Regarding the matter of Bai Susu.
Chen Ye originally didn’t want to discuss it with his disciple.
After all...
The disciple seems not particularly fond of Bai Susu.
If it’s spoken about,
it could spark trouble unnecessarily.
But Zhiwei is completely different from Qing Jun.
She not only is sensible and obedient, but also shares a close connection with the master.
Whatever the master thinks, she can guess most of it.
Since it can’t be hidden, it’s better not to hide it.
"Zhiwei, you are always so clever."
"Is Master praising Zhiwei?"
"What else?"
"Oh..."
The disciple faintly curled a smile.
"Indeed, it concerns True Inheritor Bai. News from the front line indicates that although Black Cliff City has been taken, True Inheritor Bai has likely offended a disciple from a major family in Ruins Country."
Chen Ye detailed the backstory to Zhiwei.
Zhiwei was puzzled: "Why say True Inheritor Bai offended that heir? Does Master think the Li family heir would be angry due to losing?"
"Hmm... The internal struggles within Li family in Ruins Country are also very fierce. True Inheritor Bai, with sixth-layer Foundation Establishment cultivation, defeated his seventh-layer, which would undoubtedly hurt his reputation and prestige. Moreover, True Inheritor Bai’s talent must attract the Li family heir’s attention."
Chen Ye pondered.
Additionally, back then, the reason Duqing Sect could hold Black Cliff City was due to its close relationship with a significant figure in the Li family of Tide Lake.
This heir speaks of transferring Black Cliff City to Lingyin Sect, but Duqing Sect won’t give up so easily.
"Master, wars between sects always involve risks."
Zhiwei calmly said,
"Since the elders of Lingyin Sect decided to go to Qi Kingdom, all factors were thoroughly considered and within their expectation."
"As a master, I understand this rationale..." Chen Ye sighed.
Zhiwei’s gaze shifted to her master’s face, suddenly stating:
"I understand now. Master must think True Inheritor Bai’s temperament is... free-spirited, hence worrying she’d offend the Li family."
Exactly.
Bai Susu is indeed a lawless person; even the same sect’s peak masters would act without hesitation.
Chen Ye doesn’t think she would fear others’ authority.
Seeing her master not denying, Zhiwei’s gaze dimmed slightly; she whispered:
"Actually, Master underestimates True Inheritor Bai. Though she seems reckless, she acts cautiously."
"But you don’t know; that day in Dubhe Hall, she openly severed the same sect’s peak master’s arm!"
Chen Ye shook his head.
He wouldn’t be surprised by anything done by her.
"Master, this is precisely being in the thick of it. The reason True Inheritor Bai got angry that day was because of Master..."
Zhiwei was perceptive.
She knew that day True Inheritor Bai was genuinely furious for her master, hence vented her sword.
After all...
Bai Susu considers their respected master as an untouchable treasure, to be toyed with at will, and how would she allow others to insult him?
Thinking of this.
Zhiwei only felt a sudden dizziness in her mind.
Master, untouchable treasure...these two words shouldn’t have any connection.
The former is lofty, like a mountain revered from far away, unattainable.
The latter...
The latter, however, suggests a strong sense of desecration.
Zhiwei’s delicate hand in her sleeve slightly clenched, her nails almost piercing her skin, using this to suppress the irritation in her heart.
She raised her head, her gaze regained clarity:
"Anyway, True Inheritor Bai has her own considerations. Instead of worrying, Master should focus on cultivation. Only then will he have the power to help in the future."
Zhiwei spoke sensibly,
Chen Ye’s internal agitation gradually calmed down; seeing Zhiwei seemingly worried for him, he smiled:
"Let’s not talk about that now. I remember that soon, Luoxiao Grotto Heaven will open. You and Jin’er are now both at the Foundation Establishment stage and should be eligible to enter. Zhiwei, do you want to try the trial?"
Luoxiao Grotto Heaven is one of the few remaining grotto heavens left by Songyang Sect, located in the central Yan Kingdom under Spirit Treasure Sect’s jurisdiction.
In the past,
Yan Kingdom’s Five Sects all believed it was Songyang’s direct lineage, deserving inheritance of Luoxiao Grotto Heaven.
It’s right in the center, and all Five Sects want to be involved.
Therefore,
several battles occurred over Luoxiao Grotto Heaven, affecting the entire Yan Kingdom, leaving the cultivation realm’s power void, nearly exploited by external sects.
Seeing this, the sects had to stop the struggle, agreeing to share Luoxiao Grotto Heaven, opening every five years.
Moreover, the grotto heaven does not allow Great Cultivators to enter, reducing negative impacts brought by struggles.
And cultivators entering, life or death left to fate, sects cannot intervene.
"Luoxiao Grotto Heaven..."
Zhiwei remained silent for a while.
True Inheritor Bai can sever grudges with a sword for Master’s sake, deterring troublemakers.
How about herself?
She can only sit here in Cangli Courtyard while Master recounts external dangers, then... helplessly watch Master face those challenges alone.
The words "untouchable treasure," though desecrating, also imply using absolute strength to possess.
Without enough power, how to talk about protection? How to talk about...
She didn’t want to remain powerless.
"Master."
The girl with ink-black hair spoke decisively,
"Disciple...wants to go."
"Oh?"
This time Chen Ye was surprised.
He asked, but internally he thought Zhiwei wouldn’t go.
Not because he thought Zhiwei feared death.
But because this girl’s heart is tied to her master and younger sister, she might not bear leaving.
"That’s good. Though Luoxiao Grotto Heaven is dangerous, being always in a greenhouse, for you, is no different than boiling frogs in warm water."
Chen Ye took a sip of tea, feeling a bit emotional.
He indeed didn’t want the disciple to take risks, but the disciple’s identity is unique, bearing fate, destined for many challenges in the future.
Even so, it’s better to experience more now.