CHAPTER 8

— Leaning on Senior Brother —

"Ahaha... Obasan, you're here... I absolutely wasn't slacking off! I was just measuring the distance and calculating the optimal route by touching the ground, ahaha..." Commanding her exhausted, leaden legs to rise from the ground, Tong Tong flashed an innocent smile at the expressionless Yuan Qiongshuang, making excuses for herself.

T/N: [In Japanese society, there is a strong cultural emphasis on youth and femininity. Because "Obasan" specifically labels a woman as "middle-aged" or "older," it is often considered impolite or insulting to use it directly to address someone.]

It was clear she had changed her clothes—still purple, but more understated than before, without too many intricate patterns. Only on the front lapels were a pair of auspicious birds embroidered with gold thread, adding a touch of noble elegance. As someone who knew nothing about patterns, Tong Tong naturally couldn't name these two birds.

"Who is this 'Obasan'?" Instead of pressing her about slacking off, Elder Yuan's focus clearly landed on a strange word.

"Obasan is, of course, you..." Tong Tong answered without thinking, but under Yuan Qiongshuang's sharp, all-seeing gaze, she guiltily averted her eyes and added in a small voice, "Um... in my hometown, 'Obasan' is a respectful term for women. Just like calling a great scholar 'Master,' we use 'Obasan' for beautiful and virtuous women..."

Yuan Qiongshuang stared at Tong Tong for a few moments. Just as the latter was breaking out in a cold sweat and about to crack, Elder Yuan snorted coldly: "Glib-tongued."

Though it was criticism, her gaze seemed to soften a little.

Tong Tong chuckled foolishly along, but inwardly she breathed a sigh of relief: They say women love to hear sweet words, and it seems even immortal cultivators are no exception...

Sneaking a sidelong glance, Tong Tong thought that Yuan Qiongshuang wasn't bad-looking at all—her features were very proper, though her expressions were few, almost nonexistent. Her figure, however, was first-rate, even more stunning than the models on TV. Not particularly tall, but plump and curvaceous, full and rounded... definitely a D-cup at least...

She estimated Yuan Qiongshuang wasn't old either, around thirty or so. This icy demeanor was exactly like her elementary school math teacher, nicknamed "The Exterminator," who always inexplicably intimidated her and kept her from acting out—perhaps because she lacked the gentle rain of love to nourish her?

Just as the little train in Tong Tong's mind completely derailed, she saw Yuan Qiongshuang extend two slender, jade-like fingers and effortlessly lift the stone weight from the ground—the one that had nearly cost her half her life—as if picking up a needle: "How many rounds have you completed?"

"Um... o-one..." Tong Tong shakily raised a finger under Yuan Qiongshuang's incredulous gaze—so nervous she didn't realize she was raising her middle finger—and bravely added, "Still one-third short..."

Mom always said good children shouldn't lie! Tong Tong always considered herself a good child, but Yuan Qiongshuang's suddenly fierce glare made her instinctively swallow her saliva and question that belief: It felt like telling the truth might not be the best idea...

"Two hours, and not even one round, hmm?" It had to be said, Yuan Qiongshuang twirling the stone weight with one finger was undeniably cool, domineering, and impressive. If the stone weight hadn't been swung with such ferocity, barely grazing past her face each time as if it might smash into her the next second, she would have lavished praise and expressed her endless admiration without hesitation.

But right now... she just wanted to back away, farther and farther, as far as possible from this ferocious obasan!

Tong Tong shrank back, seething with anger but not daring to speak out: 'I'm just a delicate young girl, okay? Being able to lift such a heavy stone block is already impressive enough...'

Yuan Qiongshuang seemed to see right through her silent complaints, speaking coldly, "Do you think cultivation is child's play? Without the great perseverance to endure hardship and the boldness to abandon everything, I advise you to give up this path!" Without waiting for Tong Tong's reply, she sternly reprimanded, "The so-called body-forging technique is meant to train your physique and solidify your soul, enabling them to coordinate with every meridian and every bone in your body. Ultimately, it opens up the acupoints, allowing true essence to circulate within..."

"Oh... I see!" Tong Tong nodded, wearing an expression of sudden enlightenment, though inwardly she was slamming the table in protest: Isn't this just about unblocking the Ren and Du meridians? But that doesn't mean you have to wrestle with a giant stone block all day! Can't we learn something cool and practical like parkour or extreme sports?

In her spirited complaint, the young girl Tong Tong completely forgot her glorious history of never passing the fifty-meter dash test—for her, not only was "cool" out of the question, even running itself was a problem.

"I don't care what method you use. If you can't complete ten rounds by tomorrow at Chen hour [hour of the Dragon ( 7 to 9 AM)], don't come back to the training ground." Yuan Qiongshuang's tone was light, even gentle, but to Tong Tong, it sounded like a death sentence. "I can teach novices, but I never accept cowards."

With that, she ignored Tong Tong's crestfallen face, flicked her sleeve, and left.

After she was gone, Tong Tong finally slumped to the ground in despair. Not caring that it was a surface trampled by countless people, she lay flat on her back, one hand pillowed behind her head and the other covering her eyes, holding back the tears that threatened to spill.

'What exactly is cultivation?'

'And why am I cultivating?'

She quietly asked herself these questions.

After a long while, Tong Tong suddenly sat up, clenched her right hand into a fist, and slammed it into her left palm, as if struck by a sudden realization. "That's right! Cultivation isn't about immortality or attaining the Great Dao! Cultivation is about living a life of luxury, walking sideways without anyone daring to stop you! To do as you please without overstepping the bounds—only cultivation can make that possible!"

The more she spoke, the more excited she became. She even sprang to her feet, pointing a single finger toward the sky to express her feelings.

The few disciples lingering nearby, either watching the spectacle or assigned to supervise, looked at her as if she were a fool.

Then, three crisp claps echoed—"Clap, clap, clap"—and a figure in dark robes appeared before everyone's eyes, startling them into stunned silence.

"To do as you please without overstepping the bounds... Well said." The voice was calm and elegant, not as cold as Yuan Qiongshuang's but slightly deeper, truly pleasant to the ear.

Tong Tong, still frozen in her dramatic pose of pointing at the sky, turned her head stiffly to look. The speaker's beautiful peach blossom eyes were slightly raised, seemingly tinged with amusement. His refined face was calm and composed, but it only made her feel embarrassed, wishing she could dig a hole and bury herself—anything would be better than repeatedly embarrassing herself in front of him.

"Hah, haha... You flatter me, you flatter me..." She hurriedly pulled back her foolishly raised hand, pinching her burning earlobes. Apart from forcing a stiff smile onto her face, she had no idea what expression to wear.

"Look, it's Senior Brother Su..."

"Stop pushing, I can see..."

"Ahhh, is he looking at me? Quick, check my face powder—is it smudged?"

"So handsome... I'm about to faint!"

The hushed whispers of the onlooking disciples fell clearly into Su Yan's ears, but she showed no reaction. Instead, Jiya, following closely behind her, let out a low growl, its strong, powerful front hooves pawing at the ground. Its large golden eyes gleamed with a mischievous light, making those watching shudder with unease.

The timid ones, disregarding their image, immediately turned and fled, disappearing from sight in no time. The bolder ones also retreated step by step, striving to find a safe distance from which to admire their idol or eavesdrop on the gossip.

After glancing at Tong Tong's disheveled, dust-covered appearance, Su Yan's gaze swept over the large stone block and settled on the scraped skin at the base of her thumb. She retrieved a small jade vial from her storage pouch and handed it to her, saying calmly, "For clearing the mind and dispersing bruises."

Tong Tong numbly took the softly glowing jade vial, her mind already calculating furiously: This vial looks so valuable! Could it be made of Hetian jade or mutton-fat jade? Whatever it is, it's definitely no ordinary item!

—But, one shouldn't accept gifts without merit, especially since she already owed him a life-saving favor and a small act of kindness. Accepting another gift would make the debt impossible to repay... At this thought, the eager light in her eyes dimmed, and she lowered her head.

Not intending to delve into her intense internal struggle, Su Yan withdrew her hand, gave a slight nod, and then, with Jiya, soared away on her sword, leaving with utmost grace—not a speck of dust stirred in her wake.

Left alone to wrestle with her dilemma, Tong Tong pondered: Accept it? Refuse it? Accept? Refuse... Maybe it's better not to accept. She really couldn't bear to owe him any more!

—Most importantly, she had to let him know that Tong Tong was a girl with principles! Yes!

Having made up her mind, Tong Tong looked up, only to be stunned: "Where did he go?"

If not for the jade vial in her hand, she might have thought it was all just her imagination—that Su Yan had never been there at all.

Well, no need to agonize over it now. He was already long gone. In that case, she might as reluctantly accept it. Tong Tong's eyes curved into crescents as she smiled like a little cat that had just stolen a treat.

Pulling out the cork from the jade vial, she tipped out a pill. The vermilion elixir was round and lovely, emitting a faint, refreshing fragrance that made her eyes light up. She eagerly popped it into her mouth—it melted instantly, leaving a lingering sweetness on her tongue, smoother than chocolate. The medicinal liquid transformed into a warm current that flowed through her limbs, easing her aches and pains. Even the scrape on her palm healed at a visible speed... How miraculous!

On a whim, she tried lifting the stone block again and found it surprisingly lighter!

An immortal elixir!

Su Yan, you truly are a great person!

Clutching the jade vial to her chest, Tong Tong was overwhelmed with gratitude: Next time she saw him, she must thank him properly!

As she firmly grasped the vial and happily, albeit unsteadily, carried the large stone block step by step toward the tree, the remaining disciples huddled together, whispering among themselves.

"Did you see that? A healing treasure—Huanzhu Elixirs [Vermilion Restoration Elixirs]. Disciples at the Foundation Establishment stage and above receive one vial per month as their stipend... Senior Brother Su is truly generous." one remarked with awe.

"What's the big deal? Senior Brother Su is a Core Formation disciple and the Sect leader's favorite. Naturally, his stipend is much larger than most. What does it matter if he uses it to curry favor or show kindness?" another retorted with a tone of envy and jealousy.

"That female disciple is truly lucky, just like that she's latched onto Senior Brother Su. It seems we shouldn't easily provoke her from now on..." came the mocking, sarcastic tone.

"Hahahaha..." they laughed knowingly.

Tong Tong had no idea how exaggerated the rumors had become after Su Yan gave her a bottle of elixirs, just as she didn't know that this Huanzhu Pills—which was precious to ordinary disciples and top-grade for treating internal injuries and replenishing qi—was utterly insignificant in Su Yan's eyes. All she knew was that after taking one pill, her entire body was filled with strength, as if Popeye had eaten spinach.

T/N: [In this world, elixirs are often refined into the form of pills. For the sake of narrative flow, "elixir" and "pill" will be used interchangeably to refer to the same cultivation resource.]

What had seemed an impossible task now held a glimmer of hope for success. Tong Tong's gratitude toward Su Yan grew another notch, and her favorable impression rose even higher.

Thus, before the second day's Chen hour arrived, she finally managed to haul the large stone block back and forth ten times, collapsing exhausted on the ground, unable to move a muscle—and the bottle of Huanzhu pills was completely empty.

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