Right now, having done nothing herself, how could Yu Weifeng, that cowardly wife-fearing man, be willing to spend a fortune to bring her back?
Unless… someone promised him greater benefits behind the scenes, making it worth the cost to retrieve her. Looking at the original story, the only change besides herself was the Holy Maiden who forced the marriage. Could it be that this Holy Maiden was also a transmigrator?
Yao Ranran's heart trembled at the thought.
The world was vast, and anything could happen. She had made it this far without revealing her identity as a transmigrator, right? She still didn't know if the Holy Maiden was friend or foe. Even if once a fellow villager, she could still stab you in the back!
"Sect Master Han, the bracelet was lost within the sect. Elder Shen has an inescapable responsibility. I don't want ten bracelets. I only want my bracelet!"
Yao Ranran looked at Han Huijun firmly.
She did not care what Shen Yuefu had gone through. This storage bracelet was the only relic her mother left her. Even the original body, who had fallen into demonic cultivation, had not forgotten this trace of maternal love.
Having experienced the original body's childhood illusions, how could she bear to feel nothing for Yao Yanliu?
Han Huijun looked at her steadily. After a moment, he exhaled deeply. "Then how about ten storage rings instead? Their capacity is a hundred times larger. How does that sound?"
"Ugh!" Yao Ranran gasped. Just as Han Huijun thought the matter settled, she shook her head with difficulty.
"No, Sect Master Han. Whether ten storage rings or ten storage bracelets, none are as precious as the bracelet my mother gave me!"
Han Huijun froze.
This was not enough.
He pondered briefly and, suppressing the sting to his pride, said, "Then how about one storage ring with ten portions of millennial materials for you to choose from?"
Yao Ranran was about to insist further.
Han Huijun shifted his tone. "If you are still not satisfied, then I shall cancel this exchange."
"…Fine! Sect Master Han, you must honor your word!"
After all, as a mother, her greatest wish was for her daughter to live well. As long as her daughter lived a good life, her mother could rest easy.
"Mother Yao Yanliu, rest assured. I will do everything I can to ensure Yao Ranran lives well!"
Yao Ranran silently repeated this in her heart, completing the deal with Han Huijun.
"My word is binding. The rest of you may leave. Elder Nie, accompany me to pay respects to your master while she selects her rewards and asks your senior uncle's opinion!"
Han Huijun turned to Nie Rong, raising his eyebrows. Soon, someone came to lead Yao Ranran to Wuxiang Sect's treasury.
Pei Xianqiao and the others obediently withdrew.
Tang Xiangyin, at Yao Ranran's strong insistence, was brought along as well.
Though Han Huijun found Tang Xiangyin's identity peculiar, a weak cultivator could not cause trouble, so he allowed it.
…
"The treasury, the treasury has been robbed!!"
Yao Ranran had not even begun selecting millennial materials when the disciple leading her opened the Yi-character treasury door, only to find half of its treasures gone. He screamed in shock.
Yao Ranran instinctively covered her ears.
That voice… it sounded just like a little eunuch following an emperor!
…
"Investigate! The Yi-character treasury has been robbed, and you only just discovered it. What have you been doing?!"
Han Huijun emerged from the Tianji Pavilion with a complex expression, Nie Rong at his side. He had not expected the news outside to anger him more than the response from the pavilion itself.
Furious, Han Huijun kicked the little disciple… a playful jab to the junior disciple's rear.
Yao Ranran was stunned. "Then what about my rewards?"
"Gone!" Han Huijun answered without a second thought.
Yao Ranran immediately flew into rage. The prize within reach had vanished!
"Who stole my millennial materials?!"
"Sect Master Han, you said your word is binding. If you cannot provide the millennial materials, then send Elder Shen out! If Elder Shen becomes the Holy Maiden of Beiming's husband, won't my storage bracelet be returned?"
Even if she could not get ten portions of millennial materials, she had to reclaim at least one treasure!
Yao Ranran sat cross-legged, fuming. She looked every bit the part of a stubborn girl determined not to leave if Han Huijun could not deliver.
Han Huijun scolded everyone around him, then pressed his fingers to his forehead, looking at Yao Ranran's defiant stance.
"The materials I promised you will be provided. For now, stay in Wuxiang Sect for a few days. Once I finish handling matters here, I will personally deliver the materials to you!"
Yao Ranran eyed him suspiciously.
Nie Rong cheered. "Master, don't worry. If he dares to deceive us, this disciple will smash his face!"
He raised his fist toward Han Huijun.
Seeing the disciples around her, Yao Ranran estimated Han Huijun would not go back on his word. She agreed.
"Fine. Staying a few days, no charge, right?" she asked cautiously.
Han Huijun: I am that kind of person!
"Of course no charge! You, come here, take them to the residence I prepared for her earlier!"
"Yes!" The named disciple hurriedly led Yao Ranran away, taking them all the way to Yiyu Peak.
"Eh, why does this place feel both familiar and strange?" Nie Rong frowned, glancing around.
The junior disciple shivered. "Elder Nie does not know. This peak was renovated in recent years, which is why it seems unfamiliar."
"No wonder. I felt I had never been to this mountain. It is so luxurious now, well renovated!" Nie Rong praised.
This place befits Master's status!
"Yes, yes…" The junior disciple quickly responded and left.
"Why is he so timid?" Tang Xiangyin curiously stared at the disciple's retreating back.
Nie Rong smiled. "These disciples fear my status. After all, I am not someone they see often!"
Yao Ranran looked at Nie Rong's smug expression and wondered if the little disciple was afraid not of him, but of this courtyard itself.
She gazed at the plum blossoms in the yard. Bright red blooms stood out against the cold winter, making the empty courtyard seem even more desolate. Even the cobblestone path seemed to radiate a biting chill.
"So cold, Fairy, let's go inside!" Zhou Lili jumped, hugging herself, her cheeks flushed from the cold.
Tang Xiangyin leaned against Yao Ranran, shivering slightly. "It really does feel a bit cold now. I didn't feel this before."
"Perhaps this mountain's spiritual veins are different. Your cultivation is low, so you cannot resist it. Let's go inside first." Nie Rong used his cultivation to form a virtual shield, blocking the wind.
Yao Ranran did not delay. She led them into the courtyard and built a small fire.
The flames immediately warmed the area, and they sat in a circle, roasting fragrant spiritual beast meat.
This food had been sent by Nie Rong.
Tang Xiangyin playfully caught the sparks, suddenly feeling a pang of melancholy.
"Fairy Yao Ranran, I miss Xiao Rong."