Hao Miaoling's face showed a trace of embarrassment at those words. She cast a glance at Han Xiao Zūnzhě, lowered her gaze, offered a respectful bow, and quietly retreated from the cave dwelling.
Han Xiao Zūnzhě spoke softly. "Han Lian, you do not seem to like that female disciple?"
Han Lian paused mid-motion with her teacup, then smiled faintly. "Why should I like her? Does Master intend to give me a junior sister?"
Han Xiao waved her hand dismissively. "No. I did not expect that your participation in the Five Region Grand Tournament would allow you to advance to the Divine Transformation stage. This far exceeds a normal cultivation pace. For the next fifty years, you should focus solely on consolidating your cultivation.
As for Hao Miaoling, she is a promising talent with a pure Ice Spiritual Root whom I personally selected. I wanted you to take her as a disciple, keep her by your side, and guide her."
Han Lian was momentarily stunned, then raised a hand in polite refusal. "Master, you also said that my advancement was too fast. I will need at least fifty years to stabilize my realm. How would I have the time to teach her? And that child clearly seems closer to you. I doubt she would be willing to acknowledge me as her master."
Her words were a tactful refusal. After witnessing firsthand the danger of evil cultivators, Han Lian's only concern now was that her cultivation was not high enough to deal with their potential retaliation. She had no intention of accepting a disciple.
Han Xiao was briefly surprised. Noting Han Lian's firmer attitude compared to before, she chose not to press further and instead changed the subject.
"Han Lian, you sent her away. Is there something important you wish to discuss?"
"Yes, Master. It concerns the Five Region Grand Tournament. The Shanhe Scroll of Huaxian Gate has been seized by evil cultivators."
After meeting her master, Han Lian also reported to the sect elders, handing over the compensation Huaxian Gate had prepared for fallen disciples and their belongings. The sect would handle the rest.
Their return stirred excitement in Jihan Sect for two days, but news of the tournament's brutality soon spread, filling the disciples with a sense of urgency. Everyone doubled their efforts in cultivation, much to the Sect Master's satisfaction.
The peaks that had lost their Yuányīng Zhēnjūn were particularly somber. Still, the Sect Master felt fortunate that both Han Lian and Han Xi had advanced to Divine Transformation. He even planned to hold a grand ceremony to celebrate their advancement, but both refused.
Han Lian said calmly, "Sect Master, I only survived the sealed land because of the sacrifice of countless cultivators. There is no need for a Divine Transformation ceremony."
Han Xi added, "I agree with Senior Sister Han Lian. Instead of spending spirit stones on a ceremony, they should be used to compensate the fallen. At least their sacrifices won't be in vain."
Seeing their firm stance, the Sect Master relented. Even he did not have the power to compel two Divine Transformation Zūnzhěs.
After the Sect Master departed, Han Xi turned to Han Lian. "Senior Sister, I plan to go into seclusion for a while to stabilize my cultivation. If you need me, come knock anytime."
Han Lian cared deeply for the junior brother who had fought alongside her to the very end. She reminded him, "Han Xi, after you enter seclusion, don't rush straight into meditation. Focus first on the Four Arts. You excel in artifact refinement, so improve that skill. Once your state of mind has settled, resume cultivation."
Han Xi understood her intention and nodded solemnly. "I'll remember your words. I do need to temper my heart first."
Han Lian sighed softly but said nothing more. After sending Han Xi off, she prepared to visit Yunxi and the others. Three days had passed, and she had settled most matters at hand. Now she needed to prepare for the journey to the Misty Snow Domain.
Meanwhile, on the guest peak, Yunxi regarded a cautious young woman standing before her with interest, smiling faintly.
"You are Han Lian's junior sister?"
"Yes. I am Hao Miaoling. I only just became a disciple of Han Xiao Zūnzhě yesterday and am unfamiliar with the surroundings. I accidentally trespassed here. Please forgive me, Senior."
At that moment, Yun Chen and Xun Kun were both meditating in their rooms, leaving Yunxi alone to watch the young Foundation Establishment cultivator. She did not believe a word of this so-called accidental intrusion.
Yunxi was sure the girl had a purpose, though she did not know whether it was aimed at her, Han Lian, or the others. She felt herself becoming overly suspicious these days.
As Hao Miaoling bowed again, Yunxi flicked her sleeve lightly.
"If it was unintentional, why would I hold it against you? Return in peace."
Before the last word faded, Hao Miaoling suddenly found herself standing at the foot of the guest peak. A moment later, the protective formation activated, sealing her out entirely.
A flash of unwillingness passed through Hao Miaoling's eyes, but she quickly replaced it with a flustered expression. She lingered outside for a long time, only to be startled when Han Lian appeared beside her. She hurriedly saluted, her movements clumsy.
"Miaoling greets Senior Sister Han Lian."
Han Lian raised an eyebrow, her expression calm. "Hao Miaoling, what are you doing here?"
"Please forgive me, Senior Sister. I accidentally trespassed and may have offended the esteemed guests residing here. I… I didn't mean to."
Her eyes reddened as she spoke, but Han Lian was unmoved. "No harm done. For my sake, they won't trouble you. Go back."
Without waiting for a response, Han Lian stepped through the formation and entered the guest peak.
Hao Miaoling bit her lip and returned to her quarters in defeat.
Yunxi had noticed Han Lian's arrival and watched the little drama unfold. When Han Lian reached the summit, Yunxi poured her a cup of spirit tea, smiling. "Han Lian, congratulations. You now have an adorable little junior sister."
Han Lian's lips curved faintly. "Master wanted me to take her as my disciple, but I refused, so she is now directly under Master."
"Tsk. That little girl has quite the mind. She used trespassing as an excuse to probe me. I wonder what she's after."
Han Lian had always been straightforward and unconcerned. "Don't bother with her. She's just a Foundation Establishment girl. What waves could she possibly make?"
Yunxi chuckled softly.
"Han Lian, you're getting careless. With her current cultivation, she indeed can't confront us directly. But don't forget she's your junior sister now, a new disciple of your master. Behind her stand two Divine Transformation Zūnzhěs. If she wishes to act, she won't need to lift a finger. She only has to invoke your names."
Han Lian froze. The words struck home, and she quickly discarded her initial dismissiveness. She cupped her hands. "Ran Xi, thank you for the warning. I was careless. Master's decision to take her in is not mine to question, but I will not allow her to use my name for her own schemes."
Yunxi slid the cup of tea toward her. "Are you planning to take command of a peak?"
"Yes. I used to think it was too troublesome, but with Master accepting a new disciple, it would be improper for two Divine Transformation cultivators to share a peak. I will choose a new peak to relocate to soon."
"Good. Once you settle in, we'll celebrate."
Han Lian nodded. "That's why I came today. I was hoping to invite you all to Jihan City tomorrow to purchase supplies for the journey."
"No problem. I'll inform Xun Kun and Yun Chen."
Han Lian lingered for a while longer, but Yunxi's warning weighed on her mind. Not wanting to give Hao Miaoling any chance to act under her name, she left the guest peak and went straight to see the Sect Master, then Han Xiao Zūnzhě.