Several months passed, and Ding Li had been outwardly diligent and hardworking, studying seriously and persistently, but in truth, once she returned to her quarters, she would stretch out in all directions and laze around.
As for her cultivation progress, there was none.
After all, everyone else had been cultivating for years, and she had only been at it for a few months. She was not a prodigy, there was no female lead buff, and no sudden adventures had befallen her. How could her power suddenly increase?
Moreover, for these months, she had been training alongside newly inducted disciples, attending classes, listening to the elders’ teachings, enriching her theoretical knowledge, and enhancing her understanding. She would rise early to practice breathing techniques and energy cultivation, all standard basics.
Still, after these months, Ding Li did feel her body had become unusually clear and open.
Her body felt light, her senses sharper, and her vitality improved.
She could not help but marvel at how those who cultivated lived long lives. With this pace, living several hundred years did not seem impossible.
Time flew quickly, and soon three years had passed.
Ding Li spent three wonderful and free years at Cangyun Mountain. During this time, she made friends with fellow disciples, chat companions for gossip, among them Junior Brother Ziyuan, living comfortably and happily.
The Cangshan Sect provided all meals and necessities, far easier than working for a living in the mundane world.
It felt like a life among immortals.
But such idyllic days were soon coming to an end.
Every three years, the sects conducted an exchange program for outstanding disciples, which was about to begin.
What defined an outstanding disciple? It could not be self-promotion; others had to acknowledge the merit. Whether in cultivation or character, there had to be something impressive for a disciple to represent the sect.
Before the exchange, each sect held a joint disciple trial.
A few days ago, Lin Ziyuan had come to Ding Li, excited to compete for excellence.
Ding Li, however, was indifferent. Competing or not was of no concern to someone who had already left the worldly workforce for three years.
Used to idleness, Ding Li listened to Lin Ziyuan’s confident speech and only let out a faint hum before turning back to her snacks.
The snacks were from the last trip they made together to buy treats, including osmanthus cakes, honey pastries, rose pastries, and more.
After a long spiel, Lin Ziyuan noticed Ding Li was indifferent, munching on her cakes, and said, “Can you focus a little? Senior Sister said you must participate in the trial.”
Senior Sister, Senior Sister, always Senior Sister. Lin Ziyuan’s catchphrase.
Ding Li replied, “Mm, got it.”
He continued, “But Senior Sister also said not to worry. She has already sent a message to Senior Brother Xiao Wenjing, who has never participated in the disciple trial before, so he will join us this time.”
“Xiao Wenjing?” Ding Li’s mouth sprayed cake crumbs in surprise.
Lin Ziyuan paused. “Can you not get so excited? Senior Brother will be back soon; you can be excited then.”
Ding Li wilted internally. “So my good days are over…”
Lin Ziyuan mused, “I wonder where Senior Brother has been all these years. Feels like I haven’t seen him for ages. I hope he has improved his cultivation like before. I admit, I’m a bit envious.”
In the world of cultivation, three years was only a short time for long-lived practitioners. Not seeing Xiao Wenjing for three years was nothing.
Ding Li, on the other hand, thought: of course, you haven’t seen him. You are not someone he thinks about. Even if he returned, it wasn’t to see you.
In fact, Xiao Wenjing had returned once at the end of the second year.
It was the New Year, and Cangyun Mountain was decorated grandly. Everyone was immersed in festive joy.
Older cultivators did not care much for worldly matters, but the newly inducted young disciples still cherished the pleasures of the mortal world.
The sect arranged lively celebrations every New Year, making it quite human-friendly.
At that time, Ding Li was returning to Qiyuan Peak from Qingluan Peak.
Qiyuan Peak was too quiet, even during New Year, it felt almost the same as usual, with few people around.
Ding Li had spent the evening at Qingluan Peak, returning to Qiyuan Peak with a pile of treats.
In the courtyard, she saw Xiao Wenjing leaning against the railing under the corridor eaves.
Ding Li felt a sudden fear, like facing a predator, and froze.
Xiao Wenjing’s eyes narrowed. He seemed slightly inebriated, yet his gaze remained sharp. He asked, “You?”
Ding Li’s mind raced. How could she explain herself? He probably forgot that Chu Zilan had arranged for her to stay in this courtyard.
Xiao Wenjing’s gaze remained fixed.
This was his courtyard, his territory. Ding Li knew she had to give a reasonable explanation for who she was and why she was there. Otherwise, even drunk, he could strike her with a sword.
She forced a flattering smile. “Hehe, it’s me, Senior Brother Xiao Wenjing.”
His brows furrowed.
She continued, “Long time no see, Senior Brother. You probably don’t remember me. I’m Xiao Ding, from Qingluan Peak, remember?”
She placed the packages of treats on the ground. “Senior Sister Chu knows you returned and asked me to bring some snacks. Don’t let yourself starve!”
Then she immediately turned to leave.
“Stop.” Xiao Wenjing’s voice sounded unusually calm from behind.
Ding Li froze again.
When he spoke again, his voice seemed closer, sending a chill down her spine.
She did not dare turn.
He said, “She knows I returned?”
Ding Li replied quickly, still facing away, “Yes, of course. Senior Sister knew you were back but it was late, so she couldn’t meet you here.”
Xiao Wenjing let out a soft chuckle.
Ding Li heard endless sadness and restraint in that chuckle, the unfulfilled yearning and silent perseverance. She thought, Chu Zilan must be out there gazing at snow, stars, and moon with Lu Qianchuan, discussing poetry and philosophy.
The moonlight was bright, and Xiao Wenjing remained silent.
Ding Li thought, if he were with her for winter, could she sleep in the middle…
At that moment, a person stranded in a book world could not help but empathize with someone suffering from lovesickness.
Ding Li offered some comfort. “If you truly like someone, you should go after them. Trying is better than doing nothing. Even if you cannot have them, you can at least meet and speak to them. That is better than suffering alone.”
Also, as a second male lead, why be so serious about guarding the female lead? If you want the male lead, focus on him instead.
It is better for two people to struggle together than for one to struggle alone. Why be confrontational? In a sense, you are teammates. Why act like enemies?
Thinking further, Ding Li realized the most pitiable person was herself. Homeless, alone, pressured by the system, facing dangers. Truly, the unluckiest person was her.
Xiao Wenjing stayed silent, likely contemplating life.
Ding Li looked at the moon, thinking he might be wondering why it was so full today.
She said nothing further and left the courtyard.
Ding Li slept in Qingluan Peak’s guest room and returned to Qiyuan Peak the next day.
Xiao Wenjing had already left.
The treats on the ground were gone.
Chu Zilan had prepared them. He must have eaten them as he traveled, transforming sorrow into appetite.
Ding Li expected this and retrieved more snacks she had secretly taken in the morning.
Qingluan Peak’s guest room was not as comfortable as her own, but she lay in bed, savoring her snacks before sleeping.
Lin Ziyuan might have been envious, but Ding Li only felt the melancholy of good days ending.
Soon, the disciple trial arrived.
Much like organizing a large event in reality, schedules, venues, participants, and arrangements had to be confirmed, including decorations, processes, coordination, and guest notifications.
Once on site, leaders gave speeches, hosts announced proceedings, guests spoke, and leaders summarized.
Ding Li watched from below, observing Lin Ziyuan rushing around busily.
The sect leader sat in the center of the stage, Lu Qianchuan and Chu Zilan on either side, other sect guests flanking them.
Sects like Tianji, Xianyin, and Wandu had their representatives in two neat rows.
Disciples stood in the center, forming a dense crowd.
Ding Li looked around and, as expected, noticed many handsome and beautiful faces.
The Wandu Sect didn’t sound very reputable, yet the male in front had a strikingly attractive face, with red lips and white teeth.
The Xianyin Sect had a female disciple who looked like a fairy, fair-skinned and graceful.
Tianji Sect had a young man in a white robe, whose face was unforgettable.
Of course, the most beautiful was the female lead, Chu Zilan.
Although Ding Li occasionally visited Chu Zilan at Lingxiao Peak, Chu Zilan was busy and meetings were infrequent. Ding Li had not seen her for two or three months.
Ding Li smiled broadly at Chu Zilan and mouthed, “Senior Sister, Senior Sister!”
Chu Zilan’s gaze paused briefly before scanning elsewhere.
Ding Li was used to Chu Zilan’s aloofness and began looking around, checking left and right.
“What are you looking for?” A cold voice suddenly rang out.
Ding Li jumped, looking up to see a strikingly handsome face in front of her.
Truly impressive.
But in the next moment, she wilted.
The striking face was Xiao Wenjing’s.
Ding Li immediately suppressed her smile, adopting a thoughtful expression.