Shen Yue's heart skipped a beat.
"Did this... happen because of me?" Confusion covered his thoughts. His mind went blank, and for a moment, he didn't know what to say his mind was in chaos.
Noticing his strange expression, Shen Ning frowned. She stepped closer, concern growing on her face.
"Yue'er? Yue'er, what's wrong?" she asked, her voice soft but anxious.
Shen Yue blinked, and he quickly came to his senses. The silence in the room had shifted the mood, and he quickly realized his reaction might've caused a misunderstanding; he was careless. He managed a calm smile, trying to play it off.
"I'm just... surprised," he said, smoothing his tone. "What made you change your mind and decide to join the Azure Dragon Sect instead of the Jade Flower Sect?"
Her concern smoothed a little, and Shen Ning let out a breath of relief. "Ah, I thought something was wrong with your injuries again."
She gave a small smile and sat down beside him, recalling the memory. "It happened a few days ago while I was working at Tianhua Pavilion. There was an important auction, and I was tasked with welcoming VIP guests. While I was greeting them, I ran into Elder Gong Xu from the Azure Dragon Sect."
She paused, recalling the moment. "She's from the Inner Peak, Azure Sword Peak. A Nascent Soul cultivator. She's not just strong—she carries this air of elegance that's hard to describe. And, she's Senior Sister Xu Qingyin's master."
Xu Qingyin gave a faint nod, her smile serene.
Shen Ning continued, "While I was serving tea, Elder Gong noticed me. Despite being only a ninth-stage Qi Refinement cultivator, she sensed something in me. She offered to take me in as her direct disciple. I almost refused, but then I thought of you."
Her voice trembled slightly. "I told her about your condition. About your injuries. She listened patiently, and... she gave me this." Shen Ning took out a small jade bottle. "She said this pill might heal your injuries, as long as they're not too deep."
She looked up. "I haven't officially joined yet. I still need to pass the discipline test. But when I held that pill in my hand, I felt hope. For you. For both of us."
A soft smile appeared on her face. "So yeah, that's why I decided to go."
Shen Yue looked at her, touched. "You made the right decision," he said sincerely.
Xu Qingyin, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke. "Junior Sister Shen, you don't need to be emotional. My master rarely takes an interest in anyone. The fact that she noticed you means you have something special. Maybe it's fate. You and your brother joining the Azure Dragon Sect... it was meant to be."
The atmosphere in the room lightened.
Soon, Shen Ning stood up. "Dinner won't cook itself. I'll get started. You two continue chatting."
She gave them a knowing smile and left the room, leaving Shen Yue and Xu Qingyin alone. The silence felt a little awkward.
Trying to ease the moment, Shen Yue asked, "So... Sister Xu, are you staying here for a while?"
She smiled. "Yes. The sect is holding its disciple test soon, and we're here a month early to scout talent. That's also why my master took in your sister."
Her voice was calm and pleasant, her presence graceful. Shen Yue found himself relaxing.
Curious, he asked more about the Azure Dragon Sect. Xu Qingyin answered gracefully, explaining the different peaks, the contribution system, and how the sect operated. Her knowledge ran deep, and Shen Yue listened intently.
Time passed quickly.
Eventually, Shen Ning returned with steaming dishes. The scent filled the room, making Shen Yue's stomach growl. They all sat together, eating and laughing. The evening felt warm, like a rare peaceful moment in their lives.
After dinner, Shen Yue decided to speak up.
"Sister," he said quietly. "I want to train in the forest."
Shen Ning froze. Her expression changed instantly. "No. Not. If the Cao family finds you out there, I might not be able to protect you."
Shen Yue had expected that. He took a breath. "I understand your concern. But if I want to grow stronger, I need to train seriously."
Before Shen Ning could respond again, Xu Qingyin stepped in.
"Why not let me go with him? If I'm there, the Cao family won't dare touch him."
Her tone was light, but firm. It wasn't just a favor—she had her reasons. To earn trust. To show that she wasn't just words.
Shen Ning looked at her, conflicted.
"If you're willing... I owe you."
Xu Qingyin smiled. "You're my junior sister. Don't worry about favors. Just focus on training. With Master's help, you might break through to Foundation Establishment before the test. That'll give you an edge."
Hope flickered in Shen Ning's eyes. "Alright. Then I'll leave my little brother in your care."
Shen Yue stayed quiet. A small smile curved on his lips. Everything was going just as he hoped.
Xu Qingyin stood. "Then it's settled. I'll accompany Shen Yue. You focus on your training."
Shen Ning nodded and prepared a guest room for her senior sister. Their house, inherited from their parents, was still large and in good condition. It held too many memories to let go.
The next morning, a soft breeze carried the warmth of sunlight through the windows.
Shen Yue sat on the bed, gazing outside. He took a long breath.
"It's finally time. Real training begins now."
He stepped out and found his sister and Xu Qingyin in the garden, sipping tea. Xu Qingyin looked up.
"Little Brother Shen, come have some tea before we leave."
Shen Yue walked over, accepted the cup, and sat down. After a few sips, he nodded.
"Good tea."
Both women smiled.
Xu Qingyin set down her cup. "Let's go. Time to start training. Junior Sister Shen, you should head off too."
They all stood. Shen Ning, ever the motherly figure, gave Shen Yue a quick but firm lecture. He listened quietly, smiling.
Then, they went their separate ways.
Shen Yue and Xu Qingyin reached the forest in about an hour. Towering trees loomed before them.
He had studied this place. Devil Forest. Divided into three areas—Outer, Inner, and Core.
Outer Region had first to third-grade beasts—Qi Refinement to Golden Core level. Rarely did Golden Core beasts appear, but if they did, escape was nearly impossible.
The Inner Region housed fourth to sixth-grade beasts, equivalent to Nascent Soul and Divine Transformation.
Core Region... seventh-grade beasts. Unity Realm monsters. Deadly.
The Outer Region may seem safer, but one wrong step could be fatal.
Shen Yue knew this. But determination flared in his eyes.
Xu Qingyin noticed. She smiled faintly. "Ready?"
He nodded. "Let's go."
But deep in the forest, hidden in the shadows, something watched them.
A pair of glowing green eyes shimmered faintly.
They didn't know it yet.
But something was tracking them.
Something that shouldn't exist in these woods.