Chang Ning's words tore open old wounds that had long scabbed over, leaving Cai Zhao's heart aching with a dull pain.
As a child, she had asked her aunt more than once if she ever regretted it—regretted trading her own rare and extraordinary talents for mere years of peace in the Martial World. But Cai Pingshu would say, "In two hundred years of history, countless heroes have risen. There's no room for so many regrets. If it felt right at the time, then it was worth doing."
Miss Qi had quite the temper. Not only did she storm off in a huff, but she also knocked over several plates of pastries on the table—white jade cakes, pear crisps, golden orange cheese, cherry mille-feuille... A colorful mess scattered across the table. Cai Zhao had been too busy putting on an act with Qi Lingbo to eat earlier, so now she could only sigh and pick up the fallen pastries to nibble on. Even as she hurriedly filled her stomach, she took the time to savor each bite carefully.
How to put it? It wasn't that they weren't delicious, but like a grand imperial banquet with lobster, tripe, fat goose, and duck—plenty of luxurious ingredients, yet lacking both uniqueness and warmth—she immediately felt three parts disappointed in the Azure Tower Sect's master chefs.
Chang Ning had expected Cai Zhao to react with fury upon hearing Yin Sulian's words. Instead, he watched as she gradually calmed herself and even began eating pastries. After waiting for a long while and seeing Cai Zhao holding a piece of mille-feuille, frowning and pursing her lips as she savored it without saying a word, he suddenly remarked, "Did you bite into half a cockroach?"
Ever since their first meeting in the plum grove, whether it was Qi Lingbo's bullying and threats, Zeng Dalou's attempts to mediate, or even Dai Fengchi's intimidation, this little girl had always maintained a playful attitude and gentle words, showing an almost unshakable composure. It made Chang Ning unable to resist provoking her.
Cai Zhao's rosy cheeks still held a smile. "Don't worry, Senior Brother Chang Ning."
"What am I supposed to worry about?"
"Even if I strike up a friendship with Senior Sister Qi, I won't let her dig out your heart's blood."
Chang Ning's expression changed abruptly, though his face full of poisonous sores mostly hid it. He said slowly, "What do you mean by that, Junior Sister?"
Cai Zhao replied, "It means Senior Brother Chang Ning doesn't need to deliberately stir trouble. I know exactly what kind of person Madam Sulian is. But since I'll be staying in the Azure Tower Sect for three years, there's no need to tear off all pretenses now. Still, now that she's insulted my aunt, there's no point forcing this facade any longer."
After hearing this, Chang Ning's face remained expressionless—though, to be fair, the sores didn't help.
"Setting aside the elders' grudges, Senior Sister Qi is just like that. Uncle Qi has long said that his daughter behaves for a few days after a scolding, and a few more after a beating, but even that can't withstand Madam Sulian's constant coddling—otherwise, he wouldn't have never taken her to meet my aunt all these years. But Senior Brother Chang Ning is different. The Big Dipper Six Sects share a common bond. Unless someone betrays their sect or commits unforgivable crimes, no matter how annoying they are, we can't just beat or kill them. Take Madam Sulian, for example. My aunt once said long ago that this woman is incapable of doing good but equally incapable of true evil—just a mouth that annoys people. My mother says if she really pushes you, just fight her once and be done with it."
After such a heartfelt speech, Chang Ning seemed utterly unmoved. Instead, he said, "If you already know all this, why come to the Azure Tower Sect? Aren't there other places in the Big Dipper Six Sects to go? Couldn't you have found a smoother path to apprenticeship?"Cai Zhao naturally couldn't admit she'd been practically dragged here by her parents, so she said, "Harmony brings wealth. As long as it's not a major issue, letting others say a few words doesn't matter. If every shop in Fallen Blossom Town had such short tempers, how would they do business? Besides, there are no smooth paths in this world—you have to tread them flat yourself to make the road easier."
Chang Ning's smile was cold as he studied her briefly. "You didn't come willingly—you were forced. I suspect Sect Leader Qi and your aunt arranged your apprenticeship years ago, and your parents insisted on carrying it out. No matter how unwilling you were, you couldn't refuse."
Cai Zhao's expression darkened. "Senior Brother Chang, I sincerely want to get along with you."
Chang Ning: "So do I."
Her face frosty, Cai Zhao said, "In any case, during the memorial days for the Ancestor, I'll protect you properly. I won't let Senior Sister Qi come to dig out your heart's blood. Once Sect Leader Qi has time to spare, we'll go our separate ways."
Chang Ning sneered. "Junior Sister Cai really doesn't need to force herself like this. After all, the entire Chang family is already dead—what's one more?"
Cai Zhao thought this person was utterly unreasonable. Even the most skilled shopkeeper couldn't handle a customer determined to pick a fight. She immediately snorted, turned her back with her teacup in hand, and Chang Ning snorted identically, turning away as well.
Just then, a young, enthusiastic voice came from outside—
"...This way, please! Madam Cai, be careful—there's a lamp stand around this corner, don't brush against it. Ah, who put this potted plant here? It's already crowded enough without blocking guests! Valley Master Cai, don't worry, this should be the place. I asked the head disciple myself—he said Junior Sister is in this very room."
Hearing this familiar shopkeeper-like tone, Cai Zhao immediately felt goodwill toward the person outside.
Since arriving at Azure Tower Sect, everyone she'd met had either been an overbearing young mistress, a head disciple determined to shield his own, a senseless sycophant, or a sarcastic lunatic. She'd almost begun to think there were no normal people in the sect.
The voice outside quickly approached, and soon the door to the room was pushed open from outside. A young man of average height with a round face and dimples escorted Cai Pingchun and his wife inside.
"Father, Mother, you're here!" Cai Zhao stood up with a smile. "I thought I'd have to wait until the banquet started to find you. This must be Fifth Senior Brother—the head disciple mentioned you. This Myriad Waters, Thousand Mountains Cliff is so big, earlier I... Ow!"
Ning Xiaofeng delivered a sharp Head Flick to her daughter's skull. "Big? It's your carelessness that's big! How dare you wander around recklessly in an unfamiliar place? Major martial sects often have forbidden or secret areas—what if you trespass and cause trouble?!"
Chang Ning stood dumbly, staring at Cai Zhao's reddened forehead.
Cai Pingchun ignored his daughter with a stern face, turning instead to say, "Thank you, Nephew Fan. This child is ignorant and has troubled you and the head disciple."
Fan Xingjia laughed heartily. "Valley Master Cai, what are you saying? Poor hospitality is Azure Tower Sect's failing—how could we blame our guests! Besides, Junior Sister will soon be formally apprenticed and join our sect. Then we'll all be family—there's no harm in her walking around Myriad Waters, Thousand Mountains Cliff. Madam Cai, don't scold Junior Sister.""Alright, your master is absolutely right. Among all the disciples, Xingjia has the best temper," Ning Xiaofeng said with a smile. As she turned her head, she noticed a tall young man with a face covered in sores slowly rising from the table. His strikingly beautiful eyes were fixed on her fingers, poised to flick her daughter's forehead.
"And this is...?" Ning Xiaofeng looked at Fan Xingjia.
Cai Zhao quickly interjected, "This is Chang Ning, the son of Uncle Chang..."
Cai Pingchun let out a soft sigh. "Ah, Brother Chang's son. We've heard about what happened to your family..." He was awkward with words and didn’t know how to comfort the young man who had lost his entire family.
Upon learning Chang Ning’s identity, the Cai couple treated him with extra kindness.
"Mom, where’s Xiao Han? Where did you leave him?" Cai Zhao looked around but didn’t see her younger brother.
"Leave him? What nonsense," Ning Xiaofeng replied. "Today, your great-aunt and uncle have come. You disappeared, but shouldn’t Xiao Han go greet them? Come on, let’s go pay respects to the elders!" She reached out to pull her daughter along.
"They’ve both taken monastic vows, why still call them great-aunt and uncle... Hey, Mom, slow down! Senior Brother, Brother Chang, come along too." Dragged a few steps, Cai Zhao remembered not to leave Chang Ning behind and quickly grabbed his sleeve with her left hand. The group moved forward like a chain.
Fan Xingjia followed at the back and happened to catch Chang Ning lowering his head, a faint smile curling at the corners of his mouth.
...
Outside, the clamor of voices had already grown lively.
Over two hundred years, the Azure Tower Sect had seen about ten successive sect leaders, their tenures varying in length—the longest spanning over thirty years, the shortest merely three hours. Apart from two instances of father-son succession, the rest were master-disciple transitions. Through the additions and alterations of these leaders with their diverse tastes, the current Dusk Micro Palace was now a mix of eclectic styles.
The elegant, crystal-clear chandelier above Cai Zhao’s head was left by the fourth sect leader. Yet just three feet away, beneath a white jade beam, hung an enormous chandelier crafted by his own son, the fifth sect leader—an intricate piece featuring eighteen entwined dragons and phoenixes, adorned with gold, ruby, and painted porcelain. Cai Zhao couldn’t help but muse whether the son was adopted.
Looking down again, she was met with a sea of gleaming bald heads—men and women, old and young, some kind, others stern.
Dizzy from the sight, Cai Zhao hastily bowed to the elderly nun and middle-aged Zen master before her. "Greetings, Shijing Yuantai, greetings, Master Juexing. It’s been so long. I hope both of you are well and everything is going smoothly."
Shijing Yuantai, over sixty, was gaunt yet upright, her stern demeanor honed over decades. Her severe expression could frighten a troupe of unruly children into silence—little Cai Han was already cowering obediently behind Master Juexing, not making a sound.
Ning Xiaofeng then introduced Chang Ning. The Chang family massacre was well-known in the Martial World, and even the usually unyielding Shijing Yuantai softened her expression. Master Juexing repeatedly expressed sorrow for Chang Ning’s loss.
Yet Chang Ning remained as indifferent and aloof as ever.
After the pleasantries, the elderly nun scrutinized Cai Zhao. "The Azure Tower Sect is a prestigious school. Once you join, you must abandon the laziness of your days in Fallen Blossom Town. Do not disgrace your family’s reputation!"
"...I will heed your advice, Shijing Yuantai." Cai Zhao nearly retorted that Fallen Blossom Valley was already at the bottom of the Big Dipper Six Sects in terms of manpower, resources, and reputation—how much lower could they possibly sink?Zen Master Juexing noticed the little girl's discomfort and chuckled. "Zhao Zhao, once you become a disciple, you'll be considered grown up. You must behave sensibly and obey instructions at Myriad Waters, Thousand Mountains Cliff... but don't take bullying lying down. I've brought you a cage of carrier pigeons this time. If anyone wrongs you, report it to your elders immediately."
The Evergreen Temple in Qingxi Valley was renowned for training carrier pigeons that could deliver messages anywhere. Cai Zhao beamed. "Thank you, Uncle! I'll be obedient and won't let anyone bully me!"
Shijing Yuantai shot her nephew a disapproving look. "A monastic should refer to themselves as 'this humble monk,' not 'I' or 'you'! You started sounding like a proper elder for two sentences, then the third teaches her to tattle. Your cultivation is clearly lacking!"
Cai Han blinked his large eyes. "...Aunt, you just said 'I' too."
The Cai Ning couple lowered their heads to hide their smiles.
As the banquet was about to begin, Fan Xingjia came to escort the elders to the main hall while younger members like Cai Zhao were directed to side tables in the southeast corner. Before leaving, Shijing Yuantai couldn't resist one last admonishment: "...After joining the sect, follow rules properly. Don't imitate your aunt's troublemaking ways!"
Cai Zhao remained silent, bowing respectfully as her elders departed.
Chang Ning stood watching Cai Zhao's bowed head for a moment, then took both siblings by their sleeves to a quiet, well-lit table. Little Cai Xiaohan had initially feared this pockmarked youth, but gradually relaxed when noticing his gentle care while serving snacks.
"If you dislike that old nun criticizing your aunt, just retort. At worst you'll be punished—what's the use of seething privately?" Chang Ning added two spoonfuls of chicken mushroom salad dressed with walnut oil to Cai Zhao's plate.
"...I used to talk back as a child, but Aunt told me to stop. She said the elder nun simply disapproves of her free-spirited ways, but is actually extremely fair and principled."
Cai Zhao had resolved not to converse with this sarcastic fellow, yet found herself responding to thoughts she'd pondered for years.
"Of course your aunt would say that. The old nun's both an orthodox sect elder and your mother's senior. Should she have said 'Well retorted, Zhao Zhao! Let me teach you more comebacks for next time'?" Chang Ning added two slices of thinly sliced spiced beef to her plate.
Cai Zhao nearly laughed but composed herself. "Brother Chang, mind your words."
Chang Ning continued serving her—this time three thick salt-grilled fish fillets. "Fine, let's change topics—why did all your maternal elders take monastic vows? There must be a story."
This immediately perked Cai Zhao up.
Having grown up listening to Cai Pingshu's neighborhood tales, she answered readily: "My grandmother and Shijing Yuantai were twin sisters. In their youth, they encountered Buddhist teachings and believed themselves to be twin lotus flowers from the Mahavairocana Temple's pond—until Grandmother met Grandfather right before ordination and broke her vows to marry."Chang Ning tilted his head in confusion, "...Why does this story sound familiar? Ah, right. According to rumors, Old Ancestor Bei Chen once cultivated a pair of twin lotus flowers at the Myriad Waters, Thousand Mountains Cliff. The late Old Sect Leader Yin, who adored imitating the Ancestor in every way, named his two daughters Su Lian and Qing Lian—why do all these ancient tales sound the same? So what happened next? Your grandmother didn’t become a nun herself but made your uncle take vows instead?"
Seeing the mood lighten, Cai Zhao readily played along, "You wouldn’t understand. Buddhism emphasizes karma. If my grandmother had kept her vow and become a nun, my mother and uncle wouldn’t have been born, let alone their descendants. So she hoped my mother and uncle would take vows to fulfill the pledge on her behalf."
Chang Ning nodded. "Growing up in such an environment, it’s natural to be drawn to Buddhism. Your uncle did become a monk, but your mother met your father..."
"Not quite. Back then, my mother actually fell for my aunt, who was disguised as a man. Once her heart was lost, all thoughts of vows and monastic life were forgotten." Cai Zhao grinned.
Chang Ning set down his chopsticks. "Hmm, I know the rest—my father told me. Later, when your mother discovered Lady Cai was actually a woman in disguise, she nearly took vows at the Hanging Temple. Shijing Yuantai was overjoyed and set up multiple barriers at Hidden Beauty Gorge to prevent your aunt from causing trouble. But your aunt rallied her brothers and fought her way up, eventually ‘persuading’ your mother to return to the secular world."
A hint of amusement curled his lips. "My father kept urging everyone not to disturb the sanctity of the temple, which earned him the nickname ‘Nanny Chang’ from your aunt’s brothers."
"...My aunt always told them not to use that nickname," Cai Zhao said awkwardly.
"It’s fine." Chang Ning was unperturbed. "Truthfully, my father misses the days when people called him ‘Nanny Chang’—misses the people who called him that." Hero Chang Haosheng didn’t cherish the nickname itself but the carefree, bright days of his youth and the laughter of friends long gone.
Cai Zhao fell silent for a moment before murmuring, "My aunt misses those times too—when everyone was still young, riding high on the spring breeze, laughing and causing such chaos at Hidden Beauty Gorge that Shijing Yuantai nearly broke her vows of nonviolence. Back then, Nie Hengcheng hadn’t yet practiced dark arts or used living people to forge Corpse Puppet Slaves. Everyone was alive and whole—no one was maimed, no one lost their loved ones..."
"Are you done? Good. Then let me speak." Chang Ning waited until Cai Zhao’s nostalgia faded before continuing.
He straightened slowly. "Your grandmother couldn’t forsake love, broke her vow to marry, and lived half her life in bliss—yet to mend the regrets of her youth, she tried to force her children into monastic life, disregarding their own wishes. How is that any different from selling a daughter to a brothel to pay off debts for one’s own comfort?"
OpenNovel