(GL) The Supporting Female Character Strategy Manual - Chapter 38

“Master, Master.”

The girl’s voice rang clear and sweet like the cry of an oriole, full of dependence and warmth.

Jian Tongyao quickly tucked the embroidered sachet close against her inner robe. “You decide for yourself. In any case, being bumped by Xiao Jiu twice a day is not a big deal.”

In the first hundred years, she might have used that reasoning to comfort herself. But now, with her whole body aching from the constant headbutts, the phoenix tree protested.

“No, no. Elder Jian, there is a forbidden technique among the Phoenix Clan.”

Jian Tongyao remained composed, calm as ever, looking like she was ready to listen. She showed no concern about hearing such a secret from the Phoenix Clan. Seeing her so unfazed, the phoenix tree spirit gradually settled its nerves.

“I only heard about it. Refining bloodlines through that method goes against the natural order. A single misstep and it could destroy both body and soul.”

As the world’s spiritual energy continued to decline, the bloodline strength of each race had also faded. Some had resorted to extreme methods, collecting vast amounts of bloodline power by inhuman means just to maintain their own.

Jian Tongyao rubbed her chin thoughtfully. “How did you find out about this?”

The phoenix tree replied, “Elder Jian, you may not know this, but the Phoenix Clan once experienced a similar incident. Around three thousand years ago, a young phoenix, obsessed with quick results, slaughtered many of its own kind to refine its bloodline. Before it could suffer any backlash, the Phoenix Clan Chief discovered it and dealt with it in secret. Since then, the method has been forbidden among the clan.”

After speaking, it cautiously studied Jian Tongyao’s expression.

“That technique defies the heavens and must never be touched. Elder Jian, you cannot possibly intend to—”

Jian Tongyao’s expression turned cold. “Watch your tongue.”

The phoenix tree immediately fell silent.

Jian Tongyao asked, “Have you shared this secret with anyone else?”

The tree shook its entire canopy with great effort, rustling the phoenix leaves throughout the courtyard.

Outside, Qian Jiujiu had been listening to the commotion for a while. When her master did not emerge, she transformed into a bird the size of a palm and quietly pushed the window open to fly inside.

Of course, these little actions did not escape Jian Tongyao’s keen senses. She performed a quick spell, changing out of her outer robe, and unhurriedly selected a new pale white garment from her wardrobe. Just as she put it on, she bumped right into the eager and affectionate Qian Jiujiu.

Jian Tongyao caught the soft-feathered bird in her arms and teased, “Whose lovely little girl has wandered into my room?”

Qian Jiujiu blushed at the compliment and shyly buried her head in Jian Tongyao’s chest, refusing to come out. It took quite a while before her tousled feathers peeked out again.

“Master Jiu.”

Today was the annual Martial Exchange Day, an event that prioritized friendship over rivalry.

The two had stayed on Lingjiu Mountain for two full centuries. One had been in closed-door cultivation, and the other had focused solely on training. Their peaceful and quiet life could have continued indefinitely had the fire spirit vein not been completely absorbed.

“Jiu, let your master show you the world today.”

“Jiu!”

Jian Tongyao, dressed in a flowing pale white robe, descended slowly into the arena with her hands behind her back. A flame-red bird perched on her left shoulder, its brilliant color like a blazing sun, catching the eye of everyone present.

The Sect Leader stood dumbfounded as he watched Jian Tongyao suddenly appear. Over the years, unless there was a dire emergency or a matter of sect survival, she had declined all external contact. Yet today, she descended from the sky like a deity.

“Junior Sister!”

“Senior Brother, I arrived late.”

“Not at all, not at all. You are right on time.”

The Sect Leader was so overwhelmed that he could barely form coherent sentences. When his gaze moved to the bird at her side, its eyes rolled upward, exposing only the whites.

The Sect Leader was speechless. Had he just been given the side-eye by a bird?

As he looked again, the plump, well-groomed bird shifted its stance, spread its wings slightly, and deliberately blocked most of Jian Tongyao’s face.

Jian Tongyao felt rather pleased by the attention. Especially when she noticed the varied expressions of astonishment and admiration on the faces of those observing her beloved Xiao Jiu.

“Junior Sister, is this—”

“This is my beloved disciple, Qian Wanyu.” Jian Tongyao stroked the slightly fluffed wings of the little one. Her fingers wove through the feathers, making Qian Jiujiu tremble from head to toe.

“Xiao Jiu, this is my Senior Brother.”

“Jiu.” Qian Jiujiu, clearly reluctant, gave a quick flap of her wings as a half-hearted greeting.

The Sect Leader and the elders nearby were so shocked they looked as though they could swallow an egg. They had all been speculating wildly until now. With the truth revealed, none of them could contain their reactions.

“Is this the same ugly… the same little phoenix from back then?”

“Jiu!”

“Unbelievable, truly unbelievable.”

“She looks completely different. Could she be…”

They exchanged stunned glances before turning their attention back to the competition arena.

From head to toe, the little phoenix had undergone a complete transformation. She stood obediently on Jian Tongyao’s shoulder, hopping back and forth, pacing from left to right and back again.

The Sect Leader watched her with growing curiosity and tentatively asked, “Junior Sister, is your disciple perhaps eager to spar on stage as well?”

Qian Jiujiu gave him another blatant eye-roll.

The Sect Leader gasped. “Junior Sister, she rolled her eyes at me again.”

Jian Tongyao pressed her fist to her lips to hide her laughter but still lifted Xiao Jiu in her palms. With a gentle tap to the tuft of fur atop her head, she asked, “Do you want to give it a try?”

The two locked eyes. Without hesitation, Qian Jiujiu turned and spread her wings, flying straight into the arena.

Inside, a brutish wild bull named Niucheng was stomping the ground, proud of his ten consecutive victories. When he saw Qian Jiujiu, he looked completely unconcerned.

“Junior Sister, Niucheng has cultivated for five hundred years. Perhaps you should say something to protect your precious disciple.”

The Sect Leader seemed worried. Outwardly, he was speaking for Qian Jiujiu, but in truth, he feared that if the bird got crushed, Jian Tongyao would tear the bull apart in revenge.

“There is no need for concern.”

“Oh.”

The Sect Leader wiped imaginary sweat from his brow and watched nervously as the tiny bird shot like a cannonball toward Niucheng.

He panicked. This was a disaster waiting to happen.

The crowd collectively drew in sharp breaths. No one had ever seen such a tiny, fearless creature. Niucheng’s horn had once pierced through a fierce beast’s belly. It was incredibly tough and deadly.

Bang. Bang. Bang!

Everyone covered their eyes in alarm. Yet Qian Jiujiu slammed into the bull three times in a row, sending him flying three meters across the field.

Everyone was stunned.

The sound was so familiar that Jian Tongyao could not help but smile. A few years ago, even the ancient phoenix tree had almost yielded to her headbutts. How could a mere five-hundred-year-old bull withstand her Xiao Jiu?

A roar swept through the crowd, shaking the entire sect.

The Sect Leader stared in disbelief at Jian Tongyao’s proud expression.

“Junior Sister, is this really the same little phoenix from two centuries ago?”

Jian Tongyao gave him a look as if he were an idiot. “Senior Brother, she is the one I chose.”

The Sect Leader nodded to himself. Even if it were a low-bloodline bird, if his Junior Sister favored it, she could make it soar.

Qian Jiujiu looked down on the dazed bull with disdain. She compared him briefly to the golden dragon, then lost all interest. Facing such an unimpressive opponent made the match feel pointless. She even began hopping in front of him.

“Make it quick. Jiu.”

Niucheng, insulted and provoked, charged with renewed fury. But Qian Jiujiu, though small, was fast and nimble. She zipped up and down, avoiding every strike. Enraged, Niucheng summoned a burst of flames three meters high.

Wrapped in fire, Qian Jiujiu transformed into a girl in red. She grabbed the bull’s horns and demonstrated sheer brute force.

She knocked him out cold.

Everyone fell silent.

Qian Jiujiu looked around at her speechless sect mates, then flew back into Jian Tongyao’s arms.

“Master, Master.”

Jian Tongyao had meant to show off her disciple’s excellence. She had not expected the sect disciples to be so weak. Even if she picked ten at random, none would rival the golden dragon.

“Good Jiu, your master will find you new sparring partners.”

Unfortunately, that golden dragon had vanished. Otherwise, there would be no need to search.

Qian Jiujiu clung to Jian Tongyao’s neck and sat in her lap. Her eyes sparkled with mischief, then she suddenly pouted and rocked gently.

“Master, I just thought of someone. You will take me, right?”

A direct hit.

Jian Tongyao, who had never been swayed by such cuteness, gave in immediately. “Yes, your master agrees to everything.”

The Sect Leader watched the two whispering to each other, clearly ignoring everyone else. Something felt off, but he could not pinpoint what. After Qian Jiujiu’s dazzling match, the rest of the fights lost their spark.

Jian Tongyao took her disciple by the hand and left openly.

“Senior Brother, I am taking Xiao Jiu on a training journey.”

The Sect Leader rubbed his forehead and quickly sent her a message.

“Junior Sister, please go easy on others.”

Once they left the sect, Qian Jiujiu wandered here and there, wide-eyed at everything. But after an hour, her curiosity faded. She played with Jian Tongyao’s jade-like fingers.

“Master, when did that sneaky worm escape? I want to bring it back to Lingjiu Mountain.”

Jian Tongyao frowned. She had only recently noticed the little dragon’s energy had vanished from the mountain.

Her barrier was among the strongest in the world. Few could break it. That someone had escaped under her watch was deeply troubling.

“Dingding, how did that golden dragon slip away?”

“Hmm…”