My Enemy Became My Cultivation Companion-Chapter 649 - 430: To Accompany or Not (Two in One)_3

She had previously heard that those Western Jin spies were hiding inside Chongyang Temple. Xique Pavilion, along with Huang Jing and the others, had been toyed with for days, yet they still achieved nothing.

Now that she was asked to go to Chongyang Temple, Yin Weiyin wasn't worried about her safety. However, acting a little more tenderly in front of him wouldn't be a bad idea.

Thus, she pretended to ask him to accompany her. This way, even though he might scold her, he would still guard her closely. This tug-and-pull between them would pull him deeper into the mire, and one day, she reckoned he'd willingly put on the guise of a fool and even call her "good elder sister."

With this thought brewing, Yin Weiyin made up her mind, her lips curling slightly, ready to speak.

At that moment, Lu Ying suddenly spoke, "Chen Yi, aren't you coming with me?"

Yin Weiyin paused in surprise.

That was supposed to be her line!

Even though accompanying her or Lu Ying amounted to the same thing, the idea still felt off somehow. If it were the latter, it made her—the main lady—feel like she was being relegated to an accessory.

Thinking this, she glanced at Lu Ying again. Only to see the latter staring intently at Chen Yi, her gaze unwavering.

Was this an exchange of coded glances?

Yin Weiyin's heart jumped, her teeth gently biting her lip as she fixed her gaze on Chen Yi.

Chen Yi felt the weight of two gazes upon him. His scalp tingled slightly, and finally, he replied:

"No, I have something to take care of, somewhere else to go."

This was, in truth, something urgent—wrapping up matters in Shantong City.

However, to the two women listening, it carried a different meaning.

Yin Weiyin's lips curved subtly as she silently shook her head, relieved he had ultimately declined Lu Ying, adhering to her wishes and understanding the boundaries.

Lu Ying, however, seemed a bit forlorn, lowering her head and muttering softly, "If you won't go, then you won't go. You as a protector aren't exactly failing, but you're not exemplary either. Perhaps this is what Master meant by one's destiny being one's own responsibility. Fine, fine, I won't harp on it—lest you think I'm being harsh on you. I haven't really been harsh, you know."

This speech wasn't loud nor quiet, leaving Chen Yi to merely respond with a wry smile.

As Yin Weiyin listened, inwardly, she was deeply pleased.

Little flirt! Who couldn't see through your complaints?

He's mine—my cauldron!

Still savoring the moment, Yin Weiyin saw Chen Yi about to speak words of comfort. Not wanting to give the two a chance to grow closer, she promptly cut in:

"You'll come with me to see that Peach Maiden. I've already informed senior uncle and senior master, but there are still some matters that need explaining to her."

Chen Yi, thinking nothing of it, nodded, stood, and followed her out.

Their departing figures faded from Lu Ying's line of sight. Though her heart was usually as still as a crane's, she found herself hanging her head low, quietly savoring her tea.

Yet the tea bowl had long since been emptied.

......

Peach Maiden and her maidservant had been temporarily housed in the Xuán Manor. Just moments ago, they were chatting and laughing in the room, but the moment the two entered, silence fell.

The reason was simple. It wasn't because of how they were dependent on others but rather the sheer presence of the Taichua Goddess accompanying Chen Yi.

Her celestial aura was utterly commanding.

Clad in snow-white robes, elegant and ethereal. Every glance and smile radiated transcendent grace. Peach Maiden, as someone who played feminine roles, had met numerous individuals who resembled heavenly beings. Yet, meeting this one made her hesitant, even to speak aloud.

Yin Weiyin swayed her horsetail whisk lightly and spoke:

"I've already informed my senior uncle. Once you're able to move more freely while staying here in Xuán Manor, we'll escort you up the mountain."

Although Peach Maiden had anticipated this, hearing it now still brought her to tears almost involuntarily. To jump from the lowest rung of society to the pinnacle in a single night was a dream she never dared to fathom. Becoming part of the upper nine classes—one couldn't simply wish to join. Buddhist temples or Daoist sanctuaries chose their disciples by assessing their innate talent and understanding.

Even if they deemed her worthy, official approval was required—via a Dudie issued by the government—to formally renounce secular life.

To a singer, a member of the base-born class, this was as difficult as climbing to Heaven.

Peach Maiden's face was streaked with tears as she pressed herself into a bow from the edge of the bed. The maidservant beside her also knelt gracefully. Yin Weiyin raised an elegant hand, and an intangible energy lifted them both upright, so their prostration went unreceived.

"From now on, you will be fellow disciples. Among us Daoists, there is no distinction of superiority or inferiority, so today, I will not accept your bow."

Pausing momentarily, her celestial presence like that of an immortal in a painting, Yin Weiyin smiled faintly:

"If you diligently pursue cultivation, there's no reason you cannot eventually enter the inner sect. At that time, I'll personally crown you both."

"Thank you, Immortal Yin, for bestowing your kindness…"

Peach was already flooded with tears.

"If I truly achieve Dao, I swear to erect a plaque in memory of your benevolence, praying for your peace and prosperity, and abundant rain and harvests."

"There's no need for plaques, though one should indeed always bear gratitude in mind." 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

Having conveyed her words, Yin Weiyin led Chen Yi and departed.

Peach Maiden was still overwhelmed with grateful tears, and her maidservant also sobbed beside the bed. It seemed they had finally seen their suffering come to an end. The lives of those who played feminine roles might seem glamorous on the surface, but how long could such glamour last? How many female performers found themselves discarded by twenty, their voices no longer as they once had been, forced to sink into the dust of life's hardships?

Peach Maiden grasped the maidservant's hand and muttered softly:

"Remember this—always be grateful. You and I, as sisters, have made it here, but never forget the kindness shown to us."

"I'll remember—I'll remember…"

"The thousand-household official Min, as well as Immortal Yin—these two, we must always remember. Along with Master Fang, don't forget him either. It was he who gave us a trade to live by. Don't forget that if it weren't for those three hundred silver taels, you and I would have starved to death in the streets…"

Peach Maiden, as though remembering her years as a singer, suddenly raised her voice and began to sing:

"Many Sutras read aloud, yet the Heart Sutra—

The Peacock Sutra remains elusive—

The Seven Volumes of the Lotus Sutra—

Are the most difficult to master. Our master—

Taught us tirelessly, even in his dreams…"