Anli Prepares to Borrow a Knife

Meng Anli shook her head, "No, it's all my fault. I'm the one who harmed A'Yao."

Lu Yao felt even more distressed. How much suffering has she endured to start speaking nonsense like this?

She gently comforted Meng Anli, "It's okay, it's all in the past. We'll get better and better from now on."

"Mm, we will get better and better," Meng Anli said, slightly loosening her grip on Lu Yao. She spoke earnestly, "A'Yao, in this life, I'll protect you."

Lu Yao looked at her, her eyes and nose tip red from crying, tears smearing the dirt on her face, making her look like a little stray cat. Yet, her gaze remained incredibly determined. Lu Yao felt a pang of heartache. Such a good Anli, to have her inner core lost because of that scumbag and that bitch's scheme. She had to find a way to get that inner core back.

Meng Anli saw Lu Yao's gritted teeth and knew what she was thinking. She pulled Lu Yao to a deserted corner. "You don't need to worry. I went to the North Sea to get Huan Dan Grass, and I'll grow a new inner core in the next couple of days."

Lu Yao asked in surprise, "Really? That's truly wonderful news."

"Mm," Meng Anli persuaded her, "From now on, don't get involved in my grievances with the Meng family."

Lu Yao refused without a second thought, "That won't do. We share the good and the bad together. Besides, I have Niuyang Mountain behind me. They wouldn't dare do anything to me."

Meng Anli recalled that after Lu Yao's death in her previous life, Niuyang Mountain had come to demand her. Meng Mingde, true to his word, with the help of her former fiancé, the Crown Prince of the Heavenly Realm, had annihilated Niuyang Mountain. She quickly said, "Niuyang Mountain definitely cannot get involved. Meng Mingde has gone mad. If anyone bullies Meng Shiwan, he will retaliate a hundred or a thousand times over."

"Little Anli," Lu Yao rubbed her face, "If Meng Xiuchen bullies me, my father will also retaliate for me. Moreover, right now, we are in the right. I want to have my father impeach him."

As soon as she decided, she took out her communication mirror, infused it with spiritual power, and called out, "Dad, Dad..."

Lu Zhiyuan responded quickly, "My dear daughter misses me?"

"Meng Xiuchen, that idiot, bullied me and bullied Anli..." She chattered on about what happened today.

Boom!

After Lu Yao finished speaking, a sound of shattering came from the other side. "What kind of scoundrels are those four from the Meng family? Wait there, I'll mobilize troops and attack."

Meng Anli quickly called out, "Uncle Lu."

"Ah~" Lu Zhiyuan immediately softened his tone, "Anli, you've been wronged."

"If Uncle Lu wants to get justice for A'Yao and me, please spread the word about what happened today to as many people as possible. The Censorate immortal officials will impeach him. Shall we use strategy, okay? I don't want Niuyang Mountain to lose a single soldier."

Lu Yao agreed, "That's good. Anli's brain is indeed much sharper."

Lu Zhiyuan was silent for a moment, then compromised, "Alright. Although this isn't as satisfying as a direct fight, I'll listen to you."

In the distant Northern Darkness, immortal mist swirled. Yun Jing lounged lazily on a recliner, stroking a small lion with his left hand and eating immortal fruit with his right. His thin lips were moistened by the abundant juice from a gentle bite. Acacia flowers fell with the breeze, drifting and scattering around him.

Yuan Tuo entered and saw this scene. He dared not look further; it was too captivating. He glanced to the side and caught sight of the water mirror in front of his master. The girl in the mirror, dirty and resembling a little stray cat, was Meng Anli. She was smiling, a cunning glint in her eyes.

"Does it look good?" Yun Jing's cool voice sounded, and the water mirror vanished. Yuan Tuo felt a cold breeze pass his neck, and cold sweat quickly broke out all over his back. He didn't dare to answer and hurriedly presented the invitation in his hand. "Master, the Western Buddha invites you to the Ullambana Festival."

Yun Jing took the gilded invitation and opened it. His eyes flickered, revealing a thoughtful expression. Yuan Tuo subtly observed him, feeling surprised. Is Master hesitating whether to go? Master has always disliked lively scenes. Moreover, the Ullambana Festival is no less grand than the Peach Banquet, with five hundred Arhats, countless Buddhas, and various powers present. And he's actually considering going?

Yun Jing tossed the invitation back to him. "Prepare some gifts." There were already many good things listed on the invitation for the Ullambana Festival. After all, he had been called "Master" by that little girl, so he naturally had to give some benefits.

The disciple residential areas of Xuantian Academy were divided into three tiers. The public dormitory had high floors, divided into small rooms, with four people in each.

The Shi Residence and Feng Zhai floors were slightly lower, with a quiet environment, and each room housed two people.

The Yi Residence had separate courtyards and distinctly different styles.

Meng Anli and Lu Yao were staying in the Shi Residence. Classes would begin in seven days, and their roommates on both sides hadn't arrived yet.

Meng Anli returned to the Shi Residence and sat on a meditation cushion. Following Yuan Tuo's instructions, she began to circulate the Huan Dan Grass.

She had already braced herself for the pain.

Lu Yao took out all the painkillers she had and acted as her guardian.

Meng Mingde, after finishing his official duties, exited the hall, preparing to contact Meng Shiwan using the communication mirror.

He had been too busy to escort Meng Shiwan today.

Now that he was finally done, he wanted to inquire about Shiwan's situation and show his support.

However, he keenly sensed that his colleagues nearby were all looking at him with strange expressions. They were whispering and occasionally letting out sounds of surprise or disdain.

He looked down at himself, finding no fault with his appearance, and was about to ask what was going on.

Lu Zhiyuan blocked his path with his sturdy frame. "Meng Mingde."

Meng Mingde frowned, looking at the burly man. "What is it?"

"Brother Mingde~" Lu Zhiyuan suddenly said sarcastically, "Truly impressive. It's one thing to be involved with a human, but to bring that little thing to Chongwu Mountain and even dig out your own daughter's inner core for her."

Meng Mingde was shocked. "What nonsense are you spouting?"

"As expected, like father, like son. You and your third son are equally afraid to take responsibility for your actions."

Meng Mingde glanced around. His colleagues had stopped talking and were all listening to their conversation.

He rolled his eyes. "Your daughter couldn't win my son's affection, so you can't just slander me without any proof, can you? Do you still want to be in-laws?"

"Bah!" Lu Zhiyuan spat at him. "Only a fool would want to be in-laws with you. Only an idiot would marry their child to your son. You neglect a pearl to dote on a dead-eyed fish – you're truly a brainless simpleton."

"You!" Meng Mingde's beard twitched, and the hand he raised to point at him trembled. "You're so crude!"

After his outburst, Lu Zhiyuan stopped looking at him and called out to his colleagues, "Let's go for a drink! We can chat about the latest news on Chongwu Mountain while we drink."