In an instant, all eyes turned to Zhang Shuning.
She clenched her fists, feeling deeply frustrated. But she knew clearly there was no way Jiang Cen would really be ruined...
Nor did she want her master to face difficulties. So she swallowed her bitterness and nodded quietly. Since that was the case, she would take revenge on her own, in secret.
"Good. Since you agree, then let this matter rest."
Luo Hantian gave Liu Xingzhi a deep look. If Jiang Wentian refused to punish Jiang Cen, this Junior Brother might explode.
"All right, everyone, disperse!"
Luo Hantian waved his hand and scattered the gathered disciples. He shot a disappointed glance at Li Yang, clearly their intentions were obvious. If Jiang Wentian insisted on protecting Jiang Cen, it would indeed affect things.
Luo Hantian was about to leave when his eyes caught Song Wanníng's departing figure. A flash of admiration appeared in his eyes.
Wow, how long has it been? This Martial Nephew had already reached late Void Refinement.
Truly the talent he had been watching for!
Their Guhan Sect was about to produce another youth comparable to Liu Xingzhi!
…
"Sister, is it really over just like that?"
Xiao Jin grumbled unhappily. Jiang Cen should have been crippled and expelled from the sect.
"What else could it be?"
Song Wanníng chuckled lightly, not too disappointed by the outcome.
"It's so unfair!"
Xiao Jin muttered in dissatisfaction.
Song Wanníng tapped him lightly. "Since when is there fairness in this world? Jiang Wentian has worked hard to rise toward Grand Elder. This is his reward.
Who could always be fair and not favor their own? If it were me, I would protect my own too."
"Hmph. Then we'll train harder and send these people packing later!"
Xiao Jin wrinkled his nose, deeply disliking Jiang Cen.
Song Wanníng ignored him and headed toward Zhuoyun Peak.
Her master was surely waiting for good news.
…
At Xiaoyao Peak, Jiang Wentian stood under a tree.
Liu Xingzhi stood silently before him, bracing for criticism.
But Jiang Wentian only looked toward the distant white clouds with an unreadable expression.
After a long moment, he quietly asked,
"Xingzhi, do you think Jiang Cen is... still the Jiang Cen she used to be?"
His ambiguous words made Liu Xingzhi frown.
He thought it over carefully, first shaking his head, then nodding slightly...
Jiang Wentian sighed again and waved his hand.
"Go back. These things are compensation for that girl Zhang Shuning."
He tossed a storage ring to Liu Xingzhi, then turned and entered the palace.
Liu Xingzhi glanced at his master's back, a flash of surprise in his eyes.
Master...
Had changed somehow...
Bang.
The palace doors slammed shut. Jiang Wentian's face darkened instantly, filled with killing intent. After a while, he finally controlled his emotions and stepped inside.
Jiang Cen sat on the bed, fuming. When she saw Jiang Wentian, she immediately turned her face away.
"Cen'er." Jiang Wentian called softly, then strode over. "Don't be angry. Father really had no choice..."
"How could a Grand Elder have no choice?" Jiang Cen snorted coldly, her face pale and awful. She felt Jiang Wentian simply didn't want to protect her!
"You got caught red-handed this time. How could I punish you and still earn the respect of the crowd? Besides, it's only three years..."
For cultivators, three years was a blink of an eye.
"When I come back in three years, it'll be long too late! What do you know?"
Jiang Cen was almost in tears with anger.
Three years... a whole three years...
By then, Zhang Shuning and Liu Xingzhi might already be together!
She could not bear to give up such an excellent man. The colder he was, the stronger her desire to conquer him grew. She believed her charm would win over Liu Xingzhi in the end. But now, she was going away for three years. Everything was uncertain! She vented her fury without noticing Jiang Wentian's cold gaze behind her.
Suddenly, Jiang Wentian spoke out of nowhere.
"I remember you hated Liu Xingzhi before. Why have you suddenly changed?"
Jiang Cen stiffened for a moment, then glared at Jiang Wentian.
"Father, Liu Xingzhi is so outstanding. I was blind before. Now I see clearly. I must hold on to him early. Do you really expect to watch him be with Zhang Shuning?"
She knew her own Primordial Soul well enough that Jiang Wentian would not discover the problem.
This had already been proven true when she first transmigrated, so she was not afraid.
Jiang Wentian frowned, displeased.
"Why are you so sure Zhang Shuning will be with Xingzhi? They are master and disciple..."
Master and disciple relationships were sacred. He knew Xingzhi would never do such a thing. Besides, Xingzhi had no special feelings for Zhang Shuning...
Yet Jiang Cen insisted they would be together.
"Oh, Father, just don't worry. I won't lie to you!"
Jiang Cen felt a little guilty being questioned and stopped causing trouble. She was afraid the more she said, the more she would expose herself. Then it wouldn't be just a punishment anymore.
"Father, Mo Hai is full of dangers. Are you really okay with letting me go there?"
Her eyes reddened as she looked at Jiang Wentian, then threw herself into his arms, crying miserably. She tried to make him regret his decision and cancel it.
Jiang Wentian lifted his hand, gently stroking her hair, but his gaze seemed to pierce through her, looking far beyond.
"The matter is settled. It cannot be changed. But rest assured, Father will accompany you... and will never let anyone harm you. Because you are the only treasure she left me..."
His hand clenched tightly. He closed his eyes, hiding the rage inside.
Soon, he would uncover the truth.
…
"Wanníng, what kind of freak are you?!"
Qin Ming shouted, staring wide-eyed at Song Wanníng's cultivation level.
Feng Xue and Cang Yang also looked at Song Wanníng with shock.
At this rate, wouldn't they be surpassed by this Martial Nephew soon?
They thought the little Junior Sister was already extreme, but this one was even more so!
"I just got lucky advancing."
Song Wanníng smiled and then took out prepared return gifts for the martial uncles.
These were things she had obtained from the secret realm. She had wanted to give return gifts after receiving presents before, and now was the right time.
"Hey, we can't accept your gifts!"
Qin Ming said no but moved faster than anyone.
The other two smiled and happily accepted the gifts as well.
Junior Sister was being filial to them, so they were pleased.
"Martial Uncles, I will practice pill refining next. Please don't disturb me if nothing urgent comes up."