Chapter 147: The Bootlicking Immortal Lord Who Wants to Live Off a Woman (13)

Shen Xiuyan was quite pleased that the two had finally accepted his gifts.

With that matter settled, he turned his attention back to the main hall.

As his gaze swept across the room—oh, right. He had forgotten about Sect Master Xia, who was still drenched in cold sweat.

Feeling a bit guilty, Shen Xiuyan decided not to scare him any further.

He cleared his throat and said, “Ruan Xi’er has deceived her elders, shown blatant disrespect to the Sect Leader, and shirked her duties—a serious offense. From today onward, she is no longer allowed to set foot in Heaven-Reaching Peak. Go retrieve her token.”

Only then did Sect Master Xia realize what this was all about. Shocked beyond belief, he blurted out, “That disgraceful disciple Ruan Xi’er didn’t show up?!”

Shen Xiuyan gave a soft “Mm.”

“What nerve… She’s got some nerve.” Sect Master Xia still couldn’t believe it. How could she dare slack off right under the Ancestral Master’s nose?

Being assigned to assist the Ancestral Master was already a tremendous honor. How could anyone possibly slack off? Unless something truly urgent had come up…

But then it hit him—no, nothing in the entire cultivation world could escape the Ancestral Master’s All-Seeing Eye. If the Ancestral Master had come to hold someone accountable, then the matter was already confirmed.

Sect Master Xia’s face darkened. “I never imagined that disgraceful disciple would dare do such a thing. It’s my failure to discipline her properly. I accept whatever punishment the Ancestral Master sees fit.”

Shen Xiuyan waved a hand. “No need. This has nothing to do with you. I know what I’m doing. Rise.”

“Thank you, Ancestral Master, for your understanding.” Sect Master Xia was moved that the Ancestral Master wasn’t blaming him.

This was a serious matter, and by all rights, he should be held accountable. He hadn’t expected the Ancestral Master to be so discerning and fair.

He thought about how Ruan Xi’er had already caused trouble, and the only one left was Ning Cui—who was a bit too straightforward for her own good. Hopefully, she wouldn’t stir up any more problems.

So he asked, “May I ask, Ancestral Master, has Ning Cui been diligent?”

Shen Xiuyan nodded. “Extremely diligent. If she hadn’t been working so hard to clean up, you wouldn’t have gotten away unscathed today.”

Hearing that, Sect Master Xia felt immense gratitude toward Ning Cui.

He used to think she was too blunt, but in the end, it was Ning Cui who saved his neck. His opinion of her improved considerably.

“But Ning Cui can’t handle everything on her own. How about I select another disciple to assist her? I swear on my life, there won’t be another incident like this.”

Shen Xiuyan was inwardly pleased—finally, the man was catching on.

His tone softened slightly. “No need to pick. Just send Ning Cui’s senior sister, Su Mingyue.”

“Yes, I’ll see to it right away.”

Though Sect Master Xia was curious why the Ancestral Master had named someone specifically, he didn’t ask.

He figured the Ancestral Master must be satisfied with Ning Cui, and someone from the same lineage likely wouldn’t be too bad either.

After leaving Heaven-Reaching Peak, he stormed off to confront Ruan Xi’er.

Which led to the current scene.

Thinking back, he sneered, “Since she’s so unwilling to go, the Ancestral Master has decreed she never needs to return. Hand over the Heaven-Reaching Token.”

Second Elder’s face turned deathly pale. “You disgraceful disciple, hand over the Heaven-Reaching Token to the Sect Leader at once!”

Still lying on the ground and ignoring her pain, Ruan Xi’er hurriedly pulled out the token. “Sect… Sect Leader…”

“Don’t you dare act pitiful now. You’re not worth pity. For deceiving the Sect Leader and your elders, you’ll be punished. Three months at the Cliff of Contemplation.”

The Sect Leader wasn’t buying her weak and helpless act anymore.

He could see it now—someone with the audacity to do what she did was no delicate flower. People like her often had hearts more venomous than anyone else’s.

Second Elder quickly protested, “Sect Leader, you can’t! The Cliff of Contemplation’s environment is far too harsh for a Foundation Establishment disciple!”

“She’ll endure it whether she can or not. She committed a grave offense before the Ancestral Master—did you think she’d get off easy?” Sect Master Xia took the token, flicked his sleeve, and turned to leave.

After taking a step, he looked back and said, “Old Sun, you’ve served the sect with unwavering dedication for hundreds of years. Your good name with the Ancestral Master—ruined in an instant because of her. Remember: cut your losses while you still can…”

With that, he left. The rest was up to Second Elder to decide.

He still had to hurry and inform his great benefactor that starting tomorrow, her senior sister would be joining her at Heaven-Reaching Peak.

Only after the Sect Leader left did Ruan Xi’er dare to lift herself up.

She crawled to Second Elder’s side, clutching his sleeve and crying out, “Master, please save me! I don’t want to go to the Cliff of Contemplation—I can’t go there!”

That place was the stuff of legend. Anyone who went there either died or came back half-dead.

Even if you were lucky enough to return, it was uncertain whether you’d still have the foundation to continue cultivating.

But Second Elder didn’t respond. He just stared at the Sect Leader’s retreating figure, speechless for a long while.

Yes, he had given so much to the sect. The Ancestral Master had always remembered his contributions—otherwise, he wouldn’t have been made Second Elder.

But after today, his standing in the Ancestral Master’s eyes would surely take a hit.

All because of one recently accepted disciple. Offending the Ancestral Master over her—it wasn’t worth it.

Sometimes, you had to cut off a piece of flesh to save your life. And Ruan Xi’er wasn’t exactly a vital piece.

Second Elder closed his eyes. When he opened them again, all the affection he once held for Ruan Xi’er was gone.

“Disgraceful disciple, this is your fate. If you survive it, we’ll still be master and disciple. If not…”

He didn’t finish his sentence, but Ruan Xi’er knew—the Second Elder had already given up on her.

In that instant, it felt as if a bitter wind pierced straight through her bones.

Just as she opened her mouth to speak again, the Second Elder flicked his sleeve and barked, “Someone, take this disgraceful disciple to the Cliff of Contemplation.”