Chapter 17: Chapter Seventeen Sisters
That… man?
The Elders were all taken aback. What man could possibly be worthy of the Palace Mist’s remembrance?
As they all pondered, unsure how to answer, a veiled woman tentatively asked, “Does the Palace Mist perhaps mean… that man?”
The speaker was Yin Yu, the Elder in charge of the Alchemy Hall in Wuhua Palace. She was quick-witted and her mind worked fast.
“Yes,” Luo Lihong said, “Precisely that man. Answer me, is he dead?”
“He…”
Yin Yu noticed everyone was looking at her. Expecting no help from the others, she had to brace herself and answer.
She quickly recalled that just before the Palace Mist went into seclusion, Luo Yingying had begun cultivating the Flower Transferring Art.
Since the Palace Mist asked about Luo Yingying first, it meant she attached great importance to the Young Palace Mistress.
And regarding the Young Palace Mistress, it naturally followed that…
She understood.
It was Wuxiao. Coincidentally, this man had become Luo Yingying’s Cultivation Cauldron.
“Reporting to the Palace Mist, Wuxiao is not dead,” Yin Yu replied.
“Oh, I see.” This answer seemed to be exactly what Luo Lihong wanted to know.
Everyone let out a sigh of relief and cast admiring glances at Yin Yu – you truly are remarkable.
“Let’s go, back to Wuhua Palace, to see everyone,” Luo Lihong said to the group. The Elders all agreed.
…
Returning to Wuhua Palace, following the usual procedures, the Elders intended to organize the Disciples for a welcoming ceremony for the Wuhua Palace Mistress.
Everyone had dressed up meticulously and prepared many activities, but Luo Lihong’s single word, “Disperse,” left them all awkwardly frozen.
Hundreds of people had gathered in the main hall, now falling into an awkward silence, unsure what to do.
Luo Lihong’s personality could be described as eccentric, and no one could fathom her thoughts.
“Don’t you have ears? Don’t you understand what the Palace Mist means?” Yin Yu stepped forward and berated the assembled Disciples.
Chang Yu, confused, said, “Elder Yin Yu, please forgive the dullness of your disciples. We don’t know what part of our preparation was mistaken or displeased the Palace Mist…”
“It’s not that at all,” Yin Yu said with disappointment. “As practitioners of the Demonic Path, do you think the Palace Mist would appreciate such superficial etiquette, like those of the righteous path?”
Everyone looked at Luo Lihong. The ice-cool beauty’s expression remained unmoved.
“But… how should we then…”
“The Palace Mist has been thinking of Wuhua Palace continuously for the past two years. Upon emerging from seclusion, she most wants to see the true, daily appearance of Wuhua Palace, not this pre-prepared, fake scene to appease her.”
“I see, my deepest apologies! The Disciples acted presumptuously. We will remove these things immediately.”
Chang Yu was quite perceptive. Although the Elders had instructed them, she took the blame upon herself.
“It’s good that you understand. Let Wuhua Palace return to its usual state.”
Afterward, the Disciples removed everything and returned to their normal duties. The Palace Mist said nothing, further solidifying Yin Yu’s explanation.
“You all can go too. No need to gather here. Return to your usual posts,” Luo Lihong said, her voice devoid of emotion.
“Yes.” The Elders agreed, each silently giving Yin Yu a thumbs-up in their hearts.
Truly remarkable!
After everyone had left, only two people remained in Wuhua Palace’s main hall: Luo Yingying and Luo Lihong.
As if to specifically give them an opportunity for privacy, Yin Yu even chased away those who were cleaning.
“Sister,” Luo Yingying greeted happily.
“Mm,” Luo Lihong nodded with an almost imperceptible tilt.
“Congratulations on breaking through to the Integration Stage, Sister.”
“Mm.”
“These past two years, I’ve missed you so much, Sister.”
“Mm.”
A silence fell upon the atmosphere.
In truth, this pair of sisters, so alike in appearance, had always interacted this way.
No matter how enthusiastic and proactive Luo Yingying was, Luo Lihong’s replies were always indifferent.
Luo Yingying could understand. Luo Lihong was almost from another world compared to her. In her sister’s presence, she felt dim and accomplished nothing.
It felt as if a barrier separated the sisters, and Luo Yingying always felt unable to get close to her.
“How is your cultivation now?” Luo Lihong finally asked.
“I am currently at the second level of the Golden Core Realm. Compared to you, Sister, I am truly embarrassing,” Luo Yingying said with a bitter smile.
Luo Lihong replied, “Oh, is that so.”
As expected…
It was just as she thought.
Luo Yingying had never quite understood why Luo Lihong had placed so much importance on cultivating her.
Luo Lihong, already at the Integration Stage with an immeasurable future, why would she expend energy on her, her disappointing Younger Sister?
“I will work hard and strive to improve my realm. I will not let myself disgrace you, Sister,” Luo Yingying lowered her head.
If only she had seen the moment of wavering in Luo Lihong’s expression as she sat above, wanting to explain something but ultimately unable to.
“Two years have passed,” Luo Lihong tried to change the subject.
“Yes, two years have passed, and the gap between us, Sister, is growing,” Luo Yingying said dejectedly. “But thankfully, Wuhua Palace hasn’t announced me to the outside world. No one knows I have such a shameful Younger Sister.”
Luo Lihong felt guilty and dared not look at her sister.
Time trickled by, and both sisters were caught in an agonizing silence.
Finally, as if a decision had been made, Luo Yingying spoke, “There is something I wish to tell you, Sister.”
“What is it?”
“That… I actually want to get married.”
Luo Lihong’s hand froze, her pupils suddenly contracting, as if struck by a heavy blow.
“What did you say?”
Her voice suddenly rose, somewhat startling Luo Yingying.
Facing her sister’s terrifying gaze, Luo Yingying stammered, “I have someone I like.”
“Who is that man?!” Luo Lihong suddenly stood up, her voice laced with undisguised killing intent.
This action stunned Luo Yingying.
Although she had expected her sister’s disapproval, she hadn’t anticipated Luo Lihong’s extreme reaction. This was an attitude she had never seen before.
She began to falter, considering whether to brush it off as a joke and get away with it.
But…
Luo Yingying thought of Ye Changsheng’s face, remembered their time together over the years, and a surge of courage made her decide not to back down.
After all, who she liked was her own freedom. What was there to fear even if she told her sister?
She looked directly at Luo Lihong, meeting her sharp gaze. “He is Wuxiao. He has been my Cultivation Cauldron, accompanying me in my cultivation for the past two years.”
Spiritual Power surged around Luo Lihong, and with her anger, the main hall of Wuhua Palace began to shake, with terrifying cracks appearing on the walls.
“I forbid it!”
