Chapter 1104: Master Cong with Hidden Intentions

Chapter 1104: Master Cong with Hidden Intentions

Qin Shili felt a bit nervous; after all, this strange idea of hers surfaced at such an awkward time, and she, who usually maintained a calm demeanor, was now making such a blunder in front of Master Zhao and the others.

Could they see through it?

The more she thought about it, the more anxious she became, pondering what was wrong with her.

In this vast training cave, she was all alone. Even speaking a single word would echo, as if countless reflections of herself were having a dialogue with her.

Stay calm, she told herself. How could she let this matter throw her off balance?

She quickly sat down, closed her eyes, and focused on calming her mind. It turned out she was able to quiet those bizarre thoughts, and gradually, her inner turmoil subsided.

…

Not long after, Master Zhao and the other esteemed teachers walked back in. Master Zhao addressed her:

“Shili, you seem a bit off today. Let’s skip the original training session; you can head back for now, and come back tomorrow.”

“Alright, Master.”

Qin Shili nodded in agreement, then picked up her sword and left the trial cave.

“Master, this child…” an elder expressed concern.

“It might just be a fleeting distraction. I still have faith in her,” Master Zhao replied.

“Ha ha, Master, I suggest you test her again. Such dark thoughts aren’t trivial. If left unchecked, they could lead to major issues,” the meddlesome Master Cong chimed in, seizing this opportunity to undermine Han Fairy’s momentum.

“Hmm, I have my plans. Let her come back tomorrow; I believe things will be fine then. Everyone else should head back,” Master Zhao insisted on his viewpoint and left first.

Master Cong was scheming to prime Qin Shili for embracing her dark thoughts and exposing them—a wonderful outcome for him.

However, he was still figuring out how to set it in motion.

But he could certainly apply pressure on her publicly; wasn’t she under the spotlight? Wasn’t she deemed highly promising? Wasn’t she always stable? Let’s see just how stable she truly is.

“Master Cong, I hope you won’t interfere with this,” Han Fairy said, directing a warning at him, to which he casually replied:

“Master knows what’s appropriate. Why would I interfere? Han Fairy, are you becoming anxious about your prized disciple?”

“I’m not anxious; I have faith in her,” Han Fairy firmly stated.

“Very well, the righteous don’t fear shadows, and I believe that too, ha ha ha!” Master Cong laughed heartily and left the scene.

Interfering? That was out of the question.

…

Lin Nuo had been squatting outside and eventually spotted Qin Shili exiting the cave.

Hmm? Isn’t she supposed to be in a trial? Why is she coming out?

No matter; he should first gather some information.

Qin Shili didn’t take the main path either. Given her current state, she avoided running into anyone by taking a detour along the path Lin Nuo arrived from.

Lost in thought, she stepped out and was still lingering over the matters inside the cave.

Lin Nuo immediately noticed she seemed preoccupied. It would be awkward to approach her suddenly, especially since he was just a low-ranked disciple lurking around.

He casually picked a vibrant flower nearby.

According to his usual approach, he intended to present it to her as a friendly greeting.

“Who’s there?”

Qin Shili perked up at a sound, suddenly alert.

It was Lin Nuo’s presence that alerted her. If he had intended to be stealthy, she wouldn’t have sensed him at all.

A chill surrounded her, and she began to entertain thoughts of freezing whoever was approaching.

“Don’t come out; face the consequences.”

“Wait, wait, wait! Second Martial Sister, it’s me!”

At this moment, Lin Nuo hurriedly came out from behind a tree, holding a bouquet of flowers.

“Uh-oh, caught by Second Martial Sister! Please don’t misunderstand; I meant no harm! I just wanted to surprise you with these beautiful flowers!”

Lin Nuo put on a cheeky grin and moved closer to Qin Shili, but she was still radiating coldness, making it tough for him to approach.

“I suggest you focus on your training instead.”

Qin Shili wasn’t about to take Lin Nuo’s suggestion. She coldly dismissed him and continued walking.

Lin Nuo thought to himself, You think I want to play this silly game with you?

Sighing, he trailed behind her with the flowers still in hand, adopting an inquisitive tone like a curious little boy:

“Second Martial Sister, I heard you’re going into seclusion. What’s that for? I never tried it! I’m so envious of you being noticed by the Masters…”

Lin Nuo rambled on, but Qin Shili treated him like a ghost, completely ignoring him, as if he were talking to himself.

After all that chatter, it didn’t yield any results, making him look even more foolish.

This ridiculous game was rather exhausting.

“Hey, Second Martial Sister, what do you think is the difference between our techniques and those from the demonic path? They seem so ruthless…”

Lin Nuo prattled on, and this time he sparked Qin Shili’s attention.

The click-clack of her heels came to a stop as her cold gaze fell upon Lin Nuo.

He noticed the shift in her demeanor.

She reacted!

Could it be related to the demonic path?

There was a possibility; after all, she had considered cultivating the demonic arts before.

That’s right! If that were the case, this could be the crux!

“Don’t speak of such topics in the sect.”

She uttered this, turning around to continue on her way.

Her strong reaction likely confirmed it.

At this point, Qin Shili was reluctant to converse with him. If his behavior appeared too abnormal, it would trigger her suspicions and jeopardize the dream he was trying to construct.

Moreover, he sensed that the one weaving the dream trap was starting to keep an eye on him; his time was running short.

But he had no way to focus his powers. Currently, Qin Shili harbored no fondness for him, making things difficult.

Only by appearing during her moment of helplessness could he earn her favor, but with her being under so much scrutiny, when would such a moment ever arise?

Lin Nuo remained stubbornly trailing behind her, but his efforts bore no fruit. He even encountered some disciples earlier, so to avoid their comments, he opted to duck out of sight.

Qin Shili gradually distanced herself from the training cave. She intended to return to Han Fairy’s residence to reflect in peace, deciding not to see anyone else today.

However, along the way, she ran into Master Cong.

“Oh, it’s Shili! What a coincidence! Are you on your way back to Han Fairy’s residence?”

“Yes, Master Cong,” Qin Shili replied politely.

“I see. Shili, I was present today too, and it’s normal to have such thoughts. I hope you’re not burdened by it.”

“I’m not burdened. Thank you for your concern, Senior.”

“Good to hear. Actually, I’ve spoken with Master Zhao; it’s clear your understanding of the demonic techniques is still shallow. If you truly despise them, naturally, such thoughts wouldn’t arise. Since Master Zhao couldn’t address it, he asked me to mention that we have a place where you can gain insight into the techniques of the demonic path.”