Chapter 24: The Indifferent Mei Ruoxi, Mei Ruoyun’s Divine Intervention!

“To know a person’s face but not their heart—well said. But do you truly deserve to know me so well?” Ling Tian landed beside Xiao Ling’er, just as he caught the words spoken by this fellow. If he hadn’t overheard, it would be nothing, but since he did, that kick was actually rather gentle.

To claim you know someone’s heart—if we’re not brothers, would you dare to bare your soul? What nonsense, it’s nothing but ulterior motives.

“You…”

Yan Chen wiped the blood trickling from his nose, lifted himself up, and stared at Ling Tian with hatred in his eyes. Even if Ling Tian’s appearance had changed significantly, that familiar tone made him recognize the youth at a glance.

Yan Chen clenched his fists, swallowing back the words he wished to say. After three years, his demeanor had grown more restrained. He knew well that his anger would only excite the boy before him. In the end, he’d be the one to suffer. He had endured so long already; there was no need to fight for this petty pride. Besides, he was the one who spoke out of turn first, so he had no grounds to argue.

“You finally showed yourself. You said you’d bring me to eat something delicious, but then you disappeared.” At eleven, Xiao Ling’er had blossomed into a graceful young girl, already showing signs of becoming a beauty, though she still retained a hint of innocence. Her bright eyes sparkled as she looked at Ling Tian, surprised that the little rascal who once only reached her waist was now so handsome.

At the very least, Ling Tian’s looks suited Xiao Ling’er’s taste, and he was even a bit taller than her now. Ling Tian carried a maturity beyond his years. Although Xiao Ling’er was older, before Ling Tian she always felt like a child. She crossed her arms, pretending to be angry—after all, he had left her waiting for three years. Isn’t it normal to be upset? To greet him with a smile and say “it’s fine” would be rather odd—except for Luo Qingqiu, of course.

Xiao Ling’er had made up her mind: once Ling Tian offered her something tasty, she’d forgive him and then bring up returning to the sect.

“My mother says that when you’re angry, eating sweets will make you happy.” Ling Tian looked at Xiao Ling’er’s feigned anger, shook his head, and smiled as he produced a few candies. He took her hand and placed them in her palm. Honestly, Ling Tian felt a bit embarrassed about the whole thing—who would have thought he’d be stuck in the Blood Spirit Pool for three years!

“Hmph, do you think a few candies can buy me off? I… If I hadn’t eaten so many delicious things lately, I wouldn’t forgive you.” Xiao Ling’er picked up a candy, popped it into her mouth, and spoke with her mouth full, a little indistinct.

“So sweet, so tasty… I want more…” After swallowing the candy, Xiao Ling’er’s mood shifted dramatically and she asked Ling Tian for more. Ling Tian handed her another handful of sweets. And just like that, the matter was settled.

Yan Chen, who had just gotten up, watched the two chatting and laughing, his hatred for Ling Tian growing even deeper. His mood was as if his favorite dish had been tainted with filth.

“We’ve been out for quite some time. Now that the Flame Domain’s secret realm is about to open, I…” Xiao Ling’er carefully stowed away her candies, only then remembering the important matter. Before she could finish, Ling Tian interrupted:

“Very well, I agree to you all returning, but I have one condition: I want to go too!”

“You want to go? But entering the Flame Domain requires at least the Void Crossing Realm…” Xiao Ling’er kindly reminded him. By age, Ling Tian was at most six years old. Even if he had reached the Void Crossing Realm, it would be a stretch; inside, he’d gain little of value.

“That’s nothing you need to worry about. Pack up—we’ll be leaving soon.”

Ling Tian avoided mentioning his cultivation level, brushing it off. In truth, the treasures he possessed would be worthless even to those several realms higher than himself.

“Ha! The old saying goes, ‘searching for something far and wide, only to find it by chance.’ Ling Tian, you’re so arrogant—once you enter the Flame Domain, it won’t be so easy to get out!” Hearing Ling Tian’s words, Yan Chen’s face revealed a hint of joy. He thought he’d have to wait a long time to settle this score, but Ling Tian had delivered himself right to his doorstep.

The Flame Domain was a place shrouded in mystery, with strict realm restrictions; the highest allowed was the King Sealing Realm. Anyone above that, if they tried to enter, would be destroyed by the laws of heaven. In other words, even a great emperor would pay a heavy price to enter. A few deaths were commonplace.

Moreover, his master wasn’t one to be trifled with and knew teleportation arrays—though they required many materials to set up. Once they entered, killing Ling Tian and fleeing to a lower realm to hide would be no trouble. Ling Tian had come of his own accord—he could hardly blame Yan Chen now!

Yan Chen sneered inwardly; he’d first see how Ling Tian fared without the protection of a great emperor.

Soon, the two finished packing. Yan Chen’s expression grew calm, even a bit cheerful.

“Before we leave, shouldn’t we say goodbye to Sister Ruo Xi?” Xiao Ling’er looked at Ling Tian, holding a skewered candied fruit; she and Mei Ruo Xi had gotten along well lately. Ling Tian was surprised that the little foodie could be so considerate.

“As you wish,” Ling Tian replied. He was also eager to see what secrets Mei Ruo Xi, now a direct disciple after three years, might possess. He doubted his unique vision would fail to uncover any special constitution—there had to be something unusual.

Before long, led by Xiao Ling’er, the three arrived at the spiritual peak where Mei Ruo Xi resided. As a direct disciple, she had the privilege of cultivating on a superior spiritual peak. The peak was not only a symbol of status, but also had practical benefits; its rich spiritual energy meant the higher the status, the purer the energy, and the faster one could cultivate.

Survival of the fittest—those who excel only become more exceptional.

Xiao Ling’er was a frequent visitor here, so the three encountered no obstacles.

“Sister Ruo Xi, I’ve come to see you.” Xiao Ling’er, as if returning home, entered the house and pulled Mei Ruo Xi from her cultivation.

“Do you still recognize him?” Mei Ruo Xi examined Ling Tian, and he in turn studied her. Mei Ruo Xi was dressed in a blue gown, her complexion fair, and she no longer bore the lost and helpless look of years past. Now, she was cold and aloof—a remarkable transformation.

“Thank you for your help back then,” Mei Ruo Xi said with a gentle smile. Though her face was pleasant, her eyes kept others at a distance.

“Thank you? How do you plan to show your gratitude?” Ling Tian narrowed his eyes, amused. Above Mei Ruo Xi’s head, a prompt appeared: [Childhood Companion!]

He swallowed the words that would have made their exchange transactional, changing his tone. “You say you’re grateful for my help? I’d like to see just how grateful you are! Ideally, you’d let me decide the manner of your thanks.”

Everyone was stunned, Ling Tian’s words echoing in their minds. Wasn’t he a bit too direct?

“Ah? I’m not sure—how would you like me to thank you?”

Mei Ruo Xi was hesitant; the conversation had reached this point, and to refuse would be inappropriate.

“I’ve founded a group called the Heavenly Court. We’re short on members; how about you join?” Ling Tian spread his hands, revealing his intentions. He remembered how, when Ling Shuo joined his organization, the system detected some physical ailment. If Mei Ruo Xi joined, any issues she had would be easy to spot.

Truthfully, he couldn’t see anything wrong with her now. Even if nothing showed up, Ling Tian wanted Mei Ruo Xi in his group—he had tasks to complete, after all.

“That might not be suitable. I am, after all, from Luo Qiu Sanctuary. If I joined your group…” Mei Ruo Xi hesitated, shaking her head in refusal.

Xiao Ling’er, not understanding, watched from the side, munching her candied fruit. Yan Chen dared not utter a word, his face still stinging.

“Don’t worry. I’m sure Lord Luo wouldn’t blame you, right?” Ling Tian smiled, addressing the void behind him.

“As long as your heart remains loyal to the sanctuary, you are one of us. You needn’t worry.” Luo Changsheng stepped out of the void, nodding in response.

“Please arrange a means of transport, Lord Luo. We’ll be departing soon.” Ling Tian glanced at Mei Ruo Xi, whose expression was a bit sour, then instructed Luo Changsheng.

Luo Changsheng’s lips twitched—besides the great emperor, only this brat dared order him about so bluntly! Not a shred of respect shown. Were it not for the elder’s order to serve as Ling Tian’s escort, he wouldn’t bother with all this.

What to do? Flip the table? Not appropriate—the elder would beat him to death!

Luo Changsheng left hastily, unable to bear the glare of the group.

“Benefactor? What brings you here? Sister, why are you just standing there? Go fetch a chair!” Mei Ruoyun emerged from another room, immediately recognizing Ling Tian and warmly welcoming him.

After Mei Ruo Xi became a direct disciple, she brought her sister to live with her on the spiritual peak. Hearing her sister’s words, warmth finally flickered in Mei Ruo Xi’s eyes.

“No need for such formalities. We’re just discussing something; I’ll be leaving soon.” Ling Tian noticed the change in Mei Ruo Xi’s expression and stopped Mei Ruoyun.

Mei Ruoyun, curious, asked about the situation, and Ling Tian explained.

“Sister, you’re in the wrong here. If not for our benefactor’s help that day, we might not be here now. Besides, joining the group founded by our benefactor isn’t a bad thing!” Mei Ruoyun sighed, moving to Mei Ruo Xi’s side to persuade her.

In her heart, Ling Tian’s kindness was not something a mere membership could repay. And as the disciple of a great emperor, joining his group should be a dream come true.

“Sister…” Mei Ruo Xi’s eyes revealed her inner struggle—a bitter pill she could not speak.

Mei Ruoyun pursed her lips, gently holding Mei Ruo Xi’s hand, and said softly, “If you acknowledge me as your sister, then agree to our benefactor’s request…”