Page 26

Ning Ning could neither eat nor sleep.

Although Ning Ning knew she was a villainous supporting character and had been diligently carrying out her tasks, those previous attempts had been completed in a muddled fashion, never causing any real harm to anyone.

But this time was different.

She had actually said such excessive things to a poor soul who was already so depressed he was on the verge of sudden death. Even the original text stated that after being mocked by the original host, Wen Hemian became even more insecure and gloomy.

He had clearly asked her so gently why she was crying for no reason and if she needed any help; he was clearly just a naive, sweet person who couldn't even tell when he was being mocked.

Moreover... she really liked the music he played.

To have said such terrible things to him—it was truly awful.

Having never been in a fight from childhood to adulthood, Ning Ning felt a pang of guilt. After much deliberation, she decided to become a cultivation-world version of Uncle Lei Feng, doing good deeds without leaving a name.

Wen Hemian lived alone in Qingxu Valley. He was not close with the other elders, and no disciples were willing to seek him out.

Having been alone for so long, while also enduring rumors like "useless person" and "a fallen genius," he must be quite sad inside. It was inevitable that he would feel insecure.

She decided to pose as an anonymous junior disciple and secretly write him letters of encouragement.

Within the Xuanxu Sword Sect, information was transmitted using Communication Talismans. Much like letters in modern society, they could be accurately delivered to the recipient, but if the sender did not sign their name, their identity would remain unknown.

This way, she could pose as a little fan of the Jiangxing Elder without any obstacles, comforting Wen Hemian during his most difficult time.

She really was such a clever little thing!

Ning Ning acted immediately. She grabbed a stack of Communication Talismans from her desk and began writing in a bold, carefree manner. To avoid being discovered, she even cleverly changed her handwriting.

She would bet a year's worth of pocket money that she wouldn't be found out. The Communication Talisman, as if sprouting wings, was instantly transported to the front of Wen Hemian's residence under the influence of spiritual power.

The reclusive young man had not received a message in a long time. He opened it with a face full of confusion, but after seeing the contents, his frost-like, cold brows couldn't help but soften slightly.

Written on it in scrawling, chicken-scratch handwriting were the words:

[Greetings, Jiangxing Elder! I am a newly joined disciple of the sect, and I have always admired you so, so much. If you can see this letter, I would be so happy.

I heard that you were injured in the great battle and are now in seclusion to recover. I don't know how you are doing, but I look forward to the day I can see you in person.

Please do not be sad. I, and many, many others, have never forgotten you. Although the Huishuang Sword has not been unsheathed for many years, the Jiangxing Sword Saint remains in our hearts forever.

Although my strength is weak, I will definitely work hard in my cultivation, even if only for your sake, in hopes that one day I can find a way to reshape your sea of consciousness.

And then, I will lead you out of Qingxu Valley.

Please, you must wait patiently for that day! I will work hard!

Also, please do not worry about my name. When the day comes that I fulfill my promise, I will naturally come to find you.]

The language was naive, yet every word was filled with the sincerity of a pure heart.

The young man's pale knuckles tightened over the paper, and for some reason, a low, hoarse laugh suddenly escaped his throat.

This Communication Talisman...

Those with profound cultivation can perceive the distinct spiritual aura unique to every individual. That girl surely never imagined that even though he had lost all his cultivation, he could still distinguish it.

The spiritual aura on the Communication Talisman was gentle and soft, yet it carried a biting Sword Intent. Even though she had been as subtle as possible in her letter, Wen Hemian could recognize the sender at a glance.

If he hadn't sensed that familiar aura and eased the restrictions within Qingxu Valley, this Communication Talisman would never have been able to enter in the first place.

And she even said she looked forward to seeing him in person one day.

She played the part well enough.

Wen Hemian had always disliked entanglements with others, but for some reason, he leaned down, picked up a brush, and used the Communication Talisman she had sent to write a reply—

As long as the same talisman was used, the letter would automatically travel to the sender's residence.

[I am unworthy of such misplaced affection.

Today, a disciple trespassed into Qingxu Valley. She wore a white dress, her hair was tied up, and a pearl hung from the sword at her waist. Judging by her sword aura, she should be a cultivator in the Golden Core Realm. I wonder if the little fellow knows her name?]

The other party was overjoyed, thinking she had successfully kept Wen Hemian in the dark, never imagining that she had already fallen into his trap.

Before long, she sent another letter back, still filled with her flamboyant, dancing script.

[That is Senior Sister Ning Ning, who serves under Elder Tian Xianzi. She is so fierce! We are all terrified of her! If she did anything today to displease you, I apologize on her behalf.

Don't mind her; her temper has always been bad.

Please, I beg you, don't be sad!!!]

The girl was even beating around the bush to apologize to him, even though she hadn't done anything wrong.

The young man's pitch-black eyes shimmered like fallen stars. He stared at the letter for a long time, his fingertips moving slightly as he began to write on the white paper with great seriousness.

So, that is her name.

For the first time in a long while, a smile touched his lips. He lowered his gaze to the handwriting on the paper and whispered the name in his heart.

Ning Ning.

Chapter 10

Evening, Lanyue Peak.

Before one knew it, the summer night had arrived. The dim twilight veiled the sky in flowing, colorful clouds. Beneath the fading sunlight lay the rolling, ink-black shadows of the surrounding mountains that touched the sky. Occasionally, a cool breeze would sweep by, carrying the long, lingering cries of cranes and a resonant, masculine voice:

"Pei Ji wins!"

Ning Ning, sprawled across the peach tree, heard this voice and let out a lazy yawn.

Much like the various academic competitions in the twenty-first century, the sects of the cultivation world also held unified tournaments.

Correspondingly, only disciples who performed exceptionally well within their own sects were qualified to participate in these inter-sect competitions—such as this time's Xiaochong Mountain Secret Realm.

The Xiaochong Mountain Secret Realm opened once every fifty years and contained countless precious spiritual plants and Devil Beasts. Whether for seizing resources or gaining practical combat experience, it was an excellent destination.