Yun Xi suppressed the urge to roll her eyes. Only an idiot would confess to such a thing. Her tone was cold as she said,
"What would I even want from you? I've already formed my Golden Core, and I have a sect backing me. Why would I bother stealing from a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator like you?"
As she spoke, she deliberately brushed her fingers across the storage bracelet on her wrist, showing off without a hint of subtlety.
Wei Yunqing almost coughed up blood from rage. She couldn't possibly admit she had a personal spatial pocket. That would be suicide, not retaliation.
Yun Xi knew perfectly well that Wei Yunqing would never dare to reveal the existence of her spatial pocket, so she continued,
"You accused me of stealing. Where's the evidence? What did I supposedly steal? Does it have any markings? You think bumping your lips together is enough to convict me? Do you think I'm someone you can slander without consequence?"
As soon as Yun Xi finished, she swept her sleeve, sending Wei Yunqing flying backward. She slammed into the doorframe and crashed to the floor with a loud thud.
Du Ruolan screamed in fright and rushed forward, shielding Wei Yunqing with her body.
"Wei Zhēnrén, Yun Qing is still your sister. She spoke out of turn, but I'll apologize on her behalf."
Wei Lingtao stepped in as well.
"Yun Xi, you're sisters after all. Don't ruin the harmony over this. Her divine sense was damaged. That's likely why she acted this way."
Wei Yunqing had finally regained her clarity. Just moments ago, she had been completely overwhelmed with emotion. The moment she heard Yun Xi's voice, those reckless words had burst out. But now, she could clearly feel it—there was a chasm between them, one that her cultivation could never cross.
Yun Xi didn't bother responding to Du Ruolan or Wei Lingtao. She simply stared at Wei Yunqing, her gaze calm and unreadable. She wanted to see what made Wei Yunqing the so-called daughter of destiny. What was so special about her that fate seemed to favor her? But no matter how she looked, she couldn't see anything extraordinary.
The entire courtyard fell into an oppressive silence. A creeping unease spread through the hearts of all three onlookers. Especially Wei Yunqing—she truly feared that Yun Xi might kill her right then and there.
Wei Lingtao was already regretting bringing Yun Xi back. Not one person present could stand against her. If Yun Xi truly wanted to destroy Wei Yunqing, no one could stop her.
Just then, a figure in green robes appeared in Haitang Courtyard, stepping directly between Yun Xi and Wei Yunqing.
Wei Lingtao's expression shifted instantly. He bowed with deep respect.
"Lingtao greets the Ancestor, why have you emerged from seclusion?"
The Wei family's Ancestor, Wei Nanfeng, replied,
"If I hadn't come out now, the Wei family would be tearing itself apart. Is this how you manage the clan?"
Wei Lingtao immediately lowered his head and admitted fault.
"This is my failure."
Yun Xi turned her gaze to the Wei family's Ancestor. He was an old man, his candle nearly burnt out. Though his cultivation was at the mid-stage of Golden Core, it was clear his years were numbered. That overly withered face couldn't be faked.
Wei Nanfeng was scolding Wei Lingtao, but his attention kept drifting toward Yun Xi. Her cultivation and bone age clearly surprised him.
Yun Xi could tell that the old patriarch wasn't a threat, so she simply cupped her hands and said,
"Yun Xi greets the Ancestor."
Wei Nanfeng gave a small nod and finally spoke,
"You are sisters, both members of the Wei family. Don't let a trivial matter break family rules and ruin your bond."
Yun Xi gave an inward scoff, but her face remained composed.
"This may seem trivial to the Ancestor, but to Yun Xi, it's a serious matter. Even between sisters, one cannot make baseless accusations like this."
She paused, then continued evenly,
"I don't recall any Wei family rule stating that when you're wrongly accused, you're supposed to stay silent and accept it. I don't see myself as someone who should carry someone else's blame. And as always, rules are made by the strong."
"Impudent! Speaking of strength in front of me—you are the one who lacks the qualification!"
Something in Wei Nanfeng was clearly struck. He unleashed his mid-stage Golden Core pressure, attempting to put Yun Xi in her place.
But Yun Xi didn't budge. Not even a hair moved. As his eyes flickered in surprise, her divine sense activated. The Mystic Frost Needle split into a hundred forms, all of them hovering at Wei Nanfeng's vital points. With just a glance from Yun Xi, those icy needles could pierce his body.
She saw right through him. Wei Nanfeng had only shown up to protect Wei Yunqing. She might not be able to kill Wei Yunqing, but she could absolutely end this biased old man's life.
Wei Nanfeng broke into a cold sweat. He had assumed he could easily suppress the younger generation, only to find himself utterly humiliated. He didn't know how to respond.
Wei Lingtao was equally stunned and sent Yun Xi a desperate voice transmission.
"Yun Xi, I know you're furious about being slandered, but you mustn't harm the Ancestor. If he falls, the other clans will tear into us. You know better than anyone: if one rises, we all rise. If one falls, we all fall. Please—spare him."
Yun Xi was furious. Why did she have to work so hard to escape her fate as a mere pawn, while forces beyond her control kept pushing her back onto that path? Why was she constantly restricted, while Wei Yunqing was always surrounded by people shielding her?
Still, she had never planned to destroy the Wei family. Even when she had first transmigrated, her only wish had been to distance herself from them.
She was reasonable. With a flick of her sleeve, she recalled the Mystic Frost Needle and smiled.
"Ancestor, this is an ice-based technique passed to me by my master, Yu Ling Zhēnjūn. What do you think of its power?"
Wei Nanfeng quickly dropped his elder airs and smoothed things over.
"Yu Ling Zhēnjūn of Haoran Sect is known for their unparalleled ice techniques. Truly a master. The power of their methods is beyond question. To be accepted as their disciple is your great fortune."
"Indeed, it is my fortune," Yun Xi replied with a cold smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Otherwise, I wouldn't even have the strength to defend myself when falsely accused."
Wei Lingtao quickly stepped forward to change the subject.
"Ancestor, your aura seems unstable. Perhaps it's best you return to rest. I will handle the matters here."
With a flicker, Wei Nanfeng vanished from Haitang Courtyard.
Once again, Du Ruolan and Wei Yunqing stood exposed before Yun Xi. Only now, their faces could no longer be described as simply pale.
Wei Lingtao cleared his throat.
"Yun Qing, just now you said Yun Xi stole from you. Do you have any proof? Any witnesses?"
Wei Yunqing kept her head down.
"No."
"In that case, your claim has no foundation. It's slander. You owe Yun Xi an apology."
Wei Yunqing raised her eyes to meet Yun Xi's gaze. For the first time, she felt like she was seeing her sister clearly. But now, she could no longer stand on the same level. Her lips parted, as if to speak.
Yun Xi raised a hand to stop her.
"Don't bother. You don't mean it. And I have no interest in accepting it."
Her voice was flat as she continued,
"From now on, let's keep our paths separate. You live your life, I'll live mine. This is the first—and the last—time. Next time, no one will be able to save you."
With that, Yun Xi's figure flickered and disappeared from Haitang Courtyard.
Wei Yunqing's legs went weak, and she nearly collapsed, only to be caught by Du Ruolan.
Wei Lingtao let out a long sigh.
"Yun Qing, once certain bonds are used up, they're gone. The cultivation world respects power above all else. Don't make yourself the Wei family's enemy."
He paused, looking disappointed.
"I brought Yun Xi back only to ask her for a pill to repair your divine sense. But you..."
He shook his head and walked away, leaving Du Ruolan and her daughter standing in silence.
When Yun Xi returned to Zhuohua Courtyard, Dian Dian poked his head out.
"Master, were you provoking Wei Yunqing on purpose?"
"I was. I want her to understand the gap between us. No one can protect her forever."
Dian Dian hesitated, then asked nervously,
"But what if she becomes determined to catch up—and surpasses you?"
"Then we'll have a fair and open fight. But if she takes shortcuts..."
Her voice trailed off into silence.