Chapter Fourteen: Jealousy

Yu Wenwen was a little annoyed; this fellow truly left her speechless. She was about to say something, but then witnessed a scene that surprised her.

The delicate young man walked over to the lifeless spirit fox and stretched out his right hand. The newly awakened kit looked bewildered, then struggled to nudge the spirit fox’s body, letting out a series of childish cries. Receiving no response, the little one slowly turned its head and softly called toward the youth.

Shen Yu pointed at the spirit fox and said, “This is your mother. Sadly, she’s gone. But you must remember her.”

Then he pointed at himself, “I'm not your father. You need to remember that.”

The young fox blinked its deep blue eyes, utterly confused.

Yu Wenwen watched the scene with curiosity.

Shen Yu stood up and explained, “To be honest, I don't enjoy playing the role of someone’s father.”

Yu Wenwen replied, “You’re an interesting person.”

Shen Yu laughed, “I’m glad you didn’t say I’m a good person.”

Soon after, Shen Yu found a small stream near the edge of the forest and sat beside it, washing the blood off his body.

Yu Wenwen, meanwhile, bathed the young fox on the other side. The little creature was obedient, but its head kept turning toward Shen Yu. Its pointed ears stood upright, fearful that he might disappear.

After half an hour, Shen Yu emerged from the stream, and the tiny kit clung closely to his feet, occasionally biting the hem of his trousers to remind him not to forget it. Yet the kit was so small that after a few steps, it would tumble headlong, then scramble up to continue following.

Yu Wenwen watched this, laughing, “It seems quite fond of you.”

Shen Yu, thinking of someone, murmured, “Here we go again, another one.”

...

At the foot of the mountain, many people had gathered.

A long time had passed; Ye Zhiqiu and Shang Yingluo had already descended, but Shen Yu was nowhere to be seen.

Could Shen Yu have reached the summit? The pressure at the foot of the mountain was already overwhelming for many—what must it be like at the peak?

Yan Qingshu furrowed her brows, faint worry showing on her face, wondering if she should go up to look.

Shang Yingluo, carefree as ever, sat cross-legged at the back of the crowd, constantly rubbing her stomach, feeling a little hungry.

She didn’t believe Shen Yu would be in danger from the spiritual treasure’s pressure atop the mountain.

This experience at the Treasure Divide Cliff had also attracted the attention of several senior brothers from the Pure Law Hall. In the distance, three or five stood beneath a towering pine, their expressions cold and stern, dressed in deep blue robes.

Among them, one wore a crescent-shaped crown and flowing sleeves, his handsome face marked with pride—naturally the center of any crowd.

Whispers spread: this was the famed Chen Jianzhi, the hall master’s direct disciple and a renowned prodigy.

His status was exalted; the Pure Law Hall master oversaw disciplinary affairs in the Dao Sect, and Chen Jianzhi, his disciple, barely in his twenties, had already taken charge of supervising the younger disciples.

A true dragon among men.

Yet, the reasons for such a figure's presence here remained unknown.

Suddenly, someone cried out, and all eyes followed their gaze.

Shen Yu appeared on the stone steps at the mountain’s base, but the surprise was not for the delicate youth, but for the stunning woman in red beside him.

The peerless beauty held a white spirit fox in her arms.

A breeze stirred her dark hair, her red dress fluttering like an immortal descending to the mortal realm.

The disciples were transfixed.

The girls’ eyes brimmed with admiration and longing, while the boys glanced at Shen Yu, some jealous, some respectful, but most simply envious.

Yan Qingshu, from the Truth Hall herself, knew her junior sister Yu’s temperament well; even she couldn’t hide her astonishment at the sight.

In the distance, the handsome man’s expression grew darker, cold as frost.

...

Yu Wenwen glanced at the crowd not far off. “You’re quite popular.”

Shen Yu replied, “But I’m not their focus.”

Yu Wenwen smiled, saying nothing. After all these years, she was used to such scenes. She handed the spirit fox to him.

Shen Yu took it, walking side by side with her.

This drew another round of exclamations.

“Did you see that? Senior Sister Yu actually gave a spirit fox to that kid!”

“What does that mean—an offering of affection? How could this be...”

“Why not? The Dao Sect never forbade disciples from becoming Dao partners. Even among the Seven Peaks, there are quite a few.”

Yu Wenwen, being highly cultivated, naturally heard the chatter. Even her calm temperament was tinged with embarrassment and annoyance.

“I’m leaving now. If you need anything, come find me at the Truth Hall.” Reaching the foot of the mountain, she left a word and turned away.

Shen Yu watched her tall figure recede, then gently stroked the spirit fox’s fur, murmuring, “You should be following her.”

“Woo.”

The spirit fox cried, somewhat confused.

“Shen Yu, where did you get this little one? It’s adorable.”

Shang Yingluo ran over, taking the spirit fox from Shen Yu’s arms and rubbing its soft fur energetically.

Suddenly, the once calm spirit fox trembled all over, curling up into a ball and shivering.

Shen Yu paid it no mind, just glancing around and finally noticing the odd atmosphere.

“Why is everyone staring at me?”

“What does Uncle Yan’s look mean? Approval and encouragement?”

“And that guy way over there, so striking and elegant—why the sour face? Do I owe him money?”

...

Night deepened, but the crowd remained restless.

At the mountain’s foot, several bonfires flickered as people gathered in small groups to meditate and cultivate. With a month left before the Treasure Divide Cliff opened, none wished to return to Verdant Terrace.

Shen Yu sat some distance from the others, idly turning a three-feathered brocade pheasant in his hand—a common spirit beast with a touch of spiritual energy. His culinary skills were excellent, and soon a tantalizing aroma wafted through the air.

Though many had already reached the Dao realm, some living in seclusion for years, their eyes were still drawn by the scent.

This youth was more earnest about roasting chicken than he ever was about cultivation.

Shang Yingluo was chasing the little spirit fox, and by now had already named it “Flatbread.”

The girl firmly believed that tasty names made for good pets, and after brief contact, the spirit fox’s fear vanished, happily playing along behind her.

In the distance, the senior brothers from the Pure Law Hall remained.

Chen Jianzhi had watched all afternoon. Now, seeing Shen Yu leisurely roasting chicken, his face grew even darker. He clenched his fists and strode over.

...

The firelight danced.

Shen Yu looked up. Most striking was the silver-lit Dao crown atop the other’s head, followed by his handsome, somber face.

Shen Yu felt the hostility; he’d encountered it many times over the years.

He wondered whether to greet this man.

The handsome man spoke, “You are Shen Yu?”

Shen Yu sighed inwardly, knowing what lines would follow.

The man said coldly, “Stay away from her.”

He looked down at the youth with pride. “My name is Chen Jianzhi, from the Pure Law Hall’s Enforcement Pavilion.”

Shen Yu sighed again, gazing up at the starry sky, thinking how these clichéd scenes, even after three thousand years, remained tiresome.