NOVEL NEXT Chapter 43. The ways of the world.
“The Sect Master has already pardoned your punishment. In the future, you can cultivate here in peace. You haven’t interacted with anyone before and don’t understand the ways of the world, which is why this incident occurred. It might be better for you to stay here alone from now on.”
Xiao Heng brought Wu’er to the library, believing it to be the best place for her within the Lishan Sword Sect.
Although this was the Lishan Sword Sect’s library, it was rarely frequented. Therefore, Wu’er wouldn’t interact with others here, avoiding any conflict.
“You must understand, I can’t be blamed for this. If that person hadn’t stood up for me, I might have been caned and expelled from the sect. Now, I’m forced to stay in such a lonely place.”
Wu’er was clearly displeased with the punishment but had no choice but to accept it.
However, staying alone in the library might not be so bad after all.
Wu’er looked around. The library of the Lishan Sword Sect was incredibly imposing.
The Library Pavilion housed all kinds of books, including medical texts, secret cultivation manuals, methods of inner force cultivation, and even historical records.
The library of the Lishan Sword Sect contained many scriptures long lost to the Jianghu. Many people dreamed of accessing this place, but it had been left to gather dust here.
This was the greatest sorrow of the Lishan Sword Sect.
The Lishan Sword Sect’s impressive library and vast collection of books trace back to its founder, who valued both civil and martial arts when establishing the sect. He believed that proper cultivation started with a foundational understanding of basic principles. Only by aligning the body’s meridians could one achieve superior results with less effort.
However, as societal values shifted, the emphasis moved towards cultivating inner strength quickly. People often skipped foundational studies, seeking quick success without delving deeper into the principles. Consequently, the library had been sealed for years.
Under normal circumstances, no disciple wanted to enter the library. Thus, Xiao Heng suggested Wu’er stay in the Book Collection Pavilion, ensuring Luo Yue wouldn’t trouble her again.
The library pavilion was now overgrown with weeds, with buried desks and stone benches hinting at its once lively past. Wu’er surveyed the desolate scene, unable to imagine its former glory. The birds perched on the fake mountain in front of the library flapped their wings and flew away at the sight of someone approaching.
As Wu’er looked around, she could almost hear the faint echoes of reading and see the diligent youths who once filled the space. But now, these images were fading. The current generation was driven by a desire for quick success, glory, and immediate achievements, forgetting that true accomplishments required perseverance and hard work.
How could success in this world be so easily obtained?
Today, when Wu’er had reached the depths of despair, she finally realized that the human heart could be even more sinister than a wolf’s. Just when she was about to give up, and everyone believed Wu’er would be expelled from the Lishan Sword Sect, someone unexpectedly stood up and saved her, rekindling her hope.
This person gave Wu’er a sense of familiarity, reminding her of the first person she had ever met, Cang Ling Ye. Cang Ling Ye’s image was etched in her mind—their faces, especially their fierce gazes, were strikingly similar. Yet, Wu’er couldn’t be certain. She felt this was just someone who resembled Cang Ling Ye.
Despite everything, Wu’er felt deeply moved. When she was unable to defend herself and was wrongly accused by everyone, there was still someone who stood up for her without hesitation.
Wu’er watched as the situation slowly improved. A flicker of hope and emotion appeared in her once fierce eyes.
Wu’er understood that the Sect Master wouldn’t let her off easily, so she was placed in this dusty, cluttered library. However, she found this situation acceptable. In the library, she could avoid disputes and feel at ease.
“We can only do this for now. There will be a chance to leave eventually. Don’t worry, I’ll help you. Since Master entrusted you to me, I will protect you. As long as you’re here, they shouldn’t trouble you!” Xiao Heng reassured her as he pushed open the library door.
A metal lock hung on the door, looking sturdy and dignified. Unexpectedly, it fell to the ground with a clatter as soon as Xiao Heng touched it. Wu’er quickly stepped back, narrowly avoiding the falling lock.
Surprised by the lock’s fall, Xiao Heng felt embarrassed. He should have arranged for someone to clean up the library sooner. No one had expected that the Lishan Sword Sect’s once grand library would fall into such disrepair.
“It’s fine. I know you’ve done your best. I’ll take care of myself and stay safe here. Besides, it’s much quieter than outside. You don’t need to blame yourself. I can accept this punishment,” Wu’er said, sensing Xiao Heng’s predicament and trying to ease his discomfort.
No matter what, in the vast Lishan Sword Sect, only Xiao Heng treated her kindly, even if his intentions weren’t entirely pure.
Wu’er didn’t mind. Although this place was simple and a bit messy, it was still far better than the cave she used to live in.
For Wu’er, being able to continue her cultivation and studies was enough to satisfy her. She realized that her reaction to Luo Yue earlier had been overly emotional.
Despite feeling somewhat unsettled about what had just happened, Wu’er knew she had to learn to accept it gradually. Perhaps this was what people meant by the ways of the world!
Because Luo Yue was the Sect Master’s daughter, she could do as she pleased, twisting the truth and framing Wu’er without reason. Not a single person was willing to stand up and speak on Wu’er’s behalf.