Chapter 116: Finality Moon, Liminality Flower (2)
For a long time, my owner is in a state of what I could only describe as bliss. Though, it is not exactly bliss, because beyond this warm, bubbling emotion is a bloodthirsty outlook towards the future, no doubt visualizing how she plans to prove to this backwater sect as Lady Yue put it that she is more than deserving of their consideration.
Naturally, I strongly approve of this outlook and plan more blood points is optimal. Although, if she really does decide to go down an extreme path of violence, I am not so certain that her voyage towards the pinnacle of existence will be possible if her physical vessel is recycled into useless scrap.
However, my hands are tied at this point any discouragement will introduce flaws into Lan Xiaohuis heart and I cannot allow that. I need her to be confident in herself. I need her to transcend her worldly attachments to common sense and pursue the Dao like a sword would like I would.
After a while a couple of hours at least Wu Yulan returns to Lan Xiaohuis chambers and this time she also brings the courage to knock on her door. Not only knock, but also open the door, wait for a moment, and then call out to my owner as she enters.
Sister Zhu, I am worried about you, Wu Yulan says, emerging from the doorway and stepping into the room. She carries a tray with some meat-filled buns and varieties of sliced meat of origin I am not familiar with likely appropriated from a spirit beast of some kind.
Lan Xiaohui is surprised when Wu Yulan so forcefully invites herself in, but it doesnt seem to affect her mood or heart in any manner.
My owner smiles at her visitor and puts my vessel away back into my sheath and then pats the spot on the bed next to her. Theres nothing to worry about, Wu Yulan, she says. I am fine.
Wu Yulans expression remains the same a mix of worry and curiosity, but the desire in her heart to be helpful is genuine. Are you sure? We could go out, or spend some time together, or do something to distract you.
Lan Xiaohuis smile remains on her features and also remains just as genuine and brilliant. I am sure, she says. It doesnt bother me anymore.
The unspoken topic here is my owners poor result at the exam.
Wu Yulan nods. I am really sorry, I hope you are not mad at me.
Why would I be mad at you?
Because of what I did when I came out of the Formation, she says. I was so happy, but I did not realize that you were not happy.
On the other hand, the Wu clan has already produced an incredible talent in Wu Yulan who achieved something that has never happened in the sects history, meaning that they could afford to take some risks.
Either we enter the sect together, or we dont enter the sect at all, Wu Yulan says, her tone suggesting that changing her mind on this is impossible.
In a show of friendship, Wu Yulan takes Lan Xiaohuis hand into her own and stands up from the bed. Sister Zhu, lets go practice together, she says with the same tone that suggests that refusing is not an option. My family has a private section in the sects mountains where the Qi is rich and there are no dangers. Ive been there a few times on my own and it is completely safe.
Not that my Lan Xiaohui needs to be assured of somethings safety in fact, being safe might be an unattractive quality to her.
Lan Xiaohui also climbs to her feet and nods. I did promise I would help you practice I could use some myself.
Wu Yulan beams at Lan Xiaohui and reveals that this has been her plan the entire time. Ive already let everyone know that we will retreat for a couple of days to cultivate in seclusion. No one will bother us.
Lan Xiaohuis eyebrows lift slightly at these words. They are fine with leaving you alone with me?
Of course, Wu Yulan replies immediately. You are with Aunt Yue.
These words are offered as if they are the most obvious explanation in the world. Just what kind of person is Lady Yue, and how much influence does she wield?
They also gave us some medicinal pills and pastes, just in case. And spirit stones. Talismans, too. Also a cauldron. Wu Yulan continues to enumerate the various treasures that she received for this brief retreat and I can only appreciate, from a distance, how easy and simple it must be to be born into a powerful family.
Even putting the treasures aside, owning a private cultivation spot in a sects hinterlands must not be a simple achievement either. For an ordinary cultivator, none of these things are guaranteed.
The only downside is that there is little we can do in a few days, but that is fine! Wu Yulan exclaims, that same determination still sparkling in her gold eyes.
My owner smiles mysteriously and I have an unsavory premonition about what she has in mind. We have more time than you think.