Chapter 40: With Whom Does She Share Her Gentle Smile?

Miss Yue sat quietly, yet she drew countless eyes. At first glance, she seemed a girl of tender years; upon a second look, she appeared as radiant as a maiden in her prime. Her white robes fluttered, evoking the image of a fairy gliding atop the waves.

Su Mu, still young, was at the threshold of awakening feelings of love. Though his understanding of romance remained innocent, the sight of Miss Yue made his heart leap like a startled fawn. He wondered how the world could birth such a lovely girl—could she truly be a celestial maiden descended from heaven?

Miss Yue seemed to sense someone watching her and turned her head inexplicably in Su Mu’s direction. Their eyes met. Su Mu hastily averted his gaze, so embarrassed he wished the earth would swallow him, his cheeks burning with heat.

Miss Yue merely found the bloodied little beggar odd; his disheveled appearance made her smile, then she turned her attention elsewhere without much thought.

Su Mu was stunned, feeling moments before that nowhere in heaven or earth could contain him, yet now believing that all things in the world together could not compare to the beauty of her smile.

The glance she cast toward Su Mu was so enchanting that not only would a wooden lad like him be moved, but even a clay figure would be captivated.

Among the five blocked travelers, a young man frequently stole glances at Miss Yue. He tugged at the sleeve of their leader and softly advised,

"Uncle Huang, why not show her the Soul-Summoning Flute? A brief look won’t harm it, and besides, these people are all from the Dead Ridge City. It’s best not to offend them."

At the mention of offense, he stole a glance at Miss Yue, delighted to see her looking his way.

Yet his uncle erupted in anger, shoving the young man aside.

"Foolish child! I am to lead you to Sparrow Mountain. Without the Soul-Summoning Flute, even the sect master wouldn’t dare venture deep. I will not be a criminal to my sect. This treasure must not leave my hands. If anyone wishes to seize it, let them try!"

The other three hurried to help the young man up, revealing all four were quite young—three men and one woman. Hearing their uncle’s wrath, none dared speak further. The young man who’d been pushed up looked alternately flushed and pale, his gaze toward Miss Yue awkward.

"You fools, Miss Yue need not intervene. Do you dare spar with me at the Wild Bluff? I promise not to take advantage. Here I have a Boundless Fruit, invaluable for those cultivating spiritual energy. Looks like you’re halfway to the Yuan Spirit realm. This fruit could help you cross that barrier with ease and has wondrous properties for stabilizing energy. I’ll wager it in a duel—are you willing to try?"

A cultivator stepped forward, producing a grayish fruit. Though speaking to the group, his eyes frequently sought Miss Yue, his arrogance suggesting he’d accomplished something extraordinary for her sake.

Uncle Huang’s eyes lit up at the Boundless Fruit. Such a treasure was beyond ordinary reach; for a spiritual energy cultivator, it was priceless. He’d long dreamed of possessing one, believing it could help him reach the Yuan Spirit realm. Then he’d roam the world freely, no longer cautious and hesitant.

Spotting his temptation, the challenger withdrew the fruit, stinging Uncle Huang as though his cherished possession had been snatched away.

"My name is Liang Chengjing. I am not under Zhou Chan of Dead Ridge City, merely passing through. I never expected to meet Miss Yue, so I lingered here a few days. Today, I wish to win your flute for her, to earn her smile. Will you accept my challenge? I am also at the Celestial realm, so I promise no deception."

Liang Chengjing wore splendid robes and was strikingly handsome, though his eyes were a bit too narrow, marring his appearance. To produce such a treasure so casually, accompanied by several cultivators, his background was clearly extraordinary.

Uncle Huang was tempted, thinking to himself that this youth was still inexperienced. He himself had spent over a decade at the Celestial realm, missing only the final step to Yuan Spirit. Yet in recent years, his cultivation had stagnated, his age advancing and his heart growing restless. If he failed to progress soon, he’d be trapped forever at his current level. But with the Boundless Fruit, hope for advancement was rekindled.

After speaking, Liang Chengjing bowed to Miss Yue and loudly asked, "Miss Yue, forgive my boldness in wishing to win the flute for you. Would you be displeased?"

Miss Yue laughed like silver bells and replied, "It’s good you wish to win it, but I never asked you to. If you succeed, I won’t remember your kindness, but if you fail, I’ll blame you in my heart."

Her words were rather unreasonable, yet none present found fault. Liang Chengjing was utterly captivated by her voice. Since meeting Miss Yue, he’d been obsessed, unable to eat or sleep, yet dared not approach her. Rumor had it that without her permission, anyone coming too close would die instantly. Though perhaps exaggerated, he would not risk it.

Now that Miss Yue showed interest in the flute, Liang Chengjing felt his distinguished background and handsome looks would surely attract her if he could spend more time by her side. This opportunity was not to be missed.

"Let me see your fruit—what makes it so precious?"

Miss Yue blinked and beckoned Liang Chengjing closer. Overjoyed, he eagerly presented the Boundless Fruit, barely containing his excitement.

"Young master, you mustn’t! The Boundless Fruit is..." an attendant protested, blocking Liang Chengjing, only to be shoved aside. "Out of my way! Don’t I have authority over my own family's treasures?"

The attendant retreated, apologizing. Liang Chengjing, trembling, stopped five paces from Miss Yue, anxious lest misfortune befall him.

"Come closer, it’s fine," Miss Yue assured him, gesturing with her jade hand. Liang Chengjing relaxed and stepped to her side.

A scent like magnolia wafted from Miss Yue, intoxicating Liang Chengjing, who swallowed nervously, careful not to offend, obediently presenting the fruit. Miss Yue took it, revealing a wrist like creamy jade. Liang Chengjing stared for a moment before quickly averting his gaze, fearful she might notice.

"This fruit is hard to come by and quite valuable, but I have no interest in it."

Miss Yue raised the Boundless Fruit to her nose, then tossed it back to Liang Chengjing. Uncle Huang gasped inwardly, terrified the treasure would fall, but Liang Chengjing caught it in time, and his attendants broke out in cold sweat.

"Hey, I’m only curious about your flute. It seems familiar. Let me see it and I’ll return it."

Miss Yue, hands behind her back, approached Uncle Huang lightly. The crowd, alarmed, retreated dozens of paces before halting.

"Miss Yue, I thought I’d..."

Liang Chengjing grew anxious—why was Miss Yue herself seeking the flute? Would his plan be foiled?

"What I want, I’ll fetch myself. If you bring it, I might not want it anymore."

His words left Liang Chengjing speechless. He could only agree, "Yes, yes, Miss Yue is right."

Miss Yue smiled gently. "What is right?"

"Well... everything you say makes sense."

"Hmph, so my words are always right? Is it right for me to take what belongs to others? Then you, sir, are not right at all."

Liang Chengjing broke out in cold sweat, puzzled why she was so pointed with him today—had he offended her?

Miss Yue paid him no further mind, turning to Uncle Huang. "Are you willing to let me see it?"

Uncle Huang frowned. "No! Young lady, you may be beautiful, but I am not one of those young fools. If you want the flute, you’ll have to dream on. I won’t show mercy for beauty. If you wish to use some sorcery, go ahead and try. See if I’m easy to bully!"

He regretted his words immediately, but with the situation as it was, there was no turning back. Ignoring the four young people, he summoned his inner power, ready for Miss Yue to make a move.

"If you’re unwilling, so be it. I don’t have to see it."

With that, Miss Yue turned and walked away. Uncle Huang and his companions exchanged bewildered glances—how different she was from the rumors! She neither seized by force nor acted unreasonably; if denied, she simply left, never coercing anyone.

In truth, the stories about Miss Yue were a tangled mix of truth and fiction. Though she showed interest in many things, she never forced others. Most were captivated by her beauty and her origins from the Underworld, often approaching with crude words or actions, provoking her wrath. Such people often died on the spot. Over time, rumors spread of her running rampant and taking what she pleased.

Miss Yue, trailing her white robes, gradually disappeared into the distance, Liang Chengjing and others hurriedly following. The crowd, seeing no spectacle, dispersed.

Su Mu craned his neck, watching Miss Yue vanish, feeling a pang of regret. After some hesitation, he hurried to the house where Mr. Ji was staying.

Since Mr. Ji’s return, the Night Guard had expanded their patrols. Those on duty spotted Su Mu early and quickly notified Black Crow, who led a group out to welcome him.

"You’re back? Good, as long as you’re safe. Come inside," Black Crow pulled Su Mu in, checking him over and giving his shoulder a firm pat.

"The master knew you’d return. Go on, there’s a gift waiting for you."

"What gift?" Su Mu was intrigued; apart from An Rui, he’d never received presents from anyone.

"Ha! It’s something good, no need for chatter." Black Crow refused to say more, pushing him excitedly inside.

Su Mu entered the house, first greeting Mr. Ji in the hall. Mr. Ji sat upright, accepting Su Mu’s bow before speaking:

"You are destined not to walk the ordinary path of cultivation. Only a trial like that of Asura will let you grow swiftly. But can you endure it? The Nether God’s Phantom Mind is exceedingly difficult. Once begun, there is no pause. If your heart is unsteady, the technique will surely fail, and you’d be better off returning home to raise a family. The path of cultivation would then have nothing to do with you. Have you thought it through?"

Su Mu was silent for a long time. Black Crow and the others grew anxious, and Mr. Ji’s expression darkened. Suddenly, Su Mu answered firmly, "I am willing!"