Chang Ning's words tore open an old wound that had long since scabbed over. Cai Zhao felt a dull ache in her chest.

When she was young, she had asked her aunt more than once if she ever regretted it—regretted trading her rare and stunning talent for a mere few years of peace in the Jianghu. Cai Pingshu had replied, 'In two hundred years, countless heroes and champions have come and gone. How can there be so many regrets? At the time, I felt it was right, so I did it.'

Young Lady Qi had quite a temper. Not only did she storm out in a huff, but she also knocked over several plates of pastries on the table—white jade cakes, green pear crisps, kumquat pudding, cherry layered cakes... Colorful treats scattered across the table. Cai Zhao had been too busy putting on a show with Qi Lingbo to eat just now, so she could only sigh and pick up the pastries on the table to munch on. While hastily filling her stomach, she didn't forget to savor them carefully.

How to put it... It wasn't that they tasted bad, but they were like a grand court banquet with lobster, tripe, fat goose, and big ducks. The ingredients were plentiful, but it lacked character and warmth. She was instantly thirty percent more disappointed in the master chefs of the Qingque Sect.

Chang Ning had expected Cai Zhao to be overcome with indignation upon hearing Yin Sulian's words. Who would have thought she would slowly calm herself and end up eating pastries? After waiting for a long while, seeing Cai Zhao holding a piece of layered cake, frowning and pursing her lips as she savored it without speaking, he abruptly said, "Did you find half a cockroach in it?"

Ever since their first meeting in the Plum Grove, whether it was Qi Lingbo's bullying and threats, Zeng Dalou's placating, or even being intimidated by Dai Fengchi, this little girl had always maintained a playful attitude and a warm tone, possessing a calmness as if a mountain could collapse before her without her flinching. Chang Ning couldn't help but want to provoke her.

Cai Zhao's tender cheeks still held a smile. "Rest assured, Senior Brother Chang Ning."

"Rest assured about what?"

"Even if I befriend Senior Sister Qi, I won't let her dig out your heart's blood."

Chang Ning's expression changed drastically, but fortunately, the poisonous sores on his face concealed it well. He said slowly, "Junior Sister, what do you mean by that?"

Cai Zhao said, "It means, Senior Brother Chang, you don't need to deliberately provoke discord. I know what kind of person Madam Sulian is. It's just that I have to stay at the Qingque Sect for a full three years, so why tear off all pretenses right now? However, since she insulted my aunt, I don't need to force myself to keep up this pretense."

After hearing this, Chang Ning remained expressionless, and his poisonous sores were also expressionless.

"Setting aside the elders' conflicts, Senior Sister Qi just has this kind of temper. Uncle Qi said long ago that if you scold his daughter, she'll be good for several days, and if you give her a beating, she'll be good for even more days. But he can't stop Madam Sulian from protecting her at every turn—otherwise, Uncle wouldn't have gone all these years without ever taking her to see my aunt. But Senior Brother Chang, you are different. We, the Six Sects of Beichen, are connected like branches of the same tree. Unless someone betrays their master and sect, we can't just beat or kill them, no matter how annoying they are. Take Madam Sulian, for example. My aunt said long ago that this lady is incapable of doing good deeds and unable to commit evil ones; she's just annoying with her mouth. My mother said if she really gets on your nerves, just have a fight with her and be done with it."

Chang Ning seemed completely unmoved by this earnest and lengthy explanation. Instead, he said, "Since you know all this, why did you still come to the Qingque Sect? Among the Six Sects of Beichen, is there nowhere else to go? Couldn't you find a smoother place to become a disciple?"

Cai Zhao couldn't very well say she was practically escorted here by her parents, so she said, "Harmony breeds wealth. As long as it's not a big deal, it doesn't matter if people say a few words. If every shop in Falling Blossoms Town had such a temper, how would they do business? Besides, there are no smooth roads in this world. Once you tread the path flat, it becomes easy to walk."

Chang Ning's smile was very cold. He looked at her for a moment. "You didn't come voluntarily; you were forced to come. I suppose Sect Master Qi and your esteemed aunt arranged for you to become a disciple many years ago, and your esteemed father and mother were determined to carry it out. Even if you were a thousand times unwilling, you couldn't resist."

Cai Zhao's face turned cold. "Senior Brother Chang, I sincerely wish to get along with you."

Chang Ning: "As do I."

Cai Zhao said with a frosty expression, "In any case, during these few days of the Grandmaster's death anniversary, I will protect you well, Senior Brother. I absolutely won't let Senior Sister Qi come and dig out your heart's blood. When Martial Uncle Qi is free, we can go our separate ways."

Chang Ning mocked, "Junior Sister Cai really doesn't need to wrong herself like this. The entire Chang Clan is dead anyway, one more won't make a difference!"

Cai Zhao thought this person was simply insane. Even the most skilled and diplomatic shopkeeper couldn't handle a malicious customer determined to cause trouble. She snorted on the spot, turned her back while holding her teacup. Chang Ning also snorted and turned his back in the exact same manner.

Just then, a young, enthusiastic voice came from outside—

"...Come, come, this way. Be careful, Madam Cai, there's a lamp stand around this corner, don't bump into it. Aiyo, who put this potted plant here? It's already so crowded, are they afraid guests won't get scraped! Don't worry, Valley Master Cai, this should be the place. I personally asked Eldest Martial Brother, and he said Junior Sister is in this wing."

Hearing this familiar, shopkeeper-like tone, Cai Zhao immediately felt a sense of goodwill toward the person outside the door.

Since arriving at the Qingque Sect, she had encountered either an arrogant young lady, an Eldest Martial Brother bent on protecting his own, or a clueless sycophant, plus one neurotic with a sarcastic attitude. She was beginning to think there were no normal people in the sect.

The voice from outside drew closer, and soon, the door to the wing was pushed open. A young man of medium height with a round face and dimples entered, accompanying Master and Madam Cai.

"Dad, Mom, you're here!" Cai Zhao stood up and smiled. "I thought I'd have to wait for the banquet to start before I could find you. This must be Fifth Senior Brother, Eldest Martial Brother told me about you. This Myriad Waters Thousand Mountains Cliff is so big, just now I... Ouch..."

Ning Xiaofeng rapped her daughter on the head. "Big? Your heart is too big! How dare you run around everywhere right after arriving in a strange place? Most major Wulin sects have forbidden and secret areas. What will you do if you trespass and get into trouble?!"

Chang Ning stood up dazedly, staring at Cai Zhao's reddened forehead.

Cai Pingchun kept a straight face and ignored his daughter, turning to say, "Thank you, Martial Nephew Fan. This child is insensible and has caused trouble for you and Dalou."

Fan Xingjia laughed heartily. "What are you saying, Valley Master Cai? Any poor hospitality is the Qingque Sect's fault, how could we blame the guests! Besides, Junior Sister will soon be initiated into the sect. We'll all be one family then. It's fine for her to walk around Myriad Waters Thousand Mountains Cliff. Madam Cai, don't blame Junior Sister."

"Alright, your master was right about one thing: among all the disciples, Xingjia has the best temperament," Ning Xiaofeng said with a smile. As she turned her head, she saw a tall youth with a face full of poisonous sores slowly rising from beside the table, a pair of extremely beautiful eyes fixed on the bent fingers she had used to rap her daughter on the head.

"This is...?" Ning Xiaofeng looked at Fan Xingjia.

Cai Zhao cut in, "This is Chang Ning, he's Uncle Chang's..."

Cai Pingchun let out a soft "aiyo". "Ah, you are Big Brother Chang's son. We've heard about what happened to your family..." He was clumsy with words and didn't know how to comfort this youth whose entire family had been tragically killed.

After learning Chang Ning's identity, Master and Madam Cai's attitude toward him became exceptionally gentle.

"Mom, where's Xiaohan? Where did you leave him?" Cai Zhao looked left and right but didn't see her younger brother.

"Leave him? What leave him?" Ning Xiaofeng said. "Your grandaunt and maternal uncle are both here today. You disappeared, but does that mean Xiaohan doesn't need to pay his respects? Alright, come with us to greet the elders!" She then started pulling her daughter.

"They've both become monastics, why do we still call them grandaunt and maternal uncle... Hey, hey, Mom, slow down. Senior Brother, Senior Brother Chang, you come too." Cai Zhao was dragged a few steps before remembering she couldn't leave Chang Ning here. She quickly reached back with her left hand and grabbed his sleeve, and the group moved off together as if strung along.

Fan Xingjia, following at the very end, happened to see Chang Ning lower his head, the corners of his mouth tilting up slightly.

...

Outside, it was already a hubbub of voices.

Over two hundred years, the Qingque Sect had gone through about ten Sect Masters. Their tenures varied in length, the longest being over thirty years and the shortest a mere three shichen. Except for two instances of father-son succession, the rest were all master-disciple transmissions. After constant additions and modifications by so many Sect Masters of different tastes, the furnishings within the current Twilight Palace were indeed of a varied and numerous style.

The cool, elegant, and translucent crystal chandelier above Cai Zhao's head was left by the fourth Sect Master. However, just three feet away, under a white jade beam, hung a giant chandelier left by his biological son, the fifth Sect Master. It featured eighteen branches of coiling dragons chasing phoenixes, made of red gold inlaid with rubies and dangling famille rose porcelain flower baskets. Standing beneath it, Cai Zhao lamented for a while, wondering if this son had been picked up from the streets.

When she looked down again, she was faced with a pile of shiny bald heads—male and female, old and young, some kind, some stern.

Cai Zhao felt a wave of dizziness and hurriedly bowed to the old nun and middle-aged Zen master before her. "Greetings, Abbess Jingyuan. Greetings, Great Master Juexing. It has been a long time. I hope you two elders are well and that all goes smoothly for you."

Abbess Jingyuan was over sixty, her figure thin and erect. Decades of solemnity and severity had etched a murderous aura on her face, enough to frighten half a dozen naughty children to tears. At this moment, Cai Han was obediently hiding behind Great Master Juexing, not making a sound.

Ning Xiaofeng then introduced Chang Ning. The Chang Family massacre was known throughout the Jianghu. Even someone as stern as Abbess Jingyuan softened her expression, while Great Master Juexing repeatedly lamented for Chang Ning's family.

However, Chang Ning maintained his half-dead, indifferent demeanor.

After the pleasantries, the old Abbess scanned Cai Zhao. "The Qingque Sect is a renowned and great sect. Once you enter the sect, you must cast aside the laziness from your days in Falling Blossoms Town and not tarnish your family's reputation!"

"...I will heed the Abbess's instructions." In truth, Cai Zhao wanted to say that in terms of manpower, resources, and Jianghu reputation, Falling Blossoms Valley was already at the bottom of the Six Sects of Beichen. How much further could their reputation fall?

Seeing the little girl's discomfort, Great Master Juexing let out a laugh. "Ah, Zhaozhao, after becoming a disciple, you'll be an adult. Here on Myriad Waters Thousand Mountains Cliff, you must be sensible and obedient... but don't let yourself be bullied for nothing. I brought you a cage of carrier pigeons this time. If you are wronged, you must tell the elders immediately."

Changchun Temple at Qingxi Hollow had always excelled at training carrier pigeons; they could deliver messages almost anywhere you pointed. Cai Zhao beamed. "Thank you, great maternal uncle! Zhaozhao will definitely be obedient and won't be bullied for nothing!"

Abbess Jingyuan shot her nephew a sideways glance. "What's this 'I' from a monastic? You should refer to yourself as 'this humble monk'! You barely managed two sentences that sound like an elder before teaching her to tattle. I see your cultivation is sorely lacking!"

Cai Han blinked his big eyes. "...Grandaunt, you also said 'I' just now."

Master and Madam Cai lowered their heads and chuckled softly.

The banquet was about to begin. Fan Xingjia came to invite everyone to the main hall. The younger generation, including Cai Zhao, was to dine at the side tables in the southeastern corner of the main hall. Before leaving, Abbess Jingyuan didn't forget to reprimand Cai Zhao one more time, "...After entering the sect, you must obediently follow the rules. Don't be like your aunt, always attracting trouble!"

Cai Zhao remained silent, lowering her head to respectfully see the elders off.

Chang Ning stood for a moment. Seeing Cai Zhao still staring at the ground in a daze, he simply took the sleeves of the young sister and brother, one in each hand, and found a quiet, well-lit dining table to sit at. At first, Cai Xiaohan was very afraid of this big brother with a face full of poisonous sores, but he later discovered that his movements were very careful and gentle when picking out pastries and fruits for him, so he gradually relaxed.

"If you can't stand listening to that old nun criticize your aunt, just talk back. The worst that can happen is a punishment. What's the use of getting angry by yourself afterward?" Chang Ning added two spoonfuls of cold-dressed termite mushrooms with sesame oil and crushed walnuts to Cai Zhao's plate.

"...I did talk back when I was little. Later, my aunt told me not to argue with Abbess Jingyuan. My aunt said the old Abbess just couldn't stand her unrestrained and undisciplined manner, but her character was as just and strict as could be."

Cai Zhao had already resolved not to say another word to this sarcastic guy, but what Chang Ning said was precisely what she had been thinking about for many years, so she unconsciously started talking to him again.

"Of course your aunt had to say that. The old nun is from a righteous sect and is your mother's elder. Do you expect your aunt to say, 'Zhaozhao, well said, wonderfully said! How about I teach you a few more lines for next time'?" Chang Ning added two thin slices of braised beef to Cai Zhao's plate.

Cai Zhao almost burst out laughing. She quickly straightened her face. "Senior Brother Chang, watch your words."

Chang Ning continued to serve her food, this time three thick fillets of salt-grilled fish. "Fine, let's talk about something else then—why did the elders on your mother's side all become monastics? Is there a story?"

At this topic, Cai Zhao was no longer sleepy.

She had been accustomed to wandering around town with Cai Pingshu since childhood, listening to all the local gossip, and had an open-minded nature. Hearing his question, she replied, "My maternal grandmother and Abbess Jingyuan are twin sisters. When they were young, they had a fateful encounter with Buddhism and believed themselves to be a pair of twin lotus flowers in the pond before the Hall of the Greatly Virtuous Bright King. But who knew, right before she was to shave her head, my grandmother met my grandfather and broke her vow to marry him."

Chang Ning glanced at her with curiosity. "...Why does this story sound so familiar? Oh, right. According to rumors, Grandmaster Beichen also raised a pair of twin lotus flowers in front of Myriad Waters Thousand Mountains Cliff back then. The late Old Sect Master Yin loved to imitate the Grandmaster in everything, so he named his two daughters Sulian and Qinglian. Why are all these old stories the same? What happened later? Your grandmother didn't become a nun herself, so she made your uncle become a monk?"

Seeing the atmosphere had softened, Cai Zhao answered cooperatively, "You don't know, Buddhism emphasizes cause and effect. If my grandmother had become a nun as she vowed, then my mother and uncle would not have been born, let alone the grandchildren that followed. So, my grandmother hoped that both my mom and uncle would become monastics to fulfill her vow."

Chang Ning nodded. "Being exposed to it since childhood, it's natural to develop a heart for Buddhism. Your uncle became a monk, but your mother met your father..."

"Not quite. Back then, my mother met my aunt, who was disguised as a man. Her young heart was captured and never returned. All thoughts of becoming a nun and fulfilling vows were thrown to the wind." Cai Zhao's eyes crinkled with a smile.

Chang Ning put down his chopsticks. "Mm, I know what happened next. My father told me. Later, your mother discovered Heroine Cai was a woman in disguise and almost became a nun at Xuankong Nunnery. Abbess Jingyuan was delighted and, fearing your aunt would cause trouble, set up numerous checkpoints at the foot of Yinxiu Stream. So your aunt led a group of her brothers and fought her way up, 'persuading' your mother back to the mortal world."

He raised a corner of his mouth with a hint of playfulness. "My father was on the side, trying his best to persuade everyone not to disturb the sanctity of the Buddhist sanctuary, and was then given the grand nickname 'Nanny Chang' by your aunt's brothers."

"...My aunt kept telling them not to use that nickname." Cai Zhao was a bit embarrassed.

"It doesn't matter." Chang Ning said calmly. "Actually, my father really missed the days of being called 'Nanny Chang,' and he missed the people who called him that." — It wasn't that the great hero Chang Haosheng liked the nickname, but that he missed those carefree and bright youthful years, and those joyous youths who were gone forever.

Cai Zhao felt a pang of melancholy. After a moment, she said, "My aunt misses it very much too—everyone was still young then, riding high on success, laughing and fooling around, turning Yinxiu Stream upside down. Abbess Jingyuan was so angry she was about to start killing. Back then, Nie Hengcheng hadn't yet practiced demonic arts, hadn't used living people to refine Corpse Puppet Slaves. Everyone was alive and well, no one was injured or crippled, no one had lost their loved ones and friends..."

"Are you finished? Finished? Good, then it's my turn to speak." Chang Ning waited until Cai Zhao had finished her melancholic reflection before he spoke.

He slowly sat up straight. "Your grandmother couldn't bear to part with love, so she broke her vow and married. She lived half her life in blissful union, yet to fulfill her own youthful regrets, she wanted to send her pair of children into the Buddhist gate, completely disregarding their own wishes—what's the difference between that and a scoundrel who sells his daughter to a brothel to pay off debts for his own comfort?"