Chapter 207: Tail Sticking Up High

Since Second Young Master Fang had agreed, what was there to worry about?

The atmosphere within the Lingwu Sect’s main hall instantly became joyful and lighthearted. Everyone let out a long, pent-up sigh of relief.

Amidst talking and laughing, Elders of the Lingwu Sect promptly rose and arranged a feast. They invited Fang Cun and the Qi Refiners from the Seven Clans to attend. Fang Cun was unanimously ushered to the seat of honor, and even Yu Qingli and the others were assigned places. There was no need to elaborate on the feast’s extravagance, the wine’s fragrance, or the closeness of the conversation. Cups were clinked, heartfelt talks flowed, singing and dancing filled the hall, making for an unforgettable occasion.

After the banquet, the Lingwu Sect immediately arranged the finest guest hall for the Second Young Master Fang. All the sutras, classics, and texts he had requested were already moved into the hall well in advance. Everything was arranged with several levels more consideration than during his previous visit to the Leshui Sect…

“Sect Leader Liang, we’re all allies here. Second Young Master Fang won’t beat around the bush…”

As the banquet concluded and the cultivators prepared to leave, Fang Cun, seemingly flushed with wine, caught the sleeve of Lingwu’s Sect Leader, Liang Xiangzi. He forgot decorum and seniority, smiling openly: “We in Shoushan Sect have a disciple named Yu Qingli. A close friend of mine, Fang Cun. He has an elder sister currently held by your Sect’s Elder Xue. Shouldn’t she be returned?”

“Hmm?”

Hearing this, everyone present froze. All eyes turned to the Sect Leader of Lingwu.

“Haha, whatever could Second Young Master Fang mean?” Sect Leader Liang Xiangzi didn’t pull his sleeve away. Though appearing slightly awkward, he didn’t seem surprised. He said with a smile: “The fact that Elder Xue’s companion and a disciple of Shoushan Sect are siblings is a good thing. Doesn’t it make our two sects akin to in-laws? Talk of returning gives the impression Second Young Master Fang has had too much to drink. Since they share blood kinship, naturally we wouldn’t bar their meeting. When Young Master Fang departs, taking his sibling back for a few days of reunion is perfectly acceptable.”

“Haha! So Lingwu and Shoushan share such close ties?”

“We truly are allies! Haha!”

Hearing this, the surrounding crowd erupted in laughter. Their conversation grew even more congenial.

“Having Sect Leader Liang’s word, this Second Young Master Fang is relieved. Very well! When I leave, I shall take her back!” Fang Cun also laughed heartily, seemingly putting the matter entirely to rest. After settling it verbally, he departed, supported by the Little Fox Girl.

Upon returning to the guest hall prepared by the Lingwu Sect, Fang Cun sat down. There wasn’t the slightest trace of intoxication on his face.

He looked towards Yu Qingli and asked: “Did you hear?”

“I heard!”

Yu Qingli’s usually gloomy face showed no distinct emotions, mostly silence. After a long pause, he said: “I know Young Master is considering my situation. But I… I don’t wish my personal matters to influence Young Master’s choices!”

Hearing this, He Zhenzhang and Meng Qing’er immediately looked at him worriedly, wishing they could tug at his sleeve to stop him.

But Yu Qingli’s gaze was resolute.

Fang Cun studied Yu Qingli with an amused expression: “You don’t wish to rescue your sister?”

“I do!” Yu Qingli said earnestly. “I would exhaust every means, even risk my life, to bring my sister back! But I cannot let my affairs affect your choices. If you appear overly concerned, the Lingwu Sect will inevitably turn this into leverage. I don’t wish my Young Master to be pressured because of me… nor do I wish my sister’s rescue to finally come about through such means!”

He Zhenzhang and Meng Qing’er were momentarily rendered speechless by his words. They wanted to persuade him, but knowing Yu Qingli’s temperament, couldn’t find the right words.

Fang Cun, looking directly at the determined Yu Qingli, also adopted a grave expression:

“Two things, you must remember.”

He spoke softly, but clearly: “First, nothing is more important to you than rescuing your sister.”

“Second, among allies, we do not stand on ceremony!”

Yu Qingli stared at Fang Cun’s face, his own expression freezing in surprise.

After a long moment, he didn’t try to argue further. He simply gave a firm, heavy nod.

…

Truthfully, Yu Qingli was far more eager than anyone else to see his sister.

As early as the second day after settling in at Lingwu Sect, he inquired about his sister’s current whereabouts and hastened directly towards Tranquil Valley in the Rear Mountain area of the sect. It seemed the entire Lingwu Sect had received prior instructions; no one hindered his way.

Near the south end of Tranquil Valley stood a small courtyard, surrounded by blooming flowers and plants. Sunlight poured down, bathing the secluded, pleasant spot in a tranquil glow. Approaching this courtyard, Yu Qingli’s legs involuntarily trembled slightly. He hesitated for a moment before the gate made of woven, sun-bleached branches. Finally, gritting his teeth in resolve, he lifted a hand to push open the dried-branch gate…

“A’Li, is it you?”

Just as Yu Qingli’s fingers were about to touch the gate, a gentle, familiar voice came from within the cottage. The sound, soft and so achingly known, seemed to reach him from the depths of his memory.

His hand spasmed slightly, preventing him from pushing the gate open. “Elder sister… I…”

“I knew it. I knew you’d come for me!” The gentle voice from within the courtyard blossomed with joy. “And you’ve come even sooner than I imagined!”

Hearing the warmth and pride in her voice, Yu Qingli’s expression instead twisted with pain. The hand meant to push the gate seemed to cramp; he hesitated for a long while before finally lowering it again.

“Elder sister… sorry… I failed you…”

The depth of remorse was unmistakeable in his trembling voice.

“Silly A’Li,” the woman inside soothed, her voice impossibly gentle. “How old could you have been back then? When you were small, it was a sister’s duty to protect her little brother. When you grew up, it became the brother’s duty to protect his sister. Now… you’re doing so well. When I heard you might come to see me, you can’t imagine my happiness. Our A’Li has truly grown up. Just the thought of you coming scared those people into withdrawing, finally allowing me to move to this safer place…”

Yu Qingli bowed his head deeply, as if burying overwhelming emotions.

After what felt like an eternity, he finally snapped his head back up, his voice resolute: “Elder sister, I’m here to take you away!”

As he spoke, he resolutely raised his hand again, pushing towards the gate with force. It seemed even this simple action required immense courage from him.

“No…”

A soft, immediate refusal halted him from inside the courtyard.

“Elder sister?”

Yu Qingli jerked his gaze upwards, staring intently at the window, only seeing papered panes hiding the interior.

“Not yet.” The voice inside remained calm. “Your elder sister knows your nature. Once you saw me, you would be determined to take me away immediately. But the time isn’t right. Ever since they learned you were coming… he stopped daring to touch me. They moved me out of that cave dwelling and into this small cottage. Be patient a little longer. Soon… very soon… I will be able to leave with you…”

Yu Qingli stood frozen outside the courtyard, his hand suspended mid-air.

He turned his head, scanning the surroundings. This sunlit courtyard appeared serene, yet everywhere thin wisps of faint green mist drifted. The mist seemed utterly normal, but careful observation would reveal the hidden menace swirling deep within its depths…

Qingli understood. This was Lingwu Sect’s attitude.

The matter wasn’t concluded; they naturally wouldn’t release her willingly.

Remembering the words spoken earlier by Second Young Master Fang to him, Yu Qingli fell silent.

He didn’t want his sister to become a bargaining chip in a transaction. That would mean Second Young Master Fang had paid a price to ‘redeem’ his sister for him. Yet, deep down, he also knew taking his sister away now was impossible. In fact, if Second Young Master Fang hadn’t been present himself at Lingwu Sect, even seeing his sister, hearing her voice, would have been denied him!

And crucially, his sister’s stance was absolute.

The profound guilt he felt deep within him towards her ultimately stifled any impulse to defy her wishes.

Therefore, his raised hand hung immobile for a very long time before slowly, reluctantly, pulling it back to his side.

“Sister, I will come back for you.”

“I know, A’Li. I count on you to see me out of here…”

…

“That Second Young Master Fang indeed is clever man!”

At the moment Yu Qingli met his sister across the courtyard gate, within a nearby pine grove, Sect Leader Liang Xiangzi, Young Master Bai of the Seven Clans, the Wan Tong Trading House representative, and others stood together. Their expressions remained cool and detached as they observed Yu Qingli fail to enter the courtyard. A faint smile touched their lips. One by one, they turned their gaze towards a man standing among their group.

This man had a naturally gloomy countenance and was habitually silent. It was Elder Xue of Lingwu.

Second Master Hu chuckled lightly: “This matter has inconvenienced Elder Xue. If he resolves the situation successfully, that woman truly should be given back. Please be assured we remember Elder Xue’s contribution and will ensure you are compensated accordingly after this is concluded.”

These words elicited knowing looks from the surrounding crowd.

Elder Xue hurriedly bowed. “I, Xue, am deeply indebted to the Hu Family’s graces. How could I dare to voice dissent? It’s just that…” He seemed hesitant, struggling to voice a concern.

“Say it.” Young Master Bai spoke languidly, seemingly knowing what weighed on the Elder’s mind. “Giving the person back is granting him immense face already.” A note of irritation seeped into his tone. “That Second Young Master Fang, once given an inch, demands a mile. Because the Seven Clans find his ‘help’ temporarily indispensable, does he think he can strut with his tail sticking up high?”

“Hmph,” Young Master Bai continued coldly. “For now, indulge him. Prioritize eliminating the threat lurking within his ‘help’. Once the matter is handled cleanly… then he will see reason. Presumably, he understands ‘the greater good’. Besides,” his tone became dismissive, “it’s just the sister of a junior disciple among his retinue. Our Elder Xue returning the woman is giving him exceptional face. How much more could he possibly dare to demand?”

The others present caught the nuance in Young Master Bai’s words. They exchanged brief, muted smiles and refrained from further comment. Young Master Bai was notoriously petty; still being nettled by the public “Shut your mouth!” reprimand from Second Young Master Fang at the banquet was understood. After all, they were all prioritizing “the greater good,” weren’t they?