Chen Yang's figure disappeared at the end of the bamboo grove path. Zhao Yanran stood in place, gazing blankly in the direction he had gone.
A gentle breeze swept past, stirring the water-blue hem of her skirt. The bamboo leaves rustled softly, yet the melancholy in her heart refused to be swept away.
The last rays of the setting sun fell upon her, casting a long, trailing shadow.
After a long while, she let out a soft sigh and turned back toward the small pavilion.
Inside, the scent of sandalwood drifted through the air, and the furnishings were elegant and refined.
Several landscape paintings hung on the walls, and an exquisite tea set rested on the table.
Zhao Yanran stepped into the hall and carefully studied Shen Hongmei's expression.
The Spirit Sword Peak Elder still sat composed in her seat, her demeanor as calm as still water, turning a white jade teacup idly in her hands — as though nothing had happened at all.
"Just now... I had a small disagreement with that Menial Disciple. I hope I haven't made a fool of myself in front of the Elder." Zhao Yanran explained softly, her voice carrying a trace of unease.
She had no idea how much Shen Hongmei had heard. The moment she had spotted Chen Yang, she had completely forgotten that this Foundation Establishment cultivator was still present.
Thinking back on it now, she felt a pang of regret.
Zhao Yanran suddenly recalled that Foundation Establishment cultivators could cultivate divine sense, capable of probing the activity around them.
But on second thought, Shen Hongmei was a Spirit Sword Peak Elder of high standing — surely she would not casually pry into others' private affairs.
Most likely, she had simply sensed the Spiritual Energy fluctuations from her own spell and had kindly spoken up to warn her.
With that thought, she felt a little more at ease.
And then another thought stirred in her mind.
This Elder Shen had been visiting her frequently of late, proactively offering guidance in cultivation, and had just now spoken up on her behalf. Could it be that she truly had feelings for her?
She had long heard that after Shen Hongmei's third husband passed away decades ago, she had not only distanced herself from men, but had little contact with women as well.
This Elder had lived alone on Spirit Sword Peak for decades, never taking a Personal Disciple, and rarely associating with others.
Now, to suddenly show her such care — could she truly have taken a liking to her?
Zhao Yanran's heart began to beat faster.
If she could truly forge a bond with this Foundation Establishment Elder, she might just make a great leap forward.
Although she had been taken in as a registered disciple by Elder Song Jiayu of Jade Bamboo Peak, she received very little actual guidance.
In fact, the few days of instruction from Shen Hongmei had already surpassed everything Elder Song had ever taught her.
Thinking of this, Zhao Yanran couldn't help but feel a flicker of resentment toward her master Song Jiayu — but that was simply the reality of her position. A registered disciple was just that; unless one became a Personal Disciple or built a closer relationship, there was little hope of gaining more resources.
"A cultivator must keep the mind still and the spirit focused, undisturbed by external things."
Shen Hongmei spoke calmly, cutting through Zhao Yanran's thoughts.
She set down her teacup and looked at Zhao Yanran with a steady gaze.
"Your emotions were far too turbulent just now — that is harmful to your cultivation. The Jade Ripple Art demands a heart as still as water. With a mind so restless and agitated, how can you ever grasp the true essence of water?"
Zhao Yanran quickly composed herself and replied respectfully:
"The Elder's words are correct. This disciple will take them to heart and commit to cultivating with a calm mind, so as not to disappoint the Elder's expectations."
Shen Hongmei studied her and continued:
Stolen novel; please report.
"Your current cultivation at the sixth level of the Qi Refinement Realm requires you to solidify your foundation carefully. I can see that while your Spiritual Energy is abundant, it is somewhat unstable — likely the result of a recent breakthrough. If you rush forward too eagerly, you will only leave behind hidden flaws."
As she spoke, she drew a small jade vial from within her robes. The vial was translucent, and inside it, a single Pill was faintly visible.
The Pill was a luminous white throughout, radiating a soft glow, its medicinal fragrance rich yet not overpowering.
Zhao Yanran recognized it at a glance — this was a Spirit Origin Pill, far more precious than a Pure Origin Pill!
Its medicinal properties were gentle yet potent. If she consumed it, it would surely stabilize her cultivation at the sixth level of the Qi Refinement Realm, and might even allow her to advance another step in the near future.
"This... this is far too precious..."
Zhao Yanran was both startled and overjoyed, barely able to believe it.
A Spirit Origin Pill was a treasure that even inner disciple elites rarely laid eyes on — and Elder Shen was simply gifting it to her just like that?
Shen Hongmei held the Pill out to her:
"Take it. The path of cultivation is long, and a solid foundation is paramount. This Spirit Origin Pill has gentle medicinal properties — it is well-suited for you to take right now."
Zhao Yanran accepted the Pill with both hands, her fingertips trembling slightly.
She hesitated for a moment, then suddenly mustered her courage. Her fingers twisted lightly at the hem of her sleeve, and a flush crept across her face:
"Elder Shen... it is already late this evening. Would you perhaps like to stay the night? I could brew some wine for the Elder and prepare a few small dishes to go with it."
She recalled that in the cultivation world, although Foundation Establishment cultivators had already achieved Inedia, many still kept the habit of drinking wine.
Some would infuse spirit medicine into their wine to strengthen their cultivation; others had a fondness for ordinary mortal cuisine, considering it a form of cultivation in its own right.
Tonight, she had originally planned to invite Chen Yang to stay — but since he had been so ungrateful, she might as well use this opportunity to draw closer to Shen Hongmei.
If something were to develop between them, she would surely make a great leap forward.
But Shen Hongmei shook her head and rose to her feet.
"There is no need."
Her tone remained calm, yet carried an unmistakable finality. "After today, I will not be coming again."
Zhao Yanran's face went pale with shock. She stepped forward urgently:
"Why? Has this disciple done something wrong? Or is my aptitude too poor to be worth cultivating?"
Her heart was filled with anxious confusion — she could not understand why Elder Shen had suddenly changed her attitude.
Shen Hongmei looked at her, her gaze deep and unreadable:
"Cultivation depends on the individual. I merely saw some talent in you and offered a word or two of guidance. Now that you are on the right path, there is no need for me to say more. Remember — the road of cultivation is ultimately one you must walk yourself."
Only then did Zhao Yanran realize with a start that she had perhaps been mistaken all along.
Thinking back carefully over these past days, she saw that the way Shen Hongmei had looked at her had never held even a trace of desire — it had always been the caring regard of a senior for a junior.
Most cultivators of Spirit Sword Peak practiced the way of the sword, and their temperaments were cool and detached. Even without cultivating the Emotionless Cultivation Technique, they rarely indulged in matters of the heart.
She had likely misread the Elder's goodwill all along.
She quickly set aside those small schemes and bowed respectfully to Shen Hongmei:
"Thank you, Senior, for your guidance these past days. This disciple is deeply grateful. I will train diligently hereafter and not disappoint your expectations."
Shen Hongmei gave a slight nod and said nothing more. She turned and walked out of the small pavilion.
Her silver hair shimmered with a faint luster in the moonlight, and her violet figure soon vanished into the depths of the bamboo grove.
Zhao Yanran watched the direction she had gone, the Spirit Origin Pill clutched tightly in her hand, her heart a tangle of emotions.
There was joy at receiving the precious Pill, loss at having her support disappear, and above all, shame at her own presumptuous assumptions.
* * *
After leaving Jade Bamboo Peak, Shen Hongmei did not return directly to Spirit Sword Peak. Instead, she rode her Flying Sword toward a secluded side path.
The Flying Sword traced a streak of pale violet light through the moonlit sky, then came to a stop outside a bamboo grove.
She put away her Flying Sword and stood quietly by the roadside, as though waiting for something.
Moonlight fell upon her silver hair, casting a soft, gentle glow around her.
Though she appeared to be in her fifties or sixties, time seemed to have been especially kind to her — her face bore no wrinkles, her skin was smooth and delicate, and her bearing remained upright and graceful.
A simple violet Spirit Robe only heightened her otherworldly air, making her look like a celestial maiden beneath the moon.
The evening breeze drifted through the bamboo grove, carrying with it a wave of fresh fragrance.
Shen Hongmei's gaze was fixed on the depths of the path ahead, as though anticipating something — or perhaps hesitating over something.
Her fingers unconsciously traced the fabric of her sleeve, that small, subtle motion betraying the unrest within her heart.
Before long, the sound of footsteps came from the bamboo grove path.
Chen Yang walked with his head bowed, clearly still troubled by what had just happened, wondering whether Zhao Yanran would continue to make things difficult for Liu Yiyi.
The moonlight stretched his shadow long behind him, and his steps felt heavy.
When he raised his head and saw Shen Hongmei standing in the middle of the path, he couldn't help but pause.
Though the woman's hair was entirely silver, her features were lovely and her figure graceful. Her eyes in particular were deep as a still pool, carrying an indescribable charm.
Chen Yang had never seen her before. Seeing her plainly dressed, he assumed she was a laborer from somewhere in the sect, and gave her a second glance before moving to walk around her.
But when he stepped left, the woman stepped left; when he stepped right, she stepped right — blocking him perfectly each time.
After this happened twice, Chen Yang realized she was doing it on purpose.
He furrowed his brow and asked politely, "Ma'am, is there something you need?"
Shen Hongmei's entire body gave a jolt, as though she could scarcely believe her own ears.
She instinctively reached up to touch her own face, a look of utter disbelief flickering through her eyes.
Ma'am?
"You... what did you just call me?" Shen Hongmei's voice trembled slightly — clearly shaken by the address.