The Oldest Disciple: Farming Intimacy to Become Immortal

Chapter 244: Why Is Only the Older Sister Here?

“I… I’ll stay then!”

Qi Wei’s lower lip jutted out in a monumental pout, her expression the picture of sullen reluctance.

Li Meng smiled, reaching out to brush a stray lock of hair from his Junior Sister’s forehead.

“Don’t worry. Has Senior Brother ever lied to you?”

Qi Wei tilted her head, tapping a finger against her chin as she thought about it. Then, her face broke into a beaming smile, and she shook her head vigorously.

“Nope!”

“Then that settles it. The one taking the loss here is me, your Senior Brother!”

Qi Wei pursed her lips, fighting back a grin as her eyes curved into happy crescents.

“Senior Brother… is this what they call ‘casting a long line to catch a big fish’?”

Li Meng flicked her forehead gently.

“This is called ‘giving up a little to gain a lot’—sacrificing the pawn to win the king.”

Qi Wei rubbed her forehead, confused. Is that so? Why does it feel like what Senior Brother said is just as nonsensical as what I said?

Forget it. As long as I’m not the one losing out. Whatever I miss out on now, I’ll just make Senior Brother pay me back double later.

She took two steps back, puffed out her small chest, and waved her hand dismissively.

“Fine! Senior Brother, you can go with peace of mind. I will protect Prince Qi’s Mansion properly.”

In truth, whether Junior Sister stayed at Prince Qi’s Mansion or not didn’t really matter for the estate’s safety. As long as Sheng Shui’er and Sheng Zi’er remained disciples of the Joyous Union Sect, the mortal power struggles of the royal family wouldn’t dare touch this place.

If anything happened to the sisters, the new Emperor of Zhao might sleep soundly for a night, but his faction would soon be purged by the Sect. Cultivators could erase a mortal dynasty without lifting a finger; time and subtle influence were enough to make a kingdom vanish silently from history.

However, the sisters’ dual identity as Princesses and Outer Disciples made them the Sect’s political anchor in Zhao. The Joyous Union Sect would not ignore any harm done to its representatives, if only to protect its own face.

“Good. Then Senior Brother will go and return quickly!”

Li Meng stood up, turned, and walked toward the courtyard gate.

Behind him, Qi Wei covered her mouth, stifling a giggle.

Senior Brother is such a big fool.

She was just pretending to be difficult. And just for that, he promised her a soul-nourishing Dharma Treasure! He was too easy to trick.

But then, the smile faded from her face. She stared blankly as his figure disappeared through the gate.

Is this… okay?

Senior Brother was so good to her. Yet she used his kindness to trick him into giving her gifts.

But… he offered it himself. I didn’t ask for it.

Qi Wei squatted on the ground, wrestling with a sudden moral dilemma.

Should I take it or not?

Maybe I should refuse first, and then let him insist on giving it to me?

Her eyes lit up. Perfect plan.

But then another problem arose. What if I refuse and he actually listens? She couldn’t exactly hug his leg and beg for it afterward, could she?

“Se… Senior Brother!”

Suddenly, a familiar female voice sounded outside the gate. Though soft, Qi Wei’s sharp ears caught it instantly.

She glanced at the entrance, her expression darkening.

Why is that woman here? Didn’t she dislike Senior Brother?

Outside the Guest Courtyard

Li Meng had just stepped out, prepared to activate his Earth Shrinking Talisman, when he nearly collided with Sheng Shui’er.

He deftly palmed the talisman, hiding it back in his sleeve. He had intended to leave Lin’an City instantly and fly to the Northern Border to intercept Prince Qi’s convoy. He hadn’t expected to be waylaid by the elder sister.

“Junior Sister Shui’er,” Li Meng said, his tone polite but brisk. “Do you have something urgent to discuss? I am in a bit of a rush.”

Sheng Shui’er stopped in her tracks. She looked at the man before her with a complex expression.

Is he really as Mother said? A gentleman protecting my dignity?

If not… no, it can’t be. I must have misunderstood him.

She shook her head, her courage wavering.

“Senior Brother, I…”

Before she could finish her sentence, Li Meng interrupted.

“If Junior Sister Shui’er doesn’t have anything urgent, let’s talk after I return.”

With that, he pulled the Earth Shrinking Talisman back out.

Flash.

Li Meng vanished into thin air, leaving only a faint ripple of spiritual energy behind.

“Se… Senior Brother?”

Sheng Shui’er stood frozen, staring at the empty space. A trace of annoyance flashed in her eyes.

Really! Couldn’t he listen to me for one second?

“Where is he going?”

She looked around the empty path. He was gone. It seemed her mother was right; he really was leaving the mansion to handle “matters.”

Sheng Shui’er sighed softly. She had no choice but to return empty-handed and wait for the next opportunity.

Walking back down the long corridor, her mind drifted.

What should I say when he returns?

She didn’t have the courage to repeat what she had prepared. Perhaps saying nothing was best. Perhaps she should just quietly fulfill the transaction.

Even if his breakthrough was an accident, the fact remained: he was now a Foundation Establishment cultivator. He had fulfilled his side of the bargain.

“No… it’s just a physical body. I… I don’t care…”

Her cheeks flushed crimson.

How can I not care?

In the Joyous Union Sect, she had maintained her purity for years. Plenty of Dual Cultivation partners had approached her, but none had stayed. Either they were too weak, or they wanted more than she was willing to give.

She had dreamed of finding a true Dao Companion one day. But the partner in her imagination certainly didn’t look like the lecherous Senior Brother Li of the past.

But now… she hesitated.

Senior Brother Li was a good person. He was a talented Alchemist. From a pragmatic standpoint, he was an excellent candidate.

But he had also said something that stuck in her heart like a thorn: I will not become Dao Companions with you.

That rejection made her care. It made her resistant to paying the price, because it felt cheap.

Sheng Shui’er touched her hot cheek, lost in thought.

What should I do? How should I respond to him?

She was at a loss.

As she walked away, a small head popped up over the courtyard wall.

Qi Wei lay flat on the tiles, spying on the retreating figure of Sheng Shui’er.

“Hmph. It really is that woman.”

Watching the older woman walk away with her swaying hips, Qi Wei’s eyes filled with hostility.

She looked around, confused.

“Why isn’t the other one here?”

Those two were inseparable. Every time they appeared, it was always the pair of sisters. Why was the older sister alone today?