[Vol. 6] Chapter 213: The Cat Who Likes to Chime In
After taking some time, Violet finally explained to Meng Rui the general events that had happened since their last meeting aboard the [Music Fairy Ship]. She also introduced everyone present.
While Violet didn’t think it was necessary to go into too much detail. Especially about how she met Hen and Xiao Kong or why Ling Feng and Bai’er had left. She couldn’t shake the feeling that not explaining things clearly might lead to trouble later on…
As expected, once Meng Rui understood the situation, the faintly amused and slightly strange expression she’d been wearing softened considerably. In its place was a look of understanding mixed with some seriousness.
“So, you’ve been through quite a lot… It’s good that fate seems to favor the fortunate, and you’ve made it here safely. It seems I underestimated you a little, Violet. Is there anything I can do to help?”
“Help?”
Surprised by Meng Rui’s immediate offer, Violet froze for a moment. She exchanged a quick glance with Hen and Xiao Kong to make sure they hadn’t told Meng Rui anything strange. Once reassured, she shook her head.
“There’s nothing urgent right now. Sure, the [Ancient Spirit Realm] is facing some serious risks, but that’s not something I alone can solve. If the sky does fall, the four nations and Spirit Veil Immortal Island will be the ones holding it up. No need for me to stress over it.”
“As for this national finals and the final tournament among the four nations, I’m not too concerned about rankings or glory. Participating in this competition is just a means to achieve my goals.”
“I see…”
Hearing such a laid-back response from the black-haired girl, Meng Rui, as someone native to the [Ancient Spirit Realm], didn’t seem offended at all. Instead, she smiled lightly, as though she had expected this all along.
"That sounds just like the Violet I know. I wasn’t talking about helping to save the world or anything grand and dangerous like that. I just… well… never mind. Forget I said anything. It’s been so long since I’ve seen you that I’m probably getting overly sentimental."
“?”
Violet gave her a puzzled look, but Meng Rui, the [Music Fairy Ship] owner, quickly changed the subject.
“Anyway, enough of that. The real reason I came to see you tonight, aside from wanting to catch up after so long, is that there’s something I think you should be aware of. It’s important.”
“?”
Catching the key word, Violet raised an eyebrow slightly. After glancing around the lobby to make sure no one was eavesdropping, she gave Meng Rui a small nod.
“Go on, what is it?”
“Remember how I mentioned earlier that I was invited to watch today’s match from the VIP seats by the Eastern Kingdom Saint? That’s when I happened to see you in action.”
Meng Rui’s voice grew more serious. “The Saint doesn’t seem to know about our connection, and there weren’t many people around at the time, so he didn’t bother hiding his thoughts. I noticed that he’s unusually interested in your group. Especially you, Violet. His focus on you far exceeded that of any other contestant. It felt… out of the ordinary.”
After a moment of thought, she added gravely, “While the Holy Sect’s high standing likely means they wouldn’t stoop to underhanded tactics or overtly target individuals, his interest in you suggests he might manipulate things behind the scenes. It’s possible he’ll deliberately pair you with some particularly troublesome opponents.”
"Violet, you need to be careful. The [Ancient Spirit Realm] is full of powerful people, and there’s no shortage of strange and unpredictable techniques. This tournament has gathered nearly all the top experts from around the world, and no one knows what might happen next. Whatever you do, don’t let your guard down. If it comes to it, forfeiting isn’t shameful."
“So that’s what you’re worried about…”
Violet nodded, not dismissing Meng Rui’s well-meaning warning. Instead, she smiled and said, “Thank you for the reminder. I’ve actually thought about that, too. But don’t worry. Eastern Kingdom Holy Sect doesn’t have the means to deal with me. I’ll stay alert and watch my back.”
“Good… that’s a relief.”
After glancing around to check their surroundings, Meng Rui, the girl carrying the ancient zither on her back, stood up.
“It’s late, so I won’t keep you any longer. Get some rest and do your best in tomorrow’s match. If anything happens, I’ll do my best to get the information to you as quickly as possible.”
Violet stood up as well, giving Meng Rui a light pat on the shoulder. With a slight shake of her head, she said, “You don’t need to push yourself to gather intel for us. Take care of yourself, okay? This is a major event supervised by Spirit Veil Immortal Island, and with the current state of the [Ancient Spirit Realm], even if the Eastern Kingdom Saint has some schemes, they’ll likely be minor tricks. He shouldn’t dare to cross the line.”
“Let’s hope so. Honestly, ever since I found out you were here, I’ve had this vague, unsettling feeling about the whole situation, but I can’t pinpoint where it’s coming from. Maybe I’m just overthinking things.”
After a moment of thought, Meng Rui suddenly raised her hand and pressed a crumpled piece of paper into Violet’s palm.
“This is the current residence of the [Music Fairy] Troupe in Xingyuan City. As outsiders in the capital, you don’t have much support or reliable resources. If you ever need help, don’t hesitate to come find me.”
After saying this, Meng Rui turned her gaze toward the two girls still seated at the table.
“Miss Hen, Miss Xiao Kong, I’m entrusting Violet to your care. While she’s strong and seems carefree, she’s the type to step forward in critical moments and face danger head-on to protect everyone else. Please keep an eye on her and make sure she doesn’t get hurt.”
“Don’t worry, don’t worry~”
“Mm, we’ll do our best.”
“That’s good to hear…”
Repeating some words that felt somewhat familiar, Miss Meng Rui, who had been rambling on for quite a while, finally stopped hesitating.
“This time, I’m really leaving. Violet, I’ll be watching your match again tomorrow. Don’t forget what I said earlier.”
“Alright, alright~”
Watching the snow-haired girl, her zither strapped to her back, disappear into the night, Violet shook her head with an amused yet helpless smile.
That girl… It’s been months since they’d last met, and while it was nice running into her here, Meng Rui acted like a nagging mother, endlessly lecturing her about serious topics. Violet had originally planned to use this rare chance to ask Meng Rui about some questions she had regarding zither techniques...
Before Violet could voice her thoughts, a familiar voice broke the silence behind her. It was Xiao Kong, her tone filled with amusement and a hint of the same peculiar humor Meng Rui had shown earlier.
“Oh dear~ It seems someone hasn’t changed at all. In some ways, it’s strangely reassuring.”
“Huh? What’s that supposed to mean? Speak clearly, no riddles or cryptic hints, alright?”
But Xiao Kong simply exchanged a glance with Hen, clearly uninterested in explaining further. She stepped forward instead and lightly tapped Violet on the shoulder with her cat paw gloves, as if scolding her.
“Time for bed, my dear princess. You’ve got admirers watching your match tomorrow, you know.”
“???”