Chapter 18

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Sometimes, even little secrets can grow quite significant.

Though Senior Brother Chu was attentive and skilled at reading the youngest junior sister’s words and expressions, he couldn’t fathom that a mere three-year-old toddler would already be worrying about her own marriage.

Moreover, she was even picky about her fiancé.

He had only assumed that Yu Youyou was upset by what the Wen family father and son had just said.

No matter how Master Yu had just defended his daughter, Old Wen and Wen Shi clearly favored Gong Miaohua, even hoping that they would be “magnanimous” and “understanding.” Who wouldn’t be displeased hearing that?

Chu Xingyun was indeed broad-minded.

Yet, he didn’t like hearing those words either; it left him somewhat annoyed.

But since Old Wen had shown some goodwill toward Yu Youyou just now, he hesitated for a moment. Seeing the little one looking uncomfortable and bored with the formal gathering, he quietly said to Master Yu, “Master, let me hold the little junior sister. It’s more important for you to discuss serious matters with Old Wen.”

There wasn’t really any pressing business.

However, Master Yu was indeed displeased that Old Wen had just pleaded for Gong Miaohua.

Even if there was no favoritism toward his daughter, and it was understandable on the surface, could Master Yu be happy about it?

After all, he was her biological father!

He nodded and said, “You take Youyou out for some fresh air.”

It is only natural for a father to love and protect his own daughter.

But for Chu Xingyun, a prodigy in the cultivation world who was often a bit arrogant, to care so deeply for this seemingly simple little girl and refuse to let her suffer here, it was quite striking.

Wen Shi, who had long taken an interest in Chu Xingyun, saw him smile and reach out to Yu Youyou.

The little one happily showed the miniature hairpin dangling from her head, and the renowned genius of the cultivation world gently took her into his arms, patiently saying, “Indeed lively and adorable, quite fitting for the little junior sister.”

Heaven knows.

There were countless unparalleled beauties in the cultivation world.

But probably none had ever received such praise from Master Chu Daojun.

Today, the little one, praised by Senior Brother, indeed felt she liked him a bit more.

“Enough chatting.” The little girl raised her small hand and waved to the watching elders, inviting them to continue their conversation without worrying about her.

Though not very clever, she was well-behaved and obedient.

Old Wen looked at her gently and sighed to Master Yu, “This child is obedient; you have taught her very well.”

He didn’t mention whether Gong Miaohua had ever taught the child.

Master Yu’s gaze was fixed on his daughter as he quietly said, “Our Youyou has suffered a great injustice.” Those grievances and hurts were partly his own doing.

Even though he loved having his daughter back, Master Yu couldn’t help but blame himself for having trusted Gong Miaohua despite knowing she was unreliable, believing that at least a mother would care for her child through the pregnancy, never neglecting her daughter.

But he had made mistakes in the past, and now he was unwilling to let his child endure even a fraction of that suffering. Naturally, he had to make the grievances known.

Otherwise, if Gong Miaohua continued to cry to others, it would seem as if they, father and daughter, were ungrateful for the kindness Gong Miaohua showed in bearing and raising Yu Youyou.

With Gong Miaohua’s nature, she was capable of anything.

Though the cultivation world lacked many filial piety customs and rules, being ruled by strength, what Gong Miaohua did was truly disgusting.

Today, telling Old Wen about it, he knew Gong Miaohua’s temperament and silently fell quiet.

He watched as Chu Xingyun smiled and asked, “Shall we go see the little swing Senior Brother made for you?” When he saw the two disappear, he apologetically said to Master Yu, “Because of Miaohua’s affairs, Youyou has suffered more than just a little these past years. At first, I advised you... sigh. But what could be done? She is the last remnant of the Gong family; hundreds perished, only she escaped. I cannot simply abandon her.”

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Speaking of old matters, the elder’s eyes grew moist, yet he waved it off, “But your master, I have sent people to investigate all these years, yet there has been no news. Does your sect have any information?”

He cared deeply for an old friend.

Master Yu sighed wearily, “No trace.”

“If there is any news, please inform me. Though we old fellows are getting on in years, we still have some strength and would be willing to help in whatever way we can.”

Back then, not only Old Wen but several other senior figures in the cultivation world who had been close to the Gong clan leader and the previous Ancient Sect leader were all assisting in the search.

Old Wen’s words brought a faint smile to Master Yu’s face, and he cupped his hands in thanks, “Old Wen, you have worked hard traveling everywhere on behalf of my master.”

“Though I have labored, it is nothing compared to your Uncle Sun.”

Old Wen mentioned an old friend of the previous sect leader, the patriarch of the Sun family, a prominent cultivation clan.

When the former sect leader met trouble, he too rushed everywhere to search, only to have his own primordial spirit extinguished unexpectedly, disappearing without a trace.

Now, with the elders who had maintained the family’s authority passing away, the Sun family could no longer contend with neighboring clans and was in a precarious state.

Master Yu knew of this because someone from the Sun family had come to their sect for aid.

Since it was related to the former sect leader, he had even gone to negotiate at the Sun family, helping stabilize their holdings somewhat.

Old Wen sighed and shook his head, “I plan to visit the Sun family after seeing Youyou. The Sun clan is that despicable Yue family’s ally—we cannot just ignore them.”

He gestured toward Wen Shi standing nearby.

…The Yue family?

Master Yu let out a faint “Ah?” and paused in confusion. But seeing the well-dressed man’s smile, he suddenly understood something and hesitated to speak.

“I came today to discuss this very matter with you.” Since it concerned himself, Wen Shi laughed heartily and handed Master Yu a bright red wedding invitation.

Ruan Ling was standing nearby; seeing Master Yu nod slightly but not take it, she quickly stepped forward to accept the invitation.

Seeing her, Wen Shi smiled and said, “Another of yours disciples? Another female disciple… Well, at least Miaohua is no longer in the Ancient Sect, or she’d be jealous.”

This referred to old events.

Back when Master Yu took disciples, he accepted Zhu Changshu, a female disciple, which greatly displeased Gong Miaohua. She felt Zhu Changshu was both beautiful and talented, stealing her limelight within the sect.

Therefore, she complained to Wen Shi, who secretly tried to give Zhu Changshu a hard time.

Wen Shi, wanting to vent for his beloved, went to deal with Zhu Changshu but was unexpectedly defeated. Though his cultivation was higher, she was a sword cultivator who could turn sword intent into reality, landing two harsh sword strikes on him.

A disciple being bullied was a slap in the face to the master.

Upon learning this, Master Yu gave Wen Shi a beating and ordered Gong Miaohua to apologize to the disciple, which caused a huge quarrel between the couple.

Though Gong Miaohua was forced to apologize, she likely realized then that her husband would not protect her and began to harbor other intentions.

Ruan Ling immediately lowered her head.

Master Yu’s face turned cold as he said sternly, “As the sect leader, all disciples of the sect are my disciples. Your flippant words insult the reputation of my disciples!”

“My fault,” Wen Shi quickly reflected and immediately cupped his hands to Ruan Ling, “I’m used to talking nonsense outside. I apologize.”

With his usual carefree attitude, he then offered her a gift of apology.

Master Yu instructed Ruan Ling to accept it. Unbothered by the displeased female cultivator beside him, Wen Shi continued, “I’m thinking this wedding must be grand so everyone knows the Sun family still has the backing of our Wen clan. It will show the cultivation world that they have support and help preserve the Sun family’s foundation. Yu brother, if you can attend, it would give the Sun family more assurance.”

Master Yu remained noncommittal.

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Wen Shi sighed, “I know you think I’m too sentimental getting remarried again. But after all the disappointments… since I can’t marry Miaohua, I might as well be free and marry whoever I like.”

Master Yu was lucky his own obedient daughter wasn’t here, or hearing such words would have made her sick with disgust.

Falling for one after another… how repulsive!

But it wasn’t his place to meddle in others’ family matters, so he simply said, “As long as you like it yourself.”

Though Wen Shi adored Gong Miaohua, he was not the type to be faithful to just one.

Over the years, he had amassed many wives and concubines; no one knew how many he had taken.

Now, with his official Dao companion still in place, he was preparing a grand wedding to take another bride from the Sun family.

Master Yu thought that if he had a daughter who ended up with a scoundrel like Wen Shi, the only advice he could give would be to give the heartless man a sword to the chest… No, to spare his precious daughter’s hands, he would simply tear the scoundrel to pieces.

But since it had nothing to do with him, he didn’t bother to say more.

As for attending the wedding, Master Yu had no intention of going.

If he went, it would be supporting Wen Shi and the Sun family’s bride, which would be bullying Wen Shi’s previously married wives.

He would not do such a shameless thing.

As for preserving the Sun family’s foundation, Master Yu found the idea nauseating.

Marriage alliances were not the only way.

Even if alliances were necessary, the Wen clan had many members; Wen Shi wasn’t the only one who could arrange marriages.

He showed no emotion; no one could tell what he was thinking.

Old Wen looked at his son’s gleeful expression and sighed, showing some disapproval.

But since he was his own son, he refrained from scolding him in front of others and instead reminded Master Yu repeatedly, “If you ever receive news of your master, be sure to inform me. Don’t keep me in suspense.”

He was filled with concern, and Master Yu replied, “I understand, Old Wen.”

Only then did Old Wen nod with some relief. He then gave his son a stern glare, unwilling for him to disgrace himself further, and soon took his leave.

Master Yu stood to see him off.

“Don’t let Youyou run around too much.” Youyou should have also come to see off the elder since the visit was for her sake. But Old Wen, worried about her frailty, waved off any suggestion of passing her over.

He came and left in a hurry, clearly here only to check on Youyou’s well-being before attending to other matters.

When Youyou realized Old Wen was leaving just like that, she hurriedly followed her father’s steps, trailing behind him, holding out her small hands and asking, “...Nothing?”

Nothing at all?

No other requests?

Like giving her a beloved grandchild or something?

“What else do you think Old Wen should say to you?” Master Yu smiled, lifted his daughter by her armpits, and asked as she spread her hands, babbling happily.

The toddler joyfully made a couple of happy sounds and shook her head.

Today was truly a fortunate day.