After everyone’s tasks were decided, Yu Yi glanced over each face, noticing that Chi Ming was biting her lip slightly, as if she had something to say.
“Chi Ming, if you have something to say, just say it.”
Yu Yi permitted.
“Master… since you said just now that my identity is special and many people covet it, why not let me go with you to Cangzhou?”
Chi Ming said a little awkwardly.
“After all, being by your side… is the safest place.”
“What you say is not unreasonable, but since I have decided so, it means I have my own considerations.”
Yu Yi explained.
“Leaving you in Yizhou, the main purpose is to let you learn your Second Senior Sister’s way of dealing with the world.”
Blue Ling’er, who was suddenly mentioned, felt her cold face heat up, silently thinking:
“Ah… Is Master praising me again? Master really values me after all!”
As for Yu Yi herself, let’s set that aside for now.
Chi Ming definitely couldn’t imitate her way of doing things, and Su Cheng had her own set of standards, even more so not something Chi Ming could learn.
Instead, this Senior Sister, Blue Ling’er, had proven during her earlier guidance of Chi Ming that she could help share some of Yu Yi’s responsibilities and aid Chi Ming’s growth.
Although Blue Ling’er was ranked tenth on the , her nickname “Snow Empress” was actually bestowed upon her by righteous cultivators.
It was quite a peculiar thing.
Blue Ling’er’s eyes could distinguish whether someone was a hypocrite wearing the mask of righteousness or an upright, respectable gentleman.
Most of the “righteous cultivators” who died by her hand were those who had committed vile deeds in secret and posed a threat to Among the Colorful Clouds.
For Chi Ming, whose ability to distinguish good from evil was still lacking, perhaps learning alongside her Second Senior Sister was better than following Yu Yi out on a mission.
“As for the matter of safety you mentioned. Chi Ming, as the last descendant of the Fire Phoenix, guarding against evildoers and protecting yourself is, of course, important.”
“But as a former divine spirit who soared in the skies, do you plan to spend your life hiding in the shadows, surviving only under others’ protection?”
Yu Yi’s expression became utterly serious as she spoke earnestly to Chi Ming.
“You must hold your head high and live with dignity.”
At the end, Chi Ming’s heart thumped wildly.
Moved, she bowed deeply to Yu Yi.
“Master’s earnest teachings will forever be engraved in my heart!”
Yu Yi nodded.
At this moment, Blue Ling’er also stood up and bowed to Yu Yi.
“Don’t worry, Master. While you are in Cangzhou, I will take good care of my junior sisters.”
“Mm. Ling’er, as the senior sister, your sense of responsibility makes me satisfied as your Master.”
Yu Yi nodded approvingly again.
Seeing everyone stand up and bow to Yu Yi in turn, the little Huang Doudou grew anxious, but for a moment didn’t know what to say.
So she mustered her courage, stood up with a “pa,” and again pledged to Yu Yi.
“Master, Master, I promise I’ll make the Defensive Formation… water-tig… flaw… What was it again?”
“Doudou, it’s ‘watertight and unassailable’.”
Blue Ling’er smiled meaningfully.
“Seems you didn’t study much while Master was away in Yunzhou either? Now that your Senior Sister is staying behind, don’t think you can slack off anymore, alright?”
“Uuuu… I know…”
Huang Doudou, who had accidentally exposed her slacking, replied with a tearful face.
In this cheerful atmosphere, Yu Yi smiled faintly, then slowly rose.
“Disciples, next, follow me somewhere.”
“Where to?”
The four asked curiously.
“Treasure Pavilion.”
Yu Yi replied.
***
The Treasure Pavilion stored countless rare treasures, forming the second part of the “Treasure House” of Among the Colorful Clouds.
Whether righteous cultivators or demonic followers, everyone dreamed of wandering the Treasure Pavilion, grabbing randomly with their eyes closed, and ending up with priceless treasures.
But to the disciples of Among the Colorful Clouds, the Shushu Pavilion was a “library,” and the Treasure Pavilion was nothing more than their “toy room.”
There were simply too many items; even if the disciples spent an entire day searching, they might not find something suited to them.
So in most cases, it was the Master who chose treasures personally and bestowed them upon her disciples.
What the Master bestowed held more meaning and weight than what the disciples chose themselves, so every time they were brought to the Treasure Pavilion, they were filled with excitement and anticipation.
Aside from Chi Ming, who had already bonded with and didn’t need anything, Yu Yi had spent the past few days repeatedly visiting the Treasure Pavilion to select new treasures for the others.
Entering the Treasure Pavilion and gazing at the dazzling array before her, Yu Yi felt a surge of emotion.
No matter how many times she came here, she was always awed by the sight.
And there was a question that bothered her more and more:
“So many treasures, and the Shushu Pavilion stacked with secret tomes up to seven stories high—were all of these the work of the original owner alone?”
What could be confirmed was that Yu Yi had an ageless body; the true age of this vessel was unknown.
She could be an ancient being who had spent untold years gathering such a collection.
Or perhaps, before Among the Colorful Clouds was even established, she had inherited these secrets and treasures from others.
As for which was true, only when Yu Yi regained more memories could it be known.
“Ling’er, Doudou, come here.”
Yu Yi ordered.
The two knelt before her, waiting respectfully for the bestowal.
“This is called .”
Yu Yi lightly manipulated a water-shaped orb and placed it in Blue Ling’er’s hands.
“It contains a vast reserve of water element, equivalent to a great river. During rain, it can be replenished. Although it’s only Heaven-grade lower rank, for you, Ling’er, its value is far beyond that.”
“Thank you, Master!”
Blue Ling’er said with deep gratitude.
Her power was limited by her environment.
In a place without water, it was difficult to unleash her full strength.
But now, with the , which allowed her to summon water at any time, her only weakness was gone!
“This is called .”
Yu Yi then handed a small drum to Huang Doudou.
“With your current cultivation, you can only use lightning powers, but once you break through to Martial King, striking this drum will summon the ‘Thunder Lord’s aid’.”
“Is the thunder summoned by the Thunder Lord stronger than Master’s?”
Huang Doudou asked curiously.
“What do you think?”
Yu Yi replied with a faint smile.
“Of course not!”
Huang Doudou giggled.
“Sorry for asking a pointless question.”
Yu Yi ruffled her hair, then moved in front of Su Cheng.
“This…”
However, before Yu Yi could present a treasure, Su Cheng smiled softly.
“Master, to me, my greatest weapon is my mind. And I have already received the most precious gift from you. If I were to accept another treasure, it would be overreaching.”
“The most precious gift?”
Yu Yi frowned slightly.
“Your concern for my safety, your careful selection of a treasure, and the thought behind it—this is the most valuable thing.”
Su Cheng smiled sweetly, gazing at Yu Yi with devotion.