Chapter 41: 11-15
Chapter 11
Song Zhi Xia glanced at Song Wei Zhi and saw her calm expression. She knew Song Wei Zhi was concerned about her safety, so she ceased acting coy, took off her outer garment, and got into the tub. The tub was filled with warm spring water, and soaking in it brought relief to both her body and mind.
"Zhi Xia, are you ready? If you are, we can begin. The process of refining your spiritual root will take a while, about three hours. As time goes on, you will feel increasing pain. If you can't bear it, just call out to me," Song Wei Zhi cautioned carefully.
"Okay, senior sister, I am ready. Let's start," Song Zhi Xia took a deep breath and replied to Song Wei Zhi.
Nodding slightly, Song Wei Zhi handed the pill to Song Zhi Xia. Nervous, Song Zhi Xia didn't have time to think and swallowed the pill given to her by Song Wei Zhi. After a while, the medicine scattered throughout her body, and she felt as though countless needles were piercing every part of her. Nevertheless, she managed to endure the pain. The spring water opened the pores all over her body, expelling impurities. After about an hour, the initially clear spring water in the tub had turned pitch-black.
Using her spiritual power, Song Wei Zhi drew out the darkened water from the tub and refilled it with fresh spring water from her storage ring.
At this point, Song Zhi Xia's eyes were tightly shut, her hands gripping the edges of the tub due to the intense pain, her body trembling uncontrollably. Song Wei Zhi watched Song Zhi Xia in the tub, holding a piece of cloth in her hand, prepared to pass it to her at any moment to prevent her from biting her tongue.
Another hour passed, and Song Zhi Xia's hands, gripping the tub, were now bloody. Although she tried to bite down on the cloth, her whole body continued to tremble. This time, the water in the tub became turbid, unlike the first batch, which had turned completely black.
Song Wei Zhi replaced the spring water in the tub once again. By this time, Song Zhi Xia was almost exhausted. The cloth in her mouth had fallen, and blood occasionally dripped from the corners of her mouth. Her hands, gripping the edge of the tub, were a bloody mess. She could only stay afloat in the tub because Song Wei Zhi was using her spiritual power to support her.
Since she had endured so much suffering, Song Wei Zhi thought it was best for Song Zhi Xia to undergo thorough refinement of her spiritual root.
After the third hour, Song Zhi Xia had already passed out in the tub. Sweat covered her forehead and face, as if she had been soaking in water for a long time.
Using her spiritual power, Song Wei Zhi removed the tub and dried Song Zhi Xia's body with a purification charm. Then, she carefully placed the person in her bed and examined her injuries. Song Zhi Xia's lips, hands, and feet were all seriously injured, especially her hands, where ten fingers were flesh and blood, with even the nails having fallen off, which tore at Song Wei Zhi's heart.
She took out the best healing ointment from her storage ring and evenly applied it to Song Zhi Xia's hands. The torn flesh of her fingers gradually grew new flesh. Then, she applied the ointment to the wounds on Song Zhi Xia's lips, which gradually began to heal. Finally, she applied the ointment to Song Zhi Xia's feet, and since only a few toes were injured, the medicine almost immediately healed the wounds.
After doing all this, Song Wei Zhi laid Song Zhi Xia on her bed and sat by the bed to practice her cultivation techniques. She had just checked on Song Zhi Xia's spiritual root repair status. All impurities of the semi-spiritual root had been completely removed from her body, and the remaining half of the spiritual root had also been refined under the effect of the pill. With this level of refinement, it would probably take Song Zhi Xia several hours to wake up. Song Wei Zhi simply set up a protective barrier, rested, and waited for Song Zhi Xia to wake up.
As the sun set, there were signs of movement in the bed. Upon sensing this, Song Wei Zhi immediately looked nervously at Song Zhi Xia lying in the bed.
"Zhi Xia, how are you feeling? Is the pain still severe?" Song Wei Zhi took out some spring water from her storage ring and gave it to Song Zhi Xia to drink.
Feeling as if all the bones in her body had been taken apart, Song Zhi Xia, with a hoarse voice, replied to Song Wei Zhi, "Senior sister, I'm fine."
"Just get through this hurdle, and everything will be fine. Here, take this medicine first," Song Wei Zhi fed Song Zhi Xia a qi- and blood-enhancing medicine, after which a hint of color finally returned to Song Zhi Xia's face.
"Rest for a while first. It will take some time for your spiritual roots to fully recover." Song Wei Zhi spoke softly to Song Zhi Xia, who then fell back into a deep sleep. She felt as if her body was light and the sensation was entirely different from before.
When she woke up, Song Zhi Xia only felt a slight pain in her lips and a fiery pain in her fingers, but the rest of her body no longer felt the dull ache from the previous day. She quickly drifted back to sleep.
In the evening, Wei Zhao returned after spending the day outside. After knocking on the door, he entered Song Wei Zhi's room to find a graceful young woman lying on the bed. Wei Zhao didn't dare to stare for too long, so he withdrew his gaze and respectfully said, "Master, I have done as you instructed. However, Song Ruhai and Song Chaoyun are currently normal. Today, they mentioned that the Song family will hold the annual assessment for the outer disciples in a month. Those who pass the assessment will be promoted as inner disciples and will have the opportunity to enter the Linlang Secret Realm."
As for the Linlang Secret Realm, the original novel only briefly mentioned it, given that the female protagonist in the original book faced various persecutions as an outer disciple and failed to advance to the inner disciple level due to her half-spiritual root. Hence, the novel did not elaborate on the Linlang Secret Realm.
"Good, you have worked hard. Rest in your room for now," Song Wei Zhi instructed Wei Zhao to rest and then pondered over the Linlang Secret Realm. She summoned the system in her mind and asked, "System, could you provide some information on the Linlang Secret Realm?"
"Currently, the system cannot provide that information. Please seek it on your own," came the cold, mechanical voice in her mind. Song Wei Zhi had no choice but to give up.
A night of meditation not only failed to make Song Wei Zhi feel tired, but instead left her feeling more spirited. She took out some healing medicine from her storage ring and carefully applied it again to Song Zhi Xia's lips and fingers. After a short while, the cuts on Song Zhi Xia's lips healed completely, leaving only the more severe injuries on her fingers, where the newly formed red flesh had almost covered the bare bones, signifying the healing process.
Seeing that Song Zhi Xia had not yet woken up, Song Wei Zhi took out her Lishuo Sword and went down the mountain to buy chicken soup, congee, and various other foods. She also purchased different types of rice, flour, condiments, vegetables, and meat, all of which she packed into a storage bag. She had nearly forgotten that she, as a Golden Elixir stage cultivator, didn't need to eat, but Song Zhi Xia was only eighteen years old and had not yet even begun cultivating her Qi. Perhaps she would benefit from eating a little more and growing taller.
When Song Zhi Xia woke up and found herself alone in the room, she felt a sense of unease. Based on her past experiences, she was not one to depend on others, but she inexplicably felt a reliance on Song Wei Zhi, whom she had only known for a few days.
As Song Wei Zhi pushed the door open and entered, she saw Song Zhi Xia, who had been lost in thought while lying on the bed. But as soon as Song Zhi Xia saw her, her eyes lit up, resembling an adorable kitten seeing its master. A smile unconsciously appeared at the corner of Song Wei Zhi's lips.
"You're awake, Zhi Xia. Are you feeling better? Have you noticed any changes in your body?" Song Wei Zhi sat by the bed and asked softly.
"Other than a little pain in my fingers, I feel much lighter," Song Zhi Xia, with her naturally captivating eyes, smiled as if blossoming flowers, making her even more enchanting.
"Good, your spiritual root refinement was very successful. You now possess a pure fire spirit root. Well done," Song Wei Zhi thought sincerely. Enduring that level of pain indeed required great determination.
"Senior sister, can I start practicing cultivation now? I also want to become as powerful as you... so that I can protect you." Unfortunately, Song Zhi Xia only thought these words and did not voice them out loud.
"Of course, you can. The cultivation speed of a single spiritual root is the fastest. I believe in you. However, in the world of cultivation, when a battle occurs, it's not just the two individuals fighting; it's also the battle between their spiritual beasts. At the moment, and when necessary, you'll often have to face two opponents alone. Are you ready for that?" Song Wei Zhi asked solemnly, and Song Zhi Xia listened attentively.
"I'm ready, senior sister. I will protect you and Little Chicken to the best of my abilities," the girl's gaze was clear and determined.
"Good. But before you learn all this, the most pressing task is to feed you," Song Wei Zhi said, using her spiritual power to place a small table next to the bed and then setting a clay pot of chicken soup and a bowl of congee on it. She continued, "I didn't know your preferences, so I bought these two things because you were sleeping so soundly. Now it's time for you to eat, and then we will continue."
Song Zhi Xia never expected that Song Wei Zhi wasn't merely buying food for her. Even when she was sick in the past, her foster parents had never bought her any food. Even medicine was something she had never taken before coming here. When sick, she had always borne it on her own, and if she couldn't endure it, her foster parents would consider her a burden, wasteful of their provisions.
"Thank you, senior sister. I... I feel like I'm troubling you too much. Although I have never practiced cultivation, I still understand the value of time for a cultivator. I've already taken up too much of your time these days," Song Zhi Xia said, her eyes slightly tinted red. She didn't know why, but in the past, no matter how her foster parents scolded and beat her, she never shed tears. However, whenever she was with Song Wei Zhi, she found herself unable to hold back the tears.
Chapter 12
"It won't take much of your time. Don't overthink it. All right, let's get you up and have something to eat, Senior Sister." With that, Song Weizhi helped Song Zhixia up, propped a pillow behind her so she could lean on it.
Seeing Song Weizhi holding a bowl of chicken soup, preparing to reach out for it herself, Song Zhixia was avoided by Song Weizhi. "Your hand is still not fully healed. Let me feed you."
Song Zhixia was stunned by Song Weizhi's words. She couldn't remember anyone ever feeding her before. Looking at Song Weizhi's serious expression, Song Zhixia's ears unconsciously turned red.
Of course, Song Weizhi also noticed Song Zhixia's blushing ears and thought to herself, "Isn't the female lead quite cute like this?"
"Senior Sister, I'm actually almost back to normal now. I can eat by myself." Song Zhixia pursed her lips and said.
Song Weizhi smiled and teasingly stared at Song Zhixia, saying, "With your hands unable to function, how do you plan to eat? Like a little cat, slowly licking your food by the bedside? Come on, be a good girl. Let Senior Sister feed you. Open up." As she spoke, Song Weizhi had already filled a spoon with chicken soup and was offering it to Song Zhixia's lips.
With Song Weizhi saying so, Song Zhixia couldn't refuse. She had to open her mouth and take a spoonful of chicken soup. Song Weizhi held back her laughter and fed Song Zhixia spoonful after spoonful of chicken soup, followed by a small bowl of congee. After ensuring Song Zhixia was almost full, she stopped.
"Zhixia, there's no need to worry about the injury on your finger. One more day of medication and it should be almost healed. Let me tell you about the process of absorbing spiritual energy into your body. The first step in cultivating immortality is to practice Qi. Only when you successfully absorb spiritual energy into your body can you enter the first major stage of cultivating Qi. Absorbing spiritual energy is actually simple. You need to slowly feel the spiritual roots in your body and use them to control the absorption of the surrounding spiritual energy. Since you still need to recuperate, this is a good time to give it a try," Song Weizhi explained carefully.
"Alright, I'll give it a try." Song Zhixia closed her eyes and tried to sense the spiritual roots in her body. She felt something burning in her lower abdomen, but it wasn't painful at all. Instead, it made her feel quite comfortable. Gradually, this flame seemed to be absorbing something from the surroundings, growing larger and warmer.
Not daring to disturb Song Zhixia, Song Weizhi quietly checked the changes in Song Zhixia's body. She was surprised to find that with just a little guidance, Song Zhixia was already able to control the absorption of spiritual energy into her body efficiently. Song Weizhi figured that Song Zhixia was already in a meditative state and didn't dare to disturb her.
At that moment, a mechanical voice echoed in the void: "Congratulations to the host for completing the task of refining the spiritual roots for the female lead within the specified time. The reward is 500 points. Does the host want to exchange for items or draw from the blind box?"
After some consideration, Song Weizhi decided to save her points for now. "Let's not exchange for now. Keep them for me," she said to the system in her mind.
"Alright, host. Now, the next task is to help the female lead successfully absorb spiritual energy. The reward is 50 points, and the time limit is seven days," the system's mechanical voice echoed in Song Weizhi's mind once again.
Glancing at Song Zhixia lying on the bed, Song Weizhi felt that this task could probably be completed today. The female lead truly lived up to her name. Even though she had a partial spiritual root and a damaged primordial spirit, she still possessed incredible comprehension abilities. That's why the original book had such a tragic female lead, but she ultimately managed to turn the tide.
With that in mind, Song Weizhi also entered a meditative state. Breaking through to the next level not only required the cultivator to dedicate themselves to training but also required opportunity and luck. For instance, despite previously feeling no hint of a way to reach the Golden Core stage, she seemed to have faintly grasped it after helping the female lead several times in the past few days. Song Zhixia could feel she was taking advantage of the female lead's luck.
As Song Zhixia remained in meditation on the bed, Song Weizhi set up a barrier in the room to prevent others from spying and then also entered a meditative state beside Song Zhixia.
After an unknown amount of time passed, Song Weizhi felt a surge of spiritual energy within her body. Soon, it filled the surroundings and her Golden Core slowly expanded. When she opened her eyes, she had already reached the perfected stage of the Golden Core realm.
She looked over at Song Zhixia beside her, who had not yet awakened. Using her spiritual power, she investigated the state of Song Zhixia's Core and Sea of Qi. She discovered that Song Zhixia had successfully absorbed spiritual energy and was constantly assimilating the surrounding spiritual energy. At this rate, it wouldn't be long before Song Zhixia could advance directly to the Qi Refining stage.
Summoning her inner ice-winged tiger, Song Weizhi noticed that the previously ethereal blue tiger now appeared more solid.
In this world, when a cultivator reached the Divine Separation stage, the spiritual beast of the cultivator could transform into a corporeal form, greatly increasing its strength.
By this time, a day had passed since their meditation. Song Weizhi also administered medication to Song Zhixia. Her hand injury had completely healed. When Song Zhixia slowly woke up from her meditative state, Song Weizhi found that she had already reached the Qi Refining stage of cultivation.
"Awake? How do you feel?" Song Weizhi said as she recalled her spiritual beast.
Song Zhixia got up and moved her body around, feeling much lighter than before. It was as if she could jump effortlessly. Her body felt more agile than ever.
"Senior Sister, I feel much lighter than before, and my hand is healed," Song Zhixia said with a smile, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Song Weizhi, leaving her momentarily shocked.
After a pause, Song Weizhi averted her gaze and said, "That's good. I noticed you have already reached the Qi Refining stage of cultivation. It usually takes ordinary people anywhere from one to three years, but with your talent and now having repaired spiritual roots, your cultivation speed should be much faster."
"Uh-huh." Although Song Zhixia had been quite happy at first, she realized she didn't have a reason to continue staying with her Senior Sister.
"That being said, can I still stay here, Senior Sister?" Song Zhixia asked tentatively.
"Of course, it's convenient for me to teach you martial arts while you're here. Unless you don't want to see your Senior Sister every day," Song Weizhi teased.
Song Zhixia quickly waved her hands, flustered. "No, I'm just worried about bothering you by staying here."
"No need to worry about bothering me. Unless you don't want to see me, this is your home." Song Weizhi said gently, looking earnestly at Song Zhixia.
Feeling a little anxious, Song Zhixia turned her head and explained, "How could that be? Seeing you is what I want the most."
"Good, then take these. I bought a variety of meats and vegetables for you. You still need to eat since you haven't reached the Foundation Building stage yet. There's a kitchen in the courtyard where you can make yourself something to eat when you're hungry. Once you reach the Foundation Building stage, it will be easier since you won't feel hungry even if you don't eat," Song Weizhi advised with a smile.
"Did you prepare all of this just for me, Senior Sister?" Song Zhixia asked as she pursed her lips, surprised by Song Weizhi's meticulous care.
"Of course, otherwise, will I have another pretty girl around here?" Song Weizhi teased Song Zhixia. She believed that at this age, the female lead should have more reasons to smile, despite the hardships she had gone through. Even though she didn't have a firm grasp of the future, she hoped the female lead could live a happier life.
Just as Song Zhixia felt slightly embarrassed when her Senior Sister called her a pretty girl, another young woman in black attire, with a striking appearance, entered the courtyard. It was Wei Zhao.
Looking at Song Weizhi, Song Zhixia's eyes brimmed with grievances, as if accusing her of not keeping her word. Wasn't she supposed to be the only pretty girl around?
Song Weizhi tactically coughed to cover her embarrassment. Wei Zhao had an impeccable sense of timing. She succeeded in arriving right at the most opportune moment.
"This is my new friend. Her name is Wei Zhao, and she's staying here for now," Song Weizhi explained to Song Zhixia with a forced smile.
Song Zhixia looked at Song Weizhi and then at Wei Zhao.
"We are not friends. I am the master's subordinate," Wei Zhao clarified. Her master's instructions were simply not precise enough!
Song Zhixia looked at Song Weizhi in puzzlement.
"Oh, right. Wei Zhao is my new subordinate, and she's also staying here for now," Song Weizhi reassured as Wei Zhao nodded in satisfaction at Song Weizhi's explanation.
"Is there anything else you command, Master?" Wei Zhao bowed and asked.
"No, just rest early," Song Weizhi replied.
"I take my leave, Master." With a respectful bow, Wei Zhao headed to her room.
Song Weizhi rubbed her neck and explained, "She's straightforward but rest assured, she's not a bad person. I understand you might be feeling confused."
"But you said there wouldn't be a second pretty girl," Song Zhixia questioned casually, biting her lip.
"She's my subordinate and also my friend. It's different with you. You're the most important to me. Besides, you are the only pretty girl in my eyes. Oh, how do I put this? In your case, Zhixia, is the one I care about the most," Song Weizhi quickly explained, afraid of giving the female lead the impression of being a liar. After all, "Black Bean Sauce Warning!"
"Senior Sister, you're talking nonsense. I won't pay attention to you anymore." Song Zhixia's cheeks turned faintly red, looking rosy, as she held the storage pouch given to her by Song Weizhi. She turned and ran back to her room, closing the door behind her. Leaning against the door, Song Zhixia took deep breaths. How could her Senior Sister say something even more outrageous than the villagers' idle gossip? But strangely, she found herself feeling somewhat happy after hearing it.
Chapter 13
When Song Wei Zhi saw Song Zhi Xia return to her room, she also headed back to her own. As soon as she entered the room, a mechanical sound from the system echoed in her mind: "Congratulations to the host for completing the task. Reward: 50 points. Current total points: 550. Would you like to exchange?"
Song Wei Zhi pondered for a moment before choosing "No". Later that evening, the long-lost aroma of cooking wafted in from the courtyard. Since arriving in this world, Song Wei Zhi hadn't eaten much, as she no longer felt hungry after reaching the foundation building stage. However, now, the scent of the food made her surprisingly crave a meal. ◇This work is collated and published by the readers online on the Sishu website◇
Without overthinking it, Song Zhi Xia, with a slightly flushed face, came knocking at the door. Feeling a bit nervous, she wasn't sure if her senior sister would join her for dinner. After all, for her senior sister, having a meal would mean a delay in cultivating.
"Knock, knock, knock," the sound of a knock on the door followed by Song Zhi Xia's voice: "Senior sister, I've prepared dinner. Would you like to have some with me?"
Since the female lead had said so, she must be courteous. Moreover, the enticing smell made Song Wei Zhi actually feel like tasting the food. She took a few steps, opened the door, and saw Song Zhi Xia standing obediently outside, waiting for her response.
Song Wei Zhi chuckled and said, "Zhi Xia, how obedient of you! Making delicious food and still thinking of your senior sister. Of course, your senior sister must taste your cooking. Let's go."
Originally, Song Zhi Xia thought Song Wei Zhi might refuse, but her senior sister agreed just like that? In a daze, Song Zhi Xia moved to the kitchen. When she regained her senses, she found Song Wei Zhi following her. She hastened to say, "Senior sister, why did you follow? You could just sit in the hall. Everything is ready, I can handle it."
"How could I let you handle it all? It's already inappropriate for your senior sister to mooch off your meal, let me help you." Song Wei Zhi stood behind Song Zhi Xia, feeling that this kind of day finally had some homely warmth.
Back and forth a few times, the food in the kitchen was almost ready. Song Zhi Xia casually asked, "So, does the lady want to join us for dinner?"
Song Wei Zhi pondered for a moment. After all, she was amongst allies, so she might as well ask. However, given Wei Zhao's tough personality, the likelihood of him dining with them was slim.
She took out the voice transmission stone and sent a message to Wei Zhao: "Wei Zhao, Zhi Xia and I are having dinner together. Would you like to join us?"
The next moment, she heard Wei Zhao's voice through the transmission stone: "It's unnecessary, host. After the foundation building stage, don't we no longer need to eat? I'll pass."
"Alright, you go ahead then," Song Wei Zhi helplessly looked at Song Zhi Xia and shook her head. "He won't join us. Let's just have our meal."
"Okay, senior sister," Song Zhi Xia smiled. For some reason, she felt somewhat happy that Wei Zhao didn't come to eat with them. This way, there wouldn't be anyone vying for her senior sister's attention. Song Zhi Xia was startled by her own thoughts and hastily chased them away.
The two sat down at the table. Song Zhi Xia's culinary skills were impressive. The golden and translucent fried sweet potato strips and the succulent fried pork melted in the mouth. The other dishes were equally delectable, and Song Wei Zhi enjoyed quite a bit.
"Zhi Xia, your cooking is delicious. I haven't eaten like this in a long time. I've eaten so much today." Song Wei Zhi smiled as she looked at Song Zhi Xia across the table.
Song Zhi Xia blushed at the praise and couldn't meet Song Wei Zhi's eyes: "As long as senior sister likes it, I can make it for you every day from now on."
"Alright, then I'll look forward to tasting Zhi Xia's cooking every day." Song Wei Zhi smiled.
Song Zhi Xia stole a glance at Song Wei Zhi, meeting her smiling eyes, and felt her ears grow even warmer. To avoid her own embarrassment, she stood up and began clearing the dishes from the table.
Song Wei Zhi naturally noticed Song Zhi Xia's blushing cheeks and ears, but she didn't call it out. She just found the shy female lead rather cute.
That night, Song Wei Zhi continued her cultivation diligently. She had achieved the cultivation of the golden core perfect stage. However, the patriarch of the Song family, Song Chaozong, had already entered the Nascent Soul stage. To obtain the female lead's fragment of the spirit here in the Song family, she would have to confront Song Chaozong. With her current strength, she didn't have full confidence. Therefore, she needed to work hard to enter the Nascent Soul stage. Only then would Wei Zhao's cultivation progress along with hers, increasing their chances of winning against Song Zhi Xia.
Early the next morning, Song Wei Zhi went to knock on Song Zhi Xia's door, wanting to take her to the martial arts library. She remembered that in the original story, Song Zhi Xia endured neglect and, by a coincidence, found a high-class martial art book called "Blazing Sword" in the martial arts library after the male lead refined her spiritual roots. It was a yellow-ranked martial art, hidden in the library until the female lead practiced it and displayed its prowess.
In a small city like Linhai, high-level martial arts were rare, and mostly, they were just basic ones. Even the internal disciples of the Song family mostly practiced intermediate-level martial arts.
Guiding Song Zhi Xia, Song Wei Zhi arrived at the entrance of the martial arts library. The disciples on guard saw Song Wei Zhi and came forward to bow. Song Wei Zhi nodded in response and then led Song Zhi Xia into the library.
"Zhi Xia, look around. Sometimes, finding a martial art also requires destiny. I'll be with you," Song Wei Zhi said, standing behind Song Zhi Xia.
Song Zhi Xia nodded and walked among the rows of bookshelves, occasionally picking up a martial art book to browse through. There were many martial arts in the library, but most of them were basic. Song Zhi Xia looked through many books, but in the end, she didn't pick any. Although she had just entered the Qi-Refining and Comprehension stage, she could tell that the martial arts on the bookshelves were too simple. Song Wei Zhi remained silent, fearing that she might ruin what should have been the female lead's destiny.
Finally, at the corner of the third floor, at the top of a bookshelf, Song Zhi Xia found a blank-covered book. She didn't know how she found it. She felt as if something there was drawing her toward that book. She picked up the book with an empty cover and turned to look at Song Wei Zhi: "Senior sister, this book is so strange. There's nothing written on the cover."
Song Wei Zhi leaned over. She wasn't sure if this was the "Blazing Sword" from the original story. "Open it and take a look."
Song Zhi Xia nodded and began flipping through the pages. It turned out to be a martial art book for cultivating fire-based spiritual roots. It wasn't until she reached the end of the book that Song Wei Zhi saw the two words "Blazing Sword". She thought that it was the female lead's destiny after all and ended up back in Song Zhi Xia's hands.
"This is a high-level martial art. It's very suitable for you to practice. Put it away quickly," Song Wei Zhi said.
Song Zhi Xia placed the martial art book into the storage bag given to her by Song Wei Zhi, and only then they left.
Back in Song Zhi Xia's room, Song Wei Zhi placed her hand on Song Zhi Xia's wrist and used her spiritual energy to assess Song Zhi Xia's cultivation. She found that in just one night, Song Zhi Xia had already reached the pinnacle of the Qi-Refining stage. Indeed, only the female lead could achieve such speed.
Then, Song Wei Zhi remembered that from the foundation building stage onwards, there would be tribulations, and the number of tribulations would increase with each realm. The foundation building stage required enduring the first tribulation.
Song Zhi Xia didn't know why her senior sister suddenly grabbed her wrist, but she obediently stood there, allowing Song Wei Zhi to grasp her. However, a faint blush colored her earlobes.
"Zhi Xia, you've already reached the pinnacle of the Qi-Refining stage now. You just need to take one more step to reach the foundation building stage. However, the foundation building stage requires passing through a tribulation. You don't need to worry too much. Senior sister has prepared everything you need, and there's nothing I can teach you about your martial art because our spiritual roots are different," said Song Wei Zhi, admonishing like a mother, afraid that the female lead would be struck by the tribulation.
"Senior sister, you don't need to prepare so much for me. You've already helped me so much," Song Zhi Xia bit her lip. Her senior sister's care for her surpassed that of anyone else, and she didn't know how to repay her.
Song Wei Zhi smiled and said, "Why can't I help you prepare? What if my beautiful little sister gets struck? Who will give me a beautiful little sister exactly like Zhi Xia?"
Song Zhi Xia was made even more embarrassed by Song Wei Zhi's words. Her cheeks and earlobes were quickly tinted pink, and she shyly glared at Song Wei Zhi and said, "Senior sister, you're being absurd again."
Song Wei Zhi looked at Song Zhi Xia's blushing cheeks and earlobes and suppressed her laughter, "I wasn't being absurd. My beautiful little sister even gets shy. Alright, I won't tease you anymore. As you don't have your own spiritual sword yet, here, use this one of mine for the time being."
As Song Zhi Xia gazed at Song Wei Zhi in a daze, she didn't reach for the sword. Song Wei Zhi knew her well, and she didn't like being indebted to others.
So, she said, "What's the matter? You don't want the things your senior sister gives you?"
Song Zhi Xia hurriedly waved her hands and explained, "No, senior sister. I didn't mean that. I just... I don't know how to thank you."
"Zhi Xia, we don't need to be so formal in the future. Are you treating me as an outsider?" Song Wei Zhi raised her eyebrows.
"No." Song Zhi Xia denied loudly, then she lowered her voice and continued with a hint of shyness, "Senior sister is not an outsider. She is someone very important to me." After saying that, she felt so shy that she nearly buried her head in her own chest, resembling a quail.
Song Wei Zhi no longer teased her and said, "Then take this." She held the sword and handed it to Song Zhi Xia.
"Thank you, senior sister," Song Zhi Xia obediently expressed her gratitude.
"Alright, then focus on refining your skills these days. Once you feel a significant fluctuation in your spiritual power, be sure to inform me immediately," Song Wei Zhi admonished, much like a mother, and only returned to her residence after she was sure Song Zhi Xia had heard her clearly.
Chapter 14
After instructing Song Zhixia, in no time Wei Zhao returned.
"Master, I just overheard Song Ru Hai and the others discussing your birthday; they said the Zhao family's people are also coming," Wei Zhao respectfully reported to Song Weizhi.
Hearing the mention of the Zhao family, Song Weizhi thought of the male lead, Zhao Xuankun. In the original book, it was during this birthday banquet that the male lead met the female lead, leading to his later assistance in refining her spiritual roots. Song Weizhi was reluctant to let the male lead disrupt the good rapport she had finally achieved with the female lead.
"Alright, I understand. You can go rest for now," after dismissing Wei Zhao, Song Weizhi began to ponder her next steps. Due to her arrival, everything had taken on a butterfly effect, deviating from the original book's plot. At this point, she could only strive to improve her cultivation as swiftly as possible and proceed cautiously.
After Wei Zhao left, Song Weizhi heard a mechanical voice in her mind, "Assisting the female lead in successfully laying her foundation rewards 100 points. The task must be completed within three days."
"Shouldn't be too difficult," Song Weizhi thought, "Song Zhixia was almost done laying her foundation these past few days. It seems these 100 points will be mine in no time."
The next morning, Song Zhixia came over early, but Song Weizhi had spent the whole night cultivating and had not slept. Upon hearing the knocking, she immediately went to open the door for Song Zhixia. She saw the slightly anxious look on Song Zhixia's face and asked, "Zhixia, what's wrong?"
"Sister, the energy and blood in my body are surging. I think I might be on the verge of a breakthrough."
Upon hearing Song Zhixia's words, Song Weizhi immediately lightly grasped Song Zhixia's wrist to investigate. Sure enough, she sensed a faint red glow within Song Zhixia's body, indicating an imminent breakthrough.
"Don't worry. Let's go to the courtyard," Song Weizhi said as she led Song Zhixia to a secluded spot in the courtyard. Using Song Zhixia as the center, she set up a formation, placed several yellow talismans on the formation nodes, and also deployed a shock-resistant instrument. Once everything was ready, she instructed, "Zhixia, now use the method I taught you to continue harnessing the spiritual energy in your body. When the heavenly tribulation descends, use the spiritual energy to protect yourself."
"Alright, Sister," Song Zhixia began to mobilize the abundant spiritual energy within her. The clear sky from moments ago quickly turned into a sky filled with rolling black thunderclouds. The dark clouds continued to gather over the area where Song Weizhi was located, gradually pressing lower, as if to envelop the entire space.
With such activity, it naturally caught the attention of other disciples. Thunder tribulations commence from laying the foundation, so some of the inner disciples had already experienced tribulations, indicating that they had taken the most critical step in their cultivation journey. Starting from laying the foundation, cultivators no longer needed mundane food and underwent a rapid improvement in strength compared to the Qi Refining stage.
"Hey, what's going on? How come there are signs of tribulation over there? I remember that's where Senior Sister lives, right?"
"Yes, isn't Senior Sister at the Golden Core Comprehension stage? It's impossible for her to suddenly jump to the Nascent Soul stage. As far as I know, there are no Nascent Soul cultivators in Linhai City."
"Then who could it be?"
"I don't know."
"We're familiar with the inner disciples, there shouldn't be someone attempting tribulation that we don't know about."
"Could it be a disciple from the outer sect who suddenly comprehended something?"
"Impossible, I've never heard of any outer sect disciple laying the foundation before entering the inner sect."
While there was a commotion in the distance, the courtyard where Song Weizhi was located had been shrouded in dark clouds. With flashes of lightning and roaring thunder, as the fluctuations of spiritual energy in Song Zhixia became more intense, the lightning in the dark clouds grew brighter. Before long, a massive bolt of lightning tore through the air as Song Zhixia broke through.
Song Weizhi stood not far away, watching Song Zhixia. The array and the artifact she had prepared should have no issues blocking a tribulation. In the next moment, a bolt of lightning, as if with eyes, rushed straight towards Song Zhixia. Armed with the spiritual sword Song Weizhi had given her, the tribulation was momentarily blocked by the formation Song Weizhi had set up, shattering the formation. The force of the tribulation was significantly reduced due to the formation and subsequently collided with the artifact Song Weizhi had placed. The collision occurred not far from Song Zhixia and, shielded by her spiritual energy, she emerged unscathed.
The black clouds in the sky gradually dissipated. Joyfully, Song Zhixia ran to Song Weizhi's side, gazing at her with a smile, "Sister, I have laid my foundation."
A breeze stirred, tousling Song Zhixia's hair, but it did little to hide her exquisite appearance. Subconsciously, Song Weizhi raised her hand to tidy Song Zhixia's disheveled hair and smiled, "My Zhixia is the best. You're my pride; accomplishing your foundation in just a few days, there are probably few people in the entire Southern Sea Continent who can match your achievement."
Song Zhixia blushed, as her sister said she was her pride? The more she thought about it, the faster her heart beat. Shyly, she lowered her head without daring to meet Song Weizhi's smiling eyes.
"Thank you, Sister. I've never been this happy," Song Zhixia murmured softly, almost burying her head in her chest. Song Weizhi could only see a pair of bright red ears, shaking cutely.
Song Weizhi wanted to reach out and touch, but with their current relationship, would doing so result in an awkward situation? As she contemplated, her hand gently landed on the right ear of Song Zhixia, just as soft and warm as she imagined.
As Song Weizhi smileingly caressed her, Song Zhixia's face turned red, and she glared at Song Weizhi, "Sister, I'm ignoring you." As she spoke, she evaded Song Weizhi's hand, running back to her room as if fleeing. However, the look she gave Song Weizhi before running away was clearly quite coquettish.
Feeling a little regretful as she looked at her hand that had not been withdrawn, Song Weizhi thought with some disappointment, "If only I could have touched the other side as well. It feels nice and soft."
At that moment, the system in Song Weizhi's mind seemed puzzled. It felt like something was off between the host and the female lead? Or was this just how friendships between straight women were? The system was utterly perplexed and could only wait for further exploration in the future.
However, the primary task at hand should not be forgotten. The mechanical voice of the system resounded in Song Weizhi's mind, "Congratulations to the host for completing the task, 100 points awarded. The current total points of the host are 650 points."
After returning to her room, Song Zhixia felt like her heart was about to leap out of her chest. Sister had just bullied her again. She even touched her! But why did she still feel quite happy? No, no, what was she thinking? Sister was probably treating her like an elder to a junior. But something still didn't feel right; elders weren't supposed to touch the ears of their juniors, right?
Song Zhixia's mind was in chaos, and it felt like a fire was burning in her heart. She buried herself under the covers, hoping to cool down.
Just as Song Weizhi was considering whether to knock on Song Zhixia's door, a voice transmission talisman appeared in the air. With her spiritual energy, Song Weizhi opened the talisman and heard Song Ru Hai's voice, "Weizhi, all the Zhao family's people will be arriving tomorrow, and the senior elders are all present. Come over."
Thinking about the male lead Zhao Xuankun's infatuation with Song Zhixia in the original book, Song Weizhi summoned the Lishuo Sword and quickly arrived at the main hall of the Song family. The disciples on both sides greeted her, and she nodded in response.
Entering the hall, Song Weizhi only gave a token gesture of respect to Song Ru Hai. After all, she had yet to find what she was looking for, and now wasn't the time to break into open conflict.
"Master, is there something you wanted to discuss with me by summoning me here?" Song Weizhi asked as she stood in the hall.
Song Ru Hai sat in the position of the master and took a sip of tea before speaking, "Weizhi, I called you here to talk about your marriage with Zhao Xuankun from the Zhao family. You two have been betrothed since childhood, and it seems like it's time to finalize your future together. What do you think?"
A smile tugged at Song Weizhi's lips. Her mission was to protect the female lead, so what was it to her if the male lead was involved? She didn't want anything to do with the male lead, let alone get involved with him.
"I think it's improper, and I want to cancel this engagement," Song Weizhi said lightly. However, her words caused a stir in the hall.
"Nonsense! How can something as significant as a Daoist couple be decided by your words alone? This concerns the relationship between our Song and Zhao families. You can't just do as you please," someone exclaimed.
"What if I insist on refusing? Master, how will you punish me," Song Weizhi's expression was full of banter, clearly indicating that she didn't think they'd dare to do anything to her.
Song Ru Hai was so furious his temple veins were bulging. Unaware that Song Weizhi had reached the Golden Core Great Perfection stage, he thought that with the help of several senior elders who had also reached the Golden Core Great Perfection stage, he could deal with Song Weizhi, but he didn't dare to run the risk of mutual destruction. He could only suppress his anger and say, "Sigh, maybe you just haven't seen that child Xuankun for too long; he's a remarkable talent, and you'll surely like him. Enough, enough, you'll know when the Zhao family's people arrive tomorrow."
Song Weizhi sneered and said, "So what? It has nothing to do with me regardless of his circumstances. It's better for the master not to waste his efforts on me." With that, she turned and walked away.
"Well, would you look at that! Look at her, she's disregarding all propriety. Ru Hai, you've indulged this child Weizhi too much. Look at what she's become," the chief elder said discontentedly.
"That's right. At the end of the day, she is still a disciple of our Song family. How dare she defy the master? In a few years, won't she be bullying her teachers and revolting against her ancestors?" the second elder added.
"Exactly. We must give Song Weizhi a little punishment to show her the gravity of the situation. Our Song family is not a place where she can do whatever she wants!" the third elder echoed.
Song Ru Hai smiled wryly and said, "Alright then. If you want to deal with Song Weizhi, may I ask which of you elders is planning to take action? You've been practicing for decades, but in the end, not a single one of you can suppress that girl in terms of cultivation. It's quite ironic, isn't it?"
With Song Ru Hai's remarks, the elders were left speechless and had no choice but to leave in frustration.
Chapter 15
When the three elders had left, Song Chaoyun spoke, "Father, Song Weizhi breaking off the engagement might actually be a good thing for our Song family."
Song Ruhai furrowed his brows and said, "A good thing? Explain to me how it's a good thing."
Song Chaoyun smiled and responded, "The reason we agreed to the engagement with the Zhao family was because Song Weizhi is my sister. Regardless of whether she marries someone or not, her loyalty would have been towards our maternal family. But now, without the kinship ties, we can see that she doesn't hold the same attitude towards you as before. I think that's the reason behind it."
"How does that relate to breaking off the engagement? How can that be a good thing?" Song Ruhai continued to question.
"Father, think about it. Song Weizhi no longer sees us as her own. If she marries Zhao Xuankun, she will belong to the Zhao family, and won't have any connection to our Song family. But, if she breaks off the engagement and marries me instead, everything changes. She will be our Song family's daughter-in-law and will still serve and contribute to our Song family," Song Chaoyun explained.
Song Ruhai's eyes brightened, "Indeed, that's a good idea. How did I not think of it! But we still need to find a way to pacify the Zhao family. You have a point, my son. However, with Song Weizhi's appearance and cultivation, she is indeed worthy of you."
"Thank you for your support, Father," Song Chaoyun expressed his gratitude, as if Song Weizhi had already agreed to marry him.
Song Chaoyun had fancied Song Weizhi since her background was revealed, but he lacked the courage. After all, her cultivation was a realm higher than his. However, with his father's support, the situation changed. He was certain that Song Weizhi would marry him and carry on the Song family's legacy.
Every word of the conversation between father and son reached Wei Zhao's ears. She quickly went to inform Song Weizhi. Song Weizhi sneered, "Song Ruhai and the others are quite scheming. It's a pity they're just trying to hold the Song family together. They actually dare to think they can use Song Weizhi for their own gain?"
"What should we do now, Mistress?" Wei Zhao respectfully asked.
"Ignore them for now. Let's focus on breaking off the engagement first," Song Weizhi replied.
The next morning, the atmosphere was lively at the Song residence as the head of the Zhao family, Zhao Fei, arrived with his son, Zhao Xuankun, and several disciples. Song Ruhai promptly sent his trusted disciple, Tianming, along with others to welcome the guests. Song Weizhi was also summoned to the main hall.
She had gone today with the intention of causing trouble, regardless of the reason. She was determined to break off the engagement.
Before long, Tianming led the Zhao family's group into the main hall. After exchanging pleasantries, the conversation turned to the marriage between Song Weizhi and Zhao Xuankun.
"We've come this time to discuss the marriage between our children. It's been many years, and I think it's about time," Zhao Fei amiably said to Song Ruhai.
After Song Chaoyun's words the previous day, Song Ruhai was not eager for Song Weizhi to be wedded to Zhao Xuankun. However, he didn't reveal his thoughts.
"Yes, it's time for the next generation to take over. But, we should consider the wishes of the young couple. What do you think, Brother Zhao?" Song Ruhai deliberately shifted the conversation to Zhao Fei, knowing that Song Weizhi was not willing. Let her speak for herself.
"Indeed, what do you both think?" Zhao Fei asked with a smile.
Song Weizhi looked at Zhao Xuankun, the male lead, and though he was indeed handsome, she was not interested in him. Zhao Xuankun nodded slightly and said, "I will go along with the arrangements made by our fathers."
"Haha, Weizhi, what are your thoughts?" Zhao Fei turned to Song Weizhi with a smile.
Song Weizhi recalled that in the original story, Zhao Xuankun had glimpsed Song Zhixia before coming to the hall and decided she was his chosen partner. Despite this, she was now here to break off the engagement.
"I disagree. Zhao Master knows that the choice of a partner is significant for cultivators. I believe Zhao senior brother and I are not very compatible. Let's call off this engagement," Song Weizhi calmly stated.
"This is not a joke, Weizhi. How can you unilaterally decide? It's impossible to break off the engagement between the two of you," Zhao Fei's tone turned stern as he was clearly angered.
"If I disagree, no one can force me," Song Weizhi remained firm.
"Song Master, is this the conduct of your Song family? Do you have no honor? This was arranged between our families more than a decade ago," Zhao Fei said, turning to Song Ruhai in exasperation.
Just as Song Ruhai was about to speak, Song Weizhi intervened, "You arranged this engagement for Song Master's daughter, but I am not his daughter. Moreover, she grew up outside and should not bear the burden of this engagement."
"You! I see you are being unreasonable and trying to humiliate our Zhao family," Zhao Fei was fuming.
In contrast, the male lead, Zhao Xuankun, approached Song Weizhi and said, "Song younger sister, I'd like to understand why. I won't force anyone if I receive an explanation from you."
After some consideration, Song Weizhi realized she couldn't reveal her lack of interest in the male lead, as her entire mission revolved around the female lead. After a moment's thought, she replied, "I have found someone else, and I ask for Zhao senior brother's understanding."
"Is what you said true, Sister? If it is, I won't make things difficult," Zhao Xuankun was not well-versed in such matters. He knew that he and Song Weizhi had been engaged since childhood, but his own feelings for her weren't strong.
"It's true. I'll introduce her to you if there's an opportunity," Song Weizhi met Zhao Xuankun's eyes, speaking calmly.
"Xuankun, how can you agree to this? Oh, this will tarnish our family's reputation," Zhao Fei lamented.
"Father, if Sister decided she doesn't want it, I don't want to force her. Please, respect her decision," Zhao Xuankun respectfully informed Zhao Fei.
Song Weizhi observed Zhao Xuankun's courteous demeanor and found him to be polite.
At this moment, Song Ruhai interjected, "Brother Zhao, since the young couple has reached an agreement, let's go along with their wishes. Although the marriage has been canceled, let's not spoil the friendship between our families."
"All right, since Xuankun has agreed, we will take our leave," Zhao Fei's face visibly soured. They had come to discuss the wedding date, but instead ended up breaking off the engagement.
Song Ruhai noticed Zhao Fei's displeasure and was worried about hurting the relationship between the two families. "Brother Zhao, please wait a moment. Soon, we will have the assessment competition for promoting the outer disciples to the inner sect. After that, all our inner sect disciples will have the opportunity to explore the Linlang Secret Realm. We were, indeed, at fault in this matter of the engagement. If Brother Zhao doesn't mind, you can take the several dozen disciples you brought along with you. Their findings will depend on their luck."
Zhao Fei relaxed at the mention of the Linlang Secret Realm. The key to entering the secret realm was only possessed by Song Ruhai, and this was an unexpected windfall for Zhao's disciples. Exploring the secret realm could bring them treasures.
"In that case, we'll comply with your suggestion. We have troubled you, Song brother," Zhao Fei agreed.
"Master, rest assured. Please lead Zhao Master and the others to the best guest chambers and ensure they are well taken care of," Tianming said, directing the Zhao family's group out of the main hall.
Of course, Song Ruhai had no intention of being kind. Although the Linlang Secret Realm was indeed a valuable place, Song Ruhai had never found any treasures or artifacts there since he entered it as a young man. Each year, he let his disciples enter the secret realm for the sake of testing and growth, so he was not worried that Zhao's disciples would find any significant treasures. At most, they would encounter unremarkable beasts.
Looking at Song Ruhai, Song Weizhi knew he was dreaming if he thought she would become his son's partner. Her focus was entirely on the female lead; she had no interest in anyone else's affairs.
"If Master has nothing else, I will take my leave," Song Weizhi perfunctorily bid farewell and left on her sword.
Leaving behind a sullen Song Ruhai muttering under his breath, "More and more out of line. Arrogance will get you nowhere. If I can't take care of you after you marry into our family, we'll see about that."
Song Weizhi entered her courtyard and saw Song Zhixia practicing swordplay. It had to be said that the female lead was indeed extraordinary. Despite never having touched a sword before, after just a few days of practice, she had already surpassed several years of training for an ordinary person. Song Weizhi didn't disturb Song Zhixia, simply silently watching from a distance. When Song Zhixia finished her sword routine, she noticed Song Weizhi sitting in the veranda watching her. She quickly ran over and sweetly called out, "Senior Sister, you're back."
With just one address as "Senior Sister," Song Zhixia successfully dispelled Song Weizhi's unease. "I had to deal with a few annoying people, but I managed to send them away. You're the best, Zhixia. I just want to see pretty girls like you now, Zhixia," Song Weizhi said.
"Senior Sister, you're bullying me again," Song Zhixia's ears quickly turned red, reminding Song Weizhi of the soft touch she had felt the last time. Following her heart, Song Weizhi's hand reached out and touched hers.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone