Not long after Zhao Shuning returned to her room, an elder came to lecture her.
When Ji Qinglin came, it was obvious that he had already forgotten what had happened between him and Zhao Shuning before. He simply told everyone the rules of the Sect Assembly.
He also told them where the different pavilions were located.
Finally, following what Xia Wanning had said, he punished Zhao Shuning.
Zhao Shuning didn't resist this punishment. At this moment, she had a lot on her mind, and cleaning the floor of the assembly venue was just a trivial matter not worth caring about.
Lan Yan fetched a basin of water for Zhao Shuning. After Zhao Shuning thanked her, she started to wipe the floor with a rag.
Although that little brat Ji Qinglin was an eighth - grade alchemist, his state of mind was sometimes too transparent. Zhao Shuning knew that under the current situation where nothing was certain, she mustn't let Ji Qinglin expose any flaws.
Xia Wanning was a meticulous person. If she had really done something sorry to Ye Ling, Ji Qinglin's abnormality would surely be seen through by Xia Wanning at a glance.
In the past, Zhao Shuning thought she knew those five children very well.
But now, she didn't dare to say so anymore.
Because Xia Wanning tonight really surprised her.
Normally, in front of her, Xia Wanning was as obedient as a little bird.
In front of Master, Xia Wanning always called Ye Ling "Sister Ling". Zhao Shuning really thought that a girl as nice as Wanning would never show such a side.
Facts proved that she was wrong again.
Actually, there were many things that Zhao Shuning didn't tell Ji Qinglin.
Because back then, it was Xia Wanning who said that extremely serious accidents had happened in Qingyun Country and other places on the Kyushu Continent. That was why she gave the right of deployment to Xia Wanning and let her command those troops.
This included the siblings Chu Wen and Chu Nuan.
Zhao Shuning had never suspected Xia Wanning, but now it seemed that if Xia Wanning was the middle - man and the mole in those strange things back then, everything would make sense.
Back then, she had thought it was strange. Even if she was really as heinous as people said and had done all those unjust and immoral things that didn't exist.
Then why were all the evidences found by the four great families related to her?
In the past, Ye Ling had never suspected those around her. She always believed that if you suspected someone, don't use them; if you use someone, don't suspect them.
Even now, Zhao Shuning was still thinking whether Xia Wanning was wronged, coerced, or was she just overthinking?
She would rather it was all because she was being too petty.
The night was as serene as water.
On the pavilion, Yan Ruyu watched Zhao Shuning cleaning the floor back and forth in the assembly venue alone.
Feng Zhan came to her side and said, "What's wrong with her? This little girl has something on her mind. Usually, she seems so straightforward. She doesn't seem like the kind of person who would feel sad silently."
"She just seems carefree. In fact, she cares about that affection more than anyone else."
Her love for those five children was very deep.
Back then, when Ye Ling lost Ye Xingchen, she regarded those five children as her closest relatives.
Although Yan Ruyu didn't know what had happened tonight, it must have something to do with Ji Qinglin and Xia Wanning.
Zhao Shuning didn't remember how long she had been cleaning or thinking. She might be the first person in history to be punished right after entering the Sect Assembly.
She smiled self - deprecatingly.
She slowly stood up.
The soreness in her legs made her unable to move.
Actually, her life had never been smooth sailing.
She had experienced too many things. In her previous life, she was betrayed by the person she trusted most. In this life, she had worked hard to cultivate and grow, but many times, she had just done things for others.
People said that her life was too easy, but they didn't know that everything she had now was built on her bloody past.
If she wasn't smarter and didn't avoid the pitfalls in this life, wouldn't all the sufferings she had endured before be meaningless?
"Maybe all of this is really fate?"
At this moment, Zhao Shuning straightened up, and her back looked a bit tragic.
Forget it. Anyway, when she came, she just wanted to seek the support of the Sect Assembly.
At that time, she had made such a big commotion just to let the four great families know that she had come to the capital Chang'an and become a disciple of the Sect Assembly. Now that she had also revealed Zhao Huai's identity, they would have to think twice before they dared to move against the Zhao family.
"Actually, it's not."
"Master."
Yan Ruyu had come behind Zhao Shuning without her knowing.
The night was dark, the wind was high, the bright moon was hanging high, and a gentle breeze blew.
At this moment, there were only Zhao Shuning and Yan Ruyu in the assembly venue.
"Once, I also believed in fate. But there are too many factors that can affect fate."
"Master, I've dragged you down."
"Ning'er, in this vast world, we can persuade others, but we can never persuade ourselves."
"Master, I'm okay."
"I won't ask you what happened tonight, but I want to tell you one thing. In many matters, we can't act on impulse. We can't make the same mistakes we made before."
Zhao Shuning nodded firmly.
"Master, I know that in many matters, no one can help me. I have to solve them by myself."
"It's good that you understand. After entering the Sect Assembly, you should know that the minimum term is five years. During these five years, I'll ask Ji Qinglin to arrange things and protect your parents and the whole family in your hometown."
"Thank you, Master. You've done so much for Ning'er."
Yan Ruyu gave a charming smile.
"You don't need to be so polite with me."
"Ning'er, is your foot better?"
"I—"
Before Zhao Shuning could finish her reply, her whole body was lifted into the air. In the next instant, she was in Yan Ruyu's arms.
"I'll take you back."
"Master, your leg."
"It's okay."
He could still teleport through space.
In the next instant, sitting in a wheelchair, Yan Ruyu took Zhao Shuning to her room.
"Master, how did you know my room?"
A blush flitted across Yan Ruyu's face.
Because it was too dark at night, Zhao Shuning didn't notice. Otherwise, she would have exclaimed like she had discovered a new world.
"Have a good rest. I'll go back first."
What could one do in five years?
Strengthen oneself?
Only by becoming stronger could she move among them and find out the truth about what had happened back then.
"Three!"
"Two!"
"One!"
After the last number was spoken, Yan Ruyu, wheelchair and all, appeared in front of Feng Zhan.
"I knew you couldn't resist."
"I just don't want to see her so sad."