Chapter 44: Meet The Teacher’s Wife

Su Jingzhen gazed at her with a mixture of hope and anxiety.

However, upon hearing his words, Zhang Xiu shook her head.

“I also hope to accompany Yao’er to the opening of her spiritual roots. But this time, the order from Huayang Sect is quite firm. Anyone who has any connection with them dare not disobey. If I don’t go, Huayang Sect will settle the score, and I, Yao’er, as well as you two who are close to me, will likely be listed in the book.”

She forced a bitter smile and continued, “Besides, I’ve benefited from my identity as a member of Huayang Sect, so it’s only natural that I should repay some of the karma.”

Although reluctant, Zhang Xiu seemed to have made up her mind.

Seeing Su Jingzhen and Shuang Jiang’s worried expressions, Zhang Xiu reassured them, “Don’t worry. As a sister-in-law, I’m not a weak hand in the later stages of Qi refinement. Even if there are many dangers on Clear Wind Mountain, I should be able to take care of myself.”

Su Jingzhen nodded silently, no longer trying to persuade her.

Zhang Xiu had her own considerations. As a cultivator, if she were forced to stay, it would be difficult for her to overcome the mental hurdle. And as for Foundation Establishment, it would be even more hopeless.

But Su Jingzhen’s expression suddenly turned serious. “No matter what, please, sister-in-law, prioritize your safety. Don’t seek to gain any opportunities on Clear Wind Mountain, just focus on returning safely. We’ll be waiting for you here.”

Su Jingzhen’s words were sincere, and Zhang Xiu’s face softened with a gentle smile.

At this moment, a line of golden text appeared before Su Jingzhen’s eyes.

【Emotional Connection+4】

【Remaining usable points: 205】

The points were clearly from Zhang Xiu in front of him.

Zhang Xiu nodded to Su Jingzhen and Shuang Jiang, then looked at her daughter, Ning Yao.

She stroked Ning Yao’s hair and said, “Daughter, take good care of yourself during this time. If I don’t return, focus on your cultivation after awakening. Remember the words I told you.”

Ning Yao, already twelve years old, understood many things. Born in the cultivation world, these children were more mature than their peers.

Moreover, Ning Yao was exceptionally sensible, unlike children of her age.

Although her eyes were red, she nodded silently.

“Alright, don’t be like we’re parting forever. I’ll take care of myself and return quickly. Huayang Sect has given us only an hour, so I won’t linger. I’ll leave Ning Yao in care of you two.”

With that, Zhang Xiu took two steps back and bowed solemnly to Su Jingzhen and Shuang Jiang.

Then, without another word, she departed.

She didn’t mention Chen Chong or Chen Jinshi again. After their previous conversation, she knew Su Jingzhen had his own plans. Since saving Su Jingzhen that year, she had always felt that he was extraordinary. So, there was no need to constantly bring up the topic.

“Sister-in-law, wait a moment.”

Just as Zhang Xiu was about to turn and leave, Shuang Jiang suddenly spoke up.

Zhang Xiu looked at him with some confusion.

Shuang Jiang directly took out the bottle of Green Spirit Pill that Su Jingzhen had given her the previous night.

“Clear Wind Mountain is dangerous, and this Green Spirit Pill was prepared for my previous trip. I didn’t get a chance to use it, and now I’m useless, so I won’t have the opportunity to use it again. Sister-in-law, you take it, just in case.”

Shuang Jiang’s performance was entirely in line with her current identity, without a hint of coldness.

When Zhang Xiu heard the three words “Green Spirit Pill,” her eyes lit up. But she immediately smiled and waved her hand.

“Sister-in-law, how could I take your things? Besides, it’s too precious. No need, I’ve already made thorough preparations for this trip, so I’ll be fine.”

Before she finished speaking, Su Jingzhen added, “Sister-in-law, just take it. We won’t be using it anyway. Over the years, you’ve taken care of us so much, and we can’t repay you. If you feel guilty, just focus on returning safely, and we’ll settle the debt later.”

At this moment, Su Jingzhen and Shuang Jiang’s eyes were filled with sincerity.

Zhang Xiu’s eyes were complex, but she still nodded silently and took the jade bottle.

This thing might really save her life in a critical moment.

“Sister-in-law won’t thank you again.”

Zhang Xiu bowed to Su Jingzhen and Shuang Jiang once more, then turned and left without hesitation.

As she departed, Zhang Xiu had a kind of heroic aura, like a female knight-errant in Su Jingzhen’s imagination.

However, as she stepped out of the courtyard, Zhang Xiu’s heart was still filled with complex emotions. She had many things she wanted to say to Su Jingzhen…

But Shuang Jiang was, after all, his Dao Companion, and those words were hard to say out loud.

“If I don’t return, I’ll have some regrets…”

…

“Girl, don’t worry, your mother will definitely return safely. Tomorrow, I’ll take you to awaken your spiritual roots.”

Seeing the mist in Ning Yao’s eyes, Su Jingzhen also stroked her hair.

He was extremely satisfied with this student of his and had high expectations for her.

He didn’t want this incident to affect her awakening tomorrow.

“Yes!”

Ning Yao nodded obediently, standing beside Su Jingzhen.

She clearly remembered her mother’s words on their way here, telling her to always listen to Su Jingzhen.

At this moment, Su Jingzhen was preparing to have Ning Yao review the content he had previously taught her in the classroom.

He wanted to use this method to divert her attention from worrying about her mother.

After all, before crossing over, Su Jingzhen had a motto: “Sharpen your sword on the battlefield, even if it’s not bright”.

However, before he could speak, Shuang Jiang took the initiative to call out to Ning Yao, “Little girl, come with me.”

Upon hearing this, Ning Yao’s gaze instinctively turned to Su Jingzhen.

She was, after all, very unfamiliar with Shuang Jiang.

Su Jingzhen didn’t expect Shuang Jiang to take the initiative to call out to Ning Yao.

But thinking about Shuang Jiang’s possible cultivation, he hurriedly nodded to Ning Yao.

If Shuang Jiang really did take a liking to Ning Yao, then teaching her a few things might be beneficial for her future.

Even without the relationship with Zhang Xiu, he was extremely fond of this little girl and hoped she could become accomplished.

“Ning Yao, pays respect to the teacher’s wife!”

As Ning Yao walked in front of Shuang Jiang, she suddenly bowed down to her.

Su Jingzhen was her teacher, and in her understanding, Shuang Jiang was naturally her teacher’s wife.

This was only natural.

But it made Shuang Jiang pause, her heart stirring slightly.

However, she didn’t show any unusual reactions.

She lightly nodded and led Ning Yao towards the quiet room.

At the same time, her voice reached Su Jingzhen.

“I know you have other things to attend to today, so I’ll take care of it. You don’t need to follow me everywhere, do you?”