The Art of Subduing Dragons

Chapter 181

Ruan Li looked at her and, with a choked voice, said, "Senior sister."

Su Yu reached out and embraced her, her emotions momentarily uncontrollable. "How did you become so thin? You haven't been taking care of yourself. How can I not worry?"

Ruan Li gently patted Su Yu. "I'm fine, I just miss her a little."

Although Ruan Li's words were calm, even using the understated "a little," Su Yu understood how agonizing that longing must be.

Not daring to ask more, Su Yu wiped away her tears. "Come, let's go back."

Along the way, they encountered some disciples who addressed Su Yu as "Sect Leader." Ruan Li was momentarily surprised, but quickly understood. "Congratulations, senior sister."

Su Yu blushed, feeling a bit embarrassed. The usually composed and calm Sect Leader was now flustered and hurriedly shook her head.

Seeing that Su Yu was leading her to the main peak, Ruan Li slowed her steps. When Su Yu turned back in confusion, Ruan Li softly asked, "Senior sister, may I visit Ze Courtyard?"

Su Yu's heart trembled, and her expression briefly shattered. She took a deep breath and forced a smile. "Of course, if you wish to go." She hadn't wanted Ruan Li to visit there for fear that it would bring back too many painful memories. But upon reflection, she realized Ruan Li would want to go regardless.

Su Yu followed her to Ze Courtyard, a place laden with memories of their master and the three disciples. Even Su Yu was afraid to enter.

From the moment Ruan Li stepped into Ze Courtyard, she remained silent, quietly observing everything around her.

Tianyuan Sect had been destroyed, and Ze Courtyard was not spared. Much of it had been rebuilt. Though it still looked the same, the differences were still noticeable.

When they reached Hanlu Courtyard, Ruan Li finally stopped, staring blankly at it. Adjacent to it was the familiar Qingxuan Pavilion, standing quietly as if it had never changed.

Ruan Li thought that after all this time, her heart wouldn't hurt anymore. But when she saw the courtyard where Luo Qingci once lived, the pain surged again.

Unable to hold on, she stumbled, clutching her chest, her expression pained.

"A Li!" Su Yu's face turned pale as she quickly rushed to support her.

She noticed the demonic mark on Ruan Li's forehead flickering, and her heart sank. "A Li, are you..."

"Senior sister, I'm fine. I can still endure." Ruan Li took a moment to steady herself and said nothing more. She walked forward and pushed open the gate to Hanlu Courtyard.

Inside, everything was arranged just as it had been. The courtyard was filled with blooming plum blossoms, making Ruan Li feel like she had stepped into another world.

The red plum blossoms, so beautiful and dreamlike, scattered their petals, creating a lingering fragrance on the ground. But amidst the flourishing plum blossoms, the lone Longyou Plum tree stood desolate, not a single flower blooming.

The stone table remained quietly under the Longyou Plum tree. Ruan Li stared at it for a long time, and her vision blurred once again. In her mind, she could see Luo Qingci.

She was sitting alone at the stone table, quietly sipping tea. Her expression was indifferent, her brows carrying the aloofness characteristic of Immortal Lord Huaizhu. She appeared so serene and refined, sitting upright as always, her features clear and elegant.