Volume One, Chapter Seventeen: The Saintess Truly Knows How to Make Friends!

“By the way, Brother Cheng, last time you asked Elder Er to pass a message to Qinghan. Coincidentally, Qinghan is right here now...”

[If only I could sever your obsession, that would be best. If not, it doesn’t matter—Qinghan is mine to claim!]

Hearing the inner voice, Ye Qinghan’s heart stirred deeply. Her master was confronting fate head-on for her!

Of course, Cheng Liang would never openly poach someone’s disciple in front of so many people—that would be a laughingstock. Being directly rejected by Ye Qinghan once was already humiliating enough; he had no intention of losing face a second time.

“It’s nothing important. I thought, since Brother Su is taking on disciples for the first time and lacks experience, if Qinghan is missing anything, with our relationship, I should naturally help.”

Just as Su Cheng was about to speak, Ye Qinghan was pushed aside...

She was not mute, but when her master was present, she had no need to speak.

And now was the time she needed to speak up, to make clear her stance.

“Master treats his disciple as his own child; provisions and rare treasures have always been abundant.”

“Moreover, since Qinghan has accepted Master’s grace, she should share his poverty and glory alike. Food and clothing are but modest desires; splendid robes merely cover plain cloth. Qinghan has never minded.”

“Master Cheng’s kindness is gratefully received. I hope Master Cheng will continue to care for the disciples under his guidance.”

“A few days ago, I met Sister Shangguan, and she said you show her little concern, that you are quite cold.”

Everyone at the table were seasoned veterans; though Ye Qinghan didn’t openly slap Cheng Liang, her words had already caused the assembled family heads and clan leaders to whisper among themselves.

Who didn’t understand? Translated, it meant: she simply didn’t think highly of your Heavenly Dao Pavilion. Even if her master lived in poverty, she was willing!

You, Cheng Liang, best keep your nose out of other people’s affairs and mind your own household!

The sly old foxes chuckled quietly at the young fox’s words, while Cheng Liang was left speechless.

What could he do? Slap Ye Qinghan here? Or Su Cheng?

If word got out, it would be said the Heavenly Dao Pavilion’s master coveted his senior brother’s disciple and would stop at nothing to claim the beauty.

Did he want to be the town joke?

“Qinghan, the secret realm will open in some time. I’ll chat with them a while; you go and have some fun.”

Ye Qinghan nodded. Having said her piece, there was indeed nothing more to do here, so she obediently went off to play.

Elder Shi, watching the scene like a spectator stirring trouble, said, “If my wife had a disciple as sensible as you, old man here would be content!”

“Heh, Elder Shi, you joke too much. This disciple is a fox spirit, skilled in sweet talk! I’ve long heard that the Holy Mountain’s Holy Maiden is exceptionally talented, young yet fully qualified for her role!”

Though Su Cheng’s words sounded pleasant, they were laced with sarcasm. Everyone present knew the Holy Maiden, despite her brilliance, was a fool with the intellect of a child.

To compare my precious disciple with your wife?

Heh, attacking me? Then let’s inflict mutual harm.

Su Cheng didn’t know that the very Holy Maiden he was speaking of was chatting with Ye Qinghan right then.

“What’s your name?” The girl with golden hair, angelic in appearance, knelt beside Ye Qinghan. Though she looked like a sultry enchantress, her expression was pure.

Their conversation, however, was far from smooth. Ye Qinghan disliked talking with anyone beyond her master.

“None of your business, go away.”

“Can I be your friend?”

“No.”

“I like your master; I want to be your friend.”

Ye Qinghan froze, nearly losing control at those words.

“If you say that again, I’ll kill you right now!”

With the threat came a massive sword case slammed down at the Holy Maiden’s feet with a loud crash, drawing the attention of Su Cheng and the family heads nearby.

“What’s wrong, Qinghan?”

“Nothing.” Ye Qinghan didn’t look back at her master, just glared at the innocent-looking Holy Maiden before her...

Su Cheng smirked, not bothering to hide the affairs of the Pingyun Sect. He spoke loud enough for all to hear.

“Qinghan, as I have taught you, there are many eyes here; don’t kill recklessly, much less slaughter entire families. If you have issues, return to the Lingxian Hall, and I will help you plan properly.”

“Understood!” Ye Qinghan gritted her teeth as she spoke.

That brainless Holy Maiden was a great wickedness! Dare to like her master? Even if Cheng Liang were alive, she would make that fool pay with her life!

Half-cut! Lingchi! Dismembered by five horses! She must die a thorough death!

What kind of Holy Maiden was that? Couldn’t even be disciplined by her own Holy Mountain?

Just coming out and already in heat?

“Heh, dare to compete with me, Ye Qinghan, for a man? How many lives do you have, Miss Holy Maiden?”

“Probably just one, but I really like your master!”

The Holy Maiden’s face was sincere, as if merely by expressing her feelings honestly, Ye Qinghan would yield her master to her...

“In that case, you’ll be dead soon!”

“No, I’m healthy and can bear your master strong children!”

One had to admit, the Holy Maiden knew how to make friends.

“I’ll kill you right now!”

The sword case, just tucked into her embrace, slammed again onto the ground with a bang!

This time, the case unfolded instantly, revealing several immortal swords inside!

“Qinghan, calm down! What did she do to upset you?”

Ye Qinghan clenched her teeth so tightly it seemed they’d shatter, her right hand raised the sword’s tip, but upon seeing her master, she slowly lowered it...

“Master Su, nice to meet you. My name is Li Shiyao. I only wanted to be friends with Sister Qinghan, but it seems I’ve messed up.”

[This is Li Shiyao? Though somewhat pitiable, she might end up causing me harm. I must keep my distance.]

[Though talented, Li Shiyao’s intellect was that of a child. After joining the Heavenly Dao Pavilion, she was bullied by the other female disciples but willingly became Cheng Liang’s plaything, hoping he could make her smarter!]

Ye Qinghan was momentarily stunned. Well, that gave her a good idea.

Seeing her master nod, signaling all was well, she turned back to Li Shiyao.

Heh, you should just go back and be Cheng Liang’s plaything!

Don’t think I don’t know what you’re up to! Heh, trying to harm my master? Dream on!

“I can be your friend.” Ye Qinghan smiled, a plan already forming in her mind.

“That’s great! Can I call you Sister Qinghan?”

“Of course, but you mustn’t like my master!” Ye Qinghan’s eyes curved in a tender smile, full of adoration for this little sister.

“Why not?”

“Because Master is actually a big villain. Sister can’t escape now, but she doesn’t want you to follow in her footsteps.”

Though Li Shiyao appeared mature, even physically surpassing Qinghan slightly, her face always bore a trace of innocent foolishness... or perhaps just pure simplicity.

“Huh? Your master is so handsome and looks very kind! Didn’t you just say otherwise?”

Ye Qinghan wrapped an arm around Li Shiyao as if they were close sisters, whispering confidences.

“If you don’t say that, Master will beat me badly, whipping me until I faint...”

Ye Qinghan’s sleeve covered her face, as if tears truly fell, her voice soft and timid, like a helpless young woman, utterly pitiful.