Xia Yu was caught between laughter and frustration at Ji Yan's suggestion to "beat up" Lu Shaoqing. Was this really how people at Tianyu Peak interacted with each other?
Despite her curiosity about Lu Shaoqing's true strength, she knew better than to provoke him by following Ji Yan's advice—it would only make matters worse. However, Bian Rourou, ever eager to see Lu Shaoqing punished, urged her senior sister, "Senior Sister, why not listen to Senior Brother Ji Yan and spar with him? If he's not strong enough, there's no need to take him along."
Xia Yu, shaking her head, said, "Nonsense."
Lu Shaoqing scoffed, "Come on then, do you really think I'm afraid of you all?"
But Xia Yu calmly reassured him, "Junior Brother Lu, there's no need to be angry. I sincerely hope you can assist me."
The secret realm in question was a rare opportunity, crucial to Xia Yu. Had time not been so short, she wouldn't have come here to ask for help. Among all potential candidates, Lu Shaoqing seemed the most suitable—he had comprehended sword intent, reached the Foundation Establishment stage, and was a disciple of a prominent sect. Moreover, the relationship between their master Shao Cheng and her sect's elder, An Qianyan, made him a trustworthy choice.
Still, convincing him seemed challenging. Ji Yan's suggestion wouldn't work, so Xia Yu shifted her attention to Shao Cheng, who appeared to be deep in thought.
"Master Shao Cheng," Xia Yu began sweetly, "Since the last martial arts gathering, Master An has been eagerly waiting for you to visit Shuangyue Valley."
The moment Shao Cheng heard that, his eyes lit up with enthusiasm.
"Did Senior Sister Qianyan really say that?"
Shao Cheng's face filled with excitement.
Lu Shaoqing snorted, ready to burst his bubble. "Definitely not! And you believe that?"
Shao Cheng angrily retorted, "Shut up, and stay out of this!"
Xia Yu hid her amusement, continuing, "Of course. Before I came here, Master An specifically asked me to convey her greetings and to invite you to visit."
Shao Cheng was elated, beaming with pride. "Senior Sister Qianyan is so thoughtful."
Lu Shaoqing didn't miss a beat. "Master, don't fall for it. She's just trying to flatter you."
"You know yourself well enough to realize Master An isn't interested."
The smile vanished from Shao Cheng's face as he glared at Lu Shaoqing. "Not everyone is like you, you little troublemaker. Stop causing problems."
Turning back to Xia Yu, he smiled warmly. "Don't mind him, Xia Yu. This brat is just insufferable sometimes."
Xia Yu shook her head gently. "Junior Brother Lu is straightforward and sincere. I wouldn't hold a grudge. It's exactly because of this temperament that I hope he can help me."
"Master Shao Cheng, could you persuade him for me?"
Her calm and polite tone made it hard to refuse.
Shao Cheng, ever eager to please, immediately barked at Lu Shaoqing, "You heard her! Help your Senior Sister."
Lu Shaoqing was exasperated. His master had completely flipped sides after just a few words.
"Desire is truly the bane of rational thought," Lu Shaoqing muttered. "Master, your heart cultivation is lacking. Mentioning Master An has made you lose your wits—aren't you embarrassed, being a Nascent Soul expert?"
Shao Cheng was livid. "Don't lecture me! Now get going and help your Senior Sister!"
Lu Shaoqing crossed his arms defiantly. "And what if I refuse? Unlike you, I'm not blinded by beauty."
Xia Yu's lips parted in astonishment. Was he really speaking to his master like this?
How was it that Lu Shaoqing, the junior, scolded his senior without a hint of respect? Wasn't Shao Cheng supposed to be his master?
For Xia Yu, who had never seen such dynamics before, this was truly eye-opening. Meanwhile, Fang Xiao and Bian Rourou were left speechless, especially Bian Rourou, who had once crossed paths with Lu Shaoqing and been infuriated by his behavior. Now she saw that he treated everyone this way, even his own master.
Shao Cheng's face flushed with anger, and he pulled out his final card. "Do you believe I won't deal with you right here and now?"
Lu Shaoqing, ever the rogue, was unfazed. "Do you believe I won't go straight to Master An and tell her how poorly you treat me?"
Everyone could feel the shift in Shao Cheng's aura as it seemed to deflate slightly.
"Brat! Your Senior Sister came all this way to ask for your help. What's the harm in lending a hand?"
Shao Cheng, wisely dropping the threat, knew his mischievous disciple would make good on that promise. He silently cursed his fate, wondering how he had ended up with such an unruly student.
Lu Shaoqing, ever cheeky, smiled, "So what if she came from far away? I still won't help."
Once again, Xia Yu marveled at how accurate Fang Xiao's description of Lu Shaoqing had been. He was truly difficult to deal with—immune to both sweet words and threats.
Even Xiao Yi chimed in, "Second Senior Brother, why not just help Senior Sister Xia Yu? It won't take much effort."
Lu Shaoqing flicked her forehead. "If you want to help, then go ahead. I'd rather take a nap."
Xiao Yi shot an apologetic glance at Xia Yu. She had tried her best, but her second senior brother wasn't budging.
"Senior Sister Xia Yu," Lu Shaoqing said, "you should head back. I can't help. But don't worry, our Lingxiao Sect has plenty of experts. Just ask Ji Yan, and he'll gather a whole team for you in no time."
Xia Yu stood silently for a moment before speaking, "Junior Brother Lu, are you really unwilling to help me?"
Lu Shaoqing answered without hesitation, "No, not even if you were my Dao partner."
Bian Rourou spat angrily, "Shameless!"
Xia Yu blushed but quickly composed herself. With a serene smile, she said, "If Junior Brother Lu refuses to help, then I'll have no choice but to stay here until you change your mind."