanfeng.
Yang Heying left because his young son was frightened and clamoring to go home. As a doting father, the sect leader naturally complied.
The people of Peiqiong Manor were the most courteous. They helped the disciples of the Qingque Sect clean up the mess in Chaoyang Hall before bidding farewell.
Zhou Zhizhen patted Cai Zhao’s head, telling her to come to Peiqiong Manor if she couldn’t stay in Qingque Sect.
Zhou Zhixian patted Cai Zhao’s head, reminding her to eat well and not catch a cold.
Zhou Yuqian and Zhou Yukun, grinning, tried to pat Cai Zhao’s head too but were fiercely slapped away by her.
Next to leave was Luoying Valley.
Cai Pingchun, after seeing off Enlightened Master Juexing and his family, was in no hurry to return to the valley. He planned to first visit the ruins of the attacked Changjiawu Fortress, then discuss with Qi Yunke about avenging the Chang family.
Finally, only Cai Zhao remained.
She stood blankly in front of Wanshui Qianshan Cliff for a long time, watching people on the iron chains walk further and further away until they disappeared into the thick fog.
Chang Ning, knowing this was her first time away from her parents and relatives, tried to comfort her: “Try to think positively. Everyone has to grow up and become independent eventually. Look at me, I’ve lost my family and home, but I’m still doing fine.”
Cai Zhao replied, “… Please, in the future, don’t use your mouth to comfort people.”
Cai Zhao finally saw the Chunling Cottage that Qi Yunke had meticulously prepared for her. Indeed, the house was exquisite, and the scenery was beautiful, with flowers and trees in front and a stream behind. In spring, one could appreciate flowers; in summer, one could fish. Cai Zhao was delighted by the sight. The only drawback was its proximity to other disciples’ residences, especially Song Yuzhi’s. Their homes were separated only by a small stream and two rows of green bamboo. If Qi Lingbo were to harass Song Yuzhi, Song Yuzhi would only need to shout once for Cai Zhao to come to the rescue.
Chang Ning strongly disagreed with Cai Zhao living there and insisted she stay near his residence for close protection.
Cai Zhao naturally objected, preferring Chang Ning to move into Chunling Cottage instead. However, Chang Ning argued vehemently—
“Do you know why Wu Yuanying ended up in such a miserable state?”
“… Because the demonic cult is cruel.”
“Has the demonic cult only become cruel today? We need to look more at our faults,” Chang Ning said earnestly.
“Because Qiu Yuanfeng was despicable and fickle, and Canqiong Zi was too selfish?”
“Wrong! Most people are evil; good people are the minority. Qiu Yuanfeng and Canqiong Zi are just ordinary in their wickedness. Taichu Observatory’s biggest mistake was choosing the wrong friends!”
Cai Zhao looked puzzled.
Chang Ning asked her, “If that Kaiyang Elder was captured by your great-uncle at the cost of his life, would your aunt and father be willing to exchange him for Wu Yuanying?”
“Of course they would!” Cai Zhao said firmly. “In my aunt’s heart, a hundred evil people aren’t worth one good person. At worst, they could secretly take some measures to cripple that old villain before the exchange. As long as it saves Wu Daxia, it’s worth it.”
“You see, that’s the difference,” Chang Ning sneered. “Old Sect Leader Yin wouldn’t agree.”
He continued, “Even if Luoying Valley had no hostages to exchange if Canghuang Zi had been willing to put aside his prejudices and sincerely ask your aunt for help back then, would someone like Lady Cai have ignored the request?”
Cai Zhao considered her aunt’s character and murmured, “At the very least, she would have personally gone to check on Wu Daxia’s life or death.”
Chang Ning said, “Your aunt might struggle to kill Nie Hengcheng, but escaping unscathed after dealing with a few elders wouldn’t be a problem. Besides, back then she had plenty of hot-blooded, trouble-seeking brothers by her side.”
Cai Zhao thought about it and agreed with Chang Ning’s assessment.
Chang Ning continued, “It was just a broken sword, yet Canghuang Zi and his disciples felt they had lost face. They were too proud to lower themselves to ask for help. Instead, they treated that old fox Yin Dai as a close friend, not realizing that he had been slippery for decades. He might help with small matters, but how could he be relied upon for big issues?”
“Is it really necessary to go on about this? It’s just about where to live. Why such a long lecture?” Cai Zhao said, “What are you trying to say? If you keep beating around the bush, I’m leaving.”
Chang Ning frowned, “Don’t you think you should stay away from people who aren’t worth befriending? Canghuang Zi and his two disciples ended up in such a miserable state precisely because they made the wrong friends. Haven’t you learned anything from this?”
Cai Zhao had indeed learned something, but not what Chang Ning was saying.
She slowly said, “My aunt once said, ‘Don’t mock pitiful people. Even if pitiful people have detestable aspects, they’re already suffering the consequences of their actions. Others shouldn’t mock them.'”
“…” Now it was Chang Ning’s turn to learn something. He was moved and said, “Lady Cai truly has a compassionate heart.”
“I like hearing that,” Cai Zhao smiled. “All right, I’ll have my belongings moved to your place.”
Chang Ning: “… Why did you agree so quickly?”
“Harmony breeds wealth—besides if I don’t agree, you’ll cry and make a fuss until I do. Might as well save some energy,” Cai Zhao said, turning her back to him with an air of precocious nonchalance.
Chang Ning’s residence was called Qingjing Study. It was nestled against a mountain facing a forest, quite secluded. To the right was a medical pavilion, convenient for brewing and obtaining medicines. To the left was a hot spring tucked in a mountain hollow, perfect for cultivating and detoxifying. It could be said that Sect Leader Qi had taken great care of this son of an old friend. Unfortunately, there was an unruly mother-daughter pair nearby causing trouble, which was beyond his control.
Opposite Chang Ning’s quarters was a row of vacant rooms. Cai Zhao asked Fan Xingjia to send people to clean and tidy them up, then had her servants move in the luggage that hadn’t yet been unpacked.
The staff left behind by Ning Xiaofeng were all very capable. Without disturbing the Qingque Sect’s managers, two maids and several other servants quietly put the empty rooms and the storage rooms behind them in order. They even set up two small red clay stoves to brew tea and burn incense, which could also be used to decoct medicine for Chang Ning.
By the time Zeng Dalou came running to dissuade them, Qingjing Study had been completely transformed. Curtains fluttered gently, a subtle fragrance filled the air, beds and tables, cups and plates were clean and bright. A beautiful young girl dozed in a rocking chair on the porch, exuding a warm and soft atmosphere.
“Where’s Chang Ning?” Zeng Dalou looked around.
The round-faced maid replied, “Young Master Chang is cultivating to heal his injuries in the inner room. Our young mistress is watching over him outside.”
Zeng Dalou scratched his head. “Zhao Zhao should still stay at Chunling Cottage… This arrangement doesn’t seem quite right.”
The oval-faced maid said, “The young miss said she’d report to the Sect Leader herself. Others needn’t concern themselves.”
At a loss for words, Zeng Dalou fell silent. Fan Xingjia stepped in to ease the tension, “Have you two been serving my junior sister since childhood? What are your names?”
The round-faced maid was called Furong, and the oval-faced one was Feicui. Cai Zhao had named them both.
Fan Xingjia praised, “Your names suit you well. Junior sister chose them wisely.”
Furong explained, “Actually, I was originally called Furong Tofu, and she was Feicui Shrimp. When we grew older, the young miss found these names too long and planned to shorten them by two characters each. Fortunately, the elder miss intervened, or we’d have ended up as Tofu and Shrimp.”
Feicui added, “Poor Sister Xiajiao. She’s married with children now, but everyone still just calls her Xiajiao.”
Fan Xingjia was speechless.
Zeng Dalou had no choice but to report to Qi Yunke.
Qi Yunke didn’t object, as he wanted Chang Ning to receive proper protection. He only regretted that Cai Zhao wouldn’t have spacious and comfortable accommodations. He decided to keep Chunling Cottage reserved for Cai Zhao, allowing her to move there once Chang Ning recovered.
Moreover, Qi Yunke had a friendly chat with his young disciple about her future life in the sect. “Since you’re here, why not train with your fellow disciples? You’ll make friends and improve your skills. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?”
Cai Zhao declined, saying that since she didn’t plan to roam the martial world in the future, there was no need to socialize with martial artists. She preferred to live in seclusion. “Just consider me a temporary resident in Qingque Sect. After three years, I’ll leave to get married. You must come to my wedding feast. Oh, and may I borrow books from the library? If I don’t understand something, I’ll come ask you.”
Qi Yunke sighed. What else could he do but agree?
The day after the failed ceremony, Cai Zhao performed the discipleship ritual. She knelt, kowtowed, burned incense, recited vows, and acknowledged the rules and ancestors. Qi Yunke muttered, asking the Three Pure Ones to bless young Miss Cai and keep her from causing trouble in the sect.
Based on his experience, even if trouble tried to avoid Cai Pingshushu, she would forcibly drag it out. He hoped Zhao Zhao’s luck wouldn’t resemble her aunt’s. Amitabha Buddha.
That night’s discipleship feast was exceptionally lavish. Apart from dragon liver, phoenix gall, thousand-year tortoise soup, and wine brewed from mermaid tears, everything else was available. This was because all the rare ingredients originally prepared for the three-day feast were used here.
Watching the disciples toast Cai Zhao, Qi Lingbo felt as if she’d swallowed a fly. Unable to eat, she twisted her slender waist and sobbed into Yin Sulian’s embrace, trying to turn her against Cai Zhao.
Despite her apparent glory, Cai Zhao faced three challenges during the meal.
The first was the Second Senior Brother Dai Fengchi. He claimed to want to “exchange martial arts with Junior Sister Cai,” but his eyes kept darting towards Qi Lingbo, who was crying in Yin Sulian’s arms—clearly, he was there to avenge his love interest.
Cai Zhao laughed, “If we compete and I win, I’ll send pigeons overnight to spread the news across half the martial world that a sheltered girl beat the famous ‘Wind-Chasing Swordsman’ Dai on her first day at the mountain. If I lose, I’ll cry to Master daily, saying you bullied me—Second Senior Brother, think carefully. There’s no taking back an arrow once it’s shot.”
Dai Fengchi froze. He wasn’t afraid of beating Cai Zhao; even if Master scolded him, it would be worth it to please Qi Lingbo. But if he lost… that would be truly embarrassing, and he wasn’t confident he could win.
His sycophant stepped forward, “How can friendly matches between sect members be spread across the world? Junior Sister Cai seems narrow-minded…”
“Lowly hands shouldn’t speak. Can you step aside?” Chang Ning’s handsome eyes were full of mockery. “Senior Brother Dai, see? I dare not interrupt.” The implication was clear: if Dai Fengchi couldn’t control his lackey, Chang Ning would step in.
Dai Fengchi, having experienced Chang Ning’s “eloquence” before, immediately said, “Junior Brother Cui, step back.” Then he pretended, “Since Junior Sister Cai is unwilling, let’s forget about the match.”
The second challenger was Song Yuzhi.
The hall was brightly lit, with pearls gleaming on the palace walls, illuminating this handsome man’s graceful figure and cold, upright demeanor.
He genuinely wanted to “exchange martial arts,” but Cai Zhao still rejected him outright.
Song Yuzhi was bewildered. “Why?”
“I don’t compete with engaged men,” Cai Zhao smiled sweetly. “It prevents jealous fiancées from causing trouble later.” Throughout history, countless rivals have become lovers after fighting, and Qi Lingbo was particularly troublesome.
Song Yuzhi’s gaze flickered. In the lamplight, the young girl’s bright teeth and clear eyes exuded a carefree spirit, like a pure mountain breeze.
He drained his cup silently and said no more after sitting down.
Chang Ning was still displeased. He felt Song Yuzhi had looked at Cai Zhao for too long, his gaze somewhat unfaithful. He wished he had already recovered so he could show the Cai girl that firefly light couldn’t compare to the bright moon!
Unfortunately, he couldn’t.
The last challenger was Ding Zhuo.
Ding Zhuo didn’t even bring a wine cup. He stood straight as a sword blade before Cai Zhao: “There’s an open space behind the mountain where I often practice. We can compete there without spectators, and no one needs to know the outcome.”
Cai Zhao recognized the martial artist’s fervor in Ding Zhuo’s eyes—not for fame or gain, not even caring about winning or losing, but purely for martial arts improvement.
She thought for a moment and replied, “All right. But give me a few days. I’ve been lazy since leaving Luoying Valley and need to limber up before I can face you.”
Ding Zhuo’s handsome face relaxed. He knew that although Cai Zhao was young, she understood that the way of martial arts shouldn’t be taken lightly, unlike the reckless Qi Lingbo.
Legend had it that top-tier martial artists would choose mountaintops among clouds for their battles, purify themselves with incense, and fast for three days to show respect for their opponents. Now, people insist on having spectators, creating a noisy, circus-like atmosphere.
Many pampered children in prestigious sects, raised with the best resources and training environments, never understood the true meaning of martial arts—the only creed that set them apart from ordinary people.
It was still manageable for men; if they didn’t work hard, they might be marginalized or even expelled from the sect to become commoners. Women, however, had the option of marriage, which often became an excuse for laziness in training.
He had always looked down on such people, regardless of gender.
But Cai Zhao was different. Though she dressed somewhat too elaborately, her eyes held the sharp spirit of a true martial artist.
“Then, in ten days, I’ll humbly await your arrival, Junior Sister,” Ding Zhuo said resolutely.
Cai Zhao replied, “It’s a deal.”