Haven't Been a Senior Sister for Many Years - Chapter 13

Chapter 13:  The First Drop of Memory 2.0

The elegant scent of incense gradually masked the smell of bl00d. Xuan Qing calmly and methodically washed the bl00d off her hands. Just moments ago, she had personally reattached the severed limbs of that child.

Pain that would have made a grown adult pass out had only caused the little girl to let out a faint, broken whimper, hard to suppress.

Xuan Qing looked at her with newfound respect and couldn’t help but feel curious about her identity. What kind of life had this girl lived to endure pain that most could not bear—at not even ten years old?

She gestured for Leng Junzhu to sit. A cup of tea at the perfect temperature appeared at her side.

“Speak. What exactly happened?”

Leng Junzhu took a sip of the hot tea, easing her taut nerves before beginning, “Last night, this is what happened—”

She told Xuan Qing everything. When she got to describing the injuries on the girl’s body, she couldn’t help choking up. After several deep breaths, she continued.

“After she fell asleep, I went to speak with a few cultivators who were injured but still conscious to ask about her identity. One of them told me the little girl is a young miss of the Chu family. Her name is Chu Zhiqin.”

“The Chu family?”

“Yes. A branch of the Huaiyang Chu family. The strongest among them was their Grand Elder, Chu Huaitian—half-step into the Nascent Soul stage. Last night, my junior sisters and I only found a fragment of his life-bound spirit sword, the Flaming Sun Sword. He’s most likely… gone.”

“All of the direct descendants of the Chu family were slaughtered. Only a few branch family cultivators managed to escape with their lives.”

“As for the family head’s bloodline…” Leng Junzhu paused, her voice difficult. “Only Chu Zhiqin survived.”

“According to the survivors’ descriptions, the one who attacked the Chu family was likely one of the Twelve Demon Gods of the Demon Realm—Shi Hexuan. He’s notorious for cruelty and brutality. Wherever he goes, corpses pile up. No one survives.”

“The only reason Chu Zhiqin wasn’t killed must’ve been due to his twisted amusement. He let a tortured little girl lie trapped beneath rubble, watching her life slowly drain away, unable to do anything about it. It’s inhuman.”

The more she spoke, the angrier she became. Her carefully trimmed fingernails dug into her palm, drawing tiny dots of bl00d.

She thought of the girl’s mangled body—skin torn, bones shattered. And yet, Chu Zhiqin had been forcibly kept conscious throughout it all, unable even to faint.

Xuan Qing’s hands trembled with rage after hearing this. She longed to personally destroy Shi Hexuan to vent her fury.

“Do we know why she was tortured like that?” she asked in a cold voice.

Leng Junzhu sighed bitterly. “It was all because of a careless boast.”

“A few of the Chu family’s branch disciples were out drinking and bragging about the main family’s young miss being a once-in-a-millennium genius. They said she was exceptionally powerful at a young age and would one day sweep through the Demon Realm, leaving no place for them to hide.”

“Unfortunately, Shi Hexuan happened to be in the same tavern. That very night, he stormed into the Chu household with a group of his men.”

“The survivors didn’t know much more after that.”

Leng Junzhu sighed again. Who would’ve thought that a careless drunken boast could bring such utter catastrophe—especially with someone like that listening in?

Xuan Qing fell into silent thought. “It’s a shame. The so-called righteous sects today don’t dare confront the Demon Realm. Aside from us, I doubt anyone else will lift a finger about the Chu family.”

She shook her head, her contempt for those cowardly “righteous” sects evident.

“The only person left who could avenge the Chu family is now…” She trailed off. A ruined body. Perhaps destined to spend the rest of her life surrounded by medicine jars.

“Master, you can heal her, can’t you? She’s still so young. Don’t they say children’s meridians are the most flexible? What if—just what if—there’s still a chance?” Leng Junzhu pleaded, thinking of Chu Zhiqin’s soul-piercing eyes. She couldn’t bear for those eyes to lose their light forever.

“Calm your heart.” Xuan Qing set her cup down and frowned. “What’s gotten into you lately? I heard you left your mission midway to save her, is that true?”

Her sharp rebuke snapped Leng Junzhu back to her senses. She lowered her head, ashamed. “Yes… It was irresponsible of me. Once Chu Zhiqin wakes up, I’ll report to Elder Sinan and accept punishment.”

Xuan Qing sighed. “That’s not what I meant. You’ve always been steady, mindful of the bigger picture. You’ve never once made me worry. The elders and disciples of the sect speak highly of you. But recently, your behavior has changed. I have to ask—did something happen?”

Leng Junzhu looked over at Chu Zhiqin, who lay restlessly on the bed.

Last night, her twisted limbs had been restored to normal under her master’s healing. Now her thin arms and neck were wrapped in layers of bandages. Her brows furrowed in her sleep, and her breath was faint. Her limbs twitched occasionally, even in dreams.

Those terrifying eyes—now hidden beneath her eyelids—once made Leng Junzhu tremble from head to toe.

Xuan Qing asked quietly, “Is it because of her?”

She had seen the rare tenderness in her disciple’s eyes—an affection she had never witnessed before. How could she not understand?

Leng Junzhu nodded without hesitation.

“The moment I saw her, I knew I’d do anything for her.”

“Even die?”

“Even die.”

She was not shaken by the question. Her gaze was resolute, her tone firm, unafraid of death.

Xuan Qing sighed again—for what felt like the hundredth time that day. Never had she imagined that a routine sect mission would lead her beloved disciple to meet someone destined to change her life. Whether this was fortune or disaster remained to be seen.

“So be it. Everyone walks their own path. Whether it leads to blessing or curse, only you can decide.”

“No need to accept punishment right away. Who’ll care for her if you’re gone? Your master?” she scoffed. “Wait until she recovers, then go to Elder Sinan.”

“Thank you, Master!” Leng Junzhu’s face lit up with joy. She had been worrying about who would take care of Chu Zhiqin if she went to be punished. Being allowed to delay the penalty was a huge relief.

Xuan Qing waved her off. “Let her stay here these next few days. Once her condition stabilizes, you can take her back to your quarters.”

“I’ll take my leave now. You’ll stay here in the meantime.”

“Yes. Farewell, Master.”

After Xuan Qing left, the room grew quiet—save for the faint, weak breaths of the girl lying on the bed.

Leng Junzhu sat at the bedside. Chu Zhiqin’s small body looked like it might be swallowed whole by the blankets.

During treatment, Master had removed hundreds of bone nails of various sizes from her body.

Just because of a few words from someone else… A child under ten had to endure this inhuman torment and pain. If her cultivation weren’t still too weak to face a Demon God like Shi Hexuan, Leng Junzhu would’ve already taken up her sword and stormed the Demon Realm to take his life.

Get well soon, she thought, stroking Chu Zhiqin’s matted hair. Bl00d and dirt were knotted throughout it—she’d have to wait until the girl’s condition was stable before she could wash her properly.

Three days passed.

Finally, the person in deep sleep awoke.

Leng Junzhu was overjoyed.

If not for the faint rise and fall of her chest, she would have believed that she was watching over a corpse. In those three days, she had nagged her master to the point of being kicked out.

“With injuries like hers, being asleep is a blessing. Don’t bother me unless it’s urgent,” Xuan Qing had scolded.

Leng Junzhu had returned to the room to sit quietly in wait.

A faint groan pulled her back to the present. She hurriedly leaned down, carefully checking Chu Zhiqin’s condition.

At last, those eyes—closed for three days—slowly opened beneath her anxious gaze.

“How are you feeling?” Leng Junzhu asked gently.

Chu Zhiqin stared dazedly at her for a long time, blinking slowly, before giving a faint nod.

Leng Junzhu let out a quiet breath. She’d feared the girl had suffered brain damage from sleeping so long.

“Do you want some water? Your limbs were just reattached. You might not be able to move yet. Just tell me what you need—I’ll help.”

Chu Zhiqin’s throat was still badly injured. She tried to speak, but only a short, hoarse “Ah… ah…” came out. Embarrassed, she shut her mouth and gave a shy smile.

Leng Junzhu helped her sit up, placing a warm cup of water at her lips.

Clearly parched, Chu Zhiqin gulped the entire cup down and even licked her lips for more. But Leng Junzhu stopped her gently.

“That’s enough for now. I’ll bring you some congee later. Master says you can only eat soft foods for now. It’s going to be rough for a while.”

Chu Zhiqin shook her head. She could eat again. That alone was a miracle. A few days ago, she thought she wouldn’t live to see another sunrise.

Not being able to eat solid food? That was nothing compared to that.

“I’ll go get Master. Can you stay here on your own for a moment?”

Chu Zhiqin nodded.

Leng Junzhu patted her head. “Good girl. I’ll be right back.”

She quickly returned with Master Xuan Qing. But the moment Chu Zhiqin saw the unfamiliar face, her body tensed. Her wide eyes locked onto Xuan Qing like a startled kitten, a silent scream stuck in her throat.

Unfazed, Xuan Qing walked to the bed and grabbed her wrist to take her pulse.

“You’re recovering well. In another half month, you can try getting out of bed. Stick to liquids for now—don’t strain your body. As for what you’ve been so concerned about… fine. Once she’s well, take her to Hidden Mist Valley.”

Leng Junzhu beamed. “Thank you, Master!”

Xuan Qing tapped her forehead. “You’re thanking me too early. I’ll contact the valley lord in advance. When the time comes, just take her.”

Leng Junzhu nodded.

“I’ll be leaving now. Any longer and your little one might glare a hole through me.”

“Apologies, Zhiqin just—”

“No harm done. I’m leaving.”

“Goodbye, Master.”

After she left, Leng Junzhu playfully flicked Chu Zhiqin’s nose. “No glaring at Master next time, alright?”

Chu Zhiqin tilted her head at her with wide eyes, unsure if she understood.

“I’m going to make congee. Rest if you’re tired. I’ll be quick.”

Chu Zhiqin gave a tiny “Ah” and smiled faintly.

Half a month later—

The weather was clear and warm.

After lying in bed for half a month, Chu Zhiqin finally took her first steps.

Leng Junzhu had spent days making bone broth, massaging her joints every night—all for this day.

“Let’s take it slow. No rushing,” Leng Junzhu said, more nervous than Chu Zhiqin herself. She wasn’t sure if she was trying to reassure her… or herself.

“Relax, Senior Sister. I’ll be fine.” Chu Zhiqin’s voice had healed. No longer needing gestures or nods, she could finally express her thoughts out loud.

She smiled brightly. “Even if I fall, it’s okay. Kids fall when learning to walk, right?”

Leng Junzhu sighed. “Of course I know that. But I can’t help worrying.”

“It’ll be alright. Trust me!” Her grin was radiant—like the horrors from half a month ago had left no trace behind.

Leng Junzhu was infected by that smile. Her anxiety eased.

“Leave the rest to me.” Chu Zhiqin patted her arm.

“Mm…”

She took a deep breath and let go of Leng Junzhu’s support.

Her right foot stepped forward.

Once broken, twisted at inhuman angles, pinned with cruel bone nails… now it moved freely again.

That was all in the past.

Her leg had been fully healed. All that remained was to walk forward—to prove she could.

One step. Then another. Then a third—

She turned and beamed. “Senior Sister, look! I told you I could do it!”

She looked absolutely adorable, eyes curving into crescent moons, tiny fangs showing in her joyful smile.

Leng Junzhu couldn’t help but laugh. “Watch where you’re going! Be careful!”

No sooner had the words left her mouth than Chu Zhiqin lost her footing and fell flat.

Leng Junzhu rushed to help her up. “Are you hurt?”

Chu Zhiqin shook her head, still grinning. “I’m fine!”

“You still dare to smile?” Leng Junzhu tugged at her cheeks. “You scared me half to death!”

“It’s just a fall. No big deal! If I let fear stop me, that’d be worse!” Chu Zhiqin let her tug her face. “Let’s try again! This time I’ll do even better!”

“Alright.” Leng Junzhu took her hand. “But rest if you’re tired.”

“Mm!”

Time flew by.

By the time winter came, Chu Zhiqin could walk on her own—no need for support.

She could even run and jump, dashing across the mountain peaks.

Last night, snow had blanketed everything.

The once-shy girl no longer feared strangers. That morning, wrapped in a pink embroidered cloak and cradling a branch of plum blossoms, she ran to Leng Junzhu.

“Senior Sister, look! Isn’t this branch beautiful?” She offered it like a precious treasure, her eyes shining with anticipation—hoping for a pat, for praise.

“Careful now. Don’t fall.” Leng Junzhu brushed snow from her head and straightened her tousled cloak. “It’s lovely. Where’d you get it?”

Chu Zhiqin grinned. “From Jade Mist Peak! Master told me to pick a nice one to decorate the room!”

After she recovered, Xuan Qing—despite her earlier displeasure—had accepted her as a disciple.

Leng Junzhu smiled. “Then display it in your room.”

Chu Zhiqin shook her head. “It’s for you.”

“Thank you, little sister.” Leng Junzhu pinched her now-chubbier cheeks. “But we need to pack. We’re heading out.”

“Where to?” Chu Zhiqin asked, worriedly glancing at her precious plum branch.

“Don’t worry.”

If Senior Sister said so, then there was nothing to fear.

“Senior Sister, where are we going?”

Leng Junzhu took her hand as they stepped over the threshold. “To Hidden Mist Valley. But we’ll stop at Fuxian Town first.”

“Hidden Mist Valley? What kind of place is that? Is it far?”

Chu Zhiqin had lost all memories before age ten. She didn’t remember what happened to the Chu family. In her mind, the first thing she saw upon waking was her worried senior sister.

She didn’t remember her family—but surely, they were like her Senior Sister.

Always holding her hand gently… leading her forward.

In her limited memory, the farthest she’d ever gone was the town at the base of Sword Pavilion Peak.

There were sweet sugar hawthorns and warm soups there.

But most importantly, she could hold Senior Sister’s calloused but always warm hand—all day long.