Chapter 10: Reflection Cliff and the Han River Barrier

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Though displeased, she had already guessed why Bai Lianyi’s mood shifted so abruptly. It was likely because… she was about to die soon. She and her “beloved” would soon rise above all others. This storyline was utterly ridiculous. Even if she lacked cultivation and was looked down upon, would the elders of the Sword Sect and those reclusive old masters really let them off so easily? Don’t be ridiculous. The leader of the Sword Sect had never been chosen merely for their cultivation level. Most importantly… Xia Huanjiao lowered her head and bit into the candy Chu Shiyue had brought up from the foot of the mountain. The cloying sweetness instantly spread throughout her mouth, easing the frustration in her heart. At the same time, she heard Bai Lianyi’s voice. It was faint and fragile, barely more than a whisper, carrying a delicate vulnerability that inspired pity. “Brother, this girl understands.” Perhaps recalling that Xia Huanjiao had said she was not a disciple of the Sword Sect, Bai Lianyi corrected herself mid-sentence, sounding even more fragile. Unfortunately, most Sword Sect disciples were oblivious to such nuances, wholly absorbed in their cultivation. This gesture, in truth, was like casting flirtatious glances at a blind person. Seeing Bai Lianyi’s tactfulness, Xia Huanjiao waved her hand and instructed the disciples of the Pill Building to take Bai Lianyi away. She said, “Your body is weak; go help gather spiritual herbs at the Pill Building. Maybe you can learn to make some simple medicine bags.” “The Sword Sect does not harbor idlers; the more you learn, the better you can stand your ground in this era.” As expected, Bai Lianyi’s face instantly paled upon hearing this, looking particularly wan. Xia Huanjiao, meanwhile, hummed contentedly to herself, growing ever more pleased. She was no saint. If she felt uncomfortable, she would make sure others did too. Bai Lianyi had originally thought the Sword Sect disciples would defend her against Xia Huanjiao’s pointed remarks. Instead, they praised her with approving voices. “As expected of our leader, full of righteousness!” “The leader is far-sighted, knowing Miss Bai lacks ability, so she sends her to the Pill Building to learn about spirit herbs, ensuring she has survival skills even if she leaves the Sword Sect.” “Yes, the leader is wise—better to teach fishing than to give fish. We still have much to learn.” Hearing their voices, Xia Huanjiao couldn’t help but laugh softly. Looking at Bai Lianyi’s face, rigid and nearly contorted, she calmly nodded, nearly bursting with amusement.

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Watching Bai Lianyi’s retreating figure, Xia Huanjiao turned her head and caught Xu Yingying’s gaze fixed upon her. Startled, she noticed those eyes were deep and penetrating, scrutinizing her with an assessing look. This made Xia Huanjiao feel guilty, as if her ill intentions might be uncovered. Finally, she heard Xu Yingying say, “Forget it.” “As long as you’re fine.” Probably because Lin Xiao had nearly killed Xia Huanjiao, the entire Sword Sect had already begun thoroughly inspecting the barrier array. Nothing unusual was found. So how did Bai Lianyi discover this “heaven-sent opportunity”? What else had Xia Huanjiao overlooked? Lost in thought, she bit into a peach blossom cake made by Xu Yingying. The small face, resembling a sugar rice cake, showed obvious distress, evoking an urge to soothe away her worries. Xu Yingying sat quietly beside Xia Huanjiao, unnervingly silent. “What else have I forgotten?” A crystal-clear grape was held to Xia Huanjiao’s lips, accompanied by a cold, refreshing voice. “Eat.” Xia Huanjiao took the grape from Xu Yingying’s hand and bit into it. “Brr, so cold!” The little round face shivered, wrinkling its rosy nose and murmuring, “Why is it so cold?” The Sword Sect enjoyed eternal spring; such coldness was rare. Each mountain peak’s temperature was controllable, and their dwellings were never so frigid. Xu Yingying replied, “It was chilled in the cold river beneath Repentance Cliff.” Repentance Cliff? Cold River? Xia Huanjiao seemed to have caught something and muttered, “What’s beneath the Cold River?” Her voice was soft, but to those constantly watching her every move, even the slightest sound was thunderous. “It’s a chaotic burial ground in the mortal realm.” Xia Huanjiao’s eyes brightened. She turned to Xu Yingying, biting the grape again as juice spilled messily at her mouth’s corner. Xu Yingying did not mind the clumsy sight; instead, she took out a heavenly silk handkerchief and carefully wiped the juice clean, then nodded. “Yes, it’s a chaotic burial ground for unidentified corpses in the mortal realm.” “Many restless spirits there have become evil ghosts due to lingering attachments. The barrier array at Repentance Cliff connects to it, suppressing the malevolent spirits.” Only then did Xia Huanjiao recall this fact. In the cultivation world, suppressing evil spirits from the mortal realm was not uncommon.

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Many earthly emperors sought the protection of cultivation sects to help ward off evil. In exchange, they offered gold, silver, jewels, rare materials, or talented youths. Though the Sword Sect was a pure force in the cultivation world, it had some ties with the mortal realm. Thousands of years ago, it had cooperated with earthly emperors. However, the passage of time was so vast that no one remembered. Grasping Xu Yingying’s hand, Xia Huanjiao’s childish voice brimmed with excitement. “Let’s go see that passageway!” If her guess was correct, that passage might have changed. Mortal realms underwent great transformations over centuries, let alone millennia. The dynasties of that time were likely long extinct. But that mattered little to Xia Huanjiao; she was merely checking if the passage was intact. When they arrived at the Cold River beneath Repentance Cliff, the passage was now merely ornamental. How could there be any confusion? Repentance Cliff was the coldest and least habitable place in the Sword Sect. It was meant for reflection, not comfort. Almost all disciples only came here to meditate and repent, never venturing beneath the Cold River. Yet now, many things that shouldn’t be here surrounded the Cold River. Such as… warm bedding, some flowers... and women’s clothing. Xia Huanjiao was about to examine them more closely when Xu Yingying suddenly lifted her up, covering her eyes. “Yingying, put me down!” Now was no time for jokes. Yet Xu Yingying’s voice grew colder, halting her actions at once. “Don’t look at those filthy things.” “Someone’s coming.” Xia Huanjiao immediately sealed her lips. Xu Yingying would not betray her. “Shhh.” The cold fragrance enveloped the little round figure, giving Xia Huanjiao some sense of safety. Ahead came a familiar voice. It was Lin Xiao!