CHAPTER 90
The Way of the Master
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Dongfang Jue also pulled up the system for a thorough inspection. Indeed, with such beauty and such… size… she was truly extraordinary.
Su Muchan, sensing the tone in Dongfang Jue's words, was now somewhat puzzled: "What do you mean, Miss Dongfang?"
Dongfang Jue, unfazed by Su Muchan, simply smiled and spoke plainly.
"Knowing Ye Qinghan as I do, it's no surprise you're no match for her. But you claim she suddenly attacked you and poisoned you? Could you have mistaken her for someone else?"
Su Muchan shook her head. That Ye Qinghan couldn't be any more real!
Seeing Su Muchan's expression, Dongfang Jue grew curious. What possible reason could there be
What could possibly drive Ye Qinghan to launch a sudden attack? It was clear how desperately Ye Qinghan wanted her dead!
But if that was the case, why hadn't Ye Qinghan killed her outright? Why resort to poisoning, such an unsophisticated method?
Ye Qinghan hadn't asked Su Muchan to work for her. There was no vested interest involved. They had only just met. Judging by Su Muchan's demeanor, she likely didn't know the reason behind it either. It didn't seem like Ye Qinghan was trying to exploit her.
Coming to collect medicine from her every half-month—was this control? Or surveillance?
"You mean Ye Qinghan originally intended to kill you, but was stopped by someone?"
Su Muchan nodded. "That's what I believe. Her intent to kill showed no sign of wavering, yet she held back at the last moment. She claimed I had powerful connections, then proceeded to poison me."
Dongfang Jue nodded. "Who in this world could possibly stop her?"
The only possibility that came to mind was the Heavenly Mandate mentioned by Su Cheng. This witch might be entangled in something far greater, compelling Su Cheng to intervene to maintain the balance.
That was the only explanation Dongfang Jue could conjure.
Su Muchan's eyes narrowed slightly. She too suspected Su Cheng? But Su Cheng clearly despised her!
There was no reason for him to do something like this!
Dongfang Jue's expression turned serious. "Your expression suggests you already have an answer, doesn't it?"
"You mean Master Su?"
"Besides him, perhaps only Heaven itself could have saved you from Ye Qinghan's grasp." Dongfang Jue smiled wryly. Truthfully, she believed Ye Qinghan's strength could easily overwhelm most elders and even rival many sect masters.
Rescuing someone from Ye Qinghan's grasp? Easier said than done.
And as for asking her to show leniency? Whom did she show leniency to?
Su Muchan pondered for a long while before dismissing the thought. Dwelling on such matters now served no purpose.
Securing the antidote from Ye Qinghan was the priority. Even if Su Cheng were a living bodhisattva, she had no interest in him at this moment.
Meanwhile, inside the inn, Su Cheng helped his two direct disciples to their feet. After Ye Qinghan had set up an isolation barrier, he spoke slowly.
"Master, did Shiyu… do something wrong?"
Su Cheng glanced at Ye Qinghan's expression. She seemed equally curious about the answer to this question.
"Why do you ask?"
Su Cheng didn't rush to explain; he wanted to hear his two disciples' perspectives first.
But Li Shiyu stammered and stuttered, unable to articulate her thoughts clearly after much hesitation.
Ye Qinghan, who was usually adept at interpreting thoughts, remained silent this time. While eavesdropping on the inner voices, she also listened to her junior sister's thoughts.
This way, she could say things her master would like to hear without influencing his judgment.
"Shiyao just wanted to win the duel, and she clearly did win… but… she couldn't feel happy about it."
"Is it because she injured her opponent?"
Li Shiyu seemed somewhat dejected as she nodded. Despite winning the match, she now appeared as if she had lost her entire life.
"Master, Shiyu never intended to harm anyone, but…"
Li Shiyu didn't know how to express this feeling. She didn't want her Master and Senior Sister to see her as weak.
"But even in the secret realm, Shiyu still…"
Su Cheng smiled and ruffled her hair, thinking she was nothing but a little angel.
"When I imparted techniques and treasures to you, it was to empower you to protect yourselves. It was never meant for you to bully the weak or become tyrants."
"What happened today is partly my fault for not instructing you more carefully. Don't blame yourself too much, Shiyu. I've already taken care of it for you."
Li Shiyu nodded, now understanding why her master had forbidden her from using the Chaos Bell and her sword. Had she used the Chaos Bell, that person would surely have been killed outright.
"Master, may I withdraw from the tournament? I do not wish to harm anyone else."
【Such a child.】
"Shiyao, may I speak first?"
Su Cheng believed his expression was gentle now—he always acted this way.
"Do you know why I never explicitly told you to hold back?"
Li Shiyu shook her head as expected. Ye Qinghan was also somewhat surprised—to be honest, she didn't know either.
"First, your master is not all-knowing or all-powerful. Selfish and protective of my own, I would rather see Shiyu hurt others than be hurt herself."
"Second, even if I could impart supreme divine abilities to you, I cannot decide what kind of people you two will become."
"I don't want you to hold back against enemies out of deference to my warnings, nor do I want you to become bloodthirsty villains."
"However, Shiyu, power itself is not wrong. Only the way it is wielded can be."
"If you're facing those who seek to harm you within the secret realm, wouldn't that mean you wouldn't feel guilty?"
Li Shiyu rarely heard Su Cheng deliver such lengthy discourses, but this time, she truly understood.
Rising slowly, she knelt before her master with solemn reverence under the slightly astonished gazes of Ye Qinghan and Su Cheng.
"Thank you, Master, for clearing my doubts. I have now decided what kind of person I wish to become."
This statement left both of them speechless. When Li Shiyu wasn't being her usual self, she could be surprisingly serious!
"Is that so? What kind of person does Shiyu wish to become?"
Though Su Cheng knew Li Shiyu somewhat and doubted she'd aspire to be a bloodthirsty villain, he was genuinely curious about her thoughts now.
"Shiyao wants to become someone as gentle yet powerful as Master. That way, I can protect Senior Sister and Master."
Ye Qinghan was genuinely touched this time. Master had now been added to Li Shiyu's list of people she wanted to protect.
Indeed, to make Shiyu truly accept him as her master, it wouldn't work just by him talking about how great he was.
Only when the Master came in person could Li Shiyu truly recognize this person as her Master.
"Heh, then Shiyu'll have to work hard."
Su Cheng also turned his gaze to Ye Qinghan, who had entered the room without uttering a word: "What about Qinghan? What kind of person does Qinghan want to become?"
"Master, Qinghan is a fox demon, not human."
"Uh…"
【How could I have forgotten that detail… This vixen never plays by the rules.】
Ye Qinghan smiled faintly, her expression tinged with amusement as she replied meaningfully.
"Qinghan will become whatever Master desires—the demon Master favors."
【I'd rather you become nothing at all—just stay Ye Qinghan.】
"In any case, no matter what form you take or which path you choose, you will always be my most cherished disciples."
"This has nothing to do with sides or morality. I will always stand by your side."
The two disciples looked at their master with lingering confusion. They were already absurdly powerful, yet his words seemed to imply he still worried they might be bullied.
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