CHAPTER 77
Senior Sister
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Shi Mingyi patiently explained many things to Li Shiyu, and only then did she understand.
"So Elder Shi means I should serve my master like I serve my father?"
"Exactly. Think about why Sect Leader Su favors your Sister Qinghan so much, giving her all the good things. Isn't it because she's so devoted to him?"
"I don't want any special favors, and I've never even met my father. I just want to be with Sister Qinghan."
Ye Qinghan approached carrying tea, overhearing their conversation. Truthfully, Shi Mingyi's words didn't surprise her, but Li Shiyu's sincerity genuinely touched her.
Master must have known all this, which is why he was willing to take her in. If that's the case, Qinghan could naturally accept her too.
Ye Qinghan didn't think she was being possessive about her food. Well… if pressed, maybe she was a little possessive…
But more than that, she wanted to protect her master—this master she'd worked so hard to obtain.
Her dislike for Dongfang Jue stemmed from her clear understanding that the guy had ulterior motives. He genuinely didn't care about Lingxian Hall or the apprenticeship.
Perhaps Dongfang Jue would never grasp the difference between himself and Li Shiyu. But as long as Dongfang Jue failed to understand this truth, Ye Qinghan could never truly accept her.
"Shiyao, pour Elder Shi some tea."
"Second Elder doesn't care for tea. Sister Qinghan needn't bother with him." Li Shiyao showed no formality toward Second Elder, accustomed to treating him without the usual respect.
Ye Qinghan didn't mind either. Lingxian Hall had always maintained this style, and in this regard, Li Shiyu perfectly met the Hall's requirements.
That is, they gave no one special treatment!
"Elder Shi, the Master's intention is for Qinghan to preside over tonight's initiation ceremony. We hope you understand."
Elder Shi froze. Did this mean the Holy Mountain couldn't participate in the Holy Maiden's initiation ceremony?
Seeing Shi Mingyi remain silent, Ye Qinghan smiled and continued.
"Elder Shi, please don't overthink it. When Qinghan became a disciple, it was the same. For the Holy Mountain, it's merely a ceremony. If the Holy Mountain requires it, my master can certainly give them the respect they deserve."
"How could that be? Master Su possesses such extraordinary abilities. His willingness to accept the Holy Maiden is a blessing for the Holy Mountain."
Ye Qinghan smiled. Shi Mingyi was reasonably sensible.
"One more thing—regarding the initiation gift, my master has indicated it is already sufficient. No matter the amount, he will accept Shi Yao."
Hearing this, Shi Mingyi truly began to look at Ye Qinghan and Su Cheng with newfound respect. He could see in Ye Qinghan's eyes that this was no mere formality.
"Senior Sister, Elder Shi says we should offer more betrothal gifts, or else people will look down on us."
Li Shiyu poked her little head between the two, leaving Shi Mingyi flustered.
Ye Qinghan smiled as she ruffled Li Shiyu's hair, then turned to Shi Mingyi with a serious expression.
"Joining Lingxian Hall means no one will look down on Shiyu. Senior Sister came here empty-handed, giving nothing to the Master, yet she's still the First Disciple."
Though she addressed Shi Mingyi, her self-identification as "senior sister" made it clear her words weren't meant solely for Li Shiyu.
"When you're insignificant, your words carry little weight. Seeking respect through such methods is futile. Only when you're strong enough will people listen to you and hold you in high regard."
Shi Mingyi’s opinion of Ye Qinghan had truly shifted. Compared to the Holy Maiden, Ye Qinghan was far superior.
She possessed her youthful recklessness, her innate brilliance, and her formidable strength. It had to be said—Su Cheng truly had a remarkable disciple.
Shi Mingyi clasped his hands together. "I've learned something today."
Ye Qinghan gave a slight nod. As the First Disciple of Lingxian Hall, she would only bow to one person—her master.
"Elder Shi, you flatter me."
Guided by Li Shiyao, Shi Mingyi toured nearly every part of Lingxian Hall—everywhere except Wan Yue Pavilion and the three disciples' quarters.
Li Shiyao even made a point of showing Elder Shi the Spirit Pool Hall, proving she hadn't been deceiving him—she truly did bathe in spirit essence.
However, he declined the invitation to experience it himself. He simply wasn't worthy. The Spirit Pool Hall contained only the Master's changing room and the disciples' changing rooms.
Though Ye Qinghan had stated the initial initiation gifts sufficed, Elder Shi still brought two additional batches of offerings. These, however, were quite to Ye Qinghan's taste—all valuable treasures.
Antique calligraphy, paintings, gold, silver, and fine jewelry—everything imaginable. One couldn't help but marvel at Ling Mountain's wealth!
It wasn't until nightfall, when Shi Mingyi and his men finally departed, that Li Shiyao settled down.
Ye Qinghan and Li Shiyao sat in the courtyard pavilion. Feeling the moment was right, Ye Qinghan spoke.
"Shiyao, do you truly wish to become a disciple of Lingxian Hall?"
Shiyao froze. Had her senior sister lost her mind?
"Senior Sister? What's wrong? Of course, Shiyu sincerely wishes to become a disciple of Lingxian Hall."
"Then do you understand what becoming a disciple entails?"
"Does it mean Shiyu can stay with Senior Sister forever?" Li Shiyu tilted her head. Though she sensed Ye Qinghan's emotional shift, she couldn't make heads or tails of it.
"By joining the Lingxian Hall, you'll become my personal disciple—my junior sister."
Ye Qinghan paused, seeing the little fool seemed deep in thought, then continued.
"From the moment you become my disciple, the Master will treat you as her own flesh and blood, imparting all her lifetime's knowledge to you."
"From the moment you become his disciple, Senior Sister will care for you in every way, cherishing you like a beloved younger sister."
"From the moment you become a disciple, Master and I will be the people closest to you. Senior Sister and Master will protect you with our lives."
"Becoming a disciple means respect—you must honor your master and senior sister. Becoming a disciple means responsibility—you must bear the name of Lingxian Hall's direct disciple. Becoming a disciple means growth—Shiyao must train diligently and constantly improve."
Li Shiyu stood frozen in place. All she had wanted was to be with Sister Qinghan, to play together every day and be happy.
Hearing her senior sister say all this now, she felt a pang of guilt, as if she had failed to live up to the trust placed in her by her senior sister and master.
"Shiyao… I hadn't thought about all this. Did I make a mistake?"
Ye Qinghan smiled. Neither she nor the Master would blame this little fool. Perhaps if Shiyao no longer wished to become a disciple, the Master wouldn't be angry either.
"Take your time to think it over. Master and I will wait for you in the Main Hall."
Ye Qinghan rose slowly. She felt she had made herself clear enough. Though Li Shiyu possessed only the intellect of a nine-year-old, she was no fool.
In fact, she understood reading people's expressions better than most. She just needed some time to think it through.
"Senior Sister…"
"What is it?"
"Shiyao is a little scared…" Li Shiyu tugged at Ye Qinghan's sleeve, unwilling to let her leave. She wanted Sister Qinghan to stay with her.
After knowing her for so long, this was the first time Shiyu felt Sister Qinghan's seriousness could be so terrifying—more frightening than the God-Slaying Sword Formation!
"Don't worry. No matter what choice Shiyu makes, neither Master nor I will blame you."
"Really?" Li Shiyu poked her little head forward. Now that Holy Mountain had even sent the "betrothal gifts," she only now realized how complicated becoming a disciple could be.
She had only liked Sister Qinghan—initially, she’d even come to protect her. But over time, she’d noticed Sister Qinghan seemed to harbor deep feelings for the Master.
Shiyao had completely forgotten Qinghan Sister’s warning that this Master was a big scoundrel. She’d even nearly attempted to assassinate him for Qinghan Sister’s sake.
"Of course it's true. Even if Shiyu doesn't wish to become a disciple, no one would blame her."
"Alright. Shiyu has one more question for Sister Qinghan."
Li Shiyu, unusually serious, wore a rare expression of earnestness. Paired with her delicate, wife-like features, she looked strangely captivating at that moment.
"Go ahead, ask." Ye Qinghan felt she already knew the answer, but she needed to hear it from Li Shiyu herself.
"Sister Qinghan, do you truly like Master? Do you genuinely like him?"
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