AI Cultivation: Reborn as a Sword

Chapter 231: Ashes Don't Weep (4)

Chapter 231: Ashes Don't Weep (4)

Shortly after Mu Jingyu leaves, still stunned by Lan Xiaohuis last words, Lan Xiaohui stirs from her meditating pose and peers into the darkness of the cell.

Is someone there? she asks, to my complete surprise.

Oh? a familiar voice hums. You could tell I was here, little lily?

When she steps forward, I am completely at a loss at Lady Yues presence. I hadnt sensed her enter the cell, her presence, or how long she had even been here.

I thought I could smell your perfume, Lan Xiaohui says, shifting her position to be even more proper than when she was talking to Mu Jingyu.

Is that so? Lady Yue asks, tone filled with mirth.

I can tell that, without a doubt, Lady Yue is not wearing perfume at the moment, and even if she was, she would be able to completely conceal its presence.

How did Lan Xiaohui detect her?

Slowly, Lady Yue approaches my owner who is sitting on her knees, respectfully, greeting her even more respectfully than she would greet her own sect elders.

Youve become so admirable, little lily, Lady Yue says, crouching down to run her fingers through my owners hair, trapping a few locks between her fingers. Your flower petals have become so red in the snow.

This statement is a reference to when my owner shared her new name with Lady Yue that her petals only become redder the more opposition there is.

Lan Xiaohui lowers her head. She, likewise, understands the situation she put herself in. This brave decision to cause a scene at the Conference to paint her bloom red may have been a bit too daring.

You are not mad at me, Lady Yue? Lan Xiaohui asks.

Why would I be mad at you, little lily? Lady Yue asks. Isnt this what you wanted?

Lan Xiaohui looks up, lifting her face slightly, just as Lady Yues fingers touch my owners cheek.

My owner cannot comprehend Lady Yue for that matter, neither can I. That is why her heart ebbs and swells with fear and trust, rising and falling, interweaving and exchanging.

I I think so, Lan Xiaohui says.

You are still unsure, even after I helped you get here? Lady Yue asks, tilting her head.

Helped me? Lan Xiaohui asks. Then, after a moment, her eyes widen. It was you. The one who sent the letter to Elder Mo.

Lady Yue blinks, as if surprised. Who else would it be? she asks. Didnt you ask me to help you? To join the sect, and to fight Yu Shun? Did you forget?

Lady Yue laughs and looks away, her own cheeks slightly reddening. Ah, youve truly become a little devil, havent you? she says, sighing. Even little Feixue is over the moon with you.

What kind of existence is Lady Yue if she can call Elder Qin a member of a guardian sect little Feixue?

She is? Lan Xiaohui asks.

Lady Yue nods. She will never speak of this or mention it, Lady Yue says. But her disciple was killed by Elder Lis disciple. When you killed his son, I thought she would cry for joy.

Lan Xiaohui lowers her head. Is that what happened?

Mm, he wasnt just a disciple to her, Lady Yue says. It took a bit of convincing to get her to become your master. I am surprised you didnt accept.

I didnt want to offend you since I already promised Lan Xiaohui murmurs.

Offend me? Lady Yue asks. Little Snow is my sworn sister. My disciple or hers, what difference does it make?

Sworn sister? Lan Xiaohui repeats the words, surprised.

Of course, Lady Yue says. I killed Elder Lis disciple. You killed his son. Like master, like disciple, hmm?

Just who are you? Lan Xiaohui asks. With a few words and a letter, you arrange for me to enter sects like they were public bathhouses, and then to duel future patriarchs of sects.

Lady Yue chuckles. If you survive, I might tell you.

Slowly, Lady Yue climbs to her feet. If you kill Yu Shun, you will become a member of my clan. Good luck, little lily.

Wait! Lan Xiaohui calls out as Lady Yue turns around.

Hmm?

Just may I please know your name? Lan Xiaohui asks.

I thought I told you that I would tell you my name if you become my disciple, Lady Yue says.

Lan Xiaohui swallows. You did, but you also just said that whether I am your disciple or Elder Qins, it doesnt make a difference. And I am, technically, Elder Qins

Lady Yue laughs and nods.

Like the moon chasing darkness, Lady Yue says. My name is Yue Suiying.

And with that, her presence disappears from the dark cell.