Bai Yunfei and Autumn Greenwillow sat facing each other in a modest yet elegantly comfortable small reception room. Bai Yunfei held a teacup, listening attentively as Autumn Greenwillow opposite him detailed the workings of the Cui Liu Sect and the broader situation within Cui Liu City.
"By the way, Greenwillow," Bai Yunfei asked suddenly, struck by a thought. "Do you know if there are any subordinate forces of the Ice Sect within Cui Liu City?"
"Hmm? Why do you ask?" Autumn Greenwillow blinked in surprise, then quickly understood. "Are you worried... that Zhang Zhenshan might utilize the Ice Sect's influence to search for you?"
Bai Yunfei nodded.
"Hehe, you really don't need to worry about that," Autumn Greenwillow chuckled softly. "I can't speak for other places, but here in Cui Liu City, the Ice Sect wouldn't dare cause trouble. This is where our Cui Liu Sect makes its home. How could we tolerate them running wild?"
Bai Yunfei lowered his head, pondering for a moment before continuing, "These past two days, I've had a nagging feeling that something isn't right, yet I haven't found anything concrete. If the Ice Sect… if they already know I'm here but can't act recklessly within the city walls… then they're likely to ambush me the moment I leave Cui Liu City. I'm just not sure if they've actually discovered my presence yet..."
"Ah, I see..." Autumn Greenwillow's expression turned solemn too. After a moment's thought, she said, "To my knowledge, there are no forces directly subordinate to the Ice Sect within the city. However, there are whispers... that the Loong Family might have some connection to them..."
"What?! The Loong Family?!" Bai Yunfei's face paled with shock.
"Huh? You know of the Loong Family?" Autumn Greenwillow was taken aback by his intense reaction.
"I had a run-in with two of the Loong Family's young masters just the other day. They..." Bai Yunfei started, then abruptly stopped. His brows furrowed as if he'd recalled something, and he sank into deep thought.
Seeing him so absorbed, Autumn Greenwillow didn't disturb him further. She sat quietly beside him, sipping her tea in small, measured sips.
"Master, Yunfei gege is right inside..." Chu Yuhe's sweet, obedient voice floated in from outside. She had gone to fetch her master and now presumably returned with her.
Sure enough, the moment her voice faded, two figures appeared in the doorway. A woman of graceful bearing, radiating an air of authority, entered the room accompanied by Chu Yuhe.
Calling her a 'woman' felt slightly inadequate, for although she appeared mature and full-figured, she looked remarkably young – her appearance definitely suggested she was no older than thirty. This, of course, was none other than the sect master of the Cui Liu Sect: Mu Wanqing.
"Master," Autumn Greenwillow immediately rose and bowed upon seeing her.
Bai Yunfei had snapped out of his contemplation the moment he heard Chu Yuhe's voice. He also stood up now. Though momentarily surprised by the unexpected youthfulness of the person Autumn Greenwillow referred to as 'Master,' his astonishment passed swiftly. He bowed respectfully. "This junior, Bai Yunfei, pays his respects to you, senior."
Mu Wanqing smiled gently at them both and addressed Bai Yunfei. "Young Hero Bai, there's no need for such formality. Please, sit down. Let's not be overly stiff."
Once everyone was seated, Mu Wanqing studied Bai Yunfei for several seconds, a smile playing in her eyes. "Young Hero Bai, I have long wished to thank you personally for saving Yuhe that day. So, please forgive the presumption of inviting you to our sect like this. I hope you don't mind."
The fact that this sect master, possessing Soul Sect level strength, was being so courteous made Bai Yunfei slightly uncomfortable. He waved his hand lightly. "Sect Master, such kindness makes this junior feel undeserving. Zhang Yang already bore a grudge against me. My saving Yuhe was merely coincidental. Please, there's truly no need for further thanks..."
"Hmm, since Young Hero Bai is so modest, I shall refrain from saying more on the matter," Mu Wanqing conceded, pausing briefly before continuing. "As for the Ice Sect, you need not fear them while you remain within Cui Liu City. Should they dare cause trouble here, our Cui Liu Sect will certainly not stand idly by."
Bai Yunfei's heart lifted with joy. This was a clear statement of support. Though he wasn't entirely sure why she was being so solicitous, having a powerful 'backer' was undoubtedly advantageous.
"Well then, many thanks for the Sect Master's assistance," Bai Yunfei said gratefully. "I plan to leave Qingyun Province tomorrow or the day after. Once I reach Beiyan, as long as I proceed with caution, I believe the Ice Sect won't be able to touch me."
"Oh? Leaving so soon?" Mu Wanqing raised an eyebrow slightly. "Hmm... Youth should aspire to roam far and wide. Young Hero Bai, having the fortune to receive teachings from a senior of the Fortune's Wheel Sect, indeed shouldn't bury your talents within this small Qingyun Province. It's only right you venture out into the wider world."
The sudden mention of the Fortune's Wheel Sect made Bai Yunfei start slightly. He shot a quick glance at Autumn Greenwillow beside him before replying modestly, "Senior flatters me. This junior merely wishes to see the world outside. As for receiving Senior Ge Yiyun's teachings... it truly was a stroke of immense fortune."
At the name 'Ge Yiyun,' Mu Wanqing's elegant brows arched almost imperceptibly before instantly smoothing out. She glanced at Chu Yuhe, seeming to remember something. "Ah, that reminds me, Young Hero Bai. What do you think of this little girl, Yuhe?"
"Huh?" Bai Yunfei was caught off guard, struggling to keep up with the abrupt shift in topic. He stared blankly for a good few seconds before finally responding, confused. "Yuhe... she's wonderful. Greenwillow tells me she's obedient, sensible, and possesses quite considerable talent for cultivation..."
"Then... would Young Hero Bai be willing to formally recognize Yuhe as your adoptive younger sister?" Mu Wanqing smiled and nodded, then dropped a sentence that left all three listeners in the room utterly dumbfounded.
Bai Yunfei felt his thoughts utterly derailed by this senior's unpredictable conversational leaps. He stood frozen, unable to formulate a response. Mu Wanqing frowned slightly. "Oh? Does Young Hero Bai perhaps feel Yuhe is unworthy to be your sister?"
"Ah?! N-no! No, no! This junior means no such thing!" Bai Yunfei stammered hastily. "Miss Yuhe is clever and adorable. How could I possibly..."
"Ah, so you agree then?" Mu Wanqing's eyes curved into pleased crescents. "Then it's settled! From now on, you two shall address each other as brother and sister. This way, this silly girl won't constantly torment herself with guilt over being unable to repay your life-saving grace." She turned towards Chu Yuhe, her expression gentle. "Yuhe, are you willing to recognize Young Hero Bai as your elder brother?"
Chu Yuhe had looked bewildered when her master first mentioned her. When Mu Wanqing asked Bai Yunfei his opinion of her, a faint blush had colored her cheeks. Then, hearing her master propose the adoption, she had stared in utter shock, though she hadn't dared interrupt. Now, hearing the direct question, she froze momentarily before whispering timidly, "Yuhe... Yuhe would of course be willing. To have a brother like Yunfei gege... Yuhe would be very happy."
"Mm, good," Mu Wanqing nodded in satisfaction, smiling. "From now on, Young Hero Bai is your elder brother. You must respect your adoptive brother properly, understood?"
"Yes... Yuhe understands..."
...
And just like that, Bai Yunfei found himself inexplicably saddled with a brand-new, ready-made little sister.
Observing Chu Yuhe's flushed cheeks and expression of shy delight, Mu Wanqing inwardly breathed a sigh of relief.
It must be said that Mu Wanqing's seemingly 'sudden' suggestion was actually deeply calculated. Ever since learning of Bai Yunfei saving Chu Yuhe, she had discerned a faint, budding adoration in her young disciple for the young man – adoration the oblivious girl herself seemed scarcely aware of. Seizing this opportunity, Mu Wanqing aimed to redirect those nascent feelings of infatuation into respectful admiration for an elder brother. For Chu Yuhe, it was merely a matter of guidance along a different path. Mu Wanqing had succeeded; the little girl, ever obedient to her master, now regarded Bai Yunfei purely as a cherished older brother...
It wasn't that Mu Wanqing didn't consider simply encouraging their potential romance. Especially upon learning moments ago that Bai Yunfei was connected to Ge Yiyun, her heart couldn't help but race. A junior favored by Ge Yiyun was bound for extraordinary achievements. Forging a strong bond with him would undoubtedly bring immense benefits to the Cui Liu Sect. However, she could clearly see that Bai Yunfei harbored no such romantic feelings for Chu Yuhe. To spare her beloved disciple future heartache, this strategy of a 'muddled adoption into siblingship' seemed the only viable path.
Seeing the lingering bewilderment and thoughtful expressions on the faces of the three young people present, Mu Wanqing gave a light laugh and addressed Bai Yunfei again. "Ah, Young Hero Bai, while you are in Cui Liu City—"
"Sect Master! A guest has arrived seeking an audience!" Her words were abruptly cut off by a report announced from outside the door.
Mu Wanqing's brows knitted slightly as she looked towards the disciple reporting at the door. "Who seeks an audience? Escort them to the western annex reception room. I shall join them shortly."
"Sect Master..." the disciple hesitated, then added, "It's Senior You Qingfeng from the Wood Sect."
Mu Wanqing's previously calm demeanor underwent a sudden shift upon hearing the name. A flicker of pure delight illuminated her face, quickly suppressed but unmistakable – a fleeting glimpse of girlish joy that momentarily stunned Bai Yunfei.
"Young Hero Bai," Mu Wanqing rose gracefully, offering Bai Yunfei a composed smile. "Please, continue chatting with Greenwillow and Yuhe. I'm sure you have much to discuss. Afterwards, perhaps they could show you around the sect..."
Bai Yunfei nodded quickly. "Ah, yes, certainly! Please, attend to your guest without concern for me."
Only after Mu Wanqing had departed did Bai Yunfei turn to Autumn Greenwillow, curiosity brimming. "This You Qingfeng is...?"
"Senior You Qingfeng is an outstanding disciple of the Five Elements Wood Sect," Autumn Greenwillow explained, her voice dropping instinctively. She glanced towards the door, seemingly checking if her master was truly out of earshot, then lowered her voice conspiratorially. "His strength is at the late-stage Soul Sect realm, even greater than my Master's!" She leaned in fractionally. "He's also my Master's... maternal cousin, you see! If Master hadn't been bound by her duty to the Cui Liu Sect, she might well have gone with him to the Wood Sect ages ago. They—"
Suddenly, she seemed to catch herself. She straightened up immediately, her expression turning prim and proper. "Matters concerning our elders are not for us juniors to discuss."
Yet the look in her eyes clearly conveyed to Bai Yunfei: "You get what I mean..."