Chapter 12:

After Xue Ying uttered those words, Lin Jiujiu fell into an eerie silence, reverting to her usual quiet demeanor. Her delicate gaze turned back toward You Tan, her tone carrying a deathly calm.

“Greetings, Fellow Daoist Tang.”

At that moment, Lin Jiujiu understood her mission. She was not fighting for herself but for the disciples of the Taichu and Taixuan sects, for the peace between the Dao and Consciousness realms.

She understood the reason the Buddhist disciple concealed his identity, but that was no excuse to call someone “Dad”!

“Lin Meimei, let me take you back to the Taichu Sect.”

Lin Jiujiu instinctively refused, “No.”

Meeting the gazes of Xue Ying and her maid, Lin Jiujiu’s face flushed, and she lowered her head, murmuring, “What I mean is… I want to stay by Senior Sister’s side and learn swordsmanship from her.”

It was good for junior disciples to be eager to learn, but given Lin Jiujiu’s frail condition, Xue Ying advised her to return first. “Your health is important. Once you’ve recovered, I’ll personally go to Bihuo Peak to teach you swordsmanship. How does that sound, Lin Meimei?”

Not good at all!

Lin Jiujiu pinched her thigh, tears welling in her eyes. “Senior Sister, don’t you understand my feelings?”

Feelings? What feelings? Xue Ying pondered for a long time until Lin Jiujiu mouthed a name at her—then she remembered there was a Liu Junzhuo involved in this training mission.

Lin Jiujiu and Liu Junzhuo… Well, that could work.

Xue Ying saw no reason to stand in the way of true love. She simply told Lin Jiujiu, “Then remember to take your medicine on time, Lin Meimei.”

Lin Jiujiu sighed in relief, but when she looked at You Tan again, her heart grew heavy.

She had to help the Buddhist disciple You Tan correct his address to avoid misunderstandings between the Buddhist and Daoist sects.

Lin Jiujiu was temporarily escorted back to the flying boat to rest. After she left, Tang Ke’ai, now in human form, said to Xue Ying, “Sister Xue Ying, I don’t like her.”

Tang Ke’ai puffed up her cheeks in anger. Xue Ying crouched down to defend Lin Jiujiu. “Lin Meimei is fearless in the pursuit of love. That’s admirable.”

In her past life, she was stabbed to death by Liu Junzhuo, and in this life, she still pursued him.

True love.

Since it wasn’t her business, Xue Ying couldn’t be bothered to interfere.

She patted the little girl’s head and moved on to the next matter. “How much longer until the flower blooms?”

If it took too long, she’d have to send the junior disciples back to avoid wasting their time.

Tang Ke’ai tilted her head and counted. “One day, two days, three days… at most, no more than seven.”

That wasn’t too long. Xue Ying did a quick calculation and decided to return first to settle the junior disciples. But before leaving, she glanced at You Tan’s injuries.

A sense of paternal responsibility welled up in her. “Bloodstains don’t look good on clothes. Take them off, and I’ll wash them for you.”

Medicine? What medicine? The Taixuan Sect’s tradition was to heal by resting.

You Tan obediently removed his robe, his ethereal face gazing at Xue Ying. “Thank you, Dad.”

Xue Ying: “No problem. Just doing my duty as a father.”

Being a demon wasn’t much different from being human. The rich wore enchanted robes; the poor made do with washing and reusing. Xue Ying’s enchanted robe was a prize from her victories in battle.

The legendary “seamless heavenly garment”—whether it could be dyed Mary Sue colors didn’t matter. What mattered was that it could withstand her sword qi without tearing.

After washing You Tan’s clothes, the three agreed to meet again the next day. Xue Ying returned to reunite with her junior disciples, while Tang Ke’ai sat by the water, swinging her feet. “Will Brother come with me to Taisu Valley?”

You Tan, draped in his dried green robe, replied in a distant voice, devoid of much thought. “I need to meet someone.”

Tang Ke’ai began scheming. “Can Sister Xue Ying come with us? She’s so strong in battle. No one would dare bully us then.”

You Tan lowered his gaze to his palm, where a golden lotus appeared and vanished. The old monk had said he cultivated the Subduing Demons Lotus Technique. Unless absolutely necessary, he should avoid fighting.

Recalling the sea of blood earlier, You Tan clasped his hands and nodded in agreement.

—

Investigating the anomaly in Bailu Valley in just one trip—Xue Ying considered herself quite lucky. She returned to the base in high spirits, gathering the junior disciples to explain the situation.

Lin Jiujiu arrived just then. Upon learning that Bailu Valley held no danger, one disciple remarked, “We finally got out, and there’s no fight to be had.”

Lin Jiujiu wasn’t surprised. In her impression, the Taixuan Sect was full of battle maniacs.

Then the disciple added, “No classes, and we can soak in hot springs. This is great!”

Lin Jiujiu: “…”

The group acted like elementary school kids on vacation. Xue Ying didn’t stop them, even recommending nearby entertainment spots before reminding them, “Remember to return on time, or I won’t be able to explain it to the Eldest Senior Brother.”

Everyone chorused their understanding, splitting into small groups to discuss whether to visit the hot springs before leaving. The atmosphere was lively. Lin Jiujiu’s expression was odd as she approached Xue Ying and asked tentatively, “Senior Sister, is this… appropriate?”

Xue Ying saw no issue. They were all adults who knew right from wrong. Besides, “It’s fine. It’s not the first time, anyway.”

She and Wen An periodically took disciples down the mountain for outings—an unspoken tradition.

Lin Jiujiu wasn’t a Taixuan disciple, so she had no say in the matter. The only reason she stayed was because of the Buddhist disciple You Tan. With Xue Ying returning alone and You Tan absent, Lin Jiujiu asked, “Did Fellow Daoist Tang not come with you?”

Xue Ying: “They’re saving up travel expenses to Taisu Valley.”

Seeing Lin Jiujiu’s confusion, she explained, “They need to register for the Good Demon Certificate.”

“G-Good Demon Certificate?”

Xue Ying’s focus wasn’t on identification documents. She glanced at Liu Junzhuo, who was standing nearby, and beckoned him over. “Junior Brother Liu.”

Having been addressed as “junior brother” for the first time since joining the sect, Liu Junzhuo was thrilled. “Senior Sister!”

Xue Ying cheerfully played matchmaker. “This is Senior Sister Lin Jiujiu from the Taichu Sect. She wants to learn swordsmanship from me, but I’m tied up with other matters these days. Since you’ve just joined, teaching a junior sister will be good practice for you.”

Both were novices—perfect for each other.

Xue Ying saw nothing wrong with this. When she first learned swordsmanship, she was too afraid to ask Yu Hengzi questions, fearing they’d sound too stupid and earn his disdain. So, she initially learned from Wen An.

When Yu Hengzi found out, he dragged her back and gave her a beating.

Lin Jiujiu panicked. Xue Ying’s plan was to dump her with Liu Junzhuo—how would she see the Buddhist disciple then? “Senior Sister, I—”

Xue Ying kindly advised, “I’m strict with my students. Given your condition, if your illness worsens, it’ll be my fault. Learn from Junior Brother Liu first. If you have questions, you can always come to me.”

If not for her veil, Xue Ying would’ve added a knowing wink.

As Xue Ying turned to leave, Lin Jiujiu played her trump card, closing her eyes and declaring, “Senior Sister, don’t you understand my feelings?”

This was the second time Xue Ying had heard this. The first time, Lin Jiujiu had hinted at Liu Junzhuo. Now that she’d delivered Liu Junzhuo to her, Lin Jiujiu still wasn’t satisfied…

Xue Ying fell silent for a moment before reluctantly saying, “I’ll think about it.”

Her standard was to find someone stronger than her, but Lin Jiujiu was incredibly wealthy and had a short lifespan. Xue Ying could just wait for her to pass and inherit the fortune. Plus, Lin Jiujiu was quite pretty—easy on the eyes.

Damn it, she was actually tempted.

Lin Jiujiu sighed in relief. As long as Xue Ying agreed to take her to see the Buddhist disciple, it was fine. She reached out to get closer, but Xue Ying took a step back. “Lin Meimei, this is too sudden. Can you give me some space?”

Lin Jiujiu was baffled, watching helplessly as Xue Ying left. With Xue Ying gone, only Liu Junzhuo remained.

Suddenly saddled with a beautiful senior sister—one he’d met before—Liu Junzhuo felt awkward. He smiled politely at Lin Jiujiu. “Senior Sister Lin.”

The address triggered memories for Lin Jiujiu. When she first met Junzhuo, he had called her “senior sister.”

Junzhuo had even said he would protect her.

Back then, her heart had fluttered like a deer’s, thinking she’d met the one she could entrust her life to. Later, she learned that the “senior sister” Junzhuo referred to was Xue Ying.

A bitter taste filled Lin Jiujiu’s mouth. Just as she was about to reject Liu Junzhuo, he handed her a sword, his tone gentle. “Would Senior Sister like to try?”

As their hands brushed during the exchange, Lin Jiujiu, as if possessed, instinctively grabbed Liu Junzhuo’s hand.

“Sorry.”

She quickly let go. She couldn’t stay with Liu Junzhuo any longer.

She hurried away with her maid, leaving a stunned Liu Junzhuo behind.

Rubbing the back of his hand, he recalled Lin Jiujiu’s expression earlier and tried to rationalize it. Must’ve been an accident, right?

—

Xue Ying claimed she needed space, but she couldn’t calm down alone. She sought out You Tan, hoping he could help her analyze the situation.

“Handsome, if someone confessed to you, how would you handle it?”

The three of them were roasting fish by the cold pond. Tang Ke’ai, wise beyond her years, asked, “Did someone confess to Sister Xue Ying?”

Xue Ying stuffed a roasted fish into Tang Ke’ai’s mouth. The little girl happily munched away. You Tan didn’t touch his fish. He seemed accustomed to such questions and answered naturally, “Tell my parents.”

Xue Ying gave him a look that said, “Of course.” “Handsome, you’re too obedient.”

You Tan remained expressionless, but Tang Ke’ai asked, “Does Sister Xue Ying not like her?”

“I like that she’s rich and will die soon.”

Tang Ke’ai mocked the ruthlessness of the adult world, only for Xue Ying to snatch her fish back. After some playful bickering, Lin Jiujiu arrived.

After their conversation, Xue Ying felt better. She faced Lin Jiujiu and solemnly refused, “Lin Meimei, you’re a good person, but I can’t accept these feelings. You deserve someone better.”

Lin Jiujiu was bewildered. Tang Ke’ai exclaimed, “Was it her who confessed to Sister Xue Ying?”

Xue Ying clamped a hand over Tang Ke’ai’s mouth, forcing a smile at Lin Jiujiu. Slowly, realization dawned on Lin Jiujiu, her expression turning as if she’d eaten something vile. She stammered, “Senior Sister, it’s a misunderstanding.”

Xue Ying sighed in relief. A misunderstanding was good. Then, puzzled, she asked, “Lin Meimei, if you don’t want this or that, what are you following me for?”

Lin Jiujiu couldn’t very well say she sought peace for the four realms. She stole a glance at You Tan, gritted her teeth, and blurted, “Fellow Daoist Tang is handsome and saved my life…”

Xue Ying understood—good looks naturally led to “I can only repay your kindness with my hand in marriage.” She cheerfully told You Tan, “Handsome, someone’s confessing to you.”

You Tan hummed. “I’ll tell my family.”

Lin Jiujiu’s face paled. She recalled the rumors about the Buddhist disciple You Tan—how an Asura woman had tried to seduce him, only to be dragged to the Lotus Pond by the monks of Luye Temple and “enlightened” for forty-nine days. The Asura woman couldn’t take it and smashed her own skull in.

“Th-This is a misunderstanding. I have no romantic feelings for Fellow Daoist Tang.”

Xue Ying’s puzzled gaze returned. Lin Jiujiu wavered between ruining her reputation or enduring days of Buddhist chants. Her prolonged silence drew You Tan’s attention. Trembling, she closed her eyes and blurted, “Right, it’s a misunderstanding. I was using Fellow Daoist Tang to hide my feelings for Senior Sister.”

Xue Ying sucked in a breath, pulling Tang Ke’ai a step back as she sternly refused. “Lin Meimei, this is a romance novel, not a yuri one.”

You Tan asked, “Dad, what’s a yuri novel?”

Xue Ying: “Study hard, aim high, and don’t read random stuff.”

Lin Jiujiu: “…”

Fine, be a dad then! She was done being a peacemaker!