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Subordinates?
Xin Ruyin was surprised. Her senior, whom she hadn't seen in a year, now had a new subordinate — and one who seemed quite capable.
She sensed Yan Ruyan's aura, which was nearly identical to her senior's. That meant she was also a Foundation Establishment cultivator. With Senior Xia Bing already invited, there were now three Foundation Establishment cultivators on their side.
Would the Chen family ancestor be willing to let things go now?
Xin Ruyin offered a gentle bow and said, "My name is Xin Ruyin, nice to meet you, Miss Bai Yan."
Yan Ruyan responded coldly, "Miss Xin, don't mind me. Just pretend I don't exist. I won't interfere with your... good deeds."
Qi Yuan coughed awkwardly, turning his face away to avoid the tension, pretending to admire the plants and flowers nearby.
Xin Ruyin's fair face turned slightly red. She looked flustered and charming. Her clear eyes flickered with panic as she said, "Miss Bai Yan, you've misunderstood..."
Before Xin Ruyin could explain, Yan Ruyan snorted softly, turned, and disappeared into the distance.
"Miss Bai Yan?" Xin Ruyin called out softly, but Yan Ruyan didn't respond.
"Miss Xin, don't worry about it," Qi Yuan said with a calm smile. "She's just like that."
Xin Ruyin paused for a moment, then nodded slightly. Her gaze flickered with hesitation before she softly asked, "Senior, Xiaomei is still unconscious. Do you know of a way to save her?"
"Xiaomei was injured?" Qi Yuan's face grew serious. "Miss Xin, take me to see her."
This girl had brought him cakes several times before — he couldn't let anything happen to her.
"Please follow me, Senior!" Xin Ruyin said as she led him toward Xiaomei's room.
Qi Yuan followed, catching the faint fragrance of Xin Ruyin's presence as they walked.
Meanwhile, at the Chen family's residence in Jackdaw Mountain...
A middle-aged man who had previously fled hurriedly slapped escape talismans on himself, moving at full speed. He feared Yan Ruyan would chase him down.
Only when the familiar outline of the Chen family mansion appeared did he relax. Even if there was a powerful enemy nearby, the ancestor's presence meant they would be safe within moments.
Inside the Chen family's hall, the young ancestor of the Chen family sat calmly, chatting with several newly recruited guest elders.
In the past, the ancestor wouldn't have been so warm toward outsiders, but with the Chen family's strength severely weakened, he knew that building relationships was crucial.
Suddenly, the ancestor's brow furrowed, and a puzzled look crossed his face.
A white-faced scholar seated nearby noticed and asked, "Is something wrong, old patriarch?"
The ancestor smiled faintly. "Just a small matter at the mansion. I'll be back soon. Please wait here."
The guest elders stood up respectfully as the ancestor departed.
In the secret chamber, the ancestor's figure appeared as he took his seat. His gaze turned cold as he addressed the middle-aged man kneeling before him.
"Chen Bi," the ancestor's voice was like ice. "Weren't you stationed at Xin Ruyin's residence? Why did you return without orders?"
The middle-aged man trembled and quickly explained everything — though his account was heavily exaggerated and painted him as a selfless hero.
"Good... very good." The ancestor sneered. "Zhang Tie is back too. Perfect. Tomorrow, we'll capture them all in one strike and avenge our family."
A sinister glint flashed in his eyes. This lingering threat had become a thorn in his heart — one that had to be removed before it festered further.
Chen Bi, still kneeling, hesitated before adding, "Ancestor, Zhang Tie also brought a female cultivator who's quite skilled in ice magic."
"This is no threat," the ancestor said dismissively. "We have enough Foundation Establishment cultivators in the family. When the time comes, we'll overwhelm her. She won't cause any trouble."
The ancestor's sharp gaze locked onto Chen Bi. The middle-aged man lowered his head further, feeling cold sweat run down his back.
The ancestor stared for a while longer before speaking in a gentler tone. "You've done well. Go rest for the night."
Chen Bi's heart leapt with relief. He bowed deeply and left.
The ancestor's expression turned dark once more. "Gather everyone tonight. Tomorrow, destroy Xin Ruyin's formation and capture them alive."
…
Back at the nameless hill, Qi Yuan had examined Xiaomei and re-administered detoxification treatment. Seeing her complexion improve, he and Xin Ruyin left the room to let her rest.
As they walked along the corridor, Xin Ruyin explained everything that had happened recently.
"Miss Xin, you handled things well," Qi Yuan said approvingly. "If I hadn't arrived in time, you would've been right to ask for help. Sometimes, seeking aid is the smartest choice, even if it feels like taking advantage of someone's misfortune."
"Senior, are you... praising me?" Xin Ruyin's face lit up with a smile.
Qi Yuan chuckled. "Why can't I?"
Xin Ruyin blushed slightly and said nothing more.
The next day, an elderly man with white hair, leaning on a snake-head cane, slowly walked into Xin Ruyin's residence.
Xin Ruyin's face froze. She quickly stepped forward with a smile and said, "Welcome, Senior Xia. Please, have a seat and enjoy some tea."
Xia Bing's clouded eyes scanned the room. His gaze lingered on Yan Ruyan and Qi Yuan before he chuckled.
"In addition to me, Miss Xin also invited two capable cultivators for help. Judging by their clothes and aura, they don't seem to be from Yuanwu Country."
His figure blurred as he moved to the main seat and sat down comfortably.
Xin Ruyin served tea with a warm smile.
Qi Yuan stood, bowed slightly, and said, "I am Zhang Tie, a wandering cultivator. Nice to meet you, Senior."
Xia Bing's heart skipped a beat. Zhang Tie — the same Zhang Tie who caused chaos at the Chen family a year ago? He studied Qi Yuan carefully, then his gaze shifted to Yan Ruyan.
Forcing a smile, Xia Bing said, "I must have been mistaken. I didn't expect Daoist Zhang to have a Foundation Establishment subordinate as well. Seems your background isn't simple. My name is Xia Bing."
"Brother Xia, you're too kind," Qi Yuan replied. "I'm really just a wandering cultivator."
(End Of Chapter)