On July 5th, 366th year of the Jia Shen cycle, a grand banquet was held by the Yunshan Sect to celebrate Sect Leader Lu Qian’s Foundation Establishment achievement and the return of the dispersed disciples to the mountain gate.

The everyday disciplinary matters concerning the disciples are taken care of by several elders, so Lu Qian gladly maintains a gentle and equitable image, highly respected by his disciples but more revered than feared, with everyone feeling that their Sect Leader is particularly amiable. During these joyful occasions, many disciples relaxed their formalities, with laughter and chatter filling the banquet hall.

Amidst the jubilation, Lu Qian drank a few more cups, looked around, and noticed his senior sister’s charming face slightly flushed, her eyes misty, yet endearing and lovable. However, the lively presence of a little girl beside her was absent.

On that day, he harshly punished Taotao with three months of confinement, the little girl with tears streaming down her face; remembering this still made his heart ache, fearing that she might be harmed by such punishment. 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

Lu Qian put down his wine cup and lightly cleared his throat: "In the past, Baitao, Li Da and Wang Ruoyu were confined for violating sect rules. Since Li Da and Wang Ruoyu were due to be released after one month of confinement, and considering this joyous occasion, release them early. As for Baitao, let her attend the banquet today as an exception, and return to serve her punishment afterward."

With the Sect Leader’s words, disciples promptly went to bring the three youths out, and Master Xuan Ji stood up and followed. Jiang Qingfeng hesitated for a brief moment, the balance between "discipline" and "affection" in his heart swinging dramatically; recalling Taotao’s one month of confinement, his heart was still not at ease, thus he left it to Lu Qian’s discretion.

First, they brought out Li Da, who was filled with gratitude, along with a bewildered Wang Ruoyu, and then they proceeded together to the small building confining Jiang Baitao.

At that moment, the young girl Jiang Baitao was leaning against the bookshelf, in a daze, holding a book but unable to concentrate, the flowing breeze from Bichao Mountain carried the distant sounds of merriment from the banquet hall.

Even from such a distance, the sounds were faintly audible; it must be very lively there.

Is there some joyous occasion? The last time it was this lively was during the sect establishment ceremony, yet I could see nothing.

Thinking of this, Baitao listlessly tossed the book in her hand, which landed on a pillow. That pillow was scribbled with a crude figure, the words "Senior Brother" crossed out, replaced heavily with "Lu Qian." Next to it was another pillow labeled "Sister."

"Rotten Senior Brother, it’s all your fault." Jiang Baitao muttered, stepping forward to pick up the book, staring blankly at the ceiling, "Alas, I really shouldn’t have violated sect rules, I shouldn’t have snuck to the marketplace..."

Initially, when confined, she was filled with anger and sadness, breaking several things. However, realizing that Lu Qian and Jiang Qingfeng were serious, regardless of her antics inside, no one came to inquire about her. Apart from the regular meal delivery, no one looked in her direction, she became panicked, engulfed in fear of abandonment and rejection.

Jiang Baitao isn’t a bad kid. Naturally lively and playful, she was spoiled by Lu Qian and Master Xuan Ji, who indulged her whims and never took her tantrums seriously. Despite Jiang Qingfeng’s intention of discipline, she was often busy with affairs and needed time for cultivation and studying the Ice Secret Technique, naturally easing her demands on Baitao.

On Bichao Mountain, all the masters were fond of her, including Guh Nishang, usually stern toward everyone, but she was gentle with Baitao. Supported by many, the disciples continually yielded to Junior Martial Uncle Jiang, showering her with praises, fearing her displeasure.

As a result, all supposed "boundaries" for her seemed insignificant, her inappropriate actions constantly safeguarded by the masters, gradually losing her sense of limits.

She didn’t intentionally violate sect rules or seek trouble, rather she was unaware of the restrictions, unaware of the serious consequences.

To her, there were never consequences.

After genuinely feeling frightened, she finally understood some things are best avoided. She recalled the day at the marketplace, the Late-Stage Qi Cultivation cultivator lunging toward her, with the dazzling flying ring striking her from above, filled with regret and fear.

If her grandfather hadn’t arrived, perhaps she, Shitou, and Li Zi would’ve perished there.

In the ensuing days, she sat idly reading countless books, pondering many matters.

Eventually, Master Xuan Ji felt sorry for his little granddaughter, and after Lu Qian departed to establish his foundation, frequently visited near the building, chatting with Baitao through the door.

Knowing Lu Qian’s and Jiang Qingfeng’s well-intentioned concerns, Master Xuan Ji purposefully guided her in conversation. Baitao, intelligent and quick-witted, grasped most things easily; after Master Xuan Ji’s counseling, she acknowledged she had indeed committed several wrongdoings before.

"Alas, I truly regret it; I dare not do it again next time; will someone come rescue me!" Baitao collapsed on the floor weakly shouting.

Outside, a familiar voice echoed: "Realizing your regret? It’s not too late."

Immediately, with a click, the door opened!

Jiang Baitao jumped up, wide-eyed.

There, Master Xuan Ji smiled warmly, leading Li Da and Wang Ruoyu inside.

"Junior Martial Uncle..." Li Da’s voice tinged with resentment.

"Junior Martial Uncle!" Wang Ruoyu beamed happily, grinning foolishly.

"Grandpa! Shitou! Li Zi!" Jiang Baitao dashed forward, embracing them tightly one by one, "I missed you so much!"

Wang Ruoyu nodded vigorously: "I missed you too."

Li Da blushed from Baitao’s embrace, his face burning hot, suddenly dissipating the accumulated grievances of the past month.

Fine, he reluctantly forgave her...

Master Xuan Ji, stroking his goatee, chuckled: "Your senior brother successfully established his foundation, also bringing back former dispersed disciples, now everyone’s celebrating in the banquet hall. Your senior brother constantly thought about you, worried, hence why he sent me to bring you there."

Upon hearing this, the three youths were filled with joy. The Sect Leader established his foundation?!

Pausing for a moment, Master Xuan Ji continued: "Though he mentioned continuing the punishment after the banquet, you could apologize and act cute later; with them in a good mood, they’ll surely forgive you."

A moment later, the side door of the banquet hall opened, Master Xuan Ji led the three youths inside.

Li Da dragged Wang Ruoyu forward to greet the Sect Leader, congratulating him on the Foundation Establishment achievement. Lu Qian smiled and nodded, directing them to sit beside the junior cultivators.

Jiang Baitao bit her lip, stood there, her gaze firmly on Lu Qian, tears streaming down in two lines.

Seeing Lu Qian, all her accumulated frustration suddenly turned into endless grievance.

Lu Qian hurriedly stood, approached her, and as he extended his hands, Baitao burst into tears, throwing herself into Lu Qian’s embrace: "Senior Brother... I realize my mistakes! Please don’t leave me there..."