Chapter 4.5
Learning his errors after witnessing Shao Peiyuan’s situation, Sui Yuan dares not run around the place and touch anything. Finding a good hiding spot, he hunkers down to wait things out, resolutely ignoring the whining Crystal beast. Failing to move its new master, the spirit pet can only quieten, gnawing on its tail to cure its boredom.
Like this, Sui Yuan weathers another subplot in the story, waiting for an earth-shattering sound as though the skies are being torn apart to ring out. A sharp sword intent rips through the illusion sky hanging above, allowing natural sunlight to shine through. Raising his head, he spots a white-clothed figure standing on the blade of a sword, moving gracefully through the air. A bright tendril of light flies back towards an outstretched palm. Dark eyes beneath sword-like eyebrows sweep coldly across the land for a moment, then the figure turns slightly and disappears from sight.
According to the script, after discovering the Heavenly Cosmos’ disciples are trapped within the mirage array - including his beloved succeeding disciple - Xuan Ling immediately hurries over, cleaving through the array with a single swing of his blade.
Sword Cultivators are strongest in terms of combat, but their road to Ascension is the most difficult and risky one. Very few are able to acknowledge their inner demons and overcome them in order to become an Immortal. In this period, where the strongest Sword Cultivators are still lurking around the Core Formation stage, the Nascent Soul stage Xuan Ling is the sole exception. Although he sustained grievous injuries after prevailing against two Daoist Immortal spell-masters in the past, he showed the cultivation world just what a Sword Cultivator is capable of. From that moment onwards, Xuan Ling’s status became on par with any Daoist Immortals’. Having seen his formidable power, none dares provoke him again.
While this one slash is capable of raising earthquakes and alarming the Heavens, it doesn’t even display one-tenth of Xuan Ling’s true strength. Such power can only be obtained through not caring about worldly matters, wholeheartedly dedicating oneself to cultivating. He is a living treasure of the Heavenly Cosmos sect. As long as Xuan Ling is an Elder there, no one dares to get on the sect’s bad side.
Standing up and massaging his stiff muscles, Sui Yuan beckons for the slightly reluctant Crystal beast to return to its original position around his shoulders. Levitating in the air with the aid of a wind spell, he flies towards the rift Xuan Ling tore.
Feet touching solid ground outside the barrier, Sui Yuan glances around to see Shen Jiayi, Shao Peiyuan and a few other disciples gathered around. Only, a few other cultivators will eternally be incapable of seeing daylight again after losing themselves to excessive greed.
Supported by another male disciple, Shao Peiyuan looks a lot better than the last time Sui Yuan saw him. At minimum, his eyes are clear and he appears sober. A forced smile on his lips and his head hanging, the injured youth patiently accepts the reprimands of the Heavenly Element sect’s supervisor. Equally, as the Heavenly Cosmos sect’s Head Disciple and the one who misjudged the situation, endangering the lives of his Junior Martial Brothers and Sisters, Sui Yuan naturally cannot hide. Setting his face, he heads over to Elder Xuan Ling, who is standing alone with his back to everyone and apologises humbly.
Hearing Sui Yuan’s voice, Xuan Ling turns his head slightly, glancing at the ’Nightmare beast’ on his shoulder, then at the youth himself. "Since you realise your mistakes, then directly ask Elder Jie Lu for punishment after we leave this place."
Sui Yuan bows once more, the self-blame in his eyes grating at Shen Jiayi’s heart when she catches sight of it. Unable to bear it, she approaches Xuan Ling to speak up on his behalf. "Master, the fault doesn’t rest solely on Senior Brother Liu. We were too eager to enter the unknown..."
"You do not need to speak up on his behalf," Xuan Ling icy voice interrupts Shen Jiayi’s words. "I have absolutely no interest in whether or not he has to be disciplined. This matter will be left up to Elder Jie Lu. I will only report what I saw as it is."
Shen Jiayi doesn’t protest further, glancing helplessly at Sui Yuan, her eyes carrying a trace of solace. Sui Yuan answers her with a faint smile and shakes his head lightly, indicating he is not troubled and she shouldn’t worry on his behalf.
Xuan Ling’s expression remains indifferent as he regards Sui Yuan and Shen Jiayi’s silent, private exchange.
At this time, Shao Peiyuan comes over after being reprimanded, still supported by someone. Greeting Xuan Ling respectfully, he offers Shen Jiayi a polite nod, then hands an interspatial pouch to Sui Yuan.
Not permitting the nervousness in his heart to surface, he doesn’t take the pouch, merely staring at Shao Peiyuan doubtfully as he wordlessly inquires what this is about.
Shao Peiyuan smiles lightly, shoving the pouch in Sui Yuan’s hand despite his refusal to accept it. Eyes unblinking, he watches every flash of emotion crossing Sui Yuan’s face. "Minghui, I killed a Golden Python when we were trapped in the array. Its skin has not been contaminated by water nor fire so it is the highest quality material for creating talismans. Since I have no need for it, I might as well give it to you."
A surprised expression finally settles on Sui Yuan’s face. "The skin of a Golden Python has the cultivation base of a Nascent Soul stage beast. Peiyuan, you really make me consider myself as an inferior friend. I will keep this skin first. When I have created talismans from it, I will be sure to give you a fair share."
"Then I thank you in advance." Shao Peiyuan smiles. "However, you don’t need to hold me in high regard. This time, I nearly lost my life confronting the Golden Python. Originally believing I wouldn’t make it, I was saved by a mysterious benefactor who pulled me away from mortal danger..." Shao Peiyuan’s mood turns equal parts frustrated and disappointed, but his eyes never stray from Sui Yuan. "I don’t know who this person is, so I am incapable of expressing my gratitude, making me feel rather ashamed."
Sui Yuan’s scalp becomes numb from the intense stare, but his superb acting skills ensure his expression doesn’t shift in the slightest. "In my opinion, if that mysterious saviour did not leave behind a name or a token, then they naturally wouldn’t care if Brother Peiyuan is able to express thanks. If there is karma between you, you will certainly meet again."
"......You may be correct." Shao Peiyuan laughs lightly, gaze softening as he nods. However, his tone is firm as steel. "I believe I will be able to meet that person again and personally express my thanks. This life debt will definitely be repaid, even if my body is torn to shreds and my bone ground to dust!"
Sui Yuan...can only keep smiling...because he feels that no matter what he says, the situation will remain this odd!
Seeing Sui Yuan refusing to continue, Shao Peiyuan also doesn’t say anything more, simply shifting the topic by asking another question. "Speaking of beasts, I wasn’t able to ask you before. Minghui, did you find this Nightmare beast in the Eternal Bliss Heavenly Ground?"
Glancing down at the Crystal beast still sticking to him, he nods curtly.
"Then I should congratulate Minghui. Nightmare beasts are intelligent and prideful, seldom recognising anyone as a master. Those worthy of claiming them as spirit pets are all outstanding talents. Being able to obtain its love truly proves that Minghui is an extremely capable person!" Looking at the Crystal beast, Shao Peiyuan cannot help the adoration from surfacing as those huge, limpid eyes lock on his. Stepping closer to Sui Yuan, he lifts a hand to stroke its furry head.
Since Shao Peiyuan is also the kind of person with a pure heart and selfless mind, the Crystal beast doesn’t reject his touch. Far from shying away, it pushes against the youth’s palm, eyes narrowing in pleasure at the gentle caresses. Meowing twice, the lovable and slightly foolish look makes Shao Peiyuan chuckle.
Even Shen Jiayi is attracted by the Crystal beast and drifts closer, hoping to pet it a little.
Being so close to Shao Peiyuan, Sui Yuan can feel every hot exhale. No matter if the other person is Zhao Xihe or not, Sui Yuan cannot help his muscles stretching taut when he recalls the hints littering the Shao Peiyuan’s words before. Without confirming his true identity, Sui Yuan naturally cannot put up with this level of intimacy. In order to break away from this situation, he lifts the spirit pet from his shoulder and stuffs it in Shao Peiyuan’s arms, letting the two disciples play with it to their heart’s content.
Little does Sui Yuan know, his attitude pierces straight through the Crystal beast’s fragile glass heart. Recalling how hard it had to coerce Sui Yuan in order for the human to form a contract with it, the beast’s fur stands on end, displaying its fear at being abandoned by its new master. Effortlessly leaping out of Shao Peiyuan’s hold, it scrambles up Sui Yuan’s robes and returns to its original position around his shoulders. Rubbing its face and tail intimately against the human’s face and body, it acts extremely cute, strenuously trying to show Sui Yuan its only true love is him!
Shao Peiyuan snickers at the Crystal beast’s cajoling behaviour. "Minghui, your relationship with your Nightmare beast is really good. This is the first time I am seeing such a sticky Nightmare beast. It can’t even bear to be separated from you!"
"That’s right ah. I always thought Nightmare beasts are especially aloof and haughty, so it’s difficult for others to get close," Shen Jiayi voices her agreement.
Xuan Ling, who is still standing not far away from the three disciples, suddenly freezes. His emotionless eyes fall on the ’Nightmare beast’ persistently acting like a spoiled child to gain Sui Yuan’s favour, a trace of thoughtfulness arising.
Unable to endure the Crystal beast’s silly actions, Sui Yuan lifts a hand and strokes its body absently, trying to soothe his spirit pet. Although it feels that its master’s response is still somewhat apathetic, the beast knows when to quit while it is ahead and eventually calms. Only, not long after it settles, it unexpectedly explodes again, its meows filled with anger and warning.
Following the direction of its glare, everyone’s eyes turn to see a white Crystal beast leisurely sauntering over. Lifting its head, the pair of cold, red eyes fix on the ’Nightmare beast’ riding on Sui Yuan’s shoulder, provocation clear for all to see. The long, fluffy, snow white tail flicks lazily in idle amusement.
Infuriated, the ’Nightmare beast’ jumps down and lands opposite the Crystal beast, as though it will pounce on the other at a moment’s notice. The Crystal beast glances at the ’Nightmare beast’ with contempt, then flicks its tail dismissively and walks over to Xuan Ling. Sitting on its hunches not too far but not too close to the Elder, it seems to exude an air of "such a stupid pest ah."
"The Crystal beast and Nightmare beast have always been archenemies. They need little provocation to start fighting," Shao Peiyuan explains as he picks up the furious ’Nightmare beast’ and returns it to Sui Yuan, at the same time advising him to keep an eye on his spirit pet.
Glancing between the two beasts, Shen Jiayi covers her mouth with a hand and giggles. "A pet truly reflects its owner. Master’s Crystal beast is indifferent and haughty, while Senior Brother Liu’s Nightmare beast is very much like him!"
Hugging the disguised Nightmare beast to his bosom, Sui Yuan’s forehead is filled with black lines. Female lead, my character is meant to be an outwardly kind but inwardly evil hypocrite! What exactly do I have in common with this slightly foolish, like acting cute and spoiled Crystal beast ah! You must not call my acting into question in such a way!
"......I suddenly feel that using a Crystal beast to act like a Nightmare beast is not such a good idea after all," 5237 says abruptly in a melancholic tone.
"Yeah, I feel the same way," Sui Yuan replies in the same tone, making a supreme effort to suppress a sudden urge to toss this Crystal beast back to where he found it. "With a spirit pet like this, I feel as though my villainous air has decreased quite a lot."
5237: "......"