A Change in Personality

Before Yu Zhiling could even think, her body reacted first. She subconsciously opened her mouth and drank the tea.

The tea had been hot, but it seemed to have been cooled by spiritual energy, so the temperature was just right when it entered her mouth.

After drinking, she raised her head in confusion, only to find that Yan Shanqing, who had intended to leave, had returned and was standing right beside her.

"Do you want more?"

"...No, it's a bit bitter."

Yu Zhiling shook her head. Yan Shanqing gave a soft "Mn" and set the teacup down.

"First Senior Brother?"

Yan Shanqing's expression was incredibly complex. When he looked at her, Yu Zhiling felt... there were too many inexplicable emotions in his eyes.

However, he did not reply, only asking slowly, "I heard you summoned Mo Zhu back?"

"...Yes."

Yan Shanqing crossed his arms, his tone cold. "Back then, you were the one who brought him back. At that time, you promised me that you would teach him with all your heart. That was why the Yingshan Sect made an exception and allowed a demon cultivator to join. Over the past few years, the disciples of the sect have never discriminated against him. Only you, as his master, have you ever dedicated yourself to fulfilling your duties?

"Yu Zhiling, I do not know how you taught Mo Zhu back then. But the entire sect knows full well that you banished him three years ago and forbade him from returning.

"You must take responsibility for him. If you cannot teach him well, then hand him over to another elder. Do not let him continue to waste his time."

These things were not done by Yu Zhiling, but hearing Yan Shanqing's words, she still felt her heart sink, and an inexplicable sense of guilt welled up.

She no longer dared to remain seated. Hurriedly standing up, she said:

"Yes, First Senior Brother's teachings are correct."

She felt she was admitting her fault very seriously, but Yan Shanqing's reaction startled her.

He paused slightly, then took a step back as if he had just heard something utterly preposterous.

Yu Zhiling: "..."

Did she do something wrong again?!

Yan Shanqing looked as if he were avoiding a fierce beast. "What on earth is wrong with you?"

Yu Zhiling didn't know how she had provoked him either. Seeing Yan Shanqing's suspicious gaze, she felt as if she was about to be exposed.

She forced a smile. "First Senior Brother, I have been in seclusion for too long and am a bit tired now. I want to go back and rest for a while. I have agreed to the matter regarding the Four Slayers Realm. If the other two Immortal Venerables need anything, you can send someone to inform me.

"If there is nothing else here... then I shall take my leave first."

Having said that, she turned and left immediately. Her actions were so swift and neat, as if staying for even a moment longer would expose everything. She felt that Yan Shanqing was about to pounce and search her soul.

After Yu Zhiling left, Yan Shanqing remained seated in his original spot.

He fell silent for a long time, his gaze resting on the shattered teacup on the gold-plated sandalwood table.

Just then, the door was pushed open, and a man holding a folding fan walked in lazily. Seeing the broken porcelain shards on the table, he raised an eyebrow. "What happened? Did Little Fifth just come by? Did she smash your things again?"

Yan Shanqing looked up at him. Xiang Wuxue leisurely sat down opposite him.

Yan Shanqing shook his head. "No, I broke it."

Xiang Wuxue asked, "Did you two fight again?"

Yan Shanqing replied, "No."

"Then why do you look so dazed and lost?"

"...Third Brother, she just called me First Senior Brother."

Xiang Wuxue's hand holding the fan froze. "...What?"

Yan Shanqing repeated hoarsely, "Little Fifth called me First Senior Brother."

The two brothers looked at each other, their pupils contracting simultaneously.

It had been ten years.

For the past ten years, they had never heard her call them Senior Brother or Senior Sister.

Xiang Wuxue took a deep breath, slowly opening his fan and waving it a few times. His voice was still clear, but it carried a hint of trembling that was hard to conceal. "Ever since she returned from the Four Slayers Realm ten years ago, her personality completely changed, and she cut off all ties with us. How... how could she..."

Call him Senior Brother again?

Ever since returning from the Four Slayers Realm, Yu Zhiling...

...was the person who hated them the most.