Chapter 79: I Believe in Her

After a day of exhaustion, Gu Yi lay in bed, unable to sleep. He pondered that there must be something truly alluring about He Yu’s body. So much so, that even if it meant risking war between Dayu Palace and Luyang Institute, someone would attempt to seize it.

The Emperor Xu was carefully avoiding war, but not simply yielding in every matter. To hand over He Yu so easily would far exceed the limits of compromise.

Shule accompanied the Seventh Princess, and the two walked slowly to Gu Yi’s chamber—there was something left unsaid.

Once the door was shut and they confirmed no one else was present, the Seventh Princess asked, “Gravekeeper—what kind of person is he? There were too many people earlier, but now, could you tell me and Shule?”

“The Gravekeeper?” Gu Yi sat up from the bed. “Do you remember the two peaks I told you about?”

Yin Tianyu’s fingers tightened; she had some inkling, her expression dimmed. “They’ve come after all.”

“What are these two peaks?” Shule was still unsure what had transpired.

“When we return, you can ask Tianyu yourself.”

As those two peaks began to stir, more and more people would learn of that once-existent sect; it was impossible to conceal it now. Yet, though the mysterious revival of the sect frightened people with its unknowns, in this matter, their main adversary was Dayu Palace’s Shu Yu.

Someone even more powerful than Shule.

On the battlefield between the two nations, the Chenzhou Basin was not the main stronghold—Khingyuan City was the true front. It lay on the northern border of Xu Country; if it fell, Luyang would be exposed to the enemy’s cavalry, so most forces were stationed there.

Victory Pass only needed to be held securely.

Gu Yi knew that, because of the missing immortal from Xiaoyuan Mountain, Emperor Xu was inclined to avoid and delay war; but if the two peaks kept inciting conflict, objectively, war seemed inevitable.

So if they truly encountered Dayu Palace’s people, there was no point in holding back.

The question was: how to defeat Shu Yu?

Though none of the three in the room said much, each knew what the others thought. According to the Seventh Princess, caution was best.

“If we meet them, we mustn’t seek personal victory or defeat. The nation’s interests come first. One-on-one, you’re no match for Shu Yu, so I’ll fight by your side.”

Yin Tianyu meant herself and Shule.

“I disagree,” Gu Yi responded bluntly. “I think we should leave Shu Yu to Shule.”

That voice—

Shule thought she’d heard wrong.

The two had never gotten along. In the previous situation, out of respect for her princess status, Shule had held back, but what she truly wanted was a one-on-one duel with Shu Yu.

Even if she lost, she had no fear.

She hadn’t expected Gu Yi to speak up for her.

The Seventh Princess mildly reproached, “Wouldn’t that be dangerous for Shu Yu?”

Gu Yi smiled, lightly, “I believe in her.”

Shule looked at that smiling face. For some reason, her nervousness eased a little.

“Gu Yi!”

“Tianyu.” Gu Yi stopped the princess from speaking further. “Shule is Luyang Institute’s most talented student, the future head of the tower. As Xu Country’s Seventh Princess, you should believe in her as well.”

This struck a deep chord of pride in Shule’s heart.

Yes, I am Xu Country’s most gifted cultivator!

The battle hasn’t even begun—how can I assume defeat?

The princess realized she’d said the wrong thing. “Shule, I didn’t mean that…”

“Your Highness.” Shule suddenly turned and bowed. “Please trust me. If we face Dayu Palace, I will intercept Shu Yu.”

She lowered her head slightly.

She stood for a long time.

Gu Yi knew that, even if Yin Tianyu objected, nothing would change, because Shule had made up her mind.

Even if it didn’t work out,

She could decide as the ‘leader of this mission.’

Her respect for the imperial family made her ask for permission.

The Seventh Princess had no choice. She turned away, saying, “Very well, but be careful in all things.”

Shule’s bow deepened.

“Once I hold Shu Yu off, the rest are yours. I believe in Your Highness…and in Gu Yi.”

Since it was unknown whom Shu Yu might bring, aside from Shule, the rest of the battle plan was meaningless; they would have to adapt in real time.

“I’ll rest now, catch up on sleep,” Gu Yi said.

Outside, the brothers Shao Dong and Shao Yang, along with Xinchi, were still waiting for Shule.

Shule, the brightest young cultivator of Luyang Institute, was known throughout Xu Country’s various academies. Now, seeing her in person, they held her in reverence.

Seeing their respect, Shule understood: even if she failed, she must not fear failure.

If she did,

For the next decade, Xu’s youth would lose confidence when facing Shu Yu, or Dayu Palace.

Her slender, beautiful shoulders carried hope itself.

The three from Donghu Institute lined up and bowed.

“What’s the matter?” Shule asked softly.

“Though our skills are meager, we are citizens of Xu. At this moment, Donghu Institute is willing to fight for Xu. Please let us follow you, Master Shule! Donghu Institute stands ready.”

Though their abilities and origins varied, Shule felt no distance from them, and raised her hand gently. “Very well. When the matter is done, I will present your words to His Majesty, word for word.”

Shao Dong was overjoyed. “Thank you, Master Shule! I shall take my leave.”

Shao Yang stared at Shule, lost in thought, until someone next to him kicked him. “Is she someone you can gaze at? Hurry up and go!”

Shule’s expression was impassive; she turned aside, a little displeased, but since they were her own people, she pretended not to notice.

For Donghu Institute students, those from Luyang Institute were lofty figures. Though both were cultivation academies, the difference was vast.

Luyang students had chances to become tower masters, could meet princesses, emperors…

And Shule, their brightest, was the goddess in many young men’s hearts, distant and untouchable.

“Why aren’t you leaving?” Shule asked the little girl who had lingered—she remembered her name was Xinchi.

Xinchi’s attitude toward Shule was one of admiration, though without Shao Yang’s fantasies.

“What’s wrong?” Shule asked gently.

As long as they respected Luyang Institute, Shule’s elegant, gentle temperament was evident.

Xinchi lowered her head, her gaze wavering, “…I wanted to ask about the talent who passes on immortality…”

Shule understood. “Oh, you mean Gu Yi.”

“Yes.” The girl nervously pinched her finger. “Will the immortal talent… come?”

She nearly forgot—Gu Yi claimed to be Ma Yuan.

Though she disliked his lies, she could only help. “He has more important matters—he won’t be coming this time.”

“Ah…” Xinchi was disappointed.

The Xiaoyuan Mountain inheritor was out of reach.

Seeing her disappointment, Shule felt compassion. “…If, we all make it back alive, I’ll introduce you to him.”

“Really?”

“Really. I’ll have him treat you to Luyang’s best embroidered perch.”

“That’s wonderful! Thank you, Senior Shule!” Xinchi nearly bounced with joy, running out happily, making Shule laugh.

Is Gu Yi really so well-liked?

She remembered his words: ‘I believe in you.’

He must still be awake.

Shule thought for a moment at the door, then opened it again. The person on the bed was fast asleep, and on the table lay a note:

[Failure is not frightening. What is frightening is a shaken heart.]

Reading this, she couldn’t help but clench her fists. It was Gu Yi who understood her best.

He knew she’d waited for this opponent for so long; if it were two against one, regardless of the outcome, her heart would be affected, which would be a grave hindrance to her future cultivation.