Anli Faints, Whispers Resurface

Meng Anli flinched, crossing her hands over her head.

"Brother, I was wrong! I'll never dare to do it again, please don't hit me."

As her sleeves slipped down, some old whip marks were visible on her body.

Meng Liangmiao: "You..."

"These new injuries on top of the old ones," Lu Yao said, her heart aching as she grabbed Meng Anli's arm and cursed Meng Liangmiao.

"Meng Liangmiao, do you even have a heart? Anli is your own sister, and you hit her!"

"Don't..." Meng Anli grabbed Lu Yao's arm. "Don't talk about him, it's all my fault. Otherwise, when I get home, I... I... won't be able to live... cough~"

Meng Anli flinched violently, spat out a mouthful of blood, and fainted.

"Anli!" Lu Yao hugged her tightly, pleading with Meng Liangmiao, "It was my fault just now, I shouldn't have spoken to you. Please spare Anli, don't kill her."

The disciples cursed him indignantly.

"Is he even human? Beating his own sister like this."

"Has he lost his mind? He's so good to his half-sister, but treats his own sister like this."

"Did you forget how Anli was sent flying just now? If this is how she's treated at the academy, I can't even imagine what it's like at home."

"You! You guys..."

Even though Meng Liangmiao was eloquent, how could one mouth win against so many?

He left dejectedly, and as he passed a corner, a disciple stuck out a foot to trip him.

He stumbled and almost fell, feeling someone behind him trying to push him.

He quickly turned around, looking coldly at the disciple who was about to push him.

The disciple was not afraid of him and said regretfully, "Quite quick reflexes."

"Hmph!" Meng Liangmiao seemingly flew away in a rage.

But anyone could see that he was fleeing in disarray.

*

Yun Jing watched the medical immortal carry Meng Anli away, his eyes filled with complex emotions.

One could vaguely discern admiration, and some reluctance.

There was also a hint of vexation that made it difficult to make a decision.

He let out a soft "tsk~".

Creak~

The door was pushed open from the outside, and Yuan Tuo poked his head in, his eyes shining.

"Is Master also annoyed by these Buddhas chanting? The Ullambana Festival is over, when are we going home?"

Yun Jing raised his hand, and the water mirror disappeared. He looked at the dazzling array of gifts on the table. "No rush to go home, we'll deliver some things along the way."

"Great!" Yuan Tuo nimbly came in to pack.

As long as he wasn't staying here, he was fine going anywhere.

Yun Jing bid farewell to the Buddha.

The Buddha looked at him with a smile.

Yun Jing felt awkward under his gaze. "Just say what you want, I don't like your pretentious demeanor."

The Buddha was not offended and maintained his amiable, all-encompassing smile.

"Anli is a good child."

Yun Jing's eyes flickered with annoyance as he looked at the Buddha. "Since when did Buddha develop a habit of peeping?"

"It's not peeping," the Buddha said before Yun Jing could ask, "When you have free time, please consider my proposal carefully."

Yun Jing waved his hand. "Understood."

He and Yuan Tuo disappeared, and when they reappeared, they were already on the streets of the Heavenly Realm.

Yuan Tuo looked around. "Huh? Is this the south? Are we going the right way?"

After all, their home was in the north.

Yun Jing glanced at him. The look carried no pressure, but it made Yuan Tuo break out in a cold sweat.

Yuan Tuo reacted quickly. "Ah, yes, yes, the right way, the right way."

He dared not speak further, listening to the discussions around him.

"Really? How can someone have such a terrible brother?"

"He knocked Meng Anli unconscious in front of so many disciples. If this is how he is normally at home, wouldn't he be even worse?"

"Exactly, I heard Meng Anli had injuries all over her arm."

"We only saw the ones on her arm, who knows how many more are on her body."

"Anli, that young girl, she used to uphold justice, punishing evil and promoting good. To be treated like this now is truly infuriating."

"Meng Liangmiao is the Crown Prince's companion, often going on missions with him. Could he be a bad influence on the Crown Prince?"

Yuan Tuo was furious. "They dared to knock Anli unconscious? Do they really think she has no one backing her?"

Yun Jing, walking towards the South Heavenly Gate, heard him and asked, "Who is backing her? Is it you?"

Yuan Tuo sensed his master's displeasure and chuckled sheepishly. "You could say that. After all, I gave her the Huan Dan Grass. But she still calls you Master. Actually, the person backing her is you, Master."

"Heh~" Yun Jing's entire demeanor turned cold. "You're quite good at finding her a patron."

Yuan Tuo smiled.

Although his Master appeared cold, his mood had improved somewhat.

The Gong Cao on duty at the South Heavenly Gate was startled when he saw Yun Jing arrive. He hastily bowed, quickly arranging for someone to inform the Heavenly Emperor, while he himself led Yun Jing towards the Lingxiao Hall.

Along the way, he carefully plastered a smile on his face, trying to inquire about the reason for Yun Jing's visit.

After all, this esteemed figure rarely descended from his mountain, and hadn't visited this place in centuries.

Yun Jing's brows slightly furrowed.

The Administrator immediately shut his mouth and respectfully escorted him to the Lingxiao Hall.

The Heavenly Emperor came out to greet him. "Emperor Yun, it's been a long time, a long time indeed."

Yun Jing's expression softened, and he bowed to the Heavenly Emperor. "I've come uninvited; I hope I'm not disturbing you."

"Emperor Yun, what are you saying? Our South Heavenly Gate is always open for you."

The Heavenly Emperor led Yun Jing to the Jade Pool for a chat.

The immortal maids moved with graceful steps, like willows swaying in the breeze, lining up to serve them celestial nectar and jade dew, fine wines, dragon liver and phoenix marrow, bear paws and ape lips, along with pastries made from immortal dew, and freshly picked immortal peaches and fruits.

Before long, celestial music began to play.

Yun Jing ate slowly, admiring the flowers in the Jade Pool, listening to the music, and occasionally chatting with the Heavenly Emperor. He did not mention the purpose of his visit.

The Heavenly Emperor finally couldn't help but probe indirectly. "I heard that a young girl from my Heavenly Realm bothered you a few days ago? She didn't disturb your cultivation, did she?"

Yun Jing didn't rush to answer.

A celestial attendant seized the opportunity to speak. "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince and the eldest son of the Meng family request an audience."

Yun Jing raised an eyebrow slightly.

The Heavenly Emperor took in his reaction, likely understanding that his visit was related to this matter.

Whether he would protect Meng Anli or the Meng family remained to be seen.

He deliberately said, "Tell him I am currently entertaining a distinguished guest."

Yun Jing picked up a crystal-clear pastry. "Don't mind me. Perhaps the Crown Prince has something important to report?"

The Heavenly Emperor changed his tune. "Then let them in."

The Crown Prince led Meng Liangmiao in. They first paid their respects to the Heavenly Emperor. The moment the Crown Prince looked up and saw Yun Jing, his initial surprise turned into admiration, and he respectfully prepared to bow.

Yun Jing glanced at him.

The Crown Prince immediately understood. When he was out in the world, he disliked revealing his identity.

With Meng Liangmiao, an outsider, present, it was inconvenient to bow.

The Crown Prince reported the mission to the Heavenly Emperor, deliberately highlighting his own bravery during the demon-slaying and how much Meng Liangmiao had helped him.

Meng Liangmiao lowered his head humbly, secretly feeling fortunate that seeking out the Crown Prince was the right decision.

Otherwise, at the morning court tomorrow, if the censors and immortal officials exaggerated the story and tarnished his reputation, it would be difficult for him to be promoted in the future.

It was all thanks to Meng Anli's cunning schemes and the instigation of the Lu family father and daughter that the matter had become so widely spread.

When Meng Anli returned home, he would have to teach her a good lesson and make her realize her mistakes.