Chapter 79 Senior Brother Isn't Like That

After speaking.

Su Ye raised his right hand.

His five fingers spread open.

His palm aimed at the crown of Elder Cang Song's head.

In that instant, the tremor in the Supreme Bone in his chest intensified.

It wasn't an unconscious tremor.

It was actively driven by him.

"For me—"

"Kneel!"

As the last word was uttered.

The Supreme Bone's pressure was fully unleashed!

Crack!

A crisp sound.

That wasn't the sound of bones breaking.

It was the sound of Elder Cang Song's knees smashing the bluestone slabs.

Two intact bluestone slabs, each a full three inches thick, shattered simultaneously the moment his knees hit the ground, sending stone fragments flying in all directions.

His knees sank deep into the ground, creating two concave pits in the pile of rubble.

"Ah!!!"

Elder Cang Song roared towards the sky.

That wasn't a battle cry.

It was a roar of humiliation.

He knelt.

He truly knelt.

Kneeling before a junior at the Nascent Soul Stage.

Kneeling at the mountain gate of Purple Bamboo Peak—a place where hundreds of Disciples pass by daily.

Kneeling at the feet of a junior he had looked down upon countless times.

The thirteen Law Enforcement Hall Disciples around them had already collapsed to the ground the moment the Supreme Bone's pressure was fully released.

No one mocked Elder Cang Song.

Because they had knelt earlier than the Elder.

More thoroughly.

A few with weaker cultivation directly lay Face down on the ground, their Faces pressed against the cold stone slabs, without even the courage to lift their heads.

Under the pressure of the Supreme Bone, they felt they weren't facing a fellow Disciple.

They were facing an ancient deity.

"That's more like it."

Su Ye nodded with satisfaction.

He bent down.

Reached out.

And patted Elder Cang Song's old Face.

The motion was gentle, as if coaxing a sulking child.

Pat.

Pat.

Pat.

Not too light, not too heavy, three times.

"Speaking while kneeling shows you have manners."

"Su Ye... you... you're dead..."

Elder Cang Song squeezed out these words from his throat.

His voice was hoarse, like two pieces of rusted iron grinding together.

His eyes were bloodshot, veins bulging—not veins of anger.

They were veins of shame, humiliation, and hatred intertwined, almost bursting from their sockets.

"You dare humiliate an Elder... the Holy Lord won't let you off..."

"Humiliate?"

Su Ye spread his hands with an innocent expression.

His palms were clean and fair, showing no sign of having just slapped someone or touched an Elder's Face.

"I'm helping you with treatment."

"Elder, touch your conscience and say—weren't you just experiencing a racing heart, surging Bloodline, and unbearable body heat?"

Elder Cang Song didn't speak.

But actions speak louder than words.

His Face was indeed as red as a boiled shrimp, veins bulging on his forehead, breathing as rapid as if he'd just run a hundred miles.

"See, how about now?"

Su Ye looked at him with a smiling expression.

Elder Cang Song instinctively assessed his own condition.

His heartbeat... had indeed steadied.

His Bloodline... had indeed calmed.

That feeling of shame and humiliation that was about to burst him... had indeed subsided somewhat.

Not because he had resigned himself to fate.

It was because thirty percent of his spiritual power had been drained, leaving him as weak as if he hadn't eaten for three days.

He wanted to be angry, but lacked the strength.

"So you see."

Su Ye straightened up, nodding with satisfaction.

"My medical skills produce immediate results."

"Oh, right."

As if suddenly remembering something, he turned to look at Lin Waner.

"Waner, what was this Elder saying earlier?"

Lin Waner understood immediately.

She immediately jumped up from the ground—actually, the Supreme Bone's pressure was mainly targeting Elder Cang Song, so they were only lightly affected, just symbolically crouching.

Pointing at the Storage Pouch at Elder Cang Song's waist, she said in a clear voice:

"Senior Brother! He said Purple Bamboo Peak has few people and wastes resources, and came to confiscate our things!"

"He also said our Purple Bamboo Peak occupies the best Spiritual Vein in the Holy Land, which is a waste, and should be given to other peaks that need resources more!"

"He also said..."

Her eyes rolled as she decided to embellish:

"He also said Senior Brother is just a pretty Face who only relies on looks, completely unworthy of being the Eldest Senior Brother of Purple Bamboo Peak!"

Su Ye raised an eyebrow.

He hadn't expected Elder Cang Song to have said so much in private.

But it didn't matter.

Since they were already thoroughly offended, more lice didn't make it itch worse.

"So, in your opinion, what should we do?"

Lin Waner's eyes lit up, her little finger pointing at the bulging Storage Pouch at Elder Cang Song's waist:

"I see this Storage Pouch is so bulging, clearly suffering from severe 'indigestion'!"

"As healers, we need to help him digest it!"

"Otherwise, if he gets sick from holding it in, people will say our Purple Bamboo Peak watches without helping!"

Su Ye nodded deeply in agreement.

He crouched down.

Elder Cang Song glared at him, eyes wide with fury.

That Storage Pouch contained his savings of three hundred years.

Inside were all his possessions collected from the Foundation Establishment Stage to the Soul Transformation Stage—Medicinal Pills, Spirit Stones, Magic Treasures, Cultivation Technique manuals, Heaven And Earth Treasures... He had originally only intended to give Su Ye a warning and embarrass Purple Bamboo Peak, never expecting to need the items in the Storage Pouch.

So he had brought everything with him.

Who would have thought... Su Ye reached out.

His movement wasn't fast, even leisurely.

He first untied the strap at the pouch's opening, then lifted it gently.

Elder Cang Song instinctively tried to raise his hand to stop it.

But his hand couldn't move.

The Supreme Bone's pressure still weighed on his shoulders; he couldn't even lift a finger.

He could only watch helplessly.

Watch as his Storage Pouch left his waist.

Watch as Su Ye opened the pouch a crack and peeked inside.

Watch as a satisfied smile appeared on Su Ye's Face.

"Oh, quite a feast."

Su Ye weighed the Storage Pouch in his hand, its weight making him beam with joy.

"High-Grade Spirit Stones... three hundred pieces."

"Mid-Grade Spirit Stones... twelve hundred pieces."

"Various Medicinal Pills."

"Various Cultivation Technique copies."

"Magic Treasures... this God-Smiting Whip isn't bad, though the quality is average, the Materials are decent; melting and reforging it should yield something good."

Elder Cang Song felt a sweet taste in his throat.

A fishy smell surged into his mouth.

"Oh, and this fan."

Su Ye walked a few steps and pulled up the Thousand-Blade Fan that Li Mu had dropped.

He examined the crack on the fan's surface and shook his head:

"What a pity, an Earth Rank Medium Grade embryo, ruined by a fool who used it with only Profound Rank effectiveness."

He casually stuffed the fan into the Storage Pouch as well.

Then, he hung the Storage Pouch at his own waist.

The entire series of actions flowed smoothly.

Done in one go.

"As consultation fees, I'll reluctantly accept this Storage Pouch."

Su Ye cupped his hands towards Elder Cang Song, with a sincere attitude:

"A healer's heart is like a parent's; no need to thank me."

"Pfft—"

Elder Cang Song was overwhelmed with rage.

He opened his mouth, wanting to curse something.

But what came out wasn't sound.

It was a mouthful of blood.

That mouthful of blood sprayed three feet into the air, blooming into a shocking blood flower on the bluestone slab.

His eyes widened almost popping out, his pupils Disorganization for a moment.

Then—

His eyes rolled back.

He fell straight back onto the ground.

Fainted.

He'd rather faint.

He couldn't Face the reality—

He, Cang Song, third Elder of the Law Enforcement Hall, a Soul Transformation Third Heaven expert.

Had his Face slapped.

Had been forced to kneel.

Had all his possessions stolen.

Now lying on the cold bluestone slabs of Purple Bamboo Peak, like a dead dog.

Su Ye looked down at the unconscious Elder Cang Song, then at the Law Enforcement Hall Disciples trembling on the ground.

"Take your Elder and get lost."

His voice wasn't loud.

But to those Law Enforcement Hall Disciples, it sounded like heavenly music.

It was a signal of survival.

"Yes, yes, yes!"

"Thank you, Senior Brother Su, for sparing our lives!"

Several Disciples scrambled over.

They hastily lifted Elder Cang Song—some grabbing his arms, some his legs, some supporting his waist—in a chaotic manner, like carrying a heavy sandbag.

Others supported the half-dead Li Mu.

Li Mu had been slapped senseless and was still dazed, mumbling something incoherently, a strand of drool hanging from the corner of his mouth.

The group scrambled down the mountain.

They ran extremely fast.

So fast it seemed as if primordial beasts were chasing them.

A few, In a panic, almost crashed into purple bamboo.

One ran too hastily, tripping over his own feet and falling Face-first, but immediately got up, not even bothering to brush the dirt off his Face, and continued running.

Within ten breaths.

The figures of the Law Enforcement Hall had completely disappeared at the end of the mountain path.

Only the mountain wind howled.

And the rustling sound of purple bamboo leaves remained.

"Senior Brother is amazing!"

Lin Waner cheered, like a bird returning to its nest, rushing over to hug Su Ye's arm.

She looked up, her eyes bright as if filled with a sky full of stars.

"That old guy usually looks down on us with his nose in the air, as if glancing at us dirties his esteemed eyes!"

"Today he finally got his comeuppance!"

As she spoke, she actually felt a bit Wronged.

She was a Register Disciple, entered late, and her cultivation wasn't high; over the years, she had been Bank run openly and covertly by Disciples from other peaks.

But Senior Brother never let her suffer.

As long as Senior Brother was there, someone would hold up the sky even if it fell.

Lin Qianxue also nodded slightly.

Her expression wasn't as enthusiastic as Lin Waner's, just a light nod.

But the fleeting brightness in her eyes spoke volumes.

She could also fight across realms.

As a Sword Cultivator with an Innate Sword Heart, she had once, at Nascent Soul First Heaven, slain a Nascent Soul Fourth Heaven Demonic Cultivator with one sword.

But like Senior Brother.

Without using a sword, without using techniques, without any Magic Treasure.

Merely relying on Aura to pressure a Soul Transformation expert into kneeling and begging for mercy.

She admitted she couldn't do it.

And was far from it.

"Low-key, low-key."

Su Ye waved his hand.

He wore a reserved smile on his Face, exuding an air of a Revered Master.

But he knew clearly in his heart.

This wave of showing off had consumed a lot.

The Supreme Bone was indeed powerful.

But after all, he was only at Nascent Soul Third Heaven; forcibly suppressing a veteran expert at Soul Transformation Third Heaven was actually somewhat reluctantly.

He could feel that bone in his chest was somewhat fever.

That wasn't a normal temperature.

It was a sign of overexertion.

He needed time to recover.

But... it was worth it.

He looked down at the bulging Storage Pouch at his waist.

Elder Cang Song's savings of three hundred years.

Three hundred High-Grade Spirit Stones.

Twelve hundred Mid-Grade Spirit Stones.

And various Medicinal Pills, Cultivation Techniques, Materials... this wave.

A huge profit.

"Alright, the flies are gone."

Su Ye looked up towards the mountaintop.

Amidst the swirling clouds and mist, the upturned eaves of Cold Jade Palace were faintly visible.

It was quiet there.

No movement.

But Su Ye knew his Revered Master must be there.

From Elder Cang Song's appearance, to his own actions, to unleashing his power, to seizing the Storage Pouch—

Throughout, his Revered Master hadn't intervened.

Nor had she made a sound.

This was too abnormal.

Given his Revered Master's protective nature, in the past, if someone dared to clamor at Purple Bamboo Peak's mountain gate, she would have long since sent down a Sword Qi slash.

But she hadn't.

She was waiting.

Waiting for what?

Waiting for him to come to her himself.

Su Ye took a deep breath.

That breath was very long, as if trying to Inhale all the Spiritual Qi of Purple Bamboo Peak into his lungs.

"Waner, Light Snow."

He turned to Face his two Junior Sisters, his expression serious.

That serious expression made Lin Waner instinctively stand up straight.

"You take the spoils back first and inventory them."

"Register everything, categorize them separately."

Store the Spirit Stones in the treasury, arrange the Medicinal Pills by grade, and send the Cultivation Technique copies to the Scripture Pavilion for unified management.

Don't touch those weapons brought back from Divine Weapon Peak for now; wait until I return to handle them.

Lin Waner nodded repeatedly.

She understood.

Senior Brother was giving his final instructions.

No, not final instructions.

It was an entrustment.

"Senior Brother..."

She looked at Su Ye with some concern.

Su Ye smiled at her.

That smile was still warm, still as light and carefree as a passing cloud.

But Lin Waner always felt there was a hint of... tragic heroism in that smile?

"I'm going to... 'pay my respects' to Revered Master."

He paused.

"In case..."

He thought about it and felt saying "in case" was too inauspicious.

So he changed his words:

"Just save me a portion for dinner."

Lin Waner and Lin Qianxue exchanged a glance.

In that glance, there was worry, there was sympathy.

And a hint of schadenfreude?

"Senior Brother, take care."

Lin Waner hugged the bulging Storage Pouch, her voice filled with sincere concern.

"I'll remember to save you some food."

Lin Qianxue did not speak.

She only gently grasped Su Ye's wrist.

That hand was cold and slender, but added a bit of strength before letting go.

That strength was silent:

I am here.

The two girls turned and, carrying their heavy haul, scurried away in a flash.

Their speed was no slower than the Law Enforcement Hall Disciples fleeing for their lives earlier.

Su Ye stood alone in place.

The mountain wind howled.

The Purple Bamboo swayed.

His shadow was stretched long by the slanting sun, appearing somewhat desolate.

"What must come will always come."

He tightened his collar.

That new moon-white robe was now somewhat disheveled, the lapel had somehow come loose, and his hair ribbon was slightly askew.

He raised a hand to tidy his appearance.

Smoothed his lapel.

Straightened his hair ribbon.

Wiped away nonexistent dust from his Face.

Then he stepped forward.

Passed through the Mountain-protecting Formation.

Passed through the small path between the Purple Bamboo Forest.

Passed through that mountain path he had walked countless times, a path he wouldn't get lost on even with his eyes closed.

Each step was steady.

Each step was slow.

Like a prisoner walking to the execution ground.

Like a moth flying toward the flame.

Cold Jade Palace.

The summit of Purple Bamboo Peak.

This palace was entirely carved from ten-thousand-year cold jade, warm in winter and cool in summer, like spring all year round.

Usually, this place was as quiet as an empty hall.

But now.

The palace doors were tightly shut.

The layer of Restriction light screen on the doors was clearly visible.

That was a Restriction personally laid by Revered Master.

Blocking sound, blocking Aura, blocking all external interference.

Also blocking the path of escape.

Su Ye stood before the palace doors.

He raised his hand, wanting to knock.

His fingers hovered in mid-air, pausing for three breaths.

Then he lowered his hand.

Took a deep breath.

Raised his hand again.

This time he did not hesitate.

His knuckles knocked on the cold jade door, emitting a crisp sound.

Tap.

Tap tap.

"Revered Master, your Disciple Su Ye requests an audience."

There was no response from within the hall.

Su Ye waited three breaths.

Waited another three breaths.

He was about to knock again.

Creak—

The palace doors opened of their own accord, without wind.

Not wide open.

Only opened a crack.

That crack was narrow, so narrow it could only accommodate one person passing sideways.

Like a narrowed eye, playfully sizing up the uninvited guest outside.

Light seeped through the crack.

That was not the light of candles.

The cold jade itself was a light source, the entire palace enveloped in a warm, milky-white halo.

But now, a different hue had mixed into that halo.

It was an extremely faint crimson.

Like morning clouds.

Or like... certain emotions that shouldn't be there.

Immediately after.

A faint fragrance drifted out from the crack.

That fragrance was very faint.

So faint it seemed almost nonexistent, so faint it could be overlooked if one wasn't careful.

But once caught, it could no longer be ignored.

That was not the scent of flowers.

Not any incense.

That was the unique body fragrance of the Taiyin Sacred Body.

Clear and cold.

Deep and serene.

Yet carrying a fatal allure.

Like a cold plum blooming alone under the moon, knowing it cannot be plucked, yet making one unable to resist wanting to draw near.

Su Ye's breathing paused for an instant.

Then.

That familiar voice drifted leisurely from deep within the great hall.

Clear and cold.

Languid.

The tail of the voice slightly rising, carrying a hint of... amusement that made one's bones go soft.

"Done fighting?"

"Finished showing off your might?"

"Since you have the energy to bully outsiders..."

Pause.

An extremely subtle instant of pause.

That pause concealed ten thousand unspoken words.

"Then surely—"

"You have even more energy to 'serve' your Revered Master, right?"

Serve.

These two words were uttered by her extremely lightly, extremely softly.

As if rolled on the tip of her tongue three times before being gently exhaled.

Su Ye swallowed.

He seemed to see a peerlessly beautiful fox spirit who had Cultivated for a thousand years.

Languidly reclining on a soft couch.

Nine fluffy, snow-white tails gently swaying behind her.

She narrowed her eyes, the teardrop mole at the corner of her eye shimmering brilliantly in the candlelight.

She crooked a finger at him.

Slender jade fingers.

Nails a faint pink, as if stained with peach blossom juice.

"Revered Master."

Su Ye stood at the doorway, not stepping inside.

He lowered his gaze, his voice low, carrying utmost sincerity:

"Your Disciple recently... has some discomfort in his waist."

Pause.

"May I request a day off?"

Silence within the hall for one breath.

Two breaths.

Three breaths.

Then.

That voice sounded again, the tone still languid, but with an added hint of danger:

"Request off?"

"Denied."

"Since your waist is unwell, then your Revered Master will help you..."

"Properly 'treat' it."

Treat.

These two words were spoken by her with countless twists and turns.

Like biting into the crispy sugar coating on a candied hawthorn.

Su Ye's expression changed slightly.

He instinctively took half a step back.

But it was too late.

An irresistible pulling force came from within the hall.

That was not Spiritual Qi.

That was the Taiyin Sacred Body's natural pull on the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi.

His Nascent Soul Third Heaven Cultivation, before this pull, was as light as a feather.

"Revered Master—!"

He exclaimed in surprise.

His entire person was directly sucked inside.

Creak—

Bang!

The palace doors slammed shut heavily behind him.

That sound was muffled, resolute.

Like a cage locking.

Immediately after.

A pale purple Restriction light screen rose from the palace doors.

That light screen was layered, a full thirteen layers.

Each layer was a Peak Soul Transformation level Restriction.

Not to mention a Nascent Soul Stage Disciple.

Even if a Soul Transformation Stage Elder came, they wouldn't be able to shake it in the slightest.

Inside the hall.

Lin Qingyue reclined on the cold jade couch.

Today she was not wearing that solemn palace attire.

Only a plain white sleeping garment.

That sleeping garment was as thin as cicada wings, vaguely revealing the graceful curves within.

Three thousand strands of black hair casually scattered, spread on the jade pillow, like water weeds, like ink clouds.

She propped her cheek with one hand, looking down at Su Ye who had been sucked in.

The teardrop mole at the corner of her eye flickered uncertainly in the dim light.

Like a tear.

Or like a smile.

"Revered Master, calm down! You must calm down!"

Su Ye was pulled to the front of the couch, barely steadying himself.

He took a step back.

His lower back bumped against the cold jade table.

No way to retreat.

He raised his hands, making a defensive posture.

That posture, as he made it, didn't look like defense.

More like surrender.

"Your Disciple knows he was wrong!"

His voice was sincere, his expression earnest.

If one ignored that hint of irrepressible amusement at the corner of his eye, it would be perfect.

Lin Qingyue did not speak.

She only looked at him.

Her gaze starting from his forehead, slowly moving downward.

Eyebrows and eyes.

Nose bridge.

Lips.

Jaw.

Adam's apple.

Lapel.

That new moon-white robe looked especially good on him today.

Only the collar was somewhat askew.

It had been pulled askew when he was sucked in just now.

She narrowed her eyes slightly.

Then.

She raised her hand.

That hand was so white it was almost transparent, fingertips tinged with a faint pink.

She extended her index finger.

Gently hooked his lapel.

Pulled downward.

Rip—

The sound of cloth tearing.

Crisp.

Piercing.

Su Ye was stunned for an instant.

He looked down.

Looking at his new robe of celestial silkworm silk, worn for less than three days, torn open from the collar to the chest in a long gash.

That gash was as neat as if cut by a knife.

Cool wind poured in, raising a fine layer of goosebumps.

"Revered Master... this one was newly bought..."

His voice was somewhat shaky.

Lin Qingyue looked down at that tear, seeming quite satisfied.

Her fingertip still hooked that torn piece of fabric, her fingerpad inadvertently brushing against the skin over his collarbone.

Cold.

His body temperature had always been slightly higher than normal.

And her hand was always cold.

Cold and hot touched.

He trembled slightly.

"Newly bought?"

Her voice was very soft, as if talking to herself.

"That's perfect."

She lifted her gaze.

Those autumn-water eyes reflected the candlelight, reflected his Face.

"The old doesn't go."

Pause.

"The new doesn't come."

Su Ye's throat tightened.

He wanted to say something.

Wanted to beg for mercy.

Wanted to admit his mistake.

Wanted to explain that the matter with Divine Weapon Peak had its reasons.

But he opened his mouth.

Not a single word came out.

Because her other hand had already covered his lower back.

Through that thin, torn fabric.

Her icy palm pressed against his warm skin.

She gently pressed.

"Didn't you say your waist was unwell?"

Her voice carried three parts languor, three parts concern, and three parts of a meaning he dared not examine closely.

"Your Revered Master will help you massage it."

Su Ye: "..."

He closed his eyes.

The wind in the Purple Bamboo Forest seemed even more clamorous.

Outside the mountain gate.

Lin Waner and Lin Qianxue stood side by side at the entrance of the Treasure Vault.

They had already sorted the spoils by category, registered and cataloged them.

Three hundred High-Grade Spirit Stones.

One thousand two hundred Mid-Grade Spirit Stones.

Low-Grade Spirit Stones... someone of Elder Cang Song's status would find it embarrassing to carry Low-Grade Spirit Stones on them, not a single one.

Forty-seven bottles of Medicinal Pills, covering various effects like healing, restoring Spiritual Qi, breaking through realms, and consolidating foundations.

Nineteen copies of Cultivation Techniques, three of which were Earth Rank or above.

Seven Magic Treasures, grades ranging from Profound Rank High Grade to Earth Rank High Grade.

Additionally, various Artifact Refining Materials, Talismans, Formation Plates, and more.

Lin Waner hugged the account book, checking off item by item.

Her small Face glowed with an excited flush in the candlelight.

"Struck it rich, struck it rich, struck it rich..."

She murmured to herself, her eyes curved into two crescents.

Lin Qianxue hugged the sword embryo, standing quietly by the window.

She was not looking at the account book.

Her gaze passed through the window lattice, looking toward the mountaintop.

The lights of Cold Jade Palace were still lit.

Through those layered Restrictions, faintly visible swaying shadows of light.

She lowered her gaze.

The sword embryo in her arms had somehow quieted down.

That scorching tremor had already subsided.

As if even it knew.

Tonight was not its time.

Wind passed through the bamboo forest.

Rustling.

Lin Waner checked off the last entry, satisfied, and closed the account book.

She stretched with a big yawn.

"Senior Sister, do you think Senior Brother tonight... can still come back for dinner?"

Lin Qianxue did not answer.

She only looked out the window.

Moonlight like water.

Purple Bamboo like ink.

After a long while.

She softly spoke.

Her voice very light, as if afraid of waking something.

"He will come back."

She said.

Whether it was an answer or a prayer was unclear.

The night deepened.

The lights of Cold Jade Palace remained lit all night.

This night.

Was destined to be long.

—But that is a story for later.