Could it be that this little girl Nan Sinning had finally come to her senses, realizing she was the true favored one, and changed her attitude?
For a moment, Luo Qingyao felt secretly pleased.
Just then, she heard Nan Sinning kindly explain, “I was admiring your thick skin and your bravery. If I had gone through what you did two days ago, I’d definitely hide away for half a year or a year before daring to show myself. Otherwise, I’d feel like everyone was laughing at me.”
Nan Sinning’s voice was so sincere that Luo Qingyao’s rising joy instantly melted away like snow meeting fire. What replaced it was a searing fury.
That fury nearly made her lose control and pounce to tear Nan Sinning’s mouth apart.
But after taking two heavy breaths, she forced it down. At once, she put on a pitiful look, her eyes reddening, her tone dripping with grievance: “Junior Sister Nan, how could you say that to me… I… I already struggled so hard just to step outside again… As a fellow sect member, you don’t understand the truth and treat me like an outsider, maliciously suspecting me. I… I…”
Watching Luo Qingyao’s trembling, about-to-cry face, so wounded yet so strong, Nan Sinning was truly awestruck.
Luo Qingyao was seething with hatred, yet could control herself enough to switch to the most cost-effective response. No wonder she could rise from side character to heroine!
So being a green tea type required such acting skills? Flawless!
That last choked sob—pure genius! Nan Sinning almost wanted to applaud.
Sure enough, her lickspittles couldn’t hold back any longer. Xiao Jingwen, most riled by both new and old grudges, burst out: “Nan Sinning! How could you twist Senior Sister Luo’s intentions with such filthy, base thoughts!”
Nan Sinning turned to him and directly asked, “So you’ve never had any filthy, base thoughts about Senior Sister Luo yourself?”
Stunned, Xiao Jingwen froze. “What?”
Nan Sinning gave him a disdainful glance. “Sure, I’ve had some unworthy suspicions, but I dare say them out loud right in front of Senior Sister Luo. Do you dare? Coward.”
Xiao Jingwen flushed crimson. Around them, several others were glaring at him, and even her own Fourth Senior Brother’s eyes looked particularly unfriendly.
What a battlefield—delicious chaos! If only it turned into a real fight, Nan Sinning thought expectantly.
Xiao Jingwen wanted to shout, I never had dirty thoughts about Senior Sister Luo!
But so many other male cultivators here—her “fish”—could see right through each other. If he said it, the others would nail him for it.
With Luo Qingyao’s fishpond disturbed, Nan Sinning turned back to her target and said with utmost sincerity, “Senior Sister, you misunderstood me. I told you, I admire you! I’ve only just regained my wits, and of everyone I’ve seen so far, you’re the boldest. That’s why I thought of learning from you.”
Hearing this, the onlookers found it understandable.
Everyone knew Nan Sinning used to be a fool. Those who didn’t were quickly told. Word spread that she had regained her intelligence in the secret realm—a simple, childlike mind, not knowing good from bad words. So her blurting out Luo Qingyao’s sword bone secret upon leaving the secret realm had also been unintentional.
Many who had resented her over Luo Qingyao’s complaints now shifted to sympathy.
Sensing the change in the crowd’s attitude, Luo Qingyao panicked. Her mask of grievance slipped.
After a while, she managed to force out, “I misunderstood Junior Sister.”
Nan Sinning kept her earnest look. “Good that you know, Senior Sister. Just be careful in the future—when your eyes turn red, so many men are ready to draw swords for you.”
Hearing that, the crowd suddenly realized—yes, why did Luo Qingyao’s eyes water so easily?
Several female cultivators exchanged glances, now wary. This Luo Qingyao was backed by Yaowang’s grandson and clearly skilled at manipulating men. Best to stay away—one wrong step and you’d never explain your way out.
Luo Qingyao truly felt aggrieved this time, but most thought she was just acting again—an actress too skilled for her own good.
Seeing the spotlight move away from himself, Xiao Jingwen’s heart eased. Looking at Luo Qingyao’s pale, lovely, wronged face, half-crying but holding back—it carried some genuine emotion. He couldn’t bear it anymore and snapped, “Nan Sinning, you’re on our Yaowang City’s flying ship now! You’d better restrain yourself!”
Nan Sinning’s face immediately turned cold and scornful. “What now? Are you going to declare something else on behalf of Yaowang City? Last time you said you wouldn’t sell us pills. What this time—kick us off the ship?”
Provoked and caught by Luo Qingyao’s teary gaze, Xiao Jingwen lost his head. His voice rose. “Since you’re so smart, why don’t you hurry up and get off? Or do you want me to throw you out?”
Hua Shengqing couldn’t hold back, but Nan Sinning stopped her.
Sizing him up with contempt, Nan Sinning sneered, “So last time didn’t teach you a lesson? Yes, you’re Yaowang’s grandson—but you’re not Yaowang himself! Reminding Senior Brother Shen didn’t work, I guess. Better remind Yaowang himself to brew you some brain-clearing pills, or you’ll keep forgetting your place and making a fool of yourself.”
Xiao Jingwen was about to retort when a voice came from behind. “Fifth Junior Brother, why are you still here instead of arranging accommodations?”
Xiao Jingwen jolted, body stiffening. “Senior Brother, I’m going now.”
Nan Sinning, seeing this for the second time, finally understood why Yaowang never bothered making brain-clearing pills for his grandson. Nothing worked as well as Shen Tangyuan himself—instant results.
She wondered what hidden side of this dignified senior brother made the arrogant second-generation brat so terrified.
As she pondered, her gaze drifted to Luo Qingyao—only to see her looking at Shen Tangyuan with watery, reverent eyes, as if saying, Please, my lord, have mercy on me.
Good heavens, expanding the fishpond even here?
No wonder hers was always so crowded—she truly put in the work.
But this time, Luo Qingyao’s net would come up empty.
Shen Tangyuan didn’t spare her a glance. Instead, he turned to Nan Sinning’s group. “Forgive my junior brother’s insolence.”
Qin Sangyue finally spoke. “They’re still young. Plenty of time for tempering their hearts.”
A subtle jab: Xiao Jingwen lacked it.
Nan Sinning secretly gave her senior sister a thumbs up.
Though she hadn’t spoken earlier, it wasn’t because she wasn’t angry—just that she trusted Nan Sinning could handle it.
Shen Tangyuan caught the meaning and added, “I’ll recommend to Master that Fifth Junior Brother be given proper training.”
Nan Sinning grinned. So he was going to tattle for her!
After dismissing the others, Shen waved his hand, and the massive flying ship lifted off.
Supported by Qin Sangyue, Nan Sinning felt no discomfort as it rose, unlike an airplane takeoff.
The ship pierced the clouds and sped along its route.
Shen Tangyuan explained, “Your rooms are already prepared. Please follow me.”
Nan Sinning followed Qin Sangyue inside. The ship was lavish yet stately—truly, alchemists were rich. This vessel was at least a seventh-rank artifact.
She gasped in awe. “Senior Sister, how long to reach Yaowang City?”
Before Qin could reply, Shen answered warmly, “Yaowang City is quite far from Luoshui, so about seven or eight days. But it’s closer to your Canglan Sect, which will make your return easier.”
Nan Sinning nodded thoughtfully. This ship felt even faster than a plane, yet it still took seven or eight days. This cultivation continent must be unimaginably vast.
Just then, a quarrel broke out up ahead.
Shen quickened his pace, coughed lightly, and asked, “What are you arguing about?”
At once, the Yaowang City disciples bowed respectfully. “Senior Brother.”
From two steps back, Nan Sinning spotted Xiao Jingwen’s still-angry face and Luo Qingyao trailing behind, pitiful once more.
Tsk. With them around, there’d be no peace.
Seven or eight days together on this ship—constantly crossing paths—was far too irritating.
She needed a way to deal with this once and for all.
While she plotted, Shen Tangyuan displayed his authority. “Why are you making a scene again?”
Before Xiao Jingwen could speak, a female disciple blurted, “Senior Brother, Fifth Junior Brother wants to take the first-class guest room for this Luo girl.”