Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Dayna's words fell with a resounding finality.

I was lying flat on the ground, but unlike in my previous life, I didn't remain silent. Instead, I gritted my teeth and stood up.

"Dayna is mistaken. Leanne has no intention of joining Sunset Peak."

My eyes brimmed with tears, filled with sorrow and helplessness over the death of our parents.

"Dayna is right. Our parents have just passed away, and during the three-year mourning period, who will stay to honor them if I leave?"

Dayna's face stiffened, her expression almost breaking, her voice growing sharper. "But your previous actions clearly showed you wanted to abandon our parents and me to leave directly!"

In my past life, I had indeed been eager to leave, and my impatience had shown on my face.

The head of sect's probing gaze fell on me, and I met his eyes without flinching, nodding openly.

"Yes, I did have thoughts of leaving." Before Dayna could speak, I continued, "At that time, I was blinded by hatred and thought that mastering the Celestial Arts would allow me to avenge our parents."

"Now I realize Dayna is right. Our parents have just passed away; how can I leave? That would be a great act of unfilial piety!"

"As for revenge... revenge is a dish best served cold. I can wait three years."

The head of sect looked at me approvingly, pondering for a moment without giving a definitive answer.

Dayna's face visibly darkened.

She had only refused verbally, but in her heart, she wanted more than anyone to go to the ethereal Sunset Peak.

Seeing all her plans disrupted, not only failing to tarnish my image in the head of sect's eyes but also preventing her from entering the Immortal Sect, she pulled me aside, not even caring that the head of sect was present, and whispered urgently in my ear.

"Sunset Peak is such a wonderful place, with magical energy and resources far beyond what we have here. Are you really going to give it up?"

Her tone was full of inducement and suggestion.

She hoped I would succumb to temptation and ask to leave with the head of sect, so she could once again stand on the moral high ground and righteously condemn me.

She had always used me as a stepping stone to climb higher.

My existence was meant to highlight her calm and non-competitive nature.

But I was no longer the naive Leanne of my past life.

Feigning excessive grief, I threw myself in front of our parents' bodies.

Choking with emotion, my eyes blurred with tears, I answered firmly, "I am willing to give up the opportunity to join Sunset Peak and mourn our parents for three years!"

"Apologies, head of sect. After the three-year mourning period, I will participate in the trials and become your disciple with honor!"

After speaking, I bowed deeply three times.

Dayna was completely dumbfounded.

She wanted to say something but feared it would seem too deliberate.

She twisted the silk handkerchief in her hand almost to shreds, opening her mouth but unable to utter a word.

I smirked to myself.

She hadn't noticed that the head of sect's gaze towards her had become more scrutinizing.

She had yet to experience cultivation and didn't know that someone like the head of sect, who practiced the Celestial Arts, could hear whispers from miles away.

Having lived such a long life, how could he not detect the hidden implications in Dayna's words?

My actions also made the previously hesitant head of sect make up his mind.

He walked over and helped me up, his eyes full of approval. "You are a good child. I am willing to make an exception and accept you as my direct disciple, taking you up the mountain to cultivate. As for the initiation ceremony, we can complete it after the three-year mourning period."

"I will arrange for someone to handle your parents' funeral. Once they are buried, you can leave with me."

These words were identical to those in my past life.

Only the recipient had changed from Dayna to me.

"Thank you, head of sect!" I said loudly. "I will never forget your great kindness."

"Good child. If you need anything, you can come to me anytime."

He patted my head, gave me a pouch, and recited an address before leaving.

As soon as he left, Dayna's serene demeanor vanished, her face contorting with anger as she glared at me.

I knew she resented me for not following her plan. Such a good opportunity should have been hers.

But Dayna, nothing was ever truly meant for anyone.

In our past life, everything she gained was at the cost of my suffering.

Without me as a foil, how long could her calm and non-competitive facade last?