Chapter Forty Eight

The flash of steel upon steel made everyone who passed by hold their breath before hurriedly scurrying the opposite way. However, though the people running past them were worried about their own lives, they never called for help as it seemed to be a dispute between friends. How did they know? One of them was rather handsome and laughed while teasing his angry companion who seemed to have been offended by something the handsome person said. "Tengyi it's just a betrothal, not marriage why are you so angry?" Even when his sleeves had somehow become a mess he never retaliated at all, only focused on blocking the blade assaulting him.

Jiang Tengyi was even more unhappy because of his words and became fiercer practically treating Da Chuanli as an enemy for the sake of the delicate girl who would sit alone at midnight in pain without daring to call for help. "Do you even understand what my junior sister suffers from? Can you truly treat her better than madam does? Speaking of death so lightly to a patient, Da Chuanli can you have a heart big enough to embrace her illness and burdens?" He knew Da Chuanli didn't have much of a moral obligation to anyone outside of his notice, but for him to prey on his innocent junior sister. Jiang Tengyi and no doubt madam couldn't bear to see it happen! 

Ling Da Chuanli openly scrutinizes the anger on his friend's face, mildly surprised to see him object so violently. Although there were still many things he didn't know about the person they called Chao Bai, he thought that Feng Shuchang would have at least prepared his disciple to some degree. It seems that Feng Shuchang had tricked him into carrying this pot. But Da Chuanli didn't really mind, for him, it was just another mission his master had tasked him with. Although he didn't understand his master's thoughts, he did know that the only reason his master agreed was for him to take on the burden sent his way so long as it wasn't too big of a problem.

Chao Bai was no doubt a reasonable person who wouldn't cause him problems left and right. A young woman who was willing to risk her health for the sake of giving the Zenith Star a bigger chance at victory, who wouldn't admire her spirit? From a few days of time together, she was reserved, proper, and even a bit amusing and sarcastic whenever he provoked her. The thought of being engaged to her also wasn't revolting, plus, this would be a decent excuse for their alliance when his elder brother exits seclusion. He saw no issue with her moral compass, and even if there was a problem later he had no obligation to keep his end of the promise if she broke hers. 

"What makes you think I intend to play with her?" Jiang Tengyi amused Da Chuanli by scoffing out loud, stopping his assault for the moment to speak. "Are you not? All you have to do is say yes or no to letting her tag along, instead you propose to her? Da Chuanli do you even know how to tell the difference between a sword and a woman?" The golden eyed fellow laughed again much to Jiang Tengyi's displeasure "I'm still a man, how can I not know the difference?" Jiang Tengyi's lips grew thin as he waited for his friend to finish laughing. Knowing he was waiting for him to answer his questions, Da Chuanli finally stopped messing around and sheathed his sword seeming to give up the battle willingly with twinkling eyes. 

"Lady Chao Bai isn't as ignorant nor innocent as you picture her to be Tengyi, instead of worrying about her why aren't you worried about me?" Worried about you? Ghost worry to run into you! Perhaps even Minglan would share Jiang Tengyi's sentiments when Da Chuanli said this. "Chao Bai is fragile, she becomes seriously ill three times out of the year, has to drink and eat nothing but bitter medicine broth each morning and night. There are days she is in so much pain she cannot even sleep at night without tossing and turning to recover her strength. Ling Da Chuanli if you dare add more burden onto my junior sister on top of all of this, don't blame me for not considering our friendship." 

He could still see the sickly sweating girl recovering in their madam's bedroom looking to be half dead if not for their meticulous watch throughout the night. It was just a passing glance, but it was enough for him to understand why his master and madam treated her especially carefully like she were porcelain. Whose heart wouldn't ache to see such a noble young woman suffering in silence? She had no family left besides an aunt who was so busy with her affairs that she could only send over medicine every few weeks. And now, Da Chuanli who behind the mask of a gentleman whose heart was colder than ice wanted to take her away?

Jiang Tengyi trusted him as a friend, but trusting him with the life and happiness of Chao Bai was a different matter. Da Chuanli lightly scrutinizes him "Tengyi, do you have feelings for her?" "Like her? Are you mad Chuanli? Junior sister has been and will always be a sister to me, can't I care for her this much at least? Even this, you fail to understand." He did not let up his dislike for Da Chuanli at the moment letting the other man chuckle seemingly relieved. "That's good, as long as you stay that way that's very good." "...." Speechless, Jiang Tengyi who found himself on the opposite end of Da Chuanli's infuriating nonsensical calculations for the first time couldn't even find the words to scold him anymore. 

In the end, he could only silently purse his lips and turn around to leave his friend behind. Knowing that he had upset Jiang Tengyi again, Da Chuanli didn't hesitate to catch up with his grim-faced companion wearing a light smile. Even having the galls to coax him with "Alright alright, she's your dearest sister and junior sister. Don't be upset, I was only asking to be sure there would be no tear in our friendship after our engagement." Stifled by this confident statement while shooting Da Chuanli a bewildered look, Jiang Tengyi finally understood his junior sister's feelings when Da Chuanli spoke inhumane words. Not wanting to respond at all but also more than half tempted to drop to his level scolding him to death. 

Dropping his act, Da Chuanli's smile finally fell a decent portion, his volume dropping along with the playfulness within his dimly lit eyes. He spoke without pretense, happiness, or pity "I won't mistreat her, like you said I do not know about her burdens and illness. But I can at least become another pillar to help her stand when times are tough and when the rest of you are busy with other matters. She isn't a real member of your sect, even though she is a benefactor would your elders be willing to prioritize her over others forever?" He hesitated to answer, seriously pondering the future of his junior sister once her duties were through. 

Although there was no doubt his master and the madam would most definitely support Chao Bai till the end, both out of gratitude and fondness. Could she be treated special forever? She is an extremely important guest, but also a critical asset to the sect which was the only reason they tolerated how much resources she took without giving much back. Even if Da Chuanli didn't say it out loud, this was his junior sister taking advantage of Ling Da Chuanli's status as the Azure sect's young master if the engagement went through. She would be stabilized with his support never having to falter in the face of anyone else in these two sects. 

But Jiang Tengyi refused to admit being tied to Da Chuanli was a good thing for her. He knew how heartless Da Chuanli was spending enough time with him to recognize that the warmth outside was just hiding a languid lazy beast who couldn't be bothered to rear its head. It wasn't that he was afraid for his junior sister only. When two calamities meet, disaster is bound to follow devastating even passersby. He just wanted his junior sister to live in peace. "Even then, I cannot accept it. Your promises mean nothing, they're nothing but words and words can't protect junior sister." Interrupting his speech, a seemingly flustered woman stepped up while glancing furiously with red eyes at Da Chuanli. As if he had stolen something of hers before she spoke up urgently almost desperately "Young master! The madam called for you and young master Li to come back to the sect quickly!" 

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The Oath of Tribute. A woman from the Zenith Star sect, whether marrying in or out of the sect would never choose a significant other lightly. The tradition was said to go back to the very first matriarch of Zenith Star, with no exceptions. The oath of tribute is meant to tie the woman's core down to the very bottom of the sea in a nest of chains. Shackles made of water invisible to the eye unable to be sliced, broken, or escaped by normal means of man. It is extremely cruel to the women of the sect. However, what's more vicious is the feeling of waiting in the dark chasm of the sea for a person who may never come to your rescue when you already plunged yourself into the deep sea in hopes they too can fearlessly reach the bottom like you. 

A relationship between two people must be maintained at an even level. If they, cultivators who are meant to be the epitome of man cannot even do this much for someone they claim to cherish. How dare they try to take away a person of their sect so easily? If she can walk to the bottom of the cold sea floor where even light cannot penetrate, dare you admit you cannot do the same? Very few could move the cold heart of their first matriarch's trapping array. "Get out of my way." Spoken through gritted teeth, an anxious Jiang Tengyi with red eyes was held back by his fellow clan members who pursed their lips refusing to make eye contact with him. Lowering their heads whispering their stern reply "Sect master has ordered that no one is the interfere." "Junior sister is still ill!!! Being chained down there is a death sentence!!" 

Stifled, the sect guards could only turn away from him to not let a crack show on their faces if by accident they met the young man's frantic anxious eyes. Away from the young master's view, the lowered heads hid tightly curled fists behind them while appearing unconcerned and calm on the surface. "The sect master has strictly forbidden anyone to help." Jiang Tengyi choked on his anger with no one to vent it towards. Knowing they were just following his master's orders, but also unable to accept why his master was able to be so cruel. "Brother Yilin if she continues to stay in there she will die." Being called with such pleading and sincerity the head guard of Chao Bai's courtyard nearly broke down much to his subordinate's concerns. 

However, even with the young master's familiar call, the man only stiffened and fell into silence for a long good minute before recovering his senses. From his pursed lips, only the same words which had been told to him by the Feng Shuchang could be pried. "...Sect Master Feng said to stop anyone who intends to prevent the Miss from any action she has decided to take. Young master, go back." Frustrated and feeling slightly betrayed by the people who would usually listen to him without a single thought. Jiang Tengyi knew it would be hopeless to go back and forth like this with the clock ticking on Chao Bai's health and hurriedly turned on his heels to try and find a counter measure with the Madam.

Passing through the six barriers preventing unrelated people from wandering into the entrance of the array. Jiang Tengyi slowly exits the last where the madam and Da Chuanli are waiting for him to bring them news from inside as without permission they were not allowed inside casually. He was only given special permission as the future patriarch. It was the first time Da Chuanli had seen Jiang Tengyi so, desperate and helpless with a status as the Zenith Star's future shining star. His brows furrow lightly, as it seems the matter is more serious than he first assumed. When they first arrived although upset Jiang Tengyi didn't look so solemn when first meeting with the somewhat fretting Madam. 

They didn't communicate out loud but something the Madam said made the young patriarch's expression turn from worry to fear as he rushed inside without another word to Da Chuanli. Coming back like this, it must have been a failure. "Tengyi! Tengyi tell aunt you managed to stop her!" Being shaken like this accompanied by Feng Mei Xing's uneasy plea Jiang Tengyi lowered his head dejectedly sending Feng Mei Xing's slightest shred of hope flying away. Face going pale, Da Chuanli helped catch her elbow before she could fall to her kneels "Madam." Hearing his voice seemed to bring her back to her senses, despite holding a grudge against the young man. Feng Mei Xing turned her wrist to grasp his arm almost digging through the cloth showing how desperate she was. 

Looking up at the rigid youth with reignited hope and beseeching within her eyes one couldn't fake Da Chuanli fought his instinctive reaction to shrug her off as it would be unkind. "Young master Ling! Young master Ling, please! I beg you please save her! Please save Chao Bai!" Da Chuanli felt that sense of unease in his stomach grow larger, with no information about the current situation besides a few hints. Lady Chao Bai is in danger. Unable to watch her lower herself to this Jiang Tengyi pulled her away from troubling Da Chuanli stiffly "Madam, stop. You know he cannot-" "He has to try!! Tengyi we will never know if he does not try!" Seeming to beseech Jiang Tengyi now, the young man hesitated in the face of her words. 

Biting his inner lip, Jiang Tengyi finally looked over to Da Chuanli who hadn't said a word in response yet. Seeming calm and mildly concerned all at once, Jiang Tengyi was unsure if this concern was real or not. "Ling Da Chuanli...Can you go back to your sect tonight?" "TENGYI!!!" Holding the shocked Madam firmly in his grasp he refused to let go only staring back at Da Chuanli with a fortitude and tolerance he didn't know he had. "There is no need for you to meddle in my junior sister's matters anymore, I will personally request for the master to let the matter from before drop without harm to either of your reputations." For the sake of Ling Da Chuanli's safety, and his reckless junior sister's health. This farce will come to an end here. At least then, my junior sister can still have some peace in her courtyard when we retrieve her. The trial of Oath, even the oldest of this sect could not deny her sincerity now.