After unleashing that torrent of "whys" in one breath, the thin blade between his fingers paused for a moment. When he spoke again, his tone carried the gentle warmth Ning Xi remembered so well: "Even considering admiration between fellow disciples, shimei, you've been exceptionally kind to me."
Stunned by this sudden barrage of questions, Ning Xi felt dizzy and could only manage another bewildered "Ah?"
Pei Bu Chen looked at her with resigned patience, speaking softly: "Take your time to think it through, shimei. I can wait."
Of course, she couldn't possibly confess to Pei Bu Chen that she had been reborn.
Whether he would believe her was one matter, but if she were mistaken for a demonic entity possessing a body due to such wild claims, she could be executed on the spot.
"I… I haven't done anything special," Ning Xi stammered, "just made some small contributions…"
"Shimei, your lying skills still need practice."
This was the first time she had been so openly teased, and Ning Xi's face flushed hot instantly. In a last-ditch effort to deny it, she argued: "Da Shi Xiong usually subdues demons and eliminates evil, saving countless disciples and common folk. Although I'm just an outer sect disciple, I've also received Da Shi Xiong's kindness. I couldn't bear to see you injured, and in my panic, I acted recklessly…"
Pei Bu Chen shook his head. Though his expression remained smiling, his tone gradually turned serious: "When it comes to matters of life and death, you consider it merely 'acting recklessly'?"
Ning Xi shrank her neck in slightly but still retorted defiantly: "But I couldn't just watch Da Shi Xiong die!"
Perhaps surprised by the usually meek girl suddenly raising her voice, Pei Bu Chen was taken aback for a moment before turning his face away, clearing his throat awkwardly to mask his reaction.
After a pause, he softened his tone again: "I told you, I wouldn't die. You know how… uh… brilliant and mighty I am, with exceptional cultivation…"
He had never tried such boastful, self-praising behavior before, and even he couldn't help laughing at his own words. But meeting Ning Xi's solemn, earnest face made his own cheeks grow warm abruptly.
Ning Xi said: "Yes, Da Shi Xiong is truly extraordinary."
Pei Bu Chen couldn't laugh anymore.
Speechless for a moment, he sighed helplessly and resignedly said: "…Anyway, as you can see, I'm perfectly fine now. You don't need to save me."
"That won't do either. I insist on staying with Da Shi Xiong."
"I said it's not necessary—or are you saying you won't even listen to Da Shi Xiong's words?"
"Even Da Shi Xiong's words don't count! Even if Da Shi Xiong drives me away, I won't leave!"
The girl stared at him stubbornly, her heterochromatic eyes blazing under the candlelight like a burning golden sun.
Pei Bu Chen fell silent again.
There had been female cultivators who admired his demeanor and confessed their feelings to him before, but none like Ning Xi…
He couldn't hit her, couldn't scold her—he was only nominally her senior brother, without the status or right to truly discipline her.
Pei Bu Chen pressed his fingertips to his brow in frustration: "That day, when you jumped alone into the dragon's stomach, weren't you afraid, shimei?"
Ning Xi shook her head honestly.
Her nature had always been indifferent, her emotions sparse, which led many outer sect disciples to bully her, calling her "wooden block" as a nickname all day long.
After hesitating a moment, she simply said: "I knew I wouldn't die. Even if I fell first, Da Shi Xiong is so extraordinary, he would protect me."
Just like in her previous life, when despite their distant relationship, he had traveled thousands of miles to save her merely for the sake of their fellow disciple bond.
What he could do for her, Ning Xi believed she could do as well.
Pei Bu Chen seemed hesitant to speak.
Ning Xi said, "Does Da Shi Xiong think I'm holding you back?"
After all, she was merely an outer sect disciple who hadn't even reached Qi Refining stage. On a battlefield requiring sword cultivation to fight demons, she was indeed a burden.
"Not at all." Pei Bu Chen smiled faintly, using his final cuts to carve two rabbit ears from the red peel of the spirit fruit. "Shi Mei treats me with such sincere trust, yet I feel ashamed to face you."
He hesitated for a moment before adding with a smile, "Have you ever considered that perhaps your Da Shi Xiong isn't as good as you think? That I might not be worth all this effort?"
"…Just like that day on Pou Xin Stage. If I hadn't told that He Lian Family disciple to fetch the Poxin Hammer, perhaps he wouldn't have died."
Ning Xi pouted. "But Da Shi Xiong didn't mean any harm."
"…"
"So trusting of me?" Pei Bu Chen glanced at her with an amused smile, finally handing her the carved apple rabbit. "Well, yes, I suppose I was indeed without ill intent."
Having obtained the delicacy she'd been craving, Ning Xi nodded happily and buried her face in eating the immortal fruit.
She had known all along – in their previous life, Pei Bu Chen had even sacrificed himself to save a mere outer sect disciple like her whom he'd only met by chance.
How could Da Shi Xiong possibly be a bad person?
"Clap clap clap clap clap clap."
Just as Pei Bu Chen stepped out of the Disciple Residence, he saw Pei Congzhou standing under a white cherry tree in front of the building, wearing a mocking expression as he continuously applauded.
Pei Congzhou approached while dramatically exclaiming, "What profoundly moving camaraderie between senior and junior disciples."
He then pretentiously lifted his moon-white sleeve embroidered with four layers of cherry patterns, pretending to wipe nonexistent tears.
"Senior and junior disciples gazing tearfully at each other, holding hands, exchanging sweet nothings, overflowing with fierce affection… My new play finally has material to work with."
Had Ning Xi been present, she would have easily recognized this person as the peach-blossom-eyed cultivator who had stopped her at the eastern mountain foot – Pei Bu Chen's cousin and close friend, Pei Congzhou.
Pei Bu Chen looked straight ahead, completely ignoring the smugly grinning Pei Congzhou, and said with a smile, "If I see any fabricated stories about Ning Shi Mei in those vulgar scripts of yours filled with flowery phrases, I'll personally burn that pile of waste paper in your room."
Though he was still smiling, Pei Congzhou felt a chill run down his spine. His smile stiffened, and he immediately raised his hands in surrender: "Alright, alright, I promise not a single word about your precious Ning Shi Mei will appear – satisfied, Pei Da Shi Xiong?"
"Get to the point."
"Ahem, how did you know I actually have news – fine, fine, no more nonsense."
Pei Congzhou organized his thoughts before saying, "It's about the Helian Hanshan case. Recently, things haven't been very peaceful within the Helian Family. After Helian Hanshan's death, the family head position remains vacant. Several influential elders of the Helian Family are fighting over it, so it seems they won't have time to come demanding answers from you for now."
This was within expectations. Pei Bu Chen nodded slightly. "In your opinion, who is most likely to succeed as the next Helian Family head?"
"Cousin testing me?" Pei Congzhou glanced at him with a playful smile. "This can't stump me. We playwrights keep our ears and eyes open everywhere to gather material – uh, okay, stop smiling at me like that, it's creepy – I think it should be Helian Qingyu."
Pei Bu Chen's mind conjured the image of an elder with the dignified bearing of clear moon and gentle breeze.
It is said that Helian Qingyu was not originally surnamed Helian. He was the second husband of the previous head of the Helian family after she lost her first spouse, and he took his wife's surname after marrying into the family.
This was not considered unorthodox in the Helian family. Located at Kunlun Hill, the Helian family had always revered matriarchal lineage, and all children born within their domain took their mother's surname.
Pei Congzhou suddenly chuckled, "Speaking of this Helian Qingyu, he actually shares quite a connection with you, cousin."
"Before remarrying the Helian family head, Helian Qingyu had a son with a mortal named Helian Wei." Pei Congzhou deliberately lowered his voice but couldn't conceal his gossipy excitement. "That's the very Helian Wei who recently caused Nangong Yin to have a huge confrontation with her biological father."
Among these Xian Sect families, most were acquainted with one another. Any disputes, no matter how trivial, could spread like wildfire overnight.
Especially in cases like Nangong Yin's—a noble young lady from a prestigious family willing to break ties with her clan for the sake of a lowborn mortal's offspring—it had become scandalous gossip among all the noble young ladies and gentlemen of the Xian Sect during their leisure hours.
Pei Congzhou, who adored lingering in romantic pursuits, naturally couldn't escape hearing this gossip.
Pei Bu Chen seemed indifferent to the romantic entanglements of those two: "Helian Qingyu has a gentle temperament. If he takes the stage, it might not be a bad thing for either me or Baiyujing."
"That's true. Probably aware of his mortal origins and how his cultivation can't compare to those from noble families, Helian Qingyu never argues with anyone. With his dough-figurine-like good temper, he likely wouldn't dare seek revenge against you for Helian Hanshan's death. That way, cousin, you can focus on clearing out the remaining demonic remnants that attacked Baiyujing."
Pei Bu Chen nodded and walked a few steps side by side with Pei Congzhou before expressing some concern: "I'm just afraid the current acting head of the Helian family won't let him have his way."
As they spoke, a brilliant sword flight descended before them.
Pei Congzhou was the first to recognize the newcomer: "Junior Sister Hening from Weapon Peak! Good morning! Are you here to see—"
Lin Hening remained as aloof and proud as ever, offering only a slight bow to Pei Congzhou before staring directly at Pei Bu Chen: "Could Da Shi Xiong spare a moment? I have something to discuss with you."
Pei Congzhou clicked his tongue in frustration and grumbled, "First Junior Sister Ning, now Junior Sister Hening… Why do all the beautiful girls go for cousin! Doesn't anyone notice me?"
Pei Bu Chen smiled wryly and gave him a light tap on the head: "Junior Sister Lin must have serious business with me. As for Junior Sister Ning… well, never mind. Anyway, don't go making up stories."
Lin Hening's brows furrowed slightly.
Pei Congzhou rubbed the back of his head pitifully, muttered "Okay," and reluctantly departed on his sword.
After he had gone far away, Pei Bu Chen continued gazing at the horizon instead of looking at the female cultivator before him: "Since Junior Sister Hening has come personally to find me, has the inspection result for the Poxin Hammer come out?"
Lin Hening shook her head, her voice somewhat strained: "Can I not come find you unless it's official business?"
Pei Bu Chen still smiled gently: "Of course you can."
Lin Hening's eyes immediately brightened.
But before she could say anything more, Pei Bu Chen continued softly: "Since I serve as Da Shi Xiong, any sect member with troubles or difficulties can bring them to me. I'll certainly help to the best of my humble abilities."
Lin Hening's voice turned bitter once more: "Da Shi Xiong, you know perfectly well that's not what I meant… We've known each other for so long, you clearly understand my feelings—"
A gentle breeze swept through, carrying the faint fragrance of white cherry blossoms. Amid the swirling petals, the young man stood in pristine brocade robes, his features cold and detached like the unattainable moon hanging in the distant sky, quietly watching her lose composure.
"Oh, I know," Pei Bu Chen said. "So what?"
He seemed like a completely different person.
Impatiently shifting his gaze elsewhere, Pei Bu Chen noticed a cherry branch swaying in the wind, a small black ant slowly climbing along its twig.
He casually caught the ant, teasing it until it became disoriented, allowing it to crawl and tangle around his fingers.
Lin Hening stared unblinkingly at the young man who was boredly toying with the ant. This demeanor, so starkly different from his usual gentleness, was something she had witnessed more than once.
After she first confessed her feelings to Pei Bu Chen, he had politely refused. Yet as she persisted, he gradually grew colder, as if finding it troublesome to spare time for a lovesick woman like her.
He was always like this—dismissive and effortless in trampling others' sincere feelings into the mud.
Lin Hening smiled bitterly, wondering if her Da Shi Xiong was truly a heartless and emotionless person?
Her face paled further, but she maintained her pride, though her voice trembled slightly at the end: "I know Da Shi Xiong looks down on me—I even look down on myself—"
Pei Bu Chen gently touched the ant's antennae and chuckled: "It's good that Shi Mei knows her place."
Lin Hening shuddered violently, her eyes surging with intense resentment and unwillingness: "Yes, I'm unworthy—but what about Ning Xi? She's just an outer sect disciple! Why, why does she deserve your special regard?! Don't think I haven't noticed—these days you've been guarding her bedside without rest or food, isn't it because you have special feelings for her?"
Pei Bu Chen finally showed a reaction. Frowning, he looked at her for the first time: "What nonsense are you spouting?"
His tone remained light and indifferent, yet it provoked Lin Hening's voice to rise sharply, nearly losing the aloof pride she maintained in front of others: "If I can't, if I'm not worthy—then is that Ning girl qualified?!"
"She's my Shi Mei, and you're my Shi Mei. What difference is there between you?" Pei Bu Chen frowned slightly with a faint smile. "You can't, and Ning Shi Mei… certainly can't either."
The completely unexpected answer left Lin Hening, whose eyes were already brimming with tears, suddenly stunned.
Pei Bu Chen clicked his tongue softly, casually crushed the ant, brushed his palms together, and flicked away the remaining blood and insect residue.
"No one can," he said flatly.