DTSFCII Chapter 2

After finishing her meal, Xue Qing took the initiative to suggest going out for a walk. Her main intention was to personally observe the environment of the Lingyu Sect. Naturally, Liu Ying, this well-known clingy character who wouldn’t leave Xue Qing’s side even until death, had to accompany her. Originally, they thought that without her martial arts skills, Xue Qing would surely be seeking death or struggling to survive. However, they didn’t expect her to be in the mood to come out and enjoy the sun. Fang Yun was both surprised and delighted, setting aside her current duties, she joined Xue Qing for a stroll.

Fang Yun and Liu Ying were the closest people to Xue Qing, which made her a little nervous. She knew that her actions couldn’t be identical to the original Xue Qing, and it would definitely create a sense of discord for them. Of course, their imagination couldn’t possibly conceive of the idea of soul transmigration. They would only assume that her martial arts were disabled and that she had suffered a blow, perhaps driving her insane.

Lingyu Sect was established on Lingyu Mountain. The founder of the sect instantly fell in love with this vast land filled with earthly energy. The mountain enjoyed spring-like weather all year round, without cloudy days. Even when it rained, it was a sunny day. It had to be said that it was a fantastic place that even immortals would envy. Xue Qing leaned against the railing and took a deep breath. She had never experienced such fresh air in the city. On the opposite side, there were dozens of young boys and girls practicing swordplay. Upon seeing Xue Qing and Fang Yun, they ran over under the guidance of an older male disciple and respectfully greeted, “Esteemed Sect Leader, Grand Martial Aunt, Martial Uncle Liu Ying.”

Xue Qing glanced to her left and then to her right. Fang Yun was the sect leader, and Liu Ying was the martial uncle. That phrase “Grand Martial Aunt” couldn’t possibly be referring to her, right?!

Fang Yun nodded with satisfaction and turned to the older male disciple, “Sun Fang, it has been four years since this group of junior disciples joined the sect. I observed their swordsmanship just now, and it displayed proper form and technique. You have taught them well.”

“Yes, I faithfully follow the teachings of the sect master. They diligently practice their basic skills without slacking off, and they have completed learning the foundational sword techniques,” Sun Fang respectfully replied.

This person had an unremarkable appearance, a minor character with minimal description in the book. Xue Qing, on the other hand, envied this kind of ordinary person. Although their life may not be exciting, at least they wouldn’t meet a tragic end. Fortunately, Xue Qing still remembered the name of the person who would eventually decapitate her, Xiao Guiying. He should still be the Master of the Eastern Qi Pavilion. She held a glimmer of hope that she could still alter the circumstances before he meets the female lead.

Seeing Xue Qing lost in thought, Fang Yun tugged at her arm and said, “Sun Fang has always been obedient since childhood. You always bully him, but now he has become an outstanding disciple. You should praise him too.”

“Very well, keep up the good work. The future of Lingyu Sect relies on all of you,” Xue Qing said while patting Sun Fang on his broad shoulders.

Sun Fang was instantly dumbfounded. Fang Yun and Liu Ying also looked at Xue Qing with surprise. Xue Qing was known for being sharp-tongued but kind-hearted. She was proud and disliked people with mediocre talents. Even if it was for Fang Yun’s sake, at most she would give a haughty nod. Such a kind gesture, if Sun Fang were a bit smarter, he would start to suspect that she was using the Bone-Softening Cotton Palm technique.

Xue Qing also realized that she had been too approachable. She cleared her throat softly and tilted her head back at a forty-five-degree angle, gazing at the vast sky above. With a slight frown, she lamented to herself, “I nearly lost my life this time. At the brink of death’s door, the images of my fellow martial siblings appeared in my mind. After living for twenty years, I finally understood that martial arts, no matter how high, are merely external. It is the mutual support and radiance of our sect that truly matter.”

Before Xue Qing could finish speaking, Fang Yun began wiping away tears and said, “If you can think like this, my heart, as your senior martial sister, can finally be at ease.”

“Martial Aunt, do you really think that way?” Liu Ying’s expression, however, was not one of joy. Having followed Xue Qing since childhood, he was caught off guard by her sudden change in attitude towards life.

“Liu Ying, you’re still young. I’ve figured everything out this time,” Xue Qing shook her head and said to Liu Ying. She felt it was unnecessary to say more. Instead of trying to cater to others’ thoughts, it was better to let everyone guess her intentions.

“It’s good that Qing’er is awake. I have something more important to say,” Fang Yun interrupted their conversation, shifting the topic to a direction that interested her more. “Junior Sister, do you still remember the senior disciple of the Wudang Sect, Qiao Yijun, whom I mentioned to you? He has a handsome appearance and has inherited the true teachings of the Daoist of Worries. He would be the most suitable future husband for you.”

Xue Qing instantly felt as if she had been struck by lightning. The plump and gentle appearance of Fang Yun had deceived her, making her forget Fang Yun’s sharp and decisive nature. The greatest joy of her later years as the sect leader was to meddle in her lifelong affairs!

“Sect Leader, isn’t he already betrothed to Cheng Ling, the only daughter of the Xilin Pavilion’s master?” Liuying calmly added.

“I heard yesterday that Qiao Yijun broke off the engagement with Pavilion Master Cheng. Pavilion Master Cheng was furious, but fortunately, Cheng Ling intervened and settled the matter.” Fang Yun’s demeanor at this moment was no different from that of an ordinary housewife. “Cheng Ling has an exceptional family background and appearance. I wonder why Qiao Yijun decided to call off the engagement. In any case, now that their engagement is off, Qing’er, you can reconsider.”

Xue Qing’s body had already entered a petrified state. She leaned on the railing with one hand, shifting her weight: “If Qiao Yijun can withdraw from Cheng Ling’s marriage proposal, he can also withdraw from mine. I don’t want to become a laughingstock.”

“How are you the same as her? Perhaps Young Master Qiao will be captivated by you.” Fang Yun continued to paint an impossible future persistently.

Sun Fang stood at the side, his expression filled with bewilderment. As a junior, he couldn’t interrupt, but his sympathetic gaze had already betrayed his kind-hearted nature. Liu Ying was no longer surprised by Feng Yun’s peculiarities; in fact, he would assist her in gathering information on eligible young talents. After all, whoever caught Xue Qing’s eye would be better than that devil from the desolate wasteland.

“Senior Sister, please don’t get too worked up. I think it’s better to consider this matter carefully. Marriage is a serious affair and shouldn’t be taken lightly,” Xue Qing tried to find a way to evade.

“I have already made an appointment with Young Master Qiao to discuss countermeasures against the demons of the desolate wasteland. He should be coming to Lingyu Sect tomorrow. Prepare yourself.” said Fang Yun in a tone that brooked no argument. In most matters, she would go along with Xue Qing, but when it came to arranging blind dates, she was always firm and decisive, leaving no room for defense. “I have already ordered a new set of clothes from the embroidery workshop. Young Master Qiao has a refined temperament, so we must cater to his preferences.”

“Senior Sister, I don’t…”

“Liu Ying, take Qing’er back to rest. Her complexion has worsened after being unconscious for a few days. We need to restore her energy before Young Master Qiao arrives.” Fang Yun is fully immersed in the joy of arranging her marriage, completely disregarding what Xue Qing is saying. She urges Liu Ying to take Xue Qing back to the room. Liu Ying, who always follows Xue Qing’s wishes, only gazes at her, waiting for her instructions.

Xue Qing sighed, knowing that she couldn’t win against Fang Yun on this issue. Even if she managed to avoid tomorrow’s meeting, Fang Yun would come up with all sorts of peculiar reasons to bring Qiao Yijun to Lingyu. It was better to go along with Fang Yun’s wishes. After all, Qiao Yijun had feelings for someone else and would not be interested in her. It was best for everyone to part ways amicably.

“Fine, seeing each other once won’t hurt,” Xue Qing said helplessly.

“That’s right. I’ll have someone from the embroidery workshop expedite the work and deliver the clothes to your room tomorrow morning. Make sure to improve your complexion, I’ll have the kitchen prepare your favorite dishes,” Fang Yun said, gently pinching Xue Qing’s cheek.

“Mm, I’ll go back to my room first,” Xue Qing replied weakly.

“Take care, Martial Aunt. Take care, Senior Brother Liu Ying,” Sun Fang immediately spoke respectfully, thinking to himself as he lowered his head, Martial Aunt Xue Qing isn’t as overbearing as before, after waking up. It would be great if things could stay this way in the future.

Liu Ying followed Xue Qing back to the room. Although Xue Qing knew that Liu Ying was the designated tag-along in the original work, she still felt uneasy having a man follow her into her bedroom. After lying on the exquisite bed for a while, she occasionally caught sight of Liu Ying’s figure, which seemed eye-catching and awkward at the same time. Feeling a bit embarrassed, Xue Qing suddenly felt thirsty and reached out her hand, only to find that the tea was already in front of her, held by Liu Ying’s hands. Xue Qing hesitated for a moment before accepting the tea. Her gaze briefly shifted to Liu Ying’s hands, fair and slender, but calloused at the joints and knuckles, indicating that they belonged to someone who practiced martial arts. Xue Qing then looked at her own hands, which were no less calloused than Liu Ying’s. Just from looking at the back of her hands, one would think she was a well-groomed young lady, but flipping them over would reveal the thick calluses left from gripping weapons all day long. Indeed, Xue Qing had put effort into her martial arts skills, but unfortunately, her obsession with the male lead had cost her everything.

Seeing Xue Qing staring at her own hands in a daze, Liu Ying sensitively sensed what she was thinking. The slight doubt in his heart was replaced by a feeling of heartache. Standing by Xue Qing’s side, he softly said, “It’s just scattered internal energy. We can retrain, I will help you.” Of course, he knew that even saying this wouldn’t comfort Xue Qing much. She had been practicing martial arts since she could walk, and she had put in so much effort over the past twenty years to achieve her current accomplishments. To have it all disappear overnight was a devastating blow that anyone would find difficult to endure.

What is internal energy? Xue Qing, who traveled through time, didn’t know, but she knew that Liu Ying had misunderstood and felt distressed on her behalf. Seeing his handsome face filled with concern, she couldn’t bear to let him worry, so she smiled and said to him, “I’m fine, don’t worry.”

“Yes, I know Martial Aunt has always been resilient,” Liu Ying also smiled and replied. For that devil, not only had her martial arts crippled, but even if she had to die, she would do so willingly. That’s what Liu Ying thought in his heart.

Liu Ying sat on a chair and gently wiped his sword with a piece of sheepskin brought by the female disciple serving in the room. His graceful movements combined with his handsome face created a pleasing sight. Those who are skilled in swordsmanship view the sword as their life, and Xue Qing understood that. Before transmigrating, when she wore glasses, she would clean them every day. Now, not only had her nearsightedness disappeared, but her vision had become even clearer and she could see further than that of an average person. Although Xue Qing had lost her internal energy, her heightened senses developed since childhood remained intact. With a casual glance, she could clearly see Liu Ying’s bowed figure. This further strengthened her belief that the Xue Qing in the original work was unreasonable. She had such a beautiful person by her side, yet she insisted on pursuing the cold-hearted Big Grey Wolf. Who said she was a martial arts prodigy? She was simply a representation of high IQ and low EQ.

Liu Ying sensed Xue Qing’s gaze. As a woman who never parted with her sword, he thought his sword had touched a chord in Xue Qing’s heart. After he put away his sword, he said, “When I arrived, you were already unconscious, and your sword was broken. Let me accompany you to the armory to choose another one.”

Xue Qing couldn’t even handle a kitchen knife properly, so why would she use a sword? She shook her head and said, “No need, I don’t feel like wielding a sword right now.” Besides, Liu Ying’s martial arts skills are not bad either. With him by her side, why would she need a sword?

“Understood.” Liu Ying remained silent for a moment and then spoke with a determined resolve, “When I went there, I didn’t see Yan Ming’s figure. He must have already left, leaving you unconscious…”

If it were the Xue Qing from the original work, she would definitely be furious at this moment. She would not allow anyone to “sow discord” in her relationship with her beloved. Liu Ying is most afraid of Xue Qing getting angry, so he carefully considered his words before speaking, hoping to reveal Yan Ming’s true nature in front of Xue Qing.

As a dedicated reader who has been following the series, the name Yan Ming meant nothing more to Xue Qing than representing the male lead. The idea that the male lead belongs to the female lead is deeply ingrained in her mind. As a supporting character, she knows her place and should never compete with the female lead for a man.

“It was my momentary confusion. I won’t have any further involvement with him. You should also act as if you’ve never seen him,” Xue Qing said to Liu Ying.

“Yes.” Liu Ying responded, no longer looking at Xue Qing. She would always say such words to ensure his secrecy, but in truth, if she asked him to, he would willingly cut off his own tongue without complaint.

Liu Ying’s gaze shifted away, allowing Xue Qing to directly scrutinize him. The original Xue Qing wouldn’t have been so awkward in his presence. She needs to adapt quickly.