Transmigrated into a Total Shou Novel as a Cannon Fodder, but Ended Up 1v1-ing the Male Lead | Chapter 55 | A Hidden Encounter | Novela.app

The disciples of the Pinyin Pavilion took quite some time to disperse. Qi Xuan’er was the first to run over and congratulate Qi Miaohan. “Sister, you looked so majestic just now!” “Didn’t I?” Qi Miaohan grinned from ear to ear, unable to hide her joy. Suddenly, a cool, feminine voice rang out. “Miaohan, do not be arrogant.” Everyone whipped their heads around. The newcomer was none other than the Sect Leader, Jiang Baixiang. Although the cultivators on the field had mostly scattered, some, like those from the Yunqing Pavilion, remained. Unlike when she had released her divine sense earlier, Jiang Baixiang had now masked her aura. Consequently, the crowd hadn't noticed her arrival immediately, but upon realizing who she was, they bowed respectfully. “Master...” Qi Miaohan’s arrogant flame was instantly extinguished. She asked cautiously, “Why are you here?” “I feared your old habits would resurface, so I came to take you back to quiet your mind. The competition is not over yet,” Jiang Baixiang said. Indeed, Qi Miaohan had been planning to celebrate grandly that afternoon, intending to find a few sisters who also disliked Duan Mingyu to gossip about how satisfying it had been to thrash him. Having her thoughts exposed by her master, she immediately wilted. Realizing she was likely in for a lecture, she tucked away her boastful intentions. With a Soul Transformation cultivator present, the other cultivators hardly dared to breathe, let alone leave abruptly. Although Jiang Baixiang was considered approachable among her peers, she didn't typically take much notice of a group of Foundation Building disciples. However, before she departed, she spared a few extra glances at Nie Shiyun. She had already learned of yesterday’s events. While she was somewhat displeased that a disciple from another sect had caused the Pinyin Pavilion to lose face, Red Cliff Ridge had taken the initiative to apologize first, stating they had already punished their disciple. Jiang Baixiang could hardly be aggressive after that. In that light, Nie Shiyun had actually been somewhat wronged. “I heard that when Miaohan commissioned the Yunqing Pavilion to refine a Dharma treasure, you contributed a fair share of effort alongside Nie Li.” “I wouldn't dare take such credit. I merely offered a few small suggestions,” Nie Shiyun said, lowering his head with appropriate humility. Jiang Baixiang nodded. She had almost never heard of this person before, but he seemed like a promising talent. Even now, facing her, though he kept his head down, his expression showed neither terror nor sycophancy. However, he was a man and a child of the Yunqing Pavilion; he would never enter the Pinyin Pavilion regardless. Jiang Baixiang felt a measure of appreciation, but it stopped there. She asked nothing more and "escorted" Qi Miaohan back to the rear mountains. Only after Jiang Baixiang left did the remaining cultivators near the stage let out a long sigh of relief, as if released from a freezing spell. Qi Xuan’er seemed inspired by Qi Miaohan’s performance today. Though she knew the gap between her and her sister, she felt the urge to return and cultivate. Du Zhi, being in an unfamiliar place, immediately followed suit when he heard her and some other disciples say they were heading back to their quarters. “I need to head down the mountain again to buy some... Yuan-Nourishing Pills for my spirit beast,” Nie Shiyun said, forcing a change of words at the last second, turning "food" into "pills." Everyone knew he had a small, pitch-black crow that looked quite young, and they all assumed it must have been seriously injured in the battle the day before. “I hope it recovers soon,” they all offered their well-wishes. Nie Shiyun thought to himself that the bird was already mostly recovered. However, its gluttony was likely a lifelong affliction. Parting ways with the group for the time being, Nie Shiyun descended the mountain alone. Halfway there, Meiqiu emerged from the jade pendant and perched on Nie Shiyun’s shoulder. As Nie Shiyun flew on his sword, Meiqiu took the rare opportunity to glide through the vast sky for a while. Although living in the jade pendant was comfortable, staying inside for too long was undeniably dull. Noticing that because of his black feathers, no one actually tried to catch him for refinement, Meiqiu felt a mix of sorrow and relief, but at least he could come out for a breath of air occasionally. However, Nie Shiyun had strictly forbidden him from speaking. Thus, Meiqiu could only attempt to communicate using traditional avian language. His primary modes of expressing emotion were the mysterious mental link of their contract and physical gestures like light pecks and sharp pokes. Nie Shiyun visited the restaurant almost every other day, to the point where the owner nearly recognized him. Generally, cultivators came to eat just for the novelty or to gather with a few friends for a symbolic meal. This man, however, bought a massive amount of food every time, making one wonder if he was feeding an entire sect of gluttons. “This one, and this one,” Nie Shiyun pointed at the menu numbly, having grown tired of reciting the names one by one. Meiqiu, on his shoulder, pecked him twice anxiously. Understanding the signal, Nie Shiyun moved his finger further. “And this one.” “Very well, Senior. Please wait a moment.” The restaurant staff bowed and retreated. It didn't take long for them to present everything. Meiqiu, perched on Nie Shiyun’s shoulder, instantly beamed with joy. As Nie Shiyun walked out, his mind drifted to the upcoming Tool Refining Exchange the day after tomorrow. He knew the rules: the basic materials and the theme would be designated by the host sect, but cultivators could choose whether to use their own flames and cauldrons. While Nie Shiyun had held back during the martial matches, he had no intention of hiding his light when it came to tool refining. People feared cultivators with high cultivation bases, but they did not fear high-level tool refiners, alchemists, or talisman masters. After all, the items people used daily were in their hands. Furthermore, the higher the level of one's craft, the more it required the support of cultivation and a vast amount of time and energy. Therefore, many cultivators would dabble in crafts but usually stopped at the peak of the third rank, returning to focus entirely on their cultivation. Thus, Nie Shiyun felt this was a golden opportunity. If he could distinguish himself, it would be a great start for the Yunqing Pavilion’s future resurgence. Perhaps he should take advantage of today and tomorrow to refine the Phoenix-Patterned Bronze Cauldron he had planned. As he was calculating his plans, Meiqiu suddenly poked him urgently with his beak. Nie Shiyun let out a small "Ouch" and said helplessly, “What is it? We’ve already left the shop. It’s too late to add more to the order...” Meiqiu shook his head vigorously, making a "gulu gulu" sound, and craned his neck toward the distance, gesturing for Nie Shiyun to look. Nie Shiyun looked over and saw Zhai Bairong standing in the distance. He had been wondering why Zhai Bairong hadn't shown up this afternoon, but seeing the building behind him—the geothermal fire chambers rented out to cultivators for refining pills and tools—he understood. Nie Shiyun drew closer. Zhai Bairong was already looking around, and when he turned his head, their eyes met. A flash of pleasant surprise appeared in Zhai Bairong’s eyes, but he quickly shook his head slightly, signaling Nie Shiyun not to come over. “Senior Brother!” A soft, aggrieved call from Duan Mingyu echoed from the other end of the street. Nie Shiyun understood. He had intended to leave, but seeing that only Duan Mingyu and Rong Lü had arrived, and that Xu Yehua—whose cultivation was higher than his—wasn't with them, his mind shifted. He immediately masked his aura and stepped into a nearby alley. Zhai Bairong had already received a message from Duan Mingyu saying he had lost to Qi Miaohan and wanted to find him. Seeing Duan Mingyu running over now, Zhai Bairong instantly concealed the joy and fluster of his chance encounter with Nie Shiyun. He put on a gentle smile and asked kindly, “What’s wrong? Losing isn't a big deal. Making it to the top four is already excellent.” “I just feel sad...” Duan Mingyu bit his lip and threw himself into Zhai Bairong’s arms like a spoiled child seeking comfort. Zhai Bairong felt as if he had been struck by lightning, freezing in place. Seeing him dazed, Rong Lü looked at him suspiciously. Zhai Bairong forced a smile and lowered his head, placing his hands on Duan Mingyu’s shoulders. “Victory and defeat are common occurrences. Come, let your Senior Brother see if you’re injured.” Zhai Bairong took a step back, as if to get a better look, and had Duan Mingyu spin around. Pulled from the embrace, Duan Mingyu said softly, “I bled a lot just now, but I’ve already taken pills to heal... Senior Brother, you don't need to be so nervous.” Zhai Bairong was naturally nervous. He could sense that Nie Shiyun hadn't left. If the other man weren't present, he could have endured the act, but having such a scene of Duan Mingyu hugging him witnessed by Nie Shiyun was, frankly, a bit much... “Xu Yehua didn't come with you?” Zhai Bairong changed the subject naturally. Duan Mingyu shook his head. “He said he was tired and went back first. He said he’d come to my quarters to find me tonight.” Although Rong Lü usually went along with whatever Duan Mingyu said, he rarely took the initiative to quietly undermine him. “You made things very difficult for him this morning. He doesn't want to see you for the time being.” “Brother Rong Lü...!” Duan Mingyu pouted in disapproval. “...I’m just telling the truth,” Rong Lü said helplessly, trying to be gentle. “It’s no matter,” Zhai Bairong smiled. “We just had a fight, and both of us are still a bit angry. It’s better not to see each other for a while. I was planning to spend tonight in the fire chambers anyway.” “Ah, but there’s a match tomorrow. Won't refining pills all night affect you?” Duan Mingyu’s eyes widened when he heard Zhai Bairong wasn't coming over tonight either. “It doesn't consume much mental energy; it’s just repetitive labor. By the way, I’ve already refined a few pills today. Take these first.” In truth, Zhai Bairong had nearly finished all of them, but saying he had only done a few made his excuse to stay here tonight more convincing. “Senior Brother is the best!” Duan Mingyu took the pills joyfully and clung intimately to his arm. “Senior Brother, let me tell you, that Qi Miaohan was so fierce today. She was even meaner to me than when she fought Brother Rong Lü... She even borrowed Sect Leader Jiang’s spirit beast. How could I win against that? Little Fox was seriously injured...” As Duan Mingyu pressed against him, Zhai Bairong felt so awkward it was as if his arm didn't belong to him. He cast a subtle glance toward the side path, but he couldn't see if anyone was in the shadow-shrouded alley. Duan Mingyu continued to complain about how he had been picked on today, shaking Zhai Bairong’s arm as he spoke, acting very clingy. “When Senior Brother faces that woman tomorrow, you must be extra careful! she’s still obsessed with Yehua, so she hates me. She’ll surely make things difficult for those close to me too.” Duan Mingyu looked extremely worried, as if everything was happening because he had "stolen" Qi Miaohan’s beloved, thus implicating everyone else. “I will be careful. But even if she doesn't go out of her way to be difficult, she is not an easy opponent. Her cultivation is at the mid-stage of the Golden Core, on par with both Rong Lü and me. Moreover, mutated Wind Spiritual Roots are extremely rare; most cultivators likely have no experience dealing with them,” Zhai Bairong explained. Duan Mingyu seemed a bit dejected. “I also have a mutated spiritual root, but it’s a dual root... I can't see any of its power at all.” “You are already very impressive,” Rong Lü praised immediately. Zhai Bairong paused, as if thinking of something, and said softly, “Dual-root cultivators can be just as impressive. They aren't necessarily inferior to single-root cultivators... they might even be much stronger. It all depends on the individual.” Duan Mingyu didn't quite understand, but he gathered that Zhai Bairong was comforting him by saying his potential was high, so he smiled through his tears again. Zhai Bairong’s arm was still being held. He shifted slightly but didn't feel like he could naturally pull away, so he gave up. “If the reward this time is a Wood-attribute Dharma treasure, it would be suitable for you, Senior Brother... but you already have excellent treasures given by the sect, so maybe you aren't counting on it,” Duan Mingyu sighed. “That Cold Ice Sword is clearly... clearly so good. When I first heard its name, I felt as if it were destined for me. It’s a pity I fell just short...” Zhai Bairong narrowed his eyes slightly, sensing the conversation was taking an unfavorable turn. “Senior Brother, if you win, will the reward have to be handed over to the Moon-Reflecting Sect?” “Not necessarily, but that sword does not match my spiritual root attribute. Its effectiveness would be diminished in my hands. Considering that, Master might take it back.” Duan Mingyu said uncertainly, “I’m the only one in the sect with an Ice Spiritual Root. Do you think Master would give it to me?” Indeed, Duan Mingyu might be the most suitable choice. Zhai Bairong thought that in the past, he might have believed that handing it over to the sect was just a formality and that it would eventually end up in Duan Mingyu’s hands. Now he understood the truth. Although the Moon-Reflecting Sect provided for Duan Mingyu with the best food and drink, never stinting on spirit herbs and pills, they only wanted to raise his cultivation to facilitate the future refining of the Heavenly Yin Physique. They wouldn't let something like a weapon go to Duan Mingyu so cheaply. However, even if it wasn't given to Duan Mingyu, it would be given to another Water-attribute cultivator; it wouldn't stay in his own hands. Zhai Bairong was very clear on this. The sect prioritized efficiency above all else. They would likely compensate him with something of equal value, but at that time, he would be caught in a dilemma between the sect and Duan Mingyu. “Master’s thoughts are hard to guess. I don't know either,” Zhai Bairong said vaguely. Rong Lü said urgently, “If you win it, the item is yours. Can't you just make the decision yourself?” Zhai Bairong gave him a cold look. “You make it sound easy. Even if I wanted to, could I say a single 'no' to a Master with Nascent Soul cultivation?” Seeing the sparks beginning to fly, Duan Mingyu hurried to smooth things over. “Forget it, forget it. I was just asking because I truly felt that weapon was very suitable for me... but regardless, Senior Brother has to win first.” “...” Rong Lü looked like he wanted to say more, but he held his tongue and fell silent. Zhai Bairong smiled. “We’ll see tomorrow. I’ll do my best. Alright, I’m going back to continue refining pills.” He turned to head back, subtly distancing himself from Duan Mingyu. The latter stared blankly at him, feeling that his Senior Brother’s attitude had become somewhat firm lately, though he remained gentle on the surface—perhaps it was just his imagination. *** **Glossary** Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation ---|---|--- 养元丹药 | Yuan-Nourishing Pills | Pills used to restore or nourish one's foundational energy/vitality. 地火室 | Geothermal Fire Chambers | Specialized rooms built over natural underground fire sources for refining. 寒冰剑 | Cold Ice Sword | The prize for the competition, an Ice-attribute weapon. 天阴之体 | Heavenly Yin Physique | A rare and special physical constitution, often used as a "cauldron" in dark cultivation.