“Oh, it seems Peak Master Nan Xi recognizes this disciple?”
Elder Cigu’s curiosity was instantly piqued.
Nan Xi did not reply. He only gave her a deep look before shifting his gaze toward the entrance of the Sword Repository.
“Come in, Xia Xia.”
His voice was not loud, but Nan Xi was certain Xia Xia could hear him.
As expected, a small head peeked tentatively from beside the doorframe a moment later.
Although she instinctively recoiled slightly upon seeing the room full of Elders, the young girl took a deep breath as soon as her eyes met Nan Xi’s calm gaze, seemingly having made a great resolution.
Whoosh—
Like a small wild rabbit in the snow, Xia Xia slipped behind Nan Xi in a heartbeat, her small hand tightly grasping the shoulder of his robe as if afraid he might disappear in the next second.
At her appearance, the surrounding Elders were instantly startled.
Especially Elder Ashan; his honest and simple face was currently filled with shock.
“T-This uniform… You’re a servant? This isn’t a place you should be. Leave at once!”
His voice carried a hint of authority, as if he might reach out and toss Xia Xia out of the Sword Repository in the next moment.
“Shut up!”
Nan Xi barked coldly, forcing the approaching Elder Ashan back. His body tilted slightly, and with a subtle adjustment, he inadvertently shielded Xia Xia behind him.
“She is my disciple. Whether she stays or goes is for me to decide.”
As soon as Nan Xi spoke, a sudden stir broke out among the Elders in the Sword Repository.
Disciple?
Did Nan Xi just say—disciple?
“Heh heh heh, I did not expect her to be Peak Master Nan Xi’s disciple. To gain the favor of a genius, this child must surely have some extraordinary quality.”
Elder Cigu chuckled, sizing up Xia Xia with interest.
As a First-class Elder, how could she not see Xia Xia’s true strength?
At such an age, she had only just reached the Late Qi Refining Stage, barely touching the threshold of an Outer Disciple. From any angle, she could hardly be considered a genius.
On the other side, Xia Xia had never experienced being the center of so much attention. Hearing Elder Cigu mention her, she hurriedly shrank back another half-step behind Nan Xi. Her already petite frame now seemed even less conspicuous.
“She and I share a fated bond,” Nan Xi said nonchalantly, as if it were no great matter. “Furthermore, talent does not determine one’s final destination. I believe she can provide the answers I seek.”
“So that is how it is. This old woman’s eyes have been opened,” Elder Cigu remarked.
It seemed the matter had been moved past.
Nan Xi breathed a quiet sigh of relief. Fortunately, the woman had not continued to make things difficult for him and Xia Xia.
‘Could I really say I only took her as a disciple to waste resources? That would be too blunt. Also, Xia Xia, stop tugging. My shoulder hurts.’
Feeling a bit amused yet helpless, Nan Xi gently patted Xia Xia’s hand on his shoulder to signal her to relax.
Right then, Elder Cigu spoke once more, her words aimed directly at Xia Xia.
“Speaking of which, this old woman has a few questions for young Lady Xia Xia.”
Hearing Elder Cigu call her out by name, Xia Xia was startled, hiding behind Nan Xi and not even daring to breathe loudly.
However, Nan Xi saw all of this. He gave a faint smile and leaned against the armrest of his chair.
“Elder Cigu, it is best not to trouble my disciple. She is not good at speaking in front of outsiders. If there is anything you wish to know, you may ask me.”
“Oh, if Peak Master Nan Xi is willing to discuss it in detail, then that would be for the best.”
Elder Cigu nodded slightly. Her kind eyes suddenly sharpened, her gaze shooting toward Nan Xi like a sharp arrow.
“The first question. this old woman has heard that since Peak Master Nan Xi took office, you have not announced the start of any new plans or projects. Is this true?”
“It is indeed true.”
“Then the second question. As Peak Master Nan Xi surely knows, the [Tianhe Judgment] is approaching. The various peaks have all launched new initiatives, including the sword-forging at Tianquan Peak’s Sword Furnace. This old woman has heard that Peak Master Nan Xi directly halted their work and forbade the Elders from forging swords. Is this true?”
“It is indeed true.”
“Then that is strange. You have not started any new work, and you have halted the Elders’ spontaneous work. Peak Master Nan Xi, what is the reason for this?”
“Heh.” Nan Xi let out a cold laugh, looking calmly at the Elder sitting opposite him.
“If I remember correctly, Elder Cigu is an Elder of Tianshu Peak. To ask for such detail—are you trying to scout for intelligence?”
“No, no. This old woman has overstepped her bounds.”
“However, since Elder Cigu wants to know, there is no harm in telling you.” Nan Xi waved his hand dismissively, appearing as though everything was under his control.
“First, the reason I did not immediately issue instructions for the work at Tianquan Peak is that I have only recently taken office. My understanding of the peak is limited; launching work prematurely would likely lead us down the wrong path.”
“Second, the same logic applies to the overtime work of the Elders at the Sword Forging Pavilion. If we rashly change the original work plans just for the sake of the [Tianhe Judgment], the hidden risks behind those changes would likely accumulate and explode one day in the future.”
“As for the future, I naturally have my own plans. But unfortunately, I cannot discuss that part in detail with Elder Cigu.”
Seeing Elder Cigu nodding repeatedly, Nan Xi knew he had convinced her.
In fact, this explanation was not just for Elder Cigu, but for all the Tianquan Peak Elders present. Even if they did not believe him immediately, it planted a seed of trust for when he would control the peak and carry out his “squandering” work in the future—if anyone asked, it was all part of the plan.
“I see. This old woman understands.”
Elder Cigu nodded thoughtfully. Suddenly, she shifted the conversation, her gaze landing behind Nan Xi.
“Then this old woman might as well make a bold guess. Peak Master Nan Xi has been living in seclusion these past few days. Is that also part of the plan?”
“Yes,” Nan Xi replied with a nod. “I have been teaching this child to cultivate. Her progress has delighted me.”
“Then congratulations are in order for Peak Master Nan Xi.”
Elder Cigu smiled again, her expression remaining kind and amiable.
“Speaking of which, another question has come to this old woman’s mind. Where was Peak Master Nan Xi last night?”
“!?”
Nan Xi’s eyes narrowed, his gaze suddenly turning to ice as he stared at Elder Cigu.
“What do you mean by that?”
“No, no, this old woman is simply curious. Or perhaps… was that also part of the plan?”
In an instant, the temperature within the Sword Repository plummeted. A murderous atmosphere pervaded the hall, as if the very air had frozen.
Everyone’s heart jumped into their throats.
Countless eyes converged on the center of the hall, waiting for an answer.
“N-No…”
Suddenly, a crisp voice broke the stalemate.
The voice was so thin and weak that a slight tremble could be heard in the tone.
But everyone heard it.
Every Elder and disciple present clearly heard the girl’s voice, hearing her shout in a trembling tone—
“Master… he was with me all night last night.”