Chapter 19:Late Eyes

Elder Yuheng’s “reminder” was like a bucket of cold water, jolting Shu Yue awake from her attempt to resolve the issue with extreme measures.

She realized her actions hadn’t just failed to conceal her intentions—they might have attracted even more troublesome attention.

‘A misstep! An utterly foolish move. Calm down, I must calm down and devise a new strategy.’

Forcing herself to settle her mind, Shu Yue began analyzing the situation more rationally.

Qing Wan’s favorability had indeed skyrocketed, but the root cause was her own “special treatment”—whether it was her initial protection or later coldness, both had only heightened that sense of uniqueness.

And her sudden “favor” toward Chu Yi was glaringly out of character.

To break this deadlock, she needed to introduce a truly “normal,” socially acceptable variable to shift the dynamics.

As Shu Yue racked her brain for a solution, news arrived from the sect: the master of Miaoyin Pavilion, a sect allied with Canglan Sword Sect, was visiting with her prized disciple to exchange insights on music and swordsmanship.

Miaoyin Pavilion was renowned for its unique sound-based cultivation methods, its disciples skilled in music, with gentle and refined temperaments.

The pavilion’s master, True Master Miaoyan, a mid-Nascent Soul female cultivator, was on good terms with several Canglan elders.

Her disciple, named Wan Qing, was said to be a once-in-a-century genius of Miaoyin Pavilion. Not only was she exceptionally gifted in music and at the late Foundation Building stage, but her gentle demeanor and striking beauty had earned her fame among the younger generation of nearby sects, making her the object of admiration for many young talents.

Shu Yue, mid-sip of spiritual tea, nearly choked when she heard the news.

Wan Qing?

Another “Qing”?

And a gentle, genius archetype?

Was this cursed otome game world toying with her?!

‘Wait… Miaoyin Pavilion… Wan Qing… there was such a character in the original game, wasn’t there? Not a major role, maybe one of Chu Yi’s confidantes?’

‘But she appeared later and had little presence… why is she showing up early, and so conveniently?’

A bold idea suddenly took shape in her mind.

‘Maybe… I can use this opportunity?’

Since cutting ties with Qing Wan outright was proving impossible, why not introduce a more “suitable,” socially acceptable figure to divert attention?

It could appease the sect’s nosy elders and make Qing Wan back off.

After all, compared to a “cold-faced female elder” like herself, a gentle, genius young lady seemed far more… appropriate for Qing Wan, right?

Though the idea felt risky, it was the best she had.

Shu Yue decided to take the gamble.

The Miaoyin Pavilion entourage was warmly received by Canglan Sword Sect.

At the welcome banquet, Shu Yue, as an elder of a peak, was naturally present.

She paid close attention to Wan Qing.

True to her reputation, Wan Qing wore a flowing pale blue dress, her figure graceful, her face elegantly beautiful, with a gentle smile always playing on her lips. Her clear, bright eyes and refined manners exuded warmth, her voice soft like a spring breeze over zither strings, effortlessly winning favor.

Whether discussing the Dao with Elder Qingxu or conversing with other disciples, she was poised yet approachable.

Chu Yi, seated among the disciples, couldn’t help but be drawn to her, his eyes gleaming with appreciation.

‘This Wan Qing fairy is the complete opposite of Master—gentle as water, like a soothing spring breeze.’

Even the usually haughty Liu Qingxu tempered her arrogance in Wan Qing’s presence, though her eyes held a subtle scrutiny and comparison.

Shu Yue observed everyone’s reactions, her heart settling.

‘Good. The focus has shifted. This is the effect I wanted!’

Midway through the banquet, Shu Yue seized an opportunity, raising her cup to True Master Miaoyan and casually steering the conversation to Wan Qing. “Friend Miaoyan, your disciple has such cultivation and grace at a young age—a true blessing for Miaoyin Pavilion.”

Miaoyan smiled humbly, her pride in her disciple evident.

Shu Yue continued smoothly, “Jinghong Peak focuses on swordsmanship, but all paths lead to the same truth. If Nephew Wan Qing has time, she’s welcome to visit Jinghong Peak. Perhaps she’ll find insights in the interplay of music and swordsmanship.”

Her tone remained flat, but the act of extending an invitation was striking enough.

The banquet hall fell silent for a moment.

All eyes turned to Shu Yue in surprise.

The Luyue Fairy, famously unapproachable, was showing favor to a first-time acquaintance?

Wan Qing was briefly startled, then rose gracefully, offering a respectful bow, her voice soft and melodious. “Thank you, Elder Luyue, for your kindness. Wan Qing is deeply honored and will surely visit to seek your guidance.”

The legendary Elder Luyue was as aloof and ethereal as rumored, yet this unexpected invitation was a pleasant surprise.

Chu Yi’s eyes flashed with surprise, but he assumed his Master was simply recognizing talent.

Liu Qingxu’s gaze on Wan Qing turned deeply wary. ‘Another one?’

Meanwhile, Qing Wan, forgotten in a corner, heard Shu Yue’s words and lifted her head, her face draining of color. She stared at Shu Yue, then at the radiant, gentle Wan Qing, her heart gripped by a crushing pain that made breathing nearly impossible.

The Elder… had invited someone else to Jinghong Peak? Someone so… perfect?

So, the Elder wasn’t averse to closeness… just to closeness with her.

She bit her lip hard to keep from breaking down, lowering her head to swallow the bitterness.

Shu Yue noticed Qing Wan’s pale face and wounded gaze, her heart inexplicably stinging, but she forced herself to ignore it.

‘This is it. It’s working. Keep going!’

In the following days, Shu Yue deliberately cultivated an impression of “interest” in Wan Qing.

When Wan Qing visited Jinghong Peak as promised, Shu Yue didn’t act overly warm but didn’t turn her away.

She allowed Wan Qing to explore the peak and occasionally discussed the intersections of music and swordsmanship, though she mostly listened, responding briefly.

Once, in Qing Wan’s presence, Shu Yue accepted a handcrafted calming talisman from Wan Qing, saying faintly, “Thoughtful.”

That moment was like a poisoned dagger, piercing Qing Wan’s final defenses.

She watched Wan Qing and the Elder standing side by side—one cold as the moon, the other gentle as water—looking so… harmonious, so well-matched.

And she, like the dust in the corner, was insignificant, laughable, redundant.

All her courage, all her persistence, shattered in that instant.

She finally understood.

The Elder’s earlier protection was perhaps a fleeting whim.

The later coldness was annoyance.

And now, this neglect and contrast was her final expulsion.

Her feelings weren’t just delusional—they were an unwanted burden.

Qing Wan turned silently, never looking back, her straight posture carrying a lifeless despair.

Shu Yue’s peripheral vision caught Qing Wan’s departure, and she thought, ‘It worked… she’s finally gone…’

‘But why does my heart ache so much?’

Wan Qing, perceptive and kind, sensed an unusual tension on Jinghong Peak and a trace of… distraction beneath Elder Luyue’s icy facade.

She tactfully didn’t pry, maintaining her gentle poise, but her curiosity about the enigmatic Elder deepened.

Chu Yi approved of his Master’s interactions with Wan Qing, finding them “normal.”

Liu Qingxu, however, saw Wan Qing as a new rival, plotting in secret.

Jinghong Peak seemed to return to “normal.”

Shu Yue had successfully shifted focus, burying the old trouble.

She had, as intended, pushed Qing Wan away completely.

No one lingered outside the hall in quiet companionship.

No one stole fervent, devoted glances at her.

No one… would recklessly rush in to check on her safety.

Jinghong Peak was colder and quieter than ever.

Shu Yue sat alone in the empty hall, her fingers unconsciously brushing her lips.

There, a faint, illusory softness seemed to linger.

Meanwhile, Qing Wan threw herself into frenzied cultivation.

She avoided Jinghong Peak, steering clear of any chance to encounter Shu Yue.

Her love hadn’t faded—it was buried deep, alongside immense pain and inferiority, becoming the sole obsession sustaining her.

Grow stronger.

Only by becoming strong enough could she… cease to be so insignificant.

Only then… might she one day stand before that person, upright, and ask why.