Li Yingling pushed open the door and glanced up at the sky.
Today was a good day—thin clouds veiled the sun, and a gentle breeze occasionally brushed by.
Though as a Golden Core Master, Li Yingling had long been unaffected by heat or cold, she still cherished the weather she had once loved.
Days like this, without rain, not too sunny, nor overcast, with just a whisper of wind, were the best in her mind.
Though such days were rare.
Li Yingling stepped out, first heading toward the deep pool. Lately, something felt off. Chen Baiqing, whom she used to meet there often, had become scarce.
When they did cross paths elsewhere, Chen Baiqing always seemed busy.
During their brief encounters, Chen Baiqing would smile, exchange a few polite words, and then hurry off.
Li Yingling had asked if she needed help, but Chen Baiqing just shook her head—it was a small matter, soon to be resolved.
Li Yingling could only nod and offer her assistance if needed.
Chen Baiqing bobbed her head in agreement before leaving, but there was a faint sense of… distance?
Still, Li Yingling quickly dismissed the thought. Their bond was undeniable.
Baiqing had always respected her deeply.
Li Yingling walked to the corridor overlooking the deep pool, where she could see the stone bench by the water.
Today, it was empty again.
Was Baiqing busy today too?
After a moment’s pause, Li Yingling continued toward the main hall.
Her master often spent his leisure time there, though his schedule was predictable—usually in the afternoon. The rest of the time, he might be out wandering or visiting other places.
Like playing by the deep pool with Baiqing.
Or perhaps strolling through Yuzhou City with Cui Hao.
Now, only someone as familiar with her master’s habits as Li Yingling could reliably track him down.
For others, it was mostly a matter of luck.
Lately, her master had been acting strangely. Maybe it was because of what she’d mentioned to him last time.
Li Yingling wanted to venture out on her own. Under her master’s care, life was easy and joyful.
But… that shouldn’t be all there was to her life.
She believed her master would shield her from the world’s darkness, yet she still needed to see it for herself.
To explore the world and do what she wished.
Her fourth junior sister, though not the brightest, had once said something wise—some things must be faced alone to grow.
Unlike Li Xingtian, who was fixated on the Central Continent, Li Yingling had no plans to go there.
She intended to wander elsewhere, gaining experience while staying relatively safe.
She hadn’t brought it up impulsively but had carefully considered it before speaking to her master.
That day, her master neither agreed nor refused—just asked her to wait in the sect a while longer.
Li Yingling didn’t press further and accepted without question.
Truthfully, she wasn’t eager to part either. But…
Some things mattered more than avoiding goodbyes.
Her master’s reluctance to let her go didn’t surprise her.
Who wouldn’t cling to such a clever and dutiful first disciple?
If she had a disciple like herself, she’d hesitate to let them leave too.
Ah…
It was all her fault for being so considerate.
Li Yingling reached the main hall’s entrance and scanned the room, but her master wasn’t there.
Come to think of it, he’d seemed busy lately too.
Whenever she saw him, he’d only offer a perfunctory nod before hurrying off.
This was suspicious. Since when did her master work without ordering her around?
Something wasn’t right…
Li Yingling turned to leave.
Could it be… that her master, knowing she wanted to leave, was sparing her the chores out of sentimentality?
Hmph. Who knew he had such a tender side?
She wondered if he’d shed a tear or two alone in his room when she finally departed.
Meanwhile, in the corridor…
Cui Hao cautiously peeked around, relieved to find no sign of his senior sister.
His master’s plan was progressing smoothly, nearing its final stages.
Now was not the time for mistakes.
His master’s threat of using him as a "sacrificial banner" might have been a joke, but a beating was inevitable if things went awry.
Still, even without his master’s warning, Cui Hao cared deeply about this.
Though Li Yingling occasionally lost patience and thrashed him, there was usually a reason.
Sometimes, even Cui Hao admitted he deserved it.
But she was also kind to her juniors.
Whenever she was in the sect, she’d gather everyone for activities or trips to Yuzhou City.
She did her best to keep them happy and close-knit.
Aside from their master, she was the glue holding the sect together.
So Cui Hao fully supported his master’s plan.
His only grievance was being solely blamed if word leaked.
His master ought to realize how sharp Li Yingling was—any slip-up from anyone could tip her off.
Especially their fourth junior sister, whose clumsiness might spill everything in a few sentences.
Not that Cui Hao could guarantee his own composure either.
Lately, he’d been avoiding Li Yingling at all costs.
When unavoidable, he’d play busy and slip away.
Minimizing contact reduced the risk of exposure.
As long as Li Yingling didn’t uncover the plan through him, his master’s punishment might at least be lighter.
Cui Hao quickened his steps toward the main hall.
But as he turned a corner—there she was. The last person he wanted to see.
His heart skipped, though his face remained calm. He offered a polite smile and tried to sidestep her.
Unfortunately… a slender hand blocked his path.
Li Yingling studied Cui Hao’s hurried demeanor. Why did he seem… nervous?
"Did you cause trouble again?" she asked casually.
Cui Hao kept his smile. "Who gets into trouble every day?"
Li Yingling didn’t answer, just gave him a look that said—You do.
His smile stiffened, but thankfully, she didn’t press further.
"Have you seen Master?" she asked instead.
Cui Hao feigned confusion. "He’s not in the main hall?"
"I just came from the main hall and didn’t see Master," Li Yingling shifted the topic and asked, "Is Luo Yu still staying in Yuzhou City with her teacher?"
Cui Hao gave an ambiguous reply, "If she hasn’t returned to the sect, then probably..."
Li Yingling sounded puzzled, "Why not stay in the sect? Why go all the way to Yuzhou City? Isn’t that a bit too distant?"
It wasn’t about being distant—it was to keep Fourth Senior Sister from being exposed, which was why Luo Yu had taken Li Junzi to stay in Yuzhou City for the time being.
Cui Hao grumbled inwardly, but his expression showed agreement:
"Senior Sister makes a fair point. It is indeed too distant."
Li Yingling nodded lightly. "Good. Since you agree, come with me to Yuzhou City to find Luo Yu."
"Wha—?!" Cui Hao was stunned.
If they went and the truth came out, wouldn’t that be a disaster?
"Hmm?" Li Yingling’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. "What’s the matter? Can’t we go?"
Cui Hao hurriedly replied, "No, it’s just... wouldn’t it be inappropriate for us to intrude on a teacher and disciple enjoying their time in Yuzhou City?"
Li Yingling explained, "We’re just going to pay a visit. I’ve never met this Li Junzi before. Regardless, he is Luo Yu’s teacher, and as her senior sister, I ought to greet him properly."
Cui Hao’s mind raced, scrambling for an excuse. "Maybe if we waited a while—"
But before he could finish, Li Yingling’s suspicious gaze landed on him as expected.