Let's turn back the clock a little.
In truth, although Ai Yueli might appear somewhat rigid, that was simply the "path" she walked.
To be taken as a disciple by the Nine Heavens Immortal Maiden, even if she had her shortcomings, her intellect was unquestionably peerless under heaven. She was certainly not as simple-minded as Ye Ling had imagined.
Because of that, it was absolutely impossible for her to place easy trust in Ye Ling. After all, there was only one Bai Yiyi.
She had long been exposed to schemes and conspiracies in the outside world. If she trusted people so casually, she would have died countless times over.
The cultivation world looked peaceful on the surface, but beneath it were turbulent currents and hidden dangers everywhere. One careless step, and even she could fall into a trap laid by others.
Especially on her return to the Heavenly Gate Sect, when she had been ambushed by unknown attackers. Though she had easily crushed them, it had made her all the more vigilant.
So when she came back and saw Ye Ling, this unexpected variable, her guard was already raised to the highest level.
Unlike her, Bai Yiyi was still too innocent. She hadn't truly encountered the outside world, so trusting others came naturally to her.
That was why Ai Yueli's initial conversation with Ye Ling had merely been a smokescreen, deliberately meant to lower his guard.
After all, no amount of talk compared to seeing what a person actually did. She had already prepared herself for a long, drawn-out confrontation with Ye Ling.
What she never expected was that her own Sect Master would pull such a stunt, directly taking out the Nine Heavens Jade Pendant that served as a life-saving treasure for the sisters.
This item was one of their final trump cards. If someone with ill intent were to obtain it, the Heavenly Gate Sect would truly be in danger.
Because of this, she not only wanted to give Bai Yiyi a proper lesson. Mainly because she couldn't beat her. Otherwise, she would at least have given her a spanking.
More importantly, she intended to eliminate Ye Ling, this unstable factor.
To be honest, she wasn't certain whether Ye Ling was good or bad. But she had seen far too many cases of good people turning bad.
How many people in this world could truly withstand threats and temptation?
Therefore, she absolutely could not leave Ye Ling, this uncertain element, within the Heavenly Gate Sect. This was her responsibility as a disciple of the sect. Even if it meant adding another sin to her karmic burden during a Lightning Tribulation, she would still do it without hesitation.
What she hadn't expected, however, was that Ye Ling refused the item simply because it had been left behind by the Nine Heavens Immortal Maiden for Bai Yiyi.
She didn't know whether Ye Ling failed to recognize its value or had some other reason. At the very least, his actions allowed her to breathe a sigh of relief.
To be fair, if she could avoid killing an innocent person, she would rather not do so.
"Little Fourth, just as he said. The children found the path he used to go up the mountain."
While Ai Yueli's thoughts were drifting, an elderly woman with a kindly face appeared in front of her at some point, seemingly out of nowhere.
"Thank you for your trouble, Grandma."
Ai Yueli quickly gathered her thoughts and bowed respectfully to the old woman.
"Little Fourth, you're still so proper. At this rate, it'll be hard for you to find a Dao Companion. Men won't be able to handle you like this."
The old woman seemed very familiar with Ai Yueli. After finishing the serious matter, she immediately began teasing her.
"Grandma~"
If Ye Ling were here, he would be utterly shocked. The stiff and serious Ai Yueli was actually showing a girlish pout.
"That's more like it."
The old woman smiled and continued, "That boy has behaved himself these past few days and hasn't crossed any lines. It seems he really is the 'one who slipped away' that Little Second spoke of."
"The Great Dao is fifty, Heaven derives forty-nine. Doesn't this 'one' feel a little too coincidental?"
Ai Yueli frowned slightly. Among her fellow sisters, she was the most rational, so she didn't believe miracles came so cheaply.
"Then test him again."
The old woman didn't mind Ai Yueli's objection. Smiling gently, she sighed, "Ah… it's a pity. I'll soon be ascending to the Demon Realm. I won't be able to repay the Immortal Maiden's kindness. Otherwise, I would have continued protecting you all."
"Grandma, you're being too polite. Master never expected repayment from you."
"You little girl, still so straightforward…"
"Grandma, you don't need to worry about your descendants. As long as the Heavenly Gate Sect stands, they will endure."
"I'm not worried about them."
The old woman's expression didn't change as she looked toward the distant mountains. "It's just that the heavens are about to change. Before I ascend, I plan to make a trip to the Myriad Demon Ridge."
"Fifth Junior Sister is there. Please look after her."
Ai Yueli understood the meaning behind the old woman's words. After thinking for a moment, she added, "If anything changes, just summon us."
Myriad Demon Ridge was the sacred land of the demon race, home to countless powerful demon experts. Yet the implication in Ai Yueli's words was that the Heavenly Gate Sect alone was enough to suppress them.
If cultivators outside were to hear this, they would probably laugh themselves senseless.
However, the elderly woman who was about to ascend hurriedly spoke up with a wry smile. "No, no. Little Fourth, are you trying to wipe out the demon race's last sacred land?"
Though she spoke jokingly, the meaning behind her words was clear. She did not doubt in the slightest that Ai Yueli and the others had the power to suppress the demon race's holy ground.
"Then let's hope they don't make the wrong choice."
Once the conversation returned to serious matters, Ai Yueli's beautiful face showed not the slightest trace of emotion.
"Enough, enough. I also hope they won't be so foolish. If they end up provoking you little fiends, then the demon race's days in the lower realms will truly be over."
The bitterness on the old woman's face deepened. In truth, what she worried about wasn't her own descendants, but the future of the demon race itself.
Because if the demon race's sacred land were destroyed, then when future cultivators came seeking demon cores, wouldn't it be her people who died?
Facing the tides of the world, she couldn't guarantee that the Heavenly Gate Sect would always be able to withstand the pressure and protect her kin.
So for the sake of the demon race, and even more so for her own clan—
When the lips are gone, the teeth grow cold. Myriad Demon Ridge must not be destroyed.
"Go on, Grandma. By the time you return, the sisters should all be back as well."
There was a trace of reluctance in Ai Yueli's voice, but she also understood that cultivation was like rowing upstream. If you don't advance, you fall behind.
"Alright, I'm leaving now, Little Fourth."
Just like when she arrived, the old woman left without the slightest sound, as though she had never been there at all.
Yet at the place where she vanished, a final remark lingered behind.
"That lad looks pretty good to me. Don't let someone else snatch him away first."
Those parting words struck straight through Ai Yueli's defenses.
"W-what was that supposed to mean…"
Ai Yueli bit her rosy lips and shot an irritated glance at the empty space where the old woman had disappeared.
Being teased like this time and again, even she couldn't help but feel annoyed.
Besides, Ye Ling was her Martial Nephew, and might even become her disciple. How could something like that be joked about?
Still, after the old woman brought him up, Ai Yueli finally remembered Ye Ling again.
Let me see how your trial went—huh? How… how did it end up like this?!