A Pawn's Passage

Qi Xuansu was no stranger to this kind of look. Whenever he angered Zhang Yuelu, she would gaze at him in the same way, followed shortly by a playful slap that was more like the teasing banter between lovers.

But Yao Pei was not Zhang Yuelu. She did not seem playful at all. Instead, she looked as though she was genuinely considering exchanging a few blows with Qi Xuansu.

What else could Qi Xuansu do but pretend not to notice her stare? He had no desire to walk into the lion’s den. His future was bright. Being a Sage one day and marrying Zhang Yuelu were no longer distant dreams. So he had no interest in taking risks with his noble-born niece, nor did he care to curry favor with her.

Seeing that her intimidation had no effect, Yao Pei furrowed her brows. She could not actually fight Qi Xuansu in this setting, so she had no choice but to compromise. “I can give you a spiritual object, no less valuable than your horizontal blade.”

Yao Pei was truly a wealthy lady from the prestigious Yao family. She could casually offer him a top-tier spiritual object without batting an eye. It was far more extravagant than anything he or Zhang Yuelu could afford.

Even so, Qi Xuansu was not the type to be swayed by wealth. He valued his life more. He asked, “Why do you want to go up there? And why do you need me to go with you?”

Yao Pei flicked her fingers, setting up a privacy barrier, then replied, “I need to retrieve something from the third floor, and it requires two people to carry it.”

Qi Xuansu pressed on, “What is it?”

Without hesitation, Yao Pei answered, “A semi-immortal object left behind by the sixth-generation Grand Master.”

Qi Xuansu’s expression shifted slightly. “It’s not the artifact the sixth-generation Grand Master used to seal the flood dragon, is it? Are you planning to release the demon?!”

Yao Pei narrowed her eyes slightly and suddenly broke into a smile.

Her eyes rippled gently, like an autumn breeze stirring the surface of a tranquil lake.

Some men admired a woman’s hands, while others liked feet. The scholars of the Confucian School had an almost pathological obsession with feet, giving rise to the tradition of foot-binding to achieve the perfect lotus feet.

But above all else, Qi Xuansu adored a woman’s eyes.

In his view, many beautiful women were mere superficial vessels. Even if they cultivated to higher realms and refined their appearances, that alone did not make them true beauties. Oftentimes, their gazes were dull, like stagnant water—devoid of vitality.

A true beauty’s eyes could speak. If a woman had expressive eyes, they would elevate her charm significantly even if her features were otherwise ordinary.

Zhang Yuelu had phoenix eyes—slender yet not small, with a distinct contrast between the sclera and iris. The ends of her eyes curved upward at the perfect angle, allowing her to exude both sharpness and authority.

If the upward curve was too pronounced, it would no longer be a phoenix eye but a slanted eye, which would turn her regal presence into ruthlessness.

If the eyes were too elongated, they would resemble fox eyes. It would replace her sharpness with a slyness and seductive charm.

Moreover, if the eyes were too small and appeared perpetually squinted, they would not be considered phoenix eyes.

A beautiful woman born with phoenix eyes was like a finishing touch that brought a masterpiece to life. Some people might only have phoenix eyes with an overall unattractive appearance and a dull and uninspiring demeanor. In such cases, their eyes would merely have the form without the essence. Only those with both remarkable features and an extraordinary temperament could bring out the allure of phoenix eyes.

Naturally occurring phoenix eyes were rare, so most women used makeup to imitate them. However, such artifice could never compare to innate beauty.

Qi Xuansu was particularly fond of Zhang Yuelu’s bright and expressive eyes, which shimmered with every movement. Their natural spirit and charm were captivating, and when she stared at something intensely, her eyes radiated a dazzling brilliance.

Due to this, Qi Xuansu often found himself locking eyes with her or secretly observing her from the side.

Compared to Zhang Yuelu’s phoenix eyes, Yao Pei’s eyes were also long and narrow, but their corners neither lifted nor drooped. They were shaped like willow leaves, naturally carrying a subtle misty allure, like autumn waters. However, since she usually appeared listless, with most of her pupils hidden beneath her eyelids, Qi Xuansu often mocked her in his mind for having dead fish eyes.

Now, with full awareness, Yao Pei narrowed her eyes at Qi Xuansu. Though she could not surpass the irreplaceable Zhang Yuelu in his heart, she carried a unique charm even if her features were not exceptionally striking. At this moment, Yao Pei was nothing short of breathtaking.

Qi Xuansu momentarily lost himself, feeling as though Yao Pei was an unparalleled beauty, as if he were about to drown in the deep pools of her gaze. But for some reason, Zhang Yuelu’s phoenix eyes suddenly flashed in his mind, jolting him awake.

He immediately refused, “No.”

Yao Pei, who was smiling before Qi Xuansu for the first time, seemed slightly surprised at his rejection. She then looked puzzled as she asked, “What if Zhang Yuelu asked you?”

Qi Xuansu answered matter-of-factly, “I would try to persuade her otherwise. But if she truly had an unavoidable reason, I would even pay out of my own pocket to accompany her. Unfortunately, you are not her, so my apologies.”

Yao Pei sighed. “Qing Xiao sure has a keen eye for people.”

In truth, Yao Pei had just used a little trick called the Subtle Bewitching Technique. As the name implied, it was meant to subtly disrupt one’s mind. It functioned primarily as a psychological suggestion rather than outright mind control. Compared to conventional enchantment spells, it was far more sophisticated and covert.

Yao Pei had thought that with careful planning against an unguarded target, success was all but guaranteed. However, she had not expected to fail.

This type of technique had a few weaknesses. First, it was ineffective against those with a pure heart. Second, it faltered against those with deep, unwavering emotions. Third, it struggled against individuals with an iron will.

In Yao Pei’s view, Qi Xuansu did not seem to belong to any of these three categories. His cultivation was weaker than hers, yet he had still resisted the technique. There was only one possible explanation—his heart was already occupied by someone, which was why she had asked him that question earlier.

Qi Xuansu finally realized what had happened and said with displeasure, “You tried to trick me?”

Yao Pei lifted her chin slightly and avoided answering his question.

Instead, she said, “Under normal circumstances, a Daoist only has one chance in their lifetime to attend the Upper Palace training, unless they hold an official position within the Wanxiang Daoist Palace. Aside from that, returning to the Upper Palace is extremely difficult.

“The Wanxiang Daoist Palace Master is old and rarely leaves. This time, Sage Ning had to travel to Jade Capital because of Sage Ning’s situation, which makes this an exceptionally rare opportunity. So for us to be standing in the Tianshui Core Tower now is an act of fate. To put it simply, if we miss this chance, we won’t get another.”

Yao Pei’s meaning was clear. They only had the chance to be here while Sun Hewu was acting as the Wanxiang Daoist Palace Master.

Qi Xuansu said, “The Tianshui Core Tower will be unsealed eventually.”

“By the time that happens, will either of us still have the qualifications to enter the third floor?” Yao Pei countered.

Qi Xuansu fell silent.

That was a fact, but he had no intention of releasing a great demon. Who knew if that creature, after being imprisoned for so many years, would eat him first? Even a good person would bear resentment after such long confinement.

Even if the demon did not harm him and simply escaped, the repercussions would eventually come crashing down on him. Moreover, this would implicate Sun Hewu. He had received great kindness from the old Sage, so he could not bring himself to betray the friendly old man.

Yao Pei once again read Qi Xuansu’s thoughts through his expression and continued, “As far as I know, the sixth-generation Grand Master left behind two semi-immortal objects in this place. One was used to seal the flood dragon, but the one I seek is another artifact. No one else knows about it, so taking it will have no consequences. No one will ever know it’s gone.”

Qi Xuansu asked suspiciously, “How do you know about this?”

Yao Pei answered, “The Earthly Preceptor told me. Is that enough?”

Qi Xuansu was silent for a moment before responding, “That’s enough.”

Seeing that Qi Xuansu was beginning to waver, Yao Pei raised the stakes. “I’ll give you a treasure—one that I personally use.”

As someone who had neither seen nor possessed true wealth, Qi Xuansu’s breathing grew slightly heavier for a moment.

However, Qi Xuansu did not immediately agree. Instead, he turned his gaze toward Sun Hewu. Even if fate had given them this golden opportunity to be just one step away from their target, the old Sage would never allow them to proceed. They could not simply force their way up.

Yao Pei said nothing. She lifted the privacy barrier and walked toward Sun Hewu.

At this moment, Sun Hewu had already selected a second book and was writing his name in the borrowing record. Without turning his head, he said, “What are you two youngsters whispering about? Young lady, let me give you some advice. This boy is already taken. That Zhang girl personally sent him to the Upper Palace and even asked me to look after him, so do you still think their relationship is weak? They make a good match, so don’t go having any improper thoughts, and definitely don’t do anything unscrupulous.”

After he finished writing his name, Sun Hewu turned to look at Yao Pei and continued, “Besides, this boy is just average at best. He’s not particularly handsome or anything, so I’m sure you won’t fancy him. If you just want to spite that Zhang girl, find other means. There’s no need to fight over a man. That would only damage your reputation.”

Luckily, Yao Pei had cultivated the Taishang Emotionless Sutra and remained entirely unmoved—neither embarrassed nor angry. Otherwise, she would have surely held a grudge against both the old man and the young one.

On the other hand, Qi Xuansu felt extremely awkward. He also worried that Zhang Yuelu would misunderstand the situation if these words ever reached her ears.

Yao Pei completely ignored Sun Hewu’s lengthy nonsense and directly asked, “Sage Sun, why aren’t you going to the second floor?”

“Do you want to go to the second floor?” Sun Hewu’s expression turned stern, and he shook his head repeatedly. “No, that won’t do, absolutely not.”

Yao Pei pressed on. “Why not?”

Since Yao Pei was young enough to be his granddaughter, Sun Hewu was not particularly guarded against her. He briefly repeated his earlier explanation.

After patiently listening, Yao Pei suddenly looked at the jade token hanging from Sun Hewu’s waist and asked, “What’s that?”

Sun Hewu looked a little wary as he answered, “This is the Palace Master’s token.”

Yao Pei was not the type to act like a coy young girl pleading with her grandfather. She could only try to make her tone as gentle and polite as possible. “May I take a look? Just for a while.”

Sun Hewu hesitated for a moment but ultimately removed the jade token from his waist and handed it to Yao Pei.

Sun Hewu was not being careless. Qi Xuansu would never have received such treatment. But Yao Pei was different. She was a young lady from the prestigious Yao family with a pure lineage. Her ancestors had followed and assisted the Holy Xuan in revitalizing the Daoist Order. She had an impressive family background with the Earthly Preceptor as her elder, and she herself was a prodigy with limitless potential.

Among women with talent and promising futures, none had as noble a background as hers, like Zhang Yuelu. Among noble daughters of prominent families, none could match her talent and potential, like Zhang Yuyue and others.

Thus, Yao Pei naturally received special treatment in various places, enjoying privileges and conveniences, sometimes even surpassing her male counterparts in earning the favor and indulgence of elders.

Yao Pei took the jade token, carefully rubbing every surface and flipping it back and forth. After examining it for a few minutes, she returned it to Sun Hewu.

“Finished looking?” Sun Hewu asked.

Yao Pei nodded. “The Palace Master’s token is indeed different—far superior to that of ordinary superintendents.”

“Well, of course!” Sun Hewu laughed, not thinking much of it.

Soon, Sun Hewu finished selecting his books. Qi Xuansu and Yao Pei merely wandered around the hall on the first floor, pretending to browse the shelves.

The trio then left the Tianshui Core Tower, with Sun Hewu reminding the two youngsters not to speak of today’s events.

After receiving their assurances, he returned to Kun Garden, satisfied.

Yao Pei returned to Zhen Garden with Qi Xuansu and went straight to her residence.