I was about to ask what reaction came up when I mentioned Gu Linghua during our journey to Shanxi.
Seeing the current reaction, I wondered if I had misunderstood something.
But then, instead of answering, Shen Xian said he had something to ask me.
It was about Gu Linghua's story from when she first came to Huashan Sect until now.
And why that young child was in Huashan Sect and what kind of person she was.
Shen Xian asked while explaining.
He asked if it was my fault that Gu Linghua became the way she is.
I had only one answer to that.
"Yes, it is my fault."
The story he suddenly brought up was deeper than I expected.
This was the first time I heard about Gu Linghua's experiences since she entered Huashan Sect.
That she cried looking for me.
That she had a fear of men.
Though I didn't recall her reaction being that strong when I saw her.
It seems more severe than I thought.
I don't believe that the Gu Linghua I've recently encountered has overcome this.
It's more likely that she has been enduring it.
Shen Xian didn't say anything after hearing my answer.
However, from his slightly furrowed brows and somewhat rough breathing, I could sense that he wasn't feeling good.
He seemed to be suppressing something.
At first, I thought Gu Linghua was being bullied, but seeing this, it seems she wasn't.
On the contrary, it seems she was somewhat favored.
'If she was bullied, I would have been the one doing it.'
It's an undeniable fact.
Since Shen Xian didn't follow up, I asked him.
"Why don't you ask why I did it?"
At my question, Shen Xian's eyebrows slightly furrowed.
"•••I thought it was a question that wouldn't get an answer from you, Xiaoxia."
As Shen Xian said, it wasn't something I could easily answer.
It was a matter of my own shame, not something worth sharing with others.
"And."
Shen Xian continued.
"I still don't think my judgment was wrong."
"..."
I don't understand what Shen Xian is seeing in me that makes him think this way.
I just stared at him.
Though I couldn't fully grasp the words in his eyes, I knew one thing.
The shallow resentment he sends my way stems from his concern for Gu Linghua, so I didn't feel too bad.
This can't be the reason why Yingfeng brought me here...
No, Yingfeng appeared from behind and greeted the senior disciples.
"I greet you, Senior Disciples."
"Yingfeng, junior."
"Yes..."
"Did you bring Gu Xiaoxia here?"
"Yes."
"Except for the disciples, this is a place where one cannot come and go freely. You know this, don't you?"
"...I apologize. When I asked about Gu Xiaogao, I thought it would be better to let you talk to him directly."
"About Gu Xiaogao?"
Shen Xian looked at me. His gaze was slightly different from when we first met.
It must be because of the answer I gave earlier.
From what Shen Xian said, it seemed I shouldn't have been brought here.
Yingfeng, knowing this, still did it.
'He's quite reckless.'
Even if not to the extent of the Wulin Alliance, disciples are known to strictly follow the words of their seniors. Ignoring this and bringing me here is quite a feat.
I sighed slightly and said.
"I wanted to ask why my younger brother is sparring with the three senior disciples."
"Ah...that."
Shen Xian was about to answer, but a voice interrupted.
"Brother?"
Turning around at the familiar voice, I saw Gu Linghua.
Her eyes were wide with surprise at seeing me here.
Then, seeing the senior disciples hiding around, her face quickly crumpled.
"•••Senior Brothers."
"Ah, we were caught."
"It's all because of Senior Brother... How can someone who was supposed to hide talk so openly?"
"Gu Xiaomei... This is all Senior Brother's fault, we're not to blame!"
"•••To sell out Senior Brother so quickly, the sect is in good hands. You crazy bastards."
The familiar excuses and the embarrassed look on Shen Xian's face were as if they had rehearsed it.
Gu Linghua said softly.
"I told you not to come..."
At her small sigh, Shen Xian quickly tried to explain.
"I'm sorry, the senior disciples kept insisting..."
"What? You just said you wouldn't sell us out, and now you're selling us out."
"It's not the first time, what's the surprise? Senior Brother is always like that."
The murmurs from behind ceased at Shen Xian's growl.
Gu Linghua watched them silently.
It seemed she had a lot to say but chose not to.
Then she sighed and bowed her head.
"•••Thank you for your concern. But I hope you won't worry too much."
It was a firm statement.
It could be seen as disrespectful to a senior.
I couldn't help but glance at the men's expressions.
They weren't angry or annoyed.
Rather, what should I call it... surprise? Moved? Something like that.
"Se... Seriously, Xiaomei thanked us."
"She didn't even flinch or step back."
"What? What is this? Am I going to die tomorrow...?"
•••Now I'm scared.
What are these crazy reactions?
Shen Xian kicked the men, who seemed to have lost their minds, and approached Gu Linghua.
"•••Are you okay?"
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At Shen Xian's question, Gu Linghua nodded.
"Always, I respect the choices of the senior disciples."
"Yes... Thank you."
"It's the first time I've heard you say thank you, it feels strange."
"•••I'm sorry."
"An apology is fine. I didn't expect to receive anything, whether it's gratitude or an apology."
Shen Xian smiled slightly at Gu Linghua.
Perhaps feeling a bit uncomfortable under his gaze, Gu Linghua turned her head.
"I'll take care of these idiots, and I hope you achieve satisfactory results, as time is running out."
At Shen Xian's words, the men behind him murmured but shut their mouths when his face turned fierce.
I thought he had a friendly face, but he can make such expressions... I couldn't help but feel a bit intimidated.
"What are you doing here, Brother?"
I shifted my gaze to Gu Linghua's call.
It seems calling me 'Brother' has become familiar again.
That was the issue.
'Do I deserve to hear such a call?'
That was my only thought.
I quickly erased the unnecessary thoughts from my mind.
"You said you're sparring with the three senior disciples."
"Ah."
"I just wanted to ask why, but I ended up being brought here."
Shen Xian had already disappeared with the disciples.
Seeing that Yingfeng was also gone, it seemed he was taken too.
Gu Linghua answered my question calmly.
"Just, I thought it would be right to do it in a place that matches my level."
I understood what she meant.
Gu Linghua is far from being a match for the senior disciples.
Given that most of Huashan Sect's strength is concentrated in the senior disciples, it's not a place where Gu Linghua can fit in.
'The three senior disciples might also find it difficult.'
Though Gu Linghua has been training steadily, the other three senior disciples haven't been idle.
Since the only senior disciple I've properly faced is Yingfeng, I can't be sure...
But, if the reason for sparring with the three senior disciples is for this, there's nothing more I need to ask.
Since she's here, it must have been approved from above.
'Yingfeng is on the senior disciples' side, and Gu Linghua is on the three senior disciples' side.'
It seems like a reversed situation.
If Yingfeng was forced, then Gu Linghua's decision was her own.
"•••Good luck."
At my vague words, Gu Linghua's head lifted.
Her eyes showed a bit of surprise.
"What's that look for?"
"I... didn't expect to hear that from you, Brother."
"From what I saw earlier, you seemed to receive a lot of attention."
I recalled the senior disciples who almost worshiped her.
"•••They're just a bit eccentric."
Gu Linghua looked a bit uncomfortable.
If I were in her position, I would want to hide from those muscular men saying, 'Our Yangchun is the best!'
Still, she didn't look entirely displeased.
Just uncomfortable.
"Anyway, I've seen enough. I'm leaving."
"Wait."
Gu Linghua, who was about to leave, stopped at my call.
When I looked at her, she approached and grabbed the sleeve of my robe.
I was surprised by Gu Linghua's action.
She had always found it difficult to face me, so this was unexpected.
"You...?"
"Will you watch the Flower Battle?"
"I came to watch it."
"Is Sister... also here?"
By 'Sister,' she meant Nangong Bi, who would likely be sitting with Weixueya.
I answered Gu Linghua.
"She's here, sitting in her seat."
"Brother too?"
"I... I came to watch your sparring, but I feel a bit embarrassed to watch it here. I'll cough a bit and say..."
"...I'll watch it."
At my answer, Gu Linghua released my sleeve. Her hand, still trembling slightly, caught my eye.
Why did she grab it if it was so difficult for her?
Gu Linghua stroked her trembling hand and smiled bitterly.
"It's still a bit difficult."
I wanted to say, "I'm sorry, if it's difficult, don't do it. You don't have to force yourself."
But I didn't say it.
The young Gu Linghua was trying to overcome this on her own.
It was already a different story from my previous life.
"•••Alright. I'll watch carefully."
Every time I see her like this, I feel regret and determination.
The regret of not doing it differently and the determination to change now.
Gu Linghua said she needed to prepare and returned to her position.
I watched her back and moved on.
With a somewhat complicated heart, I returned to where the audience was gathered and looked for my companions.
It was easier to find them than I thought. I just needed to find Nangong Bi.
Or rather, there was a place where many gazes were focused.
Though she was veiled, Nangong Bi's unique aura seemed to draw attention.
Nangong Bi was leaning against Weixueya, but suddenly lifted her head and looked around.
It seemed she was looking for something.
Her gaze turned towards me. She waved when she saw me.
Weixueya, who was beside her, also waved.
'How did she find me from so far away?'
Did she have a sixth sense?
I didn't think she would go to such lengths, so it must have been a coincidence.
'It must be a coincidence.'
I dismissed the thought and approached. The seat next to them was empty, likely reserved for me.
Weixueya asked me.
"Master, where did you go?"
"I went to see my younger brother. He said he's participating today."
At my words, Nangong Bi reacted from the side.
"Today... with me?"
"Yes, that's what he said."
Nangong Bi seemed to want to ask more but quickly turned her head.
Her gaze was on the sparring platform.
There was no need to ask why.
The noisy murmurs of the crowd had also ceased.
All eyes were on the sparring platform.
The previously quiet platform.
Suddenly, a crimson aura gathered in the low air, forming a small leaf.
The leaf, glowing with light, swayed and fell like it was carried by the wind.
When the leaf touched the ground,
Whoosh!
The crimson aura swirled and enveloped the sparring platform in an instant.
It was clearly an immense amount of inner energy.
The aura that swept the platform like a whirlwind suddenly burst and left a faint trace in the air before disappearing.
On the platform, leading the way, was Mei Hua Xian, the leader of Huashan Sect.
Behind her, it seemed the three senior disciples who would participate in the Flower Battle were standing.