The lounge was filled with Xu Ming and those direct disciples who had come to persuade her.
"Li Yang, I hope you'll think this over carefully."
"Stargazing itself doesn't hinder cultivation; in fact, it can benefit it. But if you focus only on stargazing and neglect improving your cultivation, that won't be a good thing."
"I hope you'll conduct yourself wisely!"
"..."
After they left, Li Yang pressed her lips together and thought, Observing the paths of the stars themselves is a form of cultivation!
Yet she said nothing, because those elders and direct disciples would not understand.
When they observed the stars, it truly was only to assist their cultivation. But when she observed the stars, she longed to understand the truth behind their movements—and pursued it out of love.
"What should I do next?"
Li Yang pondered. *Maybe I should just admit my mistake and make an oath. With my talent, the sect elders surely won't do anything to me.
I can continue my research in secret...
On the surface, I only need to flatter them and become that likable Li Yang again...
Thinking about it carefully, do I really need to stake my future on this so-called research? Wealth, status, honor—for a genius like me, obtaining them is merely a matter of time.
Besides, my parents, younger sister, and younger brother all hope that I will rise to prominence and change their fate of being farmers and servants for generations.
Fate—*
Before she knew it, night had fallen. A thread of moonlight shone through the lounge window and fell upon Li Yang's face. She could not sleep, nor did she wish to cultivate.
As if possessed, she rose to her feet and lifted her head. Through the narrow iron-barred window, she gazed at the bright moon. At