Chương 40: 6-10
Chapter 6
"No, it's not possible. Testing the spirit beast is a must for every disciple. Even if the junior sister is the head's daughter, she can't be an exception," Li Fang Fang blocked Song Zhi Xia's path.
"Junior sister, please. If you want to not delay everyone's progress, then quickly test your spirit beast," Chen Li chimed in.
At this time, there were already whispers of impatience coming from the crowd:
"Hurry up, we're still waiting for the senior brother to pass on his techniques to us."
"Yeah, if you don't want to waste time, do it quickly. It's just a matter of seeing a spirit beast, right? All of us have been through it, so hurry up."
"Exactly, exactly, hurry up."
"Junior sister, please," Chen Li said insistently.
Song Zhi Xia forced herself to remain calm. Unpretentiously, she looked at Chen Li and asked, "What should I do then?"
"If the junior sister doesn't know how to use spiritual power, then let me handle it. Junior sister, just focus your energy," Chen Li said. He raised his hand and activated the spiritual energy inside him, pointing his index and middle fingers towards Song Zhi Xia. In just a breath's time, Song Zhi Xia felt a blur in front of her eyes, and a creature similar to a small chicken appeared on the ground in front of her. Despite being called a small chicken, it had a fluffy and illusory appearance, with a small size no bigger than a palm. It stood blankly on the ground, gazing at Song Zhi Xia, locking eyes in a bewildered manner.
Beside Chen Li, Li Fang Fang couldn't help but laugh, "What is this thing? Someone's spirit beast is actually a small chicken? Hahaha, Song junior sister, you have truly brought shame upon our Song family in Lihai City."
"Just you, a waste, dares to compare with the senior sister? With your wasted spiritual roots and spirit, is only adding more waste. Someone like you doesn't deserve to stay in our Song family. No wonder the headmaster left you in the outer sect," Chen Li said relentlessly, looking at Song Zhi Xia.
Song Zhi Xia took a few steps back, and the small clown chicken on the ground also retreated a few steps.
Realizing the precarious situation she was in, Song Zhi Xia understood that the other disciples held immense hostility towards her, and her own biological parents neglected her. The only one who seemed to show any kindness to her was the senior sister, with whom she was not familiar. She didn't dare hope that the senior sister would help her again, but she also wanted to do her best to deal with these people.
"Since the senior brother has already tested my spiritual roots and spirit, I will go down first and not delay the senior brother from passing down the techniques," Song Zhi Xia said as she walked towards the steps leading to the platform.
"You want to leave? What use is there to keep a waste of a spirit beast like yours? Let me destroy it for you. Anyway, it's just a burden. You'd be better off going back to your village and living as a commoner," Chen Li said, initiating the use of his spiritual energy to restrain Song Zhi Xia. She felt an invisible force in the air preventing her from moving, and the small clown chicken also seemed to sense the threat, trembling involuntarily.
With a wave of his hand, Chen Li, Song Zhi Xia, and the small clown chicken were already in the center of the martial arts field, and the disciples quickly surrounded them.
Song Zhi Xia wanted to leave, but her body was immobilized as if by some unseen force. With a cold laugh, Chen Li looked at Song Zhi Xia and said, "Let's show you what a real spirit beast is. Your spirit beast is nothing but trash. Anyone could easily crush it."
Saying that, a unicorn appeared beside Chen Li, with a sturdy and faintly glowing body.
"Is there anyone else who wants to display their spirit beast to play with Song junior sister's little chicken? Hahaha," Chen Li laughed out loud as he surveyed the surrounding outer sect disciples. He wanted to humiliate Song Zhi Xia, to make everyone trample on her, and then crush her spirit beast, making it impossible for her to ever cultivate again. How dare she oppose the senior sister!
"Senior brother, it's only right for us to guide junior sister," Xin Yun said, already jealous of Song Zhi Xia being the head's daughter. After being reprimanded by Song Wei Zhi, she had placed all the blame on Song Zhi Xia. Now, with the support of an inner sect senior brother, she naturally wanted to teach Song Zhi Xia a lesson. Soon, a palm-sized green fox appeared on the ground, glaring at Song Zhi Xia's small clown chicken.
"And me, senior brother, it's our duty to guide junior sister," Han Bing chimed in, summoning her spirit beast, a crocodile with a gaping mouth.
"Okay, then let me join as well," Chen Li said. His unicorn, Xin Yun's fox, and Han Bing's crocodile advanced towards the small clown chicken from three different directions. The poor little clown chicken cowered by Song Zhi Xia's feet, trembling, while its fluffy wings quivered with fright.
Song Zhi Xia was also frightened. It was her first time encountering spirit beasts. Although these creatures were not physical, the fierce look in their eyes was more terrifying than real animals.
Was this her life? Enduring humiliation and being abandoned by her own biological parents, and now, seeing this situation, if her spirit beast was destroyed, she would never be able to turn things around.
Several people seemed to have conspired, and instead of immediately crushing the small clown chicken, they encircled and blocked it from three different directions, making it flutter around Song Zhi Xia's feet like a headless fly.
Despite her fear, Song Zhi Xia bent down and held the small clown chicken in her hand.
"Junior sister, if we crush your waste spirit beast on the ground, that's one thing. But if you hold it in your hand, when we crush it, we might also crush away your hand. It's not worth it. After all, if your spirit and roots are wasted, it's fine. But if you lose your hand, how will you live when you return to your village? Hahaha," Chen Li laughed as if he found something amusing.
The surrounding outer sect disciples also had mocking looks. Even the ones who had some reluctance couldn't do anything. Faced with an inner sect disciple one level higher than themselves, they were powerless to stop him.
"Senior brother, let's not waste time on this waste anymore. Let's just crush her spirit beast and then drive her out of the Song family's gate," Xin Yun said eagerly.
"How can this be? After all, Song junior sister is still an outer sect disciple. So, as long as your waste ugly bird can surpass my rhinoceros, I will let you go today. Otherwise, I'll have to take action immediately," Chen Li didn't want to end things so soon. After all, the game of cat and mouse wasn't something he could play often.
With no other choice, Song Zhi Xia bit her lip and asked, "Is senior brother's words true?"
"Haha, of course they are," Chen Li replied, not believing for a moment that Song Zhi Xia's waste spirit beast would dare to walk past his rhinoceros spirit beast. Being in the foundational and comprehension stage of cultivation at a young age, he answered Song Zhi Xia immediately.
Song Zhi Xia could only grip the small clown chicken in her hand, earnestly speaking to it, "I don't know how you appeared, but it seems we are one. You are me, and I am you. Be brave, as only then can we leave this place alive." Saying this, she gently stroked the small clown chicken in her hand. After all, these spirit beasts were ultimately a part of the spiritual essence and were not tangible, so they wouldn't have a furry texture.
"Laughable. Look at that waste talking to her waste spirit beast."
"Indeed, there's no way that the waste spirit beast can dare to walk past Chen senior brother's rhinoceros spirit beast. Remember, Chen senior brother has already reached the foundational and comprehension stage. Song Zhi Xia, a waste, doesn't even understand how to cultivate."
"Rather than this, it would be better for her to kneel and beg Chen senior brother. Maybe he'd spare her, as he might find her attractive, and they could practice together a couple of times. ^o^This work is provided by the Stareads site for online reading^o^"
"Do you think Chen senior brother is like you? Always thinking of these sordid things all the time? Chen senior brother has such cultivation at such a young age. His position in Lihai City in the future will definitely not be low. Even if he were to practice together, he wouldn't take notice of a waste like Song Zhi Xia."
There were murmurs of conversation on the martial arts grounds. Song Zhi Xia glared at Chen Li, Xin Yun, and Han Bing, and with some reluctance, she put down the small clown chicken from her hand. The clown chicken, seemingly listening and understanding, was afraid but, as if compelled by the speech, it was still trying to inch closer with difficulty.
Without imagining that Song Zhi Xia's waste spirit beast could walk this far and still show an inclination to move forward, he thought that the waste spirit beast wanted to overcome his own spirit beast, and the senior brother, as an inner sect disciple, couldn't back down. He then spoke, "Forget it, I don't believe it's worth it. I'll just send your waste spirit beast to its death."
Upon saying so, Chen Li immediately commanded his companion, the large rhinoceros, to approach the small clown chicken. Realizing the danger, the little clown chicken was already constrained, unable to move at all, trembling in the face of the impending unknown.
Under Chen Li's control, the rhinoceros raised its left hoof, which was as large as a pair of palms. Just a single strike would have turned the little clown chicken into nothing but debris.
"What are you doing? Weren't you supposed to give me a chance? You're untrustworthy. Let me go," Song Zhi Xia urged, wanting to rush over and protect the small clown chicken. Unfortunately, she had recently coughed up blood, and even now, her throat was still sweet from the foundational and comprehension stage oppression. Her body was also immobilized by Chen Li's spiritual energy. Tears wetted her whole face, but she stubbornly stared at Chen Li.
Chapter 7
The clown chicken closed its eyes, feeling as though it couldn't escape this crisis. Just then, a flash of sword light passed by, directly severing one of the rhinoceros hooves, which was the divine beast's essence. Even though the divine beast existed in a virtual form, it could also suffer substantial damage, which would continue until the divine beast could materialize.
The rhinoceros, with one of its front hooves severed, fell to the ground howling. Chen Li's face flushed red as he roared, "Who dares to harm my divine beast? I will fight you to the end!"
Saying that, he wielded his own sword directly in front of him.
A moment later, the owner of the sword light appeared. Song Weizhi landed in front of Song Zhixia in a composed manner. She immediately broke through Chen Li's imposing aura with her spiritual power.
Song Weizhi turned to look at the red-eyed Song Zhixia and asked softly, "I'm sorry I'm late. Are you okay?"
Song Zhixia's eyes were already red; she didn't want to cry in front of Song Weizhi, but for some reason, when she saw Song Weizhi standing in front of her, tears flowed uncontrollably. After realizing that she could move, Song Zhixia gently moved towards Song Weizhi and bit her lip before asking, "Senior Sister, can you help me save my chicken?"
Song Weizhi looked at the tearful girl beside her. How could she possibly refuse? Moreover, that clown chicken would become one of the most powerful divine beasts in the world, and the original owner was the girl who was feeding it. While the clown chicken was not yet powerful, Song Weizhi intended to establish a good relationship with it, ensuring that it wouldn't turn against her in the future.
"Alright, don't worry." Song Weizhi's gentle voice drifted past Song Zhixia's ear. The next moment, the clown chicken, which was not far from Chen Li, was already in Song Weizhi's hands. The clown chicken looked at Song Weizhi, feeling the oppressive sensation gone, and the giant rhinoceros hoof that was looming over it did not land. The clown chicken nestled its head into Song Weizhi's palm.
Song Weizhi, looking at the lovable appearance of the clown chicken, couldn't help but smile. She gently handed the clown chicken to Song Zhixia. "Take it."
Song Zhixia obediently held the clown chicken in her palm, while Chen Li, not far away, was already red-eyed. He couldn't believe it and shouted at Song Weizhi, "Senior Sister, what are you doing? That's my divine beast. How could you harm it?"
Song Weizhi calmly looked at Chen Li and said, "Why can't I? You're planning to crush other people's divine beasts, so why can't I hurt your divine beast?"
"Senior Sister, I did all this for your sake. Song Zhixia, this wretch, came back and snatched your position as the sect's future leader. Wasn't I disciplining her for your sake? How could you hurt my divine beast because of this?" Chen Li spoke through tears, as if Song Weizhi had betrayed his good intentions.
Song Weizhi found Chen Li's words repugnant. As he opened his mouth, it was already distasteful. She glanced at Song Zhixia by her side to prevent any misunderstanding and explained, "I never told him to do this."
"Senior Sister, I believe in you." Though Song Zhixia's eyes were slightly red, they were filled with determination as she looked at Song Weizhi.
"Chen Li, you don't need to pin these labels on me. I never instructed you to do any of this. It's all your own despicable thoughts. Besides, the position of the sect's future leader belongs to Senior Sister Song. What right do you have to question it?" Song Weizhi said coldly.
"Then why did you hurt my divine beast? Senior Sister, shouldn't cultivators know how important divine beasts are?" Chen Li stared at Song Weizhi with red eyes.
"Of course, you're just bullying the new junior sister. Harassing anyone you dislike? You even dared to ruin someone's path of cultivation. I was being lenient by just severing one of your divine beast's legs." Song Weizhi controlled her own divine beast from her sea of consciousness. In a flash, her divine beast, the Double Wing Ice Tiger, appeared in front of her.
"Goodness, is this Senior Sister's Heavenly-ranked divine beast? It's amazing. There are probably not many in the entire Linhai City."
"Of course, it's a Heavenly-ranked divine beast. Senior Sister's future is boundless."
"Hey, do you think Senior Sister would actually make a move? I heard that Chen Li Senior Brother comes from a good family. If his divine beast is injured, will he cause trouble for Senior Sister?"
"No matter how good his family background is, the most powerful member of their family is only at the stage of the Opening Light period, much lower than Senior Sister's level."
"Exactly, our Senior Sister is the future of the Song family and a talent of Linhai City. How dare their family compete against Senior Sister?"
"Senior Sister, what are you doing? Do you really want to crush my divine beast for the sake of this waste?" Chen Li's veins on his forehead had already bulged, and his rhinoceros was still lying on the ground groaning.
Song Weizhi paid no attention to this and was preparing to teach a lesson to Chen Li's rhinoceros with her Double Wing Ice Tiger. Subconsciously turning around, she saw Song Zhixia, with red-rimmed eyes, holding the clown chicken in one hand and tugging at her sleeve with the other.
"Senior Sister, will this cause trouble for you? Forget it, we'll be fine." Song Zhixia didn't not resent Chen Li's actions just now, but she was more afraid that her Senior Sister, who just saved her and the chicken, would get into trouble.
Song Weizhi turned to look at the girl with slightly red eyes, and said gently, "How are we fine when you're spitting blood?"
Saying this, Song Weizhi gently raised her hand to wipe the blood from Song Zhixia's lips, then continued, "You've been bullied to this extent; of course, I have to intervene. Don't worry, nothing will happen."
Song Zhixia felt her mind in a turmoil and her ears turned slightly red. Did Senior Sister just help her wipe the blood?
Song Weizhi turned to look at Chen Li, as well as the other two who summoned their divine beasts, Xin Yun and Han Bing, with a cold gaze, which was in stark contrast to the tenderness she showed when speaking to Song Zhixia.
Song Weizhi used her spiritual power to protect Song Zhixia and the clown chicken with a shield before activating her spiritual power. Most of the people in the vicinity were outer disciples, unable to withstand Song Weizhi's imposing aura, and fell to their knees.
Someone in the training ground began to roar, "Senior Sister, it was Chen Senior Brother and his group who bullied Senior Sister Song. We didn't do anything."
"Yeah, Senior Sister, don't involve us. We haven't even stabilized our level in the Qi Refinement stage. We really can't bear Senior Sister's pressure."
"Senior Sister, spare us. This isn't our fault."
Song Weizhi sneered and swept her gaze over the crowd. "It has nothing to do with any of you? Are you just going to stand by and watch an innocent fellow sect member's divine beast being crushed? You all really appear to be well-trained disciples of a prestigious family. You are quick to disavow any responsibility. Maybe you can't handle Inner Disciple Chen Senior Brother, but you can report to the Law Enforcement Hall. Not a single one of you thought to save her. You all just wanted to watch her embarrass herself, and watch the commotion, right? Am I right?"
As Song Weizhi said this, she turned to look at Li Fangfang and Wang Qi. "They couldn't stop Chen Li. What about you two Inner Disciples? Are you just going to stand by and watch?"
Song Weizhi had an impression of Li Fangfang, who had been setting obstacles for Song Zhixia. Especially since the male lead, Zhao Xunkun, was very kind to Song Zhixia, which kindled Li Fangfang's jealousy. It should be noted that there were not many disciples in Linhai City with a Qi Refinement level of cultivation, and Zhao Xunkun's family background had made him a desirable partner for many female cultivators in Linhai City.
"She's just a waste. Senior Sister doesn't need to pretend to be good. Or is it that Senior Sister feels guilty for taking over Song Zhixia's position of the sect's future leader? What's the point of putting on an act here?" Li Fangfang grumbled. She was at the initial stage of the Foundation Building, and because of her good looks, the senior brothers and sisters in the sect all looked up to her. This had nurtured her shrewd personality.
"Alright, unrepentant. Then I will include you too." Without saying much, Song Weizhi activated her spiritual power, and at the Qi Refinement level of her cultivation, most of the people in the vicinity, who were outer disciples, could not bear it and knelt down.
On the practice ground, someone began to yell, "Senior Sister, it was Chen Senior Brother and his group who bullied Senior Sister Song. We didn't do anything."
"Yeah, Senior Sister, don't involve us. We haven't even stabilized our level in the Qi Refinement stage. We really can't bear Senior Sister's pressure."
"Senior Sister, spare us. This isn't our fault."
Song Weizhi smiled coldly, brushing her gaze over the crowd. "You are standing by and watching, and allowing Chen Li to act recklessly. What about you, Inner Disciples? Are you just going to stand by?"
Song Weizhi glanced at Li Fangfang and Wang Qi. "They couldn't stop Chen Li. What about you, two Inner Disciples? Are you just going to stand by?"
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The next moment, Li Shuo Sword appeared out of thin air at the behest of its owner, with a cold sword aura emanating from its blade. Song Weizhi paid it no heed. Li Shuo Sword seemed to possess its own intelligence and flew towards Chen Li. With an unremarkable stroke, it knocked Chen Li's sword to the ground and pointed directly at his face. Chen Li paled with fear, no longer concerned about his divine beast. He was afraid that with this stroke, Song Weizhi could take his life.
With Chen Li out of the picture, the Double Wing Ice Tiger held down the rhinoceros and bit into its neck. In an instant, most of the flesh on the rhinoceros's neck was torn off, causing immense pain to Chen Li. He couldn't care less about his dignity now and fell to his knees, begging Song Weizhi.
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Chapter 8
"Sister, I will never dare to bully Zhi Xia again. My spirit beast has been destroyed, and I will never be able to cultivate again. Please spare me, sister."
"If only you had thought about this sooner. Weren't you arrogant when you destroyed someone else's spirit beast? I don't think someone like you should stay here. Keep going." Bing Ling Hu received a signal from its master and bit down again. The originally thick neck of the rhinoceros was now reduced to one-third of its previous size. With another bite, Chen Li's spirit beast would be completely destroyed.
"Sister, how could you do this? What about the camaraderie between fellow disciples? Don't worry, Chen Junior Brother, I'll help you." Li Fang Fang said as a sword appeared in her hand, ready to break the Li Shuo Sword in front of Chen Li. But before Li Fang Fang's sword could touch Li Shuo, she was knocked away into the air by an invisible force. She flew more than ten meters and coughed up blood.
Standing not far from Chen Li, Wang Qi was relieved that he had kept quiet. Otherwise, the senior sister might have targeted him as well. It was better to simply behave and not meddle in such matters.
"Do you even deserve to fight back with your limited skills?" Song Wei Zhi sneered at Li Fang Fang, then turned to the rhinoceros. Sensing its master's intention, Bing Ling Hu opened its mouth for the third time, aiming to sever the rhinoceros's neck. However, something in the air prevented it from doing so. Bing Ling Hu couldn't take another bite.
A voice came from a distance, "Wei Zhi, what are you doing? Are you still thinking of fighting against your own sect? Stop it now."
Upon hearing this, Song Wei Zhi nearly burst into laughter. Wasn't this the biological father of the female lead, Song Ru Hai? It seemed he was aware of what was happening here. However, instead of worrying about his daughter's safety, his immediate reaction was to shift blame and avoid responsibilities. Too bad for him, she wasn't the original character, and she had no parental affection or mentorship with Song Ru Hai. His plans had fallen through.
"This is not my fault. Chen Li was at fault first. He disregarded the camaraderie between fellow disciples. If I had arrived a moment later, Zhi Xia's spirit beast would have been destroyed by him," Song Wei Zhi wasn't going to be a meek girl and nod along. She despised many people in the Song family. If she didn't remember that the female lead's fragment of spirit was in the family's treasure trove, she would have wanted to teach the pretentious Song Ru Hai a lesson already.
Song Ru Hai stood in the arena and said, "How can you treat your junior brother like this? Chen Li has already attained the Foundation Building Enlightenment level. How can he continue his cultivation now that you've harmed his spirit beast?"
Song Wei Zhi looked at Song Ru Hai coldly, then sneered, "So, according to the head, only the lives of disciples with high cultivation levels matter? The lives of disciples with lower cultivation levels don't matter, even including the life of your own daughter."
"Shut up, rebellious child." Furious, Song Ru Hai instinctively raised his hand to strike Song Wei Zhi. But she was prepared. This old man cherished his pride more than anything and was willing to sacrifice his own daughter. Well, she wasn't going to give in to him!
The next moment, a barrier made of solid ice formed in front of Song Wei Zhi and Song Zhi Xia, blocking the blow from Song Ru Hai. The ice barrier, however, remained intact.
Cold sweat trickled down Song Ru Hai's forehead. He had exerted nearly all his strength with that strike. It seemed Song Wei Zhi had effortlessly blocked the attack. She had reached the Golden Core Enlightenment level, a realm one step higher than his own. This meant that the Song family would unavoidably rely on Song Wei Zhi in the future. Sacrificing their sect's reputation for someone like Chen Li was not worth it.
Having realized this, Song Ru Hai forced a smile and said to Song Wei Zhi, "I acted rashly just now. Educating our junior disciples is important. However, you were too extreme in your methods. Let's do this: both sides have made mistakes today. Let's consider this as if it never happened."
Song Wei Zhi looked at Song Ru Hai as if he were a clown and then snorted, "I'll repeat it; my junior sister and I are not at fault today. They were the ones with wicked intentions from the beginning. Since I am not at fault, why should I step back?"
The scene on the stage felt frozen in a moment, and the expressions on everyone's faces were vivid. It was clear that the senior sister was not going to give face to the head. She was not going to follow the path he had prepared. It was evident that the head couldn't do anything to the senior sister, and the outer disciples, after the pressure was lifted, watched from a distance, enjoying the show.
Irritated, Song Ru Hai could not control his emotions. From the current situation, it was clear that he didn't stand a chance against Song Wei Zhi. He had no choice but to grit his teeth and say, "Fine, I will have your junior sisters and brothers apologize to you. How about that?"
"Is an apology all that is needed? Then, after I have crushed Chen Li's spirit beast, I can apologize to him. An apology is so easy. It's just a brushing of lips," Song Wei Zhi said dismissively.
Song Ru Hai, unable to confront Song Wei Zhi directly, swallowed his anger and suggested, "What do you want then?"
"I don't want anything. I just want the person who deserves punishment to be punished accordingly. Head, don't get in my way," Song Wei Zhi said, ready to take action.
"Wait." A strong voice came from the void, and a moment later, several people appeared in the square. Leading them was Chen Li's father, Chen Qing. Seeing Chen Qing, Song Ru Hai's forehead broke out in an anxious sweat. He was scared that Song Wei Zhi would openly oppose him in front of others.
"Ah, the head of the Chen family is also here. Is there something on your mind?" Song Wei Zhi didn't care at all. The most formidable person in their family was Chen Qing, whose cultivation was only at the stage of Opening Light Enlightenment. She was a whole realm higher in cultivation than him. It wasn't frightening at all.
Next to her, Song Zhi Xia tugged at Song Wei Zhi timidly. When she turned her head, she saw Song Zhi Xia looking worried. She knew that Song Zhi Xia was concerned for her. Bending down to her ear, she whispered softly, "Don't worry, they are no match for me."
Song Wei Zhi's warm breath gently brushed against Song Zhi Xia's ear, turning her ears red. Looking at Song Wei Zhi, it seemed as if Song Zhi Xia was acting coy and flirty out of shyness.
"Song Wei Zhi, do you have the nerve to ask? You have hurt my son's spirit beast so severely. The Song family must give us an explanation today!" Chen Qing pointed a heavy sword at Song Wei Zhi.
At this, Song Ru Hai used all his initial cultivation to create a barrier to protect Song Zhi Xia, and several outer disciples of the Song family, along with the few disciples brought by Chen Qing, couldn't withstand the pressure and collapsed, spitting blood.
"Father, save me. You are not their match. Don't confront them head-on," Chen Li lay weakly on the ground, and the Li Shuo Sword in front of him remained still.
Having been momentarily affected by Song Ru Hai's pressure, Chen Qing looked at Song Ru Hai and asked through gritted teeth, "What does the head of the Song family want in order to release my son?"
Before Song Ru Hai could respond, Song Wei Zhi interrupted, "Don't ask the head; ask me. Your son hurt my junior sister. She even spit blood just now, and his spirit beast was almost crushed. How do you plan to compensate her for this harm?" Although Song Wei Zhi spoke lightly, her words echoed like a raging storm in Chen Qing's ears. From what was evident now, his son seemed to be the most severely injured. Contrary to Song Wei Zhi's words, his junior sister was standing there just fine.
"What kind of compensation do you want?" Chen Qing gritted his teeth. He knew Song Wei Zhi's cultivation level. Even if he and his disciples joined forces, they probably wouldn't be a match for her. The most urgent matter was to take his son away and quickly find someone to heal his son's seriously damaged spirit beast. Otherwise, his son's life might as well be over!
Song Wei Zhi looked at Chen Qing and calmly said, "Rest assured, what I want is definitely within the means of the Chen family. All I want is a Clean Root Dan."
Chapter 9
Although Song Wei Zhi's words sounded light, the people around her couldn't help but gasp. The Pure Root Pill was the treasured heritage of the Chen family. It was indeed rare, valuable, and yet its actual usefulness was questionable, as the sect now directly recruited disciples with pure spiritual roots. The greatest value of the Pure Root Pill was to cleanse impurities from the spiritual roots, refining ordinary spiritual roots into pure ones. However, this medicine also had a major flaw: the excruciating pain it inflicted. Those who used this pill had to endure bone-piercing and tendon-snapping agony. Consequently, since the appearance of this pill, the number of people refining multiple spiritual roots into single spiritual roots had become extremely rare.
In their generation, Chen Qing and the others had relatively decent spiritual roots, so no one was interested in taking such risks.
"Nonsense, Wei Zhi, you already have the single ice elemental spiritual root. What use do you have for this kind of medicine?" Song Ru Hai thought he could ask Chen Qing for some other treasures, but now his own talented disciple was demanding a mere pill.
"Of course, it's to compensate Zhi Xia junior sister. After all, she's the one who got hurt today," Song Wei Zhi jeered at Song Ru Hai as if she had already seen through his intentions, making him feel guilty.
But Song Ru Hai still stubbornly put on the appearance of a caring master and said, "Wei Zhi, I know you're doing this for Zhi Xia junior sister, but the pain caused by this medicine is not something an ordinary person can endure..."
Before Song Ru Hai could continue, he was interrupted by Song Wei Zhi, "I believe she can. I only need the Pure Root Pill as compensation today. Once I have it, Chen Zhang Men can take Chen Shidi for treatment."
Chen Qing frowned deeply. The Pure Root Pill was a treasure passed down in their Chen family, but because the disciples in later generations couldn't bear the bone-piercing and tendon-snapping pain, no one dared to try this kind of medicine. Since this mediocre thing could save his son's life, Chen Qing gritted his teeth and took out a small red box from his storage bag, saying to Song Wei Zhi, "You better keep your word."
Song Wei Zhi nodded, "Naturally."
Chen Qing activated his spiritual power and placed the red box into Song Wei Zhi's hands. After confirming that the pill inside was fine, she said to Chen Qing, "Chen Zhang Men, take your son for treatment with peace of mind. I always keep my word." With that, she leaped onto her flying sword and disappeared into the air with her spirit beast.
After Chen Qing left with Chen Li, the martial arts field quieted down again. Song Ru Hai coughed tactically a few times before speaking, "Now that the one to be punished has been punished and your junior sister has been compensated, the rest of you may leave. I will arrange for others to make up for today's lessons tomorrow."
"Song Zhang Men, wait a moment. While Chen Li's matter has been resolved, Li Fang Fang, Xin Yun, and Han Bing should also be considered accomplices. Our Song family adheres to strict rules. I am sure the sect leader will not shield these people," Song Wei Zhi diverted the conversation, ostensibly suggesting punishment for those few people, but in reality, also mocking Song Ru Hai subtly.
Song Ru Hai could not overlook Song Wei Zhi's implication, but he was perplexed. She had always been obedient and respectful, but ever since his useless daughter arrived, everything seemed a little different. Nevertheless, he had no choice and had to reluctantly instruct, "You are right, we should reward the meritorious and punish the guilty. Li Fang Fang will be demoted to an outer disciple, while Xin Yun and Han Bing will be sent to the Tempest Valley for self-reflection for three years."
As the name implied, the Tempest Valley was as harsh and cold as its name. The environment there was extremely harsh, with constant strong winds. Any disciple who went there would surely suffer.
"Zhang Men, we dare not anymore. I beg for mercy, Grand Master, then please spare us. Tempest Valley is no place for people to stay," Xin Yun knelt on the ground, crying and begging for forgiveness.
"Wei Zhi, what do you think?" Song Ru Hai didn't want to punish these disciples so severely, but he also couldn't afford to alienate Song Wei Zhi. Reluctantly, he asked for her opinion.
"My suggestion is to let Li Fang Fang junior sister also go with them. After all, Li junior sister has reached the Foundation Building Initial Stage in her cultivation. With her presence, she can accompany the other two junior sisters. What do you think, Zhang Men?" Song Wei Zhi met Song Ru Hai's gaze directly, showing no sign of retreat.
With a sigh, Song Ru Hai waved his hand, "Then do as you suggest, Wei Zhi. The Disciplinary Hall will take these three disciples away."
"Master, I am an inner disciple whom you have painstakingly nurtured. You cannot treat me like this," Li Fang Fang pleaded, but she and Xin Yun and Han Bing were already being taken away by several enforcers from the Disciplinary Hall.
"Everyone else, you may leave," Song Ru Hai glanced at Song Wei Zhi, said nothing, and flew away on his sword. The rest of the people in the martial arts field were also quick to leave, fearing that Song Wei Zhi's anger had not yet subsided.
Song Wei Zhi called her spirit beast, the Frost Winged Ice Tiger, and when the majestic tiger arrived, the little clown in Song Zhi Xia's hand trembled.
Song Wei Zhi smiled and said to the little clown, "You don't need to be afraid of it. Although it looks scary, it will protect you in the future."
She then held the little clown in her palm and placed it in front of the tiger's face. The tiger stared at the little clown, somewhat puzzled. It sniffed the scent of the clown and swiped at it a few times, causing the clown to squat down in fear.
Song Wei Zhi playfully petted the tiger's face and said, "Don't you dare bully it, alright? From now on, you must protect it."
Although the tiger didn't understand why, with the owner's instruction, it nodded in confusion and tried to help the fallen little clown. However, the little clown quivered with fear at the sight of the tiger's large paw. Song Wei Zhi reached out and picked up the little clown, placing it on top of the tiger's head, saying to the tiger, "If it falls, I will punish you."
The tiger obediently let the little clown ride on its head. Song Zhi Xia watched the interaction between the two spirit beasts and couldn't help but smile quietly. Although her senior sister's spirit beast was more formidable, she wasn't afraid of it. On the other hand, the little clown was clearly terrified. Watching this, Song Wei Zhi couldn't bear to continue and used spiritual energy to return the little clown to Song Zhi Xia's spiritual sea.
"How are you feeling? Is your chest still hurting?" Song Wei Zhi asked as she reached out to support Song Zhi Xia's arm.
"It's fine, it doesn't hurt anymore," Song Zhi Xia replied softly, but in reality, her throat was still tinged with a sweet metallic taste.
"Here, take this first," Song Wei Zhi took out a Foundation Building Pill from her storage bag and handed it to Song Zhi Xia, who hesitated to take it.
"Senior sister, you've already helped me a lot. I'm fine, really," Song Zhi Xia said, her blood surging. She was trying hard to suppress it, but blood still trickled from the corner of her lips.
Song Wei Zhi wiped the blood from Song Zhi Xia's lips, lifting her gaze to ask, "Is this what you call 'fine'? Just be a good girl and take the pill. Otherwise, I'll worry."
Her voice was gentle, almost as if she was coaxing Song Zhi Xia. She had never experienced this before and immediately blushed.
Before she could say anything
Chapter 10
Song Weizhi lived alone in a courtyard, and naturally had space to arrange for Song Zhixia. She pointed to a room next to hers and said to Song Zhixia, "Zhixia, would you like to stay in this room from now on? My room is right next door, so you can call me for anything, very convenient."
Song Zhixia sneakily glanced at Song Weizhi and said, "Thank you, senior sister."
"Alright, you've had a tiring day today. Go back to your room and rest," Song Weizhi quickly suggested as she noticed that Song Zhixia had a bit of a fright today.
"Okay, you should rest early too," Song Zhixia bid goodbye to Song Weizhi before returning to her room.
Song Weizhi also returned to her room and heard a mechanical voice from the system, "Congratulations, host, for completing the mission of rescuing the female lead. Mission reward: 100 points. Current points: 130. Host, would you like to open a mystery box or redeem items from the store?"
After using a cleansing spell to clean herself, Song Weizhi took off her outer clothes and lay down on the bed. She asked the system in her mind, "System, the elixir used to refine the spiritual roots caused so much discomfort when consumed. Is there anything that can alleviate the pain after being ingested? I'm worried about the female lead's discomfort."
"Thank you for the invitation. The host is indeed considerate. There is such an elixir, but the price of the pain-relief pill is 1000 points, and the host currently does not have enough points."
"Ah, then can I postpone refining the female lead's spiritual roots and save up some points first until I have enough?" Song Weizhi thought that this way, the female lead wouldn't have to suffer as much.
At this point, the system intervened, "Time is running out for the host. The mission is now activated. Please assist the female lead in refining her spiritual roots. The mission reward is 500 points, and it must be completed within three days. If the host fails to complete the task within the time limit, the host will be removed from the world."
"Can it be like this? I'm doing this for the female lead's own good. Do I really have to rush in these few days?" Song Weizhi sighed.
"Please understand, each task has set release times and completion deadlines. It's just that the previous tasks were relatively simple, so the time limit wasn't emphasized."
"So, if I don't help the female lead refine her spiritual roots within three days, I will be removed from the world directly?"
"Yes, so please execute it as soon as possible," the system responded in a mechanical tone.
"Alright, so I only have 130 points now. I'm still far from 1000 points." Song Weizhi thought back to the original book, recalling that the pain-relief pill was obtained by the male lead and given to Song Zhixia by chance. After consuming it, Song Zhixia endured excruciating pain but was able to refine her half-spiritual root into a fire-elemental single spiritual root. After spending these few days with her, Song Weizhi didn't want Song Zhixia to suffer such agony.
After much consideration, since the mission was imperative, she decided to just use these points to draw mystery boxes. If she could get something useful, it would prove that the mystery box was reliable. If she failed to obtain anything after a dozen attempts, it would be unnecessary to waste points in the future.
"Alright, I'll use the remaining 80 points to draw mystery boxes," Song Weizhi said.
Once again, the mechanical voice sounded in her mind, "Points deducted: 80. Current points: 0. Please continue working hard."
Another dozen mystery boxes appeared in the void, and Song Weizhi closed her eyes and selected eight. Subsequently, in the void, only the eight she chose remained.
"The system is opening the mystery boxes for the host," the mechanical voice chimed in. Upon opening the boxes, Song Weizhi was fuming - amongst the eight boxes, only three contained something other than low-grade spirit stones.
"Lousy system, are you scamming me? Fifty points exchanged for five pieces of low-grade spirit stones? Why don't you go rob someone?" Song Weizhi fumed, struggling to control her anger. At long last, in order to not feel aggrieved, in order to not feel indignant, for the sake of the female lead, Song Weizhi gritted her teeth and thought it was better to draw all the boxes. If she could get something useful from here, then this mystery box was trustworthy. Otherwise, she would not waste the points in the future.
"Alright, I used the remaining 80 points to draw mystery boxes." Song Weizhi's voice resonated with a tinge of frustration.
Once more, the mechanical voice resounded. "Points deducted: 80. Current points: 0. Please continue working hard."
Dozens of mystery boxes appeared in the void again. Song Weizhi closed her eyes and selected eight. Upon opening the boxes, she found that five of the boxes still contained low-grade spirit stones. Fortunately, the other three contained something else.
First, she looked into one of the boxes and found a QSG9/2 semi-automatic hand crossbow. Song Weizhi wasn't very familiar with this but fortunately, the system explained its usage in detail. The magazine contained fifteen subsonic I-round ammunition. There, she thought, it could be left for Song Zhixia for self-defense. In the world of cultivation, there were many wonderful things. Despite being highly cultivated, without ascending to immortality, physical bodies were still susceptible to real injuries. No matter how powerful the martial skills, a crossbow bolt aimed at your heart was something even an average cultivator couldn't withstand.
She placed the hand crossbow into her storage ring, then turned her attention to the second box, which contained a small, dark pill. The mechanical voice of the system explained, "Congratulations, host. This is a pain-reducing pill and can alleviate half of the pain suffered by the person taking the medication."
Though it couldn't eliminate all the pain, anything that could alleviate half of it was better than receiving something that wouldn't help the female lead at all. After a moment's thought, Song Weizhi asked, "So, how much pain will Song Zhixia still endure after taking this pill before refining her spiritual roots?"
After some deliberation, the system replied, "Taking the pain-reducing pill will significantly alleviate the excruciating pain, although it may still be as painful as childbirth for a woman."
Song Weizhi unconsciously swallowed. She may not have firsthand experience, but she knew that childbirth was very painful. She felt some discomfort for the female lead. Couldn't there be a way for the female lead not to suffer so much in order to refine her spiritual roots?
Seemingly aware of Song Weizhi's thoughts, the system tried to reassure her, "The female lead's circumstances in the original book were even more dire. The host has already done a lot for her. But some things must be accomplished by the female lead herself."
Song Weizhi sighed and then turned her attention to the last box, containing only a piece of paper with a name on it: Wei Zhao. Puzzled, Song Weizhi asked the system, "What does this piece of paper mean? Are you trying to trick me again?" She couldn't help feeling that she didn't get her money's worth with these three items for her 130 points.
"You're overthinking. The system has always been fair and just. Congratulations, host, for drawing the personal guard Wei Zhao. Wei Zhao, female, 20 years old, one major realm lower than the host, and will forever remain one major realm lower than the host. Possessing a ground-level elemental spirit beast: the spirit snake. The personal guard will have unwavering loyalty to the master. Now, activate the guard," the system explained.
As the mechanical voice of the system resonated, an aloof young woman dressed in a black dress with a long whip appeared in the room out of thin air. Song Weizhi instantly sat up in bed and eyed the woman named Wei Zhao. Her delicate features exuded an otherworldly aura, giving a forbidding impression.
"Master, I am Wei Zhao. Please give me your orders," Wei Zhao said, respectfully clasping her hands.
She was really a workaholic for just a new recruit! Fine, Song Weizhi thought. Considering that the initial plot of the book revolved around this coastal city, she'd let Wei Zhao keep an eye on Song Ruhai and Song Chaoyun for now. After all, both of them were not good people.
"Wei Zhao, I want you to keep an eye on Song Ruhai and Song Chaoyun for me. Remember to be extremely careful and not get caught," Song Weizhi instructed.
"Understood, Master." Wei Zhao was about to go about her assignment when Song Weizhi stopped her, pointing to a specific room, "When you return, you can rest over there. The task does not require immediate attention. Take a break."
"Thank you, Master. I am not tired," Wei Zhao replied and promptly disappeared into the courtyard.
As Song Weizhi watched Wei Zhao leave, she returned to her room, contemplating that she would practice cultivation overnight and help Song Zhixia with refining her spiritual roots the next morning.
Early the next morning, Song Weizhi went to knock on Song Zhixia's door, and when she answered, Song Weizhi found herself at a loss for words.
"I've found a way, but refining the spiritual roots will still be very painful, and you'll have to go through it on your own..." Song Weizhi didn't know what to say to comfort Song Zhixia because there was nothing she could say to alleviate half of Song Zhixia's pain.
"Senior sister, don't worry. I'm prepared. You can't save me every time. This is the path I've chosen. I can do it," Song Zhixia smiled.
This was the first time Song Weizhi had seen Song Zhixia smile. Unconsciously, she said, "You look so beautiful when you smile," feeling a twinge of heartache for the female lead.
Song Zhixia blushed at what Song Weizhi said. It was strange that her senior sister's words were somewhat similar to those of the rascals who used to tease her in the village. Yet, she found herself oddly happy listening to them.
"Zhixia, are you ready?"
"Senior sister, I'm ready," Song Zhixia replied with a determined look in her eyes.
"Alright, then take this spiritual pill first," Song Weizhi said, taking out the pain-relief pill she had obtained from the mystery box yesterday.
Obediently, Song Zhixia swallowed the pill. With a thought, Song Weizhi conjured a bathing tub in the middle of the room. "Refining the spiritual roots requires soaking in the spring water. It's a bit risky, so I must be present. Zhixia, just wear your underclothes."
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