As everyone knows, etings are for arguing.
This is true for both mortals and cultivators.
The Tianxuan Gathering lasted for over half a month, dragging on for another two weeks even after Chen Yin’s arrival.
During this ti, with nowhere else to go, Chen Yin stayed with Yu Ling and her group in the small wooden hut.
While Yu Ling was busy arguing with the sect elders during the day, he would spend his ti with Si Qing, Hu Li, and the other teenagers, chatting and playing gas.
In the afternoons, he would go up the mountain and join Yu Ling in her secluded spot, drinking and waiting for nightfall.
Every day was the sa.
But Chen Yin didn’t mind. Neither did Yu Ling.
At first, she had tried to maintain her “Big Sister” persona, speaking to him in a mature and authoritative tone.
But gradually, she realized that no matter what she said, this young boy with a clear, bright smile would listen patiently.
So, she started confiding in him, sharing her frustrations and worries.
She complained about the unruly and restless teenagers, the stubborn and unyielding elders, her own inability to argue effectively with the eloquent cultivators from the prestigious sects, and the watered-down wine she had been drinking.
She told him more and more, her words becoming more personal and revealing.
She discovered that this quiet and discreet little boy was the perfect listener.
Before he had stumbled upon her secret, she had always borne these burdens alone, drowning her sorrows in wine as she watched the sunset.
Of course, she would always end their conversations with a stern warning:
“Don’t tell anyone what I told you!”
“If you’re worried about telling others, Big Sister, you don’t have to tell anything.” Chen Yin’s gaze was sincere and unwavering.
Yu Ling blushed slightly, then frowned.
“Well… you’ve been quite discreet these past few days. It’s fine.”
Chen Yin just smiled at her, saying nothing.
Yu Ling felt like he was mocking her with that pure, innocent smile.
But it was so disarming that she couldn’t bring herself to scold him.
Finally, she pinched his cheek playfully.
“Always smiling! You’re such a goofball! Sotis you’re as clever as a monkey, sotis as innocent as a child. What a strange little boy.” She puffed out her cheeks in mock annoyance.
Chen Yin’s face was squished in her hand, but his smile remained.
“It’s getting late, Big Sister. Let’s go ho.”
Yu Ling glanced at the setting sun and nodded.
Before leaving, she placed her hand before him, her gaze fixed on his face.
“Aren’t you coming?”
“…One more drink.” She mumbled softly.
Chen Yin obediently produced another bottle of wine.
Yu Ling took a small sip, then closed the bottle and tucked it away.
“Not drinking anymore?” he asked curiously.
“Saving it for later.” She licked her lips contentedly, savoring the taste.
Chen Yin wanted to say that he could give her more,
But she had already turned and walked away.
He swallowed his words.
That evening, Yu Ling went straight to her room.
Chen Yin was dragged outside by Si Qing and the others.
“…The Tianxuan Gathering ends tomorrow,”
Si Qing said, her head propped up with her hand. “I wonder if Big Sister was successful. If she wasn’t, my father will beat to a pulp!”
Luo Xiaoxiao frowned, his chubby face crumpled in worry.
Hu Li sighed. “I snuck out without telling my Master. He’ll be furious. He’ll say my swordsmanship has deteriorated again.”
Seeing their gloomy expressions, Si Qing tried to cheer them up.
“Don’t worry! We have to believe in Big Sister!”
“She’s around our age, and she’s already a Grand Clarity Realm Immortal! If we follow her, we’ll also achieve great things!”
“Then our parents and our sects will finally acknowledge us!”
Chen Yin watched them silently.
For these teenagers, Yu Ling was a beacon of hope,
A guiding light, showing them the way.
“Yes, let’s believe in Big Sister.”
“She’s never failed us before.”
“Let’s go to bed! Maybe our parents will have changed their minds by tomorrow morning!”
“Yeah, we’ll have an answer tomorrow, one way or another.”
Chen Yin watched as they said their goodnights and returned to their rooms.
A soft voice ca from behind him:
“Don’t you share their optimism?”
Chen Yin turned and saw Hua Yulian sitting beside him, her eyes twinkling.
He thought for a mont, then shook his head. “I don’t know.”
“Truly don’t know, or pretending not to know?”
“Which answer would you prefer, Sister Hua?”
Hua Yulian smiled.
“Then I don’t think she can convince those cultivators,” Chen Yin said softly.
“Why?”
Hua Yulian blinked her beautiful eyes. “But Big Sister is a Grand Clarity Realm Immortal. She’s very powerful.”
“She’s not just a Grand Clarity Realm Immortal.”
Chen Yin said quietly, “She’s also a sixteen-year-old girl.”
Hua Yulian looked at him for a mont, then giggled.
“I like you even more now, Little Brother.”
She pulled him into a warm embrace, nuzzling his forehead affectionately.
“I’m also worried about Little Ling’er.”
“Those children have placed all their hopes on her.”
“If I were her, I would be under a lot of pressure.”
“But,” she paused, “knowing Little Ling’er, she probably doesn’t care.”
Chen Yin rembered the lonely figure sitting on the cliff, drinking wine and watching the sunset.
He suddenly asked, “Sister Hua, why did you ask to keep Big Sister company?”
“Who knows?”
Hua Yulian smiled mischievously.
“Maybe I thought you and Little Ling’er were similar.”
“Perhaps you two have more in common.”
“Unlike , I’m already old and undesirable.” She sighed dramatically. “I don’t even know how to comfort her.”
Chen Yin thought for a mont. “You’re not old at all, Sister Hua. You’re young and beautiful.”
“Such sweet words. Always flattering girls, aren’t you?”
Hua Yulian chuckled and kissed him on the cheek.
“That’s your reward.”
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