Chapter 75: Ruyun’s Visit
Chapter 75: Ruyun’s Visit
“Do you hate me that much? Fine. I’ll invite Miss Caiyun and Miss Hua for tea. You can stay behind since my face offends you.”
Shi Busi grinned slyly, directly checkmating Mo Wuxie.
“Your invitation? Don’t flatter yourself. They might refuse.”
Cheng Lingyu felt bitter watching their verbal sparring. Shi Busi hadn’t acknowledged him at all, treating him like air.
Hua Yuehong said, “Thank you, Young Master Shi, but I’m busy today.”
She turned gracefully, shooting Caiyun an icy look before leaving.
Mo Wuxie sneered coldly and trailed after her.
Cheng Lingyu didn’t speak a word from start to finish, with Caiyun handling everything.
“Wait, Miss Hua! I came specially for you!”
The man in black hurried after them, ignoring Caiyun and Cheng Lingyu completely.
“Being invisible sure stings.”
Cheng Lingyu muttered, glaring at the departing trio.
Caiyun comforted gently, “Don’t mind them. Low cultivation realms get overlooked. You’d ignore a third-tier martial cultivator too, however talented.”
After crossing the intersection, they wandered through town to consult Cheng Yun about returning to Shiyang Town.
Cheng Yun rarely left his quarters since arriving at Yunyang City, devoting himself to cultivation. His first impression of Caiyun was striking.
He smiled approvingly at Caiyun, eyes flicking to his son – what a perfect match.
Caiyun blushed under his meaningful gaze.
“Any day works for me.”
“Tomorrow then. Senior Sister?”
Cheng Lingyu sought her opinion.
“Shiyang Town’s close. We can leave whenever.”
With matters settled, Cheng Yun accompanied them to the chess academy to prepare for departure.
“What’s on your mind, Senior Sister?”
Caiyun had been quiet during the journey.
“Hua Yuehong, Mo Wuxie, Shi Busi – all dangerous. Especially Hua Yuehong. That beautiful jade coffin seems fused into her body now, giving off a mysterious vibe.”
“I sensed it too – that hidden danger around her.”
“Beware her. She’ll be your greatest rival.”
Cheng Lingyu shrugged, “If she enters Heavenly Palace, our paths won’t cross much.”
Caiyun chuckled. “Wrong. As you grow stronger, you’ll clash with every genius out there.”
Cheng Yun nodded. “She’s right. The higher you climb, the more rivals you’ll meet. Your weakness is lacking cultivation time. Give it ten years, and you’ll surpass them all.”
Caiyun said, “In less than ten years, he will shine brightly.”
…
Upon returning to the chess academy, Caiyun learned someone had come to visit—none other than Lady Ruyun from the Painting Court.
“Sister Ruyun, what a rare guest! Please sit down.”
In the hall, Caiyun smiled as she greeted Ruyun.
“I had free time today and thought to visit. How have you been studying that painting? Could your sister take a look?”
Ruyun came straight to the point—she wanted that painting.
When they visited Jubao Studio, Ruyun had spotted a painting she liked, but Caiyun outbid her and won it.
“You can look, but don’t touch it. I’ve already broken the seal on it.”
With a wave of her jade hand, Caiyun sent the painting floating onto the hall’s table—the landscape piece she’d acquired that day.
Ruyun stood before the table, studying the painting with evident surprise.
“Is this a spatial magical artifact or an attack-type one?”
Caiyun countered, “What do you think, sister?”
Ruyun smiled silently, continuing her examination.
Cheng Lingyu showed his father Cheng Yun around the chess academy, including the secret chamber. The dense spiritual energy there left Cheng Yun astonished.
In the hall, Ruyun finally looked away from the painting.
“Sister, your cultivation has grown so much. You won’t stay in Yunyang City much longer, will you?”
Caiyun’s eyes narrowed with a smile. “You’ve been keeping tabs on me, I see.”
“You’re famous now. Of course people are watching.”
Ruyun spoke vaguely, but Caiyun grasped her meaning and didn’t press further.
Caiyun stored the painting and walked with Ruyun through the chess academy, chatting about Yunyang City’s recent events.
“The Lanling Holy Palace treasures caused quite a storm here. The Situ family was wiped out, the Baifo Sect crumbled, yet Hua Yuehong rose to prominence. They say the Heavenly Palace, Thunder God Temple, and Shanhua Alliance all want her. If you were her, which would you pick?”
“The Heavenly Palace.”
“My thoughts exactly. But the Heavenly Palace isn’t for ordinary folks. What if you could join the Shanhua Alliance instead?”
Caiyun turned sharply. “You’re with the Shanhua Alliance?”
“Honestly, I’m from them,” Ruyun admitted. “Just an outer disciple. With your power, you’d enter as an inner disciple—maybe even a true disciple. Your future achievements would be limitless.”
“So you’re their recruiter. Since when does the Shanhua Alliance care about a backwater like Yunyang City?”
“Yunyang City was nothing before, but the Lanling Holy Palace’s appearance and the treasure hoard changed that. The Alliance wants control here. With your influence, things would go smoothly.”
Caiyun went quiet. The Alliance targeting her—this she hadn’t expected.
“I’ll consider it and give you an answer in a few days.”
Ruyun smiled. “Think carefully, sister. This could be your greatest opportunity.”
After Ruyun departed, Caiyun sat alone in the hall, weighing her choices.
“Senior Sister, what are you thinking?”
Cheng Lingyu walked into the hall and stood beside Caiyun.
“I was thinking it’s time to leave. This place has become dangerous, and we shouldn’t linger.”
“What will happen to the chess academy if you leave?”
Caiyun laughed, “If everyone’s gone, why care about such things?”
“I plan to visit Ruo Xue’s grave before starting my journey. I’ll focus on cultivation and carve my own path.”
Cheng Lingyu had pondered his future deeply. In Yunyang City, he’d been constantly restrained. Without Caiyun’s protection, he would’ve died long ago.
He wanted to leave, improve his cultivation level, and return only when strong enough to protect himself.
“Keep striving. I’ll be waiting for you to surpass me soon. Then your Senior Sister will have a reliable shield.”
Caiyun’s half-smile looked utterly mesmerizing.
“Don’t worry, Senior Sister. I’ll protect you from all harm.”
Cheng Lingyu swore this promise with unwavering determination.
…
After an uneventful night, Cheng Yun, Cheng Lingyu, and Caiyun departed Yunyang City at dawn for Shiyang Town.
“You’ve studied engraved formations with me long enough. Today, try building a teleportation array.”
Outside the city walls, Caiyun assigned this test.
Though Cheng Lingyu had mastered the complete Heavenly Spirit Diagram and grasped its Sixth Realm, his cultivation level still limited many applications.
Simple short-distance teleportation arrays posed no issue. These directional formations required only approximate distance and location.
Within an incense stick’s burning time, Cheng Lingyu successfully created his first teleportation array. His precise control drew Caiyun’s approval.
“Excellent. Your mental power exceeds ordinary cultivators. Master this thoroughly – teleportation arrays save lives in critical moments.”
The formation instantly transported them near Shiyang Town, saving days of travel.
“Father, show Senior Sister around town. I need to speak with Ruo Xue privately.”
Returning home filled Cheng Lingyu with nervous longing. He wanted no distractions while visiting his childhood lover’s grave.
Cheng Yun nodded understandingly, leading Caiyun away while Cheng Lingyu walked alone toward Ruo Xue’s burial mound.
…
Months later, vengeance achieved, Cheng Lingyu returned to Shiyang Town with conflicted feelings. Bringing Caiyun felt improper – those unaware might think him unfaithful to Ruo Xue’s memory. Yet caution demanded her presence.
Clutching Cheng Zhaolong’s severed head, Cheng Lingyu sat before the grave. From his Spirit Cloak Ring, he produced prepared wine.
Unwrapping the blood-crusted bundle, he gulped bitter liquor. Alcohol burned his throat – he’d never drunk before today.
“Ruo Xue… I’ve taken revenge. That beast’s head lies before you.”
Tears blurred his vision. “Remember our Mid-Autumn vow two years past? We pledged eternal union… then last spring you vanished like fading blossoms.”
Blood-red eyes overflowed. Salt droplets fell on weathered tombstone.