The two had parted on unpleasant terms in the side room earlier. Now, Cai Zhao intended to ease the tension, but who knew that just a moment of harmony would pass before this moody teenager flipped out for no reason at all.

Cai Zhao’s chopsticks paused mid-air, her eyes wide and round. She was easygoing by nature and couldn't for the life of her understand why this Chang Ning fellow couldn't say a single nice thing.

"Your grandaunt clearly knew your mother only spoke of becoming a nun in a moment of anger. As an elder, it would have been one thing if she didn't dissuade her, but she even encouraged a junior to continue down the wrong path—truly twin lotuses on a single stalk, equally muddle-headed and foolish!"

"How dare you insult my elders!" Cai Zhao was furious.

"I'll say whatever I want," Chang Ning sneered. "With your aunt's intelligence and insight, how could she not have thought of these things? I refuse to believe it. This world is just full of so many boring elders who love to restrain the younger generation with hypocritical worldly principles..."

Cai Zhao slammed her chopsticks down with a 'pa' and said sternly, "Senior Brother Chang, you are far-sighted, intelligent, and insightful. I dare not aspire to your level. When minds don't meet, even half a sentence is too much. It seems Senior Brother Chang has no need for my protection after all!"

She was so angry she wanted to leave immediately, but to her surprise, Chang Ning had an even bigger temper. Without a word of defense, he gave a cold laugh, stood up, and walked out, leaving Cai Zhao fuming in place, having been beaten to the punch.

Cai Zhao was like a hot teapot with its lid removed, puffing out steam.

Cai Han lifted his head from his bowl and said in a small voice, "Big Sis, actually, what Senior Brother Chang just said about maternal grandmother and grandaunt... Mother said similar things to Auntie too..."

"Just gnaw on your chicken leg!"

Cai Han continued in a small voice, "Big Sis, when Auntie was alive, she often said she greatly admired Great Hero Chang..."

"Shut up! Gnaw on your chicken leg."

The little boy Cai Han was relentless: "Will Senior Brother Chang be alright going out like that? What if he runs into someone waiting to deal with him..."

"Shut up! Gnaw on your chicken leg..." Cai Zhao was incredibly vexed, yet helpless. "Stay here and don't you dare run off!" Then she got up to chase after Chang Ning.

Cai Zhao weaved through the bustling crowd, grabbing a few servants along the way to ask for directions. Because Chang Ning's face of festering sores was more conspicuous than a three-legged toad, even the busiest servants couldn't ignore him, so they pointed out a very consistent route for Cai Zhao.

Out the main hall's gate, head straight to the left, pass through the decorated flower gate, and arrive at a deserted backyard used for storing miscellaneous items. There, she indeed saw Chang Ning... and five 'bullies' surrounding him—Qi Lingbo and Outer Sect Disciples A, B, C, and D.

Cai Zhao wanted to sigh at the heavens. Why didn't her aunt ever tell her that being a chivalrous hero was such an exhausting and thankless task? She had just been angered to death, and now she didn't even have time to be angry before she had to go out of her way to save someone!

She looked over and saw that the hem of Chang Ning's robe was already torn in one place, and his sleeve showed signs of being tugged and pulled. The afternoon sun was dazzling, making his face somewhat dim and unclear. In the play of light and shadow, and perhaps it was a trick of her eyes, Cai Zhao sensed a hint of irritation and killing intent emanating from him, even a touch of violent ferocity.

'You have the nerve to be so temperamental when you don't even have the strength to truss a chicken!' Cai Zhao complained silently.

Qi Lingbo's gentle and obedient demeanor from when she was in front of the elders was gone, replaced by a face full of malevolence. "...Where's that bravado you had when you were lecturing me earlier?! Chang Ning, I don't want your heart's blood anymore. If you obediently kowtow to me eighteen times and eat that dog poop over there, we can still be fellow disciples and brothers in the future!"

Disciples A, B, C, and D added a chorus of taunts and threats.

Chang Ning said coldly, "If you like eating dog poop yourself, go right ahead. I won't snatch away what others love."

"You..." Qi Lingbo was enraged.

Cai Zhao took a long, deep breath and leaped forward, landing gracefully in front of Chang Ning like a fluttering flower.

Seeing the girl standing before him, the gloom in Chang Ning's eyes slowly dissipated, and the arm that had been tensed within his sleeve slowly relaxed.

Cai Zhao spread her arms open and smiled placatingly, "Senior brothers and sisters, if there's something to say, let's talk it out nicely!" When she turned her head, she saw Chang Ning looking at her with clear, cold eyes that seemed to hold a hint of a smile.

Qi Lingbo gritted her teeth, "Fine, what a fine Flying Flower Ferry. The lightness skill of Falling Blossoms Valley truly lives up to its name. Junior Sister Cai, you've arrived right on time. It seems you're determined to oppose me."

In her fifteen years, Cai Zhao had never yielded an inch on major principles like wonton fillings and the steaming time for fish, but she was easygoing about most things. Now, having left Falling Blossoms Valley, she discovered that many things she had taken for granted needed to be solemnly declared again and again outside—reputable sects must not bully the weak.

"Senior Sister, just now Uncle Qi specifically instructed me to look after Senior Brother Chang. I'm sure you heard him. Why make things difficult for me?" Cai Zhao's smile faded. "As juniors, we may not dare say we can relieve our parents and elders of their worries, but at the very least, we shouldn't cause trouble in such a public setting. Although the Snow Lotus Pill is rare, it is not entirely unique. In the future, when members of the sect roam the Jianghu, there will always be opportunities to obtain another. It won't be too late for Senior Sister to use it for your training then."

Qi Lingbo gritted her teeth, "Let me be honest with you. Although my conflict with Chang Ning started because of the Snow Lotus Pill, if he hadn't repeatedly spoken so insolently and humiliated me, I'm not someone who doesn't know what's important! If you don't believe me, think about what happened in the side room just now. This isn't the first or second time he's been so acerbic and harsh!"

Cai Zhao was taken aback. She turned to Chang Ning, "What did you say to Senior Sister?"

A smile was in Chang Ning's eyes. "Which time are you asking about?"

Cai Zhao had no choice but to ask Qi Lingbo what infuriating things Chang Ning had said. Qi Lingbo trembled with rage, "Cai Zhao, are you intentionally trying to humiliate me?!"

This was when Outer Sect Disciples A, B, C, and D needed to contribute their lines—

The pointy-faced Disciple A: "Senior Sister was kind enough to bring medicine for that Chang fellow, but he actually said the Snow Lotus Pill is a sacred healing treasure, and giving it to Senior Sister would be like a fat pig chewing on ginseng..."

The monkey-cheeked Disciple B: "That time, Senior Sister specially brought fine fabric to have clothes tailored for that Chang fellow. That little brat actually said Senior Sister's actions were just like a sycophantic dowry maid from a rich man's house trying to curry favor."

The ugly-faced Disciple C: "Three months ago, Senior Sister defeated the prized disciple of the Golden Blade Sect's leader by the Heavenly Lake. Second Senior Brother gave her the elegant title 'Fairy of the Heavenly Lake,' but Chang Ning actually said the leader of the Golden Blade Sect wanted to suck up to the Sect Master, so he had his disciple lose to Senior Sister on purpose. He said 'Fairy of the Heavenly Lake' should be changed to 'Rely-on-Dad Fairy'."

The equally ugly-faced Disciple D: "Last month..."

"Enough! Don't say any more!" Qi Lingbo wished she could stuff mud into the mouths of these four idiots.

Cai Zhao wanted to laugh but felt it would be unkind. Instead, she turned a questioning gaze on Chang Ning.

Chang Ning said nonchalantly, "I was just telling the truth."

Cai Zhao glared at him. "Hurting people with words is wrong, no matter what."

Seeing the clear disapproval in the girl's limpid eyes, Chang Ning finally said in a low voice, "My injuries have not healed and the poison is not cleared. How could I have the leisure to actively seek trouble? If they hadn't insisted on coming to me with their endless chatter, I couldn't be bothered to say a word."

Cai Zhao's mind turned, and it seemed to make sense.

"Nonsense! Senior Sister is willing to speak with you, it's an honor for you! Don't refuse a gesture of goodwill!" The ugly-faced Disciple D finally got to finish his line.

Qi Lingbo said sarcastically, "Junior Sister Cai, what do you have to say? Are you determined to protect this brat? I'm not going to break his arms or legs, just teach him a small lesson."

Disciples A, B, C, and D snickered behind her:

"Exactly, no broken arms or legs, just eating some dog poop!"

"Hahahaha, dog poop is very nutritious! Maybe that Chang fellow's injuries will heal!"

"Brilliant! Do you people know how to talk? It's Senior Sister showing great mercy by teaching this kid the rules of the Qingque Sect..."

—What is all this nonsense? Cai Zhao circulated her Dantian for three cycles and forced a smile. "Senior Sister, calm your anger. My aunt used to say that the most important thing when roaming the Jianghu is reason. Some things are infuriating, but if they are reasonable, you have to suppress your anger and endure it."

"It's certainly hateful that Senior Brother Chang angered you, but he is, after all, the last of the Chang Family's bloodline. If Senior Sister really forces him to eat dog poop, how can Great Hero Chang rest in peace in heaven? Besides, Senior Brother Chang is currently injured and ill; there's no honor in defeating him like this. Why doesn't Senior Sister wait a bit? When Senior Brother Chang has recovered, you can challenge him whenever and wherever you like, and I absolutely won't say another word."

A few traces of embarrassment appeared on Qi Lingbo's face. 'Easy for you to say,' she thought. 'If I really wait until Chang Ning recovers, it would be one thing if his martial arts are poor. But what if they're superb? When would I ever get my revenge?'

"Besides, there are scholarly arenas and martial arenas. Chang Ning has never laid a finger on Senior Sister. If Senior Sister is truly enraged, why not just scold him back? You have strength in numbers on your side. You can set up a formation and give Chang Ning a thorough tongue-lashing. Wouldn't that vent all your anger? If Senior Sister can't think of the right words, you could go down the mountain and find a few storytellers to help you out. I guarantee you can scold him for an hour without repeating a single word." Cai Zhao offered this advice with great enthusiasm.

"Scold? Scold what?" Qi Lingbo was bewildered.

Chang Ning languidly added, "Ugly monster, jinx, lone star of calamity who brings death to his whole family, a dejected dog that has lost its home, a useless waste hiding in the Qingque Sect just to eat... there are plenty more."

Qi Lingbo yelled, "Your skin is so thick, nothing I say will get to you! Why should I waste my energy?!" The point of scolding was to hurt someone, but for it to work, the words had to be taken to heart. With someone like Chang Ning who couldn't care less, scolding him was pointless.

Cai Zhao hadn't eaten in half a day and was also getting impatient. "I've said all I can. If Senior Sister still refuses to listen, then there are other ways."

After saying this, she leaped lightly, brushing a few petals and leaves from a nearby peach tree into her palm. Her figure then flashed forward, and like a shadow, she darted left and right, appearing before Qi Lingbo and her four companions with the speed of lightning. Following five 'papapapapa' sounds, Cai Zhao instantly leaped back to her original position and calmly took out a handkerchief to wipe her hands.

Qi Lingbo and the others looked down and saw that several flower petals were imprinted on each of their chests or shoulders.

Cai Zhao said coldly, "The five of you together are no match for me. I've already promised Uncle Qi I would look after Senior Brother Chang. If Senior Sister is unhappy, go complain to your parents and senior brothers." —When you encounter a scoundrel intent on making trouble, the shopkeeper doesn't need to be polite either.

With that, Cai Zhao pulled Chang Ning back to their seats, not bothering to listen to the curses from Qi Lingbo and the others behind them.

Tugging Chang Ning by the sleeve, she returned to their corner seat. The little boy Cai Han was already chugging away at his fourth chicken leg. Cai Zhao glared and scolded, "Eat less meat! Look how fat you are, you could be butchered and sold!"

Cai Xiaohan said mournfully, "Please be considerate, Big Sis. After the anniversary of the Grandmaster's death, I have to follow uncle to visit maternal grandmother. I'll have to stay for at least a few months this time. Not only do I have to chant 'Amitabha' at grandmother's house, but I also have to eat vegetarian."

Cai Zhao pursed her lips. "Cut the nonsense. Maternal grandmother is gravely ill. You'd better coax her well and not make her angry!"

Tears were about to well up in Cai Xiaohan's eyes. "Big Sis, you're so cruel. If you weren't going to become an apprentice this time, you would definitely be going to grandmother's too. Then the things you'd be picky about wouldn't be whether the wonton filling is from the front leg or hind leg, but whether it's stir-fried cabbage, boiled cabbage, or pickled cabbage! And you tell me to coax grandmother. Grandmother would be happiest if you and I shaved our heads and became monastics. Would you be willing, Big Sis?"

Chang Ning couldn't help but chuckle lightly. Cai Zhao glared back at him, then turned to her younger brother, "Cut the nonsense. Eat your chicken leg... This is the last one!"

After scolding Cai Han, Cai Zhao pulled Chang Ning down to sit, facing him squarely with a commanding presence, her eyes shining brightly.

"To make a long story short, I have a three-point agreement with you. First, you are not allowed to speak ill of my aunt! Second, you are not allowed to speak ill of my parents! Third, you are not allowed to speak ill of the elders I respect... Xiaohan, if you want to keep eating meat, you're not allowed to interrupt!"

Cai Xiaohan had wanted to point out his older sister's logical fallacy, but upon hearing her words, he quickly shut up and lowered his head to quietly make his fortune eating meat.

Chang Ning lightly covered his lips with his sleeve, revealing a pair of handsome eyes, charming and self-pleased.

Cai Zhao also realized her words just now were full of holes; she was clearly muddled by anger.

She scratched her rosy cheek and started over. "...That didn't count. Let's make a new three-point agreement! First, you are not allowed to speak ill of any elders I respect. No sarcasm or snide remarks either! Second, you are not allowed to seek trouble, stir up conflicts, or bring problems upon yourself for me to clean up. Third... I haven't thought of the third one yet. I'll add it later."

Chang Ning's long, elegant eyes raised slightly. Just as he was about to retort, Cai Zhao cut him off, "As long as you behave yourself, I will watch over you and protect you until your injuries are fully healed, and I won't let you be bullied or harassed. How about it?"

The smile on Chang Ning's face gradually cooled. Cai Zhao stared at him with burning intensity.

Chang Ning said slowly, "With Sect Master Qi around, it's unlikely any real disaster will befall me."

Cai Zhao snorted through her nose, "Does eating dog poop count as a real disaster?"

Chang Ning stopped smiling.

Cai Zhao looked at the torn robe on Chang Ning. "Qi Lingbo is not someone who will swallow her anger. Although your life isn't in danger, you won't be spared from bullying and humiliation. Stop pretending. In your heart, you're utterly sick of these flies you can't get rid of. But right now, you are restrained, your injuries haven't healed, and you can't freely deal with them. Am I right or am I right?"

Chang Ning's eyes focused. "You clearly despise me too, yet you are still willing to protect me. Did your aunt teach you this as well?"

Cai Zhao was silent for a moment. "My aunt was a true hero with a chivalrous spirit and a gentle heart. She eliminated evil, supported the weak, and upheld justice, never caring for her own likes or dislikes. I only hope that I do not dishonor her teachings."

Chang Ning gazed out the window for a moment, then said slowly, "My father also hoped I could become a person like him, but I'm afraid I cannot."

Thinking herself very understanding, Cai Zhao said, "Right. You have to avenge your family, so naturally, you need to show some killing intent and ruthlessness. How could you be warm-hearted and benevolent like Great Hero Chang?"

Chang Ning drew his gaze back. His eyes, clear and shimmering like water, fell upon Cai Zhao's face as he said in a low voice, "I was in the wrong just now. I shouldn't have criticized your elders. It's just that I remembered something..."

His tone suddenly softened, and his fingers gently traced the flowing cloud and bat pattern on the table. "Before my father passed away, he entrusted me with looking after an elder, an elder I hold in great contempt—cowardly, weak, heartless, faithless, and greedy for comfort and riches."

"I was very reluctant. Are the words of an elder always right? Not necessarily. But it was my father's dying wish."

The boy's fingers were pale and long, with distinct, strong knuckles. Against the smooth, dark brown table, they possessed a kind of old, magnificent beauty, like a cold white jade hairpin in an old trousseau box from a declining noble family, filling the onlooker with an inexplicable sense of melancholy.

"Are you going to agree or not?" Cai Zhao asked patiently.

Chang Ning put away his melancholy, his gaze serene. "It's a deal."

"Good."

Cai Zhao picked up her chopsticks and snatched the last chicken leg from Cai Han's plate. Under her younger brother's tearful gaze, she took a bite—helping the weak and fighting the strong starts with those around you (but she didn't plan on expanding the scope). She hoped her aunt's spirit in heaven wouldn't be too angry to eat.