The County Princess Is Very Ugly

From Tang Yi's words and the County Princess's sudden appearance, Niu Youdao mused to himself, it seemed that Prince Ning and Dongguo Haoran were quite close! Could it be that Dongguo Haoran had served as Prince Ning's pháp sư?

Tang Yi then pointed to Niu Youdao and introduced, "County Princess, this is Niu Youdao. After Martial Uncle met with misfortune, he is the only disciple left!"

Shang Shuqing bowed again, "Greetings, pháp sư!"

Niu Youdao cupped his fists in return, "You are too kind, County Princess." He glanced at Tang Yi, wondering why this woman had brought the County Princess here.

"Junior Brother, you don't intend to keep our guest standing at the door, do you?" Tang Yi remarked.

Junior Brother? Niu Youdao's brow twitched. He cursed her inwardly, That bitch. She used to call me 'Husband' when I visited. What's the meaning of calling me 'Junior Brother' in front of outsiders? Am I so handsome and dashing that you feel like you're losing out by letting an old cow eat young grass?

He only dared to think such things, not speak them aloud. He quickly gestured for them to enter, "It was my oversight. Please, come in!"

After they entered, Tang Yi looked around and introduced, "County Princess, this is the place where Martial Uncle cultivated in his final years. Now that only Junior Brother remains of his lineage, alas!"

"It's tranquil and elegant, a fine place!" Shang Shuqing praised.

They took their seats in the pavilion in the courtyard. Shang Shuqing removed a long case from her back and placed it aside.

Tang Yi gave Tu Han a look. After he finished pouring tea, he left.

The two women chatted over tea. Niu Youdao remained mostly silent, partly because he was unfamiliar with the Shangqing Sect and didn't want to cause trouble by saying too much.

Unexpectedly, Tang Yi put down her teacup and said, "Junior Brother, the County Princess is here to see you."

"Me?" Niu Youdao pointed to his own nose, looking from one to the other, his mind a complete blank.

Shang Shuqing brought the wooden case to the table and opened it, revealing its contents to Niu Youdao. A long sword lay quietly within.

Niu Youdao still didn't understand. He looked at Tang Yi with suspicion, as if asking, Is this a gift for me?

Tang Yi explained calmly, "This is a sword that Martial Uncle gifted to Prince Ning when the Shangqing Sect received his favor. He once told Prince Ning that if he ever had a request within his capabilities, he would repay this kindness! Now that the County Princess has brought the sword, and Martial Uncle is no longer here, this debt of gratitude must be repaid by you, Junior Brother!"

"..." Niu Youdao was speechless. Are you kidding me? This is how it works? But he knew he had no standing to argue here. He tried asking, "How am I supposed to repay this kindness?"

Tang Yi replied calmly, "The County Princess is traveling with the Young Prince this time, and they are in need of a pháp sư to accompany them."

Repaying the kindness sounded simple, but Niu Youdao wasn't a fool. Another Young Prince had appeared. What was their status? Given the world's hierarchy, such a noble status would surely come with a pháp sư escort. The County Princess herself had come to collect this favor, only for a mere accompanying pháp sư? It sounded suspicious.

He looked at Shang Shuqing. She wore a veil, and he couldn't discern her reaction.

"This..." Niu Youdao said reluctantly, "Would it be appropriate for me to go?"

Tang Yi stood up and said, "Junior Brother, come with me."

Niu Youdao, full of suspicion, followed her.

Entering the main hall and proceeding to the inner room, Tang Yi suddenly turned to face him. "Our Shangqing Sect is a righteous and honorable sect, our word is our bond. There is no reason to go back on our promise. Martial Uncle made a promise to someone back then. If we break our word, wouldn't our Shangqing Sect be a laughingstock? Now that Martial Uncle is gone, if you don't repay the favor he left behind, who will?"

Niu Youdao sighed, "They want an accompanying pháp sư. What am I supposed to do? Do you think I can even be considered a pháp sư?"

Tang Yi said, "What is their status? Do you think they lack one escort like you? There are countless people in the sect who wish to be a pháp sư by their side, but they specifically came for Martial Uncle. What do you think we should do?"

Niu Youdao stared into her eyes and asked calmly, "Do I have no choice but to go?"

The look in his eyes made Tang Yi avert her gaze. "If you don't go, you will tarnish the reputation of the Shangqing Sect. According to sect rules, you will be severely punished!"

A hint of self-mockery appeared on Niu Youdao's lips. He smiled faintly, "It seems I have no choice. Fine, since it's a debt Master owes, I will repay it!"

Seeing that he had agreed, Tang Yi said nothing more and turned to leave.

The two returned to the courtyard. Niu Youdao accepted the sword, which signified his agreement. In front of the two women, he took the sword and drew out a section of the blade with a clang. The cold light was sharp, and the blade had intricate patterns, exuding a palpable killing intent and a chilling aura. He couldn't help but praise, "A fine sword!"

Near the hilt, the words 'Loyal Heart of Jade Blood' were carved. He didn't know if it was Dongguo Haoran's sword, but the inscription carried a touch of tragic grandeur.

After Tang Yi said a few more words, Shang Shuqing cupped her fists to Niu Youdao in thanks, "Thank you, pháp sư!"

Niu Youdao sheathed the sword with a clang and looked at her, "County Princess, you refused to show your true face from beginning to end..."

Before he could finish, Tang Yi suddenly interrupted with a sharp voice, "Junior Brother, that is disrespectful!"

"It's alright!" Shang Shuqing was forthright and generous. She reached up and lifted her veil, revealing her face.

Niu Youdao had some expectations, but after just one glance, his lips twitched involuntarily, and he nearly jumped in shock.

Judging by her voice and figure, her voice was so pleasant, her figure so graceful, and her demeanor so elegant, he had assumed that even if she wasn't a beauty, she would at least be presentable. To his surprise, her face was like a mask of yin and yang, with a large portion covered by a dark green birthmark. It was truly hideous, capable of frightening people even in broad daylight. He finally understood why she had been wearing the veil all along.

Tang Yi seemed unfazed, clearly having seen it before. She shot Niu Youdao a cold glare, as if to say, Are you satisfied now?

"My daughter's face is unsightly, I apologize for startling you, pháp sư," Shang Shuqing said with a hint of a smile, revealing her pearly white teeth, before lowering her veil again.

Niu Youdao felt awkward and cupped his fists, "It was my rudeness, County Princess. Please do not take offense."

"That's enough!" Tang Yi cut short their polite exchange. "It's late now, and traveling would be inconvenient. You should pack tonight and accompany the County Princess down the mountain early tomorrow morning."

"Understood," Niu Youdao nodded.

Tang Yi extended her hand and invited Shang Shuqing to leave with her.

Niu Youdao escorted them to the door. He exchanged a look with Tu Han, who was guarding outside. Tu Han then followed them away. The brief presence of people dissipated, and the usual quiet returned.

The peach blossoms still smiled in the spring breeze. Niu Youdao walked back to the peach tree and sat down. He drew out the precious sword in his hand. With a mere swipe on the ground, the sword's edge left a deep gash, demonstrating its extreme sharpness. He marveled inwardly, First the bronze mirror with hidden mechanisms, and now this precious sword. It seems the craftsmanship in this world truly exceeds my imagination.

He played with the sword, admiring it, but his mind was elsewhere. He was thinking about finally being able to escape and see the outside world. Yet, he couldn't feel happy. He clearly sensed that this trip was not as straightforward as it seemed, but he had no idea whether it was for good or ill.

He never expected to escape the Shangqing Sect's confinement in this manner.

As the sun gradually set, he lay beneath the resplendent, cloud-like peach tree, basking in the afterglow of the sunset. Though beautiful, he remained motionless, lost in thought...

Inside the quiet and deserted palace, Tang Susu sat cross-legged on a futon. Tang Yi entered gracefully, walked to Tang Susu's side, and bowed, saying, "Elder!"

Tang Susu asked, "Sect Master, has everything been handled?"

Tang Yi hummed in response, not saying much more.

Tang Susu: "Sect Master, do you think I've gone too far with this?"

Tang Yi: "I just feel that since the Shangqing Sect received a favor from Prince Ning back then, it should be the Shangqing Sect that repays it. Why push all the responsibility onto Martial Uncle Dongguo?"

Tang Susu: "Isn't he a disciple of the Shangqing Sect? Besides, it was indeed Dongguo Haoran who gifted the sword and made the promise back then. Now that Prince Ning's children are in trouble, it's only natural for the disciple to fulfill the master's promise. There's nothing wrong with it."

Tang Yi lowered her head, looking at the ground, and sighed softly, "They aren't fools, those siblings. Sooner or later, they'll realize Niu Youdao's capabilities by his side. By then, they'll naturally understand that the Shangqing Sect has been deceiving them."

Tang Susu: "So what? If they were truly smart, they would know not to come to the Shangqing Sect at this time, and not to make things difficult for the Shangqing Sect. Since they've come to our doorstep, as a reputable sect, the Shangqing Sect cannot go back on its word. We will naturally fulfill the promise. We've given them the person; what more do they want?"

Tang Yi: "But by doing this, aren't we essentially sending Niu Youdao to his death?"

Tang Susu slowly stood up, staring into Tang Yi's eyes. "Sect Master, you haven't developed feelings for him, have you? Sect Master, you need to understand one thing: you bear the great responsibility of revitalizing the Shangqing Sect. We old folks supported your ascension and have placed our hopes in you. You cannot forget the greater good for personal affections!"

Tang Yi shook her head. "Elder, you're overthinking it. He and I are only nominal spouses. We've only met a few times. Where would any personal affections come from? I just feel that what we're doing isn't the act of a reputable sect."

Tang Susu's voice became sharp, as if her tail had been stepped on. "That's all Dongguo Haoran's own doing. He knew that Prince Ning's actions had already incurred the wrath of cultivators across the land and that he would eventually meet a bad end, yet he still dared to exchange glances with Prince Ning. Back then, Senior Brother wanted him to take over as Sect Master, but several elders suppressed it. The facts prove them right. Now, look at Prince Ning's fate. If we get truly involved, do you think those people will let the Shangqing Sect off the hook? At this point, them coming to the Shangqing Sect is nothing but trouble for us! With the Shangqing Sect's current foundation, we truly cannot afford any more turmoil. It might even lead to our sect's destruction. As the Sect Master, you should know the gravity of the situation!"

Tang Yi calmly said, "Elder seems to have forgotten one thing: he is my husband in name. If he is sent out, and the news spreads, what difference is there between that and the Shangqing Sect being involved?"

As if realizing her outburst, Tang Susu quickly regained her composure and said lightly, "Child, you don't need to worry about this. I've already made arrangements. There won't be any chance of entanglement in the future. Your position is stable now; you don't need to leave any loose ends!"

Tang Yi was startled, realizing the deeper meaning behind her words. Her pupils contracted, and she stared at her intently