Chapter 50: The Invitation from the Heavenly Law Peak

Ji Yao returned to her small courtyard in the outer sect, utterly confused, and as soon as she reached the corner, she saw someone standing outside her residence. It was the day for the monthly stipend to be distributed, so all the disciples living nearby had gone to Chaoyang Peak, leaving no one around to witness this encounter.

Just by the familiar attire of a direct disciple and the recognizable figure she had seen once before, Ji Yao knew immediately who had come to find her, even from behind. Having just learned such news at the Sect Affairs Hall, and still dazed, Ji Yao was not surprised to see him appear—this was surely his doing, yet again.

Why “again”? The frequency of this phenomenon troubled her. In her mind, this person had nearly become the embodiment of the Disciplinary Hall; every time they met, she was sure to embark on another “day tour” there. If Ji Yao were to reflect carefully on her past encounters, she would discover an even more unsettling truth: her predictions rarely worked in her favor—only her worst fears tended to come true.

She hurried to the front of the courtyard. As she looked at his elegant face, her anger dissipated completely; beauty, indeed, was a dangerous thing. He seemed to sense her mood and had already adopted a posture, waiting for her to walk right into his trap.

Gu Qiu likely thought Ji Yao’s current state was a rare sight. His usually calm face broke into a perfectly timed smile, and he spoke in a gentle tone.

“Junior Sister Ji, it’s been a long time.”

Ji Yao snapped back to herself, covered her eyes, activated the courtyard’s array, and, without even exchanging greetings, walked in with her head down—a rather rude entrance—until she reached the hall and sat down.

Gu Qiu felt somewhat defeated; this was new. Wasn’t she supposed to cover her face? What did covering her eyes mean?

He shook his head, puzzled, and followed her in. Soon, he noticed the courtyard’s array had risen again, blocking all outside views. Moments later, the sound of a few footsteps approached from the direction of the road.

Ah! This girl was as sharp as ever. Gu Qiu chuckled to himself, not lingering in the courtyard, but stepping into the outer hall and taking the seat opposite Ji Yao.

Ji Yao had now regained her composure, calmly looking at Gu Qiu, intending to verify a few things.

But before she could speak, Gu Qiu spoke first.

“In the days we haven’t met, Junior Sister Ji, your eyes have grown even brighter, and your smile more radiant.”

With that, Gu Qiu gave another well-timed, subtle smile, as if to lend credibility to his words, showing no trace of emotion.

Gu Qiu, oh Gu Qiu! Who would have thought you’d be like this? Your persona is unraveling! Where is your promised icy spiritual root, your promised calm and cool demeanor, your lack of desire?

Though her mind was full of complaints, Ji Yao couldn’t help but blush. Here she was, a woman who had lived thirty-some clear-headed years, bested by a youth barely past twenty, most of whose time was spent in secluded meditation.

She could accept being tricked by Situ Jing—after all, age brings experience. But to be consecutively outmaneuvered by young men like Dongfang Shun and Gu Qiu felt like a blow to her intelligence; had her thirty years all been wasted?

Clearly, her level wasn’t high enough. If she were reborn into a palace intrigue drama, she’d be cannon fodder for sure.

Her last bit of anger was thoroughly extinguished, indirectly confirming that what she’d heard at the Sect Affairs Hall was indeed Gu Qiu’s doing.

As for being angry, it was pointless. She had joined the sect competition herself and charged into the inner sect—did she think his earlier words were merely a joke?

When the Disciplinary Hall of Tianlü Peak requested a common disciple, would any other peak dare contend for her?

Ji Yao steadied herself and finally spoke, “Senior Brother Gu, have you come this time to inform me of something else?”

At last, this girl had figured it out! His efforts weren’t wasted—the smile had done its job. She was perceptive after all.

“Junior Sister Ji, don’t blush so easily in front of others,” Gu Qiu said, producing a cup of tea from somewhere and savoring it leisurely.

Ji Yao was startled. Was he saying she was too quick to reveal her emotions?

Yet, why did her thoughts always wander to other meanings, even though the person before her spoke with no hint of worldly intent?

“I’ll be more careful from now on,” Ji Yao replied as calmly as she could, though it didn’t feel like herself at all.

She could pretend occasionally, but to always maintain such a demeanor was truly uncomfortable.

“Never mind, you can learn gradually in the future.” Gu Qiu wasn’t used to Ji Yao acting this way either, but the lessons had to be learned, and reminders couldn’t be neglected. He only hoped she could always stay true to herself.

It was rare enough for Tianlü Peak to have a female disciple; the Disciplinary Hall was filled with men, and too much solemnity would make it no different from before.

Her master, as the chief of the Disciplinary Hall, had to be imposing, and the eldest brother was carefree, while Gu Qiu himself was long accustomed. Since Senior Brother Mu had become poker-faced, everyone followed suit, and smiles had become rare.

Thus, Tianlü Peak gained a reputation as a mysterious place; everyone wore stern faces, and the Disciplinary Hall became the most feared division of Lingyun Sect.

Intimidating others had its merits, but the disciples of the Disciplinary Hall were just ordinary people in private—they wouldn’t spend their whole lives there. That was why, when the master intended to take a disciple, Gu Qiu had worked hard to bring Ji Yao into Tianlü Peak.

Ji Yao’s temperament was careful when needed, but relaxed and genuine at other times. If she could influence everyone with her character, Tianlü Peak would become the place her master truly wanted to see.

Thinking over all this, Gu Qiu began to look forward to Ji Yao’s official entry into Tianlü Peak; she would surely be its most unique member.

Gu Qiu put down his teacup. “I actually came today to ask your opinion. The monthly stipend for Senior Brother and myself has always been collected by me. As for yours, do you want to collect two months' worth yourself next month after moving to Tianlü Peak, or should I collect it for you today and hand it over when you officially arrive?”

Gu Qiu preferred to collect it for her and deliver it, but since this was Ji Yao’s first stipend as an inner disciple, he thought she might value it, so he didn’t decide for her and came to ask.

Seeing how Gu Qiu had arranged everything for her, Ji Yao resolved to meet Master Suwen in person.

So instead of answering his question, Ji Yao firmly stated her intention.

“I want to speak with Master Suwen face-to-face about some matters, if possible.”

Gu Qiu was surprised. He knew she always had her own ideas, but hadn’t expected her to request a meeting with the master at this moment.

Though he knew the master might be busy, he was curious about what Ji Yao wished to discuss.

After a moment’s thought, Gu Qiu replied, “How about this? I’ll return to Tianlü Peak first. If the master is unavailable, I’ll send you a message. If the master has time, I’ll come to escort you personally.”

“Thank you, Senior Brother Gu!” Ji Yao said.