Translator: CinderTL
For Jiang Ye, Chen Zilu was both his mentor and friend, the one who guided him onto the path of the martial dao. She treated everyone else with cold indifference, reserving her warmth solely for him.
This special connection hadn't existed from the start. It gradually developed during their time in high school.
Why was Chen Zilu so special to Jiang Ye?
Perhaps it was because, for over half a year in high school, he had privately sought her guidance day after day.
Or maybe it was because, on countless stormy nights, he had proactively called her to check on her well-being.
Or perhaps it was because, on a certain holiday evening, they had chatted on their communication watches until 3 a.m., staying up all night.
To Jiang Ye, these interactions had seemed ordinary, even trivial. At the time, he had only been trying to exploit the "patriarch's friend" comprehension boost to improve his grades and get into university.
But for Chen Zilu, these moments might have been rare bursts of liveliness in her countless lonely nights.
Qiu Cang had mentioned that few people could truly connect with her.
Since childhood, this girl had withdrawn into herself, isolated and alone, never initiating conversations with others.
Jiang Ye was perhaps the first person she had ever truly connected with.
Of course, all of this was merely Jiang Ye's own speculation.
He had no way of knowing the exact truth.
But right now, he genuinely didn't want to see her upset.
Who would want to see the girl they cared about hurting?
"Senior Sister," Jiang Ye called out, standing rooted to the spot.
Chen Zilu ignored him, continuing to walk ahead.
"Senior Sister."
Jiang Ye caught up to her. "If you're upset, just hit me to let off some steam."
Chen Zilu stopped, lifting her gaze to meet his. "You think I wouldn't dare hit you?"
"Then go ahead, Senior Sister," Jiang Ye said, spreading his hands wide.
"..."
Chen Zilu stared at him, suddenly feeling both exasperated and amused.
Are you waiting to be hit? Or are you waiting for a hug?
After a long pause, she said, "I won't hit you."
"You haven't done anything wrong." Chen Zilu turned and continued walking. "I have no right to interfere with who you spend time with."
"Who says?" Jiang Ye shook his head. "Senior Sister's concerns are my concerns, and my concerns are Senior Sister's concerns."
"If you don't want me to, I'll just decline that classmate's invitation next time," Jiang Ye sighed.
"Nonsense."
Unexpectedly, Chen Zilu stopped, her delicate brows furrowing. "She's been kind to you. Don't take her kindness for granted."
"Huh?"
Jiang Ye froze, then looked at the girl in surprise.
"You said yourself that your female classmate has been a great help to you," Chen Zilu said calmly. "Don't take her kindness for granted. If you hurt her, I'll be the first to make you pay."
Jiang Ye was slightly taken aback.
He vaguely realized that Chen Zilu was saying this mostly to spare him from an awkward situation.
Of course, Jiang Ye knew Zhao Qingli had been good to him, and he would never betray her.
But these words shouldn't have come from Chen Zilu.
Jiang Ye gazed at the girl before him, his expression growing complicated.
Her thoughtfulness toward him, even extending to someone she'd never met, likely stemmed from her own past hurts.
Having been drenched in the rain herself, she now holds an umbrella for others.
"Senior sister," Jiang Ye sighed softly, "hit me. Let out your anger. Don't bottle it up."
If before he had only wanted to reconcile, now Jiang Ye actually wished Chen Zilu would strike him. He couldn't bear to see this girl suffer alone.
If it would make her feel better, he wouldn't mind getting beaten up.
"I'm not angry," Chen Zilu said.
"I've been thinking about it these past few days," she continued, looking at him earnestly. "Actually, I don't mind you hanging out with other girls."
"It's just that... I invited you that day, and you turned me down, only to be with another girl. That's what made me feel a little uncomfortable."
Jiang Ye was taken aback.
He knew Chen Zilu wasn't one to beat around the bush.
So this reason might genuinely be what she was feeling.
After a moment of silence, Jiang Ye said sincerely, "Senior Sister, I'm sorry for making you feel bad."
The words "I'm sorry" shouldn't be used lightly; they can cheapen their meaning.
But when said to someone who cares about you, these words not only retain their value but become a golden ticket to forgiveness, surpassing all other words. Of course, such an opportunity comes only once.
Chen Zilu's expression immediately softened.
She glanced away, biting her lip.
Knowing the moment had come, Jiang Ye pressed on, "I swear, if I ever make Senior Sister feel bad again, I'll—"
"Shut up!"
"You think there'll be a next time?" Chen Zilu glared at him, as if wanting to stop him from making a vow.
Jiang Ye knew why she had interrupted him.
In his previous life, he could have sworn a thousand poisonous oaths without consequence.
But in this world, swearing oaths might actually carry some mystical repercussions.
"There won't be a next time," Jiang Ye said immediately. "I'll make sure Senior Sister is always comfortable."
Soothing a girl was always a hassle.
But if that girl truly cared about you, it became much easier.
Chen Zilu's expression visibly softened, though she still glared at Jiang Ye out of pride.
"From now on, if Senior Sister has plans, I'll always agree," Jiang Ye continued.
Chen Zilu rolled her eyes.
"Fine, I'm not angry anymore."
"You should leave now and seize your opportunity," Chen Zilu said earnestly. "That's your main mission. Don't waste this chance."
"You misunderstand," Jiang Ye replied, shaking his head. "My primary mission here was to find you."
"..."
"Now that you've found me," Chen Zilu said helplessly, "your mission is complete, right? Next, you should focus on improving yourself."
"What about you?" Jiang Ye asked.
"I'll rest for a while," Chen Zilu said. "We can talk again in a few days."
"Then I'll stay with you these next few days, Senior Sister," Jiang Ye said. Knowing she was in the God-Devouring Period, he couldn't possibly leave her alone.
If they encountered another top genius from an alien civilization, Chen Zilu's current state would put her in grave danger.
"Are you not even listening to me anymore?" Chen Zilu glared at him, her beautiful eyes flashing with exasperation.
"Senior Sister," Jiang Ye said earnestly, "I know you haven't been feeling well lately. Let me stay with you for these few days. If you still don't want to see me after that, I'll leave immediately."
Chen Zilu paused, taken aback.
Then, as if remembering something, she asked, "Did Zhao Yingluo tell you?"
"Mm-hmm."
Chen Zilu pursed her lips, her expression becoming slightly awkward. "Then... you can stay with me."
She hadn't wanted Jiang Ye to know about her condition.
After all, when she was younger, anyone who learned about her strange illness had kept their distance, treating her with a mix of reverence and fear.
Jiang Ye understood her feelings to some extent.
"Senior Sister," he said with a smile, stepping closer, "I'll protect you these next few days."
Chen Zilu shot him a glare before swiftly flying forward.
Jiang Ye followed closely behind.
Suddenly...
[New Achievement Unlocked: After angering the Martial Saint, you have earned her forgiveness.]
[Title Unlocked: Broken Mirror, Reunited]
[Reward: Even a broken mirror can be reunited. You have gained the ability 'Repair', allowing you to restore damaged objects to their original state (excluding martial dao foundations). The higher your cultivation level, the higher the grade of treasures you can repair. Cooldown: one month.]
[Your favor with the Martial Saint has reached the 'Close Friend' threshold!]
[Unlocked Title: Close Friend (Martial Saint)]
[Reward: You have obtained the Martial Saint Bond. When she is with you, your cultivation speed, combat power, luck, and all other attributes will receive a moderate boost. Simultaneously, she will experience a degree of bond influence. The higher the Martial Saint's favor toward you, the stronger the enhancement you receive.]
[Legendary Achievement Unlocked!]
"Broken Mirror, Reunited?"
"Close Friend (Martial Saint)?" Jiang Ye stared in disbelief. "Legendary achievements?!"
(End of the Chapter)
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