Chapter 208: Lotus Fragrance and the Black Carp

Seeing the camaraderie within the Azure Profound Sect’s Chief team, Guan Shize couldn’t help but remark, “Their bond is truly admirable. Having friends who constantly care for you is something to be envious of.”

Lian Mu replied, “You have us too.”

Guan Shize smiled, “But they’re all Chief Disciples. Even though you aren’t among them, your strength rivals theirs. I’m just an ordinary Three Spirit Root. I can hardly dream of making a name for myself like you all, let alone fulfilling my smallest wishes.”

In truth, he understood the vast gap between them. Even though they were temporarily united for the Immortal Sect Grand Competition, they would inevitably drift apart once it ended.

After the competition, the top-ranked disciples from each sect would have the chance to travel the world. By then, they would likely part ways.

Ji Mingyue, guessing his thoughts, said, “Don’t belittle yourself.”

“What is your wish?” Lian Mu asked.

Guan Shize thought for a moment and said, “To travel the world. I was born in a small village and have never seen the outside world. I became a sword cultivator hoping to one day soar across the world with my sword. But with my current strength, it’ll be a long time before I get that chance.”

Lian Mu suggested, “After the competition, you can come with me. I plan to travel too. If you secure a top position, you can go openly. If not, sneak out, and I’ll take you.”

Guan Shize thought she was joking and asked, “Really?”

Lian Mu replied, “When have I ever lied to you? We’ve gotten into plenty of trouble together; one more won’t hurt.”

Recalling their embarrassing escapades on Cold Arrival Peak, Guan Shize’s face warmed. He extended his hand, “Let’s make a pinky promise. You said it yourself.”

“You’re so childish,” Lian Mu laughed, hooking her pinky with his. “Is that good enough?”

Ji Mingyue interjected, “Hey, have you two forgotten about me?”

Lian Mu said, “Your Chief team will probably form its own group, right?”

“Just have the elders assign us together,” Ji Mingyue suggested, glancing at the others who were still slacking off. “They won’t object.”

As the three discussed their future, Ying You’s gaze drifted over, landing on the pinky-linked hands of Lian Mu and Guan Shize. He blinked.

Lian Mu felt the eyes on her and turned to meet his gaze. However, her attention didn’t linger on him. Instead, she glanced at Feng Yunyi and suddenly thought of something. She leaned closer to Guan Shize and asked, “Do you know how to spread rumors, like those in image-recording stones?”

Guan Shize was taken aback and lowered his voice, “I can. But what are you planning?”

Lian Mu said, “I want you to help me spread the word that the Returning Immortal Sect has found a way to dispel Demonic Qi that invades the body after being injured by the demon race.”

Upon hearing this, Ji Mingyue immediately shielded them from view to prevent others from seeing their conversation. With the barrier covering their area, they only needed to guard against lip-readers.

Guan Shize didn’t quite understand, “Huh?”

Lian Mu explained, “This is important to me. I want this news to reach the Azure Profound Sect before the next Illusion Realm ends, but without their elders finding out. As for our elders, I’ll handle that.”

Ji Mingyue added, “Include my name. It might make it more credible.”

Guan Shize nodded, “Alright.”

Lian Mu patted his shoulder, “Make it quick. Act like it’s a secret that accidentally got out.”

“Leave it to me,” Guan Shize assured, thumping his chest. “I’ll have it done by this afternoon.”

…

…

On a sunny afternoon, with bright daylight, Feng Yunyi finished refining pills and was strolling near the verdant courtyard, where Ying You was also present.

This was the most scenic spot in the Azure Profound Sect, often visited by disciples to admire the flowers and watch the fish.

Feng Yunyi saw him standing by the pond, quietly watching the koi fish. His white hair was like frost and snow.

“What’s wrong? Ever since you returned from the competition, you’ve been in a bad mood. Is your old ailment acting up again?” Feng Yunyi asked, walking up to him.

Ying You, with his eyes lowered, had only the reflection of the koi in his clear eyes. There were about a dozen koi in the pond, each with different colors, all vying for the scattered fish food. Only a single black carp was left out.

After a long silence, he spoke in a cool tone, “This pond originally belonged to the black carp. Unfortunately, people have grown accustomed to them and now prefer the exotic koi.”

Feng Yunyi was puzzled, “What are you talking about? They’re all part of the same group. How can there be any distinction?”

Ying You replied, “It’s not the same.”

Feng Yunyi felt that ever since the Illusion Realm ended, Ying You had changed a lot, often carrying a subtle melancholy between his brows.

After much thought, Feng Yunyi finally understood, “Ying You, are you worried about Qian Songshi? Don’t worry, you’ll always be our recognized Chief Disciple. That brat Qian Songshi can’t replace you.”

“…That’s not what I meant,” Ying You said. “Although Junior Brother Qian is a bit arrogant, his strength is second to none. You should get along with him. With Team Leader Xiao Chen, as long as nothing unexpected happens, securing the top two spots should be a breeze for you.”

Feng Yunyi reassured, “You really don’t need to worry. No one can replace you in our hearts.”

Ying You paused for a moment, then tossed all the fish food towards the isolated black carp. However, as soon as it was thrown, the koi swarmed over.

“This black carp is too docile. It’s black, ugly, and it’s normal for it to be bullied by the other fish,” Feng Yunyi commented. “But people are not fish.”

Ying You’s smile gradually faded.

Docile, black, ugly…

So that’s the real reason?

Ying You stared at his reflection on the water’s surface, lost in thought.

Sensing something was off, Feng Yunyi decided not to disturb him further and was about to leave when Ying You suddenly spoke again.

“Recently, someone has been spreading rumors among the Azure Profound Sect disciples, saying that Ji Mingyue from the Returning Immortal Sect has found a way to dispel Demonic Qi,” Ying You said slowly.

Feng Yunyi stopped in his tracks, his eyes widening in surprise.

“Is it true?”

Ying You replied, “The truth is yet to be determined. But it’s clear that whoever spread this rumor is targeting you. They might know about your family matters. I’ve already had the message suppressed. I’m telling you this to advise you to remain calm and not be misled.”

Those close to Feng Yunyi within the Azure Profound Sect knew that his father had long suffered from Demonic Qi, and he had been searching for a solution for years without success.

“I suspect that person wants something from you, possibly related to the Azure Profound Sect or… the Wuyang Feng Family,” Ying You continued. “If it’s the former, it can be resolved easily. If it’s the latter, I advise you not to risk yourself.”

The Feng Clan no longer acknowledged him. If he offended them, Feng Yunyi would be in serious trouble.

“But… what if it’s true? Ji Mingyue went to the Returning Immortal Sect to resolve the issue of her clan being tainted by Demonic Qi,” Feng Yunyi argued.

“I know. The person spreading the rumor must have some confidence. But regardless of whether they truly have a solution, you cannot act impulsively at this critical moment. It’s for your own good and for the Azure Profound Sect,” Ying You advised.

Feng Yunyi’s hand trembled slightly as he suppressed the impulse in his heart and said, “Alright.”

“As for the person spreading the news, it’s unlikely to be Ji Mingyue. She wouldn’t put her own name out there. Someone is just using her name, but it must be someone from the Returning Immortal Sect. I’ll help you find out who it is. Luckily, I don’t have to participate in the next round, so I have plenty of time. I’ll also verify the truth of this information and tell you when you return from the Shifang Nether soil.”

Feng Yunyi replied, “If it’s true, I’d like to meet that person…”

Even a sliver of hope is better than none. What if the conditions they propose are within his means?

Too much time had passed, and he was running out of patience.

…

In the Pear Blossom Court, the branches were laden with pear blossoms.

“Why did you pass this information to Ying You first?” Ji Mingyue’s voice came through the Fish-and-Goose stone, filled with confusion.

Lian Mu, sitting at the stone table polishing her sword, replied, “Because Ying You always acts quietly and discreetly. We can’t let the elders of the Azure Profound Sect find out about this. If they question our elders, the truth will come out. So it’s best for Ying You to know first.”

“He’s close to Feng Yunyi and will definitely help. He’s always meticulous. Knowing that the elders are involved would unsettle Feng Yunyi and affect his performance in the upcoming competition, so Ying You will keep it under wraps and secretly inform Feng Yunyi. I think Feng Yunyi trusts Ying You more than the Azure Profound Sect.”

After all, when Feng Yunyi first sought refuge with the Azure Profound Sect, he was rejected. It was only after obtaining a letter from the Feng Clan that he was accepted on his second attempt.

Lian Mu could tell that Feng Yunyi was a sensitive person. Compared to the Azure Profound Sect, which had once turned him away, he trusted Ying You, who had been kind to him from the start.

The Azure Profound Sect hadn’t helped him find a solution for years, so he likely held little hope for them.

It wouldn’t work to directly confess to Feng Yunyi. Without the Rainbow Spring Stone to prove herself immediately, it would only arouse suspicion.

Releasing the information as bait, letting it circulate for a while to maintain mystery, would instead catch his interest.

“You really do understand Feng Yunyi and Ying You well.”

Lian Mu responded, “It’s just an unintended advantage.”

Though it was quite unscrupulous, she had to admit that entering Ying You’s Heart Realm and seeing his memories had indeed provided her with significant convenience.

After finishing her conversation with Ji Mingyue, Lian Mu hung up the Fish-and-Goose stone, sheathed her sword, and headed back to her residence. As she was about to enter, she noticed something on her door.

Hanging there was a dark green sachet embroidered with a lotus leaf and flower, with a white goose swimming amidst them, looking charmingly naive.

A familiar lotus fragrance emanated from it, inexplicably calming her mind. Seeing the white goose, Lian Mu realized who had sent it.

She squeezed the sachet, pondered for a moment, and finally tucked it into her sleeve. “…”

Oh well, if it’s a free gift, there’s no reason not to take it.