Chapter 19

Ling Qingxiao's sense of timing was indeed flawless. Exactly one incense stick’s worth of time later, Luo Han had her guest token, and was immediately escorted to class.
Luo Han had absolutely no foundation in cultivation, practically at the level of a complete beginner. Ling Qingxiao arranged several introductory classes for her—not very advanced but comprehensive enough for her to quickly understand this world.
These fundamental courses were typically intended for younger disciples, attended by large numbers of students at lower-level peaks. Although Zhongshan was referred to as a mountain, it was actually an extensive mountain range composed of a main peak surrounded by numerous hills and smaller mountains. Disciples usually referred specifically to the main peak as Zhongshan.
Luo Han’s classes were held at Red Maple Peak, aptly named because every autumn the entire mountain turned a brilliant crimson. This peak was low in elevation and safe, primarily used for beginner-level lessons.
Being relatively distant from Zhongshan’s core region, even sword-flying there required a full incense stick’s time.
On the way, Ling Qingxiao and Luo Han discussed her study plans. Ling Qingxiao said calmly, “Your priority is establishing a solid foundation. Combat techniques come later. You’ll start by learning 'Introduction to Spiritual Creatures,' 'Guide to Immortal Plants,' 'Geography of the Realms,' and 'The Complete Guide to the Immortal Clans of the Thirty-Six Heavens.' Additionally, history lessons on immortal and demon realms are essential. Begin with the recent Tianqi Era. Your geography knowledge is also severely lacking…”
Luo Han’s scalp tingled just listening to him. Right now, the two of them stood calmly within the sword's light. Ling Qingxiao, fully focused and serious, flipped through the class schedules. His slender fingers finally stopped, seemingly after great consideration. “Let's add another class, 'Geography of the Middle Eighteen Heavens.' That’ll suffice for now.”
Luo Han’s eyebrows jumped, unable to hold back. “That's all?”
Ling Qingxiao glanced at her. “You think it's too little?”
“No, no!” Luo Han felt chills just hearing the list. “I didn’t say that. This already sounds like way too much.”
Ling Qingxiao paused very slightly. Luo Han noticed immediately, an ominous feeling rising within her. "Wait...You're saying this isn’t everything?"
"These are just the theoretical classes," Ling Qingxiao explained calmly. "Practical magic training and combat sessions aren't included."
Luo Han nearly fainted. Angrily, she argued back, "This is way too much! I can barely read all these words! You’ve signed me up for so many classes—are you going to take my final exams for me?"
Though unfamiliar with the concept of "final exams," Ling Qingxiao understood without trouble, replying, "It’s really not that much. Just six classes."
Luo Han hated nothing more than the words "just" and "only." She was about to retort when suddenly a loud crash sounded behind them.
A violent gust surged through the clouds, scattering mist and knocking several flying swords off course. Ling Qingxiao quickly raised a protective shield. Amidst the swirling chaos, their sword remained perfectly steady.
Luo Han watched in shock as they were submerged by clouds. Droplets of water and ice struck the shield sharply. "What's going on?"
Ling Qingxiao’s expression darkened as he suddenly guided the sword higher, rising above the chaotic clouds.
"Yayou has escaped."
"What?"
"A ferocious beast imprisoned beneath Zhongshan," Ling Qingxiao said, his gaze piercing through the dense clouds. "The lightning tribulation damaged the main peak, inadvertently weakening Yayou’s seal. It's now broken free."
Thinking about all the disciples coming and going at the main peak, Luo Han’s brow furrowed. "The Administration Hall and Wentian Gate are on the main peak, along with many lower-level disciples. Won't they be in great danger if the beast reaches them?"
Ling Qingxiao turned his sword around, looking at Luo Han seriously. "I'm afraid I can’t send you to class today."
"At a time like this, who cares about class?" Luo Han urged quickly. "Hurry to the main peak and stop that beast!"
Ling Qingxiao accelerated several times faster on their return. Yet even at this speed, by the time they arrived, many buildings had already been damaged severely.
Luo Han helped a wounded disciple from the ground, quickly asking, "Where is the beast now?"
The disciple, heavily injured, pointed painfully southward. "It headed towards Wentian Gate."
Wentian Gate? Luo Han had a sudden flash of insight, remembering a particular scene from the novel.
No wonder "Yayou" had sounded so familiar—this was the exact plotline she had read before.
In the original novel, Zhongshan had likewise lost half its peak, allowing Yayou to escape. However, at that time Ling Qingxiao was trapped in the Abyss of Absolute Spirits, not present at Zhongshan. It was Ling Zhongyu who had led the disciples to subdue the beast.
Of course, a mere beast breakout wouldn’t warrant special mention in the novel. But that day, the female protagonist Yun Menghan had been left heartbroken after Ling Zhongyu chose his "sick" cousin over her. She went down the mountain alone and was intercepted by Yayou. She tried forming a sword formation with other disciples, but the beast broke through, holding her hostage. Ling Zhongyu rushed in at the last moment, firing an arrow right past Yun Menghan's throat into the beast’s heart. Though Yayou was subdued, Yun Menghan’s heart was deeply wounded.
Compared to the dramatic later events—heart-wrenching betrayals, miscarriages, and so forth—this incident had been minor, causing Luo Han not to recall it immediately. Now, hearing Wentian Gate mentioned, she realized today was the very day the romance between the leads transitioned from sweetness into tragedy.
Everything matched up perfectly. Ling Zhongyu had left halfway due to his "ill" cousin, while Yun Menghan went to buy a magical artifact alone, heading towards Wentian Gate. The only difference was that Luo Han’s presence had already changed events, bringing Ling Qingxiao out of the abyss in advance.
Ling Qingxiao quickly cast a healing spell on the wounded disciple. Noticing Luo Han’s distracted expression, he quietly asked, "What's wrong?"
Luo Han snapped back, quickly masking her emotions. "Nothing. Let’s hurry to Wentian Gate."
They rushed toward Wentian Gate, where the crowd grew thicker and more chaotic. Suddenly, the ground shook violently, followed by a deafening roar.
Yayou.
As Luo Han reached Wentian Gate, she saw Ling Zhongyu pull back his bow without hesitation, aiming straight at the beast.
Yayou was cunning, holding Yun Menghan hostage directly before its heart. Ling Zhongyu’s arrow flew dangerously close, slicing past Yun Menghan’s throat before sinking into Yayou’s chest. Luo Han gasped sharply, involuntarily touching her own neck.
Just watching hurt.
Ling Qingxiao also witnessed this and, cold-faced, could not help muttering in disgust, "Absurd."
Firing a Burning Flame Arrow directly at one’s own people—only Ling Zhongyu would dare.
After embedding itself in the beast’s chest, the arrow burst into flames, searing Yayou in agony. The beast roared furiously, releasing Yun Menghan and thrashing in pain.
Yun Menghan fell straight down with no way to cushion her landing. Ling Zhongyu instinctively moved to catch her, but just then, Su Yinyue screamed in apparent pain from the sonic wave attack. Hesitating, Ling Zhongyu stopped short, turning back to comfort Su Yinyue instead. In that critical moment, Yun Menghan crashed heavily to the ground.
She had already suffered internal injuries from the failed sword formation; now, struck by the beast’s sonic attack at close range, Yun Menghan spat out blood, trembling in pain.
Her neck burned and stung intensely, the thin cut radiating scorching heat and chilling cold simultaneously, as if at any moment it would sever completely. As Yun Menghan lay in agony, she raised her head to see Ling Zhongyu cradling Su Yinyue as though she were the one who had truly suffered.
Yun Menghan felt her heart turn colder than the wound on her neck.
Behind her, the monstrous Yayou opened its blood-soaked mouth, roaring furiously at the crowd. Driven mad by Ling Zhongyu's reckless attack, it was determined to slaughter everyone in sight. Yun Menghan, the closest, became its primary target.
She felt a gust of foul wind, thick with blood, bearing down from behind. Facing her, the crowd was filled with fear. Ling Zhongyu’s face instantly tightened, and he lunged towards her, disregarding everything.
But he was too far away; even moving at his maximum speed, he'd never reach her in time. In that final moment, Yun Menghan wondered bitterly—would Ling Zhongyu mourn for her if she died?
She closed her eyes in despair, thinking sadly that she wasn't as fortunate as Su Yinyue. At least dying in front of Ling Zhongyu would make her death worthwhile.
Just as she braced herself for the coming pain, a blast of chilling air surged from behind—clear, noble, unstoppable.
Yun Menghan’s eyes flew open. A blue, icy pillar lodged between the beast’s jaws, holding them wide open. Even from the ground, she could feel the biting cold emanating from it. Yayou tried to clamp its jaws shut, but before it could shatter the ice pillar, a sword energy surged forward, slamming into its head and forcing it backward.
Stunned, Yun Menghan stared at the figure descending from the sky, his white robes fluttering gracefully, pristine as snow. Ling Qingxiao landed firmly in front of her, his sword moves swift and decisive, driving the beast further back until it was at a safe distance.
Yun Menghan’s crisis passed in an instant. She gazed at him blankly, whispering, "Second Young Master..."
But Ling Qingxiao gave no reply—not even a glance in her direction. Having pushed Yayou away, he quickly stepped forward, engaging the beast at close quarters.
Ling Qingxiao cultivated both magic and swordsmanship. While magic excelled at long-range attacks and control, real killing power came from his sword techniques in close combat.
As Ling Qingxiao drew the beast away, disciples rushed forward to aid their fallen comrades. Yun Menghan was helped up by her senior sister, both of them covered in injuries. Luo Han ran over, initially planning to check on Ling Qingxiao, but seeing Yun Menghan's miserable state, asked sympathetically, "Are you alright?"
Seeing Luo Han, Yun Menghan’s expression turned gloomier. She silently shook her head. Luo Han glanced at the bleeding wound on Yun Menghan’s neck, hesitated slightly, then said gently, "You should tend to the wound on your neck. The Flame Bow’s fire won't heal without special medicine."
Luo Han only offered a kind reminder about treatment, deliberately avoiding mentioning Ling Zhongyu’s reckless shot. Yun Menghan and Ling Zhongyu were destined lovers; as an outsider, advising either reconciliation or separation would only bring trouble. Why meddle unnecessarily?
Ling Zhongyu and Su Yinyue approached. Ling Zhongyu first studied Luo Han carefully, his gaze probing and assessing. Only then did he turn to Yun Menghan, asking quietly, "Meng'er, are you hurt badly?"
Luo Han wanted to retort, "What do you think after shooting her yourself?" but restrained herself. Yun Menghan appeared extremely weak, raising her eyes only to meet Su Yinyue’s ambiguous gaze—a mix of smugness and disdain. Yun Menghan lowered her head further, softly responding, "I'm fine."
Seeing Yun Menghan’s reluctance to face him, Ling Zhongyu felt a pang in his chest and said sternly, "I was acting for the greater good. You must understand. I was sure I wouldn't hit you."
Su Yinyue quickly added softly from behind him, "Yes, Miss Yun, please understand my cousin. He acted to protect everyone."
Yun Menghan’s head dropped even lower. To protect everyone—or perhaps just Su Yinyue—meant sacrificing her. Luo Han raised an eyebrow at their words, scanned the complicated love triangle thoughtfully, then turned back to watch Ling Qingxiao fight.
Better look at something beautiful instead. Her vision was somewhat obscured by her veil, and Ling Qingxiao and Yayou were fighting further away, making it hard to see clearly. After observing briefly, Luo Han murmured, "He’s at a disadvantage fighting alone. Someone needs to distract Yayou so he can attack fully."
She naturally glanced at Ling Zhongyu, expecting him to step up. After all, Yayou escaping was a crisis for Zhongshan, and all disciples had a responsibility to fight. She thought her meaning was obvious, yet Ling Zhongyu stood motionless, indifferent.
Luo Han’s eyes widened incredulously. "At a time like this, you're still caught up in your petty grudges?"
"Mind your words," Ling Zhongyu replied coldly, speaking righteously. "Second Brother and I have a close bond. How could we have petty grudges? But as Zhongshan’s heir, I must ensure the safety of our disciples. Yayou is vicious and deadly. Sending our disciples forward recklessly isn’t bravery—it’s sending them to their deaths."
Luo Han stared at the disciples behind him. They already looked fearful, and Ling Zhongyu’s words made them even more hesitant. Each disciple she glanced at avoided her gaze. Furious beyond measure, Luo Han laughed bitterly. Nodding coldly, her white veil fluttered gently as she said, "Excellent. I see. The noble Zhongshan heir indeed prioritizes everyone’s well-being. You've enlightened me. If you won’t go, then I will!"
She shot them a freezing glare and turned, running swiftly toward Ling Qingxiao. Ling Zhongyu watched the veiled woman, beautiful beyond imagination yet determinedly concealed, rushing into danger. Despite having Su Yinyue and Yun Menghan by his side, Ling Zhongyu couldn’t help but call after Luo Han, "You have no cultivation! Approaching the beast is suicide."
"How is that your business?" Luo Han didn't look back, racing straight toward Ling Qingxiao. Midway, a barrier suddenly rose in front of her, shimmering with icy blue light, a familiar energy signature.
Unable to pass, Luo Han shouted urgently to Ling Qingxiao, "I can help you!"
Ling Qingxiao’s battle was growing increasingly fierce. Seizing an opening, he struck at Yayou’s eyes, temporarily blinding it. Then he swiftly turned, looking sternly at Luo Han. "It’s dangerous. Go back."
Before Ling Qingxiao had finished speaking, Yayou lunged toward him again. Luo Han watched anxiously from afar. Even the powerful dragon clan had needed to seal Yayou due to its overwhelming strength. Ling Qingxiao was at a disadvantage fighting it alone.
If only someone could restrain Yayou, giving Ling Qingxiao a clear chance to strike its weakness, the fight would be much easier.
Frustratingly, those with the strength refused to help, while those willing to help lacked strength. Because Ling Zhongyu didn't move, no other disciples dared step forward. Luo Han took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down.
Ling Qingxiao had explained earlier that cultivators absorbed spiritual energy from heaven and earth, converting it into their own power. Their cultivation was essentially about storing this energy.
But Luo Han herself was heaven and earth. She didn't need to store spiritual energy, as it was already a part of her.
Luo Han calmed her heart, entering the meditative state Ling Qingxiao had once taught her.
Wind and snow, flowers blooming and withering, energy flowing in one direction, time irreversible—these were the laws of heaven and earth.
And she was the creator of these laws.
Suddenly, Luo Han entered a deep trance. Colors, shapes, and scents vanished, leaving only energy and causality clearly visible to her.
Her finger moved slightly. A faint breeze seemed to awaken, swirling gently around her fingertip.