CHAPTER 75
Fate Without Destiny
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Dongfang Jue refused to believe it!
Seeing Su Cheng's hesitation earlier, Dongfang Jue understood that Su Cheng was well aware of who was on that list of rebels!
【Name: ***·Su Cheng】
[……]
[Affinity: 26.4%]
Dongfang Jue noticed the increase in favorability. Though puzzled, he was still somewhat surprised.
Had he said something to please Master Su?
"Master Su, could it be that you have some unspoken difficulty, or do you not trust Jue'er?"
【Affinity: 15.3%】
Su Cheng turned away once more, thinking to himself: The greatest secret I cannot speak of is that I want to live. I want to protect my disciples. What's wrong with that?
But that's how this world works—if you're weak, you'll be bullied; if you're strong, you'll invite jealousy!
Before Qinghan grew strong, Su Cheng had no choice. A single magical artifact might fend off ordinary foes, but against the great terrors to come, it was utterly inadequate.
Without commensurate strength, even a先天至宝 (innate treasure) was no better than a fire poker. For the vast majority of magical treasures, Qinghan couldn't even unleash one-tenth of their true power!
Ye Qinghan did not grasp this truth, but Su Cheng understood it well. On the path to becoming the Demon Emperor, Ye Qinghan would encounter countless formidable foes.
His First Disciple must hack through thorns and overcome perils to reach that future.
His First Disciple needed his master's guidance and protection to ever touch the throne of the Demon Emperor.
"I truly have no better solution myself, but I can recommend someone to Jue'er. My junior disciple, Cheng Liang, will surely find a way to resolve your issue."
At that moment, Ye Qinghan in the next room froze, a shock rippling through her heart…
Less than one-tenth? Is she that weak?
"Would Master Cheng be willing to help Jue'er?" Dongfang Jue sounded tentative, feigning urgency. "This matter concerns the safety of the people within the pass. Jue'er dares not risk it alone. Since Master Su and my father were old acquaintances, I trust he would not harm me. That is why I have come seeking his aid."
[Affinity: 26.4%]
Dongfang Jue seemed to grasp it: Master Su cared deeply about the people's safety. Yet the moment matters involving Lingxian Hall or Ye Qinghan arose, he would turn a blind eye—and her favorability would plummet!
"Cheng Liang embodies the Way of Heaven, blessed by its divine mandate. If you humble yourself to seek his aid, he will not stand idly by while the masses suffer."
Dongfang Jue finally grasped the meaning, feeling as if a veil had been lifted from her eyes!
If Master Su truly valued Heaven's Mandate, then this seemingly well-intentioned advice was clearly superfluous. He simply didn't care what defying Heaven's Mandate might bring him.
There were only two people in Lingxian Hall—Su Cheng and Ye Qinghan. Since Su Cheng wasn't worried about himself, he must be concerned about Ye Qinghan!
So Master Su believes I might threaten Ye Qinghan? That's why he deliberately kept his distance?
No wonder that Li Shiyao, just by calling Ye Qinghan "sister," was accepted by Su Cheng, while I couldn't!
"Thank you for your guidance, Master Su. Jue'er takes her leave now."
Military matters could not wait. Dongfang Jue's primary purpose for this journey was to seek guidance.
Having received a definitive answer here, he too was in no time to waste and intended to head straight for the Heavenly Dao Pavilion.
"Very well."
Ye Qinghan watched Dongfang Jue depart, feeling a hint of surprise. This guy… had he finally gotten it?
Outside the gates of Lingxian Hall, Dongfang Jue stepped out, overcome by an inexplicable sadness.
Was it simply a case of destined to be apart?
In all her years, Dongfang Jue had never been treated this way before. Yet this indescribable feeling seemed strangely intriguing.
Having grown up amidst constant praise and adoration, Dongfang Jue now felt an inexplicably profound sense of disillusionment.
But what was there to regret about something she had never possessed?
If she felt envy, she herself lacked for nothing in food or clothing—what exactly was there to envy?
Now that she understood Su Cheng, Dongfang Jue found herself a bit baffled by her own feelings.
She patted her cheeks and adjusted her smile—after all, a princess's emotional management was crucial.
"Prepare some gifts. Head to the Celestial Path Pavilion."
"Yes, Your Highness." The attendant waiting outside Lingxian Hall responded promptly.
No sooner had Dongfang Jue departed than the Holy Mountain's representatives arrived.
"Master, the Second Elder has come to see Shiyao!"
Su Cheng watched as Second Grandma, accompanied by First Grandma, skipped and hopped toward them, feeling dizzy…
"Slow down! Mind the steps!"
[Where did Ye Qinghan get this outfit for Li Shiyu? Can't they tell it's too small?]
【Having these two Daji-like women stay in Lingxian Hall will probably shave ten years off my life!】
Su Cheng had also changed into formal attire. After all, as an elder of the Sacred Mountain, he had to observe proper hospitality.
Accompanied by his two disciples, now dressed, he approached the entrance.
"Elder Shi," Su Cheng nodded slightly in greeting. As the sect master, he couldn't afford to lose face.
Shi Mingyi had come fully prepared for a humbling experience. Though Li Shiyao had described Lingxian Hall as vast and magnificent, he hadn't taken her words at face value.
This wasn't his first visit to such a place, and he'd never seen a divine residence that was both vast and magnificent.
Therefore, besides the celestial treasures and the six rites for discipleship, he had also brought along provisions like grain, poultry, fish, and meat…
"Master Su, such an immortal residence truly broadens this old man's horizons!"
Shi Mingyi had initially thought bringing so many rare treasures to Su Cheng might be a bit excessive, but now he felt he hadn't brought nearly enough!
Damn it! If only Li Shiyao had been more reliable! If only she'd explained things in greater detail!
He wouldn't have consulted with the elders and come up with such a foolish idea as bringing chicken, duck, fish, and meat!
Su Cheng smiled and repeated the same excuse he'd used to placate Dongfang Jue: "As a woman of delicate constitution, it would be inconvenient for Qinghan to share my humble abode. Hence, I employed a minor celestial art."
"Master, look! The Second Elder has arrived with the betrothal gifts!"
"Shiyao, this is the initiation gift…" Shi Mingyi's sole thought now was to shut that Li Shiyao's mouth!
I don't know how you managed to latch onto Su Cheng's coattails, but you can't be this embarrassing!
Su Cheng chuckled, "Shiyao's heart is pure. No need to worry. Elder Shi, please come in and speak."
The Lingxian Hall was merely a single entrance hall, devoid of doors. Yet without an escort or a token of admission, entry was impossible.
Yet standing here, one could already glimpse the resplendent golden halls within—a true abode of immortals!
While Su Cheng and Ye Qinghan turned to lead the way, Shi Mingyi promptly dispatched messengers!
"Go back and have them prepare thirty more boxes of lavish gifts—select the finest! Choose the most expensive! Then send them to Lingxian Hall immediately!"
He had initially assumed the small courtyard outside was Lingxian Hall, thinking bringing so many gifts was excessive. He'd even considered asking Li Shiyao to return them!
But now, he wanted nothing more than to slap himself twice! What a dog's eye for judging people!
That Li Shiyu could catch Immortal Su's eye through her own strength—truly, she lived up to her title as the Holy Maiden!
Now he realized Ye Qinghan's arrogance at the secret realm entrance had been justified! With a master that formidable, why shouldn't she take what she wanted? What about those immortal-tier cultivation techniques? She didn't even care about them!
It seems Shiyu's claim about bathing in spirit essence might very well be true…
Now it's clear why Li Shiyu was chosen as the Holy Maiden!
Immortals' discernment truly surpasses mortals'. They see beyond appearances to the essence. Now it makes sense why Ye Qinghan showed Li Shiyu such favor—likely because Su Cheng had already set his sights on her long ago.
Oh my! Our Sacred Mountain's treasure has truly made something of herself!
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