Chapter Eighteen: Is She Getting Anxious?

As soon as the question was raised, Shen Yanchu’s expression flickered with surprise, and he fell silent.

Xia Zhiyu had only meant to ask casually, but seeing the reaction of the senior disciple, she suddenly became alert. “Could it be that you two have quarreled? That Jiang Heng is really something—she even managed to anger the senior disciple. What exactly did she do to go so far?”

Shen Yanchu smiled faintly. “The spirit spring wine has run out; I’ll go fetch some.”

With that, he rose and left.

Watching the senior disciple’s evasive attitude, Xia Zhiyu sighed inwardly for Jiang Heng.

Even having alienated the one person who stood by her side—the senior disciple—her days on Snow Crane Peak would surely become even harder.

Huo Shiqing accompanied Xu Ning’an in entertaining the visiting disciples from the outer peak who had come to celebrate. Although his words and actions were flawless, his mind was elsewhere.

As he looked at the exquisite and costly pastries and drinks on the table, he couldn’t help but recall the scene of Jiang Heng eating medicinal herbs alone in the dim cave dwelling.

His gaze instinctively fell upon Shen Yanchu.

Normally, in such occasions, the senior disciple would take the initiative to bring Jiang Heng over, so why was he silent today?

Well, it was better not to call that woman here after all.

Ning’an had just attained Foundation Establishment, and from now on, they would be cultivators of the same realm, competing for similar resources and opportunities.

Jiang Heng was inherently cunning and easily jealous; seeing everyone fawn over Ning’an might provoke her to scheme against the little junior sister.

Lost in thought, Huo Shiqing was startled when Xu Ning’an suddenly exclaimed.

“Second senior brother, could you help me deliver these pastries to Senior Brother Han in the Medicine Hall, and invite him to join us?”

Huo Shiqing raised an eyebrow, half-joking, “What, not content with the disciples of Snow Crane Peak doting on you, now you’re eyeing the Medicine Hall disciples as well?”

Xu Ning’an stomped her foot, “No, it’s because last time he gave his demon pill to me, and I haven’t had the chance to thank him. If you won’t go, I’ll go myself.”

Huo Shiqing smiled, “You’re the star of today’s celebration; everyone is here for you. You can’t just wander off. Stay put, I’ll go.”

Xu Ning’an nodded sweetly.

Huo Shiqing flew swiftly on his sword to the Medicine Hall but found no sign of Han Jie.

He inquired around and learned that Han Jie was at Jiang Heng’s place.

Huo Shiqing’s expression darkened, a vague irritation stirring within.

After a moment’s hesitation, he turned and flew toward Jiang Heng’s cave, silently justifying himself—

If it weren’t for Ning’an, how could he bear to visit that ill-omened woman!

Just as he dismounted his flying sword, Huo Shiqing saw Han Jie leisurely leaning outside the cave, with a... egg? perched on his shoulder.

Confused, he frowned slightly but maintained a polite tone.

“Junior Brother Han, these pastries are from Ning’an as thanks for your kindness in yielding the demon pill last time. Today is Ning’an’s Foundation Establishment banquet, and she hopes you might honor us with your presence. Would you be willing to join?”

Han Jie stood and returned the greeting but did not take the pastries. “Senior Brother Huo, Sister Xu, you are too kind. The demon pill was not truly mine to begin with; it was Sister Jiang who gave it up. I can’t take credit for it.”

Huo Shiqing’s face darkened further. “Junior Brother Han means to say he won’t be attending the banquet?”

Han Jie apologized, “Sorry, I really can’t leave now. Sister Jiang is undergoing a breakthrough, and I’m here to protect her.”

Jiang Heng despised those who barged into her cave unannounced, but for now, she had no way to stop them and had no choice but to ask Han Jie to stand guard outside.

After all, a breakthrough was no minor matter. If interrupted, it could lead to spiritual deviation and failure.

Huo Shiqing was stunned. “A breakthrough? You mean Jiang Heng is trying to advance to the Core Formation stage?”

Han Jie nodded.

Xu Ning’an eagerly hoped Huo Shiqing would bring Han Jie to the banquet.

Though this Junior Brother Han appeared unremarkable and was only at the Core Formation stage, he possessed an inexplicable charm.

She never minded more adoration, especially from those close to Jiang Heng.

Just as Xu Ning’an planned how to show off her charm to Han Jie, Huo Shiqing returned alone, his face grave.

Xu Ning’an was disappointed. “Junior Brother Han won’t come?”

Huo Shiqing said coldly, “He said he must protect Jiang Heng and cannot leave.”

Protect her?

Almost everyone was dumbfounded, and after a long moment, various mocking and speculative remarks surfaced.

“Isn’t Jiang Heng’s meridian system ruined? How could she possibly be breaking through? She must be lying.”

“Exactly, probably just jealous of Ning’an’s Foundation Establishment celebration, stirring up trouble to draw attention.”

“That person is disgusting, putting on such a show just when Ning’an succeeds, as if to remind everyone that although they are similar in age, she cultivates several times faster. Afraid someone might forget she’s late Foundation Establishment, huh?”

“Yes! That must be the reason. She’s so scheming!”

Huo Shiqing did not join in the ridicule but sat down quietly, sipping his wine.

Xia Zhiyu also doubted Jiang Heng had truly reached the stage to break through, but he didn’t believe she would do so merely to compete with Ning’an; that was unlike her.

He murmured, “Maybe she’s desperate, which is why she’s taking such a huge risk.”

Shen Yanchu, usually silent, suddenly spoke: “What do you mean by that?”

Xia Zhiyu explained his analysis: “Think about it, her lifespan was never long. There’s no news of her having encountered any opportunity in the minor world to heal her meridians. How could she not be anxious?”

“And when she heard the little junior sister successfully established her foundation, wouldn’t she, in desperation, recklessly force spiritual power to break through? She still has twenty percent of her meridians intact, so she can barely attempt it, though with a high chance of failure. But now, she has no other choice.”

At these words, Shen Yanchu’s heart jolted sharply, Huo Shiqing almost crushed his wine cup in his grasp, and even the usually expressionless Jiang Huaixu lowered his gaze.

Xu Ning’an sensed the shift in atmosphere, a flicker of displeasure flashing through her eyes as she lightly glared at Xia Zhiyu.

“Fourth senior brother, what nonsense are you talking? Sister Jiang is not that kind of person; she’s always been careful and only does what benefits herself.”

“Moreover, she’s so close to Junior Brother Han. If she were taking such a big risk, how could he be protecting her? He would have stopped her for sure.”

Xia Zhiyu scratched his head. “You’re right. But then again, she hasn’t known that Medicine Hall person long, have they developed such a close relationship so quickly, entrusting him with something as crucial as protection?”

Xu Ning’an pursed her lips and whispered, “Maybe... she said bad things about us in front of Junior Brother Han. After all, many of Snow Crane Peak’s internal matters are known only to insiders. The family’s shame is not spread outside. To outsiders, it might seem like we’re bullying Sister Jiang.”