My Husband’s Ascension C43
Chapter 43 Misunderstanding
Zhao Zhao herself could not quite understand how Dao Lord Tianshu and Mo Lingyun had so naturally joined what was meant to be a private evening meal of Cloudculm Abode.
“Sect Master,” Zhongli Shun said earnestly, “there were many guests in the sect today, and the cooks were overwhelmed. Dao Lord Tianshu happened to pass by and helped me prepare the dishes, so we weren’t delayed. I invited Dao Lord Tianshu to dine with us as a show of appreciation…I hope you’re not upset by this.”
The sect’s reception was at Cloudvault Peak, whereas this was Mistflow Peak. How one might “happen to pass by” here was anyone’s guess.
Zhao Zhao did not press the matter. She knew Zhongli Shun had long been devoted to the sword and had admired Dao Lord Tianshu since childhood.
Matters between adults need not entangle innocent juniors; if nothing else, she could regard this as helping him fulfill a quiet wish.
She reached out and patted his head. “Of course not.”
After stowing away the wooden kite, Mo Lingyun leapt down from the tree and asked with a bright smile, “Was the wooden kite fun?”
Yao Ling, flushed with exertion, looked at him with shining eyes. “It was! But can it only be used as a mount?”
“What do you mean?”
Yao Ling gestured excitedly in the air. “I mean, could it be modified so it can go pew pew pew and shoot arrows? That way, you could fly and strike down enemies at the same time!”
Mo Lingyun’s eyes widened slightly in surprise. “Ingenious! How did I never think of that? Do you have any other ideas? Tell me.”
“If I tell you, can you really make them?” Yao Ling asked.
“Of course,” Mo Lingyun replied with a hint of pride, lifting his brows. “I’ve taken first place in the Moyan Sect’s annual competitions for years. My mechanism arts have reached the third major realm…modest achievements, perhaps, but solid enough.”
Yao Ling let out an impressed “wow,” only to hear a calm, refined voice speak beside her.
“The strength of the wooden kite lies in its ability to maneuver without consuming spiritual energy. If one adds repeating crossbows*, it would inevitably require a great deal of power, and the accuracy would fall far short of a single bow and arrow.”
(TLN: Also known as the repeater crossbow, and the Zhuge crossbow due to its association with the Three Kingdoms-era strategist Zhuge Liang; it is a crossbow invented during the Warring States period in China that combined the bow spanning, bolt placing, and shooting actions into one motion.)
A sweep of snow-white sleeves embroidered with drifting cloud patterns passed by as Dao Lord Tianshu set a plate of sweet-and-sour ribs before Yao Ling.
They happened to be her favorite dish.
She looked up, the wariness in her eyes visible even through the mask. “How do you know this is my favorite?”
“Your junior brother Zhongli Shun mentioned it earlier.”
Dao Lord Tianshu took a seat opposite her. After studying her quietly for a moment, he said, “I’ve heard that your swordsmanship is exceptional, that at such a young age, you already rival Zhongli Shun. If you encounter any doubts, you may come ask me at any time during these days.”
To say she felt no temptation at all would be a lie.
Evaluation from the foremost sword cultivator under heaven, who would not wish to hear it?
However, Yao Ling remained resolute. She lifted her chin and replied with proud defiance, “No need. The sword art I practice is already the greatest under heaven! Once I master it, one day I will challenge you to a duel.”
Such bold confidence in a young girl was a rare sight. Dao Lord Tianshu curved his lips into a faint smile.
“And what is your sword called?”
Yao Ling ground her back teeth and answered darkly, “Scumbags-Must-Die Sword.”
Zhao Zhao’s scalp tingled with embarrassment, and she hastily pressed her hand over Yao Ling’s masked mouth.
“Let it be called Yao Ling Sword, just like her name.”
Before the eastern regions greet the sun, where does its radiance abide?
(TLN: Yao Ling‘s name is mentioned in Tian Wen (天問; Questions to Heaven), a compendium of over 180 questions regarding the nature of creation, destiny, Chinese history, and mythology. Written by the Chu Kingdom minister and poet Qu Yuan (340-278BC). Raws: 角宿未旦，曜灵安藏)
Yao Ling; the radiant sun. A name that suited her perfectly.
Dao Lord Tianshu inclined his head, feigning ignorance of Yao Ling’s earlier remark.
“And yours?” His gaze turned to Rong Yu, ever the shadow at Yao Ling’s side.
Zhao Zhao opened her mouth to invent a name on the spot, but Rong Yu merely blinked and recited his own truthfully.
“Bright sunlight shines with radiant clarity, while a gentle breeze drifts gracefully. Morning light spreads across the sky, and sweet dew nourishes the earth.”
(TLN: This verse is from the thirteenth poem in Yonghuai shi written by Ruan Ji (210–263), a Wei-dynasty poet, Daoist, musician. He is best known for his 82 Yonghuai shi, written in a distinctive style, and also produced fu, essays, and the prose work ‘Daren Xiansheng Zhuan’.)
Dao Lord Tianshu recited the poem slowly, then looked at Rong Yu. “You two have excellently chosen names.”
Receiving praise, Rong Yu gave a foolish, delighted grin.
From the moment he was born, he had been designated the Successor, yet given no name. When he met Yao Ling and learned her name came from this poem, he had chosen two characters from it for his own.
Zhao Zhao, seeing that Dao Lord Tianshu showed no particular reaction, guessed the Demon Realm Successor probably wasn’t actually named this, and felt a small measure of relief.
But on the other side, Shi Lanyan’s heart was far from calm.
She now nearly confirmed that Dao Lord Tianshu had truly misunderstood the two children’s origins.
Suppressing a quiet groan in her heart, she steadied herself and fixed her eyes on the masked Yao Ling and Rong Yu.
After all, they couldn’t eat while wearing masks forever.
She didn’t know why they insisted on concealing their faces, but as long as the masks came off and Dao Lord Tianshu saw their true countenances, the truth would surely be revealed.
As for the matter of the pregnancy, Shi Lanyan knew she could explain it privately to Dao Lord Tianshu. After all, Xie Tanzhao had returned from the brink of death, losing a child in the process was hardly surprising.
“Yao Ling, Rong Yu, dinner is ready. Aren’t you going to remove your masks?”
Yao Ling pushed her mask slightly upward, revealing half her face. Her eyes peeked out from just above the mask’s mouthpiece.
“Isn’t this enough?”
Shi Lanyan frowned. “Wouldn’t it be easier to remove them while eating? Or is there some special reason you can’t?”
Zhao Zhao’s heart skipped a beat.
Though she trusted Shi Lanyan deeply, with outsiders Mo Lingyun and Dao Lord Tianshu present today, she did not wish for Yao Ling and Rong Yu to reveal their faces.
“They just like their masks, that’s all. No special reason; let them be,” Zhao Zhao said.
Dao Lord Tianshu glanced at her briefly, then lowered his eyes once more.
“It does get in the way of eating. We’ll remove them, then.”
Before anyone could react, Yao Ling suddenly yanked off both her own and Rong Yu’s masks.
Shi Lanyan’s lips curved into a broader smile as she watched her.
As soon as he sees their faces, the truth would become immediately clear without any explanation—
Yet…
The instant she took in their features, Shi Lanyan’s eyes widened in shock.
She whipped her gaze to Zhao Zhao and blurted out, “…You weren’t actually—” pregnant right?!
Otherwise, how could these two children bear a trace of resemblance to Dao Lord Tianshu in their features?
Mo Lingyun, catching sight of Yao Ling and Rong Yu, looked slightly surprised and spoke without much thought, “Yao Ling and Rong Yu…bear noticeable resemblance to Dao Lord Tianshu.”
His gaze then swept to Zhongli Shun. “They look somewhat like this junior as well. Sitting together, they almost seem like a family.”
After a brief shock, Zhao Zhao quickly understood.
Yao Ling and Rong Yu had likely used the face-altering pills she had provided before, meant to prevent them from being recognized by Mount Ling or the Demon Realm. She had long instructed them to carry these pills for emergencies.
Seeing the large gathering today, they had evidently prepared in advance.
Though their new faces had been shaped from Zhongli Shun’s features, when compared to Dao Lord Tianshu, it still seemed a little…particular.
…Indeed, as Mo Yan had said, there was a hint of a familial resemblance.
“Sir Immortal, you may not know, but many of Cloudculm Abode’s disciples are from the Zhongli Clan, sharing the same lineage as the Dao Lord. That such similarities exist in appearance is only natural,” Zhao Zhao explained.
“I see…”
Mo Lingyun’s eyes then swept over Zhao Zhao’s face, lifting into a wry smile. “Though, they also bear a slight resemblance to Miss Immortal Tanzhao. At first glance, one might almost think—”
His words were cut off by chopsticks Zhao Zhao promptly extended, blocking his mouth.
“…Try this.” Zhao Zhao’s smile was slightly stiff. The young man before her, so inexperienced in the world, spoke without thinking. “This is my disciple’s best dish. How is it?”
Mo Lingyun, having been fed a piece of braised bamboo shoot directly by Zhao Zhao, felt all words vanish from his mind. Only the redness climbing his cheeks and the quickening beat of his heart remained.
“De…Delicious…” His thoughts spun dizzily, as though his very mind were bubbling.
Zhao Zhao smiled and set down the communal chopsticks. “Then eat your fill.”
Eat more, speak less.
Across the table, Dao Lord Tianshu observed it all. A trace of his usual smile faded, yet when Zhongli Shun eagerly sought instruction in swordsmanship, Dao Lord answered with his customary poise, as though nothing were amiss.
Only, by the end of the meal, he had not touched the very dish of braised bamboo shoots he had once prepared with his own hands.
…
The meal concluded, and the rosy glow of evening spread across Mistflow Peak.
Zhao Zhao was called aside by Dao Lord Tianshu, who appeared intent on a private word.
The last time they had talked at night, he had promised not to cripple her cultivation—and after all, she had saved his life once. Zhao Zhao thought it over and found no fear in the prospect.
Yet, just as she prepared to go, Shi Lanyan firmly intercepted her.
“I have something to say to you.”
Zhao Zhao: …?
Why did everyone seem to have something to say to her today?
“What is it?” She asked.
Shi Lanyan drew a deep breath. “You can’t blame me on this matter. I only said it to spite him, never thinking he would actually believe it. But… you’re at fault too! Taking on disciples is one thing, but why did you have to take on ones who look so much like Tianshu? Anyone seeing them would think they were his children!”
Zhao Zhao was startled by the rapid-fire words, only catching a few key phrases after a moment. “What children?”
“Long story short: after you fell into the Soul-Shattering Abyss, I tricked him into thinking you were pregnant. He believed it. And now, seeing your two disciples, he’s even more convinced.”
“….”
After a lingering incense stick’s time, Zhao Zhao made her way to the cliff where she had agreed to meet Dao Lord Tianshu, her steps light, almost drifting.
The evening sky blazed with the last rays of sunset. At the cliff’s edge stood a figure bathed in golden light, silver-white hair kissed by the glow, looking as if a snow-white statue had been gilded along its edges, both sacred and otherworldly.
Zhao Zhao lingered behind him, observing for a while.
How utterly absurd.
After all that had happened, he actually believed she would bear two children for him?
Never mind that these two children did not exist; even if they did, how could she allow a life so bound to him to take form within her?
Sensing her gaze, Dao Lord Tianshu turned.
“The Senior Brother of Moyan Sect, Mo Heng, informed me that a human pillar was discovered at Mount Ling’s grotto-heaven.”
The taut knot of tension in her chest loosened instantly.
So it was about this matter.
“Since it is Cloudculm Abode’s grotto-heaven, no one should have been able to investigate it without your permission. How do you intend to handle this?”
Zhao Zhao: “The human pillar has nothing to do with Cloudculm Abode.”
Dao Lord Tianshu’s expression slackened for a moment, his features shifting with complexity. “…I am aware.”
“I had originally intended to consult with Miss Immortal Lanyan, have Polaris Confucian Sect coordinate a discreet discussion among the sects, and then enter the grotto together,” Zhao Zhao explained calmly.
Yet as this concerned the affairs of the Cultivation Realm, it was only proper to inform the Dao Lord first.
Zhao Zhao continued in a formal tone, “Since Dao Lord Tianshu is already aware, it would be most fitting for Kunwu to take the lead. The human pillar concerns the safety of the entire Cultivation Realm; I hope Dao Lord can persuade the other sects to accompany us.”
He regarded the young woman with her gaze lowered for a moment before speaking, “The human pillar is indeed a matter of great importance. I will notify the other sects and personally oversee it.”
Personally?
Zhao Zhao raised her eyes slightly, a trace of surprise in them. “It is merely an investigation. If each sect dispatches elite disciples, that should suffice. Moreover, are you not currently busy fending off the Demon Realm? There is no need to trouble yourself, Dao Lord, to come in person.”
The snow-clad Dao Lord fell silent for a moment, then asked, “Why? You should understand that with me present, the matter will proceed with greater certainty.”
Zhao Zhao naturally understood that bringing Dao Lord Tianshu was equivalent to carrying a supremely effective safety talisman, yet if Mount Ling truly harbored a secret capable of shaking the Cultivation Realm, leaving Yao Ling and Rong Yu behind could be dangerous.
After all, Mount Ling possessed divination abilities. If they already knew that Yao Ling and Rong Yu could one day slay Dao Lord Tianshu, they would inevitably consider the two children as formidable cultivators. Should Mount Ling act rashly, abducting them, the consequences would be dire.
“It is only an investigation, not a siege of Mount Ling. How dangerous could it be? You worry too much, Dao Lord.” Zhao Zhao’s thoughts lingered on her earlier speculation. After some hesitation, she swallowed the truth of Yao Ling and Rong Yu’s identities. “Cloudculm Abode lies close to Mount Ling. For the safety of Cloudculm and for Yao Ling and Rong Yu, I hope you will remain here to protect them, Dao Lord.”
She closed her fingers slightly at her side, allowing him to misunderstand for the time being.
The storm loomed, and if this misunderstanding could shield Yao Ling and Rong Yu, she would not hesitate to commit such a small deception.
If he believed the children were his own, he would surely choose to stay at Beaconlight Mountain to safeguard them.
“…I understand.” The snow-clad Dao Lord ceased further argument and agreed.
“Tonight I will confer with the other sects. Once arrangements are made to respond to the Demon Realm, you will depart at nightfall tomorrow.”
Zhao Zhao finally exhaled in relief and nodded seriously.
As long as Dao Lord Tianshu remained at Beaconlight Mountain to protect the disciples of Cloudculm Abode until the truth of Mount Ling’s schemes was uncovered, everything else could wait.
…
The next evening, before the investigation team departed, Zhao Zhao saw a familiar face among them.
“…Miss Immortal A’Lan? You came as well?”
Blinking in mild surprise, she turned to introduce her to Mo Lingyun. “This is a disciple of Kunwu. Seven years ago, she was sent by Dao Lord Tianshu to assist me and Lord Yaoguang in managing the affairs of the Zhongli Clan, helping me considerably.”
Zhao Zhao had always held a favorable impression of this beautiful immortal, A’Lan. According to Zhongli Shun, she had even given pointers on his swordarts and left him a cookbook.
Mo Lingyun studied the unfamiliar face before him. Black hair swept like clouds, features extraordinarily refined; she was a truly beautiful woman.
However…her smile, gentle as spring winds yet distant and untouchable, seemed oddly familiar, as if he had seen it somewhere before.
