“This…”
The scene not only caused Luo Qingyue’s brows to furrow in confusion but also stunned Elder Jin, a veteran refiner of over a century, who had never encountered such a situation.
“Elder Jin, you didn’t add any extra materials or inscribe any special array patterns during the forging, did you?”
“No, Sect Master. I forged this sword exactly as you instructed, without mixing in anything else.”
“This situation… in my hundred-plus years of refining, it’s the first I’ve seen.”
Buzz!
Suddenly, the “cleaver” in Jiang Ning’er’s hand shed its mysterious light. The radiant golden patterns imbued with an enigmatic sword aura released strands of glowing runes, merging into her forehead…
A faintly blood-colored golden sword seal imprinted itself onto her soul.
Feeling the resonance between the sword seal and the intense conviction in her heart, Jiang Ning’er realized this treasure held profound significance for her.
She had to accept it!
“This disciple is very satisfied with this treasure. Thank you, Master, and Elder Jin, for your efforts.” Jiang Ning’er bowed deeply, fearing her master might take back this peculiar treasure and reforge it.
Luo Qingyue saw the genuine joy in Jiang Ning’er’s expression, confirming her words weren’t mere politeness—she truly cherished it.
Moreover, she’d witnessed the resonance just now.
It was clear this treasure was perfectly suited to her.
Thus, she had no intention of taking it back for reforging.
However, as her direct disciple, having a cleaver as a natal treasure…
Taking it out in public would undoubtedly draw strange looks, so its appearance needed some alteration.
“It’s good that you’re satisfied. But its peculiar appearance might attract odd stares if shown publicly, so a slight change is necessary.”
Luo Qingyue’s palm glowed with faint icy-blue spiritual energy, casting a shaping secret technique on the cleaver in Jiang Ning’er’s hand, transforming it.
It became a three-foot spiritual sword with radiant golden patterns.
“That should do.”
“…”
Outside the Mysterious Weapon Pavilion.
Jiang Ning’er bid farewell to her master and had only taken a few steps from the pavilion’s entrance when a mature, slightly lazy female voice reached her ears.
“Nephew, shall we have a chat?”
Jiang Ning’er followed the voice, seeing a white-clad woman with flowing red-and-white hair leaning against the wall, her gaze casually fixed on her.
“…Is Senior the Uncle Luo from Myriad Phenomena Peak?” she asked.
“Seems your master has mentioned me.”
“Uncle Luo is a peerless array genius in Chi You Continent and Master’s sister. As Master’s direct disciple, Jiang Ling naturally knows a bit about you.”
Jiang Ning’er had heard of Luo Qingling from her reserved, sword-immortal master more than once.
Though her master often sighed and shook her head when mentioning her, it was usually mixed with praise for her cultivation talent.
This alone told Jiang Ning’er that this uncle was a prodigy in talent but unpredictable in temperament—a peculiar woman whose actions were hard to decipher.
Just like now.
“Since you know of me, I won’t waste words explaining. Come with me to a place. I have some things to discuss privately.”
Luo Qingling smiled kindly, showing no apparent malice.
“Is there something you need to discuss with her behind my back?” Luo Qingyue’s voice drifted from the pavilion.
Her red-haired figure appeared instantly before Jiang Ning’er, her calm crimson eyes staring directly at her sister, inches away.
Luo Qingling met her gaze without flinching, showing no deference, and explained casually, “Just some personal matters, not suitable for you, her master, to hear.”
Facing her sister’s lack of respect, Luo Qingyue’s eyes held only a trace of helplessness. “And if I insist on hearing?”
“Then I’ll come back another day.”
Luo Qingling’s attitude screamed, “I’m just not telling you.”
She then sent a divine sense transmission to Jiang Ning’er: If you don’t want last night’s events to be discovered by this strict, cold woman, come with me.
Jiang Ning’er’s expression shifted, and she made a decision instantly.
“Master, Uncle has no ill intentions. A private chat is no big deal. Please don’t let this small matter strain your relationship with her.”
Luo Qingyue, hearing her disciple clearly siding with an outsider, felt a wave of exasperation.
“Fine, go.”
In the end, she relented.
After all, knowing her sister’s temperament, she didn’t seem like someone who’d make unreasonable demands of a junior for selfish reasons.
Myriad Phenomena Peak.
Luo Qingling brought Jiang Ning’er to her cave abode, casually setting up an array to isolate the outside world, ensuring no one could overhear their conversation.
She sat on a chair, her long, jade-like legs crossed, eyeing the refined “youth” before her with a faint smile.
“Tell me honestly, do you have special feelings for Shen Mu?”
“What does Uncle mean?”
“Still pretending? I saw everything last night…”
With a wave of her hand, Luo Qingling conjured an image of a black-clad figure spying outside Shen Mu’s residence.
“You’ve got some guts, little one. Sneaking out in the middle of the night, not resting in your own cave abode, but wearing aura-concealing black clothes to spy on his place.”
“And when you saw him cultivating with his little junior sister at night, you got upset.”
“…”
Seeing herself in the image, fists clenched with a resentful expression, Jiang Ning’er lowered her head, speechless, unable to meet Luo Qingling’s gaze.
She hadn’t realized that the moment she stealthily entered his residence, she’d been completely exposed under her uncle’s watchful eye.
What a miscalculation.
“Uncle… what do you want me to do?”
At this point, Jiang Ning’er roughly guessed the purpose of this private talk.
“Do what? You think I’d use this to blackmail you into doing something for my own gain?”
Luo Qingling smiled lightly. “I just need you to answer a few questions honestly. You don’t have to do anything for me.”
Jiang Ning’er was slightly surprised.
But considering her uncle’s eccentric nature, she remained cautious.
“Then… what does Uncle want to ask?” Jiang Ning’er asked carefully.
“Why do you keep disguising yourself as a man?” Luo Qingling had discovered last night that “he” was actually a woman, sparking her curiosity.
Jiang Ning’er pursed her lips, knowing further concealment was pointless, and confessed, “Before joining the Wind Spirit Immortal Sect, I was hunted by powerful enemies, so I had no choice but to disguise myself.”
“Do you and Shen Mu have any shared history?”
“…”
Jiang Ning’er’s eyes wavered, her silver teeth clenched, clearly reluctant to share her personal history with him.
Seeing her conflicted expression, Luo Qingling didn’t press, instead asking another question.
“Alright, different question. How do you view him in your heart?”
“He’s very important. After I buried my parents, he became the most important person in my heart.” She answered almost instantly, clearly knowing his place in her heart.
Hearing this, Luo Qingling’s lips curved into a subtle, pleased smile.
No wonder she acted that way…
“Last question: Do you want to be his dao companion?”
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