The Beloved Master's Mad Dog Disciple - Chapter 39

The Spirit Mist Lamp illuminated the amusement in Si Xianling’s eyes. Shen Yanting gazed at her with a helpless expression. “Fellow Daoist Si, you haven’t changed a bit. You always find ways to entertain yourself, no matter the time or place.”

Si Xianling showed no remorse. She tilted her chin proudly and waved her hand at Shen Yanting, gesturing twice. “Sister Shen, I have many enemies. I might die any day now. If I don’t seize every moment of joy, I’ll surely die with regrets. I might even become a vengeful spirit to haunt you!”

She wants to become a vengeful spirit and haunt Shen Yanting.

Bo Xuenong’s hypersensitive nerves were once again triggered. Her gaze, cold as a blade, fell upon Si Xianling.

She could assure Si Xianling that she would never have the chance to become a vengeful spirit.

The Soul-Searching Technique could obliterate souls.

Sensing the rising murderous intent, Shen Yanting tightened her grip on the red cloth. Her fingers pressed against Bo Xuenong’s neck, gently turning her head away from Si Xianling. Guiding Bo Xuenong forward, she followed the Golden Butterfly while continuing to speak to Si Xianling. “You may have many enemies, but few dare to kill you.”

Si Xianling’s smugness grew. “Naturally, they’re afraid of my mother.”

But her triumphant expression vanished as quickly as it had appeared. “It’s useless. The Heavenly Cuisine Sect doesn’t give Wu Qingshu any face. If I hadn’t run into you today, Sister Shen, I’d probably be dead in this cursed place.”

“Fellow Daoist Si, you’re mistaken,” Shen Yanting countered. “Before I arrived, the Spirit Vines had already drained your spiritual power, leaving you helpless. They could have easily taken your life, yet they merely bound you, even preserving a sliver of spiritual power so you could sustain your Beast Tamer’s life. Even if we hadn’t come, they likely wouldn’t have dared to kill you. The Heavenly Cuisine Sect fears Elder Wu, and they fear the Beast Taming Sect too.”

Unlike other sects where meritocracy determined leadership, the Beast Taming Sect’s Sect Leader position was hereditary. This was because Beast Tamers could enhance their spiritual roots and Innate Talent by sharing their beasts’ power.

The previous Sect Leader was Si Xianling’s father, and before him, her grandmother. Many of the sect’s current Elders were Si Xianling’s bl00d-related elders. Even if Zhu Ningfu harbored ulterior motives, replacing Si Xianling as Young Sect Master would be exceedingly difficult.

The Beast Taming Sect had another unique characteristic: their Beast Tamers typically lived far longer than Human Cultivators, and their demon beasts possessed bodies far more resilient than human bodies. Because the sect practiced equal covenants rather than master-slave relationships, when a Human Cultivator died naturally, their Beast Tamer would be released from the covenant unharmed.

Most Beast Tamers in the sect were accustomed to being raised by Human Cultivators. After their previous Masters died naturally, they would quickly seek new ones. This led to intricate relationships within the sect, where even humans were connected through their Beast Tamers, fostering a far greater sense of unity compared to other sects.

For example, though Si Xianling and Zhu Ningfu weren’t biological mother and daughter, Si Xianling’s Lifebound Beast was the daughter of Zhu Ningfu’s Lifebound Beast.

Beast Tamers and their Natal Cultivators shared a common fate and Bloodline. If they were to encounter a Mother-Daughter Bond Seal, their bl00d could form a Covenant Seal, recognized by the laws of Cultivation as a true maternal Bloodline.

While ordinary Beast Tamers couldn’t share Bloodlines with Beast Tamers, their close daily interactions and mutual growth fostered bonds as close as family. Naturally, the family of one’s family became kin as well.

Every sect in the Cultivation World preached unity, but in reality, only the Beast Taming Sect had truly achieved it over hundreds of thousands of years.

While it’s common for Great Sects to protect their own, the Beast Taming Sect takes this to an extreme.

If Si Xianling, with her unique status, were to perish here, the Beast Taming Sect would likely wage a war to the death against the Heavenly Cuisine Sect.

Moreover, Si Xianling’s backing extends beyond the Beast Taming Sect. Her mother, Wu Qingshu, is a Supreme Elder of the Cloudmist Sect, Shen Yanting’s former Grand Martial Aunt. Wu Qingshu holds immense authority within the Cloudmist Sect, having topped the Heavenly Pride Ranking of her generation. Her strength is unfathomable, and her contributions to the sect are immeasurable.

Should Wu Qingshu seek vengeance for her daughter, the Cloudmist Sect would likely mobilize the majority of its disciples.

Everyone in the Cultivation World knows Wu Qingshu is no cold-blooded cultivator who abandons her child. She has always cherished Si Xianling above all else. One of the reasons she separated from her beloved Dao Companion was their repeated clashes over where their daughter should be raised. Shen Yanting’s first encounter with Si Xianling occurred when Wu Qingshu had beaten the previous Sect Leader of the Beast Taming Sect to a pulp, forcibly smuggling the little girl back to the Cloudmist Sect hidden in her sleeve.

That day, Shen Yanting had made a breakthrough in Talisman Arts and eagerly rushed to Wu Qingshu to seek guidance on more advanced techniques. Just as she touched her Grand Martial Aunt’s sleeve, a small child covered in bizarre Beast Tamer creatures tumbled out. In the ensuing chaos, a centipede bit Shen Yanting’s arm. Due to her body’s inability to absorb excessive Spirit Medicine at the time, her arm remained swollen for over half a month.

At the time, Shen Yanting was just a child and was deeply traumatized, leading her to avoid all demon beasts that could bite.

Especially those with venom.

Ironically, among Si Xianling’s five tamed beasts, only the Greyfur Rabbit was non-venomous. When Si Xianling insisted on giving her a tamed beast as punishment, Shen Yanting struggled for a long time before finally choosing the Greyfur Rabbit, hoping Si Xianling would be unwilling to part with her Lifebound Beast and back down. To her surprise, Si Xianling not only accepted the punishment but also insisted on giving her the little snake as well, fearing the rabbit would be lonely.

There was a small subplot to this incident.

Because the Beast Taming Sect was entirely composed of Si Xianling’s relatives, Wu Qingshu had always been at a disadvantage in the custody battle for her daughter. This time, since Si Xianling had lost her Lifebound Beast to Wu Qingshu and couldn’t stray too far from it, she was forced to stay at the Cloudmist Sect for a century until she won back her Lifebound Beast. This greatly satisfied Wu Qingshu’s desire to raise her daughter herself, and Wu Qingshu grew much warmer toward her.

It was only after Shen Yanting made progress in learning Talisman Arts that she sought Wu Qingshu’s guidance. Because she had inadvertently helped Wu Qingshu keep her daughter, Wu Qingshu personally taught her Talisman Arts from then on.

When Shen Yanting later requested to leave the Cloudmist Sect, Wu Qingshu even gave her several high-level talismans.

Recalling these past events, Shen Yanting felt a pang of nostalgia.

She missed her Master and her Grand Martial Aunt.

Perhaps her time at the Cloudmist Sect had been too comfortable, making these memories easily resurface.

The Golden Butterfly guiding them flew faster and faster, and Shen Yanting led the group to quicken their pace as well. Suddenly, a beast with fur like crimson flames burst forth, scattering the Golden Butterfly and charging toward Shen Yanting’s group in an instant. Shen Yanting pushed Bo Xuenong behind her and stepped forward to meet the charge. “Nong’er, protect Fellow Daoist Si and the others.”

Instead of using Bo Xuenong’s sword, Shen Yanting produced two red talisman papers.

Her fingertip gently stroked the red talismans, and they instantly ignited, transforming into two fiery serpents that lunged at the Flame Beast.

Clinging to Gui Nian’an’s back, Si Xianling whispered, “That Flame Beast is made of fire! Why is Sister Shen using Blazing Sun Talismans against it? She should be using Water Condensation Talismans instead!”

Bo Xuenong’s eyes remained fixed on Shen Yanting’s direction. Hearing Si Xianling’s seemingly logical suggestion, she asked, “Would Water Condensation Talismans be more effective?”

Si Xianling looked puzzled. “Huh? Aren’t you Sister Shen’s disciple? Sister Shen’s Talisman Arts are ranked among the top hundred Talisman Cultivators! Hasn’t she taught you any talisman techniques?”

“I’m not as clever as Master,” Bo Xuenong replied, still watching Shen Yanting intently, ready to rush forward at any moment. “My Talisman Arts are barely at the beginner level. Master only taught me some basic techniques and showed me a few common talisman papers. I don’t know much beyond that.”

Si Xianling reached out, stretching her hand toward Bo Xuenong.

Though confused, Gui Nian’an carried Si Xianling closer to Bo Xuenong.

Si Xianling’s fingers hooked onto a piece of Bo Xuenong’s clothing. “I never expected my little disciple to be my soulmate! To be honest, my Talisman Arts are terrible too. We’re both examples of ‘a great master producing a mediocre disciple.'”

Bo Xuenong only knew Si Xianling was a Beast Tamer and had no idea she also practiced Talisman Arts. “Senior Si’s master must be very skilled.”

“My mother was my Talisman Cultivation master,” Si Xianling said, pointing to Shen Yanting, who was locked in combat with a Flame Beast. “Sister Shen learned Talisman Arts from my mother too. My mother ranks first among Talisman Cultivators in the Heavenly Talent Register.”

“First among Talisman Cultivators!” Gui Nian’an and Liu Huairou finally grasped the full extent of Si Xianling’s background. They were astonished by her lineage, but Bo Xuenong wasn’t as surprised. She had seen Shen Yanting’s entry in the Heavenly Talent Register before. Though she hadn’t memorized every detail, she remembered many of the names.

Wu Qingshu was indeed ranked first among Talisman Cultivators, but Bo Xuenong was certain she had seen that name somewhere else as well.

Unable to recall where she had encountered it, Bo Xuenong instinctively tried to access the System for an answer. But as soon as she opened the System Panel, she froze in shock.

Wu Qingshu’s name was prominently displayed on the True Love Plate, written in silver like Bo Xuenong’s, indicating she was a Tier 2 Target. Even more surprising, Zhu Ningfu’s name was also listed in silver, making her a Tier 2 Target as well.

Bo Xuenong had never expected to earn Points from the True Love Plate, focusing solely on the four Tier 1 Targets with their golden names. She hadn’t bothered to examine the other names closely, let alone memorize them. Now, she discovered that Si Xianling’s biological mother and stepmother were both Tier 2 Targets.

It was a pity the System only allowed one assistant. If she could split the System between Si Xianling and herself, earning Points would undoubtedly be much easier.

Since Target tiers were determined by their prominence in the original novel, Zhu Ningfu and Wu Qingshu’s Tier 2 status meant they played significant roles. Given Si Xianling’s complex relationship with them, it was odd she hadn’t even qualified as a Tier 3 Target. Could it be that Si Xianling died early in the Heavenly Cuisine Sect in the original narrative?

Bo Xuenong secretly speculated about the original novel’s plot, resolving to ask the System to exchange for the full story once they left the Heavenly Cuisine Sect.

Si Xianling had no idea what Bo Xuenong was thinking. She only saw Bo Xuenong staring blankly ahead. She tugged at Bo Xuenong’s sleeve. “You’re not scared witless by Wu Qingshu’s reputation, are you? Your Master is incredibly powerful too! She doesn’t even specialize in Talisman Arts and still ranks among the top hundred. And she’s not even sixteen hundred years old yet, while Wu Qingshu is already six thousand! I bet Sister Shen will surpass Wu Qingshu someday!”

Bo Xuenong wholeheartedly agreed with Si Xianling’s assessment.

She had always been this way—anyone who praised Shen Yanting would instantly earn her favor.

Snapping out of her daze, Bo Xuenong closed the System Panel. When she spoke to Si Xianling again, her tone was much warmer. “No, I was just thinking about the Water Condensation Talisman.”

Having grown up surrounded by such knowledge, Si Xianling understood far more than Bo Xuenong. “The Blazing Sun Talisman and the Water Condensation Talisman are both Sixth-Grade talisman paper, but Flame Beasts are fire-aligned. According to the Five Elements Counteraction, water talismans are more effective against them than fire talismans. You could also use the Imperial Feather Snow Phoenix Talisman. Sister Shen has already reached the Spirit Transformation Realm, so she’s probably learned Third-Grade Purple Talismans by now.”

The quality of medicinal pills is determined by their Spiritual Qi and Pill Marks, while the grade of Talisman Arts is determined by their Spiritual Qi and Spirit Patterns.

Spirit Patterns are the designs on talisman paper, coming in seven colors. First-Grade talismans are gold, Second-Grade are silver, Third-Grade are purple, and the remaining grades are blue, cyan, red, and white, each corresponding to a different cultivation realm.

The Third-Grade Purple Talisman corresponds to the Spirit Transformation Realm.

Spirit Transformation Realm, huh?

To this day, Bo Xuenong still didn’t know Shen Yanting’s exact cultivation level. While the Heavenly Talent Register provided detailed rankings, only the Heavenly Pride Ranking included cultivators’ specific cultivation levels. Other rankings only showed rankings, without real-time updates on cultivation levels or grades. Moreover, the rankings remained unchanged unless a cultivator engaged in combat.

After all, those who ranked among the top hundred on the Path of Cultivation were the foundation of their sects, many of whom had joined the Divine Pavilion. The Divine Pavilion would never be foolish enough to reveal its full strength. Once these cultivators secured their positions on the Path of Cultivation ranking, they rarely engaged in combat, preferring to conceal their true power.

The rankings Bo Xuenong had seen for Shen Yanting on the Heavenly Talent Register were all rankings Shen Yanting had left behind five hundred years ago.

Those rankings were long outdated.

Hua Fangqi, the flower shop owner, and Si Xianling both suspected Shen Yanting was at the Spirit Transformation Realm. Given their consensus, it was likely true. However, the Spirit Transformation Realm had three sub-grades—low, mid, and high—with significant differences in power. It remained unknown which sub-grade Shen Yanting belonged to.

Bo Xuenong was mildly curious, but Gui Nian’an and Liu Huairou were far more intrigued.

Gui Nian’an had some prior knowledge, but Liu Huairou knew nothing about the subject.

Gui Nian’an couldn’t resist asking Si Xianling, “Miss Si, can Talismasters only learn to craft talisman paper of their corresponding cultivation grade? The Talismaster who crafted the Human Talisman for my grandmother only had Spirit Transformation Realm cultivation, yet he was revered as a First-Grade Talismaster by the Heavenly Cuisine Sect. It seems he could produce First-Grade talisman paper.”

“While it’s commonly said that cultivation grade corresponds to talisman paper grade, it’s not an absolute rule,” Si Xianling explained kindly, glancing in Shen Yanting’s direction. “As you know, there are eight main Paths of Cultivation within the Orthodox Path: sword cultivation, body cultivation, spirit cultivation, demon cultivation, talisman cultivation, formation cultivation, artifact cultivation, and pill cultivation. The first four are Combat-Type cultivators who focus on enhancing their own strength, while the latter four are Auxiliary Cultivators who rely on external tools and support. They can provide combat equipment to others but have weaker combat abilities themselves. They lack the Spirit Cultivators’ exaggerated spiritual power, the sword cultivators’ extreme combat prowess, the demon cultivators’ innate talents, and the body cultivators’ iron-like physiques. Consequently, they face greater disadvantages during Thunder Tribulations and when overcoming inner demons, making them more prone to death.”

“According to the traditional rules of the Path of Cultivation, Talisman Cultivators at the Out-of-Body Stage are indeed limited to crafting Third-Grade and lower-tier talisman paper. However, the Support-Type Path of Cultivation is far more challenging than the Combat-Type Path. Each breakthrough is akin to gambling with one’s life, leading many to willingly pay a price to craft more powerful talisman paper ahead of schedule, or even abandon cultivation breakthroughs altogether, focusing solely on talisman research.”

“The Spirit Transformation Realm marks a turning point for them. For Auxiliary Cultivators, whether crafting talismans or refining pills, the spiritual power gained at this stage is sufficient to challenge First-Grade talisman paper and medicinal pills. Moreover, Spirit Transformation Realm cultivators possess lifespans exceeding ten thousand years, which many consider ample. Consequently, most Auxiliary Cultivators who reach the Spirit Transformation Realm choose not to advance further. Instead, they sacrifice a portion of their spiritual roots, completely abandoning the pursuit of immortality, in exchange for the ability to craft more potent talisman paper and medicinal pills without breaking through to higher cultivation realms.”

“It might sound like a bad deal, but most Auxiliary Cultivators in the Cultivation World choose this path. Many don’t even reach the Spirit Transformation Realm; they start doing this as soon as they reach the Nascent Soul stage. The risk of breakthrough is too high for them. Cultivation isn’t just about innate talent and spiritual roots; it also depends on seizing the right opportunities. Auxiliary Cultivators have such weak constitutions that they’re often outmatched by Combat-Type Cultivators even when competing for opportunities. That’s why many say choosing the Support-Type Path of Cultivation means giving up on immortality from the start.”

Si Xianling explained clearly, but Gui Nian’an still didn’t quite understand. “Isn’t the Cultivation World all about the strong ruling? Giving up on advancing your cultivation realm seems like you’d be easily bullied.”

“Who would dare bully them?” Si Xianling rolled her eyes at Gui Nian’an. “Alchemists, Artifact Refiners, Talismasters, and Formation Masters are the four most lucrative professions in the Cultivation World. Especially Alchemists—people line up to shower them with spirit stones. Our Beast Taming Sect has two Second-Rank Alchemists who are only at the Out-of-Body Stage. Go ask anyone in the Sect if they’d dare bully them. If they were mistreated outside and Zhu Ningfu didn’t resolve it that day, those two old crones would throw a fit and threaten to leave the Sect the next day. Even Zhu Ningfu, the Sect Leader, doesn’t dare scold me, the Young Sect Master, yet those two have the nerve to steal my pastries!”

Gui Nian’an asked curiously, “Doesn’t the Beast Taming Sect have a First-Grade Alchemist?”

Si Xianling muttered under her breath, “I told you, they’re prone to dying young. Only the Three Great Sects have First-Grade Alchemists.”

She suddenly patted Bo Xuenong’s shoulder. “The Cloudmist Sect’s First-Grade Alchemist is your grandmaster, Mo Tingshu.”

Shen Yanting happened to walk back just then and overheard Si Xianling’s words. After a moment’s thought, she corrected her, “Fellow Daoist Si, I’m now an expelled disciple of the Cloudmist Sect. Sect Leader Mo is no longer my master.”

Si Xianling scoffed. “I don’t believe it. Sect Leader Mo treasures you, her disciple, more than anything. Even when my mother taught you Talisman Arts, Sect Leader Mo would keep a close watch, afraid she’d steal her disciple away. I refuse to believe she’d expel you. I couldn’t get the real reason from Wu Qingshu, but I bet this ‘expelled disciple’ story is just a cover-up, a lie to fool everyone!”

To her credit, Si Xianling’s guess was remarkably accurate.

Bo Xuenong, the true culprit behind Shen Yanting’s expulsion, lowered her head in shame.

Shen Yanting didn’t notice Bo Xuenong’s guilt. She picked up the red cloth again, not out of habit, but because Bo Xuenong was covered in Si Xianling’s spirit beasts. Apart from the red cloth around her neck, Shen Yanting had nowhere else to grab.

Without another word, Shen Yanting summoned a Golden Butterfly and led them forward.

Si Xianling, being carried by Gui Nian’an, suddenly realized that the spirit beast had been dealt with while she and Bo Xuenong were talking.

She exclaimed dramatically, “Sister Shen! You took down that Flame Beast connected to the Heavenly Cuisine Sect’s Sect-Protecting Grand Formation with just two Sixth-Grade Fiery Sun Talismans?”

“Mm-hmm,” Shen Yanting nodded.

The admiration in Si Xianling’s eyes nearly overflowed. “Heavens, Shen Yanting! The Heavenly Cuisine Sect’s Sect-Protecting Grand Formation might not be on par with the Three Great Sects, but it’s still comparable to our Beast Taming Sect’s! That’s the accumulated power of generations! Even my Huihui would struggle against a Flame Beast connected to such a formation. And you took it down with just two Sixth-Grade talisman papers? How can someone be this powerful?!”

Shen Yanting shook her head. “That Flame Beast wasn’t that strong.”

Just as she finished speaking, the Golden Butterfly shattered again.

In the darkness, countless pairs of emerald eyes flickered to life, staring intently in their direction.

As Si Xianling surveyed the scene, she realized there were over a thousand eyes, sending a chill down her spine. The pain from her wounds flared anew, searing through her body.

Shen Yanting gently raised her hand, causing the Spirit Mist Lamp that had been following them to blaze brighter. The lamp’s light revealed the owners of the green eyes: hundreds of Flame Beasts identical to the one they had just faced, but with far greater power and a more terrifying aura.

The earlier Flame Beast had likely been merely a scout; the true strength of the Flame Beasts lay here.

Frowning deeply, Shen Yanting pulled Si Xianling off Gui Nian’an’s back, tossed the silver snake back onto Si Xianling’s body, and placed the spider on her back before finally hoisting Si Xianling onto her own back. She instructed Gui Nian’an, “Protect your mother.”

Before Shen Yanting could speak to Bo Xuenong, the latter had already charged forward, wielding the Suspended Ink Sword.

Clinging to Shen Yanting’s back, Si Xianling pointed at Bo Xuenong, who was weaving through the Flame Beasts. “Sister Shen, your disciple seems… off.”

Shen Yanting didn’t respond, instead carrying Si Xianling as she hurried to catch up with Bo Xuenong.

Bo Xuenong gripped the Suspended Ink Sword tightly, plunging it into the Flame Beast’s abdomen. The beast’s bl00d surged up the blade toward her, instantly transforming into scorching flames that engulfed her arm. She lowered her head to gaze at the burning fire, then let out an unusual laugh.

Without releasing the sword or paying heed to the flames, she drove the blade deeper into the Flame Beast’s abdomen.

Grasping the sword with both hands, she twisted it violently. When the blade lay horizontally across the beast’s abdomen, she thrust it forward with all her might, cleaving the Flame Beast in two. The sword, still dripping with the beast’s bl00d and flesh, hurtled toward another Flame Beast. The moment the blade struck the second beast’s abdomen, the newly acquired bl00d and flesh ignited with even greater intensity.

A pungent, charred odor filled the air.

Bo Xuenong was using the Flame Beasts’ own power against them.

Si Xianling watched nervously as the centipede tattoo on Bo Xuenong’s left arm and the flames on her right arm flickered. “Sister Shen, is… is your disciple going mad?”

Bo Xuenong wasn’t mad; she was simply annoyed.

Annoyed by her own weakness, and annoyed that Shen Yanting was carrying Si Xianling.

She understood perfectly that Shen Yanting had arranged things this way to more easily deal with the swarm of Flame Beasts. This was precisely what irritated her most. If she were strong enough to effortlessly eliminate the beasts, Shen Yanting wouldn’t have to carry Si Xianling on her back.

Or, if Si Xianling were dead, that would be fine too. A corpse could be stored in a Storage Jade Bracelet…

No, she couldn’t think like that.

Si Xianling was Shen Yanting’s friend.

If she died, Shen Yanting would be heartbroken.

She couldn’t kill Si Xianling.

Kill the Flame Beasts. Kill them all!

Bo Xuenong gritted her teeth, her attacks growing fiercer.

The more she fought, the more her courage surged, and the flames engulfing her burned even more fiercely. Soon, the long sleeve of her right arm had been reduced to ashes. Only her remaining rationality allowed her to channel spiritual power to protect the centipede on her left arm when the flames reached it. The searing heat on her arm didn’t deter her; instead, it intensified her murderous intent.

She kept telling herself:

Kill them. Kill the Flame Beasts quickly and get Si Xianling onto my back.

The bl00d of Flame Beasts lacked the sweet fragrance of Human Cultivator bl00d, yet Bo Xuenong’s bloodlust only grew stronger.

Seizing an opportunity, Shen Yanting circled around to Bo Xuenong’s side and extinguished the flames engulfing her. She gazed at Bo Xuenong’s scorched arm, her eyes filled with pity. “Nong’er, you…”

Shen Yanting wanted to urge Bo Xuenong to take better care of herself, but Bo Xuenong quickly broke free from her grasp and stepped in front of her, shielding her from the charging Flame Beasts. She murmured under her breath, “Bo Xuenong, you can protect Master. You can!”

Bo Xuenong gave Shen Yanting no chance to speak, her entire focus fixed on the Beasts.

Wielding the Suspended Ink Sword, she charged back into the fray, her strikes growing increasingly ruthless. Suddenly, a faint golden light erupted from the head with the furry right ear, and a left ear slowly materialized, both ears now glowing with an even brighter radiance.

A Flame Beast suddenly leaped into the air, aiming for Bo Xuenong’s newly formed ears.

Bo Xuenong bent slightly at the waist, dropped to her knees, and slid forward, the Suspended Ink Sword cleaving open the Flame Beast’s abdomen. She slid beneath the creature, moving toward the surrounding pack of Flame Beasts.

The bisected beast flew overhead, its bl00d dripping onto Bo Xuenong’s furry ears.

The ears suddenly grew long and wide, resembling… resembling the ears of a long-eared rabbit, only larger and broader.

The elongated ears began to flap violently, striking the Flame Beasts with tremendous force.

Despite their soft, dense fur, the ears remained unscathed. The seemingly ferocious Flame Beasts staggered backward several steps from the blows.

Si Xianling finally realized something was wrong. She grabbed Shen Yanting’s arm, her voice trembling, “Sister Shen, your disciple isn’t human!”

Shen Yanting watched as Bo Xuenong’s furry ears suddenly sprouted and lengthened, helping her fight the Flame Beast. The last shred of her belief that Bo Xuenong was a Human Cultivator shattered. Bo Xuenong’s Bloodline seemed to be undergoing a bestial transformation, a condition none of her fellow disciples had ever exhibited. Already possessing the Bloodline of a feral beast, Bo Xuenong’s body was now becoming demon beast-like, likely giving her enemies ample reason to target her.

Worry flooded Shen Yanting’s heart. Her grip tightened on the talisman paper in her hand.

She lowered her gaze, and as expected, the Bl00d Lotus Mark on her wrist had reappeared, its color deepened from the day’s excessive bloodshed.

Lowering her wrist, she stared intently at Bo Xuenong, who was weaving through the swarm of beasts. Watching her reckless fighting style, Shen Yanting’s heart clenched painfully.

She sighed, battling the Flame Beast while sending a telepathic message to Si Xianling: “Fellow Daoist Si, if I survive today, I’ll get you out of here! I don’t want you to repay me with your hand in marriage. I just need you to promise me one thing!”

Si Xianling blinked, glancing uncertainly at Shen Yanting.

Based on her understanding of Shen Yanting, the woman wasn’t one to demand repayment for favors. It was rare for her to ask anyone for anything.

This is strange, Si Xianling thought.

Si Xianling found it strange, but she readily agreed. “Sister Shen, we’ve known each other for so many years. Even if you hadn’t saved me today, I would still do anything within my power for you.”

Shen Yanting transmitted her voice telepathically: “Nong’er also played a part in saving you today. I need you to swear an Immortal Oath: if anyone ever tries to kill Nong’er, you must protect her with your life.”

Si Xianling, now drained of Spiritual Qi, couldn’t transmit her voice. She could only lower her voice and whisper, “Sister Shen, with you protecting her, who would dare harm her, even if she’s a half-demon?”

Shen Yanting remained silent for a long moment before continuing telepathically, “It might be me.”

“……”

If Si Xianling hadn’t been too weak to stand, she would have jumped off Shen Yanting’s back and shouted at Bo Xuenong, “Has your Master gone mad?!”

For now, she had to stay put on Shen Yanting’s back and could only whisper, “Are you serious?”

Shen Yanting turned her head, letting Si Xianling see her solemn and resolute expression. “Fellow Daoist Si, you should know I never joke about such matters.”

Si Xianling fell silent. After Shen Yanting dispersed several Flame Beasts, she transmitted her voice again: “If I am the one trying to kill Nong’er, I want you to kill me.”

Si Xianling wished she were deaf right then. She pressed her voice down and shouted into Shen Yanting’s ear, “You’re asking me to kill you?!”

Shen Yanting hummed softly. Si Xianling’s heart sank like lead. “Did your disciple drug you with a mind-altering potion?”

Shen Yanting shook her head. “I owe her a great debt. If it comes to it, I wouldn’t hesitate to repay her with my life.”

Si Xianling was utterly bewildered. “What could you possibly owe her?”

“She treated me with genuine sincerity, while I wasn’t entirely honest with her. I even deprived her of her freedom…” Shen Yanting trailed off, then sent another telepathic message to Si Xianling: “Fellow Daoist Si, don’t ask any more questions. Just remember to take the oath after we escape.”

Si Xianling stubbornly protested, “Sister Shen, I’m not weak, but I’m not capable of killing you!”

Shen Yanting gave Si Xianling a piercingly serious look. Just as Si Xianling thought she might be changing her mind, Shen Yanting sent another telepathic message: “You can’t kill me, but Elder Wu can.”

Si Xianling: “…I’ll make my mother cripple her cultivation another day!”