Chapter 78

Chapter 77. Moss Doesn't Grow on a Rolling Stone! (2)

'What kind of situation is this?'

Zhaogel couldn't pull himself together.

There might be disciples of Huashan who didn't know about Yu Yixue, but this was the first time he had encountered her at such a close distance.

It wasn't because Zhaogel was one of the third-generation disciples. Even the second-generation disciples had never seen Yu Yixue engage in friendly conversation. Though she was a disciple of Huashan, she always seemed a bit distant.

Now, she was talking to Qingming right in front of Zhaogel. Soon, the second-generation disciples' sharp gazes were directed at him.

'Wow, they can kill with their eyes.'

Well, to be precise, they were directed at Qingming, and Zhaogel was just sitting next to him. But being next to a troublemaker means you get hit too, and he was getting hit mercilessly.

'Qingming, please!'

Use some polite language, you brat!

With all the second-generation disciples around, what kind of tone is that?

Despite the senior disciples glaring, Qingming remained completely calm. In the tense atmosphere, Yu Yixue whispered softly.

"Just a moment will do."

"I'm not going."

"Really, just a moment will do."

"I'm not going! Can't you understand what I'm saying!"

Tone. Tone, you brat!

Without realizing it, Zhaogel pressed down on Qingming's thigh. Qingming turned his head sharply.

"Why?"

"......Uh......"

He shouldn't have asked that.

Uh... In front of the senior disciples, he shouldn't have asked me that; he should have known better.

Qingming, with a sneer, turned his head to look at Yu Yixue.

"I have nothing to say to Sago."

"I have something to say."

"I don't really want to hear it."

"Just a moment. Let's go out for a bit."

"I'm bothered. Can't I just eat my meal?"

"Then I'll wait until you finish eating."

The second-generation disciples were on the verge of going mad.

First, they had never seen Yu Yixue speak so much at once. More precisely, they had never seen her speak so much to someone of a similar age who wasn't an elder.

And now, she was pleading with a young disciple?

Yes. Second, what made them even more furious was Qingming's attitude.

'That crazy brat......'

'How can he not stand up when Sago is speaking?'

'Is this kid blind?'

'Really, he's a true cultivator, a boundless Buddha.'

Burning anger and subtle respect were simultaneously directed at Qingming.

Cultivators, by nature, must distance themselves from emotions. But Yu Yixue was an existence that could easily disrupt such cultivation. No matter how well-cultivated a person was, if Yu Yixue pleaded like this, they would have no choice but to give in.

If you saw her face and expression up close, that is.

But Qingming was openly showing his annoyance to Yu Yixue. This was something the second-generation disciples couldn't even imagine.

"I'm not going! I have a lot to do. Look for someone else."

"I came to find you."

"Why me......"

At that moment.

"Hmm."

A low but powerful voice that spread widely.

Everyone's heads turned to one side. Baiqian, dressed in white martial robes, stood up and smiled at Qingming.

"Is your name Qingming?"

"Yes."

His response was concise.

But Baiqian didn't get angry. Getting angry at a time like this only revealed one's true nature.

"I know you're tired from your missions and visits to the sect leader. There might be things I don't know about. But since Sago is making such a request, as a disciple, can't you at least consider it?"

Baiqian finished speaking with a gentle smile. He thought it was a reasonable request...

"Why?"

Baiqian flinched.

Did I hear wrong?

No, right? Then did he really say 'Why?'

The flustered Baiqian examined Qingming's expression. Seeing his pouting face, it seemed he hadn't heard wrong.

Baiqian, feeling a surge of anger, barely suppressed it.

'Remain calm.'

If he lost his temper here, he would be seen as the third-generation disciple who fought with the youngest.

"Why did you say 'Why?'"

"Yes."

"There are many reasons. First, people should have manners. There are manners that should be observed even between seniors and juniors."

"Oh, manners?"

Qingming nodded quickly as if he understood and called out to Yu Yixue.

"Sago."

"Yes?"

"Quickly apologize. They're saying you're being impolite."

"......"

Yu Yixue pointed to herself with her finger.

"Yes. Quickly apologize."

"Me?"

"Really, you don't understand."

Qingming explained patiently.

"This is a celebration for the return of the second-generation disciples. Making personal requests and acting on your own is impolite."

"Oh......"

Yu Yixue nodded, seemingly realizing her mistake. She stood up and bowed to Baiqian.

"Sorry, Senior Brother. I didn't think that far."

"No, no, Senior Sister. That's not it......"

Baiqian bit his lip.

Why did it turn out like this?

Just as he opened his mouth to try to salvage the situation, Qingming whispered from behind Yu Yixue.

"You should apologize to Senior Uncle, not to me. You made a mistake in front of Senior Uncle."

"Right."

Yu Yixue bowed to Yunjian.

"I was shortsighted."

Yunjian smiled.

"Don't worry about it. Sit down."

"Yes, Senior Uncle."

As Yu Yixue sat down, Baiqian was left in a difficult position. He couldn't figure out what to do.

He had stood up confidently... But now, with the situation resolved, sitting back down would be embarrassing. The second-generation and third-generation disciples were all looking at him, expecting him to say something.

If he just sat down with this look...

Baiqian would look ridiculous.

He cleared his throat a few times and fixed his gaze on Qingming.

'This won't do.'

'I have to stop this.'

Zhaogel and Yunzhong exchanged glances.

It's hard to beat Qingming with a sword, but it's even harder to beat him with words. This guy has no logic. He uses all sorts of sophistry to win arguments and treats illogic as logic.

If the conversation continues, Baiqian might really lose it. That must be prevented.

"Ahem! Senior Uncle! I congratulate you on your return!"

"Today is a truly good day. With the second-generation disciples returning from their training, the Huashan Sect is in good shape."

Zhaogel and Yunzhong desperately changed the topic.

They weren't trying to protect Qingming. They just didn't want to see the Huashan Sect turn into a mess on the first day because of a fight between Qingming and Baiqian.

Baiqian glanced at Zhaogel and Yunzhong.

Seeing their desperate expressions, Baiqian narrowed his eyes and spoke.

"Is your name Qingming?"

'You stubborn guy!'

'You don't know how to back down.'

Understanding that stopping Baiqian was impossible, the two reached out and grabbed Qingming's sleeve.

Come on, just let it go. Just once, be polite...

Did they read his desperation? Qingming's mouth opened.

"You must have had a tough journey."

Oh?

Yunzhong and Zhaogel's eyes widened. It had been a while since Qingming spoke so politely...

"Since you're asking again, do you want to rest?"

...There's no way. No, there's no way.

This guy is consistently stubborn.

Baiqian's eyebrows twitched.

"Let me ask one thing. Didn't you see me today at noon?"

"I've never met you before."

"Be honest."

"Come on, it's the first time. Are you always so suspicious?"

Looking into Qingming's bright eyes, no one would think he was lying.

Except for the third-generation disciples.

And Yunjian.

Well... The second-generation disciples might think so. Well... Hmm.

"Is that so? I'll ask."

Baiqian turned to Yunjian and bowed.

I didn't want to do this, but if I don't put Qingming in his place here, I'll look ridiculous.

"Senior Uncle, I saw this child in Huayin today at noon."

Yunjian's eyes twitched.

"Is that so?"

"Yes. As far as I know, third-generation disciples are not allowed to leave Huashan. But this child came down to Huayin alone, not in a robe but in civilian clothes, which is clearly suspicious. So, I suggest we investigate whether anyone saw this child in Huashan today at noon..."

"It's fine."

"Excuse me, I'll investigate... Excuse me?"

Baiqian, who had bowed with his hands in a salute, suddenly raised his head.

Did I hear wrong?

No, is my hearing bad today? I keep hearing strange things...

"It's fine."

Baiqian looked at Yunjian with a bewildered expression.

Yunjian is the strict master of the White Plum Pavilion. He is not strict because he is the master of the White Plum Pavilion; he is the master of the White Plum Pavilion because he is naturally strict and sensitive to rules.

And now, he is saying that a third-generation disciple who clearly broke the rules is fine. What is going on?

"Senior Uncle?"

"This child is allowed to leave the mountain without the permission of the higher-ups."

"Permission? Who could possibly give a child such permission?"

"The sect leader. Is there a problem with that?"

"Sect... Really?"

Baiqian, surprised, quickly covered his mouth. Not only was his tone inappropriate, but questioning the truth of what a senior said was also impolite. Today, Baiqian kept making mistakes.

"It's fine."

Baiqian's bewildered gaze turned to Qingming.

Thump, thump, thump, thump.

"......"

If Qingming had a mocking look, it would have been less infuriating. But Qingming was completely uninterested in the situation, quickly eating his food with his chopsticks.

Baiqian bit his lip.

'I'll go all the way.'

Now that it has come to this, I won't show any mercy.

Just as Baiqian was about to speak again, the door opened, and someone entered.

A person with a cold, icy expression. Xian Ying, the master of the Zaijing Pavilion. He walked in and looked around.

"I greet the elders."

"I greet the elders."

Everyone stood up to greet him, but he waved his hand dismissively.

"That's enough. You're all having a good time, so I came to check. Enjoy your meal and rest well today. I'm leaving. Yunjian, make sure the children don't get too carried away."

"Yes, Senior Uncle."

At that moment, Baiqian, who had been standing, spoke.

"I have something to report to the elder."

Xian Ying, who was about to leave, turned to look at Baiqian.

"What is it?"

"Forgive me, but I saw one of the third-generation disciples drinking at a tavern in Huayin today at noon."

"Drinking?"

"Yes!"

Xian Ying's face twisted.

"A third-generation disciple drinking! Did you see it with your own eyes?"

"Clearly. He denies it, but I saw it clearly."

Baiqian covered his face with a salute and smiled slightly.

It might seem a bit underhanded, but the other side provoked first. So, this is necessary.

"Which third-generation disciple did you see?"

Baiqian glanced at Qingming. Despite his calm act, he must be burning inside.

'Don't blame me.'

This is about upholding the rules of Huashan.

"The third-generation disciple Qingming."

"......Who?"

"Qingming. That Qingming over there."

At the elder level, it's impossible to know every third-generation disciple. Baiqian even pointed at Qingming.

Xian Ying looked at Qingming, who was sitting where Baiqian's finger pointed, and frowned. Then, with a face full of annoyance and anger, he spoke.

"What?"

"Yes. Qingming was drinking... Yes?"

"What?"

"......"

What?