Xiao Xue persuaded Xie Yuan to recuperate in the temple but when he learned that she lived in the cave most of the time, in order to cultivate without hindrances, he was adamant to stay with her. Regardless of what she said or how she tried to argue she couldn't dissuade Xie Yuan from the idea.
In the end, Xiao Xue decided to stop trying especially when Xie Yuan started exhibiting the 'spoiled' behavior that unsettles her usually tranquil heart. Fortunately, there's a cavern prepared for another person, usually for injured cultivators she picked up from the mountains. Xiao Xue allowed Xie Yuan to do what he wanted and did her best to help him recover.
The two harmoniously lived together in the cave for days until Xie Yuan's presence and current living conditions were known to the temple. The elders sent a message ordering Xiao Xue to send Xie Yuan to the temple immediately.
Xiao Xue urged Xie Yuan to go to the temple without her, promising she'll find him later. She tried to make up excuses but no matter what she said Xie Yuan insisted on being with her and only relented to go to the temple if they went down the mountain together.
Xie Yuan thought, even in his injured state, it would not be a problem to carry Xiao Xue and fly down the mountain together. It'll save them both time and effort. But when Xiao Xue slowly hobbled towards the mountain path without a word, he swallowed the suggestion. He quickly followed and quietly walked beside her as they headed down towards Spirit Temple.
"Do you usually walk through this path?" Xie Yuan asked out of curiosity and to break the awkward silence. Since the message from the temple came, Xiao Xue has been silent and reserved. She tried to mask it with her usual cordial behavior but Xie Yuan could see through her.
"Master and I used to come up the mountains to train. The cave was originally her retreat. As part of my training Master told me that I am only allowed to walk through this path, step by step. Regardless of the weather or obstacles along the way, I cannot diverge." Xiao Xue answered. As if recalling a fond memory, a slight and tender smile played on the corner of her lips. "It became a habit."
Xie Yuan nodded in understanding but inside he was worried. Going up and down the mountain to where the cave is, on foot, even with the beaten path, takes about four hours for an able-bodied person not using spiritual energy or lightness skill. There were rocks, loose soil and tree roots along the way, not to mention the danger of spiritual beasts roaming the Black Highlands.
For Xiao Xue, trekking through the path must be harder. What's worse she goes through the path alone. Even if she knows the path well accidents could still happen. Who would help her if something unexpected occurs? Just the thought of something bad happening to her made Xie Yuan's stomach churn.
There are a lot of disciples in Spirit Temple that could escort her up and down the mountain, why don't they? It would be understandable if she's not from the temple but if she is, what does that signify?
"Little Xue, are you a disciple of the temple?" Xie Yuan asked. If he wants to know the reason why she has to live in the cave most of the time and hike up and down the mountain alone, first he has to know her connection to the temple and her situation there.
Xie Yuan likes Xiao Xue, as a man likes a woman, and he's not ashamed to admit it. At first it was curiosity and a certain fondness for her gentle and kind bearing. But during the days they spent together he developed feelings deeper than mere 'curiosity'. It's a fast development but perhaps he liked her from the beginning, he was just too preoccupied to realize the fact.
How could he not be attracted? Xiao Xue is smart, easygoing and a joy to be with. She's young but grounded. She's calm, like nothing could ever disturb her. And most of all, she knows what's important in life. The only worry Xie Yuan has is her unfailing kindness and childlike innocence.
If possible, Xie Yuan would want to provide an environment where Xiao Xue could be as she is without suffering any form of hardship. The moment he realized that he felt different towards her, he had thoughts of taking her away with him. But at present, he couldn't decide on anything. At least not until he knows more about her situation.
"I could be considered a disciple of the temple. But after Master's passing, most of the disciples didn't acknowledge me. I don't want Big Brother Yuan to suffer criticism so I am telling you the truth. It's best to limit your interaction with me when we arrive at the temple." Xiao Xue said those words like it didn't matter to her but deep down she felt sad that her senior sisters treated her differently after the Master passed away. "But I am Master's disciple. That, at least, is fact and true."
It hadn't been a year after the Priestess passed away when her senior sisters decided to open the gates of Spirit Temple and select new disciples. When Master was still alive there were only the four of them, five including Master, and a few retainers and servants within the temple. But now, there are over a hundred outer disciples and dozens of inner disciples. Her senior sisters established themselves as elders of Spirit Temple and there was nothing Xiao Xue could say or do to overturn their decision.
It's not that she did not want to change things within the temple but the change was too sudden and large scale. Xiao Xue hoped to accept disciples after the temple stabilized its strength and gained enough footing after Master's passing. Perhaps one disciple every few years, not hundreds at a time.
Xiao Xue wanted to do things the way the previous Priestess did, to have a few disciples she could intimately raise and teach.
Before, each Priestess would have three disciples at most while some only had one to train. Now, most of the disciples living in the temple are there in name only. They do not learn or do anything except run errands and do menial work. The ones who encounter proper training and receive guidance are the select few from the inner or core disciples. But even with them the training was not sufficient. Her senior sisters cannot manage the new recruits and most of the time, they would rather cultivate their own strength than teach the disciples how to improve theirs.
To help remedy the situation, Xiao Xue tried to take in some disciples from the newcomers. But instead of being grateful for the guidance, they scorned and ridiculed her. Her senior sisters never made her position in the temple clear and that caused confusion. Everyone thought she's a freeloader who hangs around the temple to live off its name and glory. No one really knows the truth except for her and her senior sisters.
In truth, Xiao Xue is the current Priestess of Spirit Temple. She never thought it was necessary to correct the disciples' misconception about her or to protect herself from slander that had been headlined by her senior sisters. She did not want her assumed position to be something that would cause disharmony and discomfort to people within the temple. She owed the Master too much to ruin the tranquility of the temple with disputes. For Xiao Xue, as long as she knew why she's there it was enough.