Chapter 31: The Miserable Yan Chen, Tuition Fees, Xiao Ling’er’s Secret

“My disciple is somewhat unworthy. I must trouble you to instruct him, and as for compensation, let it be as you say…” What else could he say? Was he supposed to claim Ling Tian wasn’t qualified? The other party had already revealed his identity—supreme in the way of the sword. If you were to say he was unworthy, you’d at least have to reach that same realm yourself, wouldn’t you? Otherwise, you’d just be stubbornly denying the obvious.

Besides, the compensation had to be given, whether he wanted to or not. This was the disciple of an Emperor. If he went back and spoke a few ill words about their family in front of the Emperor, that alone would be enough to cause endless trouble. Spending money to avoid disaster—under these circumstances, it was the wisest choice.

How truly unfortunate, that everyone who came to make trouble for him turned out to be people he couldn’t afford to offend. Fortunately, with Yan Chen being instructed by Ling Tian, he was bound to make progress in swordsmanship, which would make refining pills for him even easier.

Yan Chen regarded Ling Tian with a look as if facing a man-eater. Instruct him in the way of the sword? Did he really dare to say that? The word should have been “discipline,” shouldn’t it? Well, so it goes…

Yan Chen shook his head helplessly. For this fellow, resources seemed to come far too easily.

“All right, that’s the end of the matter. Sixth Elder, see to the meal arrangements.” The elder addressed hurried away.

“Lord Luo, your reputation precedes you. Now that I’ve seen you, you truly are extraordinary…”

“Yes, your cultivation is awe-inspiring. It seems you’ve got one foot already in that realm…”

“Young friend, your talent in swordsmanship is unmatched through the ages. I have a granddaughter who is devoted to the sword—why not join her in her chambers tonight for some discussion…”

“Nonsense, I’ve met your granddaughter—she’s hardly pleasant to look at. Young friend, my daughter is three hundred years old this year—what do you think…”

The elders swarmed around Ling Tian and Luo Changsheng, seeking to forge connections. Who didn’t know of their exalted status? As for Ling Tian, they were all hoping for a marriage alliance.

Yan Chen found himself left out in the cold. Xu Yun exchanged a glance with him, and the two slipped out of the great hall together.

…

“My good disciple, during those three years you were away, there wasn’t a moment I didn’t want to fetch you back. But you know my own abilities are limited,” Xu Yun said warmly as they made their way back to the Lingfeng peak, looking at Yan Chen with a gentle smile.

“I understand.” Yan Chen nodded, though inwardly he scoffed. Understand? Hardly! That was what he said, but in truth, he just wanted him to refine pills…

“Thankfully, during those three years, you were guided in swordsmanship by the renowned Tianling of the entire Dao Domain. It wasn’t wasted time. You must have learned much; your mastery of the sword is perhaps even greater than mine now. Among the compensation Ling Tian offered was a good deal of resources for your instruction.”

Noticing Yan Chen’s expression, Xu Yun tried to comfort him with these words. Little did he know, bringing this up only made Yan Chen’s face darken further.

Swordsmanship more advanced than yours, he thought? That bastard never taught him a thing!

Xu Yun’s real point was that the resources Ling Tian demanded for instructing Yan Chen were provided by himself. If Yan Chen didn’t refine pills for him, he’d be the one at fault.

At times, Yan Chen truly wanted to curse, but he had no choice but to swallow it down. What could he say? That Ling Tian hadn’t instructed him and had treated him like a dog? Xu Yun would never believe him.

“What’s wrong? Why do you look so grim?” Xu Yun asked, surprised.

Was it possible that with such a figure instructing him, he hadn’t benefited? Or perhaps the boy was trying to avoid his obligations? Xu Yun’s expression grew slightly cold at the thought. He had provided Yan Chen with plenty of resources and help—if he was going to act this way, Xu Yun would not hesitate to cut ties. Damn it, nothing comes for free in this world.

“I need a few items. Prepare them for me. In the days before the Flame Domain opens, I’ll refine a pill like that for you.” Yan Chen frowned slightly, having already gleaned Xu Yun’s intentions from his shifting expression. If he spoke the truth, Xu Yun would never believe him. In the end, their relationship was one of mutual use. Even if Xu Yun did think highly of Yan Chen, he would have no qualms about turning on him for the sake of his own interests. In this world of cultivation, everything was a lie—only one’s own strength could not deceive. With strength, anything could be obtained with ease.

“These—are these all for pill refining?” Xu Yun looked at the list Yan Chen handed him. Although a few items were herbs, most were not. In fact, some were needed for setting up formations.

“Is it too difficult?” Yan Chen smiled lightly. He did not believe Xu Yun would refuse. If Xu Yun couldn’t manage even this, how could he expect him to refine pills?

“It’s not difficult. I’ll take care of it. You just focus on refining that pill for me.” Xu Yun narrowed his eyes—a shrewd old man indeed—and seemed to catch Yan Chen’s meaning, agreeing at once. Exchange of interests was perfectly normal in this world.

“By the way, Yao’er has been wanting to see you these past three years. I kept her from doing so. Now that you’ve returned, go and visit her,” Xu Yun said, putting away the list and softening his tone at the mention of Xu Yao. He didn’t resent Yan Chen’s practical approach; the world of cultivation was just so. In fact, he rather appreciated Yan Chen’s depth of mind.

The trouble was, his granddaughter seemed to be completely smitten with Yan Chen—refusing to eat or drink for missing him. If he’d known it would turn out like this, he’d never have matched them in the first place.

“I understand.” Yan Chen nodded, Xu Yao’s figure appearing in his mind, and went to see her.

…

“At last they’re gone.” Back in the great hall, after all the elders had spoken at length, they still showed no sign of leaving until Xiao Ding intervened. Who knew how long they would have kept going otherwise.

“You’re hardly one to complain after pocketing all those communication jades,” Xiao Ling’er said, popping a piece of candy into her mouth and mumbling. If she’d known, she wouldn’t have slowed down their journey with osmanthus cakes—Luo Changsheng really did deserve some punishment.

Those jades in Ling Tian’s hand weren’t from the elders, but from their daughters or granddaughters. As they put it, it was good for young people to stay in touch.

Chu Xuan said nothing, as was her nature—she cared for nothing except the way of the sword. Ling Tian, by association, looked after her as well.

In the world, at such a young age, only Ling Tian could have reached this level.

Ling Tian scratched his head, pretending not to hear Xiao Ling’er, and quietly pocketed the jades, which only made her more annoyed.

“All right, the food is ready. Let’s eat first,” Xiao Ding said, watching the banter between Ling’er and Ling Tian with a sudden sense of crisis. Could this boy really be thinking along those lines? Truth be told, Ling Tian’s talent and status matched his daughter’s quite well.

The only thing he disliked was how Ling Tian could put on an act—so much so that Xiao Ding often felt the urge to give him a good smack. Of course, that idea never made it past his thoughts. With Luo Changsheng nearby, he’d never get away with it.

Soon, they all sat down to a sumptuous meal. Even during the meal, Chu Xuan kept her veil on, never removing it. Ling Tian couldn’t help but admire her professionalism. Watching Xiao Ling’er wolf down her food, Ling Tian could only shake his head.

After a simple meal, Xiao Ding asked, “Lord Luo, aren’t you forgetting something?”

“I haven’t forgotten, but I’m not the one to do it,” Luo Changsheng replied, his gaze falling on Ling Tian. He had promised Xiao Ding, but it was Ling Tian who would deliver the message. Truth be told, he had no idea how to proceed.

“Very well, take me to your room,” Ling Tian said to Xiao Ling’er calmly.

He had intended to do this after her coming-of-age ceremony, but circumstances had sent him directly to the Blood Spirit Pool, delaying matters for so long. Fortunately, Xiao Ling’er’s talent was not lacking, and her cultivation hadn’t suffered; besides, Ling Tian was about to grant her a great opportunity that would let her progress by leaps and bounds in future!

“Ah, but…” Xiao Ling’er felt as though she were being sold off, casting a habitual glance at her father.

“It’s all right, he wouldn’t dare do anything to you,” Xiao Ding reassured her. At this point, there was no turning back. He shot Ling Tian a warning glare, making his meaning clear.

Ling Tian only tugged at the corner of his mouth, not bothering to argue. Even if he did do something to Xiao Ling’er, Xiao Ding wouldn’t be able to stop him.

Ling Tian followed Xiao Ling’er to her spiritual peak, while Luo Changsheng and Chu Xuan had their own arrangements. Chu Xuan, however, was not pleased—she’d hoped to share a bed with Ling Tian to kindle feelings between them. But when Ling Tian said “distance makes the heart grow fonder,” it seemed to give her new insight.

“Aunt Willow, try this, and this one too—these are all delicious…” Xiao Ling’er didn’t go straight to her room but brought Ling Tian to a willow tree, generously sharing her treasured treats. There were many kinds, a true bounty.

The willow stretched out its branches, caressing Xiao Ling’er’s head as if it were alive. Ling Tian noticed a small mound nearby, resembling a grave, around which the willow’s branches were wrapped protectively.

A trace of sorrow appeared in Xiao Ling’er’s large eyes. After setting down the food and chatting for a while, she led Ling Tian to the rooftop of her room. With her legs drawn up and hands at her sides, a gentle breeze tousled her hair. She looked at Ling Tian, her expression serious.

“Tell me, do you think humans and demons are truly so irreconcilable? Is love between them doomed from the start?”