CHAPTER 6

— Knocking on the Wrong Door —

The next morning, Tong Tong, still lost in her dreams, hugged her pillow and rolled over, but her consciousness gradually stirred awake... It was time to get up. Though she didn't know the exact time, the hour of Mao [Rabbit] was around six in the morning—similar to when she used to go to school. In that case, it was better to be early than late—she certainly didn't want to be late on her first day of class.

She took a cyan robe from the wardrobe and draped it over herself, still wearing the clothes Ding Ding had given her the other day. After fetching water to wash up and tying her hair back, revealing a smooth, full forehead, Tong Tong examined herself in the clear water's reflection—each of her features seemed ordinary on its own, but together, they were quite pleasant to look at! Most importantly, she radiated youthful energy and vitality, looking every bit like someone eager to improve!

'Hmm, plus ten points for first impressions! Go for it, Tong Tong!'

After giving herself a pep talk, Tong Tong pushed open the courtyard gate and strode out with bold, confident steps. But after taking a few paces, she froze awkwardly on the spot... She had just realized a very serious problem: Who could tell her how to get to the training grounds?

In the end, Tong Tong—who couldn't fly on a sword, had no map, and couldn't find anyone to ask—spent over two hours trekking across mountains and rivers, covering every accessible place, until she finally found a courtyard that seemed to have people inside.

Frowning, she stared at the powerful, bold characters on the plaque for a while before murmuring uncertainly, "Lecture Hall?"

This must be where the master teaches the students! Great, she had found the group!

Sweating profusely, she felt like a traveler who had been thirsty for days finally spotting an oasis. Her eyes lit up as she pushed open the tightly shut door—the faint murmurs inside abruptly stopped as the door swung open. Both those inside and outside widened their eyes in shock.

A group of disciples dressed in cyan scholar robes sat in a circle, kneeling on brocade cushions. At that moment, they all turned their heads, glaring in unison at Tong Tong, who had interrupted them. Their expressions ranged from surprise to anger, each with a different reaction.

But the person who remained calm and composed from start to finish, merely brushing his sleeves lightly as he silently observed, immediately captured all of Tong Tong's attention, making her forget to assess the situation or worry about the consequences.

Her finger trembling, she pointed at the person in black robes sitting in the center and stammered, "Y-you... why are you here?"

The person in black robes who had caused her to lose her composure was none other than Su Yan, whom she had just met yesterday and who had saved her once again—though, of course, she herself was unaware of this "once again."

Su Yan glanced back at her calmly without speaking. Instead, a female disciple closest to her side raised her eyebrows sharply and scolded, "Impudent! A mere Qi Refining disciple dares to eavesdrop in the Lecture Hall? Leave at once! Otherwise, don't blame me for being impolite!"

Tong Tong tilted her head, not understanding what she meant—eavesdrop? She was just passing by, hoping to ask someone for directions...

As someone who had only just heard of cultivation and wasn't even considered a beginner, how could Tong Tong know that the Lecture Hall was an advanced classroom where only cyan-robed disciples at the Foundation Establishment stage were allowed to attend lectures? Each month, besides the resident instructors, some white-robed personal disciples or even direct descendants from various peaks would come to impart knowledge, answer questions, and share experiences. And for the past two days, it had been Su Yan from Qiuye Peak's turn—which was also why she and Ding Ding had been rescued so coincidentally.

Unable to comprehend the situation, Tong Tong decided to play dumb, ignoring the sharp-faced female disciple and instead offering a flattering smile to Su Yan. "Um, Senior Brother Su... could you tell me how to get to the training grounds? I... I'm lost..." As she spoke, she couldn't help feeling a bit embarrassed, but to observe Su Yan's reaction, she forced herself to meet his gaze, trying her best to convey a blend of sincerity, admiration, helplessness, and cuteness, hoping to evoke his sympathy.

In reality, Su Yan met her gaze calmly and steadily. His deep, ocean-like eyes didn't blink, and his thick, long lashes, like butterfly wings, slightly lowered, yet they didn't prevent Tong Tong from becoming lost in their mysterious and enchanting depths.

'What beautiful eyes...' she thought dazedly, completely forgetting her original intention.

Suddenly, a faint trace of amusement flashed in those obsidian-like eyes—so fleeting it was almost imperceptible. But Tong Tong was certain she hadn't imagined it—she had been staring intently at those eyes without missing a single moment!

The two of them stood there, locked in a gaze—one cold and indifferent, the other dazed and foolish. To the surrounding disciples in cyan robes, however, it looked like a flirtatious exchange, especially to the female disciple standing closest to Su Yan, who was so jealous her eyes burned with fury, wishing she could grind Tong Tong to dust for daring to seduce the senior brother right in front of her.

She glared furiously at Tong Tong, about to scold her, when she suddenly felt a chill run down her spine. Turning her head, she met Su Yan's cold, warning glance and immediately felt as if something were stuck in her throat, unable to utter a word. She could only lower her head resentfully, hiding the indignation in her eyes.

Su Yan raised his gaze, his authoritative eyes sweeping over the disciples, causing them all to lower their heads, none daring to object.

Satisfied, he withdrew his gaze and glanced at Tong Tong, who was leaning against the courtyard gate, slightly panting. A few strands of her tied-up hair clung messily to her cheeks, her face flushed, lips rosy and delicate, with dust and dried leaves clinging to the hem of her clothes. She looked like an abandoned puppy, lost and searching for its way home, pitiful enough to stir even Su Yan's cold heart inexplicably.

After a moment, seeing that Tong Tong was still staring at him blankly, a hint of helplessness flickered in Su Yan's eyes, though the corner of his mouth lifted almost imperceptibly.

"Jiya," he called softly, then turned his gaze away as if he had said nothing.

"Awoo!" With a cheerful roar, the crimson-colored beast leaped out, grabbing Tong Tong's sleeve with its teeth and tugging her away.

"Huh? Oh, thank you! Bye!" Tong Tong, dragged away by her sleeve, only reacted a few steps later, smiling brightly as she spoke.

This Su Yan might seem cold, but he's actually a good person!

As she followed Jiya away, Tong Tong's eyes curved into crescent moons, thinking happily, unaware of the complex and inscrutable looks the cyan-robed disciples behind her exchanged.

Once Tong Tong's figure disappeared, Su Yan waved his hand, and the gate slowly closed. The heavy thud echoed in the unusually quiet environment, like a hammer striking the hearts of everyone present.

The cyan-robed disciples understood: Senior Brother Su was warning them!

"Let's continue. 'The one who acts may seem to act, yet in truth acts not; in non-action, all things are accomplished...'" Su Yan resumed the interrupted lecture, his voice clear and soothing, though upon closer listening, there seemed to be a subtle hint of warmth in it.

Dragged along by the vermilion beast named Jiya, Tong Tong's mind kept replaying those beautiful eyes. Her brain, having stalled, could no longer control her limbs, leaving her at the mercy of that rather slender claw that unceremoniously draped itself over Jiya's neck. She patted it twice, giggling foolishly to herself, "Little Jiya, oh little Jiya, your master is truly the most beautiful, kind-hearted person I've ever seen—the finest beauty of all!"

Jiya, who had just been lightly manhandled, widened its golden eyes in disbelief. The teeth that had been gripping her sleeve bared, revealing sharp fangs capable of tearing prey apart in an instant, as if her slender, pale neck would be the next thing caught between them.

Unaware of the peril she was in, the young girl Tong Tong mistook its fierce warning for a question. With reckless disregard for her own safety, she scratched Jiya's smooth, furry neck—causing it to shudder all over, a flash of gold gleaming in its eyes, tinged with a hint of murderous intent—and gazed up at the sky at a forty-five-degree angle, lost in melancholy.

"Tell me, how is your master so perfect? Aside from being a bit cold, speaking little, and looking a bit feminine... he basically fits the standard of a "flower" boy! But I still prefer tall, strong, sunny, and handsome types! They feel more secure!" Her infatuated smile faded as Tong Tong wiped her face, then suddenly stopped. Turning to the bewildered Jiya, she spoke with sudden seriousness, "On the path of cultivation, one must remain focused and undisturbed to achieve success, right?"

Stunned by her abruptly solemn expression, Jiya blinked its golden eyes innocently and nodded instinctively.

Tong Tong immediately patted its neck twice more, nodding happily. "Yes, that's what I think too! So, matters of romance and such... let's save them for later!"

In the distance, she could see an open field where many disciples stood in small groups. Tong Tong guessed this must be the training ground she was headed to.

Gently prying open Jiya's teeth to free her sleeve, Tong Tong beamed at the snarling beast. She extended her hand and, even more boldly than before, ignored Lord Jiya's sensitive neck to stroke the top of its head. She even gave it a few firm rubs, flattening the once majestic fur into a droopy mess. "Little Jiya, thank you! And remember to thank your master for me! Bye-bye~"

Remembering something, Tong Tong turned back just as she was about to leave. With a "wickedly charming" smile in the face of Jiya's wide-eyed, battle-ready glare, she added, "Oh, I almost forgot—your teeth are quite white, Little Jiya! Well-maintained!" Satisfied, she walked toward the training ground.

The beast snorted, the murderous glint fading from its golden eyes as it rolled them in an almost human-like manner.

'How dare she touch this lord's neck! Mess up this lord's handsome appearance! Even my master wouldn't dare treat this lord like this! Stupid human! Next time, this lord will definitely eat you!'

Venting its frustration by pawing at the ground, a flash of golden light gleamed in Jiya's eyes before it vanished from the spot. In the next instant, it reappeared beside a thicket a thousand meters away, letting out a low growl, its sharp teeth glinting coldly. "Awoo~"

"L-Lord Jiya! I-I was wrong! Please don't eat me!" A man in a cyan robe tumbled out of the thicket in a panic, scrambling to his feet as he pleaded desperately for mercy.

Jiya's golden eyes narrowed with pleasure, but to the man, it felt like the gates of hell had swung open.

"Ah—" A scream tore through the air, startling a few dozing spirit birds.

Soon, the grove fell silent again, leaving only a pool of bl0od behind.

Before long, the bl0od was absorbed by the flowers and grass on the ground, leaving no trace. Only the blossoms, now blooming even more flamboyantly and wildly, hinted at an unusual, bewitching strangeness.

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