《Radiant Rebirth: The Ugly-Duckling Turned Out A Powerful Beauty》 Chapter 1 - 1 This Wretched Transmigration ?Chapter 1: This Wretched Transmigration Chapter 1: This Wretched Transmigration Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation When she opened her eyes once again, it was overwhelmingly cold. Water. She was surrounded by bone-piercing freezing cold water. There were also faint mocking sounds that could be heard. ¡°Toad trying to eat swan meat1! Just cool down in the water.¡± ¡°Never even looked at the mirror to see your own reflection, and still dare to covet Elder Brother Ling Xiaoting.¡± ¡°It seems like she really doesn¡¯t know how to float huh¡­¡± ¡°Sister Yumei, will this be a little too much? What if something really happens to her¡­¡± ¡°What could possibly happen to her! How could we not teach her a lesson? Thick-skinned shameless ugly girl!¡± ¡­ What kind of situation is this? Ling Chuxi had yet to recover from her daze. Only after directly swallowing two mouthfuls of piercing cold freezing water did she recover from her daze. It was because memories that did not belong to her were swarming into her brain. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Her head was aching as if it would split and it was like she almost couldn¡¯t breathe. And the reason why she was now struggling in the freezing cold river water, was because someone had pushed her into it! And the person who had pushed her into the water was standing beside the river with her hands on her waist and mocking her. This person was her so-called love rival. Why it was noted as a so-called love rival, was actually because that woman liked a man, and naturally assumed that she also liked that man! ¡®Get lost! What kind of nonsense is this?! Meeting such strange matters the moment I transmigrated.¡¯ Ling Chuxi shivered and quickly swam towards the shore. ¡®Get to the shore first before saying anything. Continuing to hustle here will end up with me either drowning or freezing to death!¡¯ However, her heart sank the next moment¡ªbecause her leg was cramped! She could only feel that her whole body was slowly sinking. All she could see was darkness before her and she slowly lost consciousness. After an unknown period of time, Ling Chuxi finally awakened. Her head was foggy and recalling the strange scene that happened, Ling Chuxi secretly sighed in her heart. What kind of nonsensical dream was that? To actually have dreamt of transmigrating and pushed into the water by someone else. However, in the very next moment, the noise by Ling Chuxi¡¯s ear shattered her thoughts. ¡°Aunt Wang, take a look. Chuxi has awakened. Next time, don¡¯t let her simply run about. This time we rescued her when we coincidentally saw her fall into the water. What if we didn¡¯t happen to pass by the next time?¡± Ling Chuxi could immediately identify this sarcastic and disdainful voice. This was the woman who pushed her into the water¡ªQin Yumei! She could really talk! ¡®The one who pushed me into the water was her, now she actually changed her face to act like she was a good person. This kind of shamelessness was indeed at a different level!¡¯ ¡®This is not a dream! I¡¯ve really transmigrated!¡¯ ¡°Miss, miss, are you alright?¡± A female¡¯s sob rang from beside her ear. Ling Chuxi ignored it, and once again closed her eyes to sort out the chaotic memories. This body¡¯s original owner had the family name Ling and the first name Chuxi. Coincidentally, she also had the same name. Transmigrating here, was it fate or simply a coincidence? Was this real or was it just a dream? Or was this another one of her lives? This body was sixteen years old. It seems like both parents were no longer around as there were no impressions of them in her memories. There was an elder brother, but it was as good as not having one as her brother had already left home when she was young. Basically, she was an orphan. This world was totally different from her original world. Cultivation was practiced and the strong were respected. The place she was in was just a small town¡­ Ling Chuxi was still in the midst of sorting out her memories, but noise was constantly buzzing by her ears. ¡°Aunt Wang, can¡¯t you just have better foresight? Don¡¯t always let my elder cousin sister worry about her. Hasn¡¯t she caused enough trouble for her? Such an arrogant tone, it was Qin Yumei¡¯s voice again. Elder cousin sister? What was that again? ¡°The miss, she didn¡¯t do it on purpose. Miss¡­¡± the stuttering voice belonged to Aunt Wang. The only servant who took care of Ling Chuxi. ¡°Unintentionally. Hehe, I bet it was intentional.¡± Qin Yumei¡¯s voice was laced with ridicule. an ugly person lusting after/coveting a handsome or beautiful person Chapter 2 - 2 Was She Really Ugly ?Chapter 2: Was She Really Ugly? Chapter 2: Was She Really Ugly? Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation With a splitting headache added with someone nagging beside, it was really unbearable. Ling Chuxi finally couldn¡¯t take it any longer and shouted, ¡°Get out! It¡¯s too noisy!¡± The moment Ling Chuxi¡¯s words were uttered, the whole house fell silent¡ªan odd silence filled it. Nobody ever thought that the quiet Ling Chuxi who was constantly bullied would suddenly raise her voice in anger. ¡°Get out. Can¡¯t you understand?¡± Ling Chuxi repeated herself while sitting up slightly and glancing coldly at the few people who were stunned. She also managed to roughly take a look at the few people who were in the house. All of them looked like sixteen, seventeen-year-old young maidens, and all of them were in ancient costumes. The leading maiden was wearing clothes that seemed to be made of silk, looking a little more refined than the rest. With a constipated look on her face, needless to say, this was Qin Yumei. At this moment, even Qin Yumei was stunned, looking at Ling Chuxi dumbfoundedly. Originally it seemed like she wanted to say something, but yet it looked like she suddenly thought of something else and decided to swallow her words. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Qin Yumei waved her hand and brought those maidens away. Before leaving, she gave Ling Chuxi a look of warning. Obviously unhappy about Ling Chuxi¡¯s anger but yet was willing to leave now was because she was afraid Ling Chuxi would speak out that she was the one who pushed Ling Chuxi into the water. After the group of people left, Ling Chuxi lay down on the bed again, closing her eyes and began sorting out her memories. Tian Chang Mainland, this was a world she had never heard of. Cultivation was practiced and the strong were respected. This small town was called Shi Qu Town. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This town had three big family clans¡ªthe Ling family, the Qin family, and the Luo family. Qin Yumei was from the Qin family. These three family clans had always balanced each other out, but recently the Qin family and the Ling family had a trend of inter-marrying. This would not be discussed temporarily. Ling Chuxi¡¯s greatest frustration was her current predicament! Orphaned, bullied, ugly, broke, poor¡­ etc. How miserable was that? In her vague memories, she was once an important person in the Ling family and when she was younger, she was also always protected by the Ling family. Overnight, after her parents passed away, everything changed to what it was now. Causing people to sigh. Ling Chuxi suddenly sat up. The moment she turned her head, she saw the stunned plain aunt who was standing by the bedside. This was her one and only servant, Aunt Wang. Obviously, she was also shocked. ¡°Aunt Wang, give me the mirror.¡± Ling Chuxi spoke to Aunt Wang. ¡°Ah?¡± Aunt Wang had yet to snap out of her stupor. Was it not because the young miss was ugly and thus hated to look at mirrors? Why did she actively ask for a mirror today? What happened? Although puzzled, but she only blanked out for a moment and immediately snapped back to reality, and went to bring the mirror. When Ling Chuxi held the mirror and looked at the person in the mirror, her lips twitched. No wonder she was called ugly. This face was covered in dense acne, looking terrible. Red and swollen to this extent, one couldn¡¯t even tell how the original face looked like. However¡­ Ling Chuxi brought the mirror closer and her lips curled into a sneer. This wasn¡¯t some acne! The Ling Chuxi who was well versed with medical skills and medicines could tell with a single look that it wasn¡¯t some innocent youthful acne, it was poison!!! Who would poison an orphaned girl? Just when Ling Chuxi was about to lift her right arm and put it upon her left wrist to check her pulse, a pair of urgent footsteps coming from outside interrupted her. ¡°Chuxi, Chuxi¡­¡± a worried female voice rang from the outside, sounding as if it were full of concern. However, Ling Chuxi frowned. According to her memories, the owner of this voice was Qin Xiruo. This person, was not ordinary. Chapter 3 - 3 The Hypocritical Woman ?Chapter 3: The Hypocritical Woman Chapter 3: The Hypocritical Woman Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation ¡°Chuxi, are you alright? I heard you fell into the water. What happened? How could you be so careless? If it wasn¡¯t because Yumei and the rest passed by, the consequences would be dire!¡± A girl sprinted from the door toward the bedside, holding onto Ling Chuxi¡¯s hand with concern whilst speaking words that contained slight blame in a rush. Her tone however, was full of concern. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± Ling Chuxi retracted her hand calmly. She was not used to being close to strangers. Whilst speaking, Ling Chuxi was sizing up the girl in front of her. Looked like a twenty over year old with good looks, a pair of large gentle eyes and small cherry lips. Without a doubt, this was a beauty. ¡°You really scared me to death. When I heard that you fell into the water, my heart almost stopped beating. It¡¯s good that nothing happened to you. How could you be so careless? If anything were to happen to you, how could I explain things to your elder brother?¡± Qin Xiruo lightly sighed and spoke angrily. ¡°I didn¡¯t fall into the water but rather was pushed into the water by Qin Yumei. She was worried I¡¯d drown to death and that the Ling family would investigate so she rescued me. Otherwise, what you are seeing now would be just a corpse.¡± Ling Chuxi looked at the girl in front of her with indifference and spoke with a cold tone. It seems that the reason Qin Xiruo cared for her was her brother who was soon disappearing from her memories. She liked Ling Chuxi¡¯s elder brother, Ling Wushang. Before Ling Wushang left, he had asked Qin Xiruo to take care of his younger sister. It appeared that Qin Xiruo was very concerned about Ling Chuxi, but¡­ Ling Chuxi secretly complained in her heart. How old was Ling Wushang when he left? Qin Xiruo actually liked him to this extent for so many years. How peculiar. The air in the room stilled. Qin Xiruo¡¯s expression froze. Her mouth was slightly agape and she stared at Ling Chuxi as if she could not believe Ling Chuxi would say something like that. Aunt Wang was so angry that she shrilled. ¡°Miss! Is that true? Qin Yumei actually pushed you into water. This is bullying you because you are an orphan, bullying because there is no one in the Ling family! ¡®Aunt Wang, I give thirty-two likes1 in my heart.¡¯ Faint mirth appeared in Ling Chuxi¡¯s eyes. This sentence was very accurately said! Qin Yumei bullying Ling Chuxi was not something that happened overnight. Would Qin Xiruo not have known? Ling Chuxi simply did not believe it. ¡°How would that be possible? How would it be possible that Yumei would do something like that?¡± Qin Xiruo¡¯s face changed. Her beautiful face was filled with shock and disbelief, she shook her head and said. ¡°Chuxi, could it be that you saw wrongly? Or that you were shocked and that¡¯s why you remembered wrongly?¡± ¡°Sister Xiruo.¡± Ling Chuxi suddenly laughed and lightly called out. ¡°Yes?¡± Qin Xiruo answered, subconsciously smiling. However, in the next moment, the smile froze. ¡°Sister Xiruo, do you think I¡¯m stupid or blind?¡± Ling Chuxi tilted her head, her tone naive. The smile of Qin Xiruo¡¯s face froze and she paled a little. ¡°Chuxi, you. What are you saying?¡± ¡°Am I stupid or blind? Am I unable to differentiate if I fell into the water myself or if someone pushed me in?¡± The smile on Ling Chuxi¡¯s face disappeared, leaving behind coldness and ridicule. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Sister Xiruo, I¡¯m not well at the moment. Please leave first, I want to rest.¡± Qin Xiruo¡¯s face was very entertaining. She was looking at Ling Chuxi with shock and uneasiness, absolutely not daring to believe these kinds of words were spoken by Ling Chuxi. Wasn¡¯t Ling Chuxi a cowardly and easily influenced person? Why did she become so sharp today? popular saying among Chinese netizens to mean praiseworthy Chapter 4 - 4 Miserable Identity ?Chapter 4: Miserable Identity Chapter 4: Miserable Identity Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation Qin Xiruo hesitated for a moment, as if she was going to say something, but she saw Ling Chuxi¡¯s cold expression and finally decided to quietly leave without saying a word. Ling Chuxi swept a glance at the door and lay down once again. Her head was aching badly and these memories were causing her head further pain. That was because she found out that the situation she was about to face was extremely complicated. ¡°Miss, Miss, are you alright?¡± Aunt Wang came over at that moment, her tone full of anger. ¡°Miss, that Qin Yumei is actually so vile. We must inform Second Elder, let Second Elder decide on this matter.¡± ¡°That¡¯s enough. I¡¯m hungry, make me something to eat first.¡± Ling Chuxi rubbed her stomach and calmly said. ¡°Give me a cup of hot water first.¡± ¡°Ah, yes, Miss.¡± Aunt Wang quickly brought Ling Chuxi a cup of hot water and served her while waiting for her to finish it. ¡°Miss, you, the way you talked to Miss Xiruo, was it not a little inappropriate?¡± Aunt Wang hesitated for half a day before finally asking in a stutter. This was because Miss Qin Xiruo had always been concerned about the Miss after all, and the Miss had always listened to Miss Xiruo. She had never gone against her word, what more use such a sarcastic tone to retort. Nonetheless, thinking of how the Miss was bullied by that Qin Yumei, Aunt Wang felt like she could figure it out. The Miss must have displaced her anger on Miss Qin Xiruo. ¡°Aunt Wang, who am I to you?¡± Ling Chuxi did not answer Aunt Wang¡¯s question but instead spat out such a sentence. Her face did not contain a trace of smile, only sternness. ¡°Of course you are my Miss. The only person I am loyal to.¡± At this moment Aunt Wang also lost all smiles, answering decisively. ¡°Then, that is enough.¡± Ling Chuxi nodded her head in satisfaction. ¡°Remember, don¡¯t trust what appears on the surface. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. You should trust only what I say. Qin Ruoxi is not as kind-hearted as she appears, and is definitely not as concerned about me as what you would see.¡± Ling Chuxi had arrived in this world, and had no choice but to accept this miserable identity and the chaotic circumstances. The only silver lining was that at least there was still someone who was genuinely treating her kindly. The first was this Aunt Wang. It seems like she was unintentionally saved by her mother and she decided to say back and take care of her out of gratitude. The second person¡­ ¡°Yes, Miss!¡± Aunt Wang nodded vigorously but her face was quickly changed. ¡°Miss, what you said earlier, what do you mean? Don¡¯t tell me Miss Qin Xiruo also bullied you? Then we definitely need to go and see Second Elder and let him decide on this!¡± Ling Chuxi lightly shook her head. ¡°We have caused enough trouble for Second Elder. This time, there is no need to trouble him. I know how to handle it.¡± Besides Aunt Wang, the only other person in the clan who treated her with genuine kindness was the Second Elder. Aunt Wang bit her lip, her face full of reluctance. The Miss must have always been bullied but she herself never even noticed. This time, it must have been that the bullying was too cruel that Miss could no longer hold it in. ¡®It¡¯s my fault.¡¯ The more Aunt Wang thought about it, the more she felt unhappy and irritated in her heart. ¡°That¡¯s enough Aunt Wang. Go and prepare the food. I¡¯m hungry.¡± Ling Chuxi rubbed her growling stomach and said with pursed lips. For a foodie to go hungry, it was an earth-shattering matter. To her, it was more unbearable than the sky falling. ¡°Yes, yes, Miss. I will go and prepare the food immediately.¡± Aunt Wang said in a hurry as she could also hear Ling Chuxi¡¯s stomach growling. After Aunt Wang left, only then did Ling Chuxi started to check her own pulse. After checking her pulse, her expression subtly changed. Her current ¡®astonishing¡¯ looks were indeed the result of someone¡¯s poisoning. Chapter 5 - 5 ?Chapter 5: Wastrel Through and Through Chapter 5: Wastrel Through and Through Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation Although it was not a life-threatening poison, it had already been hidden in the body for a long time. Now her face and body would have small red acnes, and in the end they would swell. Carrying a pig-headed face around every day, it is only natural she would not be liked and would of course be called an ugly girl. The poison in her body was not a potent poison, just plucking a few ordinary herbs and taking them would suffice to rid the poison. However, who would have wanted to poison an orphaned girl? Such a malicious action, what was it for? There wasn¡¯t anything on her that was worth coveting, right? Ling Chuxi¡¯s brain filtered through all the useful information and finally found that there were no suspects, nor was there anyone who had any reason to poison her. The food that Aunt Wang made was still alright. But to a foodie like Ling Chuxi, what did this table of greens mean?! The so-called meat soup had oil drops floating on top? This meal was so bland that the Ling Chuxi who would never be happy without meat almost bit off her own tongue. No meat. Not a single bit of meat! Ling Chuxi was flipping the food inside her bowl. Not to mention a piece of meat, there wasn¡¯t even an ounce of minced meat.1 This was a great torment to her. Ling Chuxi stabbed at her rice, a face full of sorrow. So much so that the Aunt Wang who was watching could not bear it. ¡°Miss, are today¡¯s dishes not to your liking?¡± Aunt Wang asked, slightly perturbed. ¡°No, no, it¡¯s quite good.¡± Ling Chuxi shook her head continuously, speaking insincerely. Really self-inflicted. Because of the acne on her face, the previous Ling Chuxi had listened to the eldest madam¡¯s words, eating less oily food, and thus every meal only contained vegetables and beancurd. Thus the current tragedy. Really wanted to eat meat, really wanted to eat meat ah¡­ Ling Chuxi¡¯s eyes were almost glowing green.1 ¡°Miss, the Second Elder will return tomorrow.¡± Aunt Wang said while attentively pushing a plate of Chinese cabbage before Ling Chuxi. ¡°Alright. You don¡¯t have to tell Second Elder about today¡¯s matters. I know how to talk about it.¡± Ling Chuxi bitterly swallowed a mouthful of Chinese cabbage, her heart was silently crying tears while pondering when would be suitable to change the situation regarding her meals. ¡°No, it¡¯s not that. Miss, did you forget? Second Elder said he would check your cultivation when he returns.¡± Aunt Wang weakly said, looking at Ling Chuxi with a very complicated gaze. Ling Chuxi¡¯s chopsticks paused for a moment. She suddenly recalled. This is a world where cultivation was practiced, it was only natural that everyone wished to practice martial arts. And the martial practitioners were distinguished very distinctly. Innate talent, this thing, was not something everybody had, and it wasn¡¯t that only with innate talent could one move forward by leaps and bounds. Ling Chuxi¡¯s original innate talent was bad, very bad. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Originally, she did not even plan to be a practitioner. However, the Second Elder who was concerned about her taught her meticulously, hoping that she could one day be successful. This time, before the Second Elder left, he said that he would check on her cultivation when he returned. This is terrible. In this world, there was no magic, and it wasn¡¯t just about Fighting Qi, but Battle Qi. The Ling Chuxi from before who had worked so hard had only managed to enter the Battle Qi first level¡¯s intermediate stage. Practitioners¡¯ Battle Qi was divided into nine levels, and each level was subdivided into stages of Primary, Intermediate, Advanced, and Pinnacle. Ling Chuxi¡¯s abilities were really chilling. This explained why Aunt Wang¡¯s gaze was so complicated. Ling Chuxi, was not a just a wastrel, but rather, a total wastrel through and through! Even that arrogant Qin Yumei was already at Battle Qi Level-3 Primary stage. ¡°En, I know. We¡¯ll talk about it later.¡± Ling Chuxi calmly replied and continued eating a few mouthfuls of vegetables. Her mind however, was flipping through her memories in search of a way to change the food she had during her meals. This is me with greensindicating greed Chapter 6 - 6 Really Poor ?Chapter 6: Really Poor Chapter 6: Really Poor Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation In this house, there were only the two of them¡ªshe and Aunt Wang. The house¡¯s income was given by the clan. Sometimes Aunt Wang would help people to mend their clothes to complement the family¡¯s income. The clan¡¯s expenses were all managed by the Third Elder. About the third elder, Ling Handong¡ªheh. The moment Ling Chuxi thought about this person, she sneered in her heart. This person was not simple. If the memories she had inherited were not wrong, this body¡¯s elder brother frequently requested people to bring back things, but quite a bit had been seized by this Third Elder. And even this was secretly overheard by Ling Chuxi. However, she was only an orphaned girl who was slighted. Naturally it was not possible for her to get any justice. Now, it was changed to her right? Hehe! After putting down the bowl and chopsticks, Aunt Wang went to wash the dishes while Ling Chuxi returned to her own house. Looking at the depilated house and worn-out blanket, Ling Chuxi¡¯s gaze chilled. This Third Elder, was really something else. Keeping an orphaned girl¡¯s things without guilt. If it wasn¡¯t because the Second Elder would occasionally provide relief, it was possible that even this kind of furniture would not exist. The clan would never care about furnishings and daily necessities, as long as you didn¡¯t die of hunger or froze to death. At night, Ling Chuxi crossed her legs and sat on the bed to cultivate according to her memories. Qi entered her dantian and Ling Chuxi finally saw the so-called Qi Ocean. This was a whole new wonderful world, something the Ling Chuxi from before had never experienced. In her dantian, Ling Chuxi saw the Qi Ocean. The light was very dim in her Qi Ocean. This was the deciding factor of every practitioner¡¯s innate talent. Obviously, the innate talent of the previous Ling Chuxi was very bad. However, it wasn¡¯t because of natural causes that her innate talent, but rather because of what happened later on! Ling Chuxi was well versed with medical skills, medicines and poisons. After her detailed checking, she was surprised to find her body¡¯s key meridians were suppressed. That¡¯s why it took twice the effort yet received half the effect when this body cultivated. No matter how hard one tried to cultivate, the final effect would not even reach ten percent! This was a pit, a dead pit! Furthermore, this meridian suppression technique was extremely superb. Ling Chuxi did not think that anyone in the clan had such superb techniques. Then who could it have been? Stopping the originally genius Ling Chuxi¡¯s cultivation? Was it for her good, or was it not? If it was for her good, why would they allow her to live in such a bad condition that she did not even have the ability to protect herself? If it was not, then why not directly kill her? No matter how Ling Chuxi thought about it, she still could not understand. Since thinking about it could not help her to understand, she decided not to think about it. This matter would be cleared up one day. Ling Chuxi stretched and lay on the bed. She already had a plan. First, heal this face that could anger gods and men, then find a way to break the suppression on her body¡¯s meridians and start cultivating. Lastly, it would naturally be to beat up those people who constantly bullied her. Beat them until their teeth fall and let them know why chrysanthemums bloom so magnificently! Early in the morning of the second day, Ling Chuxi¡¯s face turned green when she saw the gruel and the salted vegetables on the table. No meat bun, no meat! What kind of torment was this?? ¡°Miss, what¡¯s wrong? You don¡¯t look too well. Did you catch a cold when you fell into the water?¡± Aunt Wang asked with concern when she saw Ling Chuxi¡¯s green face. Aunt Wang pondered and felt that that should not be the case. Yesterday when Miss came back, she immediately gave her a hot bath and changed her clothes. Furthermore, she fed her ginger soup and everything was fine last night. ¡°I¡¯m very well!¡± Ling Chuxi gritted her teeth and squeezed out this sentence. After that, she angrily drank a mouth of the gruel, cursing the Third Elder in her heart. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 7 - 7 I Want to Eat Meat! ?Chapter 7: I Want to Eat Meat! Chapter 7: I Want to Eat Meat! Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation Ling Chuxi made a decision once again in her heart, to make Third Elder give back out everything he seized previously as soon as possible! After breakfast, Aunt Wang went to give back the clothes she had assisted to mend. Ling Chuxi told Aunt Wang. ¡°Aunt Wang, I am going to Second Elder¡¯s house to wait for him.¡± Aunt Wang naturally trusted her miss¡¯s words and nodded smilingly before leaving. The moment Aunt Wang stepped out the door, Ling Chuxi ran into the house and left with a bow and a small bag. Inside the bag was a small dagger which seems to have been left by her mum for her. ¡®I want to eat meat! I want to eat meat! I haven¡¯t eaten meat for a full day!¡¯ Ling Chuxi grudgingly swallowed her saliva and snuck out to the back mountain behind the small town with the bow on her back. The back mountain behind the town was called Purple Maple Mountain. Originally there were many small animals on the hill, but after quite a number were hunted, these small animals wised up and were not so easily caught. Furthermore, the ran to the deeper parts of the back mountain. In the deeper parts of the back mountain, there was a clear stream, which finally flowed to the Purple Maple Lake at the bottom of the mountain. These were deeply entrenched in Ling Chuxi¡¯s memories. Ling Chuxi carried a bag on her back and ran all the way to the Purple Maple Mountain. The small bow which she was carrying was originally made by her brother, Ling Wushang. Although it was not big, to kill a small hare or something like that, it would be more than sufficient. Ling Wushang was very vague in her memories. Because when he left, Ling Chuxi was only two or three years old. Naturally, she did not have much of an impression. After walking for more than two hours, Ling Chuxi finally arrived at the back mountain of Purple Maple Mountain. On Purple Maple Mountain, the hill was covered in maple leaves, red like fire, giving out an amorous feeling. However, Ling Chuxi was in no mood to appreciate all of this. She was there to hunt for prey. A rabbit hopped in front of her and she immediately took out her bow and arrow, and took a shot. Such actions were called handsome! Sharp! Smooth! Thwang! The arrow flew out like a meteor chasing the moon, and then¡­ missed! The rabbit shook its butt and took a look at the arrow which had fallen by its side, turned its head and looked at Ling Chuxi with disdain, and proudly hopped away. ¡®I¡¯m so angry!¡¯ Ling Chuxi shook her hand. It seems like it had been too long since she last shot an arrow, and thus she was a little rusty. Ling Chuxi pondered for a moment and calmed her heart, leading the Battle Qi in her body to circulate in her body and gather at her hands. She once again held her breath and aimed at a fat gray rabbit who had hopped out from behind a tree. Thwang! S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The arrow shot out. A sharp cracking sound rang, the arrow shot out, and the fat rabbit was directly nailed to the ground. So this was the use of Battle Qi? Ling Chuxi reached out her hand, opened her palm and looked at it. Her hand, was still lightly shaking. This and the previous feeling of shooting an arrow with brute strength was totally different! The Battle Qi of this world was really to miraculous! It could be used in such a way, how terrific! After exclaiming over all these, Ling Chuxi happily ran over, carrying the rabbit to the stream. When she arrived at the stream, she took out the dagger, which looked almost rusty on the outside but sharp on the inside and skilfully skinned the hare, removing all the innards and cleaning it. After that, she picked up some firewood and started to roast the meat. In the bag, isn¡¯t wasn¡¯t anything else, but rather, seasoning from the kitchen! This pathetic amount of seasoning, was at least better than none. Ling Chuxi was thinking. This world did not have various spices. How could it be a special barbeque without cumin? Chapter 8 - 8 The Unhappy-Without-Meat Foodie ?Chapter 8: The Unhappy-Without-Meat Foodie Chapter 8: The Unhappy-Without-Meat Foodie Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation Ling Chuxi skilfully brushed on the oil¡ªflipping and roasting. The fragrance slowly whiffed out and the oil on top of the meat was starting to ooze out, dripping and triggering small flames. Ling Chuxi was looking at it till she almost drooled. ¡°So fragrant. I¡¯m such a genius, I really admire myself.¡± Ling Chuxi¡¯s eyes lit up looking at the rabbit which she had been roasting slowly turning brown. This is something she would say every time she made something nice to eat! Once the rabbit meat was roasted, Ling Chuxi took out her dagger to cut it up. Eating till her eyes were all curved into a slit, full of happiness. She was eating and exclaiming at the same time about how she was such a genius, being able to make something so nice to eat. Finally got to eat meat! When she was at the peak of her happiness eating, a sound came from the bushes beside her. ¡°Who is it?¡± Ling Chuxi turned her head towards the bushes with alert. Her hands stopped what they were doing, and fixed her eyes on the bush. A little fox slowly came out. Its fur was snow-white and its black pupils would move anyone who saw it. Its spiky fur, big furry ears¡ªreally adorable. It stared at Ling Chuxi, then turned its head to stare at the barbequed rabbit meat on the racks. Its meaning obvious ¡ª it was attracted to the fragrance of the meat and wanted to eat it. ¡°Come, don¡¯t be afraid. It¡¯s very nice to eat, I¡¯ll give you a bit.¡± If you thought that Ling Chuxi would say this after looking at the cute little fox, you are wrong! Absolutely wrong! S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Ling Chuxi chewed on the rabbit meat, squinted her eyes at the fox and viciously said. ¡°Move aside! This is my rabbit meat. I¡¯m full now so I¡¯m not going to slaughter you. However, if you want to stay back to be my backup food storage, that¡¯s fine too.¡± In the eyes of a foodie such as Ling Chuxi, wildlife was only divided into two kinds¡ªedible and inedible! The little fox did not run away after hearing Ling Chuxi¡¯s vicious words, but twitched its ears and stared with determination at the roasted meat in Ling Chuxi¡¯s hands. Ling Chuxi ignored it, continuing to eat with great gusto. When Ling Chuxi was full, she looked at the remaining rabbit meat with worry. ¡®What am I supposed to do? I can¡¯t bring it back. Otherwise, Aunt Wang would be suspicious. If I leave it here, it will only be eaten by other wild beasts. Sigh, really such a pity.¡¯ Ling Chuxi looked at the remaining roasted rabbit meat in anguish. Finally, she made a decision. ¡®Let it be, I¡¯ll let this little fox take advantage.¡¯ Ling Chuxi rolled her eyes and waved towards the little fox who was not far away. Looking at Ling Chuxi waving her hand, the little fox hesitated and did not approach. ¡°Are you male or female? Want to eat but dare not approach. No balls huh? Ling Chuxi angrily roared. She did not seem to have noticed how colorful her shouting was, nor did she feel there were any problems. But the little fox seemed to have understood Ling Chuxi¡¯s words, squinting its eyes and slowly walked forward. Not knowing why, Ling Chuxi actually felt that the fox looked elegant when walking forward. Could a fox be this elegant when it walks? Ling Chuxi pointed at the remaining rabbit meat, giggled and smugly said, ¡°For you. See how kind I am?¡± The little fox blinked and looked at the leftover meat. The rabbit¡¯s succulent thigh was already eaten by Ling Chuxi. Everything left behind were not good parts, for example, the spine and stomach. Was this called being kind? It was obviously leftovers alright? Furthermore, she had shouted at it saying that she wanted to turn the little fox into spare food. ¡°Just eat it.¡± Ling Chuxi uttered this sentence then packed her things and left. Chapter 9 - 9 This is Something Good ?Chapter 9: This is Something Good Chapter 9: This is Something Good Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation The little fox stood at its original position, looked at Ling Chuxi¡¯s back, and a silver light flashed across the black eyes, but instantaneously disappeared. Ling Chuxi did not turn around and see such an odd scene, but rubbed her stomach in satisfaction, burped and leisurely walked away, ready to return home. However, after walking by the stream for some time, Ling Chuxi suddenly reached out her hand to touch her face and suddenly exclaimed. ¡®Almost forgot an important matter. I was so occupied looking for meat to eat and had forgotten to pick herbs to salvage this face.¡¯ The poison in her body was not serious, just gathering a few normal herbs would be sufficient. Ling Chuxi lowered her head to seriously search. However, in this deep autumn, herbs were not so easily found. She needed three different herbs, but after looking everywhere, she could not even find one. It seems like she could only go to the medical hall to take a look. But, the biggest problem was ¡ª money! How to buy herbs without money? Although those herbs were very ordinary, they still required money alright? The current her, was flat broke. ¡®Eh? What is this?¡¯ Ling Chuxi saw there were a few gray mushrooms under a big tree. ¡®Looks quite familiar, it seems to be the Phantom Mushroom? Why are there Phantom Mushrooms here?¡¯ Ling Chuxi rushed over excitedly, afraid someone would appear and snatch them away. These Phantom Mushrooms weren¡¯t some delicacies, but rather a type of poisonous mushroom which could cause people to hallucinate. However, these poisonous mushrooms did not cause illusions when eaten, but rather created strong illusions when inhaled after drying and being ground into powder. This was something good! Ling Chuxi didn¡¯t say a word and squatted down to pick them. After picking the first one, a bug crawled out and she threw it away in disgust. After thinking, she took out her dagger and dug out a few mushrooms and carefully kept away these Phantom Mushrooms after ensuring that there were no bugs. Ling Chuxi had a gut feeling that these Phantom Mushrooms would definitely be of great use. How odd, why were there such good things like Phantom Mushrooms here? Ling Chuxi greedily looked around and only gave up after confirming that there were no more left. With this delay, by the time she reached home, it was already noon. The moment she stepped into the door, Aunt Wang hurriedly greeted her with a face full of worry. ¡°Miss, where did you go? I was so worried about you. You said you went to the Second Elder¡¯s place, but just now Second Elder dropped by and said he never saw you. Miss, where did you go, you really worried me to death. Was it that Miss Qin Yumei bullied you? Miss, are you alright? Did anything happen to you¡­¡± ¡°Hold on, hold on!¡± Ling Chuxi was on the verge of fainting after being thrown a string of words. How come she never knew Aunt Wang was so long-winded last time? sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Miss, Second Elder is already inside waiting for you.¡± Aunt Wang carefully checked Ling Chuxi and after determining that nothing was wrong with Ling Chuxi, she exhaled a sigh of relief and spoke. ¡°Oh. Aunt Wang, have you all eaten?¡± Ling Chuxi looked inside and indeed saw there was an old man sitting inside the house. That was the clan¡¯s second elder ¡ª Ling Zhishan. ¡°Not yet. We were waiting for you to come back to eat together. The Second Elder brought you quite a bit of things.¡± Aunt Wang happily said. ¡°Okok.¡± Ling Chuxi simply replied and walked into the house. In her memories, the Second Elder was someone who was very kind and had always been taking care of Ling Chuxi. However, he was the clan¡¯s second elder after all, and was an alchemist. He was very busy and thus was not able to care for Ling Chuxi in all aspects. The previous Ling Chuxi had a weak personality, and had never dared to tell the second elder that she was being bullied. Chapter 10 - 10 What Inside Story was There ?Chapter 10: What Inside Story was There? Chapter 10: What Inside Story was There? Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation ¡°Little Chuxi, where did you go to play? S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Aunt Wang said you went to look for me. Why didn¡¯t I even see your shadow?¡± The moment she stepped into the door, the old man sitting in the hall turned and said smilingly. Although he said that on the surface, his tone contained no blame whatsoever. ¡°I went to look for a place with good fengshui to cultivate, and was enlightened.¡± Ling Chuxi said with a light laugh. The Second Elder was stunned. Looking at Ling Chuxi¡¯s smile, he was really stunned. It had been a long time since he last saw Ling Chuxi smiling like this. And this kind of mischievous tone, this, was it really Chuxi? ¡°Second Elder~~ what did you bring me this time?¡± Ling Chuxi ran over with a smile on her face, and sat down beside the second elder. ¡°Little Chuxi, you¡­¡± the second elder had yet to recover from his daze. ¡°I was pushed into the water by Qin Yumei and almost drowned to death. I have figured it out, I will no longer be cowardly. I won¡¯t let those people bully me like that anymore. I want to become stronger! I will work harder in my cultivation.¡± Ling Chuxi¡¯s smile disappeared, replaced by a determined face looking at the second elder. ¡°However, Second Elder, don¡¯t pursue this matter. She will not admit to it. Pursuing this matter will affect the relationship between the Ling family and the Qin family.¡± The second elder was first anger, then surprised and finally, gratified. Anger was because Qin Yumei had actually dared to bully Ling Chuxi. Surprised because of Ling Chuxi¡¯s strong words of wanting to become stronger! Gratified because Ling Chuxi did not make him pursue the matter with Qin Yumei. If this matter was pursued, it indeed would affect the Qin family and the Ling family¡¯s relations. Especially at this critical juncture, as the Ling family was no longer as glorious as before. It had slowly been weakening over these few years. The Qin family and the Luo family had already climbed over the Ling family¡¯s head. If things continued, the Ling family will be swallowed sooner or later. The Qin family¡¯s interest in having marriage alliances had caused the Ling family, who had the weakest power, to naturally feel very happy and were full of anticipation. ¡°Little Chuxi, you have been wronged¡­¡± the second elder lightly sighed after some time, and reached out to gently pat Ling Chuxi¡¯s head. ¡°It¡¯s fine. You have also suffered, Second Elder.¡± Ling Chuxi looked at the white-haired second elder with some lament. The second elder had always been worried about the family clan¡¯s matters, and had truly suffered. ¡°Come, little girl, let me check your pulse.¡± The second elder reached out his hand, indicating his intention. Ling Chuxi obligingly stretched out her hand and let the second elder check her pulse. Whilst checking her pulse, the second elder¡¯s forehead wrinkled, and a hardly noticeable frustration and disappointment flashed across his eyes. All these were caught on by the sensitive Ling Chuxi. ¡°The red bumps on your face are nothing serious. Pay attention to your diet, and rest more. Don¡¯t think too much. When you grow older, they will naturally recover.¡± The second elder put away his hand and assured her. Towards the matter of Ling Chuxi¡¯s meridians being suppressed, he did not say a word. Obviously he did not notice it. After checking her pulse, it should be the disappointment towards her cultivation results. It¡¯s no surprise, Ling Chuxi¡¯s current abilities were indeed very bad. However, the second elder who was known as the Little Holy Hand in this town was actually unable to figure out that the red bumps on her face was due to the fact that she had been mildly poisoned? For this matter, Ling Chuxi did not believe. If the second elder knew, why did he not say it out? What exactly was the inside story? ¡°Second Elder, when cultivating these two days, I kept feeling that my meridians were very congested. The moment the Battle Qi reached certain meridians, they could no longer move. Why is that so?¡± Ling Chuxi asked as if to probe. The matter of her meridians being suppressed, Ling Chuxi wanted to know whether the second elder was truly unable to figure it out. The second elder gentle gathered his brows, and his face was a little awkward. He replied gently after thinking, ¡°Little girl, being hardworking would help you overcome your weaknesses. You have to work harder and there will be a day where you will see the success. Don¡¯t be lazy, remember to work hard.¡± Indeed, the second elder was unable to notice that her meridians were actually being suppressed. Instead he thought that she had naturally low aptitude, using words like working hard to overcome weaknesses to comfort her. Chapter 11 - 11 Bullying for a Bit ?Chapter 11: Bullying for a Bit Chapter 11: Bullying for a Bit Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation It¡¯d be weird if working hard could overcome weakness! This is aptitude. Even a hundred years of hard work would not change a thing. This problem had to have a solution. ¡°Also, in three months, the clan will recommend people to the White Stone Academy. Work hard and try to pass the clan¡¯s assessment and join the academy¡¯s examination.¡± When the second elder was saying this, he himself was a little lacking in confidence. Therefore, he did not dare to look at Ling Chuxi in the eye. With Ling Chuxi¡¯s aptitude, she wouldn¡¯t even pass the clan¡¯s innate talent assessment, not to mention White Stone Academy¡¯s examination. White Stone Academy? Ling Chuxi blinked her eyes and dug out the information from her memories. White Stone Academy! A place where many talents have been generated. This academy was top 5 in the whole nation! The teachers were strong. Once one had entered the academy, one could improve very quickly. Therefore, a lot of people wanted to get into the academy. Anyone who was between the age of 16 and 20 could participate in the annual examinations. Regardless of family status, as long as one could pass the examinations, one could enter the academy for studies. Before the Ling family recommend the disciples of the clan to participate in the White Stone Academy, there would first be an assessment. The assessment would be based on innate talent. If their innate talent was not good, they would not allow them to participate in the White Stone Academy¡¯s examination, lest they be embarrassed. ¡°Mm, alright, Second Elder. I will definitely work hard. I believe I will definitely be able to pass the assessment and examination!¡± said Ling Chuxi¡¯s with a face full of determination and her fist raised in excitement. Then as hoped, she saw the second elder looking as if he was constipated, her heart brimming with happiness. ¡®Hmmph! Horrible old man. Only know how to blindly comfort people, now are you feeling very conflicted? Sometimes, this kind of white lies are even more hurtful.¡¯ ¡°Alright, you, you work hard. There will definitely be success.¡± The second elder¡¯s face looked even more constipated, his tangled brows looked as if they were going to wrinkle into one. Ling Chuxi nodded her head with enthusiasm, her face looking incredibly serious, but her heart was full of laughter. Bullying this old fashioned old man was not that bad. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Let him feel conflicted for a bit, haha. But!!! She will not let herself continue being such a weakling. In this martial art advocating world, where the strong was respected, being weak was no good thing. ¡°Alright. This time I brought back some things for you. If you are lacking in anything, just ask from Third Elder, alright?¡± the second elder pointed to the bundle on the table and said, ¡°Come, take a look to see if you like them.¡± ¡°Yes, thank you Second Elder.¡± Ling Chuxi nodded with a smile on her face whilst her hands opened the bundle. The moment she opened it, she saw that there were some books, ink and paper etc, and some sewing materials, for embroidery inside. Ling Chuxi¡¯s face fell. The books could be kept, but what do these sewing materials mean? ¡°Little girl, when you are free, you can take a look at the books, embroider some flowers or whatnot right? This is also good.¡± The second elder carefully said when he saw Ling Chuxi¡¯s face fall. After checking her pulse earlier on, he had already found out that Ling Chuxi¡¯s cultivation had no improvements whatsoever. Ling Chuxi naturally knew what the second elder was thinking. It should be: since she has no innate talent for cultivation, why not learn something else. Next time when she weds she could assist her husband and teach her children! Never!!! Ling Chuxi harrumphed in her heart. She will definitely find a way to solve the problem of her meridians being suppressed. The second elder stayed back to eat, and gave some instructions to Ling Chuxi before leaving. Ling Chuxi did not leave the house the whole afternoon. She was sorting out her thoughts. First, she must make herself stronger. You need to know that in her memory, the people who bullied her was not only Qin Yumei alone! Chapter 12 - 12 Reclaiming What Belongs to Her ?Chapter 12: Reclaiming What Belongs to Her Chapter 12: Reclaiming What Belongs to Her Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation There were still those disgusting dirty men, admirers of Qin Yumei who had bullied Ling Chuxi. Secondly, she needed to quickly get rid of the suppression on her meridians and start cultivating! As for the third elder¡¯s side, she had to find a way to let him return all the money and goods he had seized. With money, things would be easily done. Unclogging her meridians would require the use of silver needles. Those also need to be bought by money! The house was currently flat broke. Ling Chuxi counted the days with her fingers, it seemed that her elder brother would be sending things back within these two days. Need to find a way to not only to bring back all the things from this time, but also to reclaim everything from the previous times. Two days later, Ling Chuxi went to the Ling family¡¯s Ancestral Court. ¡®Today I must absolutely make Third Elder spit out everything he secretly seized, and even more.¡¯ The Ling family¡¯s Ancestral Court was the place where a few people with high positions lived. For example, the five elders. For example, the Ling family¡¯s strong disciples. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. For example, it used to be her home when Ling Chuxi¡¯s parents were still around. Ling Chuxi was currently alone without support and her abilities were minuscule, she was not eligible to live in the ancestral court. This was a very cruel rule. There were some blemishes on the Ancestral Court¡¯s two live-looking lion statues, it was as if it was indicating the gradual fall of the Ling family. Although the Ling family had been slowly weakening, they still had a base. The Ancestral Court is still so spacious, revealing its dignity. Ling Chuxi walked into the Ancestral Court and someone immediately stopped her. ¡°Miss Chuxi, do you have any matters here?¡± Although the servant called her miss, the disdain towards Ling Chuxi was obvious to see. ¡°Do what matters I have need you, a person with a different family name, to interfere?¡± Ling Chuxi sneered and replied unkindly. These servants who stepped on others to gain power were incredibly hateful. The person who was holding her back was stunned and stared at Ling Chuxi with a face full of disbelief. Was this the Ling Chuxi who usually mumbled to herself with her head down whenever she walks? To actually use this kind of tone, it was almost as if it was a different person. (You found out the truth, but nobody would believe you even if you told them) ¡°Where is Third Elder?¡± Ling Chuxi asked coldly. ¡°In, in the study. First Elder and Fifth Elder are there too.¡± The servant recovered and quickly replied. Ling Chuxi¡¯s attitude earlier on had shocked him. Ling Chuxi no longer bothered about him, and went directly to the study. At the door of the study, the door was not closed and she saw that First Elder, Third Elder, and Fifth Elder were discussing some matters. Ling Chuxi lightly knocked on the door. These three old men looked towards her at the same time. The third elder coldly looked at Ling Chuxi, and his smiling face changed, his eyes containing disdain and impatience. The first elder, Ling Yuanlong on the other hand had a kind face. ¡°Ling Chuxi, are there any matters?¡± The fifth elder blinked, dazed. ¡°This little girl, is called Ling Chuxi? O, it is the one whose elder brother was taken away by a master?¡± Obviously, the fifth elder did not know her, but only thought of such a person after hearing what the first elder said. However, when Ling Chuxi heard what the fifth elder said, her heart gave him a ¡®like¡¯. ¡®Fifth Elder, you are such a good person. I haven¡¯t even started talking and you brought up the topic to include my brother. You said it out first, that is just too good!¡¯ ¡°Greetings First Elder, Third Elder, Fifth Elder.¡± Ling Chuxi slightly bent her waist, giving respects without being too arrogant nor too humble. ¡°Mm, not bad. This little girl may be a little ugly, but understands manners well.¡± The fifth elder said with a big smile. Chapter 13 - 13 You Did Not Discuss I ?Chapter 13: You Did Not Discuss I Chapter 13: You Did Not Discuss I Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation ¡°Ahem!¡± The first elder stared at the fifth elder and coughed twice. This bastard fifth brother, always spoke from his heart. Some words should not be said, yet the moment he opened his mouth, everything came out! sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Aren¡¯t all the troubles more than enough? Every time he created a scene, he still required himself to clean up his mess. Ling Chuxi on the other hand did not mind. After all, her current looks were indeed quite ugly. ¡°Ah, haha, ahahah, no, no. This little girl is quite obedient. Come in. Is anything the matter?¡± The fifth elder received his eldest brother¡¯s warning, and immediately changed the topic with a dry laugh. In hindsight, he also realized that his words were indeed inappropriate. ¡°Chuxi, what did you come here for? We are a little busy, and are discussing some important matters. If you have any problems, do quickly let me know.¡± The third elder was smiling kindly while saying. ¡°Later on I will ask someone to send you some food and for the winter clothing, I will ask someone to give you two sets. You little child, do not have it easy.¡± Ling Chuxi sneered in her heart. Look, this third elder said such beautiful words. What did he mean ¡®send more¡¯? Did he even ask anyone to send anything over this month? And those two sets of clothes, with the money her eldest brother asked people to bring over, it would suffice even if she bought a hundred sets. ¡°It¡¯s like this. First Elder, yesterday I turned sixteen, and am also grown up. For my own matters, I feel that I can make my own decisions.¡± Ling Chuxi smiled at the third elder kindly, but felt disgusted in her heart. This fellow was not some kind-hearted person, but rather just a despicable villain who knew how to sweet talk but had all kinds of evil plans. As for turning 16 yesterday, that was just bollocks. She did not even remember when her birthday was, and simply made it up. After all, these people would not possibly know or remember when her birthday was. ¡°O? You are already sixteen? Time flies.¡± The first elder spoke in surprise. ¡°O, then, you would like to make your own decision to marry someone?¡± The fifth elder spoke and successfully obtained an eye-roll from the first elder. He immediately shut up. ¡°Of course not.¡± Ling Chuxi¡¯s lips twitched and squeezed out a smile. ¡°It¡¯s like this, every time eldest brother asks people to bring back money, the third elder has been taking care of it for me, worried that I might simply spend it. I am really grateful that Third Elder could be so considerate towards me. Third Elder really worried himself over us juniors. Third Elder, you have really worked hard.¡± Ling Chuxi said it with such sincerity and gratitude. After she finished speaking, she even bowed solemnly. The first elder was taken aback, then looked gratified at Ling Chuxi. ¡°Yes, Chuxi, it is really not bad that you know how to be grateful.¡± ¡°Yes, not bad, not bad. Although this girl¡­¡± the fifth elder almost spoke too fast and said ¡®although she was a little ugly¡¯, but the words were swallowed back when he realized the words were at the tip of his tongue. The third elder however felt an ominous hunch surge forth. Indeed, the next line Ling Chuxi said left him looking constipated. ¡°However, I have grown up. There is no longer a need for Third Elder to work so hard. The house also needs to buy quite a few things. I still want to buy some clothes for Aunt Wang. Winter is just around the corner.¡± Ling Chuxi¡¯s expression was one of understanding. ¡°A few days back, I received a message Eldest Brother requested someone to bring them to me. Eldest Brother said this time he brought back a thousand gold taels, and previously it was also the same amount. On top of that there were quite a few elixirs and a skill manual!¡± Chapter 14 - 14 You Did Not Discuss II ?Chapter 14: You Did Not Discuss II¡¡ Chapter 14: You Did Not Discuss II¡¡ Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation ¡°Nonsense. It was only a hundred gold taels. Where have there been any medical pills? There was only a skill manual that is unknown.¡± The third elder misspoke when he was angered by Ling Chuxi¡¯s words. ¡°Ah, every time there were only a hundred gold taels? Then ten times would only be equivalent to a thousand taels? And there were no medical pills? That person who passed the message actually lied to me! How terrible!¡± Ling Chuxi¡¯s face was full of rage, and said indignantly. ¡°Third Elder, you cannot lie to me! I believe in Third Elder. This person who passed on the message is really too nasty. This is slandering the Third Elder, how despicable!¡± Ling Chuxi was laughing to death in her heart! ¡®Third Elder, you really can¡¯t hold yourself back.¡¯ ¡°Really? That person who brought the message was a liar? I will hack him to death, to actually sprout such nonsense!¡± The fifth elder snorted and shouted loudly. The fifth elder was such a person. White is white. Black is black. Everything was distinguished clearly, and he hated injustice. ¡°Fifth Brother, you better sit down!¡± The first elder hollered at him with a little headache. ¡°Fifth Elder, the person who passed the message has already left. Let it slide, there is no need to be calculative towards such despicable villains. I naturally believe Third Elder. Third Elder has always thought about us and worried about us juniors. I know of Third Elder¡¯s painstaking efforts.¡± Ling Chuxi¡¯s face was full of innocent kindness. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Then, Third Elder, just give me the money. Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t simply spend it. I have already grown up.¡± The third elder¡¯s hand which was hidden in his sleeve was trembling in rage. He looked at Ling Chuxi, and a glint of menace which was hard to notice flashed in his eyes. ¡®This ugly little girl. Is she doing it on purpose or not? That money, do I really need to spit it out?¡¯ ¡°Yes, this little girl is really understanding. Third Elder Brother, quickly give her the money. A baby girl naturally will want to buy herself some beautiful clothing.¡± The fifth elder smiled and said. ¡°Quickly give it to her, we can continue with our previous matters.¡± ¡°Yes, Chuxi, you cannot simply spend alright? A thousand gold taels is no small figure.¡± The first elder spoke with a serious tone. ¡°Yes, rest assured, First Elder. I will not simply spend it!¡± Ling Chuxi nodded her head seriously. ¡°That¡¯s good. Third Brother, quickly bring over the money to Chuxi. Also, that skill manual. I wonder how that boy Wushang is doing. There has never been any exact news.¡± The first elder turned to the third elder and said after obtaining Ling Chuxi¡¯s guarantee. His tone contained a little sigh. Ling Wushang was taken away by a master, but they did not know which clan or which sect the master came from. All these years, Ling Wushang never returned and nobody knew how he was doing. The third elder almost vomited blood. A thousand gold taels!!! He had already used it up, now asking him to spit it out was really no different than cutting his flesh! But what other choice did he have? If Ling Chuxi directly came to him to ask, he could still deny Ling Wushang had delegated other people to bring things back. But now, this ugly little girl said that he brought so much, of course he had subconsciously refuted, never thought that¡­ wait! Don¡¯t tell me this was a scheme of the little girl? The third elder frowned and looked at Ling Chuxi, but he only saw Ling Chuxi¡¯s innocent smile. ¡®I guess I thought too much. How could it be possible that this little girl had such intentions?¡¯ The third elder secretly commented in his heart. However, to eat such a big loss this time, hmph! Don¡¯t think that it will be over just like that!¡¯ At this point, even if the third elder were unwilling, he also had no choice. He entered the house and took out ten gold notes equivalent to a hundred gold taels each, and a very tattered book and passed them to Ling Chuxi. Chapter 15 - 15 Meeting a Scum ?Chapter 15: Meeting a Scum Chapter 15: Meeting a Scum Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation ¡°Thank you Third Elder. Sorry for troubling you.¡± After Ling Chuxi took the gold notes and skill manual, she obediently bowed¡ªher attitude full of sincerity. The third elder¡¯s mouth twitched and he forced himself to smile, and waved towards Ling Chuxi. ¡°Alright. You should leave, we still have matters to discuss. In future, if there are any matters, just come and look for me.¡± ¡°Yes. Thank you Third Elder. First Elder, Fifth Elder, I¡¯ll be taking my leave.¡± Ling Chuxi obtained the money and smiled, before excusing herself. After receiving the money, Ling Chuxi went to the private bank and exchanged a hundred tael gold note into ten pieces of hundred tael silver notes and went to the medical hall. At the medical hall, the owner¡¯s expression was as if he had seen a ghost. Ling Chuxi bought quite a number of herbs and a set of tools, including a furnace, silver needles, etc. These expenses were indeed not small. The furnace was something only the rich kids in this world could play with. Just buying these required spending two hundred over taels. Money spent could always be earned again. Ling Chuxi had always been a positive person. After this money had been spent, one could still earn more. At the moment, bring back this big bag of things home, fix my face and solve the problem of the meridians being suppressed. A short distance after leaving the medical hall, Ling Chuxi walked to a deserted corner and carefully wrapped a roll of silver needles which were placed in a soft leather belt around her wrist. This had always been her habit. While carrying her things on the way home, Ling Chuxi was stopped by someone. This time, the person who stopped her was a disciple of the Ling family, called Ling Yuanhong. ¡°Ugly little girl, where did you pick up these broken items and want to bring them home?¡± Ling Yuanhong asked enigmatically after blocking Ling Chuxi. Ling Chuxi sized up the enigmatic boy before her who looked like an eighteen or nineteen-year-old, with ordinary looks. Ling Chuxi had a very deep impression of this person in her memory. This person liked Qin Yumei. Qin Yumei hated Ling Chuxi, and always bullied her, thus he naturally assisted in bullying her. The most important thing was that, Qin Yumei did not actually like him. Qin Yumei liked someone else in the Ling family, someone called Ling Xiaoting. Ling Yuanhong naturally would feel unhappy, and always suppressed his feelings, so he vented his anger and frustrations on Ling Chuxi. ¡°How is it related to you?¡± Ling Chuxi glanced at Ling Yuanhong and faintly replied. ¡°Ohoh, did the ugly duckling take the wrong medicine today? You actually dare to retort?¡± Ling Yuanhong kicked a fuss and looked at Ling Chuxi in surprise. Crazy! Ling Chuxi looked at Ling Yuanhong who was before her, and really wanted to give him a slap on his face. Old grudges and new hatred, there would come a time to calculate them all. However, now was not the right time. Ling Chuxi was not bothered by him. She simply carried her things and circled around him to return home. Ling Yuanhong saw that he had actually been ignored by Ling Chuxi. His face changed and reached out his hands to grab Ling Chuxi¡¯s hair, chiding her loudly, ¡°Who gave you the guts to actually walk away without greeting me?¡± Ling Chuxi felt a gust of wind from behind her and turned her head slightly, dodging the grab. Her heart was furious. This Ling Yuanhong was simply a scum! Despicable person! Not to mention a man beating a girl, and he still wanted to pull her hair! S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A few silver needles slipped down to Ling Chuxi¡¯s palm, she was ready to take revenge now. No one understood the locations of meridians of the human body better than her. Even if she made Ling Yuanhong trash today, no one would notice. Ling Yuanhong was stunned. He never thought that Ling Chuxi was able to dodge. In his anger, when he was about to reach out his hand again, he heard a cold voice from nearby. Chapter 16 - 16 ?Chapter 16: A Beautiful Man Assists In An Escape Chapter 16: A Beautiful Man Assists In An Escape Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation ¡°What are you two doing?¡± inquired an extremely cold voice. It had no warmth in it whatsoever. Ling Yuanhong whirled his head around to look at the owner of the voice, immediately changing his expression upon doing so. He was both terrified yet ready to flatter at the same time. ¡°Elder Brother Yichen, when did you return?¡± exclaimed Ling Yuanhong, rushing over at once like a lackey with an ingratiating manner. Ling Chunxi risked a glimpse at this unfamiliar man standing at a modest distance from her. The man¡¯s tall frame was well dressed in royal blue brocade and he had a face as sculpted as jade. A face as handsome as it was expressionless, with eyes resembling the still waters a deep, old well with nary a ripple of emotion. This was a man Ling Chunxi could easily identify ¡ª Ling Yichen. An outstanding junior of the Ling family with reportedly adequate abilities. Many young women in the clan idolized him and he wielded much influence in town. However, his cold demeanor gave him an unapproachable air, causing his admirers to fear drawing close to him and to only dare observe him from afar. Ling Yichen regarded Ling Chunxi coldly without a word. It was an impossibility to even make a guess as to what his thoughts were. Ling Chunxi returned the favor by merely glancing at him and then departing in silence. Ling Yuanhong should be thanking Ling Yichen. If it weren¡¯t for his sudden appearance, she would have laid Ling Yuanhong to waste in an extreme rage. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°When did you return, Elder Brother Yichen?¡± asked a very perturbed Ling Yuanhong. If Ling Yichen had seen him bullying Ling Chunxi earlier, he¡¯d be in big trouble. Ling Yichen barely spared Ling Yuanhong any consideration as he wordlessly turned away and left. Ling Yuanhong shrugged this reaction off and hurried off to catch up with Yichen. Though Yuanhong admired Yichen, he also feared him as many of the other younger clan members did. Due to their beliefs in staunchly adoring and worshiping those they perceive as strong, none of them thought of Yichen¡¯s icy demeanor as odd. Upon her arrival home, Ling Chunxi was no longer excited. She simply shut the door, passed Aunt Wang some silver notes and instructed her to include meat in every meal from now on. Then without a care for the stunned looks Aunt Wang was directing at her, Ling Chunxi entered her room and closed the door behind her so she could begin to read the skill manual the third elder gave her in peace. The third elder had said he knew nothing about the contents of this purportedly skill manual. Indeed, it could not be understood. Ling Chunxi¡¯s cultivation practices were inherited from the Ling Family¡¯s traditional method. After she embraced the consciousness behind these methods, she managed to acquaint herself with them. She was capable enough of learning complicated cultivation methods, but no matter how much she studied this skill manual, she couldn¡¯t comprehend it. The words on its pages did not form sentences, nor did they come together into paragraphs. Nothing about it made sense. So why did elder brother arrange for this book to be sent back to her? Still, her elder brother would not have gone through the trouble of getting this skill manual to her for no reason, thought Ling Chunxi to herself. She would keep it with her first and explore it thoroughly at another time. It was time to attend to the matter of her face. Ling Chunxi brought out and evaluated all the herbs she carted back from the medicinal hall. Soon after, she popped her head out of her room and handed Aunt Wang a selection of herbs with instructions to decoct them three times a day for her. Aunt Wang was perplexed by the request but refrained from asking any questions and dutifully went to carry out the orders she¡¯d been given. This gave Ling Chunxi great satisfaction. Next, Ling Chunxi wanted to address the predicament of her suppressed meridians. There was indeed a solution according to what she had uncovered. However, it was very risky and bore a low success rate. As she considered her options, the question she asked herself was this¡ªwhich would she rather, to bet on her chances or to live forever under other people¡¯s orders? She¡¯d bet on her chances of course! ¡­ Early in the morning on the second day, Ling Chunxi packed a small bundle with her and journeyed to the Purple Maple Mountain¡¯s rear peak. If her memory served her correctly, there lay a hidden cave beyond the waterfall there. She had discovered it by accident. An unhappy one. But that was another long story, involving Qin Xiruo at that. Chapter 17 - 17 ?Chapter 17: The Great Bet Chapter 17: The Great Bet Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation As things would seem, Qin Xiruo appeared to be someone who cared about Ling Chunxi. But things were never as they seemed. She disregarded this train of thought, there would be time to unravel this matter in the future. What mattered now was to increase her own abilities. A sense of familiarity washed over Ling Chunxi as she arrived at the waterfall. She fished out a small umbrella, deployed it open over herself and leapt into the air towards the waterfall. It wasn¡¯t difficult for someone with her capabilities to cross from one end of the lake to beyond the waterfall in a single jump. Once she burst through the veil of water, Ling Chunxi found herself alone in a cave hidden away from the rest of the world. The mouth of the cave was damp but the deeper into the cave she went, the more airy it was. Ling Chunxi took her time setting up the instruments she brought along with her before she settled into a cross-legged position and pulled out a long, gleaming silver needle. In order to open up her meridians, she had to succumb herself to a dangerous technique. This was unsurprising as Ling Chunxi had always been cruel. She was cruel to others and even more so towards herself! No effort was spared when it came to achieving any goal she set her mind to. Even if it meant sacrificing everything. All was quiet but for the rush of water from the entrance of the cave. Ling Chunxi removed her outer clothing, stripping herself down to only her innerwear and a short pair of pants. There was little choice, one could not perform acupuncture through clothes. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In the still of the cave, Ling Chunxi emptied her mind as she swiftly maneuvered her right hand to stick a long silver needle into her left arm. A fine thread of Battle Qi coagulated at her fingertips and travelled through the needle and into her body, colliding with her meridians. Even as a soul-piercing pain rushed up her left arm and large beads of sweat dripped off her skin to the ground, Ling Chunxi made not a move. Her face was a portrait of determination. To destroy one¡¯s own meridians¡­ If anyone had laid eyes on such a scene, they would be astonished. The method Ling Chunxi was inflicting upon herself wasn¡¯t advanced martial arts, it was a procedure main sects and clans used to punish unfilial disciples by annihilating their meridians. There was no chance at cultivating meridians ravaged to ruins by this procedure to life again. Ling Chunxi¡¯s mind became one with her body. Each of her meridians was being mercilessly torn apart. Every one of them was frayed with holes, joined together by only the thinnest of threads. This delicate connection was the root of any forthcoming restoration efforts for her meridians. If her meridians were to sever from one another through this procedure, Ling Chunxi would have thoroughly laid herself to waste. As she persisted stubbornly on, Ling Chunxi kept sweating profusely. This was partly because of the immense pain surging through her body, and partly due to the nervousness of having to perform such an extreme method upon herself. What superb skill this wonderfully challenging technique required. It took great courage for Ling Chunxi to come to such a decision. This was the only solution she could think of to solve the problem of her meridian suppression. She would restructure her own meridians by destroying them and allowing them to start anew! By now, the meridians in her left arm were already in tatters. The state of these meridians would have shocked anyone who could perceive them! Though she was in great agony, Ling Chunxi resolutely reached for yet another long silver needle and pierced its tip through her own skin without hesitation upon identifying an acupoint. After an excruciating amount of time had passed, so it was that most of Ling Chunxi¡¯s body was spiked with countless silver needles. The glimmer of inhuman light reflected off the army of needles made for a ghastly sight. Ling Chunxi¡¯s face was pale and she had bitten her lips till blood was drawn. ¡®A successful meridian reconstruction! But something isn¡¯t right. What is it?¡¯ Her eyes darkened as she endured the pain of pulling out each of the silver needles puncturing her skin one by one. Once she was done with this feat, she struggled to dress herself before finally passing out. ¡­ ¡®Where am I? There is only darkness. It¡¯s so cold, there is nothing here at all! Has the world abandoned me so?¡¯ Like a lonely boat adrift at sea, hauled up and down by the waves, Ling Chunxi felt alone and directionless. ¡®If I were to sink, would there be no need for me to wake anymore?¡¯ Suddenly, a tinge of warmth began to slowly spread throughout her body. There was a glow of light as something soft and moist pressed against her face. ¡®What is this?¡¯ Chapter 18 - 18 Thank You For Saving Me ?Chapter 18: Thank You For Saving Me Chapter 18: Thank You For Saving Me Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation There was a furry presence sitting upon her chest. Ling Chunxi¡¯s eyes flew open. Using all the strength she could muster, she managed to lift her head just enough to catch a glimpse of what was resting on her. She saw that it was a little white fox, curled up as though it was asleep. When the fox sensed she had awoken, it raised its head and looked at her with its dewy black eyes. ¡°Little fox¡­ Thank you for saving me,¡± Ling Chunxi breathed as she gave the fox a gentle smile. She understood that it was the fox who gave her warmth when she needed it most, stirring her consciousness into being. Feeling much gratitude, Ling Chunxi reached out to tenderly pat the fox on its head. However, her hand halted midway when she noticed it was coated with dried blood. Scanning herself from her palms, to her wrists, to the rest of her body, Ling Chunxi realized she was covered in bloodstains. This was clearly a result of her destroying her meridians. Ling Chunxi managed to sigh and laugh bitterly at the same time. What a high price to pay to reconstruct her meridians. She almost didn¡¯t make it. If it wasn¡¯t for this little fox, she truly would not have been able to survive. The fox cocked its tiny head to one side and stared at Ling Chunxi. It seemed to want to convey a request as it stuck out its tongue and licked its lips hopefully. She understood immediately. The little fox wanted food. Ling Chunxi also understood that this fox wasn¡¯t just any other fox, but in fact the very same one who had eaten her roasted rabbit meat the other day. How did this little fox find her? It was amazing that it had saved her life as such. An indecent grumbling sound came from Ling Chunxi¡¯s stomach. While rubbing her belly as though to appease it, she turned towards the entrance of the cave. Through the veil of the waterfall, she could see that it was very bright outside. Did a whole night pass? She had noted it seemed like dusk before she passed out. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Now it was day again. This meant she was out cold for an entire night. No wonder she felt a little hungry. Ling Chunxi picked the little fox up with a smile and rose from where she lay. ¡°Let¡¯s go Little White. I¡¯ll roast some rabbit meat for you. What do you think about that?¡± It was unclear if it was merely her inaccurate perception of events, but it seemed to Ling Chunxi that upon hearing her utter the words, ¡°Little White¡± as a name for it, the little fox¡¯s body stiffened. She narrowed her eyes at the fox playfully. ¡°From today onwards, you shall be called Little White all right? You¡¯ll come to see just how cool, amazing and dominating this name is!¡± she announced happily. The little fox twitched its ears in defiance but Ling Chunxi reached her hand up to hold onto its ears and said viciously, ¡°Objection overruled. I¡¯m telling you. If you don¡¯t agree, I will eat you!¡± As though it had no choice but to agree to this arrangement, the little fox¡¯s ears drooped helplessly. Ling Chunxi couldn¡¯t help but feel joy at this sign of approval. After fishing around in the small bundle of things she had brought with her, Ling Chunxi brought out an assortment of dry foods and offered them to Little White. The fox looked away in disdain. Unbothered, Ling Chunxi took a big bite out of a mantou.1 ¡°You don¡¯t want some? Wait a while then, I¡¯ll roast you some meat after I gain a bit more energy. First, I need to fill my stomach, take a bath at the hot spring and change out of these clothes. Then I¡¯ll go hunting.¡± With its head tilted to one side, Little White watched as Ling Chunxi continued stuffing herself with the mantou. After a moment, Little White stood up elegantly and held out a paw while wearing an expression suggesting it was a given that Ling Chunxi responds to its request. Stunned, Ling Chunxi took a beat to gather her wits. This brat Little White was actually asking her to carry it! For such a tiny creature, it sure knew how to order people around! ¡°You little rascal!¡± exclaimed Ling Chunxi angrily with a helpless smile. She extended her hand to collect Little White and brought the fox into her arms, embracing it tightly. After the life-and-death ordeal she just endured, this little critter held a different significance in Ling Chunxi¡¯s heart. Hugging the little fox close to her, Ling Chunxi packed up her bundle, left the cave behind the waterfall and ran straight to the secluded hot spring at the rear peak of Purple Maple Mountain. Although there were many known hot springs at Purple Maple Mountain, this small pool was very much a hidden spot. It was another one of Ling Chunxi¡¯s secrets. Chinese steamed bun Chapter 19 - 19 Not A Wastrel, But A Genius ?Chapter 19: Not A Wastrel, But A Genius Chapter 19: Not A Wastrel, But A Genius Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation Ling Chunxi arrived beside a small hot spring. Her entire body was sticky with blood. She set the little fox she was carrying aside and stripped off her stained clothes effortlessly before stepping into the hot spring to take a bath. The fox stood guard at on an embankment, watching over a joyful Ling Chunxi soaking herself in the hot spring. A silver gleam flashed across the fox¡¯s eyes before it suddenly vanished. When Ling Chunxi was done with her hot spring bath, she went hunting. In no time, she had shot and skinned a rabbit, then started a fire to roast it. To be able to soak in a hot spring and eat barbequed meat like this made Ling Chunxi feel that life could indeed be too enjoyable sometimes. When Little White returned, Ling Chunxi simply gave it the succulent thigh part of the roasted rabbit. Being able to indulge freely this time round satisfied Little White very much. Once she was done eating and drinking, Ling Chunxi checked her own pulse. The suppression seemed to have subsided given that she had used the most brutal method available to reconstruct her meridians. Though the suppression was gone, her meridians still appeared to be a little out of sorts. What exactly was wrong? It was slightly unusual but it would not affect her cultivation. Very odd indeed. ¡°I can¡¯t bring you back with me these next few days Little White,¡± said Ling Chunxi with a crestfallen face. She patted Little White on its head gently. ¡°I really want to, but I know I don¡¯t have the ability to protect you now.¡± Little White lay down on Ling Chunxi¡¯s thigh quietly. The fox kept very still, as though it was listening to Ling Chunxi¡¯s words. ¡°I am not strong enough so there¡¯s no way I can protect you. If someone wanted to hurt you or snatch you away, I wouldn¡¯t be able to stop them. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. I am too weak now,¡± said Ling Chunxi softly. When she spoke next though, her voice was full of determination. ¡°Wait for me Little White. Wait a few days for me to get stronger. I¡¯ll become strong as fast as possible so I can protect you!¡± Ling Chunxi knew Little White¡¯s appearance would attract attention and inspire jealousy. Trouble was sure to follow. Little White turned its head up towards Ling Chunxi and observed her for a long while. Then it used its head to lightly nuzzle her in a comforting manner. ¡­ By the time Ling Chunxi arrived home after staying out the whole night, Aunt Wang was a worried mess. The moment Ling Chunxi stepped through the door, Aunt Wang happily rushed to her. ¡°Oh, where have you been Miss? You were out for the whole of yesterday till now. Are you all right?¡± Aunt Wang¡¯s voice was full of care and concern. ¡°I¡¯m fine, Aunt Wang. I was practicing my cultivating at the rear peak of Purple Maple Mountain.¡± Ling Chunxi sat down and poured herself a cup of water. Once she finished drinking it, Ling Chunxi calmly and determinedly made an announcement. ¡°I want to participate in the clan¡¯s assessment. I¡¯m confident I will definitely pass the White Stone Academy¡¯s examination too.¡± Aunt Wang¡¯s stared at Ling Chunxi with her mouth agape. Although Ling Chunxi¡¯s face had yet to recover from the effects of the dangerous procedure she executed upon herself, Aunt Wang perceived a newfound air of charm and confidence exuding from her. ¡®This aura feels so similar to the Miss¡¯ mother¡¯s own presence back then!¡¯ thought Aunt Wang to herself. ¡°Of course, Miss. Do you need me to prepare anything for you?¡± asked Aunt Wang excitedly. The enthusiastic reaction from Aunt Wang made Ling Chunxi smile. ¡°Have my herbs already been decocted?¡± ¡°They are ready, Miss. I will warm them for you at once,¡± replied Aunt Wang before she made haste to the kitchen. Ling Chunxi drank her medicine, then retreated to a quiet space to handle her Phantom Mushrooms. After she had ground the mushrooms into powder, she filled a few small porcelain bottles with it to keep with her. It was good to do so. One would never know when there would come a time when such a substance would be of use. The following week found Ling Chunxi spending all her time at home practicing her cultivating meticulously. Even though she never did find the Ling family¡¯s cultivation method to be exceptional, Ling Chunxi could clearly see obvious improvements in her implementations of it due to her fixing her meridian suppression problem. Previously she had only made it as far as the Battle Qi Level 1 Intermediate Stage, but now she was already mastering Battle Qi Level 2 Pinnacle and almost reaching Battle Qi Level 3. This kind of accelerated improvement speed was staggering! Ling Chunxi was no wastrel, rather she was a full-fledged genius! Chapter 20 - 20 Peerless Beauty, A Smile Can Topple Cities ?Chapter 20: Peerless Beauty, A Smile Can Topple Cities Chapter 20: Peerless Beauty, A Smile Can Topple Cities Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation Besides keeping herself occupied with cultivating, Ling Chunxi had also concocted a few medical powder mixtures. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As this was where her strengths lay, it was only natural that it all came easily to her. In this realm, herbs could not only be decocted to be drunk, but refined into medical pills as well. Such medical pills were essentially concentrated essences, so their effects were significant. Additionally, they were a lot easier to carry around. For these reasons, medical pills were more popular. However, refining medical pills was never an easy task. There was a high rate of failure and furthermore, pill prescriptions were very difficult to obtain. Pill masters were rare to come by, good pill masters were even more uncommon. Due to this, pill masters were held in very high regard. They were subjects of great respect wherever they roamed. The poison in Ling Chunxi¡¯s body was gradually expelled as she kept taking her medicine on time every day. After a week, most of the red bumps on her skin had receded and her face was no longer swollen. The sight of herself in the mirror astonished Ling Chunxi. This face, why it was exactly the same as her own! Was it really a coincidence that she transmigrated here? Ling Chunxi found that she did not quite believe that to be so. It seemed as though everything was destined. As Ling Chunxi examined her reflection in the mirror, Aunt Wang brought over a bowl of medicinal soup. Upon seeing how Ling Chunxi looked, Aunt Wang happily exclaimed, ¡°Miss, you are indeed the world¡¯s number one beauty. Just like your mother was.¡± This statement surprised Ling Chunxi. ¡°Do my mother and I look alike?¡± ¡°Why yes, almost identical. Miss¡¯ mother was the most gentle, beautiful lady in the world. I make no exaggeration. She truly was a peerless beauty. She had a smile that could topple cities.¡± Aunt Wang had fallen into a reverie of her memories, her face wore an expression of warmth and longing. Ling Chunxi smiled and kept quiet. For a person as unpretentious as Aunt Wang to speak such words, there should be no untruth in them. Ling Chunxi herself felt surprised as she continued staring at this face¡ªher face, in the mirror. It was without a doubt, beautiful. However, she knew that for a weakling without any support, beauty was not a good thing. ¡®Become stronger. I must become stronger. Only then can I protect myself and the people I care about!¡¯ Ling Chunxi clenched her fist as she reiterated the motivation for her determination in her heart. That night, Ling Chunxi brought out the skill manual her brother had instructed people to send to her. What an old cover it had. She flipped through it, pondering its significance. There was definitely something hidden in this skill manual. She was sure of it. Perhaps it contained a secret so momentous, it had to be transcribed in a way no ordinary person would be able to decrypt. She extracted a few herbs and started mixing them. Pharmacology and toxicology were the two fields she specialized in. Using special ingredients to write covert messages was a tactic she had used before. Therefore, making secret words reveal themselves was something she could do with ease. Ling Chunxi prepared an assortment of herbaceous compounds and patiently tested them one by one. After much trial and error, she finally noticed changes in the book when she applied the most complicated mixture she brewed to its pages. Carefully, she brushed on more of the mixture onto different pages and patiently waited for the results she hoped for. Slowly, more and more words began to appear on the pages of the skill manual. The barely legible blurs upon the cover of the book formed into a title she could read. The four words inscribed on the cover appeared flamboyantly¡ªThundercloud Ninth Heaven. At the sight of this, Ling Chuxi furrowed her brow and flipped through the pages of the skill manual. Reading words that were now visible to her. At first, her face was clouded with doubt, but the more she read, the more she felt the fervor of a pleasant surprise grow in her heart. The contents of the skill manual were so superb, it was shocking! The techniques described in these pages could not be compared to the Ling family¡¯s cultivation method. If one were to say the Ling Family¡¯s Cultivation Method resembled a small blade of grass, then the Thundercloud Ninth Heaven Cultivation Method detailed in this skill manual was a big towering tree! A fair comparison was simply impossible! Chapter 21 - 21 The Troublemaker Is Back ?Chapter 21: The Troublemaker Is Back Chapter 21: The Troublemaker Is Back Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation Ling Chuxi clutched the skill manual feeling puzzled. What was Elder Brother Ling Wushang¡¯s purpose in asking someone to deliver it to her? To let her cultivate with these techniques? Neither the town¡¯s best pharmacist nor the second elder knew how to brew the concoction of herbs Ling Chunxi just used to enable the book¡¯s hidden words to appear. Even if she had brought the book to White Stone City, there would be no one who could make the words concealed in the book reveal themselves. Was Ling Wushang so confident that she would be able to triumph over the book¡¯s challenges and cultivate with the knowledge it contained? There was a slight confusion stirring in Ling Chunxi¡¯s mind. Nevertheless, this had opened up a big new door for her. She was now standing at the start of the path to becoming stronger. Right away, Ling Chunxi began to practice cultivating using the Thundercloud Ninth Heaven¡¯s Thundercloud Battle Qi. After a few attempts, the results she experienced told her that this cultivation method wasn¡¯t an ordinary one. There was a domineering aspect to it that she found to be wonderfully superb. After her lunch the next day, Ling Chunxi pondered over a question. It would appear that there was indeed another cultivation method out there all along¡ªthe Thundercloud Battle Qi. Even though it was risky to use, should she give it a try? If things worked out, she would be completely transformed and incredibly successful! On the flip side, if things didn¡¯t work out, she¡¯d be back at square one. To bet on her chances or not? Of course¡ªto bet! The worst that could happen would be that she had to start over from scratch. How desperately Ling Chunxi yearned to become stronger! As Ling Chunxi¡¯s thoughts were creating a storm in her head, the sound of urgent footsteps resounded from outside her door. A short while later, Qin Yumei¡¯s angry voice rang out. ¡°Ling Chunxi, you¡¯d better come out here!¡± yelled Qin Yumei as loudly as she could from where she was standing in the courtyard. The stench of her arrogance could have seeped through a door. There was a change in color on Aunt Wang¡¯s face. She was about to walk out the door herself when a slender hand was raised to stop her. Ling Chunxi¡¯s lips curved into a cold smile. ¡®What do we have here, Qin Yumei? I haven¡¯t even gone looking for you, but you¡¯ve come to my door all by yourself.¡¯ Just as she moved towards the door, an idea occurred to her. Grabbing hold of a scarf, Ling Chunxi wore it over her face as a veil. She then leisurely strolled out the door. There was no need to reveal her still-recovering face. After all, she was still in the midst of finding out who had poisoned her, who had caused her skin to break out with acne and countless red bumps. ¡°Is anything the matter?¡± Ling Chunxi casually made her way out the door. She saw that Qin Yumei stood in the courtyard with her arms on her waist and an angry expression upon her face. Behind Qin Yumei were a few maidens who were dressed inferiorly compared to her. Every one of Qin Yumei¡¯s followers were here with her it seemed. Ling Chunxi smirked. Since everyone was gathered here, they could all save their energy by spouting off insults one by one she supposed. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Covering your face because you know it¡¯s not fit for people to see?¡± teased Qin Yumei the moment she saw Ling Chunxi walk out wearing a veil. ¡°Exactly! You shameless, ugly girl!¡± The little battalion of maidens Qin Yumei brought with her immediately chimed in with their own taunts. ¡°Ha! Yet you still dare stand before us!¡± shouted the maidens angrily. Ling Chunxi had barely opened her mouth when Aunt Wang charged out of the house. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After hearing the insults hurled at her Miss, Aunt Wang could take it no longer and rushed out to shout right back at these rude maidens. ¡°Who do you all think you are? How dare you bully someone right at their door. Do you really think there is no one in the Ling family worth fearing? Do you think members of the Ling clan can be so easily bullied?¡± ¡°You are just a servant. What right do you have to interrupt?!¡± shrieked Qin Yumei. ¡°How laughable. Only you would consider her a treasure. Treating her as if she was the Eldest Miss of the Ling family. Have the both of you even taken a look at yourselves? Such jokes!¡± Ling Chunxi scoffed. ¡°Still, we¡¯re better off than you, looking like a shrew.¡± She crossed her arms over her chest. ¡°If Ling Xiaoting who¡¯s been constantly on your mind could see you like this, what would he think? Do you realize now why you¡¯ve always lost to Qin Xiruo? It¡¯s because you look like a shrew and she doesn¡¯t.¡± Chapter 22 - 22 ?Chapter 22: The Counterattack I Chapter 22: The Counterattack I Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation ¡°Shut up! You despicable person. You still dare bring up Elder Brother Ling Xiaoting? Is he someone you dream of having?¡± Qin Yumei looked like a feral cat whose tail had been stepped on. As she channelled her embarrassment into a rage, she could not stop her mouth from barking out insults. ¡°Haven¡¯t you caused Elder Sister Xiruo enough harm? You destroyed the meridians in her arms so she can never get better at her cultivation for as long as she lives. Even today, when the injury you caused flared up again, her face turned white because of the pain! It¡¯s all because of you! Why don¡¯t you just die!¡± Qin Yumei liked Ling Xiaoting, but he did not like her. Who Ling Xiaoting really liked was Qin Xiruo. Alas, she did not feel the same for him. Meanwhile, Ling Yuanhong was busy having feelings for Qin Yumei that she did not reciprocate. Ha! Ling Chunxi grumbled about this messy state of affairs internally. How confusing. What a complicated web of lovey-dovey entanglements we have here. As for the matter of Qin Xiruo¡¯s arm injury according to Qin Yumei¡¯s perspective of events¡­ well, it was quite a long story. The abbreviated version would be as such: Qin Xiruo was a despicable person! She had the capability to hide her true self beyond the level of depth others normally would. On the surface of things, she always made sure to appear to ask after Ling Chunxi and care for her, but in reality she hated Ling Chunxi to the bone. Why she hated her so, Ling Chunxi did not know. During critical junctures in any turn of events, Qin Xiruo would instigate everyone to target Ling Chunxi. When it came to how exactly Qin Xiruo injured her arm, it was both a funny and shameless story. Qin Xiruo¡¯s arm had indeed been injured, but it had nothing to do with Ling Chunxi. It was Xiruo herself who injured her own arm in a cultivation practice gone wrong. She couldn¡¯t bear to accept the consequences of this incident being of her own doing, couldn¡¯t accept the difference in distance between the heaven she fell from and the mud she pushed herself into. Therefore, her vile solution to this was to ask Ling Chunxi to meet her at the rear peak of Purple Maple Mountain, have Ling Chunxi fall over a cliffside and then rescue her by reaching out her hand to pull Ling Chunxi back to safety. Upon their return, Qin Xiruo announced that the meridians in her arms were severely injured and beyond recovery due to her saving Ling Chunxi. Was there any need to explain how Ling Chunxi fell off the cliff to begin with? Why, Qin Xiruo pushed her of course. What a good actress and director Qin Xiruo was in this show she put on. And with that, Qin Xiruo cast Ling Chunxi as the scapegoat for her fall from grace. The resulting narrative from this deceit was that the Qin family was thus ruined, and it was all Ling Chunxi¡¯s fault. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. For the longest time, the Ling family elders had been disheartened by what happened to the Qin family. It was unfortunate how much the Ling Chunxi from before had to suffer without daring to speak out. Even if she had spoken out, no one would have believed her. Almost everyone blamed Ling Chunxi then for what happened. ¡°Have you lost your mind? Ling Xiaoting is also a member of the Ling family. I would never think of having anything to do incest no matter what, unlike you. Go back and take a look at yourself in a mirror. It¡¯d be weird for Ling Xiaoting to like you with a face like yours. It¡¯s quite a feat to be as stupid as you, always allowing yourself to be used by Qin Xiruo as a tool. When did I ever say I liked Ling Xiaoting? You¡¯d better think carefully about who you first heard this from.¡± As Ling Chunxi finally became upset, all her suppressed feelings and memories of suffering bubbled to the surface, causing her words to turn venomous. ¡°I will let you know the truth behind what happened to Qin Ruoxi¡¯s arm if you want. For now, get lost! Don¡¯t soil my property with your presence!¡± Though it was acceptable for distant relatives to marry in this realm, Ling Chunxi would accept no such thing. ¡°Ling Chunxi! You dare¡­¡± Qin Yumei¡¯s fury colored her face white and then red. Her heart overflowed with rage and doubt. Every word from Ling Chunxi cut into her like a blade. She felt so shamed she wanted to wager an attack. ¡°Elder Sister Yumei, let¡¯s go. The Ling family¡¯s second elder is here,¡± said Qin Yumei¡¯s pose of maidens to her quickly as they saw a figure approaching from outside the house grounds. Chapter 23 - 23 The Counterattack II ?Chapter 23: The Counterattack II Chapter 23: The Counterattack II Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation ¡°Remember this, Ling Chunxi. I won¡¯t let you live in peace! Elder Sister Xiruo¡¯s injury has recurred. If you have the slightest bit of conscience, you¡¯d procure some Purple Leaf Grass from the cave within Purple Maple Mountain for her,¡± spat Qin Yumei before stalking off with her posse of maidens in a tizzy. ¡°How could such young ones be so vicious Miss?¡± asked Aunt Wang incredulously. She was so agitated, her face had turned an ashen white. ¡°Everyone knows the cave within Purple Maple Mountain is incredibly dangerous. It¡¯s asking you to court death by telling you to go there with your abilities in this current state. Many fierce wild beasts prowl there. I¡¯ve even heard there was an extremely strong exotic beast among them.¡± ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. They will learn their lessons in due time.¡± Ling Chunxi¡¯s lips curled into a sneer. Her words should cause quite a stir. Qin Yumei was such a simpleton, she never even realized that she was constantly being used as a pawn by Qin Xiruo. Of course, this was a matter separate from the rest of Qin Yumei¡¯s previous misdeeds against Ling Chunxi. Today, Qin Yumei got a little taste of Ling Chunxi¡¯s vengeance. She would soon experience the full extent of her wrath. ¡°You aren¡¯t actually going to go are you, Miss? There is an exotic beast there!¡± exclaimed Aunt Wang. ¡°An exotic beast, huh?¡± muttered Ling Chunxi, frowning slightly. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Here, beasts were divided into categories: there were wild beasts, exotic beasts, monster beasts, and spirit beasts. Within these categories, there were different skill levels used to indicate each beasts¡¯ capabilities. Beasts in the wild category were the most common variant such as the wild rabbits Ling Chunxi had hunted previously. Exotic beasts were more advanced and intelligent, but they did not have the ability to shapeshift into a human form. Beasts within the monster and spirit categories were similar in that both contained nine levels of capabilities. The only difference was that monster beasts needed to be at a level eight standard of capabilities to be able to shapeshift, but spirit beasts could so at just level four. ¡°It¡¯s true. I heard it was very savage. So, don¡¯t ever go there, Miss.¡± Aunt Wang said nervously. ¡°I won¡¯t,¡± said Ling Chunxi with a dismissive wave of her hand. Once Ling Chunxi had given her word not to go, Aunt Wang felt relieved. In the meantime, Qin Yumei was running back home with both the erratic pounding of her heart and Ling Chunxi¡¯s words echoing in her ears. There was nothing but chaos in her mind. She had known, of course, she had always known. Outwardly, she had expressed respect and adoration for Qin Xiruo, her older cousin sister. She had listened to Qin Xiruo¡¯s advice and cared for her despite being in her shadow since she was young. The truth was, it was difficult seeing everyone praise this outstanding older cousin sister of hers without being envious. After finding out the person she liked had feelings for Qin Xiruo instead, jealousy grew in her heart like weeds in the wild. When Qin Xiruo returned with an arm injury and announced her cultivation skills could not progress any further, Qin Yumei appeared upset as she thought she should, but she was secretly glad. Ling Chunxi had been a constant target of her vendetta. She had bullied her ruthlessly, and for what exactly? Qin Yumei slowed her pace, and thought back to when this all started. That¡¯s right, it was because Qin Xiruo would whisper to her from time to time that Ling Chunxi was bashfully sneaking peeks at Ling Xiaoting. This had caused her to subconsciously assume Ling Chunxi liked Ling Xiaoting. But, was this the truth? A chill rose from the bottom of Qin Yumei¡¯s heart. ¡®If this was how the situation had developed, could it be that I was a mere pawn in Qin Xiruo¡¯s scheme? Could it be that Qin Xiruo never forgave Ling Chunxi despite acting like she had, but was instead plotting acts of vengeance in the shadows? Did she use me to take revenge on Ling Chunxi? Could this really be?¡¯ Qin Yumei questioned everything she thought she knew, and the more she did, the more the chill spread throughout her heart. Chapter 24 - 24 The Counterattack III ?Chapter 24: The Counterattack III Chapter 24: The Counterattack III Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation ¡°Sister Yumei, what happened? You look terrible.¡± One of the maidens walking alongside Qin Yumei asked in concern. Oddly enough, an expression of discomfort came across the maiden¡¯s face as soon as the question left her lips. She began to scratch the back of her hand where an itch had made its presence felt. However, the more she scratched the more irritated the itch became. ¡°Goodness, I¡¯m so itchy all over. What is happening?¡± Qi Yumei¡¯s attention was snapped back to reality when she found that she was experiencing an overwhelming sensation of itchiness herself. First, her arm was a little itchy. Oh no, it was her back that was itchy. Wait, why was her face itching too? S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Ugh, she was itching everywhere! Qin Yumei¡¯s hands flew all over her body to scratch all the itches that suddenly appeared, but the more she scratched, the worse the itching got, which only compelled her to scratch even more. Meanwhile, in the comfort of her own home, Ling Chunxi was drinking a cup of hot tea while initiating a countdown. ¡°Three, two, one. Qin Yumei, please enjoy the scratching competition I have initiated for you and your little posse.¡± ¡°Huh? What are you talking about, Miss?¡± asked Aunt Wang confusedly as she refilled Ling Chunxi¡¯s cup with freshly brewed hot tea. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s nothing. You know, Aunt Wang, one day you should go and buy more items for the house. But some clothes for yourself and me,¡± said Ling Chunxi haughtily as she brandished a few silver notes. ¡°Elder Brother sent some money back. There¡¯s no need to be thrifty. There¡¯s still a lot left.¡± Ling Chunxi closed her eyes in satisfaction. ¡®It feels great to have money.¡¯ Qin Yumei and her gang should be busy scratching itches that wouldn¡¯t seem to fade by now. No one could escape the effects of this itching powder. Ling Chunxi would know. After all, she had made it. She¡¯d secretly thrown itching powder over all those vile maidens earlier without any one of them even noticing. What a joke. For someone who was previously known as the Shocking Venomous Doctor, issuing mere itching powder was almost an act of courtesy. ¡°All right, Miss.¡± Aunt Wang took the silver notes from Ling Chunxi without any protest. It didn¡¯t matter so much for her, but she wanted to ensure Miss had beautiful clothes to wear. ¡°The weather is looking gloomy so I shall collect the laundry first, Miss.¡± ¡°Sure, go ahead. There¡¯s no need to prepare my dinner tonight. I would like to go out for a bit.¡± Ling Chunxi knew what Aunt Wang was going to think, so she immediately added on, ¡°Don¡¯t overthink things, I am not going to the cave. I just want to practice my cultivation routine.¡± With Ling Chunxi¡¯s assurances, Aunt Wang¡¯s worries were allayed, and she left to gather the laundry. Ling Chunxi traversed the rear peak area of Purple Maple Mountain with a sense of great familiarity. As she reached the side of the stream, she saw Little White sitting there, waiting patiently for her. ¡°Little White!¡± Ling Chunxi rushed forward to pick the small fox up. ¡°Let¡¯s go, I¡¯ll give you something nice to eat. If everything goes well tonight, I will be strong enough to protect you and you can come back with me!¡± As though it was contemplating her statement, Little White blinked and lifted its tiny head to look at Ling Chunxi. ¡°You should be considered a wild beast right, Little White? Why do you seem smarter than all the other exotic beasts, monster beasts and spirit beasts?¡± said Ling Chunxi as she smiled at her small, furry companion. Little White did not seem to comprehend her words this time, as it had no reaction. Instead, it settled quietly into her embrace. ¡­ A slim figure stood upright against the wind atop the rear peak of Purple Maple Mountain. Not far from this figure crouched Little White. Ling Chunxi was being guarded by the fox. The wind howled like a thousand wolves as Ling Chunxi observed Shi Qu Town. From this immense distance, the silhouettes of people walking about town looked like ants. A great sense of pride and ambition capable of reaching the ninth heaven filled her chest. Why on earth was Ling Chunxi here? To acquire energy of course! Following a period of cultivation and recuperation, Ling Chunxi¡¯s meridian suppression problem was solved and her cultivation skills were improving daily. However, that wasn¡¯t enough for her! Chapter 25 - 25 Breakthrough ?Chapter 25: Breakthrough Chapter 25: Breakthrough Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation One of the Thundercloud Ninth Heaven cultivation methods was Borrowing Might! Not just any kind of might, but the might of the Ninth Heaven. After all, Thundercloud Battle Qi was the very Qi surging through the clouds. It contained the might of crashing thunder. As the cold mountain wind howled, the distance of a thousand miles seemed to have compressed itself into a singular plane of sight with clear upper skies hanging above and clouds bubbling below. Ling Chunxi¡¯s clothing thrashed around her as she kept her eyes on the boundless horizon. The earth and the lower skies were nothing but a fine line gliding above the storm of clouds gathering at the mountain ranges. Tens of thousands of rays of golden light pierced through the skies. She felt the jagged surface of the majestic peaks beneath her feet, the whip of the cold wind against her face and the scorch of the sun¡¯s beam above her. Though her body did not yet contain a single thread of Battle Qi, arrogance flowed through her veins. Ling Chunxi remained unmoving despite the force of the gale lashing against her. Far beneath her frame, somehow even the magnificent mountains seemed small. A prickling sensation of heat surged through her body as she activated the Thundercloud Cultivation Method. The sensation raced through her, flowing alongside her meridians till a clarity began to surface. ¡®How quick!¡¯ It took her an entire night to sense Battle Qi the first time she tried cultivating with the Thundercloud Cultivation Method. It came as a surprise to her that she could sense it so swiftly on this attempt. Little did she know, she had actually been standing on the mountain¡¯s peak for two shichen1. She did not feel the passing of time as her mind had been so deeply integrated with the rhythms of the heavens and the earth. There lay a strange cadence throughout the vastness of the heavens and earth. All things thrived within its pulse as though they were indestructible. Ling Chunxi¡¯s mind was fully entwined in this symphony. Her thoughts circulated around the Battle Qi and her breath held steady. She was pacing herself. As she became one with this primitive song, her slender frame appeared to tower atop the majestic mountain peak. Breakthrough after breakthrough! Ling Chunxi hurtled through the Beginner, Intermediate and Pinnacle stages of Battle Qi Levels 3 and 4! Her consciousness was deep in the recesses of a distant and wonderful ethereal dimension. She was unaware of the rapid speed at which Battle Qi was building up in her body. It was as though a dam had burst forth within her, flooding her with unbelievable levels of energy until her cultivation had evolved to the highest level it possibly could¡ªBattle Qi Level 6 Pinnacle. The wind began to roar without warning. Clouds assembled into an army of gray, painting over the blue of the skies. Thunder rumbled and lightning flashed as though a storm was coming. ¡°Transcendence!¡± ¡°Who has achieved this? Who was able to enter the state of transcendence?!¡± Miles away in Shi Qu Town, across three different ancient courtyards belonging to three different major families respectively, each family¡¯s elder exhaled a gasp of astonishment at once. The state of transcendence was a mysterious frame of mind beyond the reach of many cultivators throughout their lifetimes. Only those who manage to reach it are able to grasp a more infinite understanding of heaven, earth and all that nature holds¡ªallowing them to advance towards the pinnacle of cultivation. Without reaching the state of transcendence, one would not be able to step into the last threshold of cultivation no matter how much they practice, however many chances they encounter and how innate their talents are. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Even the three elders themselves had not been able to attain this elusive state of being. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me someone is about to break through again? Which family does this person belong to?¡± The three elders were preoccupied with the same thoughts at the same time. A feeling of dread swamped their hearts. If they had known that the person in question was in fact a cultivator of the lowest grade, a mere ignorable wastrel no one thought would amount to anything, would their jaws not drop? The dark clouds around Purple Maple Mountain grew denser as they pooled closer and closer together, eventually obscuring the mountain¡¯s peak. An electrifying sizzle zipped through the thick air, culminating in a deafening boom of thunder. 1 ¨C Shichen is an older form of time measurement. One Shichen is two hours. Chapter 26 - 26 The Dramatic Heavenly Lightning ?Chapter 26: The Dramatic Heavenly Lightning Chapter 26: The Dramatic Heavenly Lightning Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation ¡°Could this be¡­ heavenly lightning?¡± The elders were simultaneously despondent, only able to observe these occurrences and fearing their implications from afar. Transcending was a highly evasive and sought-after experience in cultivation, nonetheless it remained an abstract concept. It didn¡¯t reflect how advanced one¡¯s level of abilities were. However, being struck by heavenly lightning did. ¡°Exactly who is being anointed right now?¡± The elders¡¯ faces paled. All of them knew what this meant. If the master struck by heavenly lightning belonged to one of the three main family clans in Shi Qu Town, the other two clans would have all but lost their esteemed reputations here. Back on the mountain, Ling Chunxi was rudely awakened by a clap of thunder. My, oh my. Battle Qi Level 6! She already felt the changes within herself. Her mouth hung agape, unable to utter a word. To reach such a level of cultivation in such a short period of time. Wasn¡¯t this almost too easy? What could she say? Transcendence was indeed transcending. She possessed an inherent understanding of why she was able to advance at such a rapid speed and how rare this achievement was. It would be difficult for her to encounter such good fortune again in the future. But before she could even rejoice, Ling Chunxi noticed an anomaly in the sky¡¯s appearance. Blood and euphoria drained from her face. ¡°Hey, God. There¡¯s no need to toy with me, all right?¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t this¡­ heavenly lightning?¡± Being struck by heavenly lightning was a legendary occurrence. It was an anointing only bestowed upon cultivators who had successfully broken through to Battle Qi Level 9. In the martial arts cultivation field, it is believed to be a significant marker of distinction. One could only truly become a warrior at the pinnacle once struck by lightning of the nine heavens. The lightning would refine the meridians and restructure the bones of the struck warrior, enabling freedom from all physical limitations and a deep realization of the meaning of heaven and earth behind cultivation itself. However, there were countless cases in which a ninth heaven lightning strike had reduced many a qualified warrior to dust. Currently, Ling Chunxi¡¯s abilities had only just reached Battle Qi Level 6. This was cause for much concern. How was she supposed to withstand this heavenly baptism meant for those with much higher levels of abilities? Without daring to spare time for even a thought, Ling Chunxi immediately leapt to her feet and rushed down the mountain. When she ran past the spot where Little White sat waiting, she scooped the fox into her arms in a single motion and continued racing downhill. Dangerous times called for reckless escapes. Thankfully, although the dark and densely packed clouds emitted crackles of thunder and flashes of lightning, no lightning strikes befell Ling Chunxi. She breathed a sigh of relief as she ran on. The elders of the three main clans of Shi Qu Town who were observing the skies from their own courtyards were likewise consoled by the lack of a lightning strike. Perhaps they were simply indulging in overthinking. How could it be that such a rare occurrence would happen with such ease on a day as ordinary as this? An oddity in the weather was all it was. By the time Ling Chunxi was midway down the mountain, the clouds had already broken apart and sunlight shone gloriously upon the land once more. She crumpled to the ground, exhausted, as a wave of relief washed over her. Little White let itself out of her embrace to give her space to recover. ¡®What was that crazy weather if it wasn¡¯t heavenly lightning?¡¯ she wondered as she massaged her aching legs and struggled to catch her breath. Just as she turned her eyes to the skies to unleash a rant, a sudden streak of lightning rained down upon her followed by a crash of thunder. Her vision was colored white and a burning shock of electricity surged torturously through her body. Ling Chunxi collapsed in agony. Whether it was heavenly lightning or not was unimportant. What was important was to avoid it, which she was trying hard to do. But alas, she was still struck by lightning! Every inch of her throbbed like a wound. Lying on her back, she was barely able to move from the overwhelming pain. Ling Chunxi felt like crawling to her feet just to point at the heavens and curse at God. ¡®Damn you! Damn you! Goddamn you, you deceitful one! Is this some sadistic joke?! Do I need to tell you being struck by lightning hurts like hell?! Why don¡¯t you give it a try sometime before inflicting it upon others, huh?!¡¯ As though sensing her anguish and anger, Little White gently climbed onto Ling Chunxi¡¯s chest and began licking her face with its tiny tongue to comfort her. After much strain, Ling Chunxi managed to croak out an incoherent string of words to the small fox in between labored breaths. ¡°This treacherous God is playing games with me Little White, why do you think that is? I¡¯m¡­ Ling Chunxi. I¡¯m¡­ I can¡­ everything. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Turn buds to flowers. Pigs to roast pork. I¡­ everything¡­¡± Darkness steeped across her vision as she lost to the pain. Beneath a blue and cloudless sky, Ling Chunxi lay unconscious on Purple Maple Mountain. Chapter 27 - 27 Genius Amongst Geniuses ?Chapter 27: Genius Amongst Geniuses Chapter 27: Genius Amongst Geniuses Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation It was already dusk when Ling Chunxi awakened. Little White was still lying in her arms, providing her with some measure of warmth. She chuckled bitterly. ¡°You deceitful God, I haven¡¯t had a single good thing happen to me since I¡¯ve come here. If I ever meet you one day, I¡¯ll hurt you. I¡¯ll hit you till peach blossoms bloom on your face1.¡± Despite feeling sore all over, Ling Chunxi couldn¡¯t help but spit forth her resentment. How much oppression could one tolerate? Transmigrating to a foreign world, encountering problem after problem with everything going wrong, and now even being struck by lightning. It would be odd if she didn¡¯t have the slightest bit morose. However, what happened next stunned her out of her melancholy. A breakthrough to Battle Qi Level 7! In her excitement, Ling Chunxi managed to rise to her feet. Little White hopped out of her arms dutifully. The lightning had enabled her to break through the last barrier of Battle Qi Level 6 and brought her to the next stage. Did this mean what Ling Chunxi thought it meant? In Shi Qu Town, those with the highest level of abilities were the clan elders and the best of them were at Battle Qi Level 7 Pinnacle. Ling Yichen who was at Battle Qi Level 6 Pinnacle received widespread acclaim and was hailed as a genius. To put things more pointedly, it was now Ling Chunxi who had the strongest ability of anyone in her generation! This meant she was a genius amongst geniuses! ¡°Come, Little White! This calls for a good meal!¡± Ling Chunxi laughed heartily as she picked up the small fox. For the longest time, she had been hoping to gain the ability to protect herself. It was all she cared for. And now, she finally felt closer to that goal. What a great feeling. Ling Chunxi looked up to the heavens and let out a delighted giggle. If being struck by lightning meant she could enjoy such a breakthrough, she didn¡¯t mind being struck a few more times providing she could survive each strike. Unbeknownst to Ling Chunxi, little sparks were pulsating from the Battle Qi circulating within her veins, eliminating the impurities in her meridians. Contrary to what was widely believed, the lighting strike did not restructure her bones or refine her meridians. Instead Ling Chunxi¡¯s meridians were strengthened, becoming smoother and stronger, resulting in her Battle Qi growing purer and more condensed. Although she was technically at the same level as others who were at Battle Qi Level 7, the purity and strength of her Battle Qi far surpassed theirs. As the remaining strands of poison in Ling Chunxi¡¯s body were destroyed by the surge of the electric current running through her, all lingering effects of the poison on her skin faded. Though there was no way for her to perceive it at the moment, Ling Chunxi¡¯s skin was so fair and supple it looked like the surface of a beautiful piece of white jade. ¡°Let¡¯s go home, Little White.¡± Overjoyed at finally being able to take Little White home with her now that she was strong enough to protect it, Ling Chunxi hugged the fox close and skipped home happily. Night had already fallen by the time Ling Chunxi arrived in Shi Qu Town. She made haste straight for her house, cradling Little White safely in her arms. The lightning strike had left her clothes tattered and uncomfortable to wear given the chilly late autumn weather. Thankfully, it was dark and there weren¡¯t many people on the streets to see her in this miserable state. No one needed to see how she looked right now. But of course, upon taking a corner, she just had to run into someone she knew. Ling Yuanhong! Wasn¡¯t this nice? Ling Chunxi scowled and discreetly clenched her fist. Beating him up would be about as challenging as¡­ well, it wouldn¡¯t be, really. All she needed to do was wait for him to open his mouth to say something stupid, then she¡¯d make peach blossoms bloom all over his wretched face! To her surprise, instead of glaring at her and spouting nonsense as usual, Ling Yuanhong simply gazed at her with the countenance of an infatuated man. ¡°Good evening, miss. Are you new to Shi Qu Town? Do you require some assistance in getting around? I¡¯d be most happy to help.¡± Ling Chunxi stood rooted to the spot, stunned. However, she quickly recovered her wits and tried to make sense of the situation. The effects of the poison on her skin must have cleared. ¡®Did it really make such a big difference?¡¯ She pondered this thought. There was probably a significant difference. Previously, her face was distorted by swelling and countless red bumps. Who would have been able to recognize her true physicality? S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. When she saw herself in the mirror the other day after her initial recovery, she acknowledged she was indeed blessed with beauty. Ling Yuanhong hadn¡¯t seen her since before her skin started healing. No wonder he was unable to recognize her. A rough way of saying to split someone¡¯s face through injury. Chapter 28 - 28 Bashing The Scum ?Chapter 28: Bashing The Scum Chapter 28: Bashing The Scum Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation Didn¡¯t this scum like Qin Yumei? Why then was he trying to strike up a conversation with another girl? Ling Chunxi frowned. An evil thought crossed her mind. ¡°May I ask your name miss? To be here so late at night, you must be here looking for your relatives. As it isn¡¯t safe for a lady to walk alone at this hour, allow me to escort you.¡± Ling Yuanhong had overcome his captivated stupor and began to make passionate offers of accompaniment. He was utterly enamored, never taking his eyes off her even to blink. Ling Chunxi didn¡¯t say a word as Ling Yuanhong moved closer to her. She was too tired to engage with his foolishness. Once he was close enough, she swiftly geared up and delivered a flying roundhouse kick right to his chest. ¡°Ling Yuanhong, you scum! Go walk off a cliff!¡± Ling Yuanhong¡¯s jaw dropped in recognition of Ling Chunxi¡¯s voice before her kick sent him flying. He slammed into a wall and promptly fainted in a dramatic manner. ¡°Pervert! Lowlife! Despicable piece of vermin!¡± called out Ling Chunxi scornfully as she walked over to look down at Ling Yuanhong¡¯s prone body. She raised her leg, intending to stomp on him one more time. But wasn¡¯t just beating him up too mild? Ling Chunxi changed her mind. Her line of sight landed on his head, and a nasty smile spread across her face. ¡®Bastard. Didn¡¯t you dare raise your hand against a woman? You even wanted to pull my hair out the last time.¡¯ Her dagger gleamed in the dark as Ling Chunxi drew it out of its sheath. In a few simple motions, she had cut off Ling Yuanhong¡¯s hair easily. As she wasn¡¯t tremendously skilled at cutting hair, Ling Yuanhong now sported two uneven bald patches on his head. Oh, well. She then scattered a smattering of colorless powder across his scalp, raised her leg and stamped hard on Ling Yuanhong. Such a bullying rascal should just be stepped on till he dies. Once she had her fill of vengeance, Ling Chunxi smirked and flipped her hair before stalking away. She collected Little White from where she had placed him earlier while she attended to matters. The rest of Ling Chunxi¡¯s night was uneventful as she made it home safely with Little White, took a bath and then went to sleep. On this night, her slumber was so pleasant it almost seemed sweet. Early the next morning, Ling Chunxi saw Aunt Wang happily returning home with a bag full of meat buns. ¡°What happened to make you so happy?¡± asked Ling Chunxi casually as she washed her face. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Miss, something strange has happened in town. It¡¯s really quite funny.¡± Aunt Wang let out a loud and hearty laugh. ¡°You probably haven¡¯t heard about this. Ling Yuanhong went bald and his whole face was swollen, as though he had been stung by bees. Everywhere he went, everyone couldn¡¯t help but laugh. What was even weirder was that he couldn¡¯t put on his hat. The moment his hat touched his head, he would howl in pain! He just went to the Second Elder for an official diagnosis of his condition.¡± Upon hearing Aunt Wang recount the story, Ling Chunxi smiled. Let Ling Yuanhong¡¯s bald head illuminate a path forward for everyone. The powder she used was undetectable and effective for seven days. She didn¡¯t think even the Second Elder would be able to decipher the cause of Ling Yuanhong¡¯s discomfort. ¡°Ah, that¡¯s right, Miss. There is another amusing matter as well.¡± Aunt Wang organized bowls and chopsticks into stacks as she crowed on. ¡°Qin Yumei and her posse also visited the Second Elder because they all contracted some unknown rash. Their bodies were covered in red bumps that were itchy beyond comparison. They had all scratched and scratched till they broke skin and then panicked.¡± At the sound of Aunt Wang¡¯s unabashedly gloating tone, Ling Chunxi¡¯s lips curled into a smile. No one would have guessed that all these things were her doing. Just as Aunt Wang finished putting away the bowls and chopsticks neatly, a white specter flashed past her. She was so frightened, she almost dropped the utensils in her hands. Once she could make out what the white specter on the table was, Aunt Wang shrieked in shock. ¡°There¡¯s a fox here, Miss! There¡¯s a fox!¡± ¡°Indeed, there is. Its name is Little White, and it will be living with us from now on. It is a new member of this family. When you prepare meals for me, do prepare an extra portion for the fox. It likes meat, so let¡¯s have more meat in our meals,¡± answered Ling Chunxi calmly. After pouring away the water she used to wash her face, Ling Chunxi sat down to tuck enthusiastically into her breakfast. She chortled to herself, of course the emphasis was on her last sentence. It can only be a blessing to have more meat! Chapter 29 - 29 Meeting the Pretty Boy with Facial Paralysis Again ?Chapter 29: Meeting the Pretty Boy with Facial Paralysis Again Chapter 29: Meeting the Pretty Boy with Facial Paralysis Again Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation Before she sat down, Aunt Wang caught a glimpse of Ling Chunxi¡¯s face and gasped in surprise. ¡°Your face, Miss. Your face¡­ It¡¯s beautiful. Your skin is so good. What happened?¡± ¡°My skin recovered well. All right, that¡¯s enough Aunt Wang. Let¡¯s eat.¡± Ling Chunxi smiled affectionately at Aunt Wang, thinking that she was making a mountain out of a molehill. However, as Ling Chunxi studied her reflection in the mirror in her room after breakfast, she saw that Aunt Wang wasn¡¯t exaggerating. In comparison to how her skin was before, the difference was heaven and earth. It was understandable why that rascal Ling Yuanhong couldn¡¯t recognize her to the point of daring to approach her. What a shame that decision turned out to be a death sentence for him. A short while later, Ling Chunxi began practicing the Thundercloud Ninth Heaven¡¯s Cultivation Method. With her current abilities, the only thing she lacked was the experience of a real battle and most importantly¡ªa weapon. She raised her head towards a thin-bladed metal sword hanging upon the wall across from her and sighed softly. This sword would be unable to withstand the domineering Thundercloud Battle Qi. A better sword was required. The problem was, where would she find one? She discounted the iron shop in Shi Qu Town as she knew there wouldn¡¯t be any good weapons there. Ling Chunxi thought carefully about this matter as stroked the length of her very full purse. It was settled then. She had decided to go to White Stone City. Though White Stone City was very metropolitan, it managed to retain a quaint atmosphere. As it was a city with longstanding history and convenient methods of transportation, many merchants were based there. Taking a look at the iron shops there wouldn¡¯t be such a bad idea. Ling Chunxi bid Aunt Wang farewell then made her way to the station with Little White in tow to take a carriage to White Stone City. Aunt Wang had found a wide-brimmed hat for Ling Chunxi to cover her face with and had instructed her a thousand times over to keep it on until she got home. After all, Ling Chunxi would be traveling alone and in such circumstances, beauty usually invited trouble. It was noon when Ling Chunxi arrived at White Stone City. Looking at the pristine white stones that built its walls, she understood where the city got its name from. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The gleam of sunlight emitted a faint halo off the white stones, creating an impression of mystery and magnificence. Likewise, the stoic guards posted at the city gate also exuded a sense of majesty. The wide bluestone roads, which were wide enough to accommodate eight horses at once, were filled with people bustling about amongst patrolling soldiers. There was a dazzling array of shops on both sides of the road, each containing a myriad of products. It was easy to locate the iron shops due to the large banners parked at the side of the road with large iron lettering. However, procuring a weapon could wait till later. First, Ling Chunxi needed to fill her stomach! After exploring the street for a bit, she chanced upon a beef restaurant featuring beef prepared in many different ways. There was stewed beef, braised beef, roasted beef, and even cold mix beef. The smell wafting from this restaurant stopped her in her tracks. As though she was on a mission, Ling Chunxi hurriedly marched towards the delicious aroma with Little White tucked under her arm. In her haste to enter the restaurant, she almost collided with another customer at the door. She managed to halt her advance in time. But when she began to apologize to the person she almost bumped into, a cold and familiar voice began to speak. ¡°Ling Chuxi?¡± The voice was aloof and devoid of any warmth, yet it carried with it a hint of surprise. ¡°Um, yes?¡± There was something odd about this. Her face was covered by the hat and she didn¡¯t know anyone from White Stone City. Who was it that recognized her so instantly? Wait, she knew this voice. Once Ling Chunxi lifted her head and made eye contact with the speaker, her eyes widened in surprise. ¡®Ling Yichen? What was he doing here and how did he recognize me?¡¯ ¡°Why are you here?¡± asked Ling Yichen in his monotonous drawl, making his question seem more of a statement. ¡°Why are you here?¡± Ling Chunxi fired back. Whenever Ling Yichen spoke, his face was always expressionless, as though he had some sort of facial paralysis. Chapter 30 - 30 You are Such a Good Person ?Chapter 30: You are Such a Good Person Chapter 30: You are Such a Good Person Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation ¡°To eat,¡± answered Ling Yichen smoothly. Before Ling Chuxi could answer, he added, ¡°Together.¡± His tone presented this invitation as if it were a fact. ¡°If you¡¯re treating, then sure!¡± blurted out Ling Chunxi awkwardly. ¡®What a reaction. Who am I right now?¡¯ Ling Chunxi wondered to herself. ¡°All right then.¡± Ling Yichen¡¯s words were as precious as gold. It¡¯d be a waste to say no to a meal when someone else has offered to pay! Ling Yichen led the way with Ling Chunxi eagerly trailing behind. Both of them took their seats within the same private dining room. Ling Yichen ordered a few dishes, and then Ling Chunxi ordered more without feeling the need to be particularly courteous. A trace of astonishment flashed through Ling Yichen¡¯s eyes when Ling Chunxi removed her hat, but he didn¡¯t say a word. The dishes were served very quickly. What surprised Ling Yichen the most wasn¡¯t the sight of Ling Chunxi¡¯s beautiful face, but her voracious and carnivorous appetite for meat. Although the restaurant served vegetable dishes as well, Ling Chunxi and Ling Yichen had ordered seven beef dishes and only two vegetable ones¡­ and Ling Chunxi had not paid any attention to the vegetable dishes at all. She had specially set aside a plate for the small fox she brought along with her and kept serving it meat. ¡°Eaut, why aren¡¯t you eathung? Youh aref treafting, if youh don¡¯t eaut, iaufll feel embarraffed,¡± said Ling Chunxi to Little White in between hearty mouthfuls of beef. ¡°Eat. Why aren¡¯t you eating? If you don¡¯t eat, I¡¯ll feel embarrassed.¡± To Ling Yichen¡¯s amazement, he could understand what she was saying. ¡°Please indulge, I will follow after you.¡± Ling Yichen made sure to speak politely even as a cold drop of sweat slid down the back of his head. Quietly, he steered his chopsticks away from a newly empty plate of beef towards a plate of vegetables instead. Once the meal was finished, Ling Chunxi put a hand on her full belly and asked the waiter for the bill. She was incredibly satisfied. In her mind, Ling Yichen was officially labeled a good guy. ¡°Ling Yichen, you¡¯re a good person. You¡¯ll live a long life.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Ling Yichen¡¯s unchanging poker face finally cracked a little. He kept a calm demeanor even though he knew Ling Chuxi¡¯s words were just perfunctory. ¡°I will go for a walk to digest my food and buy a weapon. I bid you farewell.¡± Ling Chunxi gathered Little White into her arms and stood to leave. Ling Yichen rose from his seat. ¡°I¡¯ll go with you.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Ling Chunxi stared at Ling Yichen questioningly with eyes as wide as saucers. She must have misheard. ¡°Why is that? Are you also looking to buy a weapon?¡± One glance at the sword hanging from Ling Yichen¡¯s waist told her this couldn¡¯t be the case. His sword was no ordinary sword. Anyone could see that. One with such a weapon at his disposal wouldn¡¯t be so inclined to buy the weapons available at White Stone City. Rumor had it that the sword was given to Ling Yichen by his master. Who was his master again? Never mind. She couldn¡¯t recall at the moment. Anyway, rumor had it that whoever this master was, it was a person with a lot of pride. ¡°To accompany you,¡± stated Ling Yichen succinctly. ¡°Okay, then. Thank you. You really aren¡¯t so bad at all Ling Yichen. You¡¯ll definitely have a long life,¡± said Ling Chunxi with a smile. Ling Yichen¡¯s lips twitched slightly, but he remained silent. So it was that these two people made their way to the iron shop, with one leading the way and the other following behind. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A salesperson came out to greet them as they entered the shop. Ling Chunxi was wearing one of the new garments Aunt Wang had bought her. Aunt Wang had spared no expense. She felt a lady of the house should be dressed beautifully, so she had bought clothes made from elegant material with exquisite embroidery for Ling Chunxi. The salesperson¡¯s eyes lit up. Indeed, the lady and the gentleman were not dressed like commoners. The rare sword on the gentleman¡¯s person was especially notable. ¡®If these two wanted to buy weapons, they would not be satisfied with normal offerings. This is good. I sense a big transaction about to happen.¡¯ Chapter 31 - 31 The Cursed Sword ?Chapter 31: The Cursed Sword Chapter 31: The Cursed Sword Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation ¡°Please come this way. I will take you to have a look at the divine weapons on the upper floors.¡± The salesperson rubbed his hands in anticipation of a big sale and continued to entice Ling Chunxi and Ling Yichen while smiling brightly. Divine weapons? It must be an exaggeration. Nevertheless, Ling Chunxi understood why they had been invited to view the weapons on the upper floors. Wasn¡¯t it because they looked like two plump, well-bred, slaughter-ready goats? The weapons on the upper floors were clearly of a higher quality and most certainly of a higher price too. ¡°Go on.¡± Ling Yichen stood aside to allow Ling Chunxi to ascend the steps first. There was no expression in his face or voice as usual. Just as Ling Chunxi was about to nod as a sign of courtesy and head up the stairs, her gaze landed on a pile of swords stacked in a corner. The salesperson who was leading the way realized neither of them were following him, so he turned back towards Ling Chunxi and saw what she was looking at. ¡°Ah, these are abandoned swords that are set to be sent to the furnace to be remodeled. The good weapons are all upstairs. Please, follow me,¡± explained the salesperson patiently. He assumed Ling Chunxi was merely curious about the old swords. ¡°Abandoned swords to be remodeled?¡± repeated Ling Chunxi absentmindedly. ¡°That is correct, miss. A lady of your stature should be in possession of a good sword.¡± The salesperson was nodding as though he were a chicken pecking feverishly on a stubborn grain and motioned for Ling Chunxi to proceed upstairs. ¡°Please come this way, miss.¡± Ling Chunxi nodded her head and began to climb the steps leading to the upper floors when Little White leapt out of her arms, dashed towards the pile of old swords and stood before it. ¡°What¡¯s wrong Little White?¡± called out Ling Chunxi, hurriedly running after the fox. The salesperson was taken aback at the sight of Little White jumping out of Ling Chunxi¡¯s arms. After taking a closer look at Little White, he felt even more joyous. Would a poor person be able to keep a white snow fox as a pet? This young lady had to be someone who was incredibly rich. Such ladies usually prioritized the appearance of a beast rather than its use. For example, a beast like Little White was of a completely different grade compared to the strong monster beast owned by the girl they call a peerless genius at the White Stone Academy. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Little White?¡± Ling Chuxi asked worriedly when she reached Little White. The small fox raised its head to look at her and then back towards the pile of old swords, reaching out its paw to draw attention to a particular sword amongst the rest. ¡°What about this sword?¡± Ling Chunxi carefully fished it out of the pile. The sword was very ordinary in appearance. However, the moment Ling Chunxi touched it, a chilling energy surged from the sword¡¯s handle and flowed through her. ¡°Miss! S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Put that cursed sword down at once!¡± exclaimed the salesperson as he rushed forward urgently with a panicked expression. Ling Yichen who had been observing the incident from the foot of the stairs, followed suit. ¡°Cursed sword? Why is it cursed?¡± asked Ling Chunxi with a sharp curiosity. She found herself unwilling to put it down. ¡°Please put it down, miss. If you hurt yourself, I won¡¯t know what to do.¡± The salesperson looked to be on the verge of tears. ¡°We would sell this sword if we could as it is still in good condition. But in the past, whenever someone bought it, they would somehow injure themselves with it. Although the wounds were never serious, the fact that it¡¯s happened so often means the sword is bad luck. It¡¯s cursed. After the sword is returned to us and resold, the same thing would happen again.¡± The owner of the iron shop couldn¡¯t help but feel there was something malicious about the sword and decided to send it to the furnace to be melted down. ¡°Put it down now!¡± The salesperson was worried Ling Chunxi would hurt herself in a moment of carelessness and then place the blame on the shop. Ling Chunxi was astonished by what the salesperson had divulged as she was keen on the sword. It produced a distinctive feeling when she wielded it in her hand. Chapter 32 - 32 ?Chapter 32: The Person Ling Chuxi ¡°Liked¡± Chapter 32: The Person Ling Chuxi ¡°Liked¡± Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation The sword felt right in her hand. The feeling was so pervasive, it seemed as though the sword was calling out to her, beckoning her to be its master. The energy was undeniable. Ling Chunxi believed she had found the right weapon¡ªshe believed she should be the master of this sword. When it came to such matters, thinking was futile. It was about trusting her gut feeling! ¡°How much for this sword?¡± Ling Chuxi asked as calmly as she could. ¡°Miss¡­ You want this sword?¡± The salesperson was both afraid and disappointed. He thought he¡¯d be able to secure a big transaction, but this well dressed young lady wanted to buy an abandoned sword instead? He couldn¡¯t shake off his fear of the consequences of selling this sword to Ling Chunxi. If she had bought the sword only to show up complaining of an injury and seeking compensation from them, what was he to do? ¡°No, miss. No good will come from buying this sword. It would be better for you to head upstairs and pick another. This one is unbecoming of you,¡± advised the salesperson earnestly. ¡°Oh, you misunderstand. What if I wasn¡¯t buying it for myself? Can¡¯t I give it to someone I detest? That person could get injured every day for all I care.¡± Ling Chunxi let a sly smile spread across her face without caring to put the sword down. ¡°If there are any complications in relation to this purchase, I will be responsible for them. I will not return the goods I have bought from you, nor will I trouble you any further. What do you say? Won¡¯t you tell me how much this sword costs?¡± ¡°If that¡¯s the case, what a good and clever trick that is!¡± breathed the salesperson in relief as he began to compliment Ling Chunxi. If this was indeed the case, all was fine. A strange young lady this one, to have thought of such a horrible trick. The salesperson didn¡¯t know who would end up being the unlucky owner of the cursed sword but that wasn¡¯t his business. Selling a discarded sword for a small profit was a good enough arrangement for him. He could just tell the shopkeeper the sword was sent to the furnace and that would be that, wouldn¡¯t it? ¡°One silver tael will be sufficient,¡± proposed the salesperson after doing some calculations in his head. Selling an abandoned sword at such a price wasn¡¯t a bad deal at all. Ling Yichen tossed a silver ingot into the salesperson¡¯s hands. It was equal to three to four taels. ¡°Keep the change,¡± he quipped coolly. The salesperson happily accepted the payment and gave Ling Chunxi a scabbard for the sword for free. ¡°All right then, we¡¯ll be off,¡± said Ling Chunxi. She smoothly slid the sword into the scabbard and turned to leave. ¡°But, miss, don¡¯t you want to take a look at the weapons on the upper floors?¡± asked the salesperson in surprise. ¡°If this sword is as cursed as you make it out to be then maybe I¡¯ll visit you again,¡± answered Ling Chunxi with a grin. ¡°If it isn¡¯t, then there might be trouble.¡± ¡°Ah, I see! Don¡¯t worry. Don¡¯t worry. This sword is definitely cursed!¡± The salesperson placed a hand upon his chest as an indication of the sincerity of his words. ¡°Very well. I will return once I have confirmed the matter for myself.¡± Ling Chunxi then smiled at the salesperson and took her leave holding the sword and Little White. Ling Yichen promptly exited after her, his face remaining as expressionless as ever. As she walked along the busy street, Ling Chunxi patted her brand new sword hanging from her waist in contentment. There was a complexity to this sword for sure. Her intuition told her as much. ¡°Who are you going to give the sword to?¡± asked Ling Yichen abruptly. He was now walking alongside her. ¡°I¡¯m not giving it to anyone. I plan to keep it,¡± came Ling Chunxi¡¯s cheeky reply. ¡°Oh, before I forget, thank you very much for paying for my sword, Ling Yichen. You shall live long and prosper as all good people do.¡± A barely perceptible movement flitted across Ling Yichen¡¯s lips before he turned to walk to the stage station. After taking a few steps, he noticed Ling Chunxi hadn¡¯t moved from where she stood. He stopped walking and turned to look at her blankly. Ling Chunxi had gotten distracted. When she realized Ling Yichen was staring at her, she snickered. ¡°Geez. I¡¯m coming, I¡¯m coming. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Why don¡¯t you try having more facial expressions? It¡¯s like your face is paralysed. No wonder even your admirers stay away,¡± muttered Ling Chunxi under her breath as she hurried to catch up with him. She knew he intended to rush her to return to Shi Qu Town with him but didn¡¯t know how to ask. In truth, she prided herself on being able to decipher such blankness of expression. Throughout the whole journey, Ling Chunxi fondly held on to the handle of her new sword. She loved it so much, she didn¡¯t want to let go. Ling Yichen closed his eyes the entire way through. It was evening by the time they arrived in Shi Qu Town. After bidding farewell to Ling Yichen at the station, Ling Chunxi happily skipped home. Alas, her happiness was short lived. The smile on her face froze once she reached her gate. At her doorway, two despicable people lay in wait. Qin Xiruo and Ling Xiaoting! Now, who was Ling Xiaoting, you ask? He was the person Ling Chunxi used to ¡°like¡±. Chapter 33 - 33 Venomous Tongue, Instant Kill! ?Chapter 33: Venomous Tongue, Instant Kill! Chapter 33: Venomous Tongue, Instant Kill! Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation These two people stood in her doorway, clearly waiting for her. Upon Ling Chunxi¡¯s arrival, Qin Xiruo immediately rushed over to her with a face full of distress and concern. She reached out to take Ling Chunxi¡¯s hands but Ling Chunxi pulled back by embracing Little White a little tighter. At this, Qin Xiruo awkwardly lowered and folded her own hands. ¡°Chunxi, where did you go? I got worried when Aunt Wang said you left the house. Don¡¯t listen to Yumei. Don¡¯t be silly. Don¡¯t go to that cave,¡± pleaded Qin Xiruo anxiously. ¡°My hand is fine, really. Look, it¡¯s all right.¡± Qin Xiruo put on a show of clenching her fist and then hissing from the pain while maintaining an expression of fortitude. Ling Xiaoting could not tolerate this any longer. How dare Ling Chunxi, this ugly girl, behave in such a manner. Qin Xiruo was worried about this ugly girl, who wasn¡¯t even resting at home as she should be. Qin Xiruo was enduring such pain just to come here and comfort this ugly girl, who wasn¡¯t even appreciative of her kindness. Such an ugly and shameless girl deserved to die. Did she think wearing a hat to hide her hideous face would make it less revolting? All it did was make her even more disgusting to look at! Though she remained calm outwardly, Ling Chunxi was secretly cursing Qin Xiruo on the inside. Wow. Qin Xiruo. What a good actress and director. Such a typical green tea bitch1. Just behold this magnificent performance of pitifully enduring so much suffering while only thinking of others. She really knew how to tug on heartstrings and make people feel sorry for her. Ptui1! This fakeness was what was disgusting. Qin Xiruo probably still thought she was the same weak, little Ling Chunxi who was easy to bully and push around, huh? ¡°Ling Chuxi!¡± roared Ling Xiaoting. He couldn¡¯t bear to hold back any longer. ¡°Are you dead inside? Can¡¯t you see Xiruo is in pain? Yet, while she constantly worries about you and suffers so much just to come and see you, you don¡¯t even care! You¡¯re fine with seeing her like this? Why are you so spiteful?!¡± Needless to say, Ling Chunxi was simply stunned by this outburst. ¡®How bizarre. It would seem that Ling Xiaoting has developed some severe brain problems. Oh, wait, that¡¯s not right. His eyes got covered in shit, more like it!¡¯ ¡°Clearly, I¡¯m very much alive inside and out. But, thanks for your concern,¡± remarked Ling Chunxi sarcastically. ¡°I wonder, Ling Xiaoting. Am I spiteful, or are you just sinister? Obviously, you knew the hand of the person you cherish was chronically injured, and yet you allow her to stand out in the cold like this. Was your intention for her to catch a cold? Then you could be attentive towards her and care for her¡ªbe her nurse in shining armor. Is this what you were hoping for? Qin Xiruo and Ling Xiaoting were both stunned. They never thought quiet and meek Ling Chunxi was capable of being so sharp-tongued. Little did they know there were far more surprising matters in store for them. Could it be that Ling Chunxi merely had a sharp tongue? No. She had a venomous tongue. A thoroughly venomous tongue capable of angering people to death! Not many people even knew about the existence of Purple Leaf Grass in that cave. So, how did Qin Yumei find out about it and its capabilities to heal Qin Xiruo¡¯s arm injury? Surely, Xin Qiruo herself was the one who had put the idea into Qin Yumei¡¯s head under the guise of coincidence and inadvertence, which Qin Yumei had stupidly fallen for as usual. Ling Chunxi sneered. ¡°If I went to the cave, I¡¯d be courting death. Is that what Qin Yumei wants? I don¡¯t understand why she hates me so deeply. How about you, Ling Xiaoting? Don¡¯t you love Sister Xiruo so much, you would die for her? Go to that cave and bring her some Purple Leaf Grass then. Go on, bring it to her quickly like a good boy so she can heal faster. Once she recovers and goes back to being a cultivation genius, she might be so touched, she¡¯d just throw herself at you.¡± Qin Xiruo¡¯s injury could be healed by Purple Leaf Grass? Ha! What bullshit! If this were even remotely true, the Qin family would have already risked sending their people to that cave to procure some for her. After all, Qin Xiruo was their pride and joy, their genius. She was the Qin family¡¯s hope. It was Qin Xiruo who spun this tale about Purple Leaf Grass being able to heal her arm so Qin Yumei would pressure Ling Chunxi into risking her life to obtain it. Who was really the malicious one here? Who was really the sinister one? ¡°You¡­ you, you despicable person! What nonsense you spout!¡± Ling Xiaoting was so angered by Ling Chunxi¡¯s words that his entire body was shaking. He raised his hand threateningly as if to slap Ling Chunxi. Ling Chunxi didn¡¯t flinch. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°No matter how much you entice me, I will never be interested in you, you malicious, ugly girl!¡± A green tea bitch is a person who feigns innocence in front of other people, but is actually scheming and malicious behind the scenes.Originally ¡®pei¡¯, is an onomatopoeia used to insult others. It is usually accompanied by the act of spitting. Chapter 34 - 34 Killing Without Spilling Blood ?Chapter 34: Killing Without Spilling Blood Chapter 34: Killing Without Spilling Blood Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation ¡°Xiaoting, stop!¡± yelled Qin Xiruo when she saw what Ling Xiaoting was about to do. Ling Xiaoting¡¯s arm halted its strike in mid-air. He was surprised at his inability to control his anger, almost fully acting upon it, and in front of Qin Xiruo no less. Ling Xiaoting¡¯s palette of rage painted his face a blazing white and then an angry red. He glared at Ling Chunxi with utter loathing. He was never this impulsive. This incident was unprecedented! How disgusting Ling Chunxi was to be able to provoke him to such an extent. His image was almost torn to tatters right in front of Qin Xiruo. My, my. Just as Ling Chunxi thought Ling Xiaoting could disgust her no further, he outdid himself yet again. What a disgusting specimen. This vain peacock of a man made her sick. In this realm, marriages between distant relatives and close relatives alike were not unusual. Some royal families even deliberately encouraged marriages between close relatives in order to ensure the purity of their bloodlines. Though such a practice was the norm here, Ling Chunxi couldn¡¯t bring herself to accept it! Especially, if it meant that her options included vermin like Ling Xiaoting. Heck, even if there was a handsome and dignified bachelor relative available, she absolutely could not accept the idea of getting married to someone to whom she was blood-related. No matter how much she enticed him, he would not be interested in her? Barf¡­ Ling Chunxi was throwing up on the inside. Where on earth did he even get the idea that she was interested in him? Even the past Ling Chunxi didn¡¯t like him that way, right? How was he so confident about this? He¡¯s probably never even looked into a mirror before, huh? Of course not. It would¡¯ve broken. ¡°Ling Xiaoting, please. I beg of you. I truly beg of you¡­¡± Ling Chunxi suppressed the bile of disgust rising within her and maintained her composure, making sure to calmly yet firmly place emphasis on each and every word she said. Qin Xiruo was taken aback, as was Ling Xiaoting. But, it wasn¡¯t long before an expression of pride and contempt overtook his face once more. It was clear the change in Ling Chunxi¡¯s tone made both their thoughts spiel off into a different tangent. Surely, Ling Chunxi would start begging now. What a despicable person she was indeed. In addition to the feelings of loathing Ling Xiaoting was emanating towards Ling Chunxi, there was also a touch of arrogance in the mix. How proud he was of his great, irresistible charm. Look at this ugly girl. When all was said and done, she still craved his forgiveness and goodwill. However, unlike what he had in mind, the words Ling Chunxi spoke next caused Ling Xiaoting¡¯s face to turn as red as raw pig liver instead. ¡°I truly beg of you¡­ Can you stop disgusting me? Where did you so confidently get the idea that I would ever like you? Even if my standards were low enough to like a pig, I still wouldn¡¯t be able to bring myself to like you.¡± Ling Chunxi¡¯s tone dripped with menace and contempt. ¡°Tell me, what is there to gain from you? Your abilities are mediocre, your looks are more mediocre, and you dare to act on your vile impulse to strike a girl. You¡¯re not a gentleman in the slightest. My eyes can see you clearly for who you truly are. Only the blind would fall for you, and even that is an insult to the blind. Also, don¡¯t get it twisted. I¡¯m not pushing you away just to pull you back in. This isn¡¯t such a game. If you entertain that idea, then your level of intelligence must be much lower than what I already thought it was.¡± Ling Chunxi¡¯s venomous tongue was truly as good as her toxicology skills. Ah, killing without shedding blood was an incredible ability to possess! To be honest, Ling Xiaoting didn¡¯t look all that bad but as far as Ling Chunxi was concerned, he looked like shit. Ling Xiaoting was totally stupefied. He stood rooted to the spot, unable to move. He was prepared for Ling Chunxi to cry and grovel, to beg him to forgive her and not to hate her. He wasn¡¯t prepared for¡­ everything she actually said. Every one of her words were as sharp as a dagger, and he felt each piercing stab. What were these feelings of shame and oppression? They made him want to vomit blood. Qin Xiruo was completely shocked as well. When was Ling Chunxi ever so bitingly sharp? S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. When was Ling Chunxi ever capable of such venomous retorts? Could it be that Ling Chunxi knew it was in fact Qin Xiruo who pushed her off that cliff? Impossible! She had conducted her scheme flawlessly. Given Ling Chunxi¡¯s intellect, it was impossible that she would have noticed anything amiss. Still, Qin Xiruo felt a little flustered. The Ling Chunxi standing before her was too foreign an entity¡ªthe sheer force of her energy made Qin Xiruo feel suppressed and unable to retaliate. Chapter 35 - 35 Here to Freeload ?Chapter 35: Here to Freeload? Chapter 35: Here to Freeload? Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation ¡°Is there anything else either of you would like to say? If there isn¡¯t, I¡¯m going inside to have dinner. I¡¯m starving thanks to this unfortunate delay. The both of you are free to leave. I¡¯m sure you can see yourselves out,¡± announced Ling Chunxi with a wave of her hand as though to brush off her encounter with these two despicable people. Then without a care, she walked past them and returned home. Qin Xiruo turned to look at Ling Chunxi, wanting to say something but unsure of what exactly. Her lips parted, yet no words came through. Without understanding why, Qin Xiruo found that she was somewhat afraid of confronting Ling Chunxi any further. She feared facing more of Ling Chunxi¡¯s sharp, knife-like rebuttals. Ling Xiaoting on the other hand, was thoroughly dumbfounded. His face had been totally thrown out right in front of Qin Xiruo, the person he liked. He had thought Ling Chunxi would have treated him as though he were a god, but what a misconception that was! The disgust and indifference Ling Chunxi bestowed on him was not feigned. How did things turn out this way? Hadn¡¯t Ling Chunxi liked him a great deal? What had happened? ¡°Xiaoting, are you all right?¡± asked Qin Xiruo gently. Lost in his own thoughts, Ling Xiaoting gave no response. Only after Qin Xiruo addressed him twice did his attention snap back to reality. ¡°Ah, Xiruo. Let¡¯s head back first. The wind is much too strong here,¡± said Ling Xiaoting with a strained smile. He struggled to comprehend the anger and displeasure burning within him. There was a complex expression drawn upon Qin Xiruo¡¯s face. She gave a light nod of agreement to Ling Xiaoting¡¯s suggestion and they left together. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Meanwhile, Ling Chunxi was sitting at her dining table indulging in a spread of hot and delicious-smelling food Aunt Wang had prepared. Beside her, Little White was also partaking in a feast of its own. As she recalled the constipated look on Ling Xiaoting¡¯s face earlier, Ling Chunxi couldn¡¯t help but find it funny. Given that Ling Xiaoting was such a peacock of a man, there must be quite a puncture in his inflated sense of self-worth right about now. Well, he deserved it! How dare he raise his hand against her with an intention to strike. Tsk, tsk. She will make him pay for this debt later. As for Qin Xiruo¡­ Ling Chunxi barked out a cold laugh. Qin Xiruo sure was playing many games with all people she had in the palm of her hand. Especially when it came to her injured arm and turning Ling Chunxi into a scapegoat for it. That was a pretty big deal, wasn¡¯t it? Though Ling Chunxi was no longer afraid of these lowlifes who tell lies about her, the onlookers who didn¡¯t know the truth greatly annoyed her. Back when the Ling family confronted the Qin family about the truth of the matter, many of the Lings felt it was unreasonable to do so. This was another reason why the Ling disciplines of this generation didn¡¯t have good relations with Ling Chunxi. In fact, it could be said that Ling Chunxi had no friends amongst this Ling clan she belonged to. She needed to find an opportunity to end this once and for all. She had been a scapegoat for so long and she wasn¡¯t willing to be one anymore. It was time for this to stop. Furthermore, Qin Xiruo had hidden her true nature and hurt Ling Chunxi for long enough. It was time for Ling Chunxi to collect the debt Qin Xiruo accumulated. As Ling Chunxi was busy making all these calculations in her heart, a knock broke through the silence from outside. Aunt Wang instantly rose to answer the door, and shortly after exclaimed loudly, ¡°Master Yichen, what brings you here?¡± ¡°Looking for Chunxi.¡± Ling Yichen sure loved saving his words as if they were gold. ¡°If you¡¯re here to freeload, I¡¯m not home. If you¡¯re here for other matters aside from freeloading, come in,¡± called out Ling Chunxi from the dining area. ¡°Also, Chunxi? Since when was this fella close enough to her to call her that?¡¯ A slight twitch ran across Aunt Wang¡¯s face. Her own Miss was truly¡­ How should one put it, really? Such behavior was almost too shameful, right? To speak in such a¡­ straightforward manner such as this. Aunt Wang smiled and quickly issued placating claims to excuse Ling Chunxi¡¯s attitude. ¡°Master Yichen, if you haven¡¯t eaten, please do come in. Miss is still young and doesn¡¯t have a good understanding of matters so please do not hold this against her.¡± Who was Ling Yichen that Aunt Wang had to care so much? He was the Ling family¡¯s latest rookie, the idol of the Ling family¡¯s younger generation. His status in the family was considerable as many older generation Lings had high hopes for him. If Ling Chunxi¡¯s words had angered him enough to badmouth her to the elders, Aunt Wang knew she and Ling Chunxi would be in for a tough time. Chapter 36 - 36 Deal! ?Chapter 36: Deal! Chapter 36: Deal! Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation Ling Chunxi¡¯s response didn¡¯t anger Ling Yichen. Instead, he simply strode straight into the house and walked to the dining area, where he placed an oil paper bag on the dining table. ¡°Mmm, what is this? It smells great!¡± Ling Chunxi sniffed the air and took in the fragrant scent pouring out of the oil paper bag. ¡°Roasted chicken.¡± Ling Yichen replied blankly. ¡°Ling Yichen. Good person. Long life.¡± Ling Chunxi carelessly abbreviated and recycled her standard compliment for him. The presence of the roasted chicken made her feel much more hospitable than usual so she instructed Aunt Wang to fetch another bowl and a set of chopsticks for Ling Yichen. Ling Yichen found himself numb to the perfunctory mantra Ling Chunxi used as a means of praise. It seemed to be that so long as one bought her meat, one would be considered a good person. The label, ¡®good person¡¯ was really tacked on too cheaply. ¡°So, tell me. Why did you come looking for me?¡± Ling Chunxi turned to look at Ling Yichen straight in the eyes. She was certain Ling Yichen did not come looking for her at this late hour just to ply her with roasted chicken. ¡°Accompany me to White Stone Academy.¡± Ling Yichen enunciated each word clearly and pointedly. Ling Chunxi stopped midway through yanking off a drumstick for Little White. A frown weighed down her brow and she studied Ling Yichen with a quizzical expression. ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°The first-place prize of the White Stone Academy¡¯s experiential competition this year¡ªI want it,¡± continued Ling Yichen coolly. ¡°Be my teammate.¡± After being properly stunned for a beat or two, Ling Chunxi said the only thing she could think of. ¡°Wow!¡± Her exclaimation shocked not only Ling Yichen, but Aunt Wang as well, who was already struggling to understand the situation at hand. Aunt Wang¡¯s mind teemed with confused thoughts. ¡®What is this? Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Why would Master Yichen want Miss to be his teammate when his own abilities already surpass most? And at White Stone Academy too. Was he feverish? Did he take the wrong medication? Everyone knows the standards of Miss¡¯ abilities would not even make it past the family clan assessment. How could she possibly even gain acceptance to White Stone Academy? And even if she somehow did, how would this partnership between her and Master Yichen work out? How would they claim first place?¡¯ Aunt Wang surreptitiously pinched herself. Maybe this was merely an illusion. ¡®Ouch! My goodness, this isn¡¯t a dream!¡¯ Master Yichen was indeed standing before her and he did indeed just say all those things. Ling Yichen met Ling Chunxi¡¯s gaze wordlessly as he waited for her answer. Would she accept or reject his proposal? Of course, Ling Chunxi¡¯s thoughtful answer was¡­ ¡°Just, wow! This is the most words you¡¯ve ever spoken. This¡­ this is historic! Let me count exactly how many words you said. One, two, three¡­ Twenty-three! A whole twenty-three words! What a time to be alive!¡± Ling Chunxi gleefully gnawed a huge chunk of meat off a roasted chicken drumstick to punctuate her dismissive statement. The corners of Ling Yichen¡¯s lips twitched and an undiscernible expression came over his usually blank face. He took a seat opposite Ling Chunxi in a deliberate manner. ¡°Do you agree, or not?¡± ¡°How do you know of my abilities?¡± Linc Chunxi asked with carefully curated nonchalance. She really wanted to know how Ling Yichen had found out about her abilities which she had intentionally kept hidden. ¡°I just do,¡± retorted Ling Yichen with typical brevity. ¡°If we work together, we¡¯ll definitely get first place.¡± ¡°I want all my food expenses to be fully covered for the whole three-year duration of study at White Stone Academy.¡± Ling Chunxi persisted with her nonchalant tone. ¡°Deal!¡± replied Ling Yichen. Upon hearing Ling Yichen¡¯s straightforward answer, Ling Chunxi became overwhelmed with happiness. This wasn¡¯t a simple term to agree to, it would cost a lot as Ling Chunxi was a total foodie! ¡°Ling Yichen, your generosity never ceases to amaze me. You are such a good person. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll¡­¡± Ling Yichen cut her off before she could complete her sentence. ¡°I thank you. But there¡¯s no need to compliment me as such in the future.¡± He matter-of-factly dug out another oil paper bag and placed it in front of Ling Chunxi. It was another roasted chicken. Chapter 37 - 37 A Stunningly Beautiful Man ?Chapter 37: A Stunningly Beautiful Man Chapter 37: A Stunningly Beautiful Man Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation ¡°Deal!¡± Ling Chunxi¡¯s answer was as straightforward as Ling Yichen¡¯s own. She then quickly attacked the roasted chicken he just placed before her. Poor Aunt Wang was completely bewildered. What just happened here? She felt her brain was unable to compute this turn of events. ¡°I¡¯ll head off.¡± Ling Yichen rose from his seat and made to leave when a sudden thought occurred to him. ¡°Would you like me to help you settle those two people?¡± Ling Chunxi immediately knew which two people Ling Yichen meant. He must have seen what had happened earlier. However, the mention of this only served to confuse Aunt Wang even further. ¡°Oh, there¡¯s no need. I¡¯ll collect back what is owed to me on my own,¡± said Ling Chunxi with a wave of her hand to emphasize that she didn¡¯t need Ling Yichen¡¯s interferance. ¡°True. You are capable of settling such matters yourself,¡± acknowledged Ling Yichen with a nod. ¡°Then, I¡¯ll leave now.¡± ¡°I won¡¯t be sending you off, but please take your time.¡± Ling Chunxi was absorbed in devouring the roasted chicken. Just as Ling Yichen was about to step out the door, Ling Chunxi called out to him, ¡°Next time you visit, bring more of these. They taste pretty good.¡± At this, Ling Yichen nearly lost his footing. Before he departed, he turned to look at Ling Chunxi, who was still eating with much gusto. Ling Yichen shook his head wordlessly and left. Back in the dining area, Aunt Wang was staring curiously at both the human being and the fox that shared the space with her. She had yet to recover her wits from the events that had just transpired. Aunt Wang really wanted to ask her Miss why the Ling clan¡¯s ace rookie requested her assistance and agreed to the unfair and humiliating term of covering three years¡¯ worth of food expenses just to secure it. What was this? Though Aunt Wang desperately wanted to understand what just happened, she didn¡¯t have the heart to interrupt Ling Chunxi¡¯s joyous dinner. Aunt Wang¡¯s eyes drifted to Little White. The fox was eating mouthful after mouthful of its food elegantly. It was weird to see a fox displaying elegance of any kind, but there it was. ¡­ It was a cold night. Ling Chunxi sat on her bed cross-legged after a round of letting her Thundercloud Battle Qi circulate. She instructed Aunt Wang to run a hot bath for her. ¡°Little White. It is time for you to take a bath. Otherwise, you¡¯ll stink, and I won¡¯t have you sleeping next to me,¡± muttered Ling Chunxi determinedly as she dragged Little White into the tub with her. Little White struggled in Ling Chunxi¡¯s diabolical grip for a bit before giving up and surrendering to a good scrubbing. Fresh from her bath, Ling Chunxi dried her hair then helped dry Little White¡¯s fur. Once she was ready for bed, Ling Chunxi hugged Little White close and drifted off to sleep. The moon shone bright outside the window, casting its glow across the land. But the moonlight vanished suddenly, letting a profound darkness fall. In the depths of this darkness, Ling Chunxi rolled over in her bed and fell into a deeper slumber. Many did not notice the unusual darkness that fell upon the land as it only lasted but for a moment. In fact, the intensity of the darkness would not strike many as strange at all, they would think it was just a temporary effect of the clouds obscuring the moon. But it was strange. It was very strange indeed. In the stillness of Ling Chunxi¡¯s bedroom, there now stood a man watching her in the shadows. The man¡¯s slender figure was quiet before Ling Chunxi¡¯s bed with long silver hair loosely draped across his frame. His face was of the kind of beauty that inspired heart palpitations and breathlessness. So beautiful was this man that heaven and earth almost paled in comparison. The man¡¯s delicate features were stunning. Perfectly arched brows, a refined nose bridge, eyes as clear as a winter moon, and fine yet sensual lips. ¡°This little thing¡­¡± A devilishly charming smile spread across his exquisite face. He reached out a hand to gently brush Ling Chunxi¡¯s fringe aside and continued to speak in a low voice. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The sound of his voice was calm and soothing, it contained an indescribable magic in and of itself. Ling Chunxi was too fast asleep to notice anything. She merely sniffled and turned over to hug Little White who was sleeping beside her. But Little White wasn¡¯t there. Chapter 38 - 38 Incredible Name ?Chapter 38: Incredible Name Chapter 38: Incredible Name Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation When Ling Chunxi¡¯s arms grasped nothing but the night air, she grumbled beneath her breath and reached her arms out towards where Little White was supposed to be again. Now, that¡¯s better. She felt Little White¡¯s soft and warm fur against her fingers this time. Ling Chunxi snuggled up to Little White and continued sleeping soundly. Through her window, the sight of the lands being illuminated by moonlight dominated the frame once more. While in the still of her bedroom, the handsome man with silver hair and purple eyes was long gone. Not a soul was in sight, aside from the girl and the small fox holding on to each other as they slept until day break. After breakfast the next morning, Ling Chunxi contemplated the sword she brought back with her yesterday. Its appearance indicated there was nothing remarkable about it. No one would have been able to tell there was a curse of any kind upon it. Once she had given the matter some thought, Ling Chunxi decided to bring out her old sword and placed it upon a stone table. She circulated the Thundercloud Battle Qi within herself, raised the new sword above her head, bringing it down in a slashing motion towards the old sword. Clang! The old sword broke into two, but the new sword in Ling Chunxi¡¯s hands was in just as good a condition as it was before. ¡°Hmm. Not bad.¡± Ling Chunxi smiled slightly and looked at the new sword with hopeful eyes. Seeing as it was able to withstand Thundercloud Battle Qi¡¯s dominating energy and cut through iron as though it were merely mud, this sword was pretty good. ¡°I¡¯ll name this sword something incredible!¡± Ling Chunxi held on to the sword and thought about what she should call it before announcing passionately, ¡°I¡¯ll call you Domineering Knife. How about that?¡± Little White sat inspecting Ling Chunxi¡¯s test swords a short distance away. Upon hearing Ling Chunxi¡¯s proposed name for her sword, Little White turned over to look at her judgmentally. ¡®Dominating Knife?! What¡¯s dominating about it?! It¡¯s just a sword, all right! How is this name incredible?¡¯ ¡°Ugh, forget it. It sounds too crass. I¡¯ll just go with Luo Chen Sword.1¡± Even Ling Chunxi herself had felt the name she proposed was unsuitable and therefore swapped it out with another less bombastic name. This good sword was hidden in dust before she had chanced upon it. A name like Luo Chen Sword suited it well. How odd it was that when its new name escaped Ling Chunxi¡¯s lips, the sword trembled in her hand. So subtle was the tremor, it would have gone undetected without careful attention being paid to it. Ling Chunxi was astonished by this. Just as she was about to practice her swordplay, she heard footsteps approaching from across the courtyard. Her sense of sight, sound and smell were sharpened ever since she entered the Battle Qi Level 7 beginner stage. It was easy for her to recognize the footsteps as belonging to Second Elder. Ling Chunxi quickly hid away the swords and turned towards the courtyard entrance just in time to see Second Elder walking through it. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It was Second Elder¡¯s first time seeing her clearly since her skin had recovered. However, instead of smiling at her as usual, he looked concerned. ¡°Little Chunxi¡­ your face. What happened to your face?¡± asked Second Elder in surprise. His voice trembled slightly. ¡°My face?¡± Ling Chunxi had long put behind her the days when she had to walk around with disgusting sores and spots on her face. Currently, the skin on her face was smooth, fair and supple. A complete difference from how it used to be. She had not worn the wide brim hat to hide her face away from curious eyes as she was at home. Ling Chunxi decided to test the waters. ¡°Oh! My face has fully recovered. I don¡¯t know how, but my skin is all healed now. I look pretty good, don¡¯t I, Second Elder?¡± Ling Chunxi had always felt Second Elder had not been completely truthful. With the medical skills he had, it was impossible for him to not have known she was poisoned. ¡°Is that so? That¡¯s, that¡¯s great Little Chunxi. You look so pretty like this. I could barely recognize you.¡± Second Elder smiled warmly and beckoned Ling Chunxi closer. ¡°Let¡¯s go, Little Chunxi. Come and see what I¡¯ve brought you this time.¡± Ling Chuxi beamed as she followed after him. If she was being honest, she felt Second Elder was forcing his smiles today, though she couldn¡¯t say why. He didn¡¯t seem particularly happy about her skin recovering from that horrible bout of poisoning. Why? Luo Chen means ¡®to leave the dust¡¯. Chapter 39 - 39 Genuine or Pretense ?Chapter 39: Genuine or Pretense Chapter 39: Genuine or Pretense Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation Most of the items Second Elder brought over this time were basic living supplies. Of course, the most important ones were always the books and sewing materials. After handing over all these supplies to Ling Chunxi, Second Elder asked her to proffer her wrist so he could check her pulse. Ling Chunxi watched his expression closely and caught the flash of surprise that shot across his eyes. ¡®He¡¯s surprised? That the poison in me is gone?¡¯ So, Second Elder did know she was poisoned. Why didn¡¯t he help her get rid of the poison for all these years then? Why let her suffer all the ridicule thrown at her? Was Second Elder¡¯s kindness genuine or was it all pretense? ¡°Well, Chunxi, there¡¯s nothing much wrong with you. But seems your body is a little heaty. Have you been eating a lot of spicy and oily foods?¡± deduced Second Elder after checking her pulse. ¡°Ah, really?¡± Ling Chunxi feigned ignorance. She had intentionally kept her abilities well hidden. Since Second Elder was only at Battle Qi Level 6, he was unable to detect her abilities. However, his diagnosis of her being heaty was accurate. She was indeed feeling a little heaty and she knew exactly why. It was what tended to happen when one feasts on meat to the extent she did. ¡°So, there are no health problems anymore?¡± asked Aunt Wang hurriedly in excitement. ¡°No problems. No problems at all. I¡¯ll prescribe you some medication and you¡¯ll be just fine. Say, Aunt Wang, what have you been cooking for Little Chunxi lately?¡± inquired Second Elder with a smile as he retracted his hand from Ling Chunxi¡¯s wrist. ¡°Braised beef, meat buns, roasted duck¡­¡± The more dishes Aunt Wang listed, the deeper her brow furrowed. These were greasy foods indeed. ¡°That must be it then. No worries though, I¡¯ll prescribe two doses of medication and all will be well. All you have to do is decoct them for Little Chunxi to drink,¡± instructed Second Elder as he wrote up a prescription. ¡°Little Chunxi, it¡¯s best you don¡¯t leave the house these days. Practice cultivating at home. Didn¡¯t you want to participate in the clan assessment and attend White Stone Academy? Practice cultivating properly and don¡¯t go running around.¡± ¡°Yes, I know.¡± Ling Chunxi was trying to contain the surge of shock running through her heart as she read the prescription Second Elder had just written out. The ingredients he had listed were fine individually but were mildly poisonous when they were all decocted together. It was Second Elder who had poisoned her! Why?! When she had suffered so much due to her face sprouting sores from being poisoned, was it Second Elder¡¯s doing? Why¡­ Why! Ling Chunxi was dying to know. However, this was not the right time to ask him. Even if she successfully tore down his lies, she might not necessarily obtain the truth. Since she now knew it was Second Elder who has poisoned her, the matter should be resolved in an easier manner. After all, an investigation becomes easier with clues at hand. There wasn¡¯t any change in Ling Chunxi¡¯s demeanor as she observed Aunt Wang happily accepting the prescription and trotting off to the medical hall to procure the ingredients for the poisonous concoction she was to make. Ling Chunxi continued talking and laughing with Second Elder as she always did. Only when she saw Second Elder off did Ling Chunxi realize she was clenching her fist hidden in the folds of her sleeve. She had clenched her fist so hard, her veins had practically popped. There was great pain in her heart. All the memories of the travesties she endured as a result of being poisoned bubbled up within her and overflowed, overwhelming her. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The gutting feeling of being deceived and betrayed by someone so close to her filled her with immense agony. Though Ling Chunxi struggled to explain how or why, this emotional pain made it seem as though the past Ling Chunxi and her were now one entity. She could feel the same anguish the past Ling Chunxi felt and it made her incredibly uncomfortable. ¡®I must find out what is going on!¡¯ Ling Chunxi vowed to herself. ¡­ The Ling clan¡¯s assessment was just around the corner. The clan would only decide on which participants to recommend for the White Stone Academy entrance exam upon completion of their own assessment. Days went by the same way. Ling Chunxi would bring Little White along with her to Purple Maple Mountain¡¯s rear peak and diligently practice her cultivating for hours on end. After some time had passed like this, it was finally the day of the clan¡¯s assessment. CREATORS¡¯ THOUGHTS _Lunaelle Hey everyone! Did you like what you¡¯ve read up to this point? If you do, do leave a review so others may notice it too! ?? Chapter 40 - 40 Really Good Enough ?Chapter 40: Really Good Enough Chapter 40: Really Good Enough Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation Early that morning, Ling Yichen sought out Ling Chunxi at her house. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? There¡¯s no need for you to be here so early. I refuse to have you accompanying me because I don¡¯t intend on getting hit by stones thrown by your admirers on my way to the assessment.¡± Ling Chunxi continued washing her face whilst casting dissatisfied looks at Ling Yichen. Such an annoying rascal. He actually thought she would flake out on the assessment and came to make sure she attended by showing up at this ungodly hour. If any of his suitors saw this, they might get the wrong idea, which would only bring her more trouble. ¡°I brought you steamed meat buns.¡± Ling Yichen listlessly held up two bulging oil paper bags with a deadpan expression. There was still steam rising out of them. Ling Chunxi smirked. ¡°Ah, you really are such¡­¡± She was about to complete her arbitrary mantra of praise when she recalled Ling Yichen telling her to not say it to him anymore. She swallowed her initial words and continued with different ones, ¡°¡­ a person of tremendous courtesy. If you¡¯re visiting to speak to me, speaking to me would be enough. There¡¯s no need to bring food each time.¡± Ling Chunxi said all the things a proper lady should, however her actions belied her words. She dropped her face towel at the speed of light and grabbed the bags out of Ling Yichen¡¯s hand, swiftly bringing them inside the house. Ling Yichen had already been accustomed to expecting nothing of Ling Chunxi¡¯s attempts at pretense. Everyone had an Achilles¡¯ heel, and he understood what Ling Chunxi¡¯s was very well. As such, he remained unbothered by this. His handsome face never betrayed any change in expression. Aunt Wang who was waiting by the dining area silently turned to look over at the both of them. This wasn¡¯t her Miss, was it? No, no¡­ it couldn¡¯t be. She was too shameless, too pragmatic. She treated Master Yichen with such impatience earlier, but after she saw the meat buns, her attitude changed instantly. ¡°Don¡¯t be late. I¡¯ll be waiting for you there,¡± ordered Ling Yichen in his deep voice. ¡°Yes, yes. I know, I know. I won¡¯t be late.¡± Ling Chunxi tossed out her reply casually with a dismissive wave before she bit heartily into the meat bun. Upon securing this guarantee, Ling Yichen left with a face as blank as when he came. This display stunned Aunt Wang. The dynamic between Miss and Ling Yichen was too odd indeed. Though Ling Chunxi wanted to leave right after breakfast, she was held back by Aunt Wang who insisted she put on her wide-brimmed hat. ¡°Miss, I¡¯m happy to see you¡¯re beautiful now, but such beauty could also invite misfortune. Master Yichen is a good man. If you feel it is a good match between the two of you, then perhaps you should agree to take his hand. He is a better choice than others who would simply lust after you for sure. If you wait too long, I¡¯m afraid that might not be wise since Master Yichen might not feel the same¡­¡± ¡°Aunt Wang. I¡¯ll wear the hat. Okay? I¡¯ll wear the hat. So, stop with this nonsense.¡± Ling Chunxi¡¯s head had almost doubled its size1 due to her annoyance at this. She snatched the hat up and put it on her head before she hurried off with Little White in her arms. To Aunt Wang, as to everyone else here, getting married to someone within the Ling family was fine. But, Ling Chunxi simply could not abide by the practice of marrying one¡¯s own relatives. ¡­ The Ling family¡¯s ancestral court was more crowded than usual on this day. Everyone from the Ling family was present. They all swarmed the inner and outer spaces of the main courtyard. In the middle of the courtyard was a stage with a milk white stone monument placed at its center. There was a groove carved upon the stone monument to be used by participants to pour in their Battle Qi. This was a method used to assess one¡¯s innate talent. There were also five chairs placed onstage behind the stone monument. The five clan elders would fill these seats. They were always seated at close proximity to the stone monument to allow them to view the proceedings as they took place and come to a decision quickly. When Ling Chunxi arrived, the courtyard buzzed with a boisterous energy. Usually, no one would have noticed her. But this time, someone did. His hair had already begun growing back in short stubs sprouting from his bald head. When Ling Yuanhong caught sight of Ling Chunxi, he quickly squeezed through the crowd to get to her. 1 ¨C A Chinese metaphor to depict an exaggerated extent of the problems one faces. The literal translation of the phrase would be ¡®one head, twice as big¡¯. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 41 - 41 A Dirty Man’s Harassment ?Chapter 41: A Dirty Man¡¯s Harassment Chapter 41: A Dirty Man¡¯s Harassment Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation ¡°Oh, Chunxi, you¡¯ve arrived.¡± Ling Yuanhong smiled and tried to sound casual after exhaustively making his way through the dense crowd. ¡°Why are you wearing a hat? Ah, that¡¯s right. It¡¯s better for you to wear a hat. If other people saw your face, it might not be such a good thing.¡± Ling Chunxi looked quizzically at Ling Yuanhong. He was either brain damaged by nature or brain damaged after getting beaten up by her. Since he was now fawning over her directly, he must have recognized her voice that night. Aha! Ling Chunxi realized it wasn¡¯t brain damage but an awakening of Ling Yuanhong¡¯s lustful tendencies. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Even though she had beaten him up severely and shaved his head, he didn¡¯t hold any grudges against her because he was smitten by her newly recovered face. She recalled Aunt Wang telling her Ling Yuanhong had come looking for her when she wasn¡¯t home, but she hadn¡¯t taken any particular notice of the matter. ¡°Have you eaten, Chunxi?¡± You¡¯ll be participating in the assessment later, won¡¯t you? So will I. If we both pass, we can attend White Stone Academy together,¡± said Ling Yuanhong as he grinned and brushed a hand over his short stubs of hair. Ling Chunxi was well and truly speechless. Was Ling Yuanhong an idiot? He seems to have forgotten how cruel and evil he was to her in the past when he mercilessly bullied her. Now he was casually trying to flatter and pander. Was this not disgusting? Was this not despicable? Was this not ridiculous? Even if Ling Chunxi were to consider accepting the advances of a pig, ah, no, ptui, ptui, ptui. Even if came to Ling Chunxi having to accept the advances of Little White who was in her arms, the day would never come when she would stoop low enough to accept Ling Yuanhong, the dirty rascal! Ling Chuxi was about to rebuff Ling Yuanhong, when another person stepped between them. Ling Yuanhong turned to give the person a good scolding for interrupting but froze when he found himself looking up into Ling Yichen¡¯s handsome poker face. Ling Yuanhong was stunned and could only drop his head and step aside glumly. ¡°Thanks. A buzzing fly is indeed annoying.¡± Ling Chunxi expressed her thanks as such. ¡°You¡¯re welcome,¡± replied Ling Yichen briefly in his baritone voice. Ling Yuanhong was still observing them from afar. The was much anger and anxiety within him since he knew there was now no hope of him attaining Ling Chunxi¡¯s affection. Ling Yichen must have seen Ling Chunxi¡¯s stunning face and attached himself to her. Whether it was in terms of looks or abilities, Ling Yuanhong knew he was no match for Ling Yichen. He could only look on reluctantly. ¡­ This year¡¯s annual assessment ceremony was as significant as always. Assessing one¡¯s innate talent was essential to understanding the potential of one¡¯s Qi Ocean to see if cultivation is something that individual should pursue. The ability to cultivate Battle Qi wasn¡¯t the only requirement needed to pass the assessment. Although some are able to cultivate Battle Qi, they may only be able to go so far as Battle Qi Levels 1,2 or 3 for as long as they live. The correlation between the longevity of one¡¯s cultivation journey and one¡¯s innate talent was indivisible. The same old principle of the strong preying on the weak was applicable here too. Since the Ling clan would be investing energy and resources to help those with strong innate talent advance along the path of cultivation, there was a need to assess who amongst them had such talent in the first place. Those who didn¡¯t pass the assessment would most likely stagnate along their cultivation journeys despite all the support the clan could provide. Instead of this occurrence, the clan would encourage them to continue supporting the clan in other affairs by encouraging such individuals to find their talents in different areas aside from cultivation, such as business or management. Bong! Bong! Bong! The drum sounded thrice. The whole courtyard instantly fell silent. The Ling clan¡¯s five elders who sat atop each of the red wooden chairs in a row onstage stood once the drums sounded. First Elder stepped forward to address the quiet and eager crowd. He gave a light nod of his head and began to speak loudly and clearly, ¡°The annual assessment ceremony is here once more. No matter the outcome, what¡¯s important to remember is that all of you are an essential part of the Ling family¡¯s future. You are our pillars. Our mission and glory is to build and prosper the Ling family together!¡± First Elder¡¯s words managed to reach each and every member of the crowd. Clearly, he had used Battle Qi as he spoke. Chapter 42 - 42 Usual Failure, Sudden Success I ?Chapter 42: Usual Failure, Sudden Success I Chapter 42: Usual Failure, Sudden Success I Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation These words boiled the blood of the Ling clan¡¯s disciples there. It stirred them greatly. The Ling clan placed great emphasis on the annual assessment ceremony. For hundreds of years, there had been many with good innate talents discovered through it, although their numbers had declined over the last few years. As First Elder knew this, he couldn¡¯t help but feel anxious. The Ling clan¡¯s gradual decline was self-evident and there wouldn¡¯t be many participants capable of passing the assessment this round. However, in his heart, First Elder still help onto a shred of hope. In any case, at least Ling Yichen had already reached Battle Qi Level 6 Pinnacle and was poised to be the hope of the Ling clan¡¯s future. Ling Yichen¡¯s return this time was due to his upcoming participation in the White Stone Academy entrance exam which greatly pleased the Ling elders. Comparing the number of participants who passed during the annual assessment ceremony was always a method of subtle competition between Shi Qu Town¡¯s main family clans¡ªthe Lings, the Qins and the Luos. It was an added source of pressure for the Ling elders. ¡°The ceremony has begun. Participating disciples, please come onstage one by one to insert your Battle Qi and supplement your Qi Ocean.¡± First Elder motioned with his hand to indicate the official start of the ceremony. The stone monument assessed every participant¡¯s Qi Ocean. If the monument glowed whilst a participant inserted their Battle Qi, it signified that the innate talent possessed by that person was strong enough for them to pursue cultivation. The yardstick by which to measure levels of innate talent depended on the brightness of the glow emitted from the monument¡ªthe brighter the glow, the higher the quantity of innate talent possessed. Deafening drums boomed through the ancestral courtyard once more. Before the ceremony could proceed any further, there was a disruption. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Someone came running panickily through the gates while yelling. ¡°First Elder! First Elder! Oh, this is bad, this is bad!¡± The surprised crowd turned to look at the running figure. A few of the elders frowned at this shrill display during such a formal proceeding. Who was it that was making such a fuss instead of behaving properly? ¡°Ling Qiao. How is your behavior right now considered proper?¡± barked First Elder once he recognized the disrupter. ¡°First Elder, this is very bad. The Qins and the Luos both have had a good number of people pass their assessments. Three for the Qins, and four for the Luos!¡± cried Linq Qiao despondently. It was unclear if his intention was for everyone in the courtyard to hear this message, but nevertheless his volume ensured they did. The courtyard exploded in a flurry of whispers and discussions. The expressions upon the faces of the participating disciples darkened. Second Elder was so upset, the blood drained from his face. How dare this ignorant Ling Qiao come here to make such a fuss right before the ceremony was due to begin? This could only serve to severely impact the Ling clan¡¯s morale. Was he stupid, or was he instructed to do so? ¡°Ling Qiao! What are you blindly shouting on about!¡± roared First Elder. His voice rang out across the courtyard as loud as the drums. ¡°How would you know the exact number of people who passed in each family? Even if you did, it¡¯s none of our concern. The Ling family will stand tall regardless. Our family¡¯s heritage has stayed alive for a hundred years with our dignity never ceasing. Even if less of our disciples pass the assessment compared to the other clans, it does not signify defeat for us. The Ling clan will be able to rise again and reclaim our glory!¡± First Elder had managed to rebuke Ling Qiao and give a rousing speech of encouragement to all the Ling clan¡¯s disciples at the same time. Ling Qiao dropped his head and scurried off into a corner. First Elder¡¯s words had succeeded in calming the crowd down. The participants who were being assessed still felt a burdensome pressure grow in their hearts, though a looming shadow had been dispersed by the speech. Second Elder was furious. He had an even worse perspective of Ling Qiao now. It was bad enough that Ling Qiao was someone who did nothing but eat more than his fill and laze around in addition to being sly and gluttonous. But for him to come running and shouting nonsense at this juncture in the ceremony was surely no coincidence. ¡°Let¡¯s begin the ceremony!¡± announced First Elder with a commanding gesture. The drums began to sound. There was silence in the courtyard. Seeing as the atmosphere was very much different from what it was earlier, Ling Qiao¡¯s disruptive outburst still bore an effect on the crowd. Ling Chunxi stood to the side, calmly holding Little White. She waited for Second Elder to announce the order of participants according to the name list. As expected, she was to be the last one assessed. Chapter 43 - 43 Usual Failure, Sudden Success II ?Chapter 43: Usual Failure, Sudden Success II Chapter 43: Usual Failure, Sudden Success II Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation There were a total of nineteen participants taking part in the Ling clan¡¯s assessment ceremony this time. All were between the ages of sixteen and twenty with Ling Yuanhong, Ling Xiaoting and Ling Chunxi amongst them. Needless to say, Ling Yichen was included in the lineup as well. Second Elder recited the names of all the participants from his list, before calling each one to come onstage individually for assessment. When some Ling family disciples heard Ling Chunxi¡¯s name mentioned, they couldn¡¯t hold back their laughter. That ugly wastrel was only going to embarrass herself by participating in this! A few people turned to look at Ling Chunxi and were surprised to see her wearing such a wide-brimmed hat. They supposed such an ugly monster still had some sense of self-awareness to cover up her hideousness in case others were disgusted by her appearance. Ling Chunxi remained calm. Today would be the day she metamorphosised. She was seen as a usual failure, but today she would be a sudden success! On this day, she¡¯d show everyone that she, Ling Chunxi, was indeed a true genius and shock the crowd until their jaws dropped collectively. The first to get called up was Ling Yichen. He made his way onstage in a composed manner. At the sight of their idol, a horde of girls standing before the stage excitedly started squealing in low voices. They didn¡¯t dare be too loud lest they affect their precious idol¡¯s concentration. ¡°Does Elder Brother Yichen even need to do this? He¡¯s already at Battle Qi Level 6 Pinnacle. I hear, he¡¯s even been tested at White Stone City. There¡¯s no way an ordinary person can match up to his innate talent.¡± ¡°Of course he still needs to participate. Every year, there¡¯s a competition with the Qins and the Luos as to how many participants pass the assessment. He¡¯ll be the best anyway.¡± ¡°Exactly. Elder Brother Yichen is so cool. I love his icy stare. I¡¯d willingly die just for him to look at me just once.¡± ¡°Shut up! Lower your voices. Let¡¯s not affect Elder Brother Yichen¡¯s performance!¡± ¡­ Ling Chuxi¡¯s lips twitched when she heard what these maidens were discussing in hushed tones. These ignorant girls were really just blindly worshipping Ling Yichen. Under the expectant eye of the crowd, Ling Yichen placed his hand into the groove of the monument and slowly channelled his Battle Qi. Without any element of suspense to the proceedings at all, the monument lit up with a white halo which gradually became brighter and brighter. The elders smiled in delight. Although this was to be expected, seeing it still made them very happy. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. However, their happiness would be short-lived. They didn¡¯t smile again once Ling Yichen left the stage. One by one, the Ling family¡¯s participants came onstage and channelled their Battle Qi into the monument, but none were able to compel the monument to light up. When it was his turn, Ling Yuanhong bounced onstage and channelled his Battle Qi energetically after placing his hand inside the monument. The monument did not light up. Ling Yuanhong¡¯s face flushed red, and he hurriedly channelled his Battle Qi again. Yet, the monument remained as it was! Finally, he made his way offstage dejectedly. After doing so, he looked over at Ling Chuxi who was standing a great distance away and felt a little happier. Ling Yichen had passed the assessment easily. Given his abilities, he would also be accepted to White Stone Academy and would leave Shi Qu Town to study there. On the other hand, Ling Chuxi would definitely not be able to pass the clan assessment. That way, both Ling Yichen and Ling Chunxi would be apart and he, Ling Yuanhong, would be able to look for Ling Chuxi anytime. He would have a chance! The more Ling Yuanhong thought about it, the more delighted he became. Gone were his feelings of aimlessness. The people standing beside him saw that he wore a silly grin on his face despite failing the assessment and backed away in disdain. Did Ling Yuanhong become a fool after being beaten up? Ling Yuanghong had grand plans indeed, but would things really go as he wished? Chapter 44 - 44 Usual Failure, Sudden Success III ?Chapter 44: Usual Failure, Sudden Success III Chapter 44: Usual Failure, Sudden Success III Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation Ling Xiaoting was up next. He clambered onstage full of confidence. There were quite a number of people trading whispers about him in front of the stage. ¡°Elder Brother Xiaoting will definitely be able to pass the assessment.¡± ¡°That is a given. Aside from Elder Brother Yichen, Elder Brother Xiaoting is the strongest.¡± ¡°I think only the two of them will pass this year. Sigh, it¡¯s hopeless for me.¡± ¡°He¡¯s so admirable¡­¡± Ling Xiaoting felt good when he overheard such talk from where he stood onstage. He already had it all planned out. After he aces the assessment, he¡¯ll attend White Stone Academy. Though he would have to be apart from Qin Xiruo, he would return during the holidays to see her. Once he graduated and became a strong warrior, he was sure Qin Xiruo would look at him in a different light and might even accept his affections. Ling Xiaoting felt heartened by these thoughts of his. If Ling Chunxi were privy to his thoughts, she would have laughed herself to death. What a high-level fantasy Ling Xiaoting was entertaining. Faint smiles appeared on the five elders¡¯ faces. They harbored much hope for Ling Xiaoting¡¯s chances at passing the assessment. Though they would never say otherwise, the elders also held the opinion that only Ling Yichen and Ling Xiaoting would pass this time. Ling Xiaoting assuredly placed his hand into the monument¡¯s groove. He pulled his attention into focus and began to release his Battle Qi into the monument. There was a smile on his face as he waited for the monument to light up. However¡­ The monument didn¡¯t light up. Just as it was for the participant before him, the monument remained as it was without even the slightest ray of dim light emanating from it. Ling Xiaoting¡¯s expression shifted and he became flustered. He concentrated harder and desperately channeled more Battle Qi into the groove. Alas, his face paled the very next moment as there was still no reaction from the monument! Ling Xiaoting began to panic and release huge amounts of Battle Qi into the monument¡­ but it was to no avail. Though he was already at Battle Qi Level 4 Pinnacle, he did not possess any innate talent for cultivation. The rules of this realm were indeed cruel. Standing beside the stage, Ling Chuxi hugged Little White close as she sighed at the sight. The ceremony carried on. Second Elder continued calling out participants¡¯ names one by one. At this point, none of them entertained much hopes of passing and it showed. Their steps were leaden as they each made their way onstage and were even heavier as they walked offstage. The five elders¡¯ hearts sank a little more with each failure. There were a fair number of participants, but aside from Ling Yichen, none of them passed the assessment! The Qins and Luos fared much better than the Lings in this year¡¯s assessment. How could the five elders not feel disappointed? ¡°And finally, Ling Chuxi.¡± Second Elder rose dispiritedly and called out Ling Chuxi¡¯s name with reluctance. He didn¡¯t think she would be able to pass. There were many other disciples in the Ling clan who were more capable than her and yet they had failed to pass. How could Ling Chunxi possibly hope to do what they couldn¡¯t? Ling Chunxi carried Little White safely in her arms as she ascended the steps to the stage. She held the attention of many, though they were looking at her with gazes full of contempt and disdain. A barrage of mocking comments were streamed her way. ¡°What a waste of time. If this ugly girl can pass the assessment, I¡¯ll write my name backwards.¡± ¡°Absolutely. It¡¯s hilarious. She¡¯s not even showing her face by wearing such a big hat. Is she worried her pig head face will disgust us all?¡± ¡°Ha! Should we thank her then? She¡¯s hiding her face so we won¡¯t be repulsed till we can¡¯t eat our lunches.¡± Nobody noticed a cold glint cut across Little White¡¯s eyes when all this was said. ¡°Little Chuxi, just try your best.¡± Second Elder looked emphatically at Ling Chuxi who was now standing before him. He managed to squeeze out a smile for her. ¡°Wait and see, Second Elder.¡± Ling Chuxi returned his smile and gently assured him. Her eyes were bright and dazzling. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. However, this stunning look was only witnessed by Little White who had raised its head to look at Ling Chunxi from the safety of her embrace. Chapter 45 - 45 Usual Failure, Sudden Success IV ?Chapter 45: Usual Failure, Sudden Success IV Chapter 45: Usual Failure, Sudden Success IV Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation Ling Chuxi walked unhurriedly to the front of the assessment monument, then bent lightly at the waist to put Little White down by her feet. Then, she rose to her full height and calmly placed her hand into the groove of the monument. She felt a tinge of cold breath exhale across her palm. It was unclear to her what material the monument was made from. All she knew was that the monument had been passed down for generations within the Ling family. Just as Ling Chunxi went onstage, shadows marked the entrance doorway of the Ling ancestral court. Qin Xiruo, Qin Yumei and their posse had come to observe the tail end of the Ling clan¡¯s assessment ceremony since their own had concluded. The Ling family¡¯s servants didn¡¯t forbid their entrance as the Qins and Lings were known to maintain good relations and even a trend of marriage alliances. Bearing this in mind, of course none of them could prevent any of the Qins from walking in to observe the ceremony. Naturally, Qin Yumei rushed to look for Ling Xiaoting. She managed to find him in the crowd, but a bad hunch arose in her heart upon seeing his pale face. ¡®No way. Could it be that Elder Brother Xiaoting didn¡¯t pass the assessment? It can¡¯t be, right?¡¯ On the other hand, Qin Xiruo¡¯s eyes were drawn to the sight of Ling Chunxi onstage. She looked on with a frown. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Her heart was ill at ease though she couldn¡¯t say why. There was a niggling feeling that this wasn¡¯t the same Ling Chunxi. Ling Xiaoting¡¯s downcast look greatly worried Qin Yumei but she didn¡¯t dare go and ask him about the outcome of his assessment. Aha! She would ask Ling Yuanhong about it instead. After much craning of her neck, she spotted Ling Yuanhong a short distance away. As she usually did, she waved to beckon him over, but Ling Yuanhong paid no heed to her as his eyes were transfixed onto the stage. Qin Yumei tried and waved to Ling Yuanhong again only to get no response once more. This upset Qin Yumei. She rushed over to Lung Yuanhong, tugged him by the arm and angrily barked, ¡°Are you blind? Didn¡¯t you see me calling you?¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t. I¡¯m very busy,¡± replied Ling Yuanhong distractedly without even turning to look at Qin Yumei. With dewy eyes, he continued staring at Ling Chunxi who was onstage channeling her Battle Qi into the stone monument. ¡°Who is that? Ling Chunxi? What are you gazing at that ugly monster like that for? Are you sick?¡± asked Qin Yumei in disbelief when she saw who Ling Yuanhong was staring at. ¡°You¡¯re the ugly monster! Get lost!¡± Ling Yuanhong¡¯s temper flared when he heard Qin Yumei speak of Ling Chunxi as such. ¡°How dare you?! Say that one more time, Ling Yuanhong!¡± shrieked Qin Yumei in shock. Quickly, she realized the people around them were glaring at her for making a scene. Her shouts must have been louder than she thought. Qin Yumei continued berating Ling Yuanhong in an angry whisper, ¡°You must have gone mad. Do you even realize what you¡¯re saying?! Don¡¯t you dare show your face in front of me ever again!¡± Qin Yumei found it hard to believe that Ling Yuanhong who was usually so pedantic to her, had spoken to her so rudely. ¡°Fine. Just get lost now, I don¡¯t want to see you,¡± mumbled Ling Yuanhong without looking at her. He waved her away impatiently as though he were shooing a fly. Qin Yumei was so angry, her body trembled in rage and her lungs felt like bursting. Since when did Ling Yuanhong dare to treat her in such a manner? All she wanted was to ask him if Ling Xiaoting had made it through the assessment, but instead, Ling Yuanhong has spoken to her so rudely before she even had the chance to ask. All Ling Yuanhong cared about right now was if the monument would react to Ling Chunxi¡¯s Battle Qi. Would it light up? Would it? A gust of wind blew around the silent courtyard. The tinge of cold breath Ling Chunxi had felt upon her palm had now surrounded her. The wind began to blow stronger as clouds gathered in the sky! Chapter 46 - 46 Usual Failure, Sudden Success V ?Chapter 46: Usual Failure, Sudden Success V Chapter 46: Usual Failure, Sudden Success V Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation A strong rush of wind whirled the crowd¡¯s attention away from the waiting game playing out onstage for a moment. Those in the crowd were concerned about straightening their garments and brushing aside their wind-blown hair before returning their focus to what was happening on stage. What a sight awaited them. The stone monument¡¯s dull finish was overtaken by a faint white light that was shining brighter and brighter and brighter by the second! Finally, the milky white light shone to such a blinding degree that no one watching could keep their eyes open. A single wide-brimmed hat was lifted into the air as the wind howled on through the courtyard. Ling Chunxi reduced the blinding brightness of the stone monument¡¯s light by controlling the strength of her Battle Qi as she stood tall before it with her face exposed. Her long black hair whipped around her slender figure wildly in the catches of the wind. She was truly a peerless beauty and the sight of her face made everyone¡¯s breath catch. The confidence exuding from her eyes captivated the crowd¡¯s attention without letting their focus shift anywhere else. Her features were indeed heart-tugging with eyes were as clear as a spring day holding a winter¡¯s gaze, and finely shaped and curved lips. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Was this not a stunning view? An unrivalled sight? A shock? Was this in fact, Ling Chunxi¡¯s true appearance? Needless to say, everyone was stunned. Each person in the crowd stared with their mouths agape as though they were fools. It was a shock of epic proportions due to her appearance, and even more so because of the level of her innate talent. Ling Yichen himself was stunned despite having seen Ling Chunxi¡¯s recovered face multiple times. There were emotions stirring in his heart which weren¡¯t there before. Qin Yumei¡¯s eyes were about to pop out of their sockets. ¡®Was this really Ling Chunxi? That ugly monster? How was it that she became so beautiful? How was this possible?!¡¯ Jealousy spread within Qin Yumei like wild grass. She turned towards Ling Yuanhong and caught sight of him staring at Ling Chunxi with longingly and understood why he was so rude to her earlier. Ling Yuanhong had become aware of Ling Chunxi¡¯s beauty and had decided to pursue her instead. ¡®Just you wait Ling Chunxi!¡¯ thought Qin Yumei to herself as she glared at Ling Chunxi viciously. Qin Xiruo stood rooted to the spot without being able to move. She stared blankly at the bright eyed, peerless beauty with an outstanding level of innate talent onstage ahead of her. Ling Xiaoting was stupefied. Shocked. Floored! This was Ling Chuxi. This was really her! Regret and dissatisfaction swelled in his heart. The five elders onstage rose from their seats excitedly, especially Second Elder. There were tears streaming down his face from the corners of his eyes. ¡®Chunxi. Oh, Chunxi. She really did it.¡¯ ¡°Chunxi, Chunxi¡­¡± Second Elder tried to speak but he was too choked up with emotion. He was so happy and excited, his hands were shaking. Ling Chuxi raised her head and gave Second Elder a reassuring smile before increasing the strength of her Battle Qi. The glow from the monument grew blindingly bright again. Crack! The sound of the assessment monument breaking lashed through the courtyard! The assessment monument which had been used by generations of Ling family members was unable to withstand the force of Ling Chunxi¡¯s Qi Ocean and had crumbled under the pressure. The blinding light faded once the monument was destroyed and everyone in the crowd quickly opened their eyes to see what was happening onstage. What kind of innate talent was capable of doing such a thing? Ling Yichen studied Ling Chunxi with a complicated gaze. He would not have been able to accomplish what she just did. Exactly how powerful was her innate talent? First Elder laughed and laughed and laughed as if he had gone mad. ¡°That¡¯s good, that¡¯s good, that¡¯s really, really good!¡± He jovially issued an order to the closest servant, ¡°Go to the store and fetch the large monument now! Go, quickly!¡± With much flurrying of steps, another stone monument belonging to generations of Lings was brought out and placed onstage. This monument was larger and thicker than the last. If the previous monument was unable to withstand Ling Chunxi¡¯s Qi Ocean, this one should. It would be able to determine the true strength of Ling Chunxi¡¯s Qi Ocean. Chapter 47 - 47 Usual Failure, Sudden Success VI ?Chapter 47: Usual Failure, Sudden Success VI Chapter 47: Usual Failure, Sudden Success VI Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation First Elder looked directly at Ling Chunxi as the monument was being brought onstage. He could barely contain his excitement. The second the monument was lowered onto the stage, he beckoned Ling Chunxi to assess her innate talent again. ¡°Chunxi, try again with this monument! Quickly, quickly! I believe you can do it!¡± Ling Chunxi smiled wryly and reached her hand towards the monument, her eyes brimming with confidence. She closed her eyes in concentration once her hand was placed inside the monument and channeled her Battle Qi once more. There was pin-drop silence in the courtyard as every eye was trained upon Ling Chunxi. Would they witness a miracle? What levels could Ling Chuxi¡¯s innate talent reach? The wind had died down, leaving a stillness in its wake. With her eyes closed, the quiet made Ling Chunxi feel like the only person alive on earth at this moment. was silent at this moment. The whole earth seemed to only have left Ling Chuxi one person. Slowly, Ling Chuxi inserted her Battle Qi into the monument¡¯s groove. As if nature were reacting to Ling Chunxi¡¯s Qi Ocean, a violent wind broke out suddenly, scattering all the leaves around the courtyard. Ling Chunxi stood at the centre of the gale as the sleeves of her garments thrashed around her and her silky black hair flew about in waves. She was a sight for sore eyes, radiating endless charm and elegance. The large stone monument slowly started emitting a faint white light which diffused into a hazier glow that grew brighter and brighter. It eventually became so bright, it was dazzling. First Elder¡¯s heart was beating as though it was about to jump out of his chest. This particular monument had been left in storage for more than two hundred years without being used. Why was this? Because no one was capable of generating any sort of reaction from it. Until now. Ling Chunxi¡¯s Qi Ocean was strong enough to make even this monument react. Ling Chuxi¡¯s Qi Ocean¡­ what terrifying heights had it reached? Second Elder was openly weeping with pride by now, he couldn¡¯t hold back his emotions any longer. ¡°Chuxi. Little one, you really did it¡­¡± he choked out as he contained a sob. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A smile spread across Ling Chunxi¡¯s face. What happened next was even more astonishing than what had come before. The large monument began to split apart with a crack! A loud thud followed as it broke into pieces and crumbled to dust. Everyone observing this was shocked. Many had their jaws hanging agape in bewilderment. First Elder himself was astounded, but he quickly went wild celebrating with joy. The usually calm and solemn First Elder started laughing uncontrollably. ¡°Fantastic job, Chunxi! You truly are a genius! The pride of the Ling family!¡± So what if the Qins and the Luos had more people pass the assessment? Even if they had as many as ten people passing their assessments, none of them would be able to match up to one Ling Chunxi! ¡°Elder, should we fetch the last monument from the storage room as well?¡± asked Fifth Elder in excitement. ¡°As if we should! That monument isn¡¯t even as thick as this one. If we brought that out, what else will we use for future assessment ceremonies?¡± reprimanded First Elder sternly, but his eyes betrayed the joy he still felt. There was another monument in storage of a size that lay between the first monument and the larger one that was just brought out. Bringing the lone remaining monument out would serve no purpose as it would not have been able to withstand Ling Chunxi¡¯s Qi Ocean. If it were to be destroyed, where would they procure another monument for future assessment ceremonies? Third Elder was over the moon as well, but he was also fearful. He had treated Ling Chunxi very badly in the past and hoped she would not act upon any grudges she may bear against him. Offstage, everyone else was so busy processing their own emotions that none of them saw a big smile break out across Ling Yichen¡¯s usually cold and unchanging face. Ling Xiaoting gazed up at Ling Chunxi as though he had lost his soul. She dazzled like the sun. Had she really liked him before? Deep in his heart, Ling Xiaoting wished that Ling Chunxi had liked him even a little in the past. Chapter 48 - 48 Not Even Worthy to Lift Her Shoes ?Chapter 48: Not Even Worthy to Lift Her Shoes Chapter 48: Not Even Worthy to Lift Her Shoes Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation Ling Chunxi stood tall before the crumbled monument and smiled. Her confident demeanor was captivating. First Elder was so excited that his speech became a little incoherent as he announced that this year¡¯s assessment ceremony had come to a close and that Ling Yichen and Ling Chunxi would be supported in their cultivation studies. The other four elders happily trailed behind First Elder in disembarking the stage. Although the ceremony was long over, the crowd had yet to fully disperse. Many people still remained in the courtyard talking boisterously about the events of the ceremony. ¡°Which idiot was it who said he would write his name backwards if Ling Chuxi passed the assessment? Show yourself! Lao Zi1 will slash you to death for insulting my Chunxi!¡± ¡°Get out of here. What do you mean by ¡®my Chuxi¡¯? Take a look in the mirror. You are not even worthy to lift her shoes!¡± ¡°If Lao Zi1 is not worthy, then are you? Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. If Lao Zi1 is not worthy to lift her shoes, at least I can help her by holding the train of her garments, right?¡± ¡°Ha! Please! I¡¯m also good enough to help hold the train of her garments then!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t test my patience! I¡¯ll beat you to death!¡± ¡°Who¡¯s afraid of you? Come on then, let¡¯s go!¡± Standing a short distance away from the two Ling family disciples who were almost coming to blows because of Ling Chunxi, was Qin Xiruo. She felt as if her heart had fallen into the depths of a cold valley at this sight. Ling Chunxi had such a glorious day, that people were possessively fighting over her and being willing to serve at her beck and call. Ling Chunxi¡¯s innate talent and stunning appearance had captured the hearts of many today. Subconsciously, Qin Xiruo turned towards Ling Xiaoting and saw that he too was gazing as though he had lost his soul in the direction of the path Ling Chunxi had walked to leave the courtyard earlier. Qin Xiruo¡¯s vision narrowed. ¡®Ling Xiaoting, have you discarded me for her so easily?¡¯ This thought caused a distortion to run across Qin Xiruo¡¯s pretty face. Qin Yumei stood beside Qin Xiruo but held her peace as she had calmed down by now. Earlier on, she had thought long and hard about what Ling Chunxi told her before¡ªthat Qin Xiruo was using her merely as a pawn in her game. With this in mind, she turned to look at Qin Xiruo and noticed the scrunch in her face, as well as the rage and resentment in her eyes. Why, Qin Yumei found this expression all too familiar! It was the same one she saw upon her own face in reflections whenever she was caught up in a jealous fit because of Qin Xiruo. And now Qin Xiruo wore this expression of jealousy she knew so well because of Ling Chunxi! Wasn¡¯t that so? Qin Yumei was surprised at this revelation. She felt a realization dawn upon her¡­ Could it be that Qin Xiruo was not as gentle and forgiving as she made herself out to be? Qin Xiruo gritted her teeth and whirled around suddenly, stalking off. Qin Yumei hesitated. She turned to cast one last glance at Ling Xiaoting before she too turned on her heel and left to follow Qin Xiruo. Meanwhile, all five elders were excitedly discussing matters with Ling Yichen and Ling Chunxi in the main study. They expressed their joy first and foremost, then moved on to advising the both of them to remain humble and study cultivating diligently in order to bring glory and honour to the Ling family name. Once Ling Yichen and Ling Chunxi entered White Stone Academy, they ought to help each other out and should there be any need for assistance, they should ask the Ling family for it without holding back. Lastly, Third Elder rewarded both of them generously with two heavy bags of money. First Elder finally wound down his speech just as Ling Chunxi was about to fall asleep despite trying hard to pay attention and listen. ¡°Remember these words. When you are accepted into White Stone Academy, take nothing lightly. Keep spurring yourselves on continuously. You must always move forward,¡± instructed First Elder sternly. ¡°All right then, the both of you may leave if there is nothing else to discuss. We will dispatch people to assist you in your journey to White Stone City in a few days. There, the both of you will prepare to take the White Stone Academy entrance exam which I believe neither of you will have problems with.¡± Before he let Ling Yichen and Ling Chunxi depart, First Elder finished up discussing a few more additional matters with them. Then, he allowed them to take their leave. It was already almost noon. Ling Chunxi placed a hand on her rumbling stomach and was about to hurry home for lunch when she heard a voice calling out her name from a distance away behind her. ¡°Little Chuxi, wait up!¡± called out Second Elder. 1 ¨C Lao Zi is a form of self-address (equivalent to I). It is usually used when one wishes to demonstrate pride or arrogance. It can also be used jokingly in situations when one is irritated. Chapter 49 - 49 Serious Care I ?Chapter 49: Serious Care I Chapter 49: Serious Care I Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation Ling Chunxi halted her steps once she heard someone calling her name. She turned around to see it was Second Elder who was calling out to her. His eyes were still a little red from crying. ¡°What¡¯s the matter Second Elder?¡± asked Ling Chunxi uncertainly. ¡°Let¡¯s go, Little Chunxi. I¡¯ll buy you a good meal. There¡¯s something I want to tell you.¡± Second Elder¡¯s face was flushed, and he seemed agitated. Doubt clouded Ling Chunxi¡¯s mind, but she remained quiet and nodded in agreement. She followed Second Elder to the town¡¯s best restaurant where they were led to a dining room. Second Elder went ahead and ordered a good number of dishes without waiting for Ling Chunxi to say anything. Every dish ordered was a meat dish. Ling Chunxi was perplexed at this unusual display from Second Elder. When the dishes were served, Second Elder eagerly picked up different pieces of meat and placed them in Ling Chunxi¡¯s bowl. ¡°Eat up, Little Chunxi. I know you must be hungry.¡± ¡°You should eat up too, Second Elder.¡± To a foodie like Ling Chunxi, the heavens falling or the earth sinking wouldn¡¯t be as bad a fate as feeling the pangs of hunger. Therefore, she ate without restraint, though she did pause to set a plate of meat down for Little White. The sight of Little White eating happily made Second Elder smile. Then, as though he had come to a firm decision, he announced in a serious tone, ¡°Do not consume the medicinal concoction I prescribed. If you do, red bumps and sores will appear all over your face and cause it to swell.¡± Ling Chunxi put her chopsticks down and stared at Second Elder. Though she had her suspicions, she was still shocked beyond words. Second Elder¡¯s eyes got redder from trying to contain his tears and his face was filled with guilt. ¡°Second Elder?¡± implored Ling Chunxi, frowning and confused. What was the meaning behind these words? ¡°Chunxi, though others didn¡¯t know of your beauty before, I did.¡± Second Elder met Ling Chunxi¡¯s confused gaze with a serious one. ¡°Sadly, the state of this world we live in is such that a face like yours could not be seen without inviting more trouble than you could handle given your past capabilities. And that was why I poisoned you.¡± ¡°What?¡± Stormy waves of turbulent emotions had arisen deep within Ling Chunxi, but she made a great effort to appear calm on the surface. Second Elder continued, ¡°Little Chunxi, your beauty would have been your disaster. You did not have the abilities needed to protect yourself against those who would have wanted to claim your beauty for themselves. My hope was for you to be able to live a safe, happy and content life without being taken advantage of in any way, but I didn¡¯t know how to protect you against every threat I could foresee. So, I used the most brutal way I could think of to ensure you¡¯d be left safe and alone¡ªI hid your beauty so that no one may covet it.¡± He took a deep breath before going on, ¡°Little one, if there is hate in your heart towards me for all I have done, then hate me. I will not ask your forgiveness. You have suffered much because of my actions and the only reason I can give for having done these things is that I would much rather endure your hate than to let any harm come to you.¡± A wave of grief and sorrow washed over Ling Chunxi as she looked at the elderly man seated across from her with teary eyes red from crying. So, this was the reason then. She had thought there had been a menacing conspiracy behind her poisoning, but it was done out of concern for her wellbeing. It was an act that was as cruel as it was kind. Indeed, if there had been any powerful men who had come to steal her away to abuse her or make her their concubine, even the Ling family would be unable to protect her against their might. This was a world where the strong preyed on the weak. It was a cruel reality no one could fight. Possessing treasure one did not have an ability to protect would lead to a bad fate. Second Elder understood this well, which is why he chose to do what he did. ¡°Please, believe me when I tell you that I never expected anyone to have bullied you as they did. Not from the Ling family at least, I made sure of that. But I didn¡¯t consider the Qin family.¡± A vicious intention of vengeance infused Second Elder¡¯s voice as he vowed, ¡°I plan on making the Qins pay for the injustices they bestowed upon you sooner or later.¡± As he said this, a sudden realization hit Ling Chunxi like a sledgehammer. Now that she thought about it, nobody within the Ling family had bullied her or called her names despite her not having good relations with them. Even Ling Yuanhong never targeted her until he was emboldened by Qin Yumei¡¯s instigation. Second Elder must have issued a warning to the Ling clan to leave her in peace. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Ling Chunxi bet Second Elder had no idea Ling Yuanhong had violated those orders. Chapter 50 - 50 Serious Care II ?Chapter 50: Serious Care II Chapter 50: Serious Care II Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation ¡°But things are different now, Chunxi. Now that you have the ability to protect yourself, you are free to be just as you are. Do you know how happy I am for that?¡± Second Elder began to choke up. ¡°I am so sorry. I really didn¡¯t think I could have protected you any other way. I did such a terrible thing to you. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But now you are free, you can protect yourself, I¡­ I¡­¡± Second Elder was so overcome by emotion, he could no longer speak. However, the trust and joy evident in his words and his expression of them was clear to Ling Chunxi. Ling Chunxi gathered her wits about herself. She now saw that the reason Second Elder was so happy during the assessment ceremony wasn¡¯t because the Ling family had a new individual to pin their hopes on, but because it was the first time he¡¯d ever seen her demonstrate the ability to protect herself against the wickedness of the world they lived in. What she thought was betrayal and pretense had actually been genuine care all along. Once she became aware of this, Ling Chunxi¡¯s nose started to tingle. Ling Chunxi sniffled. ¡°Second Elder¡­¡± Not only was Ling Chunxi touched by the thought of someone looking out for her all along when she thought no one was, but she felt her heart open up. It was akin to the moon and the stars illuminating a vast sky and land after it had been left in darkness for so long. As Ling Chunxi was finally able to release the burdens she¡¯d been carrying in her heart, a sense of peace spread through her. Such a state of being would only be beneficial to her cultivation for sure. ¡°I can¡¯t apologize enough, Little Chunxi. Hate me all you want,¡± said Second Elder bitterly with a deep breath. Ling Chunxi sniffled again and suppressed a sob as she vigorously shook her head. ¡°How could I hate you? You did it with the intention of protecting me.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t cry, you silly little girl. Today is a good day for you.¡± Second Elder spoke words of comfort even as his own eyes glistened with tears. ¡°Second Elder, in the future, let me be the one to protect you instead,¡± said Ling Chunxi with a solemn tone and a bright smile. ¡°All right, all right. So, it shall be. I¡¯ll believe everything you say.¡± Second Elder smiled at Ling Chunxi fondly. ¡°You should,¡± said Ling Chunxi with a smile and a nod that slowly turned from warm to menacing. ¡°The Qin family also caused you much suffering due to Qin Xiruo¡¯s accident. I¡¯ll make them pay that debt with added interest,¡± snarled Ling Chunxi as a venomous energy emanated from her, causing the air around them to freeze. ¡°Wait a minute. What level is your Battle Qi at currently, Chunxi?¡± Second Elder felt aghast at himself. The assessment ceremony had only ascertained that Ling Chunxi possessed innate talent, but nobody had thought to ask which level her Battle Qi was at. When the release of her Battle Qi had demolished the stone monument during the assessment, Second Elder had felt a surge of fear move across his heart. What kind of ability could generate such force? Second Elder studied Ling Chunxi¡¯s sharp gaze closely and sensed the unfamiliarity in it. However, it was what he had always hoped for¡ªthat Ling Chunxi would grow in strength and tenacity. ¡°Level 7 beginner stage,¡± answered Ling Chunxi truthfully. She didn¡¯t see the need to hide anything about her abilities from Second Elder. ¡°What?!¡± Second Elder slammed his palm on the table in shock, causing the plates of food upon the table to jump precariously and overturn. ¡°My food!¡± cried Ling Chunxi in distress. She glared at Second Elder. ¡°Why are you fussing so much for? Level 7 beginner stage is still far from where I want to be.¡± ¡°Geez, Chunxi. Do you even know what you¡¯re saying?¡± Second Elder was incredulous. Was she aware of what the three Ling clan elders had to go through just to achieve cultivating at Battle Qi level 7? They had to put in countless years of cultivating practice before they could finally achieve Level 7 at a much older age than Chunxi was at currently. However, she spoke about this achievement as though it were as easy as eating rice. If the rest of the elders had heard her words, it would upset them so much, they¡¯d be vomiting blood for three days and three nights! Chapter 51 - 51 Queuing to Serve ?Chapter 51: Queuing to Serve Chapter 51: Queuing to Serve Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation Second Elder¡¯s mouth twitched multiple times. Everything that had happened today kept challenging his heart. If he happened to die of excessive heart palpitations one day, it¡¯d definitely be because of Ling Chunxi! Since he was at it, was discussing the development of her abilities or these plates of half-eaten food more important right now?! Second Elder speechlessly watched Ling Chunxi coo over the overturned plates on their table. ¡°You want another surprise Second Elder? Qin Xiruo injured her arm because she deviated while she was cultivating, but she covered this up and threw dirty water on me instead. I think it¡¯s about time I collected this debt.¡± Ling Chunxi laughed as she dropped another bombshell on Second Elder. At this, Second Elder could no longer keep his cool. He slammed his palm upon the table and malice colored his face. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡®So that was what actually happened! Every time the Lings spoke to the Qins regarding business and other matters, they always threatened us with this incident. Saying the Ling family¡¯s wastrel tarnished the future of the Qin family¡¯s genius and destroyed their pillar of hope. The Lings always gave in to the Qins¡¯ terms because of this. The Qins had also used Qin Xiruo¡¯s injury as an excuse to bully Ling Chunxi a lot over the years. Who would¡¯ve thought that the truth of the matter was in fact completely different!¡¯ Second Elder¡¯s focus descended back to reality after reflecting upon these revelations about the Qins and snapped, ¡°We must get Qin Xiruo to¡­¡± Halfway through his sentence, Second Elder met and was silenced by Ling Chunxi¡¯s furious glare. The reason she was glaring at him was very simple. Second Elder had broken the table clean into two when he struck its surface with his palm again. Aside from two dishes held in either one of Ling Chunxi¡¯s hands, the rest of the plates were broken with the food they contained split upon the floor. This made Ling Chunxi very unhappy. Very, very unhappy indeed. ¡°Chunxi, my dear. Let¡¯s order some food and we¡¯ll discuss strategies after we eat. How about that?¡± Second Elder smiled awkwardly in realization and attempted to placate Ling Chunxi. ¡°Order double the amount!¡± barked an extremely irritated Ling Chunxi. ¡­ This was the day Ling Chuxi metamorphosed. Talk of the stone monument used for assessments for generations being unable to sustain her Ocean Qi was spread around the whole of Shi Qu Town in just half a day. If it was just the Ling family talking about it, perhaps other people would not quite have believed it. However, as even a few disciples of the Qin family had personally witnessed the incident, it was impossible to doubt the truth of the matter. For many, these past few days following Ling Chunxi¡¯s big day had been an exercise in flattening her doorway frame. It annoyed Aunt Wang. Who else could be the cause of all this extra work for her other than the Ling family¡¯s disciples? They had seen Ling Chuxi¡¯s peerless beauty and innate talent on the day of the assessment ceremony and were now constantly thinking about her, unable to let go of the emotions she¡¯d stirred in them. Therefore, everyone acted upon their newfound passion for Ling Chunxi with much vigor. ¡°Aunt Wang, these are chestnut cakes I bought for Chuxi. I queued up for a really long time to buy them. Could I trouble you to pass them to her?¡± ¡°Aunt Wang, this is a silk handkerchief I asked others to bring back from a faraway country. The workmanship is very detailed, and it¡¯s skillfully and superbly crafted. It¡¯s completely authentic. Could I trouble you to¡­ Ouch! The hell are you pushing like that for? Go to the back and join the queue!¡± ¡°Aunt Wang, look here, look here. This is something I prepared specially for Chuxi¡­¡± Aunt Wang¡¯s smile was no longer a smile at this point. The grimace on her face was even more grotesque than the one made when she ugly cried. In the past, she was worried and anxious when she saw that her Miss and the rest of the Ling clan¡¯s younger generation didn¡¯t have good relations. However, now she was just annoyed at the overly passionate displays of affection demonstrated by all these people towards her Miss. Across the courtyard, Ling Chuxi could still hear much commotion coming from the front of her house despite waiting for quite a while. She frowned impatiently, turned to stalk off towards the back of the house then leapt over the rear wall and walked towards Qin Xiruo¡¯s house. It was time to collect her debt! Chapter 52 - 52 Qin Xiruo’s Intentions ?Chapter 52: Qin Xiruo¡¯s Intentions Chapter 52: Qin Xiruo¡¯s Intentions Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation All was quiet at the Qin family¡¯s ancestral court. Qin Xiruo¡¯s position within the Qin family was far from low, she had just enough standing to be eligible to stay at the Qin ancestral court. Her qualifications weren¡¯t bad either. After all, the Qins had high hopes for Qin Xiruo until her arm injury effectively stagnated her progress in cultivation for life, leaving the Qins stunned. Naturally, they were upset with Ling Chunxi¡ªthe supposed inadvertent cause of the injury¡ªand imposed all sorts of demands upon the Ling family whenever they had business dealings as a result. Upon seeing the benefits of having Qin Xiruo around to guilt the Ling family, the Qins did not request that she move out of their ancestral court, thus saving Qin Xiruo¡¯s face as well. Qin Xiruo stood by a window, looking out across the grounds in unease. She couldn¡¯t put her finger on why, but she¡¯d been feeling unsettled since early this morning. ¡°Sister Xiruo, is something the matter?¡± asked Qin Yumei gently from behind her. Qin Xiruo looked back over her shoulder at Qin Yumei with a smile. ¡°Nothing¡¯s wrong, Yumei. I heard First Elder say that he will match you and Elder Brother Xiaoting in marriage. Congratulations.¡± Anger and hatred washed over Qin Yumei in such large waves, they almost drowned her. A sudden choke gripped her heart. ¡®Was Qin Xiruo mocking her? She knows very well that Elder Brother Ling Xiaoting likes her, so such congratulatory words are meaningless. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This woman. Was she being sarcastic? Was she indirectly gloating over the fact that even if Ling Xiaoting married her, he¡¯d only have Qin Xiruo in his heart? How hateful!¡¯ Qin Yumei thought about ruthlessly bashing up Qin Xiruo. However, she held in the impulse and exhibited her usual smile instead. ¡°Sister Xiruo, Elder Brother Xiaoting has always liked you. He would never agree to this marriage. Let¡¯s not talk about this further.¡± Qin Yumei decided to quickly change the topic. ¡°But how shocking was Ling Chunxi¡¯s transformation? It really made people feel weird. Was she always hiding her true self away or did she ingest some special medication that suddenly made her a genius?¡± Qin Yumei frowned and continued, her voice full of doubt, ¡°Sister Xiruo, I don¡¯t think it could be that she has been hiding herself away so well, she must have had some special encounter to enable such a transformation like that.¡± When Qin Xiruo heard Qin Yumei¡¯s words, her tapping fingers became rigid and she felt an enlightenment dawn upon her. ¡®That¡¯s right. Ling Chunxi must have had some kind of special encounter or obtained some kind of special treasure to be able to change to this extent. In the past when Qin Yumei had bullied her to the verge of death, Ling Chunxi couldn¡¯t even summon the courage to issue a retort. Yet, she now had such a terrifying level of innate talent. Additionally, Ling Chunxi¡¯s face was always red, swollen and filled with ugly sores. Now, her skin was fair and supple, and her actual features hidden beneath her skin ailments had turned out to be so stunning. The metamorphosis was just too unimaginable!¡¯ Whenever Qin Xiruo thought back to Ling Chunxi¡¯s peerless appearance during the assessment ceremony, a surge of uncontrollable anger and jealousy arose within her. ¡®I¡¯m sure of it. Ling Chunxi must have had encountered something very special or found some treasure to change so much. If that¡¯s the case, maybe there is some hope for my arm¡­¡¯ Qin Xiruo gently caressed her injured right arm. If she could obtain this same treasure, then would her arm be able to be healed? That way, all her previous glory could be returned to her! Qin Xiruo got more and more excited thinking about it. With a sudden jolt of movement, she whirled around and walked towards the door. ¡°Sister Xiruo, what¡¯s going on?¡± questioned Qin Yumei in confusion. ¡°Nothing. I just thought of something. I¡¯m heading out for a bit.¡± Qin Xiruo didn¡¯t look back and hurried off with quickening footsteps. Qin Yumei watched Qin Xiruo¡¯s receding figure disappear through the doors in silence. Then she let out a cold laugh before leaving the room as well. After Qin Xiruo left the main gate of her house behind her in rush, she ran towards Ling Chunxi¡¯s house. She was eager to find Ling Chunxi and trap her so she could find whatever treasure it was that caused her metamorphosis and claim it for herself. However, after running just a short while away from the Qin ancestral court, she stopped. She could see two people in the distance¡ªLing Xiaoting and Ling Chunxi. Ling Chunxi seem to be speaking in a frustrated manner. Chapter 53 - 53 Laughable Vanity ?Chapter 53: Laughable Vanity¡¡ Chapter 53: Laughable Vanity¡¡ Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation Qin Xiruo felt her heart constrict at the sight of the two people ahead of her. ¡®What was Ling Chunxi doing here? And why was Ling Xiaoting cornering her like that? S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. What were they talking about?¡¯ Clenching her fist, Qin Xiruo hesitated to take a few steps towards them. But once she saw the two of them duck into a side alley, she sprang forward without hesitation to follow them secretly. Ling Chunxi¡¯s impatient tone cut through the darkness of the alley. ¡°Ling Xiaoting, I already told you, I have other matters to attend to. I¡¯m very busy. So, if you¡¯ll excuse me.¡± ¡°Can¡¯t you spare me a moment Chunxi? I really have to ask you something.¡± Ling Xiaoting wore a complicated expression upon his face and blocked off the alleyway so Ling Chunxi couldn¡¯t leave just yet. ¡°Spit it out then!¡± barked Ling Chunxi exasperatedly. Her patience was wearing thin. She looked at Little White, snuggled in her embrace and began to fidget with its ears. Little White¡¯s ears twitched away from her devilish tweaks and pinches but Ling Chunxi kept at it. It devolved into an amusing war of pinching and twitching between Ling Chunxi and Little White. What an extreme pair. Observing this, Ling Xiaoting felt even more complexities rising within his heart. Ling Chunxi was more willing to play with a fox than to look him in the eye and listen to what he had to say. Should he even ask her what he wanted to? ¡°Well, what is it? Just speak up.¡± Ling Chunxi raised her head to meet Ling Xiaoting¡¯s uncertain gaze with an impatient one. This peacock of a man had spotted her buying five-spice melon seeds earlier and had offered to treat her to them. He then proceeded to trail after and pester her, saying he had something he really needed to ask her. However, he¡¯d stuttered and stammered whenever he¡¯d actually tried to ask. ¡°Chunxi¡­¡± Ling Xiaoting attempted to ask his question again after taking yet another deep breath. ¡°Did you¡­ really never like me? Not even a little?¡± ¡°Pfft¡ª¡± Ling Chunxi burst out into raucous laughter. For a moment, she had actually thought Ling Xiaoting had some important matter to discuss with her. She didn¡¯t think this would be his question! Not only was Ling Chunxi never interested in him that way, she had never harbored any goodwill towards him at all. All there had ever been, was loathing. The blood drained from Ling Xiaoting¡¯s face. Ling Chunxi didn¡¯t verbalize her response, but her reaction gave him a definitive answer that hurt more than a mere denial would have. ¡°Ling Xiaoting, you really are something,¡± sneered Ling Chunxi disdainfully. ¡°Why are all the men here so laughable and self-degrading? Do you feel unsettled about my dislike of you because I have become someone worthy of your acknowledgement? You¡¯ve never liked me in the past but now you suddenly need to know if I had ever liked you because my present status would make any past affection I might have had for you something to be proud of, and you¡¯d then be able to validate your laughable vanity. Isn¡¯t that right?¡± Ling Xiaoting¡¯s jaw dropped as he stared wide-eyed at Ling Chunxi. Her sneer pierced into him like a thousand swords. He felt humiliated, as though he¡¯d been stripped naked in the middle of the town square. Ling Chunxi¡¯s words struck all the nails of thought stuck in the deepest, darkest parts of his heart. ¡°Yeah, it looks like I¡¯ve got it right. How typical of you, Ling Xiaoting.¡± Ling Chunxi scoffed and walked past the vainest man she¡¯d ever known, unbothered by the look of defeat he had on his face. She left him standing alone in the dark alley, rooted to the spot in shame. Qin Xiruo had seen enough. She quickly stepped back from the mouth of the alleyway to avoid being seen. As she waited for Ling Chunxi to exit the alley, she decided she would take a few steps forward at the right time to create the impression that she had bumped into Ling Chunxi coincidentally. Indeed Qin Xiruo¡¯s little scheme played out exactly as she had hoped. ¡°Oh, Chunxi. What are you doing here? This is such a coincidence. I was just about to buy some gifts and head over to your house to congratulate you on passing the assessment.¡± Once she saw Ling Chunxi, Qin Xiruo¡¯s lips twisted into a pleasant smile and she spoke in a gentle, subdued tone. However, two could play the same game. Ling Chunxi smiled radiantly back at Qin Xiruo. ¡°That¡¯s great, Sister Xiruo! I was looking for you to discuss a few matters anyhow.¡± Even as she said this, disdain and condemnation flooded Ling Chunxi¡¯s heart. ¡®You really are an outstanding actress, Qin Xiruo. Such a crafted smile and tone deserves an acting award. You can forget about it once we¡¯re done with this movie you¡¯ve cast us in though. I¡¯ll win all the awards that come next.¡± Chapter 54 - 54 How Embarrassing ?Chapter 54: How Embarrassing Chapter 54: How Embarrassing Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation ¡°Were you also looking for me, Chuxi?¡± There was a lapse in Qin Xiruo¡¯s delicate smile, but she quickly recovered and masked her concern, continuing to speak in her carefully crafted tone of delicacy. ¡°Yes, I was.¡± Ling Chuxi nodded, cheerfully maintaining her own artificial disposition. She casually turned towards the alley to check if Ling Xiaoting was still there to overhear all this. The alley was empty and he was nowhere in sight. He must have left quietly. ¡°What is it, Chunxi?¡± Qin Xiruo¡¯s hand trembled slightly, though no one could tell because it was hidden within her sleeve. She was desperately tamping down her own mixed emotions. She¡¯d seen the exchange between Ling Xiaoting and Ling Chunxi earlier. ¡®Didn¡¯t Ling Xiaoting say he only had Qin Xiruo in his heart? Why then was he behaving in such a manner towards Ling Chunxi? He was regretting treating Ling Chunxi badly in the past because she was now beautiful and had a prodigious level of innate talent. Her transformation had cause him to make amendments in his heart. What a shallow and despicable man!¡¯ Qin Xiruo¡¯s feelings on this matter were fleeting but convoluted. She didn¡¯t like Ling Xiaoting romantically, but seeing him be flirtatious towards Ling Chunxi was extremely uncomfortable for her nonetheless. As though something that belonged to her had been touched by someone else without her permission. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s nothing.¡± Ling Chunxi shrugged. ¡°I just wanted to talk to you about something. It¡¯s the main reason why I suddenly became this awesome,¡± said Ling Chunxi mysteriously with a playful wink. ¡°What? What do you mean by that, Chunxi?¡± Outwardly, Qin Xiruo appeared stunned, but she was incredibly happy on the inside. Ling Chunxi had just confirmed her suspicions without her having to do anything at all. She was right. Ling Chunxi had acquired her innate talent by means of a special encounter or treasure. Before she could even trap her into spilling her secret, this fool had gone ahead and told her. Qin Xiruo maintained her mask of surprise and confusion while joy and excitement leapt in her heart. ¡°Oh, Chunxi, whatever do you mean? Could it be that when you passed the assessment yesterday, you took some medical pills to change your level of innate talent? Or was it because you managed to obtain something special?¡± asked Qin Xiruo under the pretense of disbelief. Ling Chunxi was too stunned to pretend otherwise. ¡®What logic was this? S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Qin Xiruo would actually believe that taking medical pills or obtaining some kind of treasure was the reason behind her transformation? What a joke. There were many amazing medical pills, but none had the ability to change someone¡¯s level of innate talent. It was unheard of! The most a medical pill could do was to improve one¡¯s cultivation speed. And yes, although treasure capable of altering one¡¯s innate talent did exist, where would Ling Chunxi have obtained it? Such heavenly-defying treasure would have attracted a lot of attention and caused the top warriors in the world to come to blows in pursuit of it. How would Ling Chunxi have possibly even attempted to obtain such a treasure? Ling Chuxi¡¯s brow furrowed. She studied Qin Xiruo¡¯s profile thoroughly and saw an urgency in the depths of Qin Xiruo¡¯s eyes. She scoffed to herself. So that was it. Qin Xiruo was actually entertaining the improbable idea that Ling Chunxi had metamorphosized due to a treasure or medical pill of some sort and wanted a piece of it for herself. How laughable. However¡­ Ling Chunxi¡¯s lips curled into an evil smirk. In her heart, the decision had already been made. Since the idea was purported by Qin Xiruo herself, wouldn¡¯t it be rude not to entertain her conjecture? ¡®This woman, Qin Xiruo, is as vile as she is greedy. The people who think of her as kind and gentle are blind beyond belief.¡¯ ¡°You¡¯re so amazing Sister Xiruo! You¡¯ve managed to guess my secret.¡± Ling Chunxi feigned astonishment and shook her head in pretend admiration. ¡°I did obtain a piece of treasure capable of not only improving one¡¯s innate talent but enhancing one¡¯s appearance to become beautiful as well. I¡¯m a testimony of how well it works.¡± Inwardly, Ling Chunxi was trying not to throw up at the mistruths spewing from her mouth disregarding her own hard work. ¡®Improving one¡¯s innate talent? Become beautiful? Oh, please! I had already possessed those qualities all along!¡¯ Qin Xiruo could not disguise the ecstasy in her eyes when she heard Ling Chunxi utter everything she¡¯d wanted to hear. Chapter 55 - 55 A Smile as Beautiful as Flowers ?Chapter 55: A Smile as Beautiful as Flowers Chapter 55: A Smile as Beautiful as Flowers Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation ¡°Is this true? Have you really? What is it?¡± asked Qin Xiruo pressingly. She clocked Ling Chunxi¡¯s stunned reaction and realized she had let her mask slip too far. She recovered in a flash. With a gentle smile and soft voice, she repeated her question, ¡°Chunxi, this is indeed your blessing. What treasure is it?¡± ¡°Sister Xiruo, would it greatly please you to know of it?¡± Ling Chunxi stroked Little White¡¯s ears as she spoke and smiled with as much sincere kindness she could muster. ¡°If you are kind enough to tell me, Chunxi, I am indeed curious to know what kind of blessing has been bestowed upon you.¡± Qin Xiruo kept her smile gentle and her trembling hands hidden within her sleeves. ¡°I can easily tell you all about my blessing Sister Xiruo, but only if you fulfil one small condition. I believe you¡¯ll be able to do it without any problems at all.¡± Ling Chunxi tilted her head to one side and beamed innocently. Excitement and exhilaration coursed through Qin Xiruo. Why, she had practically already pocketed whatever life-changing treasure this was. ¡°Won¡¯t you let me know what it is, Chunxi? If I¡¯m able to do it, I most definitely will.¡± There was a quiver in Qin Xiruo¡¯s voice, she was barely able to suppress the thrill she felt. ¡°It¡¯s not a big deal, really. I just want you to tell the truth about how you injured your arm before both the Ling and Qin family elders. Tell them you injured your arm not from saving me, but because you were naturally useless and could no longer progress with cultivation. Tell them that you were too ashamed to face the world as the failure you are so you made me a scapegoat in your vile lie to cover up your own shortcomings. Tell them all these things. That¡¯s all~¡± Ling Chunxi mimicked her own display of innocence earlier and cocked her head to the side with a bright smile. ¡°What do you think? Real simple right?¡± ¡°Chunxi. You. You¡­ What are you saying? What do you mean?¡± Qin Xiruo¡¯s face had gone from fair to pale. She forced out one of her patented gentle smiles, ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about.¡± ¡°How is that possible? Do you need me to repeat it one more time, loudly?¡± Ling Chunxi flashed a smile so lovely, it was akin to a flower blooming. ¡°My beloved Sister Xiruo, there¡¯s no one around right now. You can drop the kind and gentle act. I saw your face clearly when you pushed me off that cliff, it was evil and scary. Totally different from the mask you have on right now.¡± ¡°Stop spewing nonsense! I was facing your back. How could you have possibly seen my face?!¡± shrieked Qin Xiruo in a shocking burst of unhinged anger. ¡°How dare you¡ª¡± Qin Xiruo cut herself off when she saw the shocked expression on Ling Chunxi¡¯s face. She realized she had trapped herself with her own words. What¡¯s more, Ling Chunxi had used the simple method of provoking her to get her to validate the truth of what had happened that day. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Tsk. Qin Xiruo, I really don¡¯t understand what your problem is. I¡¯ve never done anything to you. You have no reason to bear grudges or misunderstandings against me, yet you constantly provoke Qin Yumei into bullying me. That foolish girl always allows herself to be used by you as a pawn in whatever game you decide to play without even realizing it. So, how do you suggest I settle this great debt with the both of you?¡± Ling Chunxi let the warmth fall away from her eyes and turned her smile into a heart-chilling snarl. ¡°Ling Chunxi, you despicable brat! Even if you kick up a fuss about me pushing you and injuring my own arm, would anyone believe you? Ha! Just get lost. Get out of my face. And when you do, don¡¯t assume your words would be believed so easily now just because you¡¯re enjoying a moment in the limelight.¡± Qin Xiruo snickered as she surveyed the alley to ensure no one else was around. Once she saw that no one was, she let out a fearless and manic laugh. In case someone standing beyond the alley could overhear, Qin Xiruo tamped down her twisted and piercing laughter. ¡°Who do you think you are, Ling Chunxi? You passed an innate talent assessment and now you think the world revolves around you?¡± Qin Xiruo¡¯s pretty face contorted into an evil expression that was scary to behold. She grit her teeth and growled, ¡°Go tell everyone then, I want to see who would actually believe you.¡± Chapter 56 - 56 Twisted Mind ?Chapter 56: Twisted Mind Chapter 56: Twisted Mind Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation Qin Xiruo¡¯s confidence wasn¡¯t baseless. As far as everyone was concerned, she was thought of as kind, gentle and empathetic. The widely accepted version of events was that Ling Chunxi had caused Qin Xiruo¡¯s arm injury and impaired her cultivation progress, yet the forgiving Qin Xiruo always protected her. Given her topnotch acting, who would suspect that Qin Xiruo had such a well-concealed malicious spirit? Even if Ling Chunxi were to speak out against this false narrative, who would believe otherwise at this point? ¡°Sadly, you¡¯re right Qin Xiruo. No one would believe me if I told the truth. Everyone thinks you¡¯re this kind, gentle and caring person. No one knows how wicked you really are. I pity all the men who like you. How blind of them.¡± Ling Chunxi shook her head in disbelief and let out a bitter sigh. Qin Xiruo couldn¡¯t help but laugh. ¡°You despicable brat. Are you trying to show off, Ling Chunxi? I heard everything said between you and Ling Xiaoting just now. Men are all the same. Even your elder brother!¡± The expression on Qin Xiruo¡¯s fair face kept getting scarier as her anger and malice contorted her features even more with each vicious word she spat out. ¡°My elder brother? What does he have to do with any of this?¡± asked Ling Chunxi, genuinely confused. She didn¡¯t have many memories of Ling Wushang. Hadn¡¯t Qin Xiruo always said she was looking after Ling Chunxi on behalf of Ling Wushang because she liked him very much? Now that Ling Chunxi thought about it, it wasn¡¯t as though Qin Xiruo or Ling Wushang were very advanced in age. So, how young were they when they were in courtship?! ¡°Yes. Your elder brother. He said I was good, he said that he liked me. But whenever it came down to making a choice, he always prioritized you. No matter what happened, he¡¯d put you first. Even at meal times, he¡¯d serve you first. If we were ever in any danger, would he save you first or me? Qin Xiruo¡¯s eyes turned red as they welled up with emotion. She sneered, ¡°I don¡¯t even need to doubt it, he¡¯d definitely save you first! You¡¯ve always been so ugly and useless. Why are you even alive? He always wanted you to live a good life, but I want you to live wishing you were dead! Qin Yumei is another fool. It always only took one sentence to provoke her, and she¡¯d fall for it every time. She was even willing start fires and attempt murder for Ling Xiaoting. What an idiot. It¡¯d be such a shame to not use her, wouldn¡¯t it?¡± As Qin Xiruo became more delirious on her own arrogance, her laughter became more disdainful and contemptuous. This revelation completely stumped Ling Chunxi. Never did she think Qin Xiruo hated her to such an extent as to constantly and purposely look for ways to cause her pain. How twisted did one have to be to be able to do such things to another human being. Ling Wushang had spoken those words of care and protection about Ling Chunxi years ago when she was merely two or three-years-old. She was but a child who wouldn¡¯t have any memory of her brother¡¯s perceived slight against Qin Xiruo, yet Qin Xiruo held a grudge against her. Furthermore, was it so wrong of Ling Wushang to be caring and protective towards his baby sister? Qin Xiruo¡¯s twisted perspective of this situation was alarming. A glint as frosty as a ten-thousand-year-old glacier flashed across Little White¡¯s observant eyes as it kept still in Ling Chunxi¡¯s arms. ¡°Well, it¡¯s too bad things didn¡¯t go as you planned. I¡¯m doing great now and will continue to do so. But you¡¯ll be bound to this small town for the rest of your life and forced into marrying some man you don¡¯t even like. Do you actually think you have a shot at marrying my brother? Ha! Dream on!¡± Ling Chunxi smiled and placed Little White on her shoulders. Then, she stretched lazily to physically demonstrate her disregard for Qin Xiruo. ¡°You wretched brat! Don¡¯t be so arrogant, Ling Chunxi. I¡¯ll make your face ugly again today!¡± Stung by Ling Chunxi¡¯s retorts, Qin Xiruo lunged towards her with her hands angling for Ling Chunxi¡¯s face. Since Qin Xiruo was usually seen as gentle and docile, it was shocking to see that the hands she usually kept tucked within her sleeves in fact had such long and sharp nails attached to them. If those nails managed to forcefully scratch Ling Chunxi¡¯s face, the resulting wounds would cause scarring and disfigurement for sure. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 57 - 57 Falling into a Trap ?Chapter 57: Falling into a Trap¡¡ Chapter 57: Falling into a Trap¡¡ Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation Qin Xiruo grinned as her hands drew closer to Ling Chunxi¡¯s face. But the very next moment, the visual of Ling Chunxi¡¯s face in her line of sight was blurred by the spatter of her own blood! With a scream, Qin Xiruo went flying backwards until she crashed hard into a wall. She had been hit by a force of wind generated by someone¡¯s palm. Qin Xiruo coughed up a mouthful of blood and struggled to stand for the longest time without being able to even lift herself up off the ground. Ling Chunxi languidly raised her hands behind her head and leaned the crown of her head back against her interlaced fingers as she surveyed this scene with a cold smile. Little White lifted its head off Ling Chunxi¡¯s shoulders and lightly nuzzled her cheek. Ling Chunxi saw that Little White was trying to comfort her so she reached out a hand to pet the fox¡¯s head to indicate to it that she was fine. ¡°That¡¯s enough!¡± boomed an angry voice laden with contempt and disappointment. The owner of this voice was the same person who had generated the force of wind against Qin Xiruo, and that was First Elder Qin! Qin Xiruo gasped as her attention snapped back to reality. She took stock of her surroundings and her heart fell into the depths of a dark pit. Panic, terror and disbelief all surfaced in her at once. When did they become surrounded by so many people?! The Qin¡¯s First, Second and Third Elders were present, as were the Ling¡¯s First, Second and Fifth Elders! There were even a few disciples present from both families, including Qin Yumei. Qin Xiruo¡¯s wild eyes met Qin Yumei¡¯s glare which was filled with an undisguised hatred that rendered her capable of skinning her alive and breaking all her bones. Clearly, she had heard every word. Everyone here had heard every single word! What was going on? Qin Xiruo looked at all the familiar faces around her in horror. Each face radiated an expression of either anger, disappointment, shock or hatred towards her. The one common thread present in all the looks thrown her way was contempt and derision. Qin Xiruo didn¡¯t understand¡­ The ally was empty earlier on! She had checked multiple times before and after she had insulted Ling Chunxi so viciously. She had made sure to check and she was sure there was no one around! Yet, so many people were present now. When did they arrive? ¡°Xiruo, you¡¯ve really disappointed us.¡± First Elder Qin¡¯s face was filled with distress, disappointment and a tinge of embarrassment. He felt as though the Qin clan had lost face due to Qin Xiruo showing her true colors in front of so many people from the Ling clan. ¡°I hope you can give us an explanation regarding your behavior and what really happened to your arm.¡± First Elder Ling spoke in a calm manner. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. However, anyone could have detected the suppressed rage beneath his composed demeanor. ¡°This girl is so young and yet she¡¯s already so malicious. Our Chunxi has truly been made to suffer at her hands. Let me tell all you Qin old men this¡ªdon¡¯t you even think of trying to let this slide. Isn¡¯t Qin Yumei guilty as well? If these girls aren¡¯t punished properly for all the pain they¡¯ve caused the Lings, you best believe I¡¯ll remember this slight!¡± roared Fifth Elder Ling. Given his infamous temper, Fifth Elder Ling didn¡¯t bother with any niceties and instead yelled out exactly what he had on his mind while angrily pushing up his sleeves. His face and thick neck were beetroot red and he looked as though he was about to get into a fight with the Qins. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, don¡¯t worry. We will definitely punish them severely,¡± said First Elder Qin whilst smiling apologetically. The rest of the Qins present were feeling extremely demoralized by this blow against their family¡¯s reputation. Usually, First Elder Ling would reprimand Fifth Elder Ling for losing his temper, but he didn¡¯t say a word today. Right now, the Ling clan could use some of Fifth Elder Ling¡¯s temper to settle scores with the Qin clan. Ling Chunxi raised an eyebrow as she watched Qin Xiruo lie paralyzed upon the ground as though she were a lowly pile of mud. A whistle of contentment sounded in her heart at the sight. It wasn¡¯t that she¡¯d never bothered taking revenge all these years, it was that she was waiting for the right time to do so, which was now! ¡®Qin Xiruo, I bet you never thought this day would come, didn¡¯t you? My, my, Phantom Mushrooms are useful indeed.¡¯ Chapter 58 - 58 The Best Method of Revenge ?Chapter 58: The Best Method of Revenge Chapter 58: The Best Method of Revenge Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation Second Elder Ling walked over to Ling Chunxi and exhaled all the guilt he¡¯d be holding in. ¡°Little Chunxi, you¡¯ve suffered in silence all these years. I apologize once more for not being able to protect you enough.¡± His voice was thick with shame. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. As I¡¯ve said, it¡¯s my turn to take care of you from now on.¡± Ling Chunxi comforted Second Elder Ling with kind words and a bright smile, bringing him much cheer. He reached out a hand to pat Ling Chunxi on the head affectionately, but Little White who was perched atop Ling Chunxi¡¯s shoulder, batted his hand away possessively. Second Elder Ling¡¯s mouth twitched but he plastered on a smile as he retracted his hand. Qin Xiruo¡¯s face was ashen and her body was as limp as a lump of mud. She lay still whilst the Qins bound her tightly. ¡°Take her away!¡± ordered First Elder Qin with a sigh as he waved his hand. His people began to move Qin Xiruo. Before she left, Qin Xiruo turned to glare at Ling Chunxi with deeply spiteful eyes. From start to finish, she was unable to understand how things turned out this way. Ling Chunxi met her vicious gaze without flinching and smiled indifferently. She knew that right now, Qin Xiruo hated her to the core. But, so what? If she had the ability to bite her, then let her! If she dares to, even her teeth will be shattered. Everything that happened today was according to a plan set in motion by Ling Chunxi. She maintained communication with the Ling elders and instructed them to lure the Qin elders to the designated meeting location by telling them there¡¯d be a show to behold. Then, once she met Qin Xiruo, she surreptitiously sprinkled Phantom Mushroom powder for her to inhale. This caused Qin Xiruo to see an illusion of an empty alley and think no one else was around. The only unexpected factor in today¡¯s events was Ling Xiaoting. Ling Chunxi didn¡¯t plan to run into him and for Qin Xiruo to see them talking. However, it worked out for the best. This accidental factor became the catalyst for Qin Xiruo¡¯s burst of anger. Ling Xiaoting¡¯s vanity had ended up helping her plan. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Chunxi. We¡¯ll definitely get the Qins to provide us with an explanation regarding this matter. Go and participate in the White Stone Academy entrance exam in peace. Don¡¯t be distracted by this.¡± After all the Qins left, First Elder Ling took Ling Chunxi aside to advise her. He was worried Ling Chunxi would be affected by this matter with the Qins and would not be able to shine during the entrance exam, thus jeopardizing her chance of attending White Stone Academy. And what a shame that would be. ¡°I know this well. Be rest assured, First Elder,¡± said Ling Chunxi with a firm nod. She was to depart to White Stone City tomorrow and would not be able to witness Qin Xiruo receive her due punishment. First Elder Ling was easing her concerns in advance. As far as Ling Chunxi was concerned, Qin Xiruo had already received the greatest punishment possible. The kind and gentle image she had so meticulously crafted was completely destroyed. From now on, wherever she went, Qin Xiruo would be the object of contempt and rejection. The contrast would make her feel being dead was better than being alive. To exact vengeance against another was not to kill in a single blow. No. Revenge was taking away what someone cared about the most. Now, that was true revenge. It had to make those it was exacted against feel that being dead was better than being alive. Ling Chunxi slept soundly that night. But not Little White. The small white fox which lay by her pillow suddenly stood up and looked out the window, then hopped off the bed with a light leap and disappeared. The night air was cool and still. A tall and upright figure disappeared in a flash through the darkness. Only a mane of long, flowing silver hair that swept against the starry sky in an enchanting manner remained visible for but another moment. ¡­ Early the next morning, Ling Chuxi stretched out her arm to hug Little White as usual. She pulled the fox from the side of her pillow into her arms. Just as she was about to go back to sleep for a little longer, she heard Aunt Wang knocking on her door loudly. ¡°Miss, wake up! Master Yichen is already here waiting for you!¡± Aunt Wang rapped the door loudly once more. She knew her Miss had a habit of lazing in bed in the morning and was afraid she¡¯d go back to sleep if she didn¡¯t make a racket. It would¡¯ve been fine on other day, but today was a very important day. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Ling Chunxi needed to rush off to White Stone City to take the White Stone Academy entrance exam! Chapter 59 - 59 Happy Over Another’s Misery ?Chapter 59: Happy Over Another¡¯s Misery Chapter 59: Happy Over Another¡¯s Misery Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation ¡°Yeah, I got it!¡± Ling Chunxi mumbled impatiently. Mornings were meant for lazing about, no? For real though. She was already somewhat awake, so this was fine. If she had been awakened from a deep slumber, her grumpiness would have exploded. Ling Chunxi did not take kindly to any disruptions to her eating and sleeping activities. Her reaction would have shattered earth. ¡°Master Yichen has bought Miss some meat buns, steamed dumplings and Siu Mai1!¡± yelled Aunt Wang from outside her door. Obviously, Aunt Wang had grabbed onto a fail-safe lifeline here. Ling Chunxi immediately perked up. She hurriedly got dressed, put on her shoes and grabbed Little White before dashing out the door. Now, this was speed! This was as swift as anything could be! Little White turned to look at Ling Chunxi in silent judgement. It was a legitimate worry that Ling Chunxi might be tricked or cheated due to a generous serving of delicious food one day! Once she was done with breakfast, Ling Chunxi entered into the carriage prepared by the Ling family to send her and Ling Yichen off to White Stone City. Little White was carried onboard safely in Ling Chunxi¡¯s arms and Ling Yichen entered the carriage after her. Ling Chunxi was glad she didn¡¯t have to bring anything along with her as the Ling clan had already prepared everything for her over there. From food to clothing and daily necessities, everything had been completely set up for her. This was the difference between the those who passed the assessment and those who did not. Reality was indeed cruel. The sun had risen, radiant and warm. Its rays were accompanied by a deep autumn chill. The carriage started its slow journey with a lurch, leaving Shi Qu Town behind little by little. Excitement rose in Ling Chunxi as she pulled back the curtains to look at the changing scenery. Little White was falling asleep in her lap. The fox¡¯s ears drooped against its tiny head which bobbed up and down as it nodded off. Ling Yichen remained silent. His handsome face never betrayed any expression of emotion. After a period of time passed, Ling Yichen opened his mouth to speak. ¡°Chuxi, do you know what happened last night?¡± he asked simply. ¡°Yesterday night? No, I don¡¯t. What happened?¡± Ling Chuxi asked distractedly. She was still engrossed with the scenery outside the window. ¡°There was an incident at the Qin Manor last night. Qin Xiruo seems to have been traumatized by it. She keeps saying there was a ghost. They discovered her this morning with her face all disfigured because she had scratched her own face up with her nails.¡± Ling Yichen presented the facts succinctly and gently. He knew very well about the matter of Qin Xiruo causing Ling Chunxi much suffering. However, despite this knowledge, Ling Yichen did not think Ling Chunxi had harmed Qin Xiruo in such a manner. Furthermore, since his gut feeling told him that Ling Chunxi might not even have knowledge on the matter, he thought to run the facts by her before he drew any conclusions. ¡°What?!¡± Ling Chuxi turned to look at Ling Yichen in surprise. ¡°She disfigured her own face? Scratched it up?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Ling Yichen nodded calmly, then slowly said without expression, ¡°I think she deserved it.¡± ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± A corner of Ling Chuxi¡¯s lips twitched. She never thought the expressionless Ling Yichen would say something like that. In fact, she thought he might have asked if she had anything to do with it. But in the end, he said something so unlike himself instead. ¡°Why is it that your blank face somehow seems to be connoting a sense of you being happy over someone else¡¯s misery? How it is that the cool, proud and dignified Ling Yichen would harbour such an emotion?¡± ¡°She tormented you for many years, did she not? Therefore, her circumstances now are well deserved.¡± Ling Yichen communicated his thoughts while looking directly at Ling Chunxi. Ling Chuxi was stunned. She looked at Ling Yichen and held his gaze, then she beamed a big, sincere smile at him and made sure to speak clearly. ¡°Thank you, Ling Yichen. Truly, thank you.¡± From this moment on, Ling Chunxi considered Ling Yichen a friend. Her first in this unfamiliar world. Ling Yichen was startled. As he was looking into Ling Chunxi¡¯s clear, bright eyes, Ling Yichen suddenly turned away without a word. Ling Chunxi found this amusing. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Why, he was a shy guy after all! Still, the matter of Qin Xiruo¡¯s trauma lingered on her mind. Why did she scratch up her own face to the point of disfigurement? What was going on? The Phantom Mushroom powder would not have had such a lasting effect on her. Somebody else did this to Qin Xiruo for sure. The question is, who? Siu Mai is a type of Chinese dumpling usually eaten during a dimsum meal. It is usually filled with minced pork meat Chapter 60 - 60 Peerless Genius ?Chapter 60: Peerless Genius? Chapter 60: Peerless Genius? Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation The more she thought about it, the more thoroughly confused Ling Chunxi became. Who in Shi Qu Town could have entered the Qin ancestral court undetected? The three Ling family elders had pretty good abilities, but the each of them shared the same limitations. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. None of them would have been able to enter without any of the Qin family¡¯s guards and experts noticing. No one could. This was something she herself wouldn¡¯t have been able to pull off. Who did this? Ling Chuxi couldn¡¯t think of anyone else who had both the ability to do this and the desire to assist her by ensuring Qin Xiruo got a just punishment. ¡°Does this mean you don¡¯t know who was behind it either?¡± asked Ling Yichen. Ling Chunxi shook her head no. ¡°Whoever did it was a true expert.¡± Ling Yichen furrowed his brow a little. He too could not identify in Shi Qu Town who had this level of expertise and who had an obvious interest in protecting Ling Chunxi. ¡°Let¡¯s just forget about it. Since neither of us can think of anyone, let¡¯s not bother thinking about this anymore. Instead, tell me how the White Stone Academy entrance exam works.¡± Ling Chunxi hugged Little White tightly and waited for an explanation. Little White was a soft, furry ball of warmth. As winter was almost here, carrying Little White around felt like holding a hand muff. Ling Chunxi loved the feeling so much, she found herself unwilling to let go Little White most of the time. ¡°The entrance exam can be considered easy, yet not. Difficult, yet not,¡± responded Ling Yichen vaguely. He paused and added, ¡°The exam does include the assessment of innate talent, however, this doesn¡¯t mean much in the grand scheme of things as many participants have probably already passed their own initial assessments.¡± ¡°Many. This choice of word gave Ling Chunxi the understanding that though some people did not pass their initial innate talent assessments, they still bore hope of getting accepted and came to White Stone Academy to try their luck. That was how much pulling power White Stone Academy had. ¡°I¡¯m sure you won¡¯t have any trouble with the innate talent assessment portion. There is another part of the exam in which a participant is tested by examiners individually. As the examiners decide on the questions, this part of the exam is different for each participant.¡± Ling Yichen held onto his thoughts as though he was going to stop speaking, before finally deciding to continue. ¡°There¡¯s nothing much to it. It should be easy for you to pass this time.¡± They arrived at White Stone City at noon. It was a lot livelier compared to how it was during Ling Chunxi¡¯s last visit here. There were many more people on the streets and the number of patrolling soldiers seemed to have doubled or tripled as well. Clearly, this was all due to the annual recruitment examination that was about to take place. Ling Yichen instructed the coachman to head to the inn and help see to their rooms and cart over the lean amount of luggage brought along at the same time. Then, he took Ling Chunxi to the beef restaurant they had eaten at during their last visit to White Stone City. As she sat in the same dining room she and Ling Yichen dined in the last time they were at this restaurant, Ling Chunxi looked down at the familiar yet unfamiliar street below in curiosity. She saw quite a few young men and women walking about, some dressed in luxurious garments and some dressed in everyday ones. Mostly, everyone seemed to be moving in the same direction. It was really noisy. ¡°What¡¯s going on? Are they all heading towards White Stone Academy?¡± asked Ling Chunxi as she bit into a piece of roasted beef with her watchful eyes still cast on the street. ¡°Most likely. White Stone Academy is right up ahead. They must be going there to take a look.¡± Ling Yichen answered succinctly as always. ¡°Oh?¡± Right then, Ling Chunxi saw a maiden ride up on a big horse. She was wearing a gorgeous blue dress with deerskin boots, and a golden whip dangled from her hand. The maiden¡¯s face was beautiful and had an arrogance to it. Indeed, she looked a little impatient. A man and a woman who were dressed in suits and who were also on horseback, followed closely behind her. ¡°It¡¯s the peerless genius, Lan Xinyu!¡± ¡°Wow! It really is her!¡± ¡°How beautiful she is! Didn¡¯t they say she had a very strong monster beast? Where is it, where is it?¡± ¡°Here comes White Stone Academy¡¯s genius maiden!¡± Ling Chunxi heard everything the people on the streets were saying. Her hearing was a lot better now than it had been in the past. Peerless genius Lan Xinyu? With a strong monster beast to boot?! Were all these people crowding the streets just to see her? CREATORS¡¯ THOUGHTS _Lunaelle This book has been selected! Yay! Do add this book to your library so you don¡¯t miss it when it updates. It will be moved to the voting pool next week. Chapter 61 - 61 My Family’s Little White is One of a Kind ?Chapter 61: My Family¡¯s Little White is One of a Kind Chapter 61: My Family¡¯s Little White is One of a Kind Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation ¡®This young maiden has a strong monster beast as her mystical pet?¡¯ Ling Chunxi stared carefully at the maiden¡¯s surroundings to catch a glimpse of her pet, but she could not see such a creature anywhere around her. Meanwhile, as Ling Chunxi was peering out the window at her, Lan Xinyu was making her way down the street on horseback looking very annoyed. She wasn¡¯t unhappy because there were many people watching her every move from the sidelines. After all, she¡¯d always enjoyed the feeling of being worshipped by others. No, that wasn¡¯t it at all. Lan Xinyu¡¯s bad mood was the result of her being given a lecture by her grandfather before she left home this morning. He had told her there would be a young maiden with outstanding abilities participating in this year¡¯s examination. He said that her innate talent surpassed the levels possessed by ordinary people, and that even an assessment stone monument was unable to withstand her Qi Ocean. Lan Xinyu¡¯s grandfather hadn¡¯t stopped there. He went on to chide her against continuing to be so proud and full of herself. What a joke. Obviously, this incident Grandfather had heard of was simply exaggerated hearsay. How could it be that an assessment stone monument could not withstand someone¡¯s Qi Ocean? She didn¡¯t believe it! From the window, Ling Chunxi continued sizing up the young maiden in blue. The maiden seemed to sense her gaze as she abruptly lifted her head to lock gazes with Ling Chunxi. The both of them studied each other wordlessly. After some time, one turned away to continue eating her food and the other raised her whip to her horse to continue down the street at a faster pace. Though it wasn¡¯t Ling Chunxi¡¯s intention, Lan Xinyu¡¯s heart stirred with unease. It was merely a passing look, but she saw well enough the peerless countenance and sharp gaze held by the clear eyes of the maiden in the window. Who was she? She had such a striking bearing and temperament. ¡­¡¡¡¡ ¡°What is this? Are you also that concerned about her having a monster beast?¡± asked Ling Yichen offhandedly. He had observed her peering out at the streets below as Lan Xinyu rode by. ¡°Nope. My family pet is more than enough. Little White is truly one of a kind,¡± chirped Ling Chunxi with a small satisfied laugh. She picked up a slice of beef and placed it on the plate in front of Little White. Little White swept its fluffy tail lightly back and forth, expressing contentment with Ling Chunxi¡¯s words. It gently lowered its tiny head and began eating the piece of beef elegantly. After they finished their meal, Ling Yichen brought Ling Chunxi around White Stone City to do some shopping. The last time they visited, they didn¡¯t walk around much and had only stopped to buy a weapon before leaving. This time, Ling Yichen made it a point to bring Ling Chunxi to all the popular shopping spots in the city. Or so it seemed. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In actuality, that rationale was merely a palatable excuse Ling Yichen used in an effort to allow Ling Chunxi to remember the locations of all the shops in the city renowned for serving good food. ¡°Examinations will begin from tomorrow onwards. We will not necessarily be allotted to take it at the same time.¡± Ling Yichen spoke solemnly to Ling Chunxi over dinner. ¡°Though we won¡¯t be able to help one another during the exam period, I believe you will definitely pass and be accepted into White Stone Academy. All will be well as long as we team up once training starts.¡± ¡°All right, all right. I got it. Let¡¯s have soup dumplings tomorrow morning before we go to the academy for the exam.¡± Ling Chunxi waved her hand nonchalantly. She remembered passing by a soup dumpling restaurant located near the entrance of the White Stone Academy during their excursion of the city earlier. In her heart, she was already picturing a generous helping of succulent dumplings in a bowl of steaming hot soup. ¡°¡­ Sure.¡± Ling Yichen agreed while mustering a feeble smile. ¡­ The next morning saw Ling Chunxi eating her fill of delicious soup dumplings at the very restaurant she wanted to visit. Once she was done, she made her way to White Stone Academy with Ling Yichen in tow. She was ready to take on the exam. It wasn¡¯t yet late in the morning but there were already quite a number of people at the doorway of the academy. Some were entering, others were exiting. Those exiting wore upon their faces a look of dismay. It was clear they had been unable to pass the exam this time. Ling Chunxi and Ling Yichen walked into White Stone Academy calmly. After they each showed their family tokens as proof they were within the stipulated age range for the exam, they entered the hall designated for the academy¡¯s innate talent assessment. The hall was gapingly huge. It contained a total of ten stone monuments, with two examiners manning each one. There were many participants lining up at all of the monuments, but the lines moved briskly as the assessment was quick and simple. It only took a short while to tell if one had innate talent or not. Thus, Ling Chunxi and Ling Yichen were able to take their turns rather promptly. As expected, neither of them faced any problems during this assessment. However, problems arose when it came to the next assessment. Ling Chunxi was handed a slip of paper listing the name of the examiner in charge of the assessment she was to undertake next. When Ling Yichen looked over and caught a glimpse of the name written on the paper, his ever-constant calm and steady demeanor faded in an instant. Chapter 62 - 62 Full of Feelings ?Chapter 62: Full of Feelings Chapter 62: Full of Feelings Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation Ling Chunxi read what was written on the piece of paper in her hand, then turned to read what was written on the paper in Ling Yichen¡¯s. ¡°Your examiner is Gu Liwen? Mine is Mu Lifeng.¡± Ling Yichen said nothing in return, causing uncertainty to creep up on Ling Chunxi. She raised her head to look at Ling Yichen in the eye and saw that his usually unreadable face had turned white. Besides feeling uncertain, Ling Chunxi now felt surprised as well. Ling Yichen was known for being calm and steady without expressing any signs of emotion upon his face. However, the shade of his face was now pasty and that expressed all the uncharacteristic emotion Ling Chunxi needed to gather that something was wrong. ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± She angled her head slightly to take in the reactions of the other people around them and realized they were looking at her differently after she had read out the name of her examiner. Amongst the looks people cast her way, she detected surprise, pity, and even glee at her misfortune¡­ Ling Chunxi quickly deduced the underlying pattern connecting all these reactions¡ªeveryone thought for certain that she would not be able to pass the exam this time. ¡°Chunxi, I didn¡¯t think Mu Liufeng would be an examiner this year as well.¡± Ling Yichen furrowed his brows and spoke in a somber tone. ¡°Mu Liufeng¡­ What about this person?¡± asked Ling Chunxi as she rolled up the piece of paper bearing that very name in between her fingers. She needed context to be able to understand the reactions she had received so far. ¡°This person¡­ Well, this person¡­¡± Ling Yichen tried to find the right words to encapsulate the concerns he had regarding Mu Liufeng. He took a moment to ponder before slowly continuing in a hushed manner. ¡°This person is someone people find very difficult to read. Nobody knows what he¡¯s really thinking most of the time. Many say his cultivation skills and abilities are very strong and that he has a very carefree personality. Because of this, even the principal of the academy is unable to handle him. He just does whatever he wants without any restraints. He had been an examiner previously, but none of the participants he examined were ever accepted. He failed every single one of them so harshly that some quit cultivating for good there and then.¡± By the end of this speech, Ling Yichen¡¯s worry came through in his voice. If Ling Chunxi failed the exam, that much was fine. However, if she was provoked by Mu Liufeng to the point of quitting cultivation, what would be the result of that outcome¡­ After listening to Ling Yichen¡¯s explanation carefully, Ling Chunxi now understood why the other participants around her reacted as such when she read Mu Liufeng¡¯s name aloud. It seemed as though he was a real killer examiner. If even the principal had no way of handling him, what kind of origin or background did Mu Liufeng have? ¡°Don¡¯t worry. A wise person adapts oneself to circumstances, as water shapes itself to a vessel, right?¡± Ling Chunxi countered Ling Yichen¡¯s worried expression with a smile and reassured him with words of comfort using a proverb. Ling Yichen fell silent once more. Observing Ling Chunxi¡¯s confident smile, he found himself thinking that perhaps, just perhaps, she might be able to pass this impossible exam set out before her after all. He sighed. He never thought Mu Liufeng would be an examiner again. Hadn¡¯t he stopped participating in these kinds of examinations long ago? Why was he taking part this year? ¡®Mu Liufeng, huh. What was he like? Why was it that no one had ever passed the examination with him presiding?¡¯ Ling Chuxi¡¯s curiosity was inevitable given what she¡¯d just heard. After being divided into groups, Ling Chuxi and Ling Yichen were split up as each of them was ushered to a different part of the academy grounds by those overseeing the examination process. ¡­ At the border of the forest that lay behind White Stone Academy¡¯s sprawling grounds, sat a thin man atop a large rock, looking at the sky. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He was dressed entirely in black. The hue of his clothing matched the black as ink color of his long hair which flowed from the top of his head and entwined into intricate knots held together by a white jade hairpin. There was nothing out of the ordinary about his face, but his eyes contained an evil charm and was brimming with unspoken feelings. It was a striking mismatch to the rest of his face. ¡°Tsk tsk tsk. Which little cat would be so unlucky this time?¡± The man in all black parted his lips ever so slightly to speak. His voice was cold and had a chilling effect, yet it also contained an inexpressible charm. As he spoke, Ling Chunxi calmly made her way to the border of the forest behind the academy grounds under the pitiful gaze of the teacher who was leading the way there. ¡°Your examination will take place at that spot in front of the forest. I wish you all the best.¡± The teacher fled as though he had seen a ghost before he even finished speaking. Chapter 63 - 63 ?Chapter 63: The Formidable Mu Liufeng Chapter 63: The Formidable Mu Liufeng Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation Ling Chuxi looked at the teacher who ran away like a rabbit and understood that this Mu Liufeng did not have much of a relationship with his colleagues. These colleagues seem to be quite afraid of this Mu Liufeng. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Just as Ling Chuxi was thinking, Little White who was in her arms stretched out its paw to scratch her. Ling Chuxi was startled, regained her senses and suddenly rolled on the floor. A chilling light flashed past, a sword aura had already struck the place she was standing at earlier on. So dangerous! She had spaced out earlier on and did not pay attention to her surroundings. If it was not for Little White¡¯s reminder, the consequences would have been unbearable. ¡°Oh, your reaction is not bad.¡± A lazy but cool voice spoke lightly. After Ling Chuxi stood up, she coldly looked at the man who had appeared before her. He had a pair of bewitching eyes that were full of feelings, but an expressionless face. He was thin and tall. His hand held a long sword with chilling light. It was he who had suddenly launched an attack on Ling Chuxi. ¡°Mu Liufeng?¡± Ling Chuxi frowned slightly as she looked at the man in black before her. ¡°Tsk tsk, such an unruly child. You actually dared to call out my name directly.¡± This man was Mu Liufeng. He was sizing up Ling Chuxi with interest at the moment with a pair of bewitching eyes that made people¡¯s hearts throb. ¡°Isn¡¯t a name for people to call?¡± Ling Chuxi harrumphed. This guy had not made a sound and a sword directly ¡°welcomed¡± her. This kind of assessment was indeed different from the norm. ¡°If you want to call Teacher Mu¡­ Oh, that¡¯s not right. I haven¡¯t said that you have passed. What right do you have to call me that?¡± Mu Liufeng squinted and his smile was wicked. ¡°Come, let me see if you have the qualifications to call me Teacher Mu.¡± Mu Liufeng had yet to finish speaking but he had already waved his sword toward Ling Chuxi¡¯s throat! Ling Chuxi instantly stepped back to avoid the attack. After putting down Little White, she drew her sword to meet the attack. ¡°Clang!¡± a crisp sound ensured as the two weapons collided in the air. With this exchange, Ling Chuxi understood her opponent¡¯s abilities was not something she could fight against. Ling Chuxi understood a little better when she saw the playful smile of her opponent. This man was just treating this examination as a game to pass time. ¡°What does it take to pass your test?¡± Ling Chuxi asked after blocking Mu Liufeng¡¯s sword. ¡°Eh? I thought that you would assume that defeating me would be required to pass the exam.¡± Mu Liufeng said these words after his ¡®eh¡¯ in novelty. ¡°Are you an idiot?¡± Ling Chuxi harrumphed and looked at her opponent in contempt. ¡°Perhaps I can¡¯t defeat you now, but no one can predict what will happen in future.¡± ¡°Tsk tsk, you are ambitious. Say, if I kill you today, would you still have a future?¡± Mu Liufeng playfully raised his brows and laughed. His sword swung again the next moment. ¡°That would also depend on whether you have this ability or not!¡± Ling Chuxi gave her full attention and expanded her Battle Qi. Her Battle Qi was different from the ordinary person. It was the domineering Thundercloud Battle Qi. In the blink of an eye, it was as if the air around Ling Chuxi had frozen. A hard to describe feeling of oppression swept up. ¡°Not bad. You managed to reach Level 7 at such a young age.¡± A thread of surprise flashed in Mu Liufeng¡¯s eyes, but it was just a thread. However, when Ling Chuxi¡¯s Battle Qi seemed to carry some electrical sparks, only then did his eyes reveal his shock. ¡°What kind of Battle Qi is this?¡± Mu Liufeng asked with great interest. ¡°Take a guess?¡± Ling Chuxi smiled brightly and blinked at Mu Liufeng. ¡°If you guess it right, there will be a prize!¡± the moment she was speaking, Ling Chuxi¡¯s sword had already arrived in front of Mu Liufeng! Her speed was very fast and her attack was violent. It was stunning! Chapter 64 - 64 Passing Just Like That ?Chapter 64: Passing Just Like That? Chapter 64: Passing Just Like That? Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation ¡°How amusing, child! You¡¯re just trying to kill me now, aren¡¯t you?!¡± Mu Liufeng leapt back defensively in retreat. The corners of his lips curled into a disturbing smile, yet the look in his eyes remained unchanging. ¡°Given how kind I am, why would I want to do that!¡± Ling Chuxi returned his smile with one of her own as she directed her sword into even more vicious strokes towards Mu Liufeng. Ling Chuxi¡¯s Battle Qi was drawn out to extremes by now, causing a wave of murderous intent to radiate from her and fill the space. ¡°Ha! To what do I owe this boldness!¡± Mu Liufeng wasn¡¯t angry at the clear proclamation of Ling Chuxi¡¯s intent, instead it made him laugh. Why, he¡¯d never met such a brave and ignorant little sacrificial lamb before. It was interesting how unafraid she was of him. Very interesting indeed. In the midst of their exchanging of words, Mu Liufeng suddenly stilled and blocked all of Ling Chuxi¡¯s manoeuvres with a single move. It was the slightest of motions and yet, Ling Chuxi¡¯s attacks were halted at full strength. Before she knew it, a suppression that felt capable of ruining the heavens and destroying earth descended upon her with a force so great, it suffocated it. Ling Chuxi struggled to breathe. What an incredibly terrifying suppression energy. At this moment, Mu Liufeng appeared to be a tall mountain she could not surpass, an ocean with depths impossible for her to guess at. This suppression was of an intensity that could make hearts nearly cease beating. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Ling Chuxi was unable to move. She gasped for air desperately and in vain. Mu Liufeng raised his sword high above his head and brought it down violently towards Ling Chuxi¡¯s head with an evil smile. He undoubtedly intended to take her life with this final blow. A silver glint ran across Little White¡¯s eyes as it began to move from where it had been standing nearby. However, it stayed put when it saw Ling Chuxi begin to lift her sword once more despite the difficulty she faced in doing so. ¡°You¡­ hideous man¡­ Go to hell!¡± Ling Chuxi shook with fury as she determinedly summoned all her energy and let it explode forth from within her into a brutally destructive storm she wielded with her sword to counter the impact of Mu Liufeng¡¯s blade. Ling Chuxi¡¯s sword flashed like the fiercest of lighting. Her Battle Qi became one with her Luo Chen Sword and she sliced her way to Mu Liufeng with an unstoppable ferocity. A change registered across Mu Liufeng¡¯s face at this moment. He quickly retreated whilst yelping in surprise. In the aftermath of his narrow escape from the clutches of death, Mu Liufeng decided to stand at a distance from Ling Chuxi, staring at her with widened eyes. ¡°What was that you said just now?¡± Mu Liufeng called out to Ling Chuxi from where he stood. He sounded a little flustered. ¡°Go to hell?¡± Ling Chuxi replied flatly. She was unable to wrap her head around Mu Liufeng¡¯s crazy antics. The attack she had launched at him earlier on had looked very undeniably vicious, but it wasn¡¯t her killer move. It was a lead up to the real ace move she had up her sleeve. However, before she could show it off, Mu Liufeng had retreated so far back so as to discontinue the battle. He¡¯d messed it all up! ¡°No, no! The sentence before that!¡± Mu Liufeng was even more flustered now. ¡°Ah. You hideous man?¡± Ling Chuxi repeated the words she had said earlier after some pondering to recall exactly what they were. ¡°How dare you¡­ How dare you call me a hideous man?!¡± bellowed Mu Liufeng, brandishing his sword at Ling Chuxi from afar. ¡°Me? A hideous man? Your eyes must lie at the bottom of your feet!¡± Mu Liufeng had always felt with certainty that though he might not have been the most handsome man around, he surely wasn¡¯t ugly in any sense! ¡°Seeing as you¡¯ve gone so far as to wear a mask to prevent your true features from being seen, if you aren¡¯t a hideous man then what are you?¡± tossed back Ling Chuxi with disdain. Her reply stunned Mu Liufeng. The perception in his gaze towards Ling Chuxi shifted. After he had gathered his wits about him, he slowly ventured at a question. ¡°How did you know I was wearing a mask?¡± As a matter of fact, Mu Liufeng was wearing a mask. He¡¯d been wearing one all along. It was why his alluring emotion-filled eyes didn¡¯t match the rest of his vacant face. ¡°Do you really want to know?¡± asked Ling Chuxi with a cheeky grin. Mu Liufeng automatically nodded without realizing he was. ¡°Is that so? Well then, I won¡¯t tell you!¡± laughed Ling Chuxi savagely as she flailed her sword around. ¡°Quit talking nonsense and continue with the assessment. Will you fight me, or not?¡± ¡°Tell you what, you¡¯ve passed!¡± announced Mu Liufeng suddenly and concisely with a dismissive wave of his hand. He then glided over to Ling Chuxi in one smooth movement. Chapter 65 - 65 Lets Hit the Wall Collectively ?Chapter 65: Let¡¯s Hit the Wall Collectively Chapter 65: Let¡¯s Hit the Wall Collectively Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation That¡¯s it? She passed just like that? No one assessed by Mu Liufeng had passed before, and today he decides to pass someone for such a flimsy reason? Ling Chuxi¡¯s jaw dropped. She recalled how Mu Liufeng had attacked her earlier on¡ªhis murderous aura, the destructive force of the suppression her set upon her. The ferocity and uncalled for nature of Mu Liufeng¡¯s actions as an examiner could very well make someone without strong willpower decide to stop cultivating altogether. Mu Liufeng was clearly not a good person. He had no scruples with behaving in such a dangerous manner at all. Had he never thought of the aftermath of his actions? Did he not have to consider the consequences if he happened to provoke a candidate with an illustrious background? What would happen then? What exactly was this man¡¯s whole deal? What on earth did he have up his sleeve that he could act so pompous without a care?! Endless questions ran amok through Ling Chuxi¡¯s head like a bull in a china shop, but the one she wanted answered the most was this: Why did Mu Liufeng just let her pass all of a sudden? She was the first person he¡¯d ever bestowed this honor upon. What an incredible feat! Ling Chuxi wondered if the academy¡¯s principal and teachers would gouge their eyes out at the sight of the situation unfolding before her right now. She had a feeling nobody would believe a man as depraved as Mu Liufeng would actually have allowed someone to pass the entrance examination. ¡°Now, quickly child, tell me how you knew I was wearing a mask? This isn¡¯t just any kind of mask¡ªit is a very exquisite one! The person who gave it to me could be said to be rather ingenious. There is no other mask in the world like this. It¡¯s one of a kind.¡± After he had glided over to Ling Chuxi¡¯s side, Mu Liufeng cawed away excitedly like a crow bragging about its plunder. As he spoke, he took the mask off and flipped it around in his slender hands, utterly unable to comprehend how Ling Chuxi was able to catch what no one else had. Without his mask on, Ling Chuxi was able to perceive Mu Liufeng¡¯s real face. The moment she did, she found herself a little stunned. Why, what a handsome devil this man was! Mu Liufeng was in fact inhumanly attractive. He had a fair face, a high nose bridge and sensuous lips. His eyes in particular were so striking, they seemed capable of stealing away one¡¯s soul. Was this what the pinnacle of attractiveness across all living creatures looked like? ¡°Hurry up, tell me how you knew. What gave it away?¡± asked Mu Liufeng urgently as he paraded the mask about in front of Ling Chuxi. When he received no reply to his inquiry, he turned over to look at Ling Chuxi who was gaping at him in disbelief. Mu Liufeng puffed up in pride at the sight of her expression and blurted out happily, ¡°Pfft. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. And you were calling me hideous earlier. What about now then? Would you still call me that? Don¡¯t you suddenly feel as though you had terrible eyesight before? You can now finally see how cool and suave and handsome and extraordinary I am!¡± One could almost see the ellipses forming above Ling Chuxi¡¯s head as she stared at Mu Liufeng, speechless. Just as she thought she could never meet a man even more vain than the rest of the peacocks she¡¯d encountered¡­ she did. To be as smug as he was, Mu Liufeng must really be asking for a beating. ¡°Let me guess. Can I now also finally see that you¡¯re oh so tall, dashing, and elegant with a charming demeanor that could outlast centuries alongside a frighteningly imposing yet endlessly lovable aura topped off with majestic and incredibly unreal good-looks?¡± replied Ling Chuxi disdainfully with a scowl. ¡°Oh, my child, how perceptive you are! Where are the lies, indeed. Excellent. Now, since you have been so honest, I find it in my heart to make an exception in this case and take you on as my disciple! You have earned the right to call me master! Mu Liufeng was so overjoyed at hearing Ling Chuxi¡¯s compliments in addition to already being impressed she managed to figure out he was wearing a mask that he came to this impulsive decision straightaway. So wide was Mu Liufeng¡¯s self-indulgent smile that his eyes were now shaped like crescent moons. ¡°Huh?!¡± Ling Chuxi was properly stunned at this turn of events. She was being sarcastic! Sarcastic, all right?! She wasn¡¯t praising Mu Liufeng at all with those words. She felt as though Mars had just collided with Earth. Mu Liufeng¡¯s vanity was truly of a different realm. Though Ling Chuxi realized she would never know the answer to this, she couldn¡¯t help but wonder how other people would react upon hearing the news that Mu Liufeng had taken her on as a disciple. Perhaps gouging their eyes out would be too elementary a reaction at this point. They might then take to running into walls to smack themselves out of the alternate reality they¡¯d found themselves in where Mu Liufeng had not only passed a candidate, but had also taken on said candidate as his disciple. ¡°Tsk. What kind of a response is that? You wicked disciple. I am your master and you will address me as such! Then with great haste, I bid you to tell me how you figured out I was wearing a mask.¡± Mu Liufeng refused to move on from the tangles of this question until it was answered. ¡°There were even pores detailed into the face of this mask. It¡¯s as real as it gets. How exactly were you able to tell?¡± Chapter 66 - 66 Gaining a Strong Backer ?Chapter 66: Gaining a Strong Backer Chapter 66: Gaining a Strong Backer Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation ¡°Master? Over your vapid head! Why should I call you master?! What is so amazing about your mask? Which part of it is good exactly? I could tell it was a mask as soon as I looked at it! The workmanship certainly isn¡¯t as refined as you say it is. When you smiled, only the surface of your face seemed to move without any of the muscles supposedly lying below the skin moving along. It didn¡¯t look natural at all. Heck, I can make masks which are a hundred times better than yours!¡± Once she regained her wits about herself, Ling Chuxi began to lecture Mu Liufeng without holding back. ¡®Was this some kind of joke to him? He wants me to recognize him as a master? Please. What an odd personality he has. Moody and consumed by vanity to the point of death. Who would ever want to be a disciple to such a person?! Why, just a short while earlier he even had the murderous intent to kill me and almost did!¡¯ ¡°What was that? Oh my days, you know how to make masks? That¡¯s just so great! I¡¯d like you to make eight to ten of them as quickly as you can for me. I¡¯ll finally have something new to play with. Just think of it as a greeting gift that you, my new wicked disciple, bestowed upon me, your new master.¡± The moment Mu Liufeng heard Ling Chuxi say that she possessed this skill, his bewitching eyes lit up all the more and the perspective in his gaze towards Ling Chuxi shifted again. ¡°Look here. How can such a thing be so easily made? The mere process of getting all the materials needed is very complex and time-consuming. Plus, the materials are not so easily found so as to make that many masks. Furthermore, I refuse to recognize you as my master!¡± retorted Ling Chuxi without care for social niceties any longer. ¡°All you have to do is let me pass the entrance examination fair and square. That would suffice. Thank you.¡± ¡°The audacity! sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. How dare you speak to me like this, you wicked disciple, you!¡± seethed Mu Liufeng. He stepped back and put on his mask, transforming himself back into an ordinary-looking young man. Mu Liufeng began to hum to himself and chirped in a sing-song manner to Ling Chuxi, ¡°If you don¡¯t recognize me as your master, don¡¯t even think of passing the entrance examination!¡± ¡°You!¡± barked Ling Chuxi angrily at Mu Liufeng, who stood motionless with a languid smile on his masked face. ¡°How can there be such a man who goes around forcing people to become his disciples?!¡± ¡°All right, enough of this. Let¡¯s take it from here. From now on, you are my disciple. If anyone dares to bully you or cause you any trouble, just tell me and I will kill them,¡± said Mu Liufeng reassuringly. By the time he concluded his sentence, his eyes had turned cold and brutal, burying any doubt that he was merely joking. Ling Chuxi stroked her chin purposefully and lifted her head to glance at the surroundings as she considered this proposal. She looked directly at Mu Liufeng to clarify a point she¡¯d been pondering, ¡°Does this mean that in the future, if it comes down to fight with someone stronger than me or who has a backer stronger than me, you will be my backer and fight for me?¡± ¡°I suppose one could interpret it that way,¡± mused Mu Liufeng seriously as he also stroked his chin in deep consideration. ¡°Then, my answer is yes!¡± declared Ling Chuxi firmly as she smacked her fist into her own palm in revelation. Having a backer as strong as Mu Liufeng wasn¡¯t a bad thing at all! If she were to explore the benefits of this arrangement further, she recalled Ling Yichen saying that Mu Liufeng was someone even the principal could not touch. This was great. Mu Liufeng would be a really strong backer. What¡¯s more was that he loved flattery and was as vain as anything, which meant that he was easy to coax. If anyone was keeping score of this matter, it seemed as though Ling Chuxi had gained the upper hand with this arrangement. Therefore, having thought through all these points, Ling Chuxi happily agreed to become the disciple of Mu Liufeng! ¡°Let¡¯s go then, master. Bring me in so I can register officially as a student of White Stone Academy.¡± Ling Chuxi spoke enthusiastically to Mu Liufeng as she sheathed her Luo Chen Sword and went to collect Little White who stood a short distance away. ¡°Very well. Let¡¯s go. So, tell me my dutiful disciple, when will you be able to make those masks for me?¡± Mu Liufeng caught up to Ling Chuxi as she strode back towards the academy. He had pointedly changed his term of address for her¡ªfrom wicked disciple to dutiful disciple. ¡°Hmm. It depends on my mood. When I¡¯m in a good enough mood for it I suppose.¡± ¡°I see. And when will that be?¡± ¡­ When the teachers in charge of the examination registrations saw Mu Liufeng laughing and conversing with a young maiden, they almost let their jaws drop in surprise. Was that really Mu Liufeng? Was it really him? Why was he smiling so widely and looking as though he was trying to curry favor with a young maiden? What was going on? Previously, whenever Mu Liufeng oversaw examinations, the candidates assigned to him usually all left the academy grounds with terror-stricken faces. They were all so afraid and traumatized that some of them either peed themselves or fled with trembling buttocks. No one had ever passed the entrance examination with Mu Liufeng as the examiner before! Mu Liufeng strut in front of a shell-shocked teacher at the registration desk and allowed his words to drop like casual bombs, ¡°Register her as a student. She has passed the examination.¡± The book held in the hand of the teacher Mu Liufeng spoke to fell from the teacher¡¯s weakened grasp and hit the floor with a loud thud. Chapter 67 - 67 Incomprehensible, Unbelievable ?Chapter 67: Incomprehensible, Unbelievable Chapter 67: Incomprehensible, Unbelievable Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation Incomprehensible, Unbelievable There were altogether ten teachers stationed at the registration counter. Without exception, all ten of them dropped the books they were holding onto the floor with resounding thumps and proceeded to stare vacantly at Mu Liufeng with their mouths hanging agape. The impossible had happened. How could it be? Crazy Mu Liufeng had actually passed a candidate in the entrance examination? This must be some sort of joke. Mu Liufeng hadn¡¯t even bothered passing the nephew of a powerful marquis when he had come to be assessed at White Stone Academy before. Not only did he fail the poor young man, he had absolutely terrified the young man to the point where he had wet himself and ran out of the school grounds with a quivering behind, never to return again. Mu Liufeng was a man who hadn¡¯t even bothered giving an individual as influential as the marquis any face, but now he had gone ahead and allowed some young and random nobody to pass the entrance examination! Without bothering to disguise their obvious curiosity, all the teachers at the registration desk mechanically turned their heads in unison to take a look at Ling Chuxi. They had to see for themselves, the deity who was able to make Mu Liufeng speak sentences that included words such as, ¡°passed the examination.¡± Wait. That wasn¡¯t all. He even said this young maiden would be his disciple moving forward! Disciple. Imagine that! Dddddiiiiiiissssscccciiiipppppllllllleeeeeee¡ªthe word rang through their heads in an infinite echo. Oh, this was too much for them to bear. ¡°Guys¡­¡± admonished Mu Liufeng sternly as he frowned in annoyance. ¡°Ah, right. Err, could I get your name please, miss? Do come this way to register. The teacher standing closest to Mu Liufeng snapped out of his stunned state and immediately swooped down to pick up the dropped book lying at his feet. He beckoned Ling Chuxi over and smiled in a friendly manner at her. ¡°Ling Chuxi.¡± She announced her own name and made her way over to the registration desk to begin her registration process. Mu Liufeng was already bored now that the reactions of shock to his decision to pass Ling Chuxi had faded. He leaned lazily against a wall while waiting for her to finish up. As she diligently went through the registration process, Ling Chuxi felt all eyes on her. Everyone around her, from teachers to newly registered students were silently observing her in disbelief. Once again, Ling Chuxi realized that Mu Liufeng was no ordinary person. Usually, upon completion of registration, a new student would be shown around the academy grounds and taken to their accommodation. However, as Ling Chuxi was no ordinary new student due to her being the first to pass and taken on as a disciple under Mu Liufeng, no one dared to make this offer to Ling Chuxi despite her having finished the registration process. After a bit of an awkward wait, Mu Liufeng breezily said, ¡°Done? Let¡¯s go then, dutiful disciple. I¡¯ll bring you around so you can familiarize yourself with the academy grounds.¡± As soon as Mu Liufeng and Ling Chuxi left the registration area, the entire place broke out in an uproar. ¡°I didn¡¯t see it wrong, did I?¡± ¡°That lunatic actually passed a candidate and took her on as his disciple? This isn¡¯t a dream, righ¡ªF***! That hurts! Oi, motherf***er! What¡¯d you pinch me for?!¡± ¡°You wanted to know if you were dreaming or not, so I helped you. Now, you know.¡± ¡°Oh, is that so? Well, I¡¯m still unsure so let me pinch you right back to be absolutely sure!¡± ¡°Why do you think he decided to take on Ling Chuxi as a disciple? Is it because she¡¯s beautiful?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t be stupid. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Mu Liufeng has never coveted beauties. Remember the time he ridiculed White Stone City¡¯s top beauty until she cried? It would have been fine if he couldn¡¯t understand her kind intentions and left it as that, but he had to scold her so nastily instead. Ugh, recalling the incident just makes my heart hurt all over again.¡± ¡°Hey! Quit making a scene here with that twisted appearance of yours! Go pinch someone somewhere else!¡± ¡­ The news of Mu Liufeng passing a candidate and taking the person on as a disciple spread like wildfire throughout White Stone Academy and the entire White Stone City in less than half a day. ¡°Did you hear? Apparently, Teacher Mu has taken on a disciple.¡± Hushed whispers and loud proclamations of the news traversed through the streets of White Stone City, finally reaching the ears of Lan Xinyu. She arose from her seat in a shock so great, she was unaware she had split tea all over herself as she did so. Lan Xinyu knew Mu Liufeng as a White Stone Academy teacher who also taught martial arts. But being taught by him and being his disciple were different matters altogether. While others might not possess too deep an understanding of the true extent of Mu Liufeng¡¯s capabilities, she did. Lan Xinyu herself had once seen Mu Liufeng execute a move that was so astonishing in the sheer amount of skill it required by chance, and the sight of it was so stunning, outstanding and extraordinary that Mu Liufeng had been carved into her heart ever since! Alas, no matter how hard she tried to catch his attention, Mu Liufeng had never bothered glancing her way. Yet, he had now suddenly accepted someone else as his disciple? And what¡¯s more, word on the street is that he places great value in this person! Who was his new disciple? How on earth did this person manage to obtain such special treatment from Mu Liufeng?! Chapter 68 - 68 She Became a Thorn in Someone’s Eyes ?Chapter 68: She Became a Thorn in Someone¡¯s Eyes Chapter 68: She Became a Thorn in Someone¡¯s Eyes Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation ¡°Who did Teacher Mu accept?¡± Lan Xinyu¡¯s face changed as she asked hastily. ¡°Xinyu, don¡¯t be so anxious. It seems like he took in that person called Ling Chuxi or something like that.¡± The person who replied Lan Xinyu was called Shu Yuanfeng. He was the man who had followed behind Lan Xinyu when riding on the horse the other day. ¡°Xinyu, don¡¯t worry. I don¡¯t think it is possible. Perhaps Teacher Mu was just momentarily happy, and spoke offhandedly. Maybe after passing the news around things became as such?¡± the young maiden who said this, was the girl who had followed behind Lan Xinyu back then. She was called Pei Qianqian. The three of them were childhood friends who had grown up together. Their relationship could not be described in words. The two of them had always known that Lan Xinyu admired Mu Liufeng. Now that she heard Mu Liufeng treating someone else so special, of course they were worried Lan Xinyu would be unhappy. ¡°No, Qianqian. Teacher Mu may be very carefree, but he would not have been so easy-going regarding this matter. He doesn¡¯t care about anyone and has never looked at anyone in the eye. How could he simply accept a disciple?¡±Lan Xinyu suppressed the anger and jealousy in her heart, and squeezed out these words through the gap of her gritted teeth. ¡°Xinyu, won¡¯t we know exactly what happened when we get back?¡±Shu Yuanfeng looked at the anxious Lan Xinyu and said in comfort. ¡°Ling Chuxi, Ling Chuxi¡­ Why does this name sound familiar?¡± Lan Xinyu frowned. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After thinking, she suddenly sat down and snorted. ¡°I have recalled. This was the person grandfather was talking about. The one who has extraordinary innate talent and whatnot. Saying she had extraordinary innate talent, that even the monument used for assessment could not withstand her Ocean Qi.¡± ¡°That¡¯s exaggeration right? How is that possible! It must just be a rumor!¡± Pei Qianqian exclaimed, retorting aloud. ¡°Previously, I also did not believe. However, when these two things are added together, I think it is possible. Anyway, this Ling Chuxi is not simple. I am thinking of meeting her.¡±Lan Xinyu¡¯s gaze turned cold. ¡°Xinyu, don¡¯t be impulsive. You need to know that Teacher Mu is not easy to get along with¡­¡±Pei Qianqian advised kindheartedly. However, before she finished speaking, she was interrupted by Lan Xinyu¡¯s scream. ¡°Shut up! I know my limits!¡± Lan Xinyu practically shouted. The anger and jealousy in Lan Xinyu¡¯s heart was almost drowning her at the moment. She wanted to go crazy the moment she thought about Mu Liufeng who had never cared about anything actually looking at another person differently, yet that person was not her. Pei Qianqian was stunned. Seeing Lan Xinyu¡¯s explosive rage, she ended up not saying anything more, but rather quietly lowered her head. Shu Yuanfeng saw this and lightly sighed without saying anything more. ¡­ At this moment, Ling Chuxi was totally oblivious that someone had taken her to be a thorn in her eye. She was dealing with Mu Liufeng. ¡°Obedient disciple, when will you make me a mask? I want the kind with freckled uncle looks.¡± Mu Liufeng said excitedly. ¡°I¡¯ll make it for you some other day. Master, you are so handsome, cool, extraordinary and suave, why do you want an ugly mask?¡± Ling Chuxi waved her hand in annoyance and said. After thinking, she continued. ¡°Master, you are so wise and mighty, one in a million. Your patience must be very good too. Wait till I have made it, then I¡¯ll give it to you.¡± ¡°Yup, that¡¯s true. I have always been this wise and mighty, handsome, cool, extraordinary and suave.¡±Mu Liufeng really knew how to find the emphasis in Ling Chuxi¡¯s words. After hearing her speak for so long, he heard these few keywords. ¡°Yes, yes. However, master you are so handsome and cool, why do you need such an ugly mask?¡± Ling Chuxi was a little puzzled. Seeing Mu Liufeng only heard those keywords, she could only repeat her earlier question. Chapter 69 - 69 Misfortune ?Chapter 69: Misfortune Chapter 69: Misfortune Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation ¡°Don¡¯t you think it is unfortunate for others to gaze upon my true appearance? It worries me that people may perish at the sight of my face due to how handsome I am.¡± Mu Liufeng smiled at Ling Chuxi as he adjusted his feathery bangs and flipped his silky hair with a few flicks of his wrist while speaking. Ling Chuxi was rendered speechless. ¡°Master, should you die one day, there can only be one reason for it,¡± spat Ling Chuxi condescendingly. ¡°Really? What reason might that be? Crushed by the weight of my perfection?¡± There was a visible lilt in the allure of Mu Liufeng¡¯s eyes as he responded in a teasing manner. ¡°More like the weight of your vanity,¡± retorted Ling Chuxi plainly. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Mu Liufeng narrowed his beguiling eyes. ¡°You wicked disciple!¡± Ling Chuxi couldn¡¯t help but notice that his eyes were colored with an unspeakable charm even as he glared petulantly at her. It wasn¡¯t intentional. Mu Liufeng didn¡¯t need to put in any effort to display such charm¡ªit came to him naturally. ¡°All right, master. That¡¯s enough for now. If there is nothing else to discuss, just wait till I¡¯ve made the mask and I will give it to you then. Since the materials needed are hard to find and I will have to attend training once the term starts, I will only work on it in my spare time,¡± explained Ling Chuxi in an effort to get Mu Liufeng off her back regarding the masks. ¡°Fine. When you¡¯ve finished, give it to me as soon as possible,¡± instructed Mu Liufeng in a worried tone before taking his leave. Once Mu Liufeng left, Ling Chuxi entered her room and sprawled out on her bed. She smiled. Being Mu Liufeng¡¯s disciple wasn¡¯t a bad thing at all. She was already enjoying the perks of it by being assigned to this single room! Ling Chuxi chuckled as she thought of what took place earlier. When they arrived at the accommodation, Mu Liufeng had marched up to the teacher in charge of room allocation and made but one demand, ¡°Choose. Do you want to die, or do you want to give my disciple a single room?¡± Under the sheer domination of Mu Liufeng¡¯s murderous gaze, the teacher had agreed to allocate Ling Chuxi to a single room with trembling hands. ¡°Little White, believe me when I say that one day, I will become very strong. Even stronger than Mu Liufeng.¡± She pulled Little White close to her as she lazed on the bed and voiced her thoughts aloud with a smile. Though she spoke softly, her voice contained an amount of unprecedented determination. Only the strong were given any respect in this world. If one desired to live without having to rely on others, the only way was to become strong by oneself. One day, she would be able to stand at the world¡¯s peak and observe the rest of the world from the incredible height she¡¯d ascended to! One day, she¡¯d achieve this for sure! As Little White listened to Ling Chuxi speak, it squinted and rested a paw gently upon her head. Ling Chuxi let out a small laugh. ¡°Are you agreeing with me Little White? This is why I like you the most.¡± Little White¡¯s human-like reactions greatly amused Ling Chuxi and she happily cuddled the tiny fox as though it were a plush toy and planted a little kiss on its small face. Ling Chuxi didn¡¯t notice that this made Little White freeze. That afternoon, Ling Yichen came looking for Ling Chuxi. Regarding the matter of Ling Chuxi passing the entrance examination with Mu Liufeng as her examiner, Ling Yichen felt it was an expected yet unexpected outcome. However, regarding the matter of Mu Liufeng taking on Ling Chuxi as his disciple¡ªeven he didn¡¯t see that coming. No one could have. ¡°Congratulations on passing the examination, Chuxi.¡± A warm smile spread across Ling Yichen¡¯s composed face. ¡°It¡¯s great news.¡± ¡°Ha, thanks. Why don¡¯t you congratulate me in a more practical manner? Like, say, with roasted meat from the stall at the entrance of the academy,¡± replied Ling Chuxi cheekily without as much courtesy. Observing Ling Chuxi¡¯s bright grin, Ling Yichen felt the tension and stress seep out of him inexplicably. So it was that Ling Yichen treated Ling Chuxi to a dinner of roasted meat in celebration of her passing the entrance examination under such difficult circumstances. After the meal, Ling Chuxi placed a hand on her full belly in satisfaction as she carried Little White using her other hand. Ling Yichen bid goodnight to Ling Chuxi and gazed after her retreating figure till it had disappeared from his sight before he started walking back to his own accommodation. In the depth of night when all was quiet, Ling Chuxi was submerged in a profound slumber. Little White was supposed to be lying next to her by her pillow, but the fox was nowhere to be found. Instead, a tall and slender figure stood by her bed. The figure¡¯s familiar violet eyes danced with the hint of a smile as they admired Ling Chuxi¡¯s sleeping frame. Chapter 70 - 70 Holding Your Hand to the Corners of the Universe ?Chapter 70: Holding Your Hand to the Corners of the Universe Chapter 70: Holding Your Hand to the Corners of the Universe Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation The faint moonlight illuminated the familiar features of the man standing beside Ling Chuxi¡¯s bed in a pearly radiance. The man¡¯s silvery hair gleamed in the light, making it appear all the more enchanting. His violet eyes twinkled like a deep and starry sky, just a glance would leave one unable to forget the sight of them. A charming smile hung gently upon the man¡¯s peerless face. He bent and leaned his head forward ever so slightly to plant a soft kiss upon Ling Chuxi¡¯s forehead just as she had done to Little White earlier. Just as he did so, time seemed to have frozen. It was as though everything would remain as it was forever. ¡°Why, Little White?¡± whined Ling Chuxi as she rolled over to where Little White was supposed to be lying. The man hovered over Ling Chuxi, uncertain and a little stunned. After a beat, he realized with relief that she was merely talking in her sleep and proceeded to gather his wits about him. ¡°Why don¡¯t you try unbinding my seal, my dear?¡± The man¡¯s handsome face broke out into a stunning smile as he ventured to brush a finger lightly over Ling Chuxi¡¯s scarlet lips. ¡°If you do, I promise to hold your hand for as long as we live and follow you to the ends of the earth, should you have me. Remember me, my name is Huangfu Qingjue.¡± ¡°Huh? What¡¯s all this noise¡­¡± Ling Chuxi opened her eyes blurrily and caught a vague glimpse of a face so handsome, one¡¯s breath could catch at the sight. Silver hair and purple eyes? Who was this person with such an enchanting aura? Perhaps her mind was playing tricks on her. Ling Chuxi blinked, trying to stir herself awake as she looked around her room to see if anyone was there, but no one else was. ¡°What was that? Some kind of illusion?¡± Ling Chuxi bolted upright in bed and scanned the room doubtfully. She scratched her head in confusion. Had a handsome man randomly appeared in front of her just now? If so, then how was it possible that he suddenly disappeared into thin air? She must have been seeing things in her sleep. Just to be sure, Ling Chuxi studied the surroundings of her room cautiously again and saw that nothing was out of the ordinary. She laid down upon her bed to go back to sleep. Seeing Little White curled up by her pillow, she gently brought the fox into an embrace and drifted off into a deep slumber once more. The next morning, Ling Chuxi awoke in a huff with her eyes wide open. Was last night really an illusion? Could the man she saw with silver hair and purple eyes been a dream? The sight of him had seemed so real. Hadn¡¯t he even said that his name was Huangpu¡­ something? She couldn¡¯t remember. Anyway, it couldn¡¯t have been real. Once Ling Chuxi reached the conclusion that the sighting of a man in her room last night was just a weird dream, she stretched and let out a yawn. Then, she washed up, got dressed and left her room with Little White in tow. Today, Ling Chuxi and the rest of the candidates who had passed the entrance examination would undergo an orientation of sorts. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They would all need to take their turns viewing the issued list and listen to the principal deliver his opening, motivational speech. The teachers who would be teaching them were introduced in turn and there were instructions given as to how to arrange one¡¯s lessons and other practical matters related to being a student at White Stone Academy. The training Ling Yichen had talked about was due to begin three days later. Why so soon? The reason was simple. The entrance examination was for new students to gain admission to the academy, but the training would be undergone by both new and existing students alike! Once it was completed, all results across the board would be tabulated together to determine which students could go forward from there. Some might point out that this was unfair. Regardless of cultivation talents, theoretical knowledge or practical experience, it was a given that new students were at a disadvantage compared to existing students. How would the results accurately reflect this distinction between the two groups? The answer was that it wouldn¡¯t. It was indeed unfair and White Stone Academy¡¯s reply to this indignity was to say that the world was never fair to begin with. Why were they expected to make an effort to ensure treatment of the strong and weak would be the same across the board? If one felt the brunt of unfair treatment, then one should fight for equity for oneself. Tsk, what a cruel reality this realm had. Ling Chuxi half-heartedly listened to the principal droning on during his supposedly motivational speech and began to feel sleepy. This greatly reminded her of all the school opening ceremonies she had attended back in her previous realm. Ling Yichen couldn¡¯t help but notice Ling Chuxi yawning repeatedly and dozing off as he was standing next to her. Even as he shook his head incredulously, there was a hint of a gentle smile contained in his eyes. Finally, the principal finished speaking. There were no classes arranged in the upcoming three days leading up to the training. This time was to be spent by students to figure out their groups and preparing for the training. The grouping methods students were allowed to choose from for the training would leave an observer even more speechless. A student could choose to go solo or form groups ranging from two to ten to twenty or even a hundred people. As long as any one student had pulling power, he or she could join up with any group they so desired. Specific rules for each group based on their size would only be announced later, once all students had finished sifting themselves into groups based on their preferred grouping method. Ling Chuxi and Ling Yichen naturally decided to form a group of two. Once the crowd dispersed, Ling Chuxi and Ling Yichen thought they should head into town to shop around for whatever they felt was needed. They had just begun to walk away when someone blocked their paths. Chapter 71 - 71 I Will Protect You ?Chapter 71: I Will Protect You Chapter 71: I Will Protect You Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation ¡°Are you Ling Chuxi?¡± asked the proud-looking maiden who was blocking their way. Ling Chuxi sized up the maiden standing before her and immediately recognized her¡ªshe was the young maiden she had seen riding down the street on horseback the other day. The one the people called a peerless genius. What was with her unfriendly tone? ¡°Yes, I am. Is there anything I can help you with?¡± replied Ling Chuxi calmly. ¡°I¡¯d like to know how on earth you managed to get Teacher Mu to accept you as his disciple. I guess I¡¯ll find out during the upcoming training.¡± Lan Xinyu spoke with glaring discourtesy. By now, she had recognized Ling Chuxi as the maiden in the window she had locked eyes with when she rode into town the other day. Ling Chuxi¡¯s sharp gaze and refined temperament had left an impression on her with a mere glance. Despite this, never did Lan Xinyu think she¡¯d be someone Teacher Mu would take in as a disciple. ¡°I suppose you could ask Mu Liufeng¡ªuh, master, yourself. I don¡¯t think he¡¯d mind.¡± Ling Chuxi wasn¡¯t used to addressing Mu Liufeng as ¡°master¡± yet, but she corrected herself as she was sure he¡¯d be unhappy if he found out she was addressing him using his full name and would call her a ¡°wicked disciple¡± again. But, wait. Why did Lan Xinyu have such an infatuated look on her face? Don¡¯t tell me that the crazy, narcissistic jerk that is Mu Liufeng actually had an admirer? How illogical! Upon hearing Ling Chuxi utter Mu Liufeng¡¯s full name as such, Lan Xinyu¡¯s expression changed. Her jealousy compelled her to move her hand subconsciously towards the golden whip hanging from her waist¡ªher weapon of choice. Ling Chuxi clocked Lan Xinyu¡¯s movements and raised an eyebrow. No more playing nice. ¡°Tsk, tsk. What¡¯s up with you? You want to brawl right here at the academy?¡± asked Ling Chuxi tauntingly. She smirked. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Come on then, I¡¯m not afraid of a little fight. I have a backer, so I won¡¯t be expelled.¡± The color of Lan Xinyu¡¯s face turned pig-liver red. She was so angry that her hands began to tremble slightly. That¡¯s right, she knew as well as anyone that in order to take action against another student, one had to gain approval from the teachers first. Once the purpose of a battle had been determined as mere sparring between students so each could learn and gain pointers from the combat methods of the other, only then would permission be granted. If students were to battle without gaining permission, it would merely be considered a fight and all parties involved would be expelled. The sting of Ling Chuxi¡¯s words was very clear¡ªsince her backer was Mu Liufeng, even if she had been caught fighting with Lan Xinyu, he would shield her from any consequences unlike the lack of protection Lan Xinyu would face! Ling Chuxi¡¯s words succeeded in rubbing salt into Lan Xinyu¡¯s wounds. ¡°I must bid you farewell. I have a very busy day ahead of me since I need to attend to the matter of eating the top-rated soybean pudding from Chengxi.¡± Ling Chuxi smiled and flounced away after saying such angering-to-death-without-care-for-compensation words. She then called out to Ling Yichen who¡¯d been waiting for her a short distance away and left together with him without paying Lan Xinyu any care. Rage bubbled up in Lan Xinyu to the point of causing her to go green in the face. ¡°What an indecent person this Ling Chuxi is! I will teach her a lesson once training starts! I¡¯ll make her kneel before me and beg. Teacher Mu will be able to see clearly who is more suited to be his disciple then!¡± Lan Xinyu gripped the golden whip against her waist tightly and forced her words out through gritted teeth. ¡­ Far off in the distance, Ling Chuxi sneezed. A frown appeared on Ling Yichen¡¯s handsome face as he looked at Ling Chuxi in concern. ¡°Have you caught a cold?¡± ¡°No. It must be Lan Xinyu griping about me behind my back!¡± said Ling Chuxi with certainty. She cradled Little White tightly in her arms and added cheerfully, ¡°I couldn¡¯t possibly catch a cold with Little White warming my bed every night.¡± ¡°Still, it¡¯s better to be careful in every regard.¡± Ling Yichen turned to look back at Lan Xinyu standing a long way behind them, unmoving from where they had originally left her. There was slight concern in his voice as he continued, ¡°I think she will definitely find ways to cause trouble for you however and whenever she can. She has a monster beast with strong cultivation techniques so you should be careful.¡± Ling Chuxi¡¯s lips curled into a sneer. ¡°Really? She should bring it on then. Let¡¯s see how peerless this peerless genius truly is.¡± Ling Yichen¡¯s expression softened as he began to speak his next words, ¡°I will¡ª¡± However, Ling Chuxi cut him off happily before he could finish what he was going to say. ¡°Yichen, look! Roasted chestnuts coated with sugar! Quick, let¡¯s try some. We can order two servings to start with. One and a half portions for me and a half portion for you,¡± whispered Ling Chuxi gleefully as she looked at the cart selling roasted chestnuts. Ling Yichen gave her a feeble smile and resignedly trudged off to buy the roasted chestnuts, swallowing the words he had meant to say: ¡°I will protect you.¡± CREATORS¡¯ THOUGHTS Gunky Little White warming her bed.. Heh. If you get it you get it¡­ *smirks* Chapter 72 - 72 Life and Death is Your Own Responsibility ?Chapter 72: Life and Death is Your Own Responsibility Chapter 72: Life and Death is Your Own Responsibility Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation Ling Yichen wordlessly passed the pack of sugar-coated roasted chestnuts to Ling Chuxi. Ling Chuxi put Little White on her shoulders, then quickly took the pack from Ling Yichen and began to peel the chestnuts. Just as she was about to pop the one she had finished peeling into her mouth, a fair and slender hand reached out and snatched it away. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Hey!¡± cried Ling Chuxi angrily. She whipped her head around to glare at the person who dared steal her food away from her, only to see Mu Liufeng casually toss the chestnut he had stolen into his mouth. ¡°You¡¯re such a disrespectful person!¡± barked Ling Chuxi in annoyance at Mu Liufeng. She had to denounce his bad behavior despite him being her master. That was her chestnut that she had laboriously peeled with her own two hands! ¡°You wicked disciple! If your master partakes in your food, that means he is seeing you as someone worthy of sharing meals with,¡± retorted Mu Liufeng candidly. Needless to say, he didn¡¯t feel that snatching away his own disciple¡¯s food was something to be ashamed of. ¡°Teacher Mu,¡± greeted Ling Yichen respectfully. He had naturally guessed at the identity of the chestnut-stealing man who stood before him and Ling Chuxi. Mu Liufeng was a name he had heard spoken in many a discussion before, but this was his first time seeing the man behind the name in person. At first impression, there didn¡¯t seem to be anything remarkable about him aside from his set of very charming eyes. ¡°Hmm,¡± snorted Mu Liufeng by way of recognizing Ling Yichen¡¯s greeting. For Mu Liufeng, this was considered a courteous response. ¡°Do you have any advice for the upcoming training, master?¡± questioned Ling Chuxi as she peeled a chestnut. She popped the chestnut into her mouth the second she finished peeling it, fearful of Mu Liufeng stealing it away again. ¡°Nope,¡± replied Mu Liufeng offhandedly. After a giving Ling Chuxi¡¯s question more of a brief thought, he added, ¡°If you die then you deserve it.¡± Ling Chuxi¡¯s lips twitched. What kind of master was this?! ¡°I have other matters to attend to, so, later.¡± Mu Liufeng threw out a cavalier goodbye before floating away. Literally. Even up to this point, Ling Chuxi had yet to deduce his level of cultivation. Once Mu Liufeng was well out of earshot, Ling Chuxi muttered under her breath, ¡°Tell me, Yichen. With such an awful personality, how is it that he still has an admirer?¡± ¡°Because he¡¯s very powerful,¡± answered Ling Yichen succinctly and practically. Upon hearing Ling Yichen¡¯s words, Ling Chuxi lowered her head and remained silent for some time. When she raised her head again, her gaze was sharpened by determination. Indeed, that¡¯s how things were here. Only the strong are respected! ¡­ It was only during the training three days later that all newly accepted students realized they were facing White Stone Academy¡¯s real admissions test. The ones who were able to persevere through the training would be truly accepted students of White Stone Academy! This time, the training was held at the White Stone Canyon ten miles from White Stone City. Ling Chuxi and Ling Yichen stood together in a group of two. What surprised Ling Chuxi was that all participating students were required to sign a death indemnity. The terms listed in the indemnity were easy enough to understand¡ªparticipation in the training was deemed voluntary and that one would be held responsible for one¡¯s own life and death! That clause alone had scared off quite a number of new students. Many thought passing the innate talent assessment and entrance examination meant they had nothing more to worry about. Never did they think the real examination came after and that it would be so dangerous! However, Ling Chuxi saw it differently. She admired White Stone Academy for organizing such a training because it tested the valor and tenacity of students. One would not make it far along the road of cultivation without possessing such qualities. Those who refused to sign the death indemnity would have no place as students at White Stone Academy. Ling Chuxi and Ling Yichen signed the death indemnity without a word. When they looked around, they saw that some of the students around them were afraid to sign and withdrew their participation instead. Aside from the few dropouts, there were still many students who were willing to sign and participate. The teacher in charge of the training this time was the academy¡¯s vice principal. He took a look at the number of students who decided to participate and nodded his head in satisfaction. The turnout was rather large this year. Hopefully, many of them would pass the training and be able to properly enroll at White Stone Academy. In order to pass the training, students just had to meet one requirement¡ªthey had to pass through White Stone Canyon and reach the other side of it within seven days and nights. Chapter 73 - 73 Everyone Has Their Own Secrets ?Chapter 73: Everyone Has Their Own Secrets Chapter 73: Everyone Has Their Own Secrets Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation White Stone Canyon stretched a few dozen miles. The canyon terrain consisted of steep rocky cliffs, wetlands which appeared harmless but which contained danger from every angle, and a lake with bone-piercingly cold water. Students participating in the training were expected to find ways to overcome the dangerous terrain and make it to the other side of the canyon on their own. Every piece of material gathered or hunted by each group would be tallied into the final results. Indeed, White Stone Canyon contained danger at every turn. However, it was also a treasure trove. There were wild beasts whose bodies possessed medicinal value and a multitude of rare and precious herbs to be found. One might even encounter savage beasts armed with horns or leathered hides which could be used to make weapons. If one was lucky enough, perhaps one might come across a monster beast. Anyone who manages to find and tame a monster beast to become their mystical pet received much admiration. There was an equal proportion of danger and opportunity within the canyon. Many an adventurer had ventured into White Stone Canyon in hopes of striking it rich. Some did, but many others lost their lives in such a pursuit. The White Stone Academy had selected this place as the grounds for the training to put the courage and determination of their students to the utmost test. What a cruel and vivid first lesson this was! With such tough methods, it was no wonder why White Stone Academy was the fifth best academy nationwide! Ling Chuxi¡¯s empty hands swung by her sides as she walked. The Luo Chen Sword was strapped securely to her waist and Little White was curled around her neck, functioning as a captivatingly beautiful fur neck warmer. Meanwhile, Ling Yichen was having a hard time. He carried a big, hefty bag upon his back filled with his and Ling Chuxi¡¯s belongings. Unlike the cumbersome cloth bundles other students carried on their backs, Ling Yichen was sporting a simple backpack with shoulder straps and small pouches all over its body and sides to make it easier to store and retrieve things. This bag was made by Ling Chuxi herself specially for the training. Once the teacher in charge blew the start whistle, training officially began. Ling Chuxi and Ling Yichen walked into White Stone Canyon alongside other groups of students. ¡°Yichen, what prize does one get for getting first place in this training?¡± asked Ling Chuxi offhandedly as they walked. Ling Yichen seemed to care a great deal about the first-place prize and was determined to get it at all costs. ¡°A Seven Star Flower,¡± answered Ling Yichen in a serious tone after a beat of silence. A Seven Star Flower? Ling Chuxi racked her brain to recall what the use of this flower was. That¡¯s right. It was a priceless herb with seven petals that were different colors. It could cure illnesses caused by common poisoning and was able to be used to make a rare medicinal pill. What did Ling Yichen want it for? Ling Yichen didn¡¯t say anything further on the matter and Ling Chuxi didn¡¯t press him into divulging more. Everyone had their secrets after all. If and when Ling Yichen wanted to talk about it, he would bring it up. If he didn¡¯t wish to say any more then no matter how many times someone asked him about it, it would be in vain. After entering the canyon, all the students began to slowly disperse into different directions in different groups. As Ling Chuxi and Ling Yichen progressed deeper into the canyon, the path stretching out ahead of them slowly got quieter and the sky became dimmer. Ling Chuxi dug out the spiced pine nuts she had packed yesterday and started munching on them while scouting their surroundings. The air was fresher and more humid within the canyon. Some herbs only grew specially in this specific climate the canyon possessed. ¡°Yichen, I feel we can easily rack up a fortune here,¡± said Ling Chuxi happily as she eyed a few herbs growing under a large tree ahead of them. ¡°Are those¡­ Indeed, those are Geocentric Flowers.¡± Ling Yichen hesitated initially before confidently stating the name of the herb. ¡°But I don¡¯t think they are worth much money, are they?¡± ¡°They¡¯ll be worth quite a bit after they¡¯ve been refined into medicinal pills. Plus, the one in the middle looks more than ten years old. It can be used to refine a fair amount of Di Medicinal Pills,¡± said Ling Chuxi as she pointed at one of the herbs. Di Medicinal Pills were miraculous healing pills. All medicinal pills were divided into three tiers¡ªlower, intermediate and advanced. Naturally, the advanced tier pills resulted in the best effects. A lower-tier Di Medicinal Pill could sell for 50 silver taels, but an intermediate tier one could sell for more than 500 taels. Advanced tier pills were worth more than 5000 taels. The disparity in range truly left one flabbergasted. Ling Chuxi considered a few thousand taels a small fortune as she was currently not rich. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 74 - 74 Being Robbed But Ended Up Robbing ?Chapter 74: Being Robbed But Ended Up Robbing? Chapter 74: Being Robbed But Ended Up Robbing? Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation ¡°You know how to refine pills?!¡± blurted Ling Yichen as he looked at Ling Chuxi in astonishment. His eyes were full of disbelief at her casual words. She was a pill master! Did Ling Chuxi even know how much pill masters were valued? A pill master pretty much equated to great wealth and a respectable status! The probability of failure during the pill refinement process was very high. The higher the tier of the pill, the higher the chance of failure. The beneficial effects such medicinal pills enabled were a far cry from decocted herbs. Medicinal pills were especially important in this realm as cultivation was such a widespread practice here. It was a difficult task to be a pill master. It required a great amount of innate talent. An amount so vast that it was incomparable to the quantity of innate talent a cultivator possessed. If the innate talent of a cultivator was one in a thousand, then the innate talent of a pill master was one in ten thousand and perhaps even scarcer than that. One might dare offend a strong cultivator, but one would not dare offend a superb pill master. With a mere flick of their fingers, they would be able to refine a supreme tier medicinal pill and have many a strong cultivator willingly risk their lives in their stead! Instead of chasing offenders down themselves, pill masters sent powerful cultivators after such offenders to kill them. These offenders would panic and run about helter-skelter to avoid such a fate, never to live in peace ever again. ¡°I know a little about it,¡± answered Ling Chuxi nonchalantly. Ling Yichen remained silent for a while. If he¡¯d learnt anything from his interactions with Ling Chuxi, it was that what she termed as little was not what he would consider little. He looked up to see Ling Chuxi happily rushing off to collect the herbs she had pointed out earlier and felt a jolt of shock go through his heart. ¡®Chuxi, how many other secrets do you have that I¡¯m unaware of?¡¯ Just as Ling Chuxi got to her feet cheerfully after picking the herbs she wanted, a cold voice rang out from her right. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°If you don¡¯t want to ruin your pretty face, put the herbs down and get lost immediately.¡± Ling Chuxi¡¯s gaze frosted over. She turned and saw five people dressed in black undercover mission garments. They were standing in single file with weapons in their hands. The one leading the charge was a man with a scar on his face. There was an arrow nocked in the drawn bow in his hands that was directed right at Ling Chuxi¡¯s face. Was this a robbery attempt? Ling Chuxi blinked at the five people before her. Amongst the three men and two women, they had archers, swordsmen and a dagger wielder. Their expressions were all on point. Every one of them glared at Ling Chuxi aggressively, looking ready to strike at once should she not comply with their demands. They must be older students at White Stone Academy. Both new and older students were participating in the training together, but based on their dressing and manner of conduct, this group were clearly not made up of new students. Their calm and savvy attitudes spoke to the fact that they were used to this kind of thing from having done it before. ¡°Why¡¯d you even want these herbs for? It¡¯s amazing that you think they¡¯re worth anything,¡± muttered Ling Chuxi. These herbs were sold for a mere dozen taels at medicinal halls¡ªthey were only worth anything if they were refined into medicinal pills. ¡°No matter how little something is worth, it¡¯s still worth something. Doesn¡¯t matter how small a mosquito is, it¡¯s still something to eat in desperate times. Wouldn¡¯t you agree? Little sister, if you don¡¯t want to hurt yourself just put down the herbs and piss off with that little sugar-baby face of yours,¡± said the young man who stood next to the man with the facial scar. He laughed as he spoke. His laughter was obnoxious and the words he spewed even more so. ¡°Yichen, they want to rob us. What should we do?¡± asked Ling Chuxi innocently as she tilted her head to look at Ling Yichen. ¡°Should we just let them¡­ or should we rob them instead?¡± Ling Yichen¡¯s lips twitched at the sound of Ling Chuxi¡¯s question. Situations like this were common during White Stone Academy¡¯s annual training. The academy never made efforts to stop it and if anything, quietly condoned it. As the world was indeed cruel, allowing students to gain exposure to its injustices as such wasn¡¯t deemed a bad thing. However, as to the question of whether or not to rob them instead, Ling Yichen would have rather Ling Chuxi asked it in a tone that wasn¡¯t pure or innocent in any regard. Chapter 75 - 75 Can You Not Step on My Face When Beating Me Up ?Chapter 75: Can You Not Step on My Face When Beating Me Up? Chapter 75: Can You Not Step on My Face When Beating Me Up? Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation Although Ling Yichen grumbled in his heart, he still slung the backpack down resignedly before deftly unsheathing his sword and attacking the five older students with lightning-quick reflexes. Though his opponents were his seniors, there wasn¡¯t even a hint of fear upon Ling Yichen¡¯s face. Clearly, Ling Yichen didn¡¯t even deem these five individuals worthy of his acknowledgement. Ling Yichen¡¯s gaze was razor-sharp as he circulated his Battle Qi. With white light emitting from his sword, he rushed swiftly towards the leader of the group¡ªthe scar-faced archer who had aimed his arrow at Ling Chuxi. Scarface had made the assumption that Ling Chuxi was simply a tag-along, a weakling Ling Yichen wanted to protect¡ªthe weak link in their group of two. Ling Yichen could tell what scar-face thought, so once he drew his sword, he attacked him first. Scar-face¡¯s face sank and unease rose in his heart. He could sense Ling Yichen¡¯s level of cultivation wasn¡¯t something he could withstand. One could even say, it wasn¡¯t something all five of them could withstand. Therefore, it was essential to catch hold of this fair-faced pretty boy¡¯s weakness! They were a little unlucky today, weren¡¯t they? They had kicked a ¡°metal piece¡± by accident, but fortunately, he had brought along a ¡°soft bunny¡± with him. This made things easier for the five of them to handle! Scar-face shot the arrow he had been nocking in his bow, the one aimed at Ling Chuxi¡¯s face. Although he felt it was a pity that such a beautiful maiden would be disfigured by his arrow, he was a person who didn¡¯t covet beauties but loved wealth the most! This was why he didn¡¯t even hesitate to fire that arrow at Ling Chuxi. However, he soon realized that his assumptions were wrong. Ling Chuxi was no weakling. Nor was she a tag-along or the weak link within the duo she formed with Ling Yichen! The arrow whistled sharply as it sailed through the sky towards Ling Chuxi¡¯s face. With great speed, Ling Yichen slashed through the arrow with a backhanded swipe of his sword, but Ling Chuxi moved even faster! In only the blink of an eye, Ling Chuxi¡¯s cold and beautiful face had appeared right before them! There was a loud crack as the arrow was split into two by Ling Yichen¡¯s slash and it fell to the ground harmlessly in pieces. But before this, Ling Chuxi had already moved to stand before scar-face and knocked him far and away with the back of her sword. In that split second, a glint of light flashed as quickly as lightning¡ªthe unsheathed blade of Ling Chuxi¡¯s sword. Before any of the remaining four had time to figure out what happened, they too were knocked into the air and flew off into the distance in motions that made it look as though they were free and happy. Once all five of them were sprawled on the ground half dead, feelings of terror and gratitude came to them at the same time! They were terrified at having encountered a strong cultivator, one who was a lot stronger than they were. But, they also felt lucky that such a strong opponent only used Battle Qi and the back of a sword to attack them! If it were any other way, they would not have fallen to the ground in one piece like this, but in two halves! Who was this maiden exactly? How could she be so strong? What level had her Battle Qi reached? Level 5? Or had it reached an even more terrifying height¡ªLevel 6? And to think that they thought she was a ¡°soft bunny¡±! Never did it occur to them that she was the real ¡°metal piece¡±! ¡°How weak! This doesn¡¯t let me gain any real combat experience at all!¡± barked Ling Chuxi as she walked towards scar-face in disappointment and placed her foot upon his face. She was very upset. Ling Chuxi knew she was not considered weak, but she did feel she lacked in experience when it came to circulating her Battle Qi during active combat. When she saw that these five wanted to rob her, she was secretly delighted at the chance to gain combat experience with her Battle Qi. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. However, she didn¡¯t expect the battle to end with an instant kill! Scar-face was almost about to cry. Things shouldn¡¯t have ended up this way! Being beaten up, having one¡¯s face stepped on and being spoken to with such insulting words. And what blunt insults they were too! It was too wounding on one¡¯s self-esteem. Chapter 76 - 76 Who is This Girl ?Chapter 76: Who is This Girl? Chapter 76: Who is This Girl? Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation Ling Yichen was stunned and stood rooted to the spot for quite a while before he regained his senses. He had long known that Ling Chuxi¡¯s cultivation prowess wasn¡¯t weak, but he never thought she was this strong! What level was Ling Chuxi¡¯s Battle Qi at? Was it at a higher level than his own? How was this possible? There was much doubt in his heart, but Ling Yichen suddenly felt that though this might not be possible should it be someone else, it might be possible because it was Ling Chuxi! Ling Chuxi¡¯s next line of action left Ling Yichen even more speechless and shell-shocked. She knelt next to the prone bodies of the five people who had tried to rob her and began searching them. She really was out to rob them instead. What a typical scenario of a con within a con. Ling Chuxi was searching very earnestly. She had dug out all their money bags, but they didn¡¯t contain much because the students didn¡¯t bring much money with them into the canyon. In the end, Ling Chuxi just took the last few copper coins scar-face had on him. He was truly speechless even as he lay still and unable to move. ¡°Big sis, please. You¡¯ve got to leave us a path to survive at least,¡± scar-face managed to choke out. When he had robbed people in the past, he hadn¡¯t robbed them of all their belongings completely. He only took the things which mattered the most to them and left the rest. However, this innocent-looking and beautiful new student who stood towering above his prone body now was actually unwilling to even let go of the last few copper coins he had on him. ¡°Regardless of how small a mosquito is, it¡¯s still something to eat in desperate times, right?¡± retorted Ling Chuxi as she gave a brilliant smile and pocketed the few copper coins without hesitation. At this, scar-face shed tears. ¡°Big sis, you are more suitable to be in this field.¡± He choked out the words between tears. ¡°Oh, a worthy suggestion,¡± said Ling Chuxi solemnly while rubbing her chin in serious thought. ¡°Chuxi!¡± called out Ling Yichen gruffly in a low voice without any care for courtesy. What kind of thinking was this?! ¡°You don¡¯t want your tongue anymore, huh!¡± barked Ling Yichen as he took a step forward and raised his arm to stab his sword into the ground right next to scar-face¡¯s mouth. How dare this scum think of trying to misguide another! How dare he try to misguide Ling Chuxi! He was practically asking for death! This near-fatal strike scared scar-face so greatly that he trembled and wailed. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°I mean, don¡¯t think about it too much, big sis. There¡¯s nothing good about this vocation. We have to eat outdoors and live without a roof over our heads while always being on edge and worried about everything. If one¡¯s luck is good, they¡¯ll earn a little. But with bad luck, as you can see, you¡¯ll end up like us. Of course, of course, you won¡¯t be so easily beaten. How, however¡­ it¡¯s still really not a good thing to choose such a vocation!¡± Scar-face realized he was about to say something very wrong midway through his speech, so he hurriedly changed his words. ¡°I¡¯m not interested in your vocation. It¡¯s just that you¡¯d better not approach me again. If you do, I¡¯ll rob you of even your underwear.¡± Ling Chuxi stretched out a leg and kicked scar-face. Ling Yichen almost lost his mind upon hearing Ling Chuxi¡¯s words. What? She¡¯d rob him of even his underwear? That¡¯s it? Wasn¡¯t this letting him and his cronies off too easily?! The way Ling Yichen looked at scar-face became even more unkind. At the sight of the murderous gaze that swept across Ling Yichen¡¯s face, scar-face was about to burst into tears again. He guaranteed that he and his posse would hide far, far away should they ever cross paths with Ling Chuxi in the future. Definitely! For sure! Finally, Ling Chuxi pocketed the money bags she found on the five thieves before she turned and left with Ling Yichen. Scar-face and the rest of his gang remained lying on the ground for half a day before they were able to sit and stand up. ¡°Who do you think that girl is?¡± asked one of the thieves in a traumatized voice after climbing to his feet. ¡°I heard that man call her Chuxi. Could it be that she is that¡ª¡± ¡°Ling Chuxi?!¡± shouted the rest of the thieves all at once. The name Ling Chuxi was a familiar one to a good few of them. The news of Mu Liufeng accepting a disciple had been a hot topic for the past few days. Of course, they knew the name Ling Chuxi. Chapter 77 - 77 Such an Honest Scarface ?Chapter 77: Such an Honest Scarface Chapter 77: Such an Honest Scarface Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation So, the person who had robbed them penniless was actually Ling Chuxi! ¡°She is Teacher Mu¡¯s disciple is she not?¡± ¡°We got lucky.¡± Scar-face rubbed his neck with his palm reassuringly. Luckily his neck was intact. For someone that had been accepted by Mu Liufeng as his disciple, how ordinary of person could she be? ¡°In the future, let¡¯s not ever offend her. She¡¯s too strong,¡± said the person who spoke such obnoxious words to Ling Chuxi earlier on. He patted his own chest as he spoke to calm the trauma he felt. ¡°Exactly, exactly. We¡¯ll have to make a round or divert to a different route if we see her.¡± One of the women spoke up this time. She was drenched in a cold sweat. ¡°Ling Chuxi? How can she be counted as anything!¡± Just as scar-face and the rest of his gang were lamenting their fates, a female voice rang out from nearby. Its tone was angry and contemptuous. ¡°Who goes there?¡± asked scar-face unhappily as he turned around, just about to explode himself. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Today, he had lost his reputation. And now, someone was here to provoke him even further. It was only right that he took the opportunity to reclaim some of his reputation. But once he saw who the voice belonged to, he quickly swallowed his intentions and was once again left speechless. He had definitely left for the day without looking at his almanac today. How was it that he had just sent off a star of misfortune only to have another fierce goddess take her place? Before him stood the very person who was known as the peerless genius from White Stone Academy¡ªLan Xinyu! ¡°What just happened?¡± Lan Xinyu had heard Ling Chuxi¡¯s name being uttered from afar and as she was very sensitive to the name, she had strained to hear the context in which it was being discussed. Unexpectedly, she had heard them talking about how strong Ling Chuxi was and how she was indeed the disciple of Teacher Mu. As she heard these words being spoken, they were akin to someone rubbing salt on her wound! It would be odd if she had felt good after hearing such words. She wanted to know what exactly had happened for these people to be sighing as such. ¡°Well, just now, just now¡­¡± Scar-face trailed off and thought about how he should describe the events that had played out earlier in a less shameful way. ¡°Did all of you try to rob her unsuccessfully?¡± Lan Xinyu looked at scar-face stuttering away and voiced her own guess. Lan Xinyu knew a few of these people. They were indeed older students who wielded more seniority. Every time training rolled around, they would try to take advantage of the chaos. They specialized in attacking new students. Of course, they¡¯d also attack older students who possessed lower levels of cultivation than them. Although the cultivation this group possessed wasn¡¯t very strong, it wasn¡¯t considered weak either. She remembered that Ling Chuxi had grouped up with only one other man. Scar-face and his gang couldn¡¯t defeat Ling Chuxi¡¯s group of two people? Upon hearing Lan Xinyu¡¯s words, scar-face and his gang kept quiet and silently lowered their heads. ¡°All of you are just useless! Five people against two new students and all of you weren¡¯t able to defeat them!¡± Lan Xinyu observed their reactions and knew her guess had been right. She felt even more anger in her heart and started scolding them. Scar-face raised his head sheepishly, blinked and replied honestly, ¡°No, we weren¡¯t. The five of us couldn¡¯t even defeat Ling Chuxi alone. The man she was with didn¡¯t attack us in time before she did.¡± ¡°Ugh, garbage! All of you!¡± Lan Xinyu had thought scar-face was about to say something important but instead he had spoken words she¡¯d never thought he¡¯d say. This made Lan Xinyu even angrier. ¡°Look, she was able to become Teacher Mu¡¯s disciple. That means she¡¯s skilled. We don¡¯t feel that it¡¯s an injustice losing to her,¡± said scar-face as he pursed his lips. ¡°Get lost! You¡¯re all just a pile of garbage!¡± shouted Lan Xinyu angrily at scar-face and his gang. Scar-face and his ilk didn¡¯t say any more. They swiftly gathered their things and left, disappearing speedily from Lan Xinyu¡¯s line of sight. ¡°Ling Chuxi, I really want to see for myself exactly how capable you are!¡± said Lan Xinyu coldly as she withdrew the golden whip by her waist and whipped it ruthlessly, slicing through the air. Chapter 78 - 78 Princess, Star of Misfortune ?Chapter 78: Princess, Star of Misfortune Chapter 78: Princess, Star of Misfortune Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation Once Lan Xinyu put away her whip, she moved swiftly forward. Shu Yuanfeng and Pei Qianqian, who were standing behind her, exchanged glances and shook their heads helplessly before following after her. Ling Chuxi was completely unaware that Lan Xinyu was on her tail. At present, she and Ling Yichen stood by a steep rocky cliff. They were making preparations to pick a Stone Lotus Flower. ¡°Be careful, Chuxi,¡± said Ling Yichen worriedly. Beneath Ling Chuxi¡¯s feet stretched a vast descent of cliffside. Ling Yichen felt extremely worried as he observed Ling Chuxi reaching out a hand to catch hold of the Stone Lotus Flower. ¡°It¡¯ll be fine,¡± replied Ling Chuxi in a relaxed manner with a smile. She gathered her Battle Qi in the palm of her hand and held onto the lower stem of the Stone Lotus Flower. After using some strength, she managed to pull it out by the root. Once she pulled it out, she quickly put the Stone Lotus Flower into a wooden box made of jade and sealed it. If a herb such as the Stone Lotus Flower was not sealed away in preservation, its medicinal properties would be largely reduced. When she was done collecting the herb, Ling Chuxi looked over at the rocky cliffs on the other side. After passing through this steep cliff wall, there would be plain fields ahead. This journey was also a trial for the academy students¡¯ skills as one could slowly leap over this steep cliff wall with the help of the rocks protruding from the stone wall if their skills were good enough. Ling Chuxi and Ling Yichen leapt and landed lithely onto pieces of rocks jutting out of the cliff wall and made it to the other side very quickly. Though harsh, this kind of environment was not considered a substantial challenge to Ling Chuxi and Ling Yichen. Not long after both of them left the cliff wall, the figures of Lan Xinyu and the rest of her posse entered from the other side. Lan Xinyu snorted condescendingly and leapt without breaking a sweat. Her feet landed on the rocks jutting out along the cliff wall as she crossed over to the other side easily. Shu Yuanfeng and Pei Qianqian followed closely behind her. Just as Lan Xinyu was keenly pursuing Ling Chuxi, the teachers who were in charge of registration suddenly received a piece of news outside the canyon. This piece of news made quite a few people frown. Today, the fifth princess had entered the White Stone Canyon! Many faces would change at the mention of this fifth princess. Her name was renowned. But, don¡¯t misunderstand. This fame wasn¡¯t for anything good. She was practically a star of misfortune. She was proud, stubborn, cruel, callous and unreasonable. However, what made people tremble the most was that not only was she was an expert in using poison, but her cultivation wasn¡¯t weak by any means and to date, she had successfully obtained the emperor¡¯s affections. Meeting her, would be the very symbol of bad luck. Why did this fifth princess think of coming to White Stone Canyon on this day? Was she here to look for something or was there some other reason? Why did her visit coincide perfectly with White Stone Academy¡¯s training period? Those who understood the fifth princess well knew the reason behind her decision. This was no coincidence. Rather, the princess was bored and purposely set aside time to meet the White Stone Academy¡¯s students in training for her own amusement! ¡°Pass along the message to take a long way around to avoid the princess should anyone encounter her. Inform as many people as you can.¡± The teacher-in-charge of leading the students stated this directive decisively. He did not wish to see his own students mysteriously crippled by the fifth poisonous princess. That¡¯s right, this princess had another name ¡ª which was, Fifth Poisonous Princess. It was a shame that once the leading teacher obtained this news and passed it along, it was already too late. Meanwhile, Ling Chuxi was coldly observing at a lavishly dressed young maiden who was smiling and swaying back and forth unscrupulously as though she were a thug. A new student from White Stone Academy was rolling about by her feet in pain. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. There were a few other extraordinarily dressed youths, both male and female alike, who were standing behind the lavishly dressed young maiden. They were all pointing and laughing at the person who was rolling on the floor in agony. ¡°Is it painful? Then beg me. Kneel down and beg me. I¡¯ll give you the antidote.¡± The lavishly dressed young maiden laughed loudly and extremely arrogantly. Chapter 79 - 79 Princess ?Chapter 79: Princess? Beaten Regardless! Chapter 79: Princess? Beaten Regardless! Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation ¡°Beg. Kneel and beg me!¡± taunted the young maiden as she laughed without restraint. ¡°Dream on!¡± spat the handsome and elegant young man who was writhing on the ground in pain. Although his pain was so great that he was unable to stand, he refused to give in and still managed to grit out these two words through clenched teeth. ¡°Oh, you seem to have some guts.¡± A cruel smile emerged on the young maiden¡¯s face. She lifted her leg, released her Battle Qi and was poised to ruthlessly stomp on the elegant, handsome young man¡¯s back. This would cause the young man to break a few bones for sure. The young maiden looked no older than fifteen or sixteen, but she was already this vicious! However, once she stomped upon the helpless young man, the crisp sounds of bones breaking didn¡¯t fill the air as the young maiden had expected. Instead, she was surprised to find herself suddenly sent flying backwards by a sudden blast and a strong wave of energy. She collapsed to the ground. The group of youth standing behind her were stunned. As everything had happened too quickly, they had yet to regain their senses to go over and help her up. ¡°Who dares! The impudence! Who dares sneak an attack on me, the princess! Do you not want to live anymore?!¡± screamed the young maiden angrily from where she had collapsed on the ground. ¡°Are all of you blind? Aren¡¯t you going to come and help me up?!¡± Yup. This unruly young maiden dressed lavishly was indeed the current fifth princess, Fu Huayi. The group of youth accompanying her were her attendants, the descendants of court nobles. After being scolded by the fifth princess, her attendants chaotically rushed to help her up. She, on the other hand, abruptly smacked their hands away and climbed back onto her feet on her own. Then, she cast a vicious look at the person who dared to attack her. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Currently, Ling Chuxi and Ling Yichen were busy helping the poisoned young man sit up. ¡°Are you all right?¡± asked Ling Yichen with a concerned frown. ¡°Tell me, would I be all right in this condition?¡± answered the elegant young man laboriously as he managed a smile. Ling Chuxi glared coldly at the lavishly dressed young maiden who was viciously staring right back and rushed toward her with an outstretched hand, demanding, ¡°Give me the antidote now.¡± ¡°Antidote? Ha! There is never an antidote for the poisons that I, the princess, prescribe.¡± The fifth princess sized up the young maiden who had dared to attack her. Obviously, her opponent was unaware of her identity to dare speak her to like this. The fifth princess deduced that her opponent¡¯s face was not bad looking, but that seeing it left as it was made her feel like it was unsightly. It would look better once it was disfigured. ¡°It¡¯s just Thousand Grass Cream. How can there be no antidote? Are you that stupid?¡± sneered Ling Chuxi as she laid bare the name of the common poison used by the fifth princess. Under the astonished stare of the fifth princess and her attendants, Ling Chuxi had already launched an attack. The princess¡¯ attendants shouted in surprise. ¡°Protect the¡ªArgh!¡± Ling Chuxi sent the attendants flying before any of them could react. The fifth princess was incredibly astonished. Just as she was thinking of fighting back, Ling Chuxi had already circled behind her and she felt a precise kick land on the back of her knees. The fifth princess was caught off-guard and fell to the ground in a kneeling position. Before she had time to catch her breath, Ling Chuxi had already searched her and snatched her bag away to remove a porcelain bottle from within it. Ling Chuxi threw the bottle over to Ling Yichen. ¡°Give him this. One is enough,¡± instructed Ling Chuxi solemnly after throwing the bottle over. After the elegant young man swallowed one of the red pills from the porcelain bottle, the pain in his body subsided at once. Color slowly returned to his face. ¡°You impudent, despicable peasant! Do you know who she is? How dare you attack a princess?!¡± cried one of the attendants who had been beaten to the ground by Ling Chuxi. He had laboriously climbed to his feet and had started scolding Ling Chuxi furiously the moment he did. ¡°The princess will return and inform the emperor of this at once. He will order for at least nine generations of your clan to be executed!¡± Chapter 80 - 80 Practically a Flower ?Chapter 80: Practically a Flower Chapter 80: Practically a Flower Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation Ling Chuxi glanced at the arrogant young man without saying a word. She removed another porcelain bottle from the fifth princess¡¯ bag without batting an eye and took out a pill from it. Then, she took another pill from yet another porcelain bottle that was in the princess¡¯ bag and began rubbing the two pills together. She completed all these actions with incredible speed before looking over at the arrogant young man. Only the fifth princess managed to catch Ling Chuxi¡¯s actions. What kind of effect would result from rubbing those two pills together? ¡°You know, you¡¯re really handsome. You¡¯re so attractive and carefree, like a graceful flower in a field. I can¡¯t help but be fascinated by your elegant demeanor. There¡¯s only one thing I can¡¯t be sure of yet. As a handsome young man who has fascinated tens of thousands of young maidens, you probably have straight and dazzlingly white teeth, am I right? Can I have a look? Say ahhhh.¡± Ling Chuxi unleashed a brilliant smile upon the arrogant young man. Her smile was as lovely as a beautiful flower, her tone was sincere, and her gaze was full of affection as she spoke. That look of admiration Ling Chuxi wore on her face really made it seem as though what she was saying was what she truly thought. Only Ling Yichen shuddered involuntarily at her words. As far as he was concerned, all shared experiences with Ling Chuxi have shown that the more brilliant her smile and the more flattering her words, the more terrible the recipient¡¯s ending! Since the young man had clearly never heard such complimentary words directed his way before, he was taken aback and actually did as Ling Chuxi told him to with a cooperative attitude and a small smile. Aha! Good! This is the moment. Ling Chuxi moved quickly and flicked the two pills she had rubbed together in her hands into the young man¡¯s open mouth. The very next moment¡­ A sound akin to a pig squealing before being slaughtered echoed through the forest. It was so piercing that it seemed to break through the clouds and shake the surface of the earth till it trembled. The crowd stood with their eyes practically popping out of their sockets and their mouths hanging agape as they stared at the young man thrashing about on the ground without care for maintaining his image. He was howling his head off with a face covered in tears and snot, in a pose that made him look as though he was about to bang his head on the ground. The sight of him left everyone feeling traumatized. How was this guy the same person as the carefree and elegant young man who stood here just a moment before? ¡°Argh! Let me die! Just let me die!¡± cried out the young man who was in such pain that he felt death was more preferable. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This finally made the fifth princess¡¯ expression change. Though the poisonous pills were her creation, they had never worked to this point of effectiveness. Here before her, was the true effect of a poison that made one feel as though dying was better than living! If she had been fed the same pills, then¡­ A cold sweat broke out across her forehead. When she looked at Ling Chuxi again, it was with a different gaze. Someone couldn¡¯t bear watching the young man suffer any longer and knocked him out with the hilt of his sword. Even though he lay unconscious, the young man was obviously still in pain as his eyebrows were knit tightly together, cold sweat was beading on his forehead and his legs were twitching. ¡°Your highness was it?¡± asked Ling Chuxi as she finally turned to look at the princess again. Though her smile was bright, her tone of voice was contradictorily perfunctory. ¡°So, you are the princess. I have been disrespectful.¡± There was a brilliant smile on Ling Chuxi¡¯s face once more and it made the fifth princess¡¯ heart break out in goosebumps. ¡°She¡¯s the current fifth princess, Chuxi,¡± cautioned Ling Yichen as he stepped forward solemnly. The fifth princess was someone who had obtained the current emperor¡¯s affections. There wouldn¡¯t just be a few useless attendants by her side, a few masters were most likely watching from the shadows ready to jump in and protect her. If Ling Chuxi attacked the fifth princess, those hidden masters would not turn a blind eye and Ling Yichen didn¡¯t wish to see Ling Chuxi get hurt. ¡°Ah, the Fifth Poisonous Princess?¡± Ling Chuxi pondered for a bit before remembering the nickname. This princess was well known indeed. Hearsay, she was a goddess proficient in using poisons. This was why no one dared to offend her. But the fact of the matter was, no matter how proficient she was in using poisons, she was merely a child playing house in front of Ling Chuxi. ¡°That¡¯s right. She is well-versed in the use of various poisons,¡± said Ling Yichen as he glanced over at the fifth princess who looked as though she had lost her soul. He added, ¡°It¡¯s better that we take our leave. There¡¯s no need to be bothered with her.¡± ¡°Well-versed in the use of various poisons, huh? Tch¡­¡± Ling Chuxi looked at the princess in disdain and tutted to express her indifference. Was this what people deemed as well-versed in using poisons? After she was done looking down on the fifth princess, Ling Chuxi skillfully put the princess¡¯ bag she held in her hands into the pocket of her robe. The contents of the bag were still useful, they might come in handy in the future. Speechlessly, Ling Yichen rubbed his fingers against his forehead at Ling Chuxi¡¯s actions. He felt he might need to settle a score with scar-face after all. Looking at Ling Chuxi now, why, her robbing character was in full gear. Scar-face had indeed misguided Chuxi and for that, he shall await death! The fifth princess looked at Ling Chuxi with a stupid expression. She simply couldn¡¯t regain her senses. Nobody noticed how complex the emotions expressed in the fifth princess¡¯ gaze were. It was a mix of disbelief, shock and even¡­ adoration.