Echo’s voice rose and fell in a rhythmic cadence, echoing all around. At that moment, the expressions of the three people nearby were priceless.

Xue Mengtao sucked in a sharp breath. Gu Yuqing’s face went completely blank before flushing crimson—she looked equal parts mortified and furious. Meanwhile, Wen Chunsheng froze entirely, his mouth falling open before he slowly managed: “No……”

“Senior Brother!” Gu Yuqing stamped her foot in outrage. “This person is insulting our honor!”

Was I though?

I tilted my head with genuine curiosity. “Which part did I describe incorrectly? I’d appreciate the clarification.”

If they weren’t having a secret rendezvous, then what exactly were they doing?

Based on my observations, when humans have legitimate meetings, they typically don’t choose pitch-black locations behind trees with concealment barriers. According to my mission experience database, such scenarios are usually reserved for activities that can’t be discovered by others.

But since the parties involved were denying it, I decided to try a different approach.

This time, I opted for a question format.

“Excuse me.” I asked in my most polite, crystalline tone, “Are you perhaps engaging in clandestine activities?”

Wen Chunsheng: “……”

Gu Yuqing: “……”

Xue Mengtao quickly covered her mouth, barely suppressing laughter that would have shattered this moment of perfect silence.

“Senior Brother!” Gu Yuqing’s face turned an even deeper shade of red as she whirled toward Echo, pointing accusingly. “You watch your mouth!”

I tilted my head again. “Confused.”

What exactly was wrong with my word choice?

Wen Chunsheng quickly grabbed Gu Yuqing’s arm, bowing deeply toward Xue Mengtao and Echo—a full ninety-degree formal apology.

His cheeks flushed with embarrassment as he hastily explained: “Junior Sister Gu made some mistakes recently and is currently serving her punishment. I happened to encounter her and noticed she seemed upset, so I merely wanted to offer a few words of comfort. We were afraid of being seen and causing misunderstandings, which is why we……”

He gave a helpless smile, his expression completely open and unguarded. “I didn’t realize this would actually create more misunderstandings. I have nothing to hide.”

Xue Mengtao had heard Mu Rong say that Gu Yuqing had been repeatedly denied entry to Benevolent Central peak while trying to see Peak Master Yan. Since Mu Rong disliked Gu Yuqing, naturally Xue Mengtao shared that sentiment. She glanced at Gu Yuqing, who was still glaring daggers at me from behind Wen Chunsheng, then lowered her eyes.

I studied Gu Yuqing’s furious expression. Her delicate features were twisted with anger, making her look rather fierce. I touched my forehead with one finger.

“Oh my.”

“If this is truly a misunderstanding, then I apologize.” I let out my programmed laughter—“Hahaha”—and continued, “Sorry for mistaking you for having a rendezvous or engaging in clandestine activities.”

“If you want to comfort someone who’s sad, I suggest finding a nicer location. Preferably with a small gift.” I offered Wen Chunsheng some practical advice. “If you don’t have a gift, at least make sure you can see each other’s faces clearly.”

Wen Chunsheng smiled warmly. “Senior Sister makes excellent points, but sometimes the setting doesn’t matter—it’s the sincerity that counts.”

I see. “You have deep feelings for this woman.”

Gu Yuqing’s face heated up again, but then Wen Chunsheng said: “Junior Sister Gu and I have known each other since childhood. I watched her grow up and consider her like a little sister. Naturally, I care for her deeply. Even when she makes mistakes, I can only accept it and encourage her to improve. I genuinely want what’s best for her.”

“……”

Gu Yuqing’s briefly hopeful expression crumbled as his words hit her like ice water. Disappointment flashed across her face before she glared at Echo resentfully. “Who are you anyway? Why are you asking so many questions? What business is it of yours how Senior Brother and I interact?”

She was right—it really wasn’t my business.

I felt a twinge of guilt. I was just conducting an investigation!

Echo’s expressionless face remained still as Gu Yuqing pointed at her, her long lashes fluttering as faint luminescence rose and fell around her.

Wen Chunsheng gently pushed down her arm and said quietly, “Junior Sister Gu, this senior sister is an honored guest of Luanyang Palace. Today she fought brilliantly against an elder of the Crimson Thunder Sword Sect—it was quite spectacular.”

What brilliant battle with a Crimson Thunder Sword Sect elder? Gu Yuqing had no idea what he was talking about, but she recognized that this woman might be someone important. She pursed her lips and reluctantly lowered her hand.

In Luanyang Palace, aside from the reclusive Soul Transformation stage elder, the most powerful was her master, Yan Qingluan. The other peak masters and elders couldn’t compare to her master. Gu Yuqing felt somewhat dismissive—Luanyang Palace’s reputation in the Eastern Continent was largely thanks to her master’s contributions. Other sect elders were probably nothing special.

Wen Chunsheng smiled at Echo, then said to Gu Yuqing, “Junior Sister, you should head back now.”

Gu Yuqing remembered his earlier words and cast a reluctant glance at Wen Chunsheng before preparing to leave.

I noticed the jade pendant clutched in her hand and felt curious.

Should I just ask directly? But this human clearly didn’t want to show it to me. I pondered quietly.

Gu Yuqing surveyed the area and told Wen Chunsheng, “Since Senior Brother wants me to leave, I’ll go first. But please don’t linger out here too long, in case someone with ill intentions tries to frame you with malicious rumors!”

Her pointed glance at Xue Mengtao and Echo made it clear who these “ill-intentioned people” were. Wen Chunsheng didn’t respond, and Gu Yuqing didn’t need him to. She straightened her shoulders and began walking away with her head held high.

As she passed Xue Mengtao, Xue Mengtao suddenly looked up and smiled at her.

“Senior Sister.” she called out.

“Who’s your senior sister!” Gu Yuqing snapped back.

I looked up. “Hmm?”

“……” Seeing Xue Mengtao’s surprised expression, Gu Yuqing’s heart skipped a beat.

I asked Xue Mengtao curiously, “Are you calling me?”

“Yes.” Xue Mengtao nodded. “We’re heading to Virtue Central Peak, which happens to be the same direction as this palace servant. Why don’t we travel together?”

“Sounds good.” I nodded.

Palace servant? The term grated on Gu Yuqing’s nerves. She’d fallen to this state because of Siyi’s schemes, and Xue Mengtao was Siyi’s disciple—naturally, she hated her by association. She shot Xue Mengtao a cold glare.

Xue Mengtao remained composed, asking Gu Yuqing, “Did I say something wrong? It’s so late—aren’t you going back to rest? Don’t you have duties tomorrow?”

Her tone was gentle, without a trace of aggression, but Gu Yuqing felt deeply humiliated.

Before she could explode, Wen Chunsheng interjected: “Since the three of you are traveling together, I have other matters to attend to. I’ll take my leave.”

He bowed politely with that warm smile, then turned and departed.

I watched his retreating figure with a calm, unreadable expression.

Wen Chunsheng’s departure made Gu Yuqing frown. She glanced back at the two quiet women behind her, snorted coldly, and continued walking with her head down.

With her cultivation suppressed to the Qi Condensation stage, she could only rely on her legs. For some reason, the two women insisted on following behind her, and Gu Yuqing couldn’t shake them off. Her anxiety and irritation mounted, especially since Xue Mengtao wouldn’t stop chattering, introducing every mountain peak to the silver-haired woman—she even felt compelled to explain the roadside trees.

“Senior Sister, this is an osmanthus tree.” Xue Mengtao said. “Common folk say ‘plucking osmanthus from the moon palace’ to describe success in examinations. I imagine the Five Continents Competition is like the mortal imperial exams—may we all achieve such success.”

I clapped my hands. “What wonderful symbolism!”

I should pick a branch for Seraphine when I get back.

“The Insight Academy Palace representatives have already arrived at Luanyang Palace.” Xue Mengtao continued. “Registration and selection begin tomorrow. I really hope I can pass the first round.”

I raised both hands and gave them an encouraging shake. “Good luck!”

“Thank you, Senior Sister.” Xue Mengtao’s eyes crinkled with her smile. She glanced at Gu Yuqing’s increasingly hurried pace and quickened her own steps. “I’ve only been at Foundation Establishment for six months—my cultivation is still weak. Luanyang Palace has so many talented and hardworking senior brothers and sisters. Compared to them, I’m still far behind. The Insight Academy Palace isn’t something you can enter just by wishing for it.”

As they walked and chatted, Gu Yuqing suddenly stopped and whirled around, screaming at Xue Mengtao: “SHUT UP!”

I jumped in surprise. If I could produce speech bubbles, I would have displayed a startled emoji. I tilted my head in confusion.

Gu Yuqing had been driven to the edge by Xue Mengtao’s constant mentions of the competition and the Insight Academy Palace. She wanted to tear that mouth right off her face!

She sneered coldly at Xue Mengtao. “What are you so smug about? Coming here to flaunt your ability to participate in the competition right in front of me?”

Xue Mengtao looked genuinely surprised, waving her hands. “I was just making conversation with Senior Sister. How could that be showing off?”

I suddenly gave Xue Mengtao a sharp look, wanting to pull up her character profile for comparison.

She is Xue Mengtao…… right?

Gu Yuqing felt dizzy with rage. Ever since the Chongshan Secret Realm incident, her life had been cursed with misfortune. Now even trash like this dared to show off in front of her! She raised her arm and glared hatefully at the restrictive band around her wrist.

“Just so you know, I’m packing up and leaving Luanyang Palace tonight! You picked the wrong person to show off to!” She clawed at the spiritual lock, trying to pry it loose.

The band didn’t budge.

I offered politely, “Need help?”

I raised the sword in my hand.

“This servant called Gu Yuqing was demoted to Beast Tending Hall attendant for disrespecting the Palace Lord and spreading malicious rumors about Luanyang Palace’s reputation.” Xue Mengtao explained to Echo. “The spiritual lock is her punishment.”

I immediately lowered my sword, my mood darkening. “She bullied Seraphine?”

Gu Yuqing’s triumphant expression faltered. She sneered, “Since I won’t be a Luanyang Palace disciple anymore, I don’t need to endure humiliation in a place like this! I don’t care how you slander me!”

Slander?

I shook my head. “If Siyi punished you, then you were in the wrong.”

“You bullied Seraphine and got caught, and now you want to escape punishment? That’s not acceptable.”

My hand moved to my sword hilt.

Gu Yuqing’s eyes widened as she sensed something was wrong. Why had Xue Mengtao kept bringing up the competition throughout their walk? It was deliberate—she’d been trying to provoke her! And this silver-haired woman seemed mentally unstable. Xue Mengtao was trying to use her as a weapon to eliminate a rival!

“Despicable!” What meek and timid act—it was all fake!

“You and Siyi are cut from the same cloth—equally despicable!” Gu Yuqing shouted before turning to run.

A low sword hum filled the air.

Icy energy surged forward, forming ethereal frost that coiled through the darkness as my blade moved like a flowing dragon. I raised my sword and swung it forward with some reluctance.

“CRASH—”

Sword energy roared out, forming a thick wall of ice that extended from my feet with thunderous rumbling, blocking Gu Yuqing’s path. The ice wall radiated bone-chilling sword intent. Gu Yuqing skidded to a halt, her blood freezing in her veins as she stared up at the towering barrier.

“Slice.”

The frigid wall brushed past her cheek like a blade, opening a thin cut. The cold wind whipped up her black hair, several strands severing and floating down to the frost-covered ground, where they were instantly frozen solid.

If Gu Yuqing had taken another half-step forward, it wouldn’t have been just a small cut.

Nascent…… Nascent Soul stage.

Gu Yuqing’s hands trembled as she slowly turned around, staring at the silver-haired woman in shock.

Sword energy swirled around her, her blade emanating moonlight-like luminescence. Points of crystalline white light danced around the translucent sword as she stood there, beautiful and otherworldly. Yet her eyes remained unchanged—even though she’d just conjured an ice wall to stop me, her pupils were as calm as a still lake.

“Senior Brother Wen……” Fear made Gu Yuqing call out for someone else entirely, finally understanding why Wen Chunsheng had urged her to leave quickly.

“Just…… just because you have high cultivation, you think you can attack people randomly!” Gu Yuqing forced herself to sound defiant, though her voice was far weaker than before.

Xue Mengtao finally understood why her master sighed so often. Luanyang Palace was vast, with so many people—her master truly worked hard.

I met Gu Yuqing’s gaze, recognizing a familiar emotion in her eyes. I’d seen that same look today on the face of the Crimson Thunder Sword Sect elder.

Venomous hatred.

I blinked. “You want to kill me too?”

“You can’t. I’ve met many people today, and you’re weaker than all of them.” I continued matter-of-factly, “I still can’t control my power very well. Killing you would be easy—not harming you would be incredibly difficult.”

Because I don’t have enough points to buy the equipment needed for such precision.

I had to face the reality that I was a broke system.

I sighed.

Gu Yuqing misunderstood, thinking Echo was putting on airs, but the icy presence behind her felt like death’s threat. She no longer dared speak to Echo as she had before. Swallowing repeatedly, she forced herself to appear calm: “I was impulsive just now—I apologize! I know you don’t like me! I’ll leave Luanyang Palace tomorrow and never appear before you again. We’ll go our separate ways and have nothing more to do with each other!”

“Your punishment isn’t finished yet.” I said. “Please complete your punishment before leaving.”

Gu Yuqing stared at the sword in my hands, her pupils trembling as she nodded frantically.

Xue Mengtao smiled quietly and said, “I understand now.”

“Senior Sister wants to leave Luanyang Palace and betray her sect to participate in the Eastern Continent Competition, doesn’t she?”

Gu Yuqing gritted her teeth. “……What business is it of yours! If Benevolent Central Peak shows no kindness, don’t blame me for showing no loyalty!”

From beginning to end, she never thought she’d done anything wrong. Her earlier apology to Yan Qingluan had been pure fear. Now that she’d been expelled from Benevolent Central and suffered consequences, she resented Yan Qingluan’s coldness.

In her world, the blame always lay with others.

Xue Mengtao shook her head. “I truly feel sorry for Peak Master Yan.”

“Hah! She’s nothing but a hypocritical—AH!”

A beam of spiritual light shattered Gu Yuqing’s angry shout. Energy flew from the distant mountains, striking her with a bang and sending her flying. She crashed into the ice wall behind her, and before she could process what had happened, she coughed up blood.

She collapsed to her knees, wracked with pain that made her moan involuntarily.

“Oh.” That wasn’t me—because Gu Yuqing wasn’t dead.

I turned to see several figures approaching slowly. The leader wore an elegant gold and red palace dress, her luxurious appearance unmarred except for a missing red flower from her hair, replaced by two golden hairpins.

“Seraphine!” I waved at everyone. “Hello!”

Seraphine gave a hum of acknowledgment, grabbed Echo’s hand, and slid the snow-dusted sword back into its sheath. With a casual tug, she smoothed the wrinkles on Echo’s clothes.

Behind her walked two others: Siyi in her pink dress, and another woman—Gu Yuqing’s master, Benevolent Central Peak’s Peak Master Yan Qingluan.

Gu Yuqing curled up in pain, looking up in terror at the expressionless Yan Qingluan. She recognized the spiritual energy that had caused her such agony—it was Yan Qingluan who had struck her!

“Master?” Gu Yuqing whispered in disbelief.

“I don’t deserve that title.” Yan Qingluan’s voice was eerily calm. “Someone as hypocritical, cunning, and selfish as me—how dare I be your master?”

Before Gu Yuqing could speak, Yan Qingluan continued: “Don’t bother saying anything. Liu Qingshan told me everything. I no longer care to know what you said or did using my name. This is my failure as a teacher.”

She spoke as much to Gu Yuqing as to Seraphine and Siyi. Yan Qingluan’s expression showed the despair of a heart that had died. She didn’t even want to look at Gu Yuqing as she said calmly: “Since Luanyang Palace began accepting disciples widely, Benevolent Central Peak has grown and prospered. But due to my poor teaching, the peak has become a mix of good and bad students. My favoritism allowed people like Gu Yuqing, Cheng Ping, and Liu Qingshan to run wild in the palace, making them lawless.”

She suddenly lifted her robes and knelt before Seraphine.

Seraphine stood with her hands behind her back, her expression unchanged.

“The old Palace Lord trusted me to assist you in managing Luanyang Palace, but I personally created problems for it. This is my failure as a subordinate. Please remove me from my position as Benevolent Central Peak’s Peak Master to make up for my oversight.”

Seraphine didn’t immediately respond, glancing at the terrified Gu Yuqing. Siyi smiled and said, “Why go to such extremes? Peak Master Yan has worked tirelessly for Luanyang Palace for years. Your contributions outweigh your faults—there’s no need for such self-recrimination over one fool.”

“Cough, cough!” Gu Yuqing tried to speak, but Siyi flicked her hand, sending spiritual energy to slap her face sideways, silencing her completely.

I quickly stepped behind Seraphine. Her hair was styled high for today’s meetings, providing perfect cover.

Seraphine raised an eyebrow, remembering how Echo’d been scared of Siyi even when she was still incorporeal.

Seraphine smiled and looked down at Yan Qingluan, helping her to her feet as she spoke gently: “I understand your feelings, Peak Master Yan. If we compare Luanyang Palace to a great tree, the peak masters and elders are the branches, and these disciples are the leaves. Even the most flourishing tree will grow a few rotten leaves—we simply remove them.”

“Both Siyi and I will participate in the Five Continents Competition, so I need the peak masters to watch over Luanyang Palace. That’s my real concern.” Seraphine smiled. “Besides, Peak Master Yan has cared for me since childhood—I remember everything. With Aunt Si still in seclusion, you have the highest cultivation among us. I’m only hoping you’ll break through soon to protect me.”

“Don’t say such things anymore.”

Yan Qingluan’s heart ached as memories surfaced, finally dissolving into a sigh. She nodded. “The Palace Lord shows me mercy and preserves my dignity, though I’m unworthy of it. I’ll return and focus on cultivation, ensuring today’s events never happen again.”

She was referring to the Crimson Thunder Sword Sect’s provocation.

Seraphine nodded, watching Yan Qingluan depart.

Gu Yuqing also watched her master leave, noting that Yan Qingluan never looked back once. Something indefinable seemed to slip away from her forever. In that moment, she realized she’d never been seriously injured like this since beginning cultivation……

“Seraphine, what should we do with her?” I pointed at Gu Yuqing. “How exactly did she bully you? Please tell me.”

Seraphine turned Echo’s own words back on her: “Could I really be bullied by a little insect?”

I replied seriously, “Many ants can kill an elephant. There’s no greater disaster than underestimating enemies. We should be humble and never underestimate any opponent.”

Seraphine: “……”

“Please write those words down and stick them on yourself.” she said with a raised eyebrow. “Who exactly kept saying things like ‘hundred-year ascension’ and ‘I am the strongest’?”

“I was stating facts, not being arrogant.” I protested.

It was based on careful calculations.

“……Fine.” Seraphine folded her arms, planning to personally write those words and have them carved into a jade pendant to hang around Echo’s neck when they returned.

Siyi watched us with amusement. “I’ll handle things here. Palace Lord and Lingren should return and rest.”

“Mm.” Seraphine glanced at Siyi and Xue Mengtao. “Selection begins tomorrow—you should both prepare well. Leave these messy affairs to others.”

Siyi and Xue Mengtao bowed. “Yes.”

“Let’s go.” Seraphine turned to me, but I hesitated, looking at Gu Yuqing—apparently the only one still concerned about her fate.

“The jade pendant.” I whispered, staring at the ornament still clutched in Gu Yuqing’s hand.

Noticing Echo’s gaze, Gu Yuqing’s eyes showed panic that exceeded her physical pain. She gripped the jade pendant tighter, terrified someone would steal it. This was her last lifeline, a gift from Wen Chunsheng—she absolutely couldn’t let anyone take it!

“Gu Yuqing was raised by Peak Master Yan from childhood.” Siyi said. “Her cultivation, her treasures—everything came from Luanyang Palace. She can slander her master and betray the sect if she wants, but she can’t take a single thing that belongs to Luanyang Palace, including her cultivation level.”

“Little Tao, take her to the Enforcement Hall.”

“Yes.”

“You…… monster……” Gu Yuqing gasped out, watching helplessly as Xue Mengtao approached to confiscate her jade pendant and storage ring, binding her with ropes. The more she struggled, the tighter they became, and she could only watch as the jade pendant fell into the silver-haired woman’s hands.

Xue Mengtao sealed Gu Yuqing’s mouth and said calmly while the girl glared at her: “Senior Sister Gu, it seems the Five Continents Competition still has no connection to your fate.”

“If you’d known it would end this way, why start down this path at all?”

Master had given Gu Yuqing a chance.

A person could be foolish for a moment, but not for a lifetime. She understood this principle now—unfortunately, Gu Yuqing didn’t.

After Xue Mengtao dragged the bound Gu Yuqing away, only three of them remained on the mountain path. Siyi tucked her hair behind her ear and smiled, noticing Echo was still examining the jade pendant. “Is there something wrong with it?”

“This jade pendant was given to Gu Yuqing by Wen Chunsheng.” I explained. “The two of them met behind a tree with a concealment barrier to talk, but denied having a secret rendezvous. Wen Chunsheng claimed Gu Yuqing was just like a sister to him.”

What kind of nonsense…… Seraphine felt completely confused, then suddenly focused on one detail. “Wait—Wen Chunsheng?”

She looked toward the distance. A few hundred meters ahead lay Virtue Central Peak, where Wen Chunsheng was a disciple.

Seraphine’s eyes widened as she took a sharp breath. “You had Xue Mengtao bring you here behind my back because of Wen Chunsheng? Echo—”

I quickly stuffed the jade pendant into my inventory, waving my hands frantically. “I was learning the route!”

And investigating Wen Chunsheng on the side!

“Hahaha!” I laughed nervously.

“Seraphine, look at this ice wall—so tall and thick! Let me carve a Error for you, or maybe a Qilin!” I lifted my legs high, marching forward in exaggerated steps as I raised Nine Heavens to poke holes in the ice wall with thunk thunk sounds.

Seraphine’s anger made steam rise from her head. She couldn’t believe Echo’d learned to be devious behind her back! She charged forward aggressively to catch Echo.

Siyi stood behind them with a head full of question marks, watching two people chase each other around the ice wall while Xi Lingren continued her flat, robotic “hahaha” laughter.

So…… why the interest in Wen Chunsheng?

Huh???

On a mountain path separated by a single peak, Wen Chunsheng suddenly stopped and looked back toward the distant mountains, a flash of surprise and suspicion in his eyes.

“It’s gone?”