News that Meng Anli's inner core had recovered and that she had been accepted as a disciple by someone seemingly high in status returned to the Meng family together with Meng Zhao, the Meng family's second young master.
Meng Zhao questioned the Immortal Attendant, then headed straight for Meng Shiwan's courtyard.
Meng Mingde was coaxing Meng Shiwan. "Wanwan, at least eat something. You haven't eaten anything since you returned last night. Your father is worried about your health."
Meng Shiwan's eyes reddened. "Father, why does Sister hate me so much? Does she blame me for stealing Father's affection?"
Meng Mingde said hatefully, "It's because her jealousy is too strong. We held her in the palms of our hands for nearly seventeen years, yet we only treated you a little better, and she went on to do so many terrible things."
Meng Zhao walked over. Though his face remained expressionless, his tone was extremely gentle.
"Wanwan, don't make excuses for her anymore. Eat."
Meng Shiwan raised her head, a teardrop trembling on the verge of falling. She truly looked so pitiful that even those who saw her would feel tenderness.
She called out aggrievedly, "Second Brother~"
Meng Zhao's heart nearly melted. He walked over and rubbed her head. "I've heard everything. Our Wanwan has suffered."
Meng Shiwan nuzzled against his hand.
"Since you've heard it all, I won't repeat myself," Meng Mingde said, setting down his bowl. "Meng Anli has liked you most since childhood, and she has always listened to you. Go bring her back. We cannot let her continue being so arrogant."
"We need to take the soft approach." Meng Zhao told them about her being accepted as a disciple by an expert.
Jealousy flashed through Meng Shiwan's eyes, but she said aloud,
"I'm truly happy for Sister. She has been away from home for so long without returning; she must have gone to seek a master."
Meng Mingde slapped the table in fury. "How utterly disgraceful! She is far too bold, daring to take a master without permission! From today onward, don't give her so much as a tael of silver. Let's see how she survives out there."
Meng Shiwan hurriedly tried to dissuade him. "Father, you mustn't. If Sister has no money, she may go down the crooked path."
The crooked path? Meng Mingde's eyes shifted slightly, and a scheme sprang to mind. Yet there were things he could not say in front of Meng Shiwan, so he merely sighed.
"You are simply too kind."
After leaving Meng Shiwan's place, Meng Mingde told Meng Zhao, "Meng Anli has become even more cunning and scheming. Make up your mind before seeing her. Do not fall into her trap again."
Meng Zhao nodded. "I understand. I'll bring some medicinal pills."
"Mm. Once you find an opportunity, no matter what methods you use, bring her back first."
A venomous gleam flickered in Meng Mingde's eyes, his face twisted by hatred.
*
The headmaster arrived at the Gui Class courtyard in the afternoon.
The walls were mottled, dust swirled across the ground, and only some weeds grew stubbornly from the gaps between the stone slabs and the cracks in the walls.
He felt ashamed. Had he known earlier, he would have properly renovated the courtyard.
Now, he had no idea what Yuan Tuo, the Great Deity, would think upon seeing this.
However, the courtyard was much quieter than usual today. He slowly approached, wanting to hear what Yuan Tuo was teaching.
Once he listened, he became utterly engrossed.
Yuan Tuo was speaking of the creation of heaven and earth.
He spoke of the formation of the Seven Realms.
He spoke of the victor becoming king and the defeated becoming bandits.
He spoke of the tumultuous years.
He spoke of strange tales, customs, and local traditions from every realm.
Meng Anli was also spellbound. She had traveled from south to north in search of medicinal pills, believing she had already glimpsed the vastness of the world.
Yet the world she had seen turned out to be but a drop in the ocean.
The races she had encountered were also far too few.
It turned out that there were beautiful elves with pointed ears.
There were nations where women reigned supreme.
There were the Ten Kings of Hell, Ghost City, Demon City, and Monster City.
There were eighteen levels of hell.
There was a beautiful Dragon Palace filled with treasures.
She made up her mind.
After taking her revenge, she would find her mother, then go with A Yao to see these places.
She turned to look at Lu Yao, who was equally entranced.
Lu Yao turned back and smiled at her. Their unspoken understanding needed no further explanation; both understood what the other meant.
Meng Anli looked at Guang Ling. His eyes were shining brightly.
When the lecture reached his Dragon Palace, he nodded and softly told Mo Ziqian, "That's right. Everything he says is true. When you have time next, I'll take you there to have a look."
Mo Ziqian nodded, the smile in his eyes deepening. It looked far more pleasing than the smiling mask hanging on his face.
Yuan Tuo said from the lecture hall, "Class is about to end. I have finished telling you about the Seven Realms and the major events of the Seven Realms. Is there somewhere you wish to go, or someone you wish to become?"
"If you already have such a goal, then only your own strength can help you achieve it."
"If you do not, that is fine as well. I will not force you to cultivate. After all, whether you study or not has nothing to do with me. I am only here to teach Princess Anli."
Meng Anli said gratefully, "I feel incredibly fortunate to have encountered such a learned teacher. I will certainly cultivate diligently."
Lu Yao nodded heavily. "Me too."
Guang Ling curled his lips and voiced his opinion. "Swear to the death not to become a princess's study companion, right, Ziqian?"
But Mo Ziqian did not answer him.
Guang Ling turned to look and saw him lowering his eyes in thought, his expression conflicted.
Guang Ling did not disturb him. Instead, he took out a piece of candy from his sleeve pouch and ate it.
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