Volume 1, Chapter 5: Embarrassed and Vexed

“Ah, why is that stubborn girl still asleep? Hurry up, or she’ll be late!” Mrs. Han glanced at the brightening sky and saw her daughter had yet to get up and freshen herself, prompting another round of nagging.

Jingyue Han had walked dozens of miles through the mountains yesterday, and indeed, she was a bit exhausted. She had also stayed up late last night, which caused her to wake up later than usual this morning.

Seeing the time on the bronze water clock, it was definitely late. She quickly got up and washed, knowing that soon Jiang Heng would arrive riding the Qingling Crane to pick her up.

Mrs. Han was also waiting for Jiang Heng. For the past two years, it had been the same routine: Jiang Heng bringing breakfast for the family before escorting Jingyue away. Over time, Mrs. Han stopped preparing breakfast altogether.

But today, no matter how long she waited, there was no sign of the Qingling Crane. Realizing she couldn’t wait any longer, Jingyue decided to leave on her own. She grabbed two Spirit Travel Talismans from the drawer and dashed out.

“That stubborn girl, what are you doing with those? Each costs twenty spirit pearls!” Mrs. Han spotted it immediately and scolded her.

Jingyue didn’t bother to respond and hurried out as if flying. The journey from their home to the sect’s alchemy courtyard was dozens of miles; riding the Qingling Crane took only a quarter of an hour, but traveling by Spirit Travel Talismans would take half an hour.

She was already late when she set off. Pressing the talisman to her forehead, she summoned her spiritual energy and sped forward as fast as a galloping horse. However, the exertion was taxing on her legs, and the rushing wind disheveled her hair, causing her bun to come undone and strands to fly behind her like fluttering flags. It ruined her appearance completely.

By the time she arrived at the alchemy courtyard gate, she was already late. A senior brother on duty gave her a glare. “Which class are you from? Eat this! Deduct one point.”

Jingyue swallowed her pride, reported her name, and hurried inside.

The class had already started. Though she tiptoed quietly, most people still noticed her entrance.

After she sat down, Gong Huimin whispered, “Why are you still late? That’s unlike you.”

Jingyue cast a resentful glance at Jiang Heng beside her, but he sat upright, not even sparing her a glance, which made her feel even more aggrieved.

An hour passed with difficulty. After the sect’s senior brother left the classroom, the room erupted in chatter.

“Jingyue, why were you late?”

“Young Master Jiang, you didn’t come with Miss Han today?”

“Are you two really at odds now? Spill it, and we’ll judge and help patch things up.”

Some were just enjoying the drama, grinning as they spoke.

Jiang Heng ignored them all. Originally, the sect’s Patriarch had sent word that he could be admitted into the sect proper. However, feeling constrained by the sect’s strict rules and unwilling to part with Jingyue, he chose instead to study at the sect’s alchemy academy.

Now that he understood the direction his life should take, he was determined not to waste his days like before.

Admission to the sect’s disciples occurred only once every five years, accepting only those with dual spiritual roots or higher. Although Jiang Heng possessed triple spiritual roots and had the Patriarch’s favor, the sect wouldn’t open its gates for him at this time.

Still, opportunities weren’t entirely closed off. External disciples who performed well in the year-end competition might be specially recruited.

Seeing Jiang Heng’s silence, Gong Huimin presumed he was guilty. “Young Master Jiang, didn’t you go to pick up Jingyue? You made her late! Apologize quickly. For your past merits, I’ll ask Jingyue to forgive you.”

“Annoying!” Jiang Heng rolled his eyes and stood up, walking away.

Abandoned and isolated, Jingyue’s eyes reddened, and she buried her face on the desk, quietly sobbing.

Everyone was stunned. The usually devoted Young Master Jiang, who followed Jingyue like a loyal dog, had suddenly hardened his stance.

“Do you know what happened?”

“No idea. They were playing together in the market just yesterday, and now this? Gong Huimin, you were with them yesterday. Do you know what’s going on?”

Gong Huimin was equally puzzled. “No idea.”

After another lesson on spiritual herbs, it was finally lunchtime.

The alchemy academy’s dining hall was vast, offering a wide variety of dishes—from free mundane meals to various spirit meat and spirit rice delicacies, though the premium dishes were expensive.

Jingyue was accustomed to serving herself at the spirit food counter. When her meal was finally prepared and handed to her, she realized something was wrong.

“Ah! Can I return this?” she asked anxiously.

The attendant inside frowned. “If you don’t want it, don’t come over. We’ve already packed it in your lunchbox. Now you say you don’t want it? That’s just playing games.”

“No refunds. Eighteen spirit pearls, please,” the attendant said expressionlessly.

He was in the right and wasn’t worried about some ordinary external disciples causing trouble.

Jingyue had no intention of making a fuss; she just looked around anxiously.

Where was Jiang Heng? He was normally by her side. In the past, she only needed to give him the lunchbox, and he would pay directly.

She soon spotted Jiang Heng at a nearby window, paying for a meal costing forty spirit pearls.

Ah! How could he…? Seeing the fresh stir-fried spirit fowl eggs and braised spirit fowl wings on his tray, Jingyue’s mouth watered.

He was eating so well today!

“Jiang Heng, can you please—” she called out.

“No!” Before she finished, Jiang Heng refused outright and carried his tray to find a table.

Jingyue’s tears nearly fell again. The attendant urged, “Hurry up, others are waiting!”

With no choice, Jingyue took out her last Spirit Travel Talisman. “I didn’t bring money. Can this count as payment?” she pleaded.

Seeing her delicate appearance and apparent lack of funds, the attendant reluctantly agreed. “Fine, I’ll take the loss this time.” He snatched the talisman from her hand and called out, “Next!”

Jingyue found a corner to sit. She felt everyone was watching her, mocking her poverty and helplessness.

Only now did she truly appreciate how precious Jiang Heng was. Before, with him by her side handling everything, why would she have to worry about such matters?

Today’s meal was no different from usual, but she found it utterly tasteless.

Gong Huimin searched around before approaching her. “Why are you hiding here? Makes it hard for me to find you.”

“Jiang Heng’s acting strange today! He actually managed to ignore you all day. That’s not like him!” Gong Huimin whispered, picking a piece of meat from Jingyue’s plate.

“Who knows what’s gotten into him?” Jingyue replied irritably.

“You’re not much better. You should be nicer to him. Why let it get this bad?” Gong Huimin sighed.

Jingyue muttered, “You know I don’t like him.”

“Who told you to fall for him? You just wanted to get some benefits, right? Even fishing requires bait. Be nicer to him.”

“Got it!”