Chapter 1

Chapter 1

I have a mild case of androphobia.

I have never dared to close my eyes beside any man.

As a result, even after entering the Joyful Union Sect years ago, my practical course score is still a big fat zero.

The elders were furious that I was disgracing the sect and issued me an ultimatum.

If I couldn’t find a qualified dual cultivation partner within three months, I could pack up my bedding and go become a nun.

Senior Brother, who was in charge of passing on the message, lightly flicked my forehead and said irritably,

“Dual cultivation is as easy as drinking water. What is there to be afraid of? Worst case, just tie him up and do it.”

I said I did not have that particular hobby.

Senior Brother thought for a moment, then volunteered himself.

“Then how about you try it with me?”

I was deeply moved, but still refused. “I’ve always thought of you as an older brother. I really can’t bring myself to do it.”

“What’s wrong with an older brother? It’s not like we’re related by blood,” Senior Brother said, looking eager to give it a try. “Faux-incest has its own special thrill.”

The moment he finished saying that, a gatekeeping disciple hurried over to find us.

“Senior Brother, bad news! The Chief Disciple of the Sword Sect just showed up at our gates and specifically asked to see Senior Sister Huan Yan.”

Senior Brother looked at me in confusion.

“Hm? You usually don’t even leave the mountain gates. How did you manage to offend that block of ice, Xie Lingyu?”

I smiled awkwardly.

The junior brother guarding the gate shook his head frantically, the shock in his eyes still not gone.

“No, no, he isn’t here for revenge.”

“Immortal Lord Xie insists Senior Sister Huan Yan is his long-lost younger sister. He’s here to take her away!”

Xie Lingyu, Sword Sect Chief.

The most talented sword cultivator the cultivation world had seen in a century.

His looks were breathtaking, yet his bearing was cool and aloof, like an immortal from a cold moon.

His profound cultivation, flawless appearance, and ascetic air combined to launch Xie Lingyu straight to the top of the cultivation world’s must-try list.

Almost every female cultivator in the Joyful Union Sect had entertained thoughts about him, wanting a taste of this untouchable flower on a high peak.

Except me.

Haha. Because Xie Lingyu really was my older brother.

Granted, he was only my adopted brother and not related to me by blood, and we had been “separated” for so many years, so I had never thought of seeking him out to acknowledge our relationship.

I never expected him to come knocking on the Joyful Union Sect’s door.

Just as I had recognized Xie Lingyu back then from nothing but a view of his back, the moment we met face-to-face now, Xie Lingyu immediately confirmed my identity.

He ignored everyone around us and came to stand before me at once. But under my overly indifferent gaze, he stopped three steps away from me.

“Yanyan, I’m sorry. I was useless. I couldn’t find you sooner.”

His voice was very soft, carrying a cautious note.

“…Are you willing to come with me?”

Before I could speak, Senior Brother beside me stepped sideways and blocked the space between us.

“Daoist Xie, please step back a little. My junior sister is shy around strangers and isn’t used to outsiders standing so close.”

Xie Lingyu looked at him with an icy gaze and said, emphasizing each word,

“I am Yanyan’s older brother. I am not an outsider.”

Senior Brother was not intimidated in the slightest. He deliberately sounded surprised.

“Oh? An older brother who managed to lose his own little sister?”

Xie Lingyu’s face went pale. After a long silence, he said hoarsely,

“I failed Yanyan. I will do everything I can to make it up to her.”

Only then did Senior Brother step aside in satisfaction. Hiding his lips behind his folding fan, he sent me a voice transmission.

“This brother of yours has a decent enough attitude. Since he wants to make it up to you, why not go out with him and take a look?”

I was just about to refuse when Senior Brother gave me a meaningful look.

“Huan Huan, he is Xie Lingyu. The Xie Lingyu from the Sword Sect.”

The Sword Sect-the Joyful Union Sect disciples’ favorite buffet. It was said that the piping-hot sword cultivators inside could cure all ailments.

The only problem was that its threshold was extremely high, and it was very difficult to find a way to sneak in.

“If you take a trip around the Sword Sect, maybe your androphobia will be cured. The elders will be able to rest easy too.”

I thought of my practical course score, which had stayed at zero for years.

Then I thought of the earnest guidance from my teachers… as well as their threat to send me off to become a nun.

If I didn’t find a qualified dual cultivation partner soon, I really might be expelled from the sect.

At that thought, I stopped hesitating and gave Xie Lingyu a sweet, professional fake smile.

“Sure. I’m willing to go back to the Sword Sect with you.”