Seeing how confident Ai Yueli was, Ye Ling finally let out a breath of relief.
Given his current strength, there was little he could actually do himself. Still, knowing there was someone who could truly shoulder responsibility eased the pressure on him immensely.
It really had to be said that the return of his Fourth Martial Aunt was a tremendous blessing. Compared to Bai Yiyi, Ai Yueli was far more reliable.
Although Ye Ling had yet to see her make a move, everything about her words and demeanor radiated self-assurance.
Someone who tread carefully and nervously while out in the world could never fake such calm composure upon returning home.
And besides, Bai Yiyi made for an excellent point of comparison.
After Ai Yueli's return, the already unreliable Bai Yiyi somehow seemed even more so.
So that was why she'd accepted me so easily?
Ye Ling glanced at Bai Yiyi, feeling both amused and exasperated.
Only now did he finally understand the excitement she'd shown when he first became her disciple.
"Master, there's something I don't understand. I ask that you enlighten me."
These were trivial matters, but there was something far more important weighing on Ye Ling's mind, something he needed Bai Yiyi to clarify.
"Hm? My good disciple, what is it?"
At his question, Bai Yiyi finally stopped pestering Ai Yueli. Her wine-red eyes turned toward Ye Ling.
"Master, you have so many magical treasures. Why didn't you lend one to me last night?"
Ye Ling's expression was solemn as he spoke frankly. "This may sound presumptuous, but today's battle concerns the Heavenly Gate Sect. I would have returned the artifact after using it. I was only afraid that if I lost, it might affect the Sect's future."
Ye Ling had always known that Bai Yiyi possessed valuable treasures. What he hadn't expected was how decisively she'd given one to Leng Qingqiu, yet when it came to him, she suddenly seemed rather stingy.
So despite how calm his words sounded, it all boiled down to just two words—jealousy.
"Eh?"
Bai Yiyi naturally couldn't sense that jealousy, but her sharp spiritual awareness still picked up on the grievance in his tone. She immediately grew nervous. "My good disciple, didn't you say last night that you could handle it?"
She wasn't trying to make things worse. Her mind was simply too straightforward. Since Ye Ling had said he'd be fine, she hadn't given it any further thought.
"…"
Choked by her response, Ye Ling was left speechless.
Thankfully, Ai Yueli stepped in. "Martial Nephew, the Sect Master's mind is pure and untainted. If you want something, just say it and she'll respond. But if you expect her to read between the lines, you might as well be flirting with a blind man."
Ye Ling looked at Ai Yueli's serious expression, then at Bai Yiyi, who still clearly hadn't grasped the situation. He could only nod. "Th-thank you for the guidance, Fourth Martial Aunt."
"My good disciple, if you want a magical artifact, just tell your master. I don't really have anything impressive on hand, but once your Third Martial Aunt returns, I'll have her forge one for you."
After speaking, Bai Yiyi puffed out her cheeks and turned toward Ai Yueli, asking indignantly, "Fourth Junior Sister, why do I feel like you're scolding me?"
Master, please be confident. She absolutely is scolding you.
Watching the scene unfold, Ye Ling's mood lifted quite a bit.
"I was disrespectful earlier."
Once his emotions settled, Ye Ling was the first to apologize to Bai Yiyi.
He didn't know why, but ever since Ai Yueli arrived, he found himself unable to treat Bai Yiyi as casually as before.
Could this be the pressure of a homeroom teacher?
Truly terrifying.
"Master, I believe what I truly lack right now are offensive methods. Artifacts are secondary. I ask you to teach me a technique."
After his battle with Leng Qingqiu, Ye Ling had done some serious reflection. He realized that his greatest shortcoming was his lack of attack methods.
Leng Qingqiu was female, which allowed the Mighty Strength Fist to unleash two hundred percent of its power. But if he faced a male opponent, was he really supposed to go fencing with them?
Moreover, he didn't have any sword techniques at all. The Small Formless Sword in his hands was nothing more than decoration. In the previous fight, he'd relied entirely on the Heavenly Fate Eye's predictions just to land hit after hit with the Void Sword.
Now that he had reached the Foundation Establishment stage, he felt it was time to learn something real.
"Leave this to me."
To Ye Ling's surprise, Bai Yiyi hadn't even spoken yet when Ai Yueli took the initiative. "I just heard the Sect Master mention that you have good talent. I've been free these past few days, so I can teach you some spell techniques. How much you comprehend will depend on your own fortune."
"Huh?"
Ye Ling felt this was somewhat improper and instinctively looked toward Bai Yiyi.
But what he hadn't expected was—
"You agreed?"
Bai Yiyi's beautiful wine-red eyes were now sparkling with excitement.
"That depends on his talent."
Ai Yueli said nothing more. Perhaps she found Bai Yiyi's overreaction hard to watch, because she turned and left at an unhurried pace.
Before she went, she said to Ye Ling, "After dinner, come find me at the rear cliff."
"Master, what does that mean?"
Once Ai Yueli had left, Ye Ling felt the heavy pressure on him vanish, and his tone naturally relaxed again.
"My good disciple, you've hit the jackpot!"
Instead of explaining right away, Bai Yiyi stared blankly ahead, as if rummaging through something unseen.
After waiting a moment, Ye Ling suddenly felt his vision flash bright.
A jade pendant floated before him.
"My good disciple, if you want something next time, just tell your master directly. There's no need to keep it bottled up."
A trace of reluctance flickered through Bai Yiyi's eyes, but she still firmly pushed the jade pendant toward Ye Ling.
"This is the protective jade my own Master passed down to me. You must take good care of it."
The pendant was carved with cloud patterns, its surface smooth and luminous. A faint divine glow shimmered within, and a soft, delicate fragrance drifted from the jade.
[Nine Heavens Jade Pendant (Unknown)]
[Description: The personal jade pendant of the Nine Heavens Immortal Maiden]
[Ability ①: Summon Deity — Activates the Nine Heavens Immortal Maiden's avatar within the pendant, capable of unleashing heaven-destroying power]
[Ability ②: Return Home — Instantly returns the user to the Heavenly Gate Sect; no formation can obstruct it]
[Ability ③: Amplification — Increases the power of all Taoist arts by 150%]
[Note: An item belonging to the Nine Heavens Immortal Maiden may invite boundless calamity]
Ye Ling was completely stunned. This jade pendant was practically the definition of invincibility.
He didn't know how strong the Nine Heavens Immortal Maiden's avatar was, but there was no way it could be weaker than Bai Yiyi, right?
But… could he really take it?
Seeing Bai Yiyi's rare hint of reluctance, Ye Ling hesitated.
Taking this jade pendant felt like taking away everything a little girl treasured.
Sigh… for the sake of those "boundless calamities," you should probably keep it yourself.
"Master, this is the protective jade Grandmaster gave you. You should hold on to it."
Ye Ling scratched his head and said, "As for magical artifacts, I'll just ask Third Martial Aunt once she returns."
With that, he reached out without hesitation and firmly pushed the Nine Heavens Jade Pendant back into Bai Yiyi's hands.