Chapter 9 - Elder Xing Mei


Xing Mei had long, flowing black hair and dark blue eyes that were full of wisdom. Her face was covered by a veil that made her look mysterious, hiding her beautiful features.
The elder was considered the most beautiful woman within the Boundless Horizon Sect and also one of the most powerful ones, standing among the top ranks within the sect.
She had an enchanting figure, with breasts that were round and firm, which seemed to be bursting out of her black and silver cheongsam.
She had a slim waist and curvaceous hips, and her legs were long and supple, like the stems of lotus flowers, which were exposed by the slit on the sides of her cheongsam.
But it wasn't just her physical beauty that drew everyone's attention towards her.
It was the aura of mystery and enchantment that she exuded, giving off the feeling that she possessed otherworldly secrets and abilities that could not be comprehended by mortals.
"You're here quite early in the morning," Xing Mei said in a gentle tone. "I thought I told you to rest as much as possible since your body is still in the process of recovery. What are you doing here at this hour?"
Her voice was warm and kind, carrying no trace of arrogance or pride like other elders. However, despite this, her words contained a certain hint of authority that could not be defied.
Zhen Yu didn't raise his head, remaining in his bowing position. "This servant is grateful for Elder Xing's kindness and understanding. However, this one feels restless and could not continue resting, thus deciding to come here to seek out some work to do."
Xing Mei shook her head slightly as she closed the tome she was reading and put it on the table, getting up and approaching the young man.
Then she lifted his chin up and forced him to look at her. "Zhen Yu, don't be like this. I know your heart is filled with pain and anger, but you shouldn't let yourself drown in it. There are plenty of things in the world to keep you going. Why dwell on the past so much when there is a vast future ahead of you?"
Hearing the elder's words, Zhen Yu's eyes showed a hint of sinister light for a moment, disappearing immediately as it appeared.
"Elder Xing is too kind," Zhen Yu said quietly. "This servant understands the meaning of Elder Xing's words, but unfortunately, there is nothing else for me anymore."
Xing Mei frowned slightly as she stared at the young man, her eyes filled with concern. She knew how much pain this young man was in and how difficult it must be for him to live without cultivation.
"Zhen Yu," Xing Mei murmured softly. "Are you sure you don't want to use this chance to start anew? I can help you with the resources and training for Body Cultivation if you wish to..."
However, she didn't get to finish what she had to say because Zhen Yu shook his head, interrupting her.
"There is no need, Elder Xing. This servant doesn't want to owe you anything else. The kindness you have shown towards this servant is already more than enough, and it will forever be imprinted in this servant's heart."
"You foolish child," Xing Mei scolded lightly. "I am your mother's sworn sister and also your godmother! How can you not rely on me in such a situation? And why do you keep saying servant this and servant that? Call me Aunt Mei like before!"
"Forgive me, Elder Xing." Zhen Yu bowed his head in apology. "But I'm nothing more than a crippled, weak, useless, worthless individual who has no value left in this world. I don't deserve to call someone like you Aunt anymore."
"You—!" Xing Mei's lips trembled, anger rising inside her, pointing her finger at Zhen Yu's face as she shouted. "How dare you say something like that?! If I want you to call me Aunt, you call me Aunt, whether you like it or not! Do you understand?!"
Zhen Yu did not say anything else, closing his eyes and standing still, his expression calm and collected, like an ice sculpture.
Xing Mei let out a heavy sigh. Her finger relaxed, and the angry expression on her face vanished, replaced by sadness.
She couldn't help but reminisce about the past.
Back then, Zhen Yu was still a little kid, full of enthusiasm and joy. He was always happy when she visited the Zhen Clan. The child was smart, having learned everything very quickly, showing incredible talent for cultivation at such a young age.
However, now it was all gone. Everything changed. The joy in the child's eyes vanished, and they turned cold and empty, showing only hatred and anger towards the world.
The Xing Mei now did not recognize him. The child she used to know was gone, leaving a cold and cruel individual, full of hostility towards everyone who came close to him.
Zhen Yu was suffering from extreme trust issues, always wary of everyone, having learned the harsh lesson that life had inflicted upon him.
And the one who taught this cruel lesson was his very own family.
A cold feeling invaded her heart, and Xing Mei shook her head, as though shaking away her dark thoughts.
"Since you're determined to keep working, then fine. Just continue doing what you have been doing." Xing Mei walked back to her desk and sat down.
"Thank you, Elder Xing," Zhen Yu expressed his gratitude. Then, he walked towards a section of the library where the disciples could exchange their contribution points and borrow various cultivation manuals.
This place was also where he worked, assisting the Grand Librarian, Xing Mei.
Of course, his main work was just to reduce contribution points and allow access to jade slips that were locked by certain restrictions.
"You're late!" An arrogant voice greeted him. Zhen Yu turned and saw the figure of a young man standing in front of the counter. "I've been waiting for so long already! Did you sleep in or something?"
Zhen Yu looked at this disciple with apathetic eyes, ignoring the arrogant attitude of the young man. "I apologize. Please give me the jade slip and disciple token. This servant will process them for you."