Sending the Divine

Chapter 75: Choice

Upon hearing Chen Qianfan’s conclusion, Shi Jingzhi felt a bit perplexed.

Setting aside his own lack of strength, Yin Ci definitely wouldn’t want to give it his all. The origins of this disciple of his remained a mystery. This person only displayed his true power during extremely perilous situations, like when he ventured into the forbidden area and was entangled by the butterflies.

Although the Arcane Arts in front of them was bizarre, its attacks weren’t very proactive. It was because the Mishan Sect had a “no brute force” condition that forced them to fight bitterly until now.

Shi Zhongyu lost a fingertip, while the others were unharmed, including Yin Ci and Chen Qianfan, who didn’t even participate in the battle. No matter how you looked at it, this situation had nothing to do with being in a “perilous situation”.

Well, the matter Yin Ci wanted to investigate was related to the idol, while this trip was only for the sake of the ban. He was willing to intervene in this matter, which already demonstrated his commitment.

As Shi Jingzhi was contemplating the situation, he saw Yin Ci ponder for a moment before walking over to Shi Zhongyu.

“Miss Shi, I have something to discuss with you.”

Wait a minute, “Senior Shi” has suddenly become “Miss” now? It was unusual that Shi Zhongyu didn’t inquire about the origin of this “A’Ci” and the agreement to hide their identities, right?

Upon hearing the statement about Yin Ci holding back, Shi Zhongyu showed a slight contemplative expression. Now that Yin Ci took the initiative to speak, her response also carried a sense of inquiry. “Please speak.”

Yin Ci: “No need to rush. I would like to first take a look at the wound on your hand. That Arcane Arts is extremely peculiar, and its techniques might have some effects.”

Shi Zhongyu was taken aback and raised her hand with a mix of confusion and suspicion. “This… uh, you also have knowledge of spells?”

“A little understanding.”

Yin Ci flicked his sleeve and used the edge of his cuff to support Shi Zhongyu’s injured hand. Shi Zhongyu decisively severed her finger, promptly removing the middle fingertip. However, that technique wasn’t compatible. The wound continued to bleed, showing no signs of healing. The blood had an abnormal bright red color, which was quite alarming.

Shi Jingzhi: “…”

Aren’t I the doctor here? Shouldn’t I at least ask Chen Qianfan for a look? Is my disciple going too far by taking the initiative today?

…No, maybe A’Ci is just investigating the attack methods of that Arcane Arts.

Shi Jingzhi, with a head full of question marks, solemnly explained to himself.

Unaware of the string of doubts in his master’s mind, Yin Ci maintained a composed and dignified appearance. “Miss Shi has a keen eye and handled it promptly. However, this technique is dangerous, relying on blood as its foundation, and the wound is not easy to recover from. It would be better for you to seek assistance from Senior Chen.”

With his gentle and courteous words, accompanied by a touch of casual superiority, he was quite different from the respectful distance he had shown earlier.

As a member of the Taiheng Sect, Shi Zhongyu held a high position. She was strong-willed but not dense in the head. In just a few words, Yin Ci subtly conveyed this subtle change, and she vaguely understood the implied subtext behind “having something to discuss”.

“It’s just a minor injury, not a big deal. If you have something to say, let’s focus on the main matter first.”

Her eyes were fixed on Yin Ci.

Yin Ci took a step back and briefly performed a gesture of respect.

“I am Yin Ci. We have met under the Ghost Tomb…”

Without waiting for Shi Jingzhi to interject, Yin Ci brought up the previous claim of being a “descendant of the Su Clan”. Unlike the previous time with Shi Jingzhi, before Shi Zhongyu could suspect anything, he openly confessed his identity as the “white-robed person from the Ghost Tomb”.

Shi Zhongyu’s face turned solemn, while Shi Jingzhi stood there dumbfounded.

Sect Master Shi didn’t know how to join the conversation. Yin Ci left him no room to maneuver and completely disregarded the Kushan Sect in his words. According to his disciple, he was just a pitiful person “being used” and “knowing nothing”.

Yin Ci’s explanation was succinct, and Shi Zhongyu didn’t remain silent for too long.

“I see.”

Shi Zhongyu sighed.

“Our sect also investigated the clues about the white-robed person but gained nothing. Brother Yin, there’s no need to worry. Although there are conflicts between our sects, we won’t disregard reason and shift blame to the Su Clan, who left the Chigou Sect.”

“You are magnanimous, Miss.”

“However, if you are that white-robed person, your strength would be enough for me to address you as ‘Senior’. The white-robed person didn’t harm the righteous sects in the Ghost Tomb. With Matron Wuxue present, Senior didn’t want to expose the Su Clan’s identity. This Junior can understand that.”

Shi Zhongyu lowered her head slightly, and her words carried a sense of respect.

“I still have a personal matter to investigate, and I will also accompany the Kushan Sect in the future. I hope, based on this trip, you won’t reveal my identity.”

Shi Zhongyu clasped her fist. “Naturally.”

After the two finished speaking, Shi Jingzhi remained somewhat dazed, and a chill seemed to permeate the air around him.

He had originally considered the other person’s identity and strength as a shared secret between them, a kind of unique connection forged through their shared tribulations. Yin Ci only removed a small portion of his disguise when they were on the brink of life and death. But Shi Zhongyu only lost a fingertip, and his disciple readily confessed everything.

From a rational standpoint, Shi Jingzhi understood. Yin Ci, being cautious, must have sufficient reasons to expose his identity. Perhaps there was even a plan related to the overall situation. However, he couldn’t suppress the surge of emotions welling up within him.

Now, Shi Zhongyu was just like him.

Yin Ci hadn’t lied to Shi Zhongyu. No one understood better than Shi Jingzhi that Yin Ci indeed had a personal matter to investigate and needed the cover of a small sect. After all, their relationship was rooted in this joke-like “master-disciple relationship”.

The way Yin Ci treated Shi Zhongyu seemed familiar to Shi Jingzhi. When they first met, he also felt that sense of ease and goodwill.

So if Yin Ci needed a “master”, would it be just a switch from a Zhang Jingzhi to Li Jingzhi? After spending a long time together, would Yin Ci wholeheartedly treat him in the same way?

Upon careful consideration, although their relationship had deepened over time, it was still closer to the care and affection of a “senior” for a “junior”.

It wasn’t as special as he had imagined.

Suddenly, a cloud of misty grievance surged within Shi Jingzhi.

His heart felt like it had been stuffed into a teapot and simmered over a low flame. His ears were filled with the bubbling sound of bubbles, and each bubble burst with a faint cry of “This isn’t fair.”

Shi Jingzhi raised his robe and sat cross-legged on the snowy ground, attempting to calm this sense of “unreasonable trouble” with the help of the accumulated snow. Within this inexplicable melancholy, he suddenly understood Chen Qianfan’s reason for erasing memories.

It was all because worldly entanglements were truly troublesome.

If it weren’t for his decision to enter the secular world when he returned to Huilian Mountain, he would have happily embraced the existing “mortal bonds”. No matter how Yin Ci treated others—whether he announced his true identity and paraded around with a dozen wives and concubines—he wouldn’t care.

But now, things were different. Shi Jingzhi had accumulated a bellyful of pent-up frustration that swirled in countless circles, not knowing where to begin or where to pour out. His entire being was filled with a sense of unease.

Shi Jingzhi remained silent and stewed in his own frustrations, while Yin Ci remained oblivious to it all.

Seeing that the timing was right, Yin Ci lowered his voice. “There is another personal matter I wanted to privately ask for your help, Miss.”

“What is it?”

“I have a friend who once admired Shi Chongyu of the Taiheng Sect. It has been twenty years, and I haven’t been able to find any information about Shi Chongyu. I wanted to ask if you have heard of a person named ‘The Broken Jade Spear’ Shi Chongyu.”

Shi Zhongyu’s eyebrows raised, and she made an immediate connection. “Your Sect Master…?”

“No, Shi Jingzhi has nothing to do with this matter. I had the same suspicion before, but it turned out to be a misunderstanding.” Yin Ci once again dismissed Shi Jingzhi completely. “If you help me this time, consider it a personal favor owed to the Taiheng Sect.”

Shi Chongyu wasn’t an important figure, so Shi Zhongyu readily agreed, “This Junior has heard of this person, but the matter was too long ago. I will have to examine the sect’s disciple records in detail. I do have the authority for that. Once this matter is resolved, I am willing to help Senior investigate.”

“Thank you, Miss.”

This conversation took no more than the time it took to drink a cup of tea. Shi Zhongyu went to ask Elder Chen for bandaging, while Yin Ci returned to Shi Jingzhi’s side—how terrible. His cheap master’s expression was turning green. If it were framed, it could be used as an illustration for a grotesque storybook.

Shi Jingzhi looked somewhat displeased, but the direction and source of his dissatisfaction were different from when he was in Yuanxian Village.

Back then, Shi Jingzhi’s anger surged outward, but now it gradually condensed inward, suffocating him.

What’s wrong with him?

Did he feel anxious after seeing how difficult it was to deal with the Arcane Arts? Or was it seeing Chen Qianfan erase his memories that made him unsure how to choose and resent the unfairness of fate?

Well, Yin Ci could test them one by one.

“Regarding the matter of the Arcane Arts, Shizun doesn’t need to worry. I have already explained our identities to Miss Zhongyu, and we will be able to handle it with full force.”

Shi Jingzhi gave him a meaningful glance. “We don’t need talismans, so the Arcane Arts is of no use. A’Ci, you don’t have to go all out like that.”

Yin Ci choked for a moment, unable to reveal that he had privately asked for a disaster warding talisman, so he had to change the direction of the conversation. “Senior Chen wants the techniques from the Arcane Arts. If I exert a little more effort, it will also demonstrate the sincerity of the Kushan Sect. When the time comes, he can handle the ban for Shizun, and perhaps be more careful.”

“Mm.”

Yin Ci sat down beside Shi Jingzhi and tried to make his tone gentler. “Did Shizun see the technique just now? Senior Chen is familiar with that technique, so I’m sure he will erase the memories beautifully.”

“Even if I forget about the trip to Huilian Mountain, does it not matter to you?”

Yin Ci fell silent for a moment and decided to speak honestly.

“As long as the green mountains remain, there will be firewood to burn. Resolving the formation is too risky; your life is more important.”

“Without the trip to Huilian Mountain, I would revert to the state where I couldn’t give birth to that inner demon and treat you as an object without truly understanding. That would be tasteless and meaningless.” Shi Jingzhi finally turned his head slightly, his voice filled with struggle. “Living like that, nothing would be fulfilling.”

As he spoke, his voice trembled.

This trembling didn’t stem from anger. Considering the option of “risking his life to break the ban”, a tremendous fear rushed into his head, seizing his throat.

It was like someone with acrophobia standing at the edge of a precipice or someone with aquaphobia trapped at the bottom of a lake. Shi Jingzhi’s breathing became rapid, his legs weakened, and his entire body felt as if it had been plunged into icy water.

But unlike in the past, he didn’t descend into madness. Shi Jingzhi thought that it seemed that his newly revived human heart still had some use.

Yin Ci noticed Shi Jingzhi’s abnormality and decisively grabbed his wrist. “Object addiction?”

“Mm, object addiction.”

Shi Jingzhi knew he needed to calm himself, but he couldn’t find the peace of mind he sought. The feeling of unfairness only added fuel to the fire, leaving him restless.

“I don’t want to hesitate either, but memories are precious and hard to let go of.” Shi Jingzhi stared directly at Yin Ci. “A’Ci, I know you don’t want anything for yourself. If you only expect me to stay alive, it’s better for you to treat me poorly.”

He tried to convince himself to abandon that small piece of the past. But the more he reminisced, the stronger his fear grew.

Apart from the memories sealed within, those memories were perhaps the best he had in his entire life.

Just a moment ago, he had been thinking that if he were to erase his memories, he would become like Chen Qianfan—able to step over the bodies of those he once cared about and continue pursuing his own goals.

On one hand, Shi Jingzhi thought it would be good, allowing him to wholeheartedly focus on survival. On the other hand, it wasn’t what he wanted. He hoped that time would freeze in the night when they relied on each other not long ago—the moment he found release.

He had never felt such agony before, nor had he ever vividly experienced the feeling of being “alive”.

He didn’t know what to do.

His body vehemently rejected the idea of “taking risks”. Shi Jingzhi’s body burned with heat, and his vision gradually tinted with a blood-red hue. In this blurry, crimson world, Yin Ci shifted positions and sat in front of him.

“Treat you poorly? What nonsense are you saying?”

Yin Ci sighed heavily, then reached out and held Shi Jingzhi’s ears with both hands.

“Since the matter of the ban is causing you so much trouble, I’ll just say it outright—Shi Jingzhi, I have only one wish. I don’t want you to die.”

After speaking those words, a hint of gentleness appeared in Yin Ci’s eyes, as if he had finally let go of a heavy burden.

“Whether you see me as a disciple, a friend, or a senior, I have no right to interfere with your choices. If I were to forcefully persuade you to give up your memories for the sake of fulfilling that promise of ‘a long life’, it would be despicable.”

“If you give up your memories, I will return and give you another Huilian Mountain memory and help you find a human heart once again. If you want to take risks, I will do everything in my power to increase the chances of your survival.”

“Choose, and I’ll protect you.”

‘This person is truly a pain,’ Shi Jingzhi thought.

Regardless of whether Yin Ci’s words came from the heart or not, at this moment, Shi Jingzhi couldn’t bear to forget them.

The madness of fear still lingered, but Shi Jingzhi’s heart gradually felt more at ease, and his chaotic thoughts slowly fell into place, transforming into a warm current.

“I want to break the ban.”

Shi Jingzhi heard himself say those words.

“Otherwise, if I forget about the trip to Huilian Mountain, I will also forget about the agreement to ‘expose each other’s secrets’ …It would be quite a loss.”

After speaking, Shi Jingzhi held Yin Ci’s hands that were cradling his ears and pulled them down. “You’re the only master in the whole world like me, so don’t act so indifferent.”

In the depths of despair, there was always a hand reaching out. He seemed to be gradually getting used to living with that fear.

Yin Ci didn’t know how to react for a moment. He looked at Shi Jingzhi, whose expression gradually relaxed and finally revealed a helpless smile.

“Alright then, later I’ll face the enemy with the Bone Sweeping Sword Technique. Shizun, you have nothing to do, so just watch a bit longer. Maybe you’ll find some use for it after a couple of days.”