Why do I have so many masters?

"I never expected you would, would read such books."

The scholar's lips curled with a hint of disdain, saying, "If I don't read, then how should I pass the time? Should I learn to chant scriptures like a monk, or learn pill refining from Wu Changqing? The days are long and tedious, and reading is merely a way to relieve boredom."

The ancient Taoist calmed the awkwardness in his heart, smiled and said:

"People always say time is short, but for you, it seems rather long."

"However, these verses do have a style of reclusion and self-enjoyment. Reading them is good. Actually, if you have free time, you could leave this place, go to Anfeng's place, find some quiet spots to enjoy the scenery. The ancients said that seeing tranquility can extinguish the desire to compete."

The scholar did not reply, and the Taoist was not angered in his heart. He was pleased to see the blue-robed scholar like this. Although it seemed somewhat unfair to him, the fact that the scholar could be so quiet brought much joy to his heart.

He hesitated and, intending to stride over as usual to set up a chessboard for a leisurely match and conversation, found the atmosphere somewhat awkward today, with nothing much to talk about. After thinking for a moment, he only asked:

"By the way, what were you thinking about just now?"

The scholar raised an eyebrow, seemingly amused, and pressed his brows with his hand. His narrow, blade-like eyes closed slightly, with lashes concealing his gaze. He looked at the distant scenery and after a moment said:

"I was thinking."

"Today's weather is quite nice..."

.........

In the secret chamber within the mountain, Shi Huaidie struggled to suppress her own fear and horror. Ever since the day before, no, ever since she had relayed the news of 'Qiong Qi' to the sir, her heart had never found peace, not for a single moment.

She wanted revenge, and more than anything, she wanted to live.

Caught between such raw desires and her fear of the organization, along with her apologies and gratitude to the sir, she endured torment and pressure day and night without relief, fearing that one day her secrets would be exposed and she'd meet a fate worse than death.

Having tumbled through the Jianghu for many years, she knew with her looks, once she fell into someone else's hands, wishing for death could be a luxury.

Approaching footsteps outside made Shi Huaidie's body tremble slightly, a sensation like a thunderclap exploding in her mind. Instinctively, she clutched her red dress, the vivid hue stirring up waves within her.

The footsteps stopped, and the person outside courteously spoke:

"Miss Die, new elixirs have been delivered, would you like them sent in?"

Shi Huaidie snapped out of her daze, realizing it was the maidservant who had been attending to her during this period. She mocked herself inwardly and stabilized her voice, saying:

"No need, go ahead. I am still cultivating, and, besides, there are still some of last time's elixirs left. No need for new ones."

Outside, the maid laughed and said:

"The Commander of Troops Sir treats you well, Miss. Since you don't need them, I'll leave the elixirs in the outer chamber. If you decide to try them, just call, and I'll bring them to you."

"Alright, you may go."

"Yes."

After the footsteps gradually receded, Shi Huaidie finally relaxed her grip, her face unconsciously pale. She exhaled deeply; this continuous stretched fear was more consuming and frightening than physical combat and struggle.

'Qiong Qi' being controlled seemed already a foregone conclusion, yet she sincerely did not want to keep living in terror like this. Since this event, she decided, despite letting down the sir, she would have to sever ties with him.

Thinking this, Shi Huaidie's eyes flickered, feeling a bit relieved yet pressured, and a sense of guilt—

During this time, to escape 'Qiong Qi's grasp, in the perilous, lineage-conscious Sword Forging Valley, she quickly climbed the ranks, obtaining the Commander of Troops' favor and training from the status of a sword servant, all thanks to the sir's casual guidance.

The sir never criticized her, but to continue receiving his guidance, she would always gather and relay information about Sword Forging Valley to him.

A person without value doesn't live long.

This was the first lesson she learned in Jianghu.

Despite her position, she couldn't access truly valuable information, at most learning through casual chats about which Divine Weapon Envoy advanced or embarked on a mission outside Sword Forging Valley and in what direction.

For instance, she heard 'I Take the Sword' Sword Master An Zhaofeng reportedly went to the Jiangdong area, with rumors also mentioning Jiangnan, Jian'nan Dao; another significant figure supposedly went alone to the Northern Desert...

These seemed to involve many powerful figures and significant information, but in truth, it was broad, having passed through many hands and was likely part truth, part rumor. Even so, the sir continued to guide her, and even with Shi Huaidie's nature, she felt very grateful in her heart.

Yet, the pressure grew, and a fear silently crept in that if this continued, she would be unable to break free from the sir, but if one day he lost patience and stopped guiding her, her fate was clear.

Or perhaps, one day, even with the sir's talent, a wrong move would expose everything...

The woman sighed complexly, raising her right hand to press against the Fish Intestine Sword. Thoughts surged in her mind, and she finally made up her mind to apologize to the sir the next time and beg for his forgiveness.

If he demanded some price, she would have no complaints.

It couldn't be harder than death.

Just then, the jade pendant at her waist trembled, and a familiar voice sounded in her ear—

"Come to this place tomorrow after midnight, when you find a free moment, for a talk."

Shi Huaidie's expression changed, almost thinking her thoughts had been discerned by the sir, her heart racing wildly. After several deep breaths, she slightly bowed towards the empty spot and agreed verbally.

It's time to make an end...

PS: Today's combined chapter offering... about five thousand two hundred characters, breaking it into two chapters of two thousand six hundred each~