Chapter 60: Perhaps It's Because of Foolishness

Yan Shu turned her gaze to Yu Wenche and smiled, sending him a message, “It’s nothing to worry about. There will be plenty of monsters for them to slay tonight.”

Though Yan Shu and Yu Wenche spoke in secret, the exchange of their glances was unmistakable. Xiao Jihan, standing nearby, glanced at the two, lowered his eyes, his handsome face betraying no emotion. But Dan Zhiqing’s expression was far less composed; even from the corner of her eye, Yan Shu could see the jealousy simmering within.

She felt somewhat sorry for Yu Wenche. Though the Taichu Sect was the foremost among the sects, Yu Wenche was not only a scion of the imperial Yu Wen family of Central Continent, but also bore a rare celestial spiritual root unseen for a thousand years. Yet here in Taichu Sect, he seemed to be treated as nothing more than a hired hand. If he were in Xuantian Sect, he would have been revered like a patron deity.

With the group’s objections settled, Yu Wenche led the way toward the cave.

When they arrived, the rain outside had ceased. Yan Shu folded her umbrella to return it to Yu Wenche, but he laughed and said, “Keep it. Your spiritual energy hasn’t recovered yet; you might need it again.”

Seeing he wouldn’t accept it, Yan Shu didn’t insist. It was a gesture of kindness, and after all, it was just a humble umbrella—not something rare, and therefore not a debt owed.

As dusk fell, Yu Wenche assigned a few to scout the area. Those not chosen entered the cave to rest. Yan Shu surveyed the cave, found a relatively flat and clean spot, tidied it up, and then turned to Xiao Jihan, whispering, “Rest here and focus on recovering your spiritual power. We may face a fierce battle tonight.”

Xiao Jihan looked at the place she had prepared, then at her. “What about you?”

“I’ll be right by your side.” Yan Shu settled cross-legged nearby and beckoned him. “Come on.”

He looked at her, as if wanting to say something, but in the end said nothing, sitting cross-legged where she had arranged.

The two closed their eyes, preparing to restore their energy, when suddenly Dan Zhiqing’s voice rang out, “Senior Sister Yan is truly good to Junior Brother Xiao—not only giving him the best spot, but even preparing it herself. Such deep affection is truly enviable.”

“Is that so?” Yan Shu opened her eyes and smiled at her. “It’s our custom to foster unity and kindness. Once you join the sect, we’re as close as family. Out in the world, it’s always the senior siblings who look after the juniors in all things.”

“I always thought that, as the foremost sect, Xuantian Sect would be the model of brotherly harmony. It seems I was mistaken. I suppose my ignorance shows.”

At her words, the disciples of Taichu Sect in the cave wore expressions tinged with embarrassment.

Someone quickly offered their spot to Dan Zhiqing, saying, “Little Sister, come here. I’ve already prepared it.”

Dan Zhiqing’s face darkened. She took a deep breath and turned to the speaker, “No need, Senior Brother. I’ll wait here for Senior Brother to return.”

Upon hearing this, the disciple said no more and sat down cross-legged.

Dan Zhiqing looked at Yan Shu, her dislike barely concealed.

Yan Shu raised an eyebrow, speaking with pointed meaning, “Some people, lacking ability, always seem eager to bring trouble upon themselves.”

She had intended to provoke Dan Zhiqing, but unexpectedly, Xiao Jihan interjected, his tone cool. “Perhaps it’s because they’re foolish.”

Dan Zhiqing instantly became furious, glaring at Yan Shu and Xiao Jihan. “You’re going too far!”

Yan Shu regarded her, suppressing a hint of amusement in her eyes, and replied in mock surprise, “What’s the matter, Junior Sister Dan? Why are you so angry? Don’t let it trouble you—anger only harms the body. Look, your face is so contorted, it’s really quite unsightly.”

Dan Zhiqing’s expression grew even worse.

Unable to bear it, a Taichu Sect disciple beside her shot Yan Shu a glare and tried to comfort Dan Zhiqing, “Junior Sister, there’s no need to stoop to the level of those from a lesser sect. It only lowers your stature.”

Hearing this, Dan Zhiqing’s face brightened somewhat. She smiled at the disciple, “Senior Sister is right. I really shouldn’t bother with them.”

When it came to caustic words, Yan Shu had never lost a duel.

She wanted to retort further, but remembered they’d have to coexist for another two days. If she pushed too far and caused a rift, it would only make things awkward for Yu Wenche, so she closed her eyes and ignored them.

Yet her restraint only emboldened Dan Zhiqing and the Taichu Sect disciples around her.

“Heh, struck a nerve and now silent. I thought you two, with your striking looks, would have decent character, but it seems you’re quite shameless!”

“Exactly! You came seeking shelter, yet act so arrogant—where do you get the nerve?”

“If not for Senior Brother’s sake, who would want to share a room with such people?”

Dan Zhiqing, hearing their words, looked smug. She turned to the Taichu Sect crowd, “Senior brothers and sisters, don’t be upset for my sake. Whatever happens, they are Senior Brother’s friends. For his sake, enduring a little discomfort is nothing.”

At this, the group rushed to comfort her, praising her beauty and kindness, saying she had sacrificed much for Senior Brother, and making sly remarks at Yan Shu and Xiao Jihan, suggesting that if they had any sense, they’d leave of their own accord to avoid causing trouble.

Never in two lifetimes had Yan Shu endured ridicule so passively. Just as she was about to speak, Xiao Jihan suddenly stood, looked down at her and said, “Let’s go.”

“Go?” Yan Shu was momentarily surprised. “But…”

“It doesn’t matter,” he whispered, “In a few hours, the Hao Yuan Pill will be fully refined. Besides, if we stay, once they realize the monsters are targeting us, not only will they refuse to shield us—they’ll likely seize the chance to make things worse.”

She had to admit, Xiao Jihan understood human nature well.

Yan Shu thought for a moment, then stood and walked with him toward the mouth of the cave.

Seeing them leave, the Taichu Sect disciples became even more aggressive, mocking, “If you’re so proud to walk out, don’t bother coming back!”

Dan Zhiqing smiled, though her face held a show of concern. “But if they leave, when Senior Brother returns…”

“What does it matter? Even if Senior Brother comes back, it’s those two’s fault for their insolence. We’ve already delayed our journey enough for them.”

“Indeed, and they were rude first. We have plenty of witnesses!”

“Don’t worry, Little Sister. When Senior Brother returns, we’ll stand up for you.”

Hearing their reassurances, Dan Zhiqing finally smiled, turning to them, “Then I’ll leave it to you all.”

Outside the cave, Yan Shu paused, listening to their words, then turned and headed back inside.