In recent days, Chu Mingwei keenly sensed that his junior apprentice brother seemed to be harboring some hidden worries. Although outwardly the little boy appeared no different from usual, Chu Mingwei vaguely felt that his junior apprentice brother was not as happy as he seemed. Whenever asked, the boy would answer that he missed their master. After several such exchanges, Chu Mingwei’s pity for Xiao Lingyu deepened. At such a young age, with no family by his side, he naturally felt compelled to care for him even more.
What Chu Mingwei did not realize was that the more he treated Xiao Lingyu kindly, the more agitated Xiao Lingyu became.
In the past few days, Xiao Lingyu had been looking for the right opportunity to strike Chu Mingwei. Yet, the longer they spent together, the more cautious he became of him. Even with cultivation from two lifetimes, Xiao Lingyu had to admit that Chu Mingwei truly deserved the title of a prodigy of the younger generation of the Immortal Sect. Attempting a surprise attack was far from easy. Not only did he need to strike successfully without being noticed, but he also had to manage the severity of the injury so that it would neither be fatal nor heal immediately. After careful consideration, Xiao Lingyu realized he could not find a suitable moment to act. Coupled with Chu Mingwei’s increasing care, which had been meticulous and attentive, Xiao Lingyu could not help but mock himself—he, who possessed a scheming mind, spent his days plotting against someone who treated him with daily kindness.
Old Ghosthead comforted him, saying, “This is for saving him. If he were to know, he might even be grateful to you.”
Xiao Lingyu made no reply to Old Ghosthead’s words. These days, every moment he spent with Chu Mingwei involved subtly probing for news about the sect. Apart from their master and the sect leader being preoccupied with the upcoming sect competition, nothing unusual had occurred. Although Xiao Lingyu could not recall the exact date of Chu Mingwei’s decline in the previous life, he roughly deduced it was just before the sect competition. It was precisely because of Chu Mingwei’s setback that the other person had shone brilliantly in that competition and caught the sect leader’s attention. This lifetime, Xiao Lingyu was determined to sever that person’s path to prominence from the source.
With this in mind, Xiao Lingyu stayed close to Chu Mingwei constantly. To prevent Chu Mingwei from leaving the sect unexpectedly, he showed reluctance every morning when parting, only allowing him to leave after Chu Mingwei promised to return the next morning.
Chu Mingwei, however, did not suspect anything unusual. He merely assumed Xiao Lingyu’s behavior was a subconscious dependence on others in the absence of their master.
One day, a streak of light sped across the rear mountains. Chu Mingwei, relaxed atop his flying sword, held Xiao Lingyu securely in his arms. Over the past few days, they had traversed much of the Yun Tian Sect, and today Chu Mingwei specifically took Xiao Lingyu to the rear mountain’s restricted area. Although Chu Mingwei had arranged a mount for Xiao Lingyu, he had grown accustomed to holding him in his arms, leaving the celestial crane mount forgotten.
The so-called rear mountains of Yun Tian Sect were actually a series of connected peaks. Since this area was far from the sect’s daily activity zones and contained the sect’s forbidden ground, few disciples ever ventured here. Occasionally, new disciples came out of curiosity, or disciples arranged private matters in secret. For the latter, the sect generally turned a blind eye, provided no lives were endangered.
The origin of the sect’s forbidden grounds was unknown. Historical sect leaders had always classified unauthorized entry as a serious crime, with intruders stripped of all spiritual power and expelled. Six Dan-stage elders always guarded the area, and generations of sect leaders layered protective formations to prevent intrusion.
In his previous life, Xiao Lingyu had narrowly survived a forbidden ground intrusion. He had been injured by the outer formations but managed to evade search parties by serving Wu Yunzi. Reflecting on his past actions, a self-mocking smile flickered across his face. He had risked injury for someone else, yet had felt shame for failing to uncover the secrets of the restricted area, silently enduring the pain alone. In hindsight, considering the other person’s cleverness, it was clear that his fate had never mattered to them.
Lost in thought, Xiao Lingyu did not notice a streak of light approaching until it stopped nearby. It was Leng Hanyuan and Xu Xuan.
Chu Mingwei was surprised to encounter Leng Hanyuan here and nodded in greeting before asking, “Junior Brother Leng, what brings you here?”
Dressed in white, Leng Hanyuan smiled warmly at Xiao Lingyu and explained, “I was tasked by Uncle Bai to bring Junior Brother Xu familiar with the sect. Passing by the rear mountains, we saw Senior Brother and came to greet you.”
“Greetings, Senior Brother!” Xu Xuan, holding Leng Hanyuan’s hand, shyly greeted Chu Mingwei.
Xiao Lingyu, though unwilling, could only greet Leng Hanyuan, “Greetings, Senior Brother Leng.”
Seeing Xu Xuan, Chu Mingwei considered that with his upcoming secluded cultivation to stabilize his realm, the young boy would be alone. Having a peer for companionship would be beneficial. He smiled gently at Xu Xuan, “Junior Brother Xu, have you adjusted well to life in the sect?”
“Thanks to Senior Brother Leng’s company, all is well,” Xu Xuan replied.
Chu Mingwei nodded approvingly. Xu Xuan, though young, was obedient and compatible with Xiao Lingyu, making the pairing ideal. Thinking this, Chu Mingwei invited, “I was about to take my junior brother to the forbidden grounds. Junior Brother Leng, if you have no other matters, you may come along, so Junior Brother Xu can familiarize himself with the area and avoid accidental trespassing later.”
Leng Hanyuan naturally accepted and followed on his flying sword.
Xiao Lingyu’s heart sank. He had planned to find an opportunity to strike Chu Mingwei today within the forbidden grounds. Yet Chu Mingwei had brought Leng Hanyuan along. The memories of past life, combined with the presence of the two people he most resented, left him utterly frustrated.
Chu Mingwei, unaware of his junior’s thoughts, noticed Xiao Lingyu seemed slightly downcast. Puzzled, he concluded that the boy needed a peer companion to share his worries.
Leng Hanyuan, holding Xu Xuan’s hand, flew behind Chu Mingwei, his gaze lingering on Xiao Lingyu with an unreadable expression. At just six years old, reaching the Lian Realm, the boy’s talent was extraordinary. Leng Hanyuan, contemplating the sect leader’s favor toward Chu Mingwei, considered recruiting Xiao Lingyu as a future asset.
They reached the outskirts of the forbidden grounds, and Chu Mingwei seriously explained the area to Xiao Lingyu and Xu Xuan, a standard briefing for all disciples. Xiao Lingyu asked, “Senior Brother, do you know what’s inside the forbidden grounds?”
This question had haunted him since his previous life. He suspected Leng Hanyuan knew more than he revealed.
Chu Mingwei, surprised by the inquiry, smiled and replied, “Senior Brother does not know. Upon entering the sect, the sect leader only instructed me not to enter without reason. I now relay the same to you—obey this advice.”
“Junior Brother Xu will obey,” Xu Xuan responded promptly, earning Chu Mingwei’s approving smile and a gentle pat on the head. Xiao Lingyu feigned obedience, gaining another approving look.
As they neared the center, Xiao Lingyu’s expression grew peculiar.
‘Oink oink, it smells so good! I, Little Pig, want to eat. Let me out, let me out!’ Xiao Lingyu noticed his little white pig’s agitation. Placing it in his spirit beast pouch had been inconvenient for travel. The pig seemed drawn to something delicious within the forbidden grounds. Xiao Lingyu’s eyes brightened with the thought that he could use the pig to lure Chu Mingwei in and increase his chances of striking.
Stealthily, he positioned the pig and calculated his approach.
As they approached, Chu Mingwei grew serious, shielding Xiao Lingyu. Xiao Lingyu sensed the oppressive formations, gauged the timing, and released the white figure of his little pig to dash toward the center.
“Oink! Little Pig!” Xiao Lingyu called, chasing after it. Chu Mingwei instinctively reached to stop him, but Xiao Lingyu feigned a stumble, bypassing his hand. In a flash, he entered the forbidden grounds.
Chu Mingwei followed immediately, his concern unshaken. Xiao Lingyu, knowing Chu Mingwei would never abandon him, was confident his plan could work.
Leng Hanyuan, seeing them enter, frowned but quickly sent a transmission to the six elders guarding the grounds. Indeed, the moment Xiao Lingyu triggered the formations, the elders sensed it and flew toward the site.
Inside, Xiao Lingyu ignored external concerns. At his age, the sect would not hold a six-year-old fully accountable. He activated an invisibility technique, carefully avoiding formations while watching Chu Mingwei.
Remarkably, Chu Mingwei also navigated the formations adeptly. Xiao Lingyu considered that as a disciple favored by the sect leader, his senior’s skill was unsurprising. He hesitated whether to venture further, wary for his own safety.
Little Pig, oblivious to the formations, raced straight to the center, salivating at the scent of the food. Xiao Lingyu’s lips twitched.
“Little Yuzi, now’s your chance,” Old Ghosthead whispered, removing his invisibility and appearing to Chu Mingwei’s front. “Little Pig, Little Pig!”
Hearing the voice, Chu Mingwei rushed forward. Xiao Lingyu, calculating Chu Mingwei’s timing, positioned himself at the convergence of three formations, planning his strike. Ten breaths later, all three would activate, combined with his surprise attack.
Just as Xiao Lingyu turned with a smile, Chu Mingwei’s expression changed. With a swift hand seal, he intercepted the formation aimed at Xiao Lingyu. Xiao Lingyu instinctively shrank his pupils; before he could react, Chu Mingwei’s body was over him, a sticky sensation on his palm confirming he had been protected. Xiao Lingyu froze, forgetting all about his planned ambush.
Chu Mingwei, sensing the rigidity, assumed fear and comforted him softly, circulating his spiritual energy. The sting in his heart was the residual effect of the formation. If it had struck Xiao Lingyu, the consequences would have been dire. Luckily, his junior was safe.
Chu Mingwei’s genuine concern made Xiao Lingyu avert his gaze, too fearful to meet those eyes.
Soon, the elders arrived and escorted them out. As expected, the sect leader and master came to the forbidden grounds. Xiao Lingyu lowered his head obediently before Wu Yunzi, feigning guilt.
Ling Xiaozi’s expression darkened. Regardless of circumstances, trespassing was a serious sect offense. Considering Xiao Lingyu’s age, punishment was waived, but Chu Mingwei, though acting to save him, had still violated the rules. Ling Xiaozi decided to confine Chu Mingwei to Reflection Peak in the rear mountains for ten years, with no descent permitted.
Hearing this, Xiao Lingyu lifted his head, uncertain how to react. His aim had been to prevent Chu Mingwei from venturing out, and now, for ten years, Chu Mingwei would be confined. Memories of his senior’s protective expression flashed in his mind, and he bowed his head, reminding himself he had saved him and owed no guilt. Yet, he could not bring himself to look at Chu Mingwei, fearing he might lose control.
The reactions of those present varied. Chu Mingwei accepted the punishment calmly, seeing it as rightful. Ten years of confinement could stabilize his Dan-stage cultivation. His only regret was not seeing his obedient junior brother for a decade.
Compared to Chu Mingwei’s composure, Leng Hanyuan’s reaction was more severe. Ten years of confinement? He recalled his prior arrangements, his eyes darkening. A disciple received a transmission, urgently reporting a thousand-year Thunderlight Vine near the Western Phantom Demon Realm. As a rare single-element lightning root, its importance to Chu Mingwei was immense. A decade-long confinement would mean missing this opportunity. All eyes turned to Ling Xiaozi, who hesitated.
Hearing of the Thunderlight Vine, Xiao Lingyu realized why Chu Mingwei had left the sect in his previous life. As a lightning-rooted prodigy, the temptation was enormous. Yet, why did this news appear so coincidentally? Had Chu Mingwei’s past setback truly been accidental?
Just then, Chu Mingwei calmly stated, “I am willing to accept ten years of confinement.”
Ling Xiaozi regarded his favored disciple with quiet admiration, then commanded, “It is decided. Go directly to Reflection Peak. Do not descend before ten years.”
“Yes!” Chu Mingwei responded solemnly.
With the sect leader gone, everyone else departed. As Wu Yunzi led Xiao Lingyu away, Chu Mingwei suddenly called, “Junior Brother.”
Xiao Lingyu startled, turning to meet his senior’s smiling gaze.
“Junior Brother, be obedient and take care of yourself while at Yilan Peak,” Chu Mingwei said.
Biting his lip, Xiao Lingyu nodded, hesitated, and replied, “Senior Brother, you also take care. I will come see you.”
Everyone watched the tender farewell, oblivious to Leng Hanyuan’s dark expression.