The embrace that once brought her comfort now felt like an unprecedented weight pressing down on her.
He knew.
He must know something.
But why didn’t he expose her? What exactly did he intend to do?
(System: Target’s surveillance level increased to maximum. Subsequent actions for the host will become extremely difficult. Suggestion: lie low temporarily to dispel suspicion.)
Su Tiantian closed her eyes, a chill spreading through her heart.
It was over. The path to the secret seemed completely blocked.
In the early morning, when Su Tiantian woke up, the space beside her was empty.
She got out of bed and went to the outer room, finding Song Qingzhi already dressed.
Today, he was not wearing his usual snow-colored Daoist robes, but a more solemn, dark robe with silver patterns.
His black hair was tied with a simple jade crown, adding an aura of imposing authority.
“Brother Qingzhi, are you going out today?”
She stepped forward naturally, smoothing his already neat collar.
Song Qingzhi lowered his gaze, letting her adjust his clothes, a trace of gentleness in his eyes.
“Yes. Today, the Immortal Reverents from each peak gather at Lingyun Hall to discuss the fifty-year Sect Grand Competition.”
The Sect Grand Competition? Immortal Reverents from each peak?
It was the first time Su Tiantian had heard him mention such sect affairs, and she felt curious.
“Will it be very busy?” she asked, looking up.
“I’ll be back by noon.”
He lifted a hand, fingertips brushing her cheek.
“Stay in the garden, don’t wander off. If bored, have a maid accompany you to the garden, but do not go to secluded areas Alone.”
His reminder was gentle, yet carried an unmistakable boundary.
“I understand.”
Su Tiantian nodded obediently.
After Song Qingzhi left, that familiar consciousness arrived as usual, gently but rigorously enveloping her.
She sighed.
This sensation of being cradled yet invisibly monitored left her feelings complicated.
Meanwhile, inside Lingyun Hall, the atmosphere was solemn.
Song Qingzhi sat at the head of the main seat.
On either side were the Lingzhu Immortal Reverent of the Medicine King Valley, the Chiyan Immortal Reverent of Chixiao Peak, and the Miaoyin Immortal Reverent of Qinglan Peak.
Behind each reverent stood several core elders and direct disciples.
Bai Weiwei was also present, standing respectfully not far behind Song Qingzhi’s seat.
“Qingxuan Immortal Reverent,”
Lingzhu stroked his long beard and spoke first, his tone mild.
“This Grand Competition concerns resource allocation for the next fifty years. The judging criteria require careful discussion. Although Medicine King Valley disciples are not skilled in combat, in alchemy and healing…”
“Hmph, Old Lingzhu, the Grand Competition naturally favors strength!”
The burly, booming Chiyan interrupted.
“Should we compare who can roll pills better? I say we settle it directly on the arena!”
Miaoyin’s expression remained cold, and she spoke lightly.
“Skillful use of magic and adaptability also reflect true strength; brute force Alone cannot suffice.”
The immortal reverents each argued their points, and the hall buzzed with discussion.
Song Qingzhi remained seated, lightly tapping his fingers on the armrest.
Without much effort, an invisible pressure immediately spread, causing everyone present to feel a chill run through them.
They subconsciously fell silent, all eyes drawn to him.
“The rules of the Grand Competition will follow the old precedent: the arena as the main focus, supplemented by hidden realm assessments of mind and temperament.”
His voice was crisp and clear, not loud, yet each person heard it distinctly.
“Final rankings will be determined through comprehensive evaluation.”
With a single sentence, he set the tone.
No one objected.
“Additionally,” Song Qingzhi’s gaze swept across everyone, “there have been recent disturbances in the Demon Realm, causing trouble in mundane towns on the southwestern border. Each peak must strengthen defenses. Patrols should double, and any incident must be reported immediately without delay.”
Just after noon, Song Qingzhi returned to Jingxin Garden as scheduled.
Su Tiantian was sitting by the window, absentmindedly flipping through a notebook.
Seeing him return, she immediately put the book down and went to him.
“Brother Qingzhi, are the discussions finished?”
She helped him remove his slightly heavy dark robe and hung it aside.
“Yes.”
Song Qingzhi nodded, his gaze settling on her face as if trying to read something.
Su Tiantian, feeling slightly guilty under his scrutiny, forced herself to change the subject.
“I had the kitchen prepare Qingyan bamboo shoots. Would you like to try some?”
At mealtime, she asked casually.
“Brother Qingzhi, today’s sect meeting… was it difficult? You look a bit tired.”
Song Qingzhi picked up a slice of bamboo shoot with his chopsticks, his movements elegant.
“Not at all. Only the opinions of Chiyan and Lingzhu Immortal Reverents often differ.”
“Chiyan Immortal Reverent? Is he… hot-tempered?”
Su Tiantian blinked, looking curious.
Song Qingzhi’s gaze softened slightly at her rare interest in sect affairs.
“He is a bit impatient, but his skills in artifact forging are unparalleled.”
He briefly mentioned Miaoyin’s erudition and Lingzhu’s benevolence.
Though concise, his words gave Su Tiantian a vague yet concrete understanding of the vast Jiuxiao Immortal Sect.
Listening, her mind still wandered to the System’s warning about the Demon Realm… Jin Chuan must have already begun moving.
She couldn’t help but probe.
“Brother Qingzhi, I overheard the maids talking… is the Demon Realm disturbance serious?”
Song Qingzhi put down his jade chopsticks and looked at her, his eyes deep.
“No need to worry. The sect will handle it.”
He didn’t elaborate.
But Su Tiantian sensed he didn’t want her involved in these conflicts.
This protection, at this moment, made her feel powerless.
He was guarding the sacred immortal mountains, and she was the potential internal threat that could destroy them.
The thought made her lose her appetite.
At night, when Song Qingzhi held her in his arms again, for the first time, Su Tiantian didn’t stiffen, but instead snuggled closer.
Burying her face in his chest, she drew comfort from the familiar, calming scent.
She felt his instant surprise, then he tightened his hold on her arms.
“What’s the matter?”
He asked softly, his chin brushing her hair.
“Nothing,”
Su Tiantian murmured.
“I just feel… it’s really nice to have Brother Qingzhi here.”
So nice.
So nice that she feared the day it might all collapse.
Song Qingzhi said nothing, only tightened his embrace.
A gentle kiss landed in her hair.
(System: Target’s trust and intimacy levels continue to rise. Warning: external events (Demon Realm disturbances) may accelerate the story node “identity exposure.” Host should prepare.)