Senior Sister Is Too Weak and Cannot Take Care Of Herself (Transmigration) - Chapter 29

“My opponent forfeited the match, so why do I still have to fight?” Tang Huan demanded. “And even if we take a step back, don’t the matches require a drawing of lots? Can’t we just draw again?”

Tang Huan went to reason with the elders and was surprised to find Liu Fei was already there. His face was a little pale, as if he were ill.

“Ah, Tang Huan!” said Elder Wu, who was Ren Jingmu’s master. “I watched you grow up, and I know you have a competitive streak. As it happens, so does Liu Fei. You two can spar together. After all, it’s a bit against the rules for Liu Fei to enter the next round without a match…” The elder’s face was kind, but his tone left no room for argument.

“Some of the disciples have already finished their matches, so it would be inconvenient to draw lots again. Your spot just happened to be open. You’ll face a strong disciple eventually, anyway, so it doesn’t make a difference whether it’s now or later.” He added with a tight-lipped smile, “If you feel it’s unfair, you can always go find your opponent for a private spar after the match…”

The elder was notoriously doting on his disciples, so Tang Huan suspected the change in her opponent was probably his doing.

“Then can I get a different opponent?” Before Tang Huan could argue, Liu Fei glanced at her and bowed to the elders. “I would like to compete against Fellow Daoist Ren. He hasn’t gone up yet…”

This was a blatant show of disrespect toward Tang Huan’s abilities. But Tang Huan had gotten a general sense of Liu Fei’s personality over the past few days. His words weren’t meant to insult her; he was simply stating a fact.

Still, Tang Huan didn’t want to fight a pointless battle for pride. She knew she couldn’t beat Liu Fei, and she had no desire to fight him. It would be much better if Liu Fei fought Ren Jingmu.

“That won’t do,” Elder Wang, Liu Fei’s master, quickly interjected before Elder Wu could. “My boy, don’t be so foolish…”

“Exactly!” Elder Wu agreed with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “You’ve been overthinking things lately, and your master is very worried. You’re still young, and though it’s good to be competitive, being too stubborn can damage your foundation. Your master was beside himself with worry over your recent nightmares. After this competition, you must remember to rest and cultivate your spirit…”

Listening to the elders’ conversation, Tang Huan belatedly realized that the change in her opponent wasn’t just Ren Jingmu being malicious; it was the result of a political game between all the parties involved. In other circumstances, the elders would be happy to feign harmony, but with the secret realm spots on the line, and with so many heavenly treasures inside, they would not back down.

Elder Wu probably didn’t like that Liu Fei was constantly challenging Ren Jingmu. He didn’t want to see him get a free pass to the next round, so he wanted to drag Liu Fei into a match, to punish him. But since Liu Fei was in a poor state, his master, Elder Wang, would stop him from fighting against another powerful opponent. Tang Huan was just the sacrificial lamb in the elders’ game.

After all, Tang Huan’s adoptive mother, Elder Tang, was in seclusion. And as the master of divinations at Meteorite Pavilion, Elder Tang was famously aloof and wouldn’t pay too much attention to these worldly affairs.

Once she understood the situation, Tang Huan knew there was no use in arguing. She pursed her lips and stayed silent. The world of cultivation seemed to be righteous and just, but wherever there were people, there would be politics, and the law of the jungle was not uncommon.

Who told Tang Huan that her adoptive mother was in seclusion? No matter what she wanted, the elders had their own logic, and Tang Huan had no say in the matter. Liu Fei clearly understood his master’s concerns and said nothing more.

The two of them returned to the martial arts stage in silence. As a disciple who had made a name for himself by constantly challenging other disciples, Liu Fei had accumulated a lot of experience through real combat. Tang Huan truly admired someone so single-minded in their pursuit of the dao. So, when she heard Liu Fei had been troubled by nightmares recently, she couldn’t help but feel a little curious.

Nightmares are a form of sleepwalking, and in the cultivation world, it’s said that those who suffer from them have an unstable mental state and an unsteady dao heart. Wang Mengyao, for example, suffered from nightmares as a child because she was scared and her soul was unstable. While it might be understandable for someone like Wang Mengyao, who had a natural deficiency, to suffer from this, Liu Fei’s sword heart was known throughout the sect. Tang Huan had never imagined a person like him would be plagued by nightmares. Was there something more to this?

Tang Huan glanced at Liu Fei, then lowered her head and pursed her lips. She wasn’t interested in learning Liu Fei’s secrets right now; the most important thing was the upcoming match. Tang Huan didn’t think she was a match for Liu Fei, but Liu Fei’s sword art was open and honest. At least she wouldn’t have to worry about him intentionally humiliating her like that other sword cultivator.

Tang Huan quickly adjusted her mindset. Just as the red-robed Qin Su in her dream had said, to master the sword, you cannot be afraid or complacent. You must gain insight into the sword’s spiritual sense with every practice and spar.

Liu Fei also looked listless and worn out. Tang Huan didn’t know if it was because of the recent nightmares or because she was his opponent, or maybe both. Soon, it was their turn to go up on stage.

“Senior Sister, let’s set a limit of one hundred moves. If you can withstand one hundred moves against me, I’ll count it as my loss.” It was clear that Liu Fei felt fighting Tang Huan was a bit unfair, so he changed the conditions for victory.

“Is Liu Fei really that arrogant?” a spectator asked.

“He’s the number one sword cultivator after Senior Brother Ren, so of course he has the skill.”

“Don’t forget, a few days ago, Senior Brother Ren was momentarily careless, and even he lost to Liu Fei.”

When they heard Liu Fei’s words, the crowd began to murmur. Tang Huan’s eyes, however, lit up. Her opinion of Liu Fei immediately improved, and she couldn’t help but puff out her chest.

Liu Fei might not seem to care about worldly things, but he must have understood the elders’ veiled words, and that’s why he said that. Tang Huan didn’t think Liu Fei was arrogant. In fact, she felt that among all the people she had met, Liu Fei’s talent was the most suitable for cultivation. His nature was sincere and focused on improvement. He dared to challenge the heavens, but when he was in a position of power, he was not selfish or narrow-minded. He had not given up his pursuit of justice. Only a person like that could truly achieve the great dao.

Perhaps because the novel “Ren Tianxia” revolved around Ren Jingmu, and the original book rarely mentioned the sect after Ren Jingmu left, that’s why Liu Fei never appeared in it. It was only now that Tang Huan realized she had been trapping herself all along. Having read the original book had, in a way, been a mental prison, confining her to the boundaries defined by the book. But in the places the book didn’t mention, there were actually incredibly gifted people and a vast, wider world.

A certain intangible shackle in her heart loosened in that instant. Tang Huan’s eyes lit up, knowing she had made another breakthrough in her state of mind.

If it were the old Tang Huan, she probably wouldn’t have had the confidence to last a hundred moves against Liu Fei. But now, with her new moves, Tang Huan had a little bit of confidence. She might be able to last a hundred moves if she tried hard. It was better than having no hope at all.

Tang Huan drew her sword.

Liu Fei’s originally indifferent eyes lit up when he saw her sword. He couldn’t help but exclaim, “A good sword!”

“My pleasure!” 

Tang Huan held her sword to her chest and, without any formalities, was the first to attack. Sometimes, the only thing a sword cultivator needed to win was the fierce determination to go forward. Tang Huan focused all her attention, knowing she was no match for Liu Fei. She held nothing back, stabbing, deflecting, retreating, and slicing, using every move she had to attack Liu Fei from all angles.

Liu Fei’s expression gradually became serious. His movements were flexible, and he had a battle instinct honed from countless real fights. Tang Huan’s attacks fell short, but Liu Fei also seized the opportunity to attack her.

Liu Fei was gradually gaining the upper hand, which was what everyone expected. But what surprised everyone was that Tang Huan had actually withstood dozens of moves against him. Tang Huan’s techniques looked similar to the other disciples, but they were more powerful, as if they had been elevated to a new level!

“So that move can be used this way!” Liu Fei’s eyes lit up. His attacks became even more powerful. Tang Huan even felt that Liu Fei was using various methods to study her sword moves.

Tang Huan felt the pressure again. But after facing the immense pressure from the red-robed Qin Su last night, Tang Huan wasn’t nervous at all. She gritted her teeth. In moments like this, her mind worked faster. She controlled her rhythm, using a few ordinary moves and then a few of the moves that red-robed Qin Su had taught her to keep Liu Fei’s curiosity piqued.

“Wonderful!” Liu Fei exclaimed multiple times during their battle with Tang Huan. His eyes became brighter and brighter, and even the faint sickly color on his face faded. Finally, he put down his sword and bowed to Tang Huan respectfully.

 “Senior Sister, I underestimated you.”

Tang Huan had been keeping count. She had already passed ninety moves, and she was only a few moves away from reaching a hundred. Seeing Liu Fei’s expression, Tang Huan instantly understood. Liu Fei wasn’t going to drag this out any longer; he was going to use his ultimate move.

Is this where I lose? Tang Huan reflected on the fight. She had fought with all her heart and gained insight. She felt it was a worthwhile experience.

But Liu Fei didn’t seem happy. His eyes were full of regret as he looked at Tang Huan. It was clear that he was disappointed that he couldn’t learn more of her techniques in this match.

“Senior Sister,” Liu Fei couldn’t help but ask, “in the future, can I come and seek your guidance on the way of the sword?”

The look on Liu Fei’s face was like a child who had just seen their favorite toy. It was so obvious. Tang Huan looked at him, her eyes blinking, and a thought suddenly popped into her head.

“That might not be possible,” Tang Huan said dryly. “I live with Senior Sister Qin Su, and she doesn’t like strangers visiting…”

Liu Fei had clearly heard of Qin Su’s reputation, and he looked downcast.

“But,” Tang Huan took a deep breath, forcing down the guilt in her heart. She inexplicably felt like a strange aunt trying to trick a child. “If you let me win this match, I’ll be willing to come down from Baiwu Peak to spar with you.”

Seeing Liu Fei’s thoughtful expression, Tang Huan couldn’t help but add, “And I’ll share with you any techniques I get in the future…”

Liu Fei lowered his head. Tang Huan couldn’t help but bite her lip, only just realizing the absurdity of her actions. She was being too blindly confident. Liu Fei had challenged almost all the famous sword cultivators of the Tianxuan Sect. Why would she think that the cultivation technique she got from her dream would impress him?

Tang Huan took a deep breath, secretly gathering her inner strength, preparing to fight Liu Fei.

“It’s a deal!”

When he raised his head again, Liu Fei looked at everyone’s stunned faces and actually agreed.

Tang Huan was completely frozen!

Liu Fei’s master, Elder Wang, was so agitated he cried out, “Liu Fei, you—”

“Master, you always told me that a sword heart is a rare thing, and I have always believed I would overcome all difficulties one step at a time. This set of sword moves is the most profound I’ve ever seen. If I cannot understand its mysteries, I will be thinking about it every day for a very long time, and it will damage my sword heart. Perhaps I will encounter better sword techniques in the future, but for now, only this one has truly captured me...”

This was the first time Tang Huan had heard Liu Fei say so much. No wonder he had made such quick progress. A person who could see through deceptions and have a clear goal was truly rare. Elder Wang looked at Liu Fei with a complicated expression, sighed deeply, and said nothing more.

Liu Fei looked back at Tang Huan and bowed. “I’ll come back another day for your guidance, Senior Sister.” Then, he leaped off the stage.

The crowd was completely silent. No one had expected Liu Fei to do something like this.

“Tang Huan wins!” It wasn’t until the referee elder’s voice rang out that the entire martial arts stage erupted into a roar.

“Liu Fei actually forfeited!”

“He didn’t even forfeit when Senior Brother Ren and gave him a bloody beating…”

“Maybe he never cared about winning or losing. It looks like he lost, but he actually won. I’m so envious of his unwavering sword heart…”

*******

Tang Huan stood on the stage in a daze, listening to the commotion. When she came back to her senses, she felt an incredible sense of unreality. She couldn’t help but look at the sword in her hand. Are the sword moves I got from my dream really that rare? So rare that Liu Fei was willing to give up his chance to enter the secret realm for them? What exactly is this dream?

The more Tang Huan thought about it, the stranger the dream seemed. She thought for a long time and finally went to ask one of the elders. She asked very tactfully, “I have a fellow daoist, and she had a dream where her good friend taught her a set of sword moves. It was a technique she had never seen before, and when she used it in real life, it was incredibly powerful. But her friend is a very weak and frail apothecary with low cultivation. She can’t understand why she would dream of this technique…”

“Ahem,” the elder choked on his water. He gave Tang Huan a subtle look, feeling like he was getting some firsthand gossip. He never expected that the rare sword technique that had shocked the entire sect would have been dreamt up by Tang Huan!

But he still answered her question dutifully. “Sometimes cultivators dream of others teaching them sword techniques. In reality, it’s their own insights into cultivation, and the dream is just a way for them to manifest those insights. Perhaps because you, ahem, your fellow daoist is closest to her friend in her heart, she dreamed that it was her friend who taught her the sword technique…”

“That fellow daoist of yours is truly a genius!”

Is that it? Did I really come up with all those sword moves myself?

Tang Huan scratched her head. Something still felt a little off, but when she thought about it, she couldn’t come up with any other explanation. Could I really be a genius sword cultivator? She couldn’t help but think of her ability to hear spirit beasts’ thoughts.

 Right! I transmigrated, so it’s not impossible that understanding sword techniques is another gift given to me by the heavens. I’m so awesome!

Tang Huan’s ego began to inflate. Since Qin Su was in seclusion, there was no one to share her inflated feelings with, so she took it to her dream.

“The elder called me a genius today! I can’t believe I dreamt up such a profound sword technique!” Seeing the beautiful woman with an icy expression in her dream, Tang Huan wasn’t scared at all. She even boasted, “Senior Sister, believe me, in the future, I will be a famous and powerful expert in the cultivation world! If you follow me, you’ll have everything you could ever want and reach the peak of your life…”

A small crack appeared in Senior Sister’s icy face. For a moment, a hint of a smile seemed to flash in her eyes. She gently poked Tang Huan’s cheek, and her movements even seemed a little tender. But then, for some reason, she suddenly put on a sullen face and moved two steps back, using her actions to show Tang Huan her gratitude.

Tang Huan cried several times while practicing swordplay that night!