The grand bicentennial memorial ceremony for Old Ancestor Bei Chen was originally intended by the Big Dipper Six Sects to showcase their formidable strength—both to intimidate the Demonic Cult and to flaunt their power before other righteous sects. Yet the ceremony became fraught with unexpected twists, ultimately backfiring. Not only did it reveal the superficial harmony and underlying discord among the Six Sects, but it also culminated in the shocking and tragic incident involving Wu Yuanying.
As Cai Zhao had remarked, the ceremony was truly ill-fated.
Originally, a grand banquet was to last three days after the ceremony. However, the many sects gathered at Myriad Waters, Thousand Mountains Cliff quickly discerned the awkwardness and displeasure among the Big Dipper Six Sects and promptly took their leave, not even staying for dinner. Though the innkeepers in Qingque Town all wore expressions as if they were debt-ridden corpses, surely the food couldn’t be so bad as to poison anyone.
The first to depart was the ever-considerate Evergreen Temple. Before leaving, Venerable Fakong glanced back at the resplendent Dusk Micro Palace and suddenly said to Cai Pingchun, "This old monk has often thought of your elder sister lately."
Juexing Zen Master did not leave with them. As planned, he took his younger sister Ning Xiaofeng, his nephew Cai Han, and a mountain of luggage to visit the ailing Old Madam Ning. Before the nuns of Hanging Temple departed, he warmly invited Shijing Yuantai to join them—after all, this might be the last chance for the old friends to meet. Instead, he received a stern lecture from her about how "those who have left the secular world should be free of attachments and untainted by worldly dust."
Only after Juexing Zen Master and Shijing Yuantai had left did he say to the young Cai siblings, "Even those who’ve renounced the world were born to parents. If one must sever all familial ties and abandon worldly connections, then they shouldn’t even keep the orchards and vegetable gardens around the temples. They might as well all go begging for alms together."
Juexing and Ning Xiaofeng were siblings with a considerable age gap. By the time Ning Xiaofeng had yet to step into the Martial World, Juexing had already completed his training. It was said that in his youth, the Zen Master had spent six years as a disheveled monk wandering outside the temple.
For the first three years, he roamed the Martial World, unrestrained and uninhibited, engaging in all manner of activities—frequent fights, and no shortage of wine and meat passing through his gut.
The next three years saw him like a gentle rain nurturing the common folk, enthusiastically mediating neighborhood disputes—specializing in reconciling conflicts between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law, sisters-in-law, and brothers dividing family property.
Had Nie Hengcheng not suddenly acted against all reason, prompting Evergreen Temple to urgently summon him back to defend the temple, he might have even established his own "Tattered Robes Branch" of Evergreen Temple—ensuring its incense offerings would far surpass those of the main temple.
Naturally, the first among the Six Sects to leave was Grand Beginning Temple. The reason was obvious to all, so no one tried to persuade them to stay. Only Qi Yunke took Wang Yuanjing aside to offer words of encouragement, urging him not to lose heart and to strive to restore the sect’s former glory.
The severely injured Wu Gang and Wu Xiong remained at Myriad Waters, Thousand Mountains Cliff to recuperate. Once healed, they could go wherever they pleased.
This was actually the result of discussions among Qi Yunke and others.
The two were cousins of Wu Yuanying, raised under his care in Grand Beginning Temple since childhood, and thus fiercely loyal to him. Though Qiu Yuanfeng was now dead, his trusted disciples might still harbor resentment toward them. If further incidents occurred, the reputation of Grand Beginning Temple would suffer even more.
Next to leave were Vast Heaven Gate and Four Stallions Gate.
Song Shijun was eager to return and reform his sect. Upon his return, he resolved to deal with corrupt stewards—big and small—with the merciless chill of winter, to treat the widows and orphans of Thunderbolt Village with the scorching fervor of the sun, and finally, to sweep through his disciples like an autumn wind, determined to purge the defiant and resentful remnants of Qiu Yuanfeng’s influence.Yang Heying was eager to return home because his young son had been frightened and was clamoring to go back. The doting Sect Leader Yang naturally couldn't refuse.
The Jade Pendant Mountain Manor contingent, ever courteous, assisted the Azure Tower Sect disciples in cleaning up the chaotic Facing Sun Hall before taking their leave.
Zhou Zhizhen patted Cai Zhao's head, telling her to come to Jade Pendant Mountain Manor if she couldn't stay at Azure Tower Sect.
Zhou Zhixian patted Cai Zhao's head, advising her to eat well and not catch cold.
Zhou Yuqian and Zhou Yukun tried to gleefully pat Cai Zhao's head too, but were each met with a fierce slap from her.
Next was Fallen Blossom Valley.
After seeing off Juexing Zen Master and his family, Cai Pingchun wasn't in a hurry to return to the valley. He planned to first visit the ruins of the breached Chang Family Fortress before discussing revenge for the slaughtered Chang family with Qi Yunke.
Finally, only Cai Zhao remained.
She stood dazed before the Myriad Waters, Thousand Mountains Cliff for a long time, watching the figures on the iron chains grow ever more distant until they disappeared into the thick mist.
Chang Ning, knowing this was her first time being separated from family, comforted her: "Cheer up. Everyone has to grow up and stand on their own. Look at me—my family's gone and my home destroyed, yet I'm doing just fine."
Cai Zhao: "...Please, in the future, refrain from comforting people with words."
Cai Zhao finally saw the meticulously prepared Camellia Longevity Abode that Qi Yunke had arranged for her. True to its reputation, the residence was exquisite with charming scenery—flowers and trees in front, a stream behind, perfect for admiring blossoms in spring and fishing in summer. The view lifted Cai Zhao's spirits. The only drawback was its proximity to other disciples' quarters, especially Song Yuzhi's. Their dwellings were separated only by a small stream and two rows of green bamboo. If Qi Lingbo tried to harass Song Yuzhi, all he'd need to do was shout and Cai Zhao could rush over to intervene.
Chang Ning strongly objected to Cai Zhao living there, insisting she move near his quarters for close protection.
Naturally, Cai Zhao was reluctant and preferred Chang Ning move to Camellia Longevity Abode instead. But Chang Ning argued vehemently:
"Do you know why Wu Yuanying ended up in such a wretched state?"
"...Because the Demonic Cult is vicious."
"Was the Demonic Cult vicious only recently? We must look within ourselves for reasons," Chang Ning said earnestly.
"Because Qiu Yuanfeng was despicable and heartless, and Cang Qiongzi too selfish?"
"Wrong! Human hearts are mostly wicked—good people are rare. Scoundrels like Qiu Yuanfeng and Cang Qiongzi are commonplace. Grand Beginning Temple's biggest mistake was choosing the wrong allies!"
Cai Zhao looked bewildered.
Chang Ning asked her, "If that Kaiyang was someone your granduncle had captured at the cost of his life, would your aunt and father be willing to exchange him for Wu Yuanying?"
"Of course!" Cai Zhao declared firmly. "In my aunt's eyes, a hundred villains aren't worth one good person. At most, they could secretly disable the old scoundrel before the exchange. Saving Hero Wu would be well worth it."
"You see, that's the difference," Chang Ning mocked. "Old Sect Leader Yin wasn't willing."
He continued, "Even if Fallen Blossom Valley had no hostages to exchange, had Cang Huanzi been willing to set aside prejudice back then and sincerely sought your aunt's help, would Lady Cai have turned a blind eye given her character?"
Imagining her aunt's usual conduct, Cai Zhao murmured, "At the very least, she would have personally investigated whether Hero Wu was alive or dead."
Chang Ning: "Your aunt might have struggled against Nie Hengcheng, but handling a few elders and escaping unscathed would've been easy—especially since she had plenty of passionate, troublemaking comrades around her then."
After some thought, Cai Zhao had to admit Chang Ning was right.Chang Ning said, "It was just a broken sword, yet Cang Huanzi and his disciples felt their dignity was so wounded that they put on airs with cold expressions, unwilling to lower themselves to ask for help. Instead, they regarded that old fox Yin Dai as a bosom friend, not realizing how slippery he's been for decades. He might help with trivial matters, but would never shoulder any real responsibility for them."
"Is this really necessary? All this fuss over where to stay," Cai Zhao remarked. "Just get to the point already, or I'm leaving if you keep beating around the bush."
Chang Ning frowned. "Don't you think it's better to stay away from people not worth befriending? The tragic fate of Cang Huanzi and his two disciples stemmed entirely from choosing the wrong friends. Doesn't that give you any insight?"
Cai Zhao did have insights—just not the ones Chang Ning meant.
She replied slowly, "My aunt once said we shouldn't mock the unfortunate. Even if their misery stems from their own faults, they're already suffering the consequences. Others have no right to ridicule them."
"..." Now it was Chang Ning's turn for reflection. Moved, he said, "Lady Cai is truly compassionate at heart."
"I like hearing that." Cai Zhao smiled. "Alright, I'll have my things moved to your place."
Chang Ning: "...You agreed so readily?"
"Peace fosters prosperity—since you'd just cry and fuss until I agreed anyway, might as well save us both the trouble." With hands clasped behind her back, she sauntered off with an old-fashioned air of leisure.
Chang Ning's residence, the Seclusion Chamber, nestled against mountains and forests in quiet isolation. A left turn led to the medicine hut for convenient decoction preparation, while a right turn led to a mountain-encircled hot spring ideal for dispersing toxins through cultivation. One could say Sect Leader Qi had been thoroughly considerate in arranging accommodations for his old friend's son—if not for that mother-daughter pair who kept undermining things beyond reproach.
Opposite Chang Ning's quarters stood a row of vacant rooms. Cai Zhao asked Fan Xingjia to arrange cleaning, then had her servants transfer all unpacked luggage there.
The retainers Ning Xiaofeng left behind were highly capable. Without disturbing Azure Tower Sect's stewards, two maidservants and several attendants quietly tidied the empty rooms and adjacent storage spaces—even producing two small red-clay stoves for tea and incense, which conveniently doubled for preparing Chang Ning's medicine.
When Zeng Dalou came rushing to dissuade them, he found the Seclusion Chamber utterly transformed: drapes fluttering, subtle fragrance lingering, furnishings spotless. A lovely young girl dozed in a rocking chair on the veranda, radiating warmth and comfort.
"Where's Chang Ning?" Zeng Dalou glanced around.
The round-faced maid answered, "Young Master Chang is meditating to heal his injuries inside. Our young mistress is keeping watch out here."
Zeng Dalou scratched his head. "Zhao Zhao should really stay at Camellia Longevity Abode. This... isn't quite proper."
The oval-faced maid said, "Young Miss said she'll explain to the sect leader herself. No need for others to bear responsibility."
Left speechless, Zeng Dalou was rescued by Fan Xingjia's cheerful interjection: "Have you two served our junior sister since childhood? What are your names?"
The round-faced maid was Furong, the oval-faced one Feicui—both names bestowed by Cai Zhao.
Fan Xingjia praised, "The names suit them perfectly. Our junior sister has excellent taste."Furong said, "Actually, my original name was Furong Tofu, and hers was Feicui Shrimp. After we grew a couple of years older, the young mistress thought these names were too long and planned to remove two characters from each. Thankfully, the eldest young lady intervened—otherwise, we might have ended up being called Tofu and Shrimp."
Feicui added, "Poor Sister Shrimp Dumpling—even after getting married and having children, people still only remember her as Shrimp Dumpling."
Fan Xingjia: "..."
Zeng Dalou had no choice but to report back to Qi Yunke.
Qi Yunke didn’t object, as he had always hoped Chang Ning would receive proper protection. His only concern was that Cai Zhao might not have spacious or comfortable enough accommodations, so he made it clear that Camellia Longevity Abode would remain reserved for her—she could move back once Chang Ning recovered.
Additionally, Qi Yunke engaged in a warm and friendly conversation with his new disciple about her future life in the sect. "Since you're already here, why not train alongside your fellow disciples? You’ll make friends and improve your skills—wouldn’t that be wonderful?"
Cai Zhao declined. Since she had no intention of venturing into the Martial World in the future, she saw no need to befriend martial artists. "Just think of me as a temporary resident at Azure Tower Sect. Once my three years are up, I’ll go get married—you must come to the wedding. Oh, and can I borrow books from the library? If I don’t understand something, I’ll come ask you."
Qi Yunke sighed. What else could he do but agree?
The day after the failed ceremony, Cai Zhao underwent the formal apprenticeship rites—kneeling, kowtowing, burning incense, reciting vows, and learning the sect’s rules and ancestral reverence. Qi Yunke murmured prayers to the Three Pure Ones, beseeching them to ensure this young lady’s time in the sect would be smooth and free of trouble.
Based on past experience, even if trouble tried to avoid Cai Pingshu, she would hunt it down herself. He could only hope Zhao Zhao’s luck wouldn’t mirror her aunt’s—Amitabha.
The apprenticeship banquet that night was extravagantly lavish. Though it lacked dragon’s liver, phoenix’s gall, thousand-year turtle soup, or wine brewed from mermaid tears, it had everything else. After all, the premium ingredients originally reserved for three days of feasting were all used up in this single event.
Watching the sect disciples toast Cai Zhao one after another, Qi Lingbo felt as if she had swallowed a fly. Unable to stomach a single bite, she twisted her slender waist and tearfully buried herself in Yin Sulian’s arms, whispering grievances against Cai Zhao.
Despite her apparent popularity, Cai Zhao received three challenges before the meal was over.
First was Second Senior Brother Dai Fengchi. Though he claimed, "Junior Sister Cai’s skills are extraordinary—I wish to test myself against her," his gaze kept drifting toward Qi Lingbo, who was sniffling in Yin Sulian’s embrace—clearly, he was here to avenge his beloved.
Cai Zhao grinned. "If I win our duel, I’ll immediately send carrier pigeons across half the Martial World, boasting how a sheltered young girl defeated the renowned 'Wind-Chasing Swordsman' Dai Shaoxia on her first day here. If I lose, I’ll cry to Master every day, saying you bullied me—Second Senior Brother, think carefully. A bow without an arrowhead is useless."
Dai Fengchi froze. He wasn’t afraid of winning—even if the master scolded him, Qi Lingbo’s delight would be worth it. But if he lost… the humiliation would be unbearable. And he wasn’t entirely confident of victory.
Seeing his hesitation, one of his lackeys quickly stepped forward. "Friendly sparring among sect members shouldn’t be broadcast to the world. Junior Sister Cai, you’re being rather petty..."“Only the skilled get to speak; the unskilled should step aside.” Chang Ning’s handsome eyes were full of mockery. “Senior Brother Dai, see, I don’t dare interrupt.” The implication was clear—if Dai Fengchi couldn’t control his lackeys, Chang Ning would step in.
Dai Fengchi had clearly experienced Chang Ning’s ‘eloquence’ before and immediately said, “Junior Brother Cui, step back.” Then, with feigned magnanimity, he added, “Since Junior Sister Cai is unwilling, let’s forget about the sparring.”
The second challenger was Song Yuzhi.
The hall was brightly lit, with luminous pearls embedded in the palace walls casting a radiant glow, accentuating the handsome man’s striking and dignified presence.
He claimed to ‘seek friendship through martial arts,’ but unlike Dai Fengchi, his sincerity was evident. Yet, to his surprise, Cai Zhao still refused him outright.
Song Yuzhi was stunned. “Why?”
“I don’t spar with men who have fiancées.” Cai Zhao smiled sweetly. “I wouldn’t want the lady to get jealous and come after me later.” Since ancient times, countless martial arts tales had featured rivals turning into lovers after sparring, and Qi Lingbo was nothing if not a troublemaker.
Song Yuzhi’s gaze flickered. Under the lamplight, the girl’s bright teeth and sparkling eyes exuded an effortless charm, like a refreshing mountain breeze.
Silently, he downed his wine in one gulp and sat down without another word.
Chang Ning was still displeased. He felt Song Yuzhi had stared at Cai Zhao for too long—his gaze was bordering on impropriety. He wished he could recover from his injuries right then and there, just to show this little Cai girl what it meant for a firefly to dare compete with the full moon!
Alas, he couldn’t.
The last challenger was Ding Zhuo.
Ding Zhuo didn’t even hold a wine cup. He stood before Cai Zhao like an unsheathed sword: “There’s a clearing in the back mountain where I train year-round. We can spar there without spectators, and no one else needs to know the outcome.”
Cai Zhao studied him. In Ding Zhuo’s eyes, she saw the fervor of a true martial artist—one who sought neither fame nor profit, nor even cared about victory or defeat, but only the pursuit of martial excellence.
After a moment’s thought, she replied, “Fine. But give me a few days. Since leaving Fallen Blossom Valley, I’ve grown lazy. I need to tighten my muscles before I can fight.”
Ding Zhuo’s handsome face relaxed. He knew that despite her youth, Cai Zhao understood the solemnity of martial arts and wasn’t as frivolous or reckless as Qi Lingbo.
Legends spoke of top-tier duels held atop misty peaks, where combatants purified themselves with incense and fasted for three days to honor their opponents. Nowadays, however, sparring matches had become spectacles—crowds cheering and jeering as if watching a circus act.
Many disciples from prestigious sects grew up pampered, enjoying the finest resources and training conditions, yet never grasping the true meaning of martial arts—the very essence that set them apart from ordinary folk.
Men, at least, had some incentive; if they slacked off, they risked being marginalized or even expelled from their sects, reduced to commoners. Women, however, could always fall back on marriage, giving them an excuse to neglect their training.
Ding Zhuo had always despised such people, regardless of gender.
But Cai Zhao was different. Though she dressed a bit too finely, her gaze held the sharpness of a true martial artist.
“Then ten days it is. I await your arrival, Junior Sister,” Ding Zhuo declared firmly.
Cai Zhao nodded. “It’s a deal.”
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