The Beloved Master's Mad Dog Disciple - Chapter 59

Thinking back to Chen Zhou’s breakthrough that day, Ji Caiyan still felt a lingering sense of danger.

Although Cui Huaizhou had three disciples, he was only at the Early Golden Core Stage, while Ye Zhiyao had reached the Mid Golden Core Stage. In the cultivation world, even a single stage of cultivation could mean life or death. Moreover, Cui Huaizhou had always taken advantage of Shen Yanting while simultaneously criticizing her. His guidance to Shen Yanting had been half-hearted at best, and when the fighting began, it was no exaggeration to say he was being completely overwhelmed by Ye Zhiyao.

The strangest part occurred just as they were about to win.

Without consuming any medicinal pills or spirit stones, Chen Zhou’s cultivation suddenly surged, instantly breaking through to the Late Golden Core Stage—without even undergoing a Thunder Tribulation.

What was even more bizarre was how seamlessly she adapted to her new realm. Her spiritual power flowed with practiced ease, her techniques were refined, and her attacks were ruthlessly precise. They were quickly reduced to critical injuries. If Ye Zhiyao hadn’t reacted swiftly, carrying Ji Caiyan on her back and dragging He Xin along before their spiritual power was completely exhausted, they would likely have perished at the Imperial Tranquility Sect.

None of them had ever imagined that the usually quiet and reserved Chen Zhou could be even more ruthless than her own Master, who constantly sought trouble with others.

Ji Caiyan could sense that Chen Zhou’s ambition had transcended merely vying for the Sect Leader position.

Chen Zhou truly intended to kill them.

Recalling the perilous events of that day, Ji Caiyan couldn’t help but shiver, a flicker of resentment surfacing. “Senior Sister, I always thought she was quiet and reserved, but I never imagined she could be so ruthless.”

Bo Xuenong didn’t take the bait. “She wanted to kill you too, so why are you only hunting down Martial Uncle Ye and not Chen Zhou? You’re now at the peak of the Golden Core stage and have unlocked three Bloodline Restrictions. You should be more than capable of seeking revenge. Why focus solely on Martial Uncle Ye? Is it because you only care about his attitude toward you? Or is there something else…?”

“Senior Sister!” Ji Caiyan interrupted Bo Xuenong’s wild speculation. She opened her mouth slightly, hesitating, unable to voice her thoughts.

Bo Xuenong’s patience quickly wore thin. “Fine, you don’t need to explain yourself. I have no interest in the grudges between you and your master.”

Liar.

She was just afraid of hearing something even more infuriating.

Bo Xuenong muttered to herself before steering the conversation back to the matter at hand. “You’re saying Chen Zhou broke through without even facing a Thunder Tribulation?”

Ji Caiyan nodded firmly. “Exactly. Not a single thundercloud appeared.”

Breaking through without facing a Thunder Tribulation?

Aside from those with special bloodlines like hers, who could advance through slaughter without needing to undergo the tribulation, Bo Xuenong had never heard of anyone else achieving such a feat.

Apart from Bo Xuenong, only a few very young children with the Fierce Beast Bloodline remained sealed. Chen Zhou couldn’t possibly share the same bloodline as Bo Xuenong, leaving only one possibility:

Chen Zhou had suppressed her cultivation to enter the Imperial Tranquility Sect.

Chen Zhou likely possessed cultivation at the high-level Golden Core Stage, or even higher, using special methods to conceal her true cultivation and age from the sect. Guan Caimei, who Bo Xuenong had killed earlier, had infiltrated the sect using a similar method.

He Xin was a member of the Demon Sect.

What about Chen Zhou?

Where did Chen Zhou come from? Was she also from the Demon Sect? Or was she like Guan Caimei, an Otherworld Soul who had possessed a body and narrowly avoided having her thoughts read? Or did she have some other origin entirely?

Was she targeting Bo Xuenong? Or Shen Yanting?

Ji Caiyan’s bloodline was decent, but Shen Yanting hadn’t noticed anything unusual about it in all these years, making it even less likely for others to detect.

After all, Shen Yanting’s observational skills… Bo Xuenong finally remembered that Shen Yanting hadn’t only failed to see through Ji Caiyan’s true identity; she also seemed oblivious to the anomalies surrounding He Xin and Chen Zhou. Hmm… Shen Yanting’s eyesight must be fine. She probably just hasn’t noticed them because she’s been so focused on me all these years!

Bo Xuenong hadn’t forgotten that Shen Yanting spent most of her time following her, watching from the shadows.

This was only natural.

How could Ji Caiyan and the others possibly compare to her?

Bo Xuenong thought smugly, her fluffy tail suddenly emerging from behind her, swaying and lengthening.

Lost in her self-satisfaction, Bo Xuenong didn’t notice this. Ji Caiyan, however, saw it clearly. Her pupils dilated sharply, and she shifted to try and shield Bo Xuenong’s tail.

Before Ji Caiyan could move, Shen Yanting, now wearing a mask, emerged with Ye Zhiyao.

Shen Yanting’s gaze sharpened as she spotted Bo Xuenong’s tail. She quickened her pace, deftly guiding the extended tail into her sleeve and tugging it firmly under the cover of her long sleeves.

Bo Xuenong snapped out of her reverie. She turned to glare at whoever had dared to mistreat her tail, but her anger vanished when her eyes met Shen Yanting’s helpless gaze.

It’s Master.

She guiltily retracted her tail, glanced at Ji Caiyan’s black mask, then stared at the silver mask now adorning Shen Yanting’s face. Slightly puzzled, she scratched her cheek. “Master, why are you wearing a mask too? Could it be you also have enemies in Divine Moon City?”

“No,” Shen Yanting replied.

“Then why wear a mask? Could it be Master wants to be like Ji Caiyan?”

Shen Yanting’s gaze grew even more helpless, though she refrained from scolding. “Nong’er, you’ll understand someday.”

What am I supposed to understand?

Should I find a mask too?

Bo Xuenong couldn’t fathom why both Shen Yanting and Ji Caiyan had masks in their Storage Spirit Tools. If Ji Caiyan didn’t need her mask to conceal her identity, Bo Xuenong would have snatched it off her face and worn it herself. I should be the one matching Master, not her!

Oblivious to Bo Xuenong’s strange little thoughts, Shen Yanting withdrew her hand from behind Bo Xuenong and her expression returned to its usual calm.

“Martial Uncle, Senior Sister, she…” Ji Caiyan began, but Shen Yanting turned her head and glanced at her gently. “No questions now,” she said softly, her voice like willow catkins brushing against Ji Caiyan’s ear.

Yet Ji Caiyan’s heart inexplicably skipped a beat, and she fell silent.

Bo Xuenong instinctively picked up where Shen Yanting left off. “Master, what question?”

Shen Yanting noticed that Bo Xuenong hadn’t realized she had revealed her demonic form in front of Ji Caiyan. She felt an urge to roll her eyes at Bo Xuenong, but instead, she lightly lifted her sleeve and tapped the spot where Bo Xuenong’s tail had just emerged.

The tap was feather-light, barely any force behind it.

Yet Bo Xuenong let out an exaggerated yelp.

Shen Yanting immediately regretted raising her sleeve, wondering if she had actually hurt Bo Xuenong. “Does it hurt?”

Of course it didn’t.

Bo Xuenong had simply realized she had exposed her secret to someone she didn’t particularly like.

How to explain?

Ji Caiyan had never been praised by Shen Yanting, never been caught in her “good” gaze.

Since their reunion, Ji Caiyan had remained hostile toward Ye Zhiyao.

This “good” disciple was eager to distance herself from the “bad” disciple.

They weren’t close.

They were far from the kind of relationship where secrets could be shared.

Bo Xuenong clutched the base of her tail. “Ji Caiyan, don’t ask.”

Ji Caiyan was more curious about why the usually cold and aloof Shen Yanting’s gaze kept darting behind Bo Xuenong, as if she were genuinely worried that Bo Xuenong’s yelp was due to pain.

How could such a light tap possibly hurt?

Ye Zhiyao had arrived late and was somewhat distracted, so she hadn’t noticed Bo Xuenong’s tail. “What do you want to ask?”

Compared to when they had first reunited, Ye Zhiyao’s face looked even more haggard now that she had escaped her pursuers.

Her thin lips were completely drained of color, and the robes that should have fit her perfectly now hung loosely on her frame. She had clearly lost a significant amount of weight, looking markedly different from the Ye Zhiyao Bo Xuenong remembered.

Ye Zhiyao must have endured immense physical and mental torment in recent days.

Bo Xuenong hadn’t known Ye Zhiyao well before, but after spending the day with her, she had gained a much deeper understanding. Ye Zhiyao was a rigid, principled person, adhering strictly to her duties and the boundaries of the master-disciple relationship. Such meticulous observers inevitably become prone to overthinking and melancholy.

She would find Ji Caiyan’s accusations of impropriety with her disciple absurd, and she would also find her own actions equally absurd.

Bo Xuenong suddenly realized that Shen Yanting’s request for her not to kill Ye Zhiyao might be futile. Once she fully merged with the Demonic Aura and regained all her memories from her demonic transformation, Ye Zhiyao might choose to end her own life.

That is, if Ye Zhiyao remained conscious and in control of herself at that time.

Ji Caiyan wouldn’t even need to lift a finger.

She would find Ji Caiyan’s constant accusations of indecency toward her disciple absurd, and she would also find her own actions equally absurd.

Bo Xuenong suddenly realized that Shen Yanting’s request for her not to kill Ye Zhiyao might be futile. Once Ye Zhiyao fully merged with the Demonic Aura, she would completely regain the memories from her demonic transformation.

Ye Zhiyao might end up taking her own life.

That was, of course, assuming Ye Zhiyao remained conscious and in control of herself at that time.

In contrast, Ji Caiyan, despite her unyielding anger and overwhelming resentment, showed no signs of physical deterioration. In fact, Bo Xuenong thought she even looked a bit more radiant.

Perhaps… perhaps it was because the partially released Restriction on her Bloodline was nourishing her body.

At least, Ji Caiyan’s condition after taking a blow from Bo Xuenong seemed far better than Ye Zhiyao’s.

Ye Zhiyao shouldn’t even be going outside right now. She should be resting quietly like Feng Yingbo. But it was unlikely Ji Caiyan would give her that chance.

Ji Caiyan was no obedient disciple.

The contrast might even earn Bo Xuenong some points with Shen Yanting.

Bo Xuenong’s thoughts raced. She felt sympathy for both Ye Zhiyao and Ji Caiyan, but not much.

She wasn’t naturally compassionate; any semblance of concern she showed was borrowed from Shen Yanting.

Shen Yanting had only forbidden her from killing them, not instructed her to treat them well.

She released Ji Caiyan and hurried to greet Shen Yanting. “Master, Ji Caiyan said Chen Zhou didn’t undergo a Thunder Tribulation during her breakthrough.”

“Mm,” Shen Yanting nodded. “Senior Sister Ye mentioned it upstairs just now.”

Shen Yanting withdrew her gaze from behind Bo Xuenong, her expression growing serious. “Nong’er, they’re likely targeting you.”

Ever since Ye Zhiyao had completely left the inn, Ji Caiyan’s eyes had remained fixed on her. Hearing Shen Yanting’s words, she shifted her gaze from Ye Zhiyao to Bo Xuenong. “Martial Uncle Shen, what does this have to do with Eldest Senior Sister?”

After confessing to Shen Yanting that she had long known about her own Bloodline, Bo Xuenong’s fake smiles had drastically decreased.

Now, she couldn’t even muster a polite smile for Ji Caiyan, her own junior sister. “This is none of your concern.”

Ji Caiyan was momentarily stunned. “Senior Sister…”

Ji Caiyan could clearly sense that Bo Xuenong and the others had undergone significant changes in the past half-month. Bo Xuenong, in particular, seemed to harbor some animosity toward her, leaving Ji Caiyan utterly bewildered.

She couldn’t recall ever offending Bo Xuenong.

Shen Yanting glanced at the visibly stunned Ji Caiyan and gently called out, “Nong’er.”

“Master, I…” Bo Xuenong looked up, her eyes meeting Shen Yanting’s disapproving gaze.

Bo Xuenong lowered her gaze, about to apologize to Ji Caiyan, when Ye Zhiyao suddenly interjected, “Xuenong, Caiyan is just worried about you.”

Though Ye Zhiyao spoke in Ji Caiyan’s defense, Ji Caiyan remained unmoved.

The usually calm and composed Ji Caiyan had completely shed her former self. She was now prone to erupting into a frenzy at Ye Zhiyao’s every word or gesture.

Ji Caiyan gripped Ye Zhiyao’s arm, her voice a low, icy rasp forced through her throat: “I don’t need you to speak for me.”

Her grip tightened, her expression hidden behind her mask. Only her piercingly cold eyes remained visible to Ye Zhiyao.

Shen Yanting frowned slightly, pulling Ye Zhiyao away from Ji Caiyan’s grasp and leading her away.

Bo Xuenong’s palm felt empty, her side now bare.

She glared fiercely at Ji Caiyan, blaming her for Shen Yanting’s abrupt departure, and hurried forward, trying to catch up with Shen Yanting.

With Ye Zhiyao’s voice no longer ringing in her ears, Ji Caiyan regained her composure.

She caught up with Bo Xuenong. “Senior Sister, what did Martial Aunt Shen mean? Were Chen Zhou and the others after you? Does that mean you’re in danger? But I don’t understand—why didn’t they take you with them back then?”

Bo Xuenong slowed her pace, glaring at Ji Caiyan. Before she could scold her, Ji Caiyan spoke first.

“Senior Sister, we’ve been fellow disciples for over four hundred and sixty years. When I joined Ye Zhiyao’s sect, you and I were the only Inner Sect Disciples at the Imperial Tranquility Sect. After I entered the Inner Sect, you were the person I interacted with most besides our Master. In my heart, you’re like my own sister—even… even more so, since you’ve been by my side longer. I don’t mean anything by this; I’m just worried about your safety. I won’t pry into matters you and Martial Uncle don’t want me to know. But… if you’re ever in danger, please tell me. Now that I’ve broken the Triple Bloodline Restriction, I might be able to help.”

Ji Caiyan’s words were sincere and heartfelt.

Bo Xuenong felt a momentary daze.

It was true.

Ji Caiyan had been one of the earliest Inner Sect Disciples, second only to Bo Xuenong herself. For a long time, they were the only two in the Inner Sect. Feng Jin, whom Bo Xuenong now considered a close friend, had joined her over two centuries later.

Before Feng Jin became her confidante, Ji Caiyan should have been Bo Xuenong’s closest junior sister.

Of course, that was only in theory.

Bo Xuenong was the kind of person who delighted in orbiting Shen Yanting.

She used to divide people into two categories: Shen Yanting and those she wanted to kill. Now, she categorized them as Shen Yanting, those Shen Yanting didn’t think should be killed, those Shen Yanting approved of, and those she still wanted to kill. In essence, Shen Yanting occupied Bo Xuenong’s entire existence.

In the past, Bo Xuenong had subconsciously treated everyone in the Imperial Tranquility Sect except Shen Yanting as someone to be placated. To her, Ji Caiyan and the others weren’t junior sisters or fellow disciples, but mere props to make Shen Yanting think she was well-behaved. While she had indeed treated Ji Caiyan relatively well, she did so only because she believed that being kind to them would make Shen Yanting think well of her.

Bo Xuenong’s affection was false, her smiles insincere. She overlooked the fact that Ji Caiyan was unaware of her complete insincerity.

To Ji Caiyan, Bo Xuenong’s perfunctory gestures and evasive answers were signs of her senior sister’s genuine care.

Ji Caiyan genuinely felt affection for her—a sisterly bond.

Bo Xuenong shouldn’t have cared, but… perhaps because she had truly changed recently, she felt a fleeting pang of guilt.

Bo Xuenong grabbed Ji Caiyan’s wrist and pulled her along to catch up with Shen Yanting and Ye Zhiyao. Only when they were a short distance behind them did she speak to Ji Caiyan. “Second Junior Sister, I don’t need your concern. You should worry more about your Master.”

Ji Caiyan and Bo Xuenong were now close enough that Shen Yanting and Ye Zhiyao could hear their conversation.

Bo Xuenong had hoped Ji Caiyan might say something kind, but the moment she suggested Ji Caiyan care for Ye Zhiyao, the gentle tone Ji Caiyan had been using vanished.

Ji Caiyan gritted her teeth. “Senior Sister, I worry about you because we’re fellow disciples, and you’re my only Senior Sister. But Ye Zhiyao and I share only hatred, not the bonds of sisterhood. All I want now is to kill her.”

Ye Zhiyao, walking ahead, stumbled and nearly fell. Ji Caiyan’s hand instinctively reached out, but she ultimately didn’t offer support.

Shen Yanting caught Ye Zhiyao and glanced coldly at Ji Caiyan.

She quickened her pace, pulling Ye Zhiyao along.

She was innocent.

The faint camaraderie Bo Xuenong had felt toward Ji Caiyan, briefly rekindled, vanished almost instantly. She glared at Ji Caiyan, who had ruined her alone time with Shen Yanting in the hot spring. “Ji Caiyan, have you ever heard of Demonic Aura?”

While Demonic Aura might be unfamiliar to Ye Zhiyao and her companions, Ji Caiyan belonged to the Ji Clan, which possessed the Ghost Moon Vine Bloodline.

The Ji Clan’s ancestor was a Ghost Moon Vine that had absorbed half Divine Bl00d and half Demonic Bl00d.

Demonic Aura flowed through her veins as well.

The crucial difference between Ji Caiyan and Bo Xuenong lay in the balance of their bloodlines. In Ji Caiyan’s case, the Demonic Aura was well-integrated with the divine aura, whereas in Bo Xuenong’s bloodline, the Demonic Aura had long surpassed the divine aura by hundreds of times, eventually completely obliterating it. This imbalance explained why Bo Xuenong lost control, while Ji Caiyan still appeared normal.

However… the Ji Clan also had records of individuals who had forcibly enhanced their bloodlines, only to succumb to demonic possession and awaken the Demonic Aura, leading to their destruction.

A sudden realization tightened Ji Caiyan’s grip on her wrist.

Seeing her reaction, Bo Xuenong knew Ji Caiyan understood what Demonic Aura was, saving her the trouble of explaining.

Bo Xuenong released Ji Caiyan’s wrist. “You should know that ordinary people need time to assimilate Demonic Aura. The initial fusion reaction is not only particularly violent but also uncontrollable, right?”

Ji Caiyan froze in place.

Only after Bo Xuenong had walked quite a distance did Ji Caiyan suddenly break into a run, catching up to her again.

Bo Xuenong, focused on chasing Shen Yanting, was mere inches from grasping Shen Yanting’s outstretched hand when Ji Caiyan seized her wrist and yanked her away from behind Shen Yanting. In an instant, they had fallen several steps behind the pair.

I want to kill her.

But Shen Yanting forbade it.

Bo Xuenong’s face darkened completely. Ji Caiyan, still oblivious, pressed her voice low. “Senior Sister, this is wrong. The Great Divine-Demonic War ended long ago. There are no true Demons left in this world, so new Demonic Aura shouldn’t exist.”

Not in this world, but in others.

Bo Xuenong couldn’t reveal that the System had drawn this wisp of Demonic Aura from another Cultivation world. Impatiently, she tossed out, “Believe it or don’t.”

Bo Xuenong’s intense gaze followed Shen Yanting’s retreating figure, her feet moving without pause. Ji Caiyan, however, tugged her back, slowing their pace. “Senior Sister, this still doesn’t make sense. Even if… even if it really is Demonic Aura, after all this time, she should have completely merged with it by now. She’s faking amnesia, isn’t she?”

Perhaps Shen Yanting’s earlier declaration that Ji Caiyan belonged to the “cannot be killed” category had taken effect.

Bo Xuenong was beyond exasperated with Ji Caiyan, yet she didn’t shake off her grip, merely quickening her steps and dragging Ji Caiyan along. “Think harder about who Martial Uncle killed.”

Ji Caiyan murmured, “He Xin, the Demon Sect…”

Her voice suddenly trembled. “Senior Sister, Ye Zhiyao truly has no memories.”

Hearing this, Bo Xuenong knew Ji Caiyan must also be aware that Demonic Aura prioritizes merging with compatible power sources. She had finally circled back to the question of why Ye Zhiyao still lacked memories. In truth, the process shouldn’t have been this slow, but Ye Zhiyao had been relentlessly pursued by Ji Caiyan in recent days, preventing her from properly circulating her spiritual power and cultivating. This had significantly hampered the Demonic Aura’s integration.

Ji Caiyan suddenly became completely flustered, clutching Bo Xuenong’s arm tightly. “Senior Sister, what should I do? No… what should Ye Zhiyao do?”

She seemed to be grasping at Bo Xuenong like a drowning person clinging to a straw, but the Demonic Aura could only be suppressed, not eliminated.

Bo Xuenong herself was deeply affected by it.

Bo Xuenong pursed her lips and, inexplicably, resumed her role as the kind-hearted senior sister. “Junior Sister, you could look at it another way. The Demonic Aura doesn’t just amplify the evil in people’s hearts; it can also make them stronger. Martial Uncle Ye’s spiritual root is weak and his innate talent lacking. Merging with the Demonic Aura might actually be a good thing.”

Ji Caiyan’s lips twitched, bitterness nearly overflowing.

Ji Caiyan stopped pestering Bo Xuenong, and Bo Xuenong immediately led her to catch up with Shen Yanting and the others.

Bo Xuenong’s gaze fixed on Shen Yanting’s still-empty hand. Remembering the word “anytime,” she quickly closed the distance and firmly grasped Shen Yanting’s hand.

Shen Yanting turned her head slightly, not pulling away. She merely glanced sideways at Ji Caiyan, who was walking on Bo Xuenong’s other side.

Seeing that Ji Caiyan had stopped verbally attacking Ye Zhiyao and didn’t even dare approach her anymore, Shen Yanting understood. “Nong’er has spoken to Caiyan.”

Bo Xuenong was thrilled to finally speak with Shen Yanting again, answering immediately, “Yes!”

She noticed the flicker of satisfaction in Shen Yanting’s eyes and understood that her Master was pleased she had proactively revealed the truth to Ji Caiyan. Eager to earn praise, she quickly asked, “Master, did I do well?”

Shen Yanting’s lips curved slightly. “Not bad.”

Bo Xuenong had become quite adept at pushing her luck. She leaned closer to Shen Yanting’s arm, pressing against her as they walked. “Then… will there be a reward?”

Shen Yanting nodded slightly. “Perhaps.”

Her Master’s quick agreement caught Bo Xuenong off guard, leaving her no time to consider what she wanted.

For a moment, Bo Xuenong was momentarily confused. Just then, Ye Zhiyao, who had been silent the entire time, suddenly pointed to a stall ahead and to their right. “Xuenong, that clay doll looks just like you!”

Ye Zhiyao had been distracted throughout their walk, barely paying attention to her surroundings. She hadn’t spoken a word and even stumbled over her own feet. If Shen Yanting hadn’t been holding her arm, she would have bumped into countless people.

Her sudden remark drew everyone’s attention to the stall she was pointing at.

It was a stall selling clay dolls, and the one displayed at the front truly bore an uncanny resemblance to Bo Xuenong.

Bo Xuenong led them toward the stall. The clay doll had the same gentle features as Bo Xuenong, and its clothing looked strangely familiar. A sign hung beside it read: “New Immortal on the Peerless Beauty Ranking – Not for Sale.”

Before she could fully approach the stall, Shen Yanting gripped her hand, stopping her. A telepathic message drifted over: “Nong’er, the Peerless Beauty Ranking is a cultural phenomenon in the mortal realm. Many people choose cultivators from the ranking to worship, treating them as divine beings who can protect them. The vendor likely chose you to venerate. We should avoid going closer; being recognized would be problematic.”

Bo Xuenong froze.

She formed a hand seal and remotely eavesdropped on the stall’s activity.

The clay doll vendor was a young woman. She pressed her palms together, bowed to the clay figure, and murmured, “Please, Immortal, bless this humble servant with prosperity and abundant wealth!”

Bo Xuenong’s lips twitched. She glanced sideways and noticed a faint golden glow at the tip of Shen Yanting’s ear, confirming that Shen Yanting had heard it too.

Releasing Ji Caiyan, Bo Xuenong wrapped both arms around Shen Yanting and leaned against her, asking, “Master, can I still attract wealth?”

“Perhaps,” Shen Yanting said, a rare smile gracing her face. She released Ye Zhiyao’s hand and gently pinched Bo Xuenong’s cheek as the girl leaned closer. “In that girl’s eyes, Nong’er is capable of anything.”

The tips of Shen Yanting’s fingers carried a chilling coolness, yet the warmth that spread across Bo Xuenong’s skin felt like a slow burn.

The skin Shen Yanting had touched flushed a delicate crimson.

Though the mask concealed most of Shen Yanting’s smile, Bo Xuenong still found her radiant. Just gazing into those smiling eyes made her breath feel sweeter.

A person whose eyes were perpetually veiled in ice, once that ice melted, revealed a bewitching allure beneath.

Bo Xuenong couldn’t tear her gaze away.

She longed to get even closer, but she was already pressed against Shen Yanting’s arm.

Frustrated by the unbridgeable distance, Bo Xuenong leaned her head against Shen Yanting’s shoulder, her lips nearly brushing her ear as she whispered, “Master, when did I make the Heavenly Talent Register?”

She wanted to check the register herself, but it wasn’t convenient to do so in such a crowded place.

Bo Xuenong’s warm breath brushed against Shen Yanting’s earlobe, causing it to gradually flush crimson.

Shen Yanting gently pushed Bo Xuenong’s head away, struggling to steady her breathing. “You made the list on the second day of the selection process. You’ve already climbed to twenty-fifth place.”

“Twenty-fifth!”

Bo Xuenong was utterly astonished.

She had initially been eager to make the Peerless Beauty Ranking. However, after discovering Shen Yanting’s strong aversion to the ranking, and realizing how difficult it would be to surpass her, Bo Xuenong’s ambition had waned. She had stored the Heavenly Talent Register in her Storage Jade Bracelet and never opened it again. Yet, not only had she made the list, but she had climbed all the way to twenty-fifth place.

Does this mean I still have a chance to get closer to Shen Yanting?

A clear joy flickered in Bo Xuenong’s eyes. “Master,” she asked, “if I’ve already reached twenty-fifth place so quickly, does that mean one day our names might actually be listed together?”

Bo Xuenong was still clinging to this idea.

Ever since voting for Bo Xuenong that day, Shen Yanting had occasionally glanced at the Peerless Beauty Ranking in the Heavenly Talent Register. Bo Xuenong, however, had seemed to lose interest.

Shen Yanting had assumed Bo Xuenong had long forgotten their earlier conversation. To her surprise, Bo Xuenong was still fixated on it.

Despite knowing it was highly unlikely, Shen Yanting couldn’t help but nod at Bo Xuenong’s hopeful gaze. “Perhaps.”

This is no different from bewitching her.

Names.

Names listed together.

With a thought, Bo Xuenong immediately led Shen Yanting and the others to search for the Divine Pavilion’s branch in Divine Moon City. Such a major city was bound to have a Divine Pavilion presence, and these branches were always prominently located to suppress passing cultivators from the mortal realm.

It didn’t take long for Bo Xuenong to find the Divine Pavilion’s branch. She released Shen Yanting’s hand. “Master, wait here. I’m going to buy something.”

She dashed into the Divine Pavilion before Shen Yanting could suggest they go together.

As Shen Yanting turned to follow, Ji Caiyan suddenly leaned closer to her, while Ye Zhiyao, standing on her other side, visibly trembled.

Ye Zhiyao was afraid of Ji Caiyan—afraid of her disciple’s master.

Shen Yanting hesitated, rooted to the spot, positioning herself between the two.

Ji Caiyan glanced at Ye Zhiyao before addressing Shen Yanting. “Martial Aunt Shen, what is Senior Sister buying at the Divine Pavilion? I thought their branches only sold ranking lists and nothing else.”

Shen Yanting replied, “Nong’er is buying a copy of the Peerless Beauty Ranking.”

Ji Caiyan looked puzzled. “Why? Martial Aunt, can’t you and Senior Sister already see the Peerless Beauty Ranking in your Heavenly Talent Registers?”

“She wants to vote for herself,” Shen Yanting explained.

Ji Caiyan fell silent.