Master, Spare My Life: A Disciple's Sweet Rebellion | Chapter 121 | Trials of the Shaman | Novela.app

"What brings you to me so late at night?" "We’ve been staying here for a while now..." "Oh? Can't wait any longer?" Chu Ruo saw the playful smile on the other woman's face, which only fueled her internal anxiety. "You’re asking what you already know. Are you willing to give us the antidote or not? If you truly have no intention of providing it, there’s no need to drag this out. We will find another way." "I told you, we of the Miao do not easily help outsiders." Fenghuang toyed with a cup on the table. "Besides, if you actually had another way, would you be here swallowing your pride?" "Just say it. What are your conditions?" "Conditions? No, conditions are for trades. If you want us to help you neutralize the Gu, you must first earn our recognition." Chu Ruo suppressed her impatience. "And how do we do that?" "Even if I told you, you couldn't do it." "If you think I can't do it, why keep us here? Isn't that a bit contradictory?" Fenghuang arched an eyebrow at her. "Stay here. Become people of the Miao forever. Can the two of you do that? I reckon it’s impossible." "You..." "There is one other way, though," the woman added teasingly. "You could stay here and marry me. Then I—" *Clang!* Ice Soul cleared its scabbard, the tip of the blade pressing directly against Fenghuang’s throat. Nan Muxue, who had been silent until now, finally snapped. Yet Fenghuang remained as calm as a breeze. "See? I only said one sentence and she’s already this jealous. That’s why I said you can’t do it." She then looked at the woman threatening her life. "Don't think you can kill me just because your martial arts are superior." "You are seeking death," Nan Muxue hissed. She didn't need to say it aloud—no one was allowed to target that person. No one. "I think," Fenghuang’s gaze suddenly turned sharp, "you should say those words to yourself." "Xue'er." Chu Ruo gripped the blade of Ice Soul and stepped in front of her, facing Fenghuang. "If you have a problem, take it out on me. Yes, we are here to beg for the cure, and we truly have no other options. But I won't let Xue'er..." "Fine, fine. I can't be bothered to argue." Fenghuang waved a hand and shrugged. "Alright, since you’re so persistent, follow me tomorrow morning." Chu Ruo stared at her retreating back, slightly dazed. This woman... how should she put it? She didn't follow any predictable pattern. "She’s just leaving like that?" Suddenly, her ear was in pain. "What? Can't bear to see her go?" "No! Ow, take it easy on the pinching..." "Hmph!" Once the hand was released, Chu Ruo moved in with a grin to pull the woman into an embrace. "Tell me, when are you ever going to fix that 'vinegar jar' personality of yours? Couldn't you see she said that about marriage just to provoke us? Was it really worth drawing your sword?" "You certainly seemed pleased by it," Nan Muxue said, her gaze making Chu Ruo break into a cold sweat and feel goosebumps. "It seems my disciple is quite dejected to have lost such a marriage prospect." "Oh yes, I’m absolutely drowning in regret~" "Chu Ruo, you—" "Alright, alright, a joke is a joke. Don't take it seriously. We’ve traveled thousands of miles to get here; don't let the Miao people think I’m henpecked..." "Are you even capable of fear? You have your 'confidante' Miss Zhier accompanying you the whole way, and upon arriving in this strange land, even the Shaman Chief takes a liking to you. What is there for Ruo'er to fear?" Chu Ruo nodded. "But I’m most afraid of my Little Scorpion... I was wrong! Stop pinching me! Ow—" As they prepared for sleep, the woman in her arms propped herself up, her jade-like hand tracing idle patterns on Chu Ruo’s chest. Chu Ruo, half-asleep, pulled her closer. "Why aren't you sleeping?" "Promise me. If what she asks of you tomorrow is life-threatening, we leave." Chu Ruo smiled. "I thought it was something serious. It’s fine. Go to sleep." Nan Muxue remained persistent, her eyes burning with intensity. "Promise me." Chu Ruo kissed her hand, coaxing her dotingly. "Alright, I promise. I’ll listen to my wife in everything." "Ruo'er..." "I’m here." Chu Ruo opened her eyes to look at her beloved, leaning in to kiss the corners of her lips repeatedly. "You really aren't going to sleep, are you?" "You sleep." "And you?" Nan Muxue actually sat up and prepared to get out of bed. With a rare, playful air, she said, "Since I have nothing to do tonight, I feel a sudden whim to examine my disciple’s 'great work.'" As she spoke, the book titled *Master, Have Mercy* was produced. Nan Muxue went to the table and began flipping through it under the flickering candlelight. Chu Ruo didn't get up; instead, she propped her head up on her hand, quietly watching the focused woman by the table. A smile played on her lips. This was a rare moment of warmth and peace they hadn't shared in many days. "Fine, you can read it, just don't get angry." Nan Muxue was so engrossed she didn't even respond. After about half an hour, the book was closed from behind. Before she could turn her head, a pair of arms wrapped around her. She felt the friction of her lover’s hair against her ear. "Reading at night ruins the eyes. It’s time to rest." Nan Muxue leaned back relaxedly, reaching up to accurately cup the face that brought her so much joy. "Didn't I tell you to sleep on your own?" "When have I ever had the heart to leave you and sleep alone? You think too little of my conscience." "Is that so? In this book, your Miss Zhier is so gentle and considerate, while I, your Master, am violent and petty. Are you truly not afraid of my anger?" "I’m not." Chu Ruo inhaled the fragrance of her hair before pressing a kiss to her slender neck. "I know you can't bring yourself to do anything to me anyway." "Presumptuous... mm." After a soft moan, Nan Muxue’s voice sounded uncharacteristically weak. "Put me down." "Hehe, not a chance." Chu Ruo had already carried her to the bedside and leaned over to press her down. "Since Master isn't sleepy, why don't we..." "Mmm... Chu Ruo," the woman beneath her gasped, already losing her strength. "You... shameless..." *** The next day. Fenghuang led the three of them to another clearing they hadn't seen before. To be precise, it wasn't exactly a clearing, as it was already surrounded by layers of Miao people. In the center of the space stood a "Mountain of Blades." It was a mountain of blades in the literal sense. Countless sharp edges pointed upward at nearly ninety degrees, formed by an uncountable number of swords. There were almost no footholds to be seen. Furthermore, the ground surrounding it was covered in sharp wooden stakes. If one were to lose their footing and fall... Though it was the cold season, the sunlight reflecting off the mountain of blades was nearly blinding. At a glance, it was impossible to see what lay at the top. The blades were densely packed, incredibly sharp, and no longer than three inches. They were arranged in a chaotic fashion, as if waiting for a challenger. The dark red bloodstains on the stakes below told the story of those who had failed. "Only one of you can go up. Bring down the blade at the very top, and you pass this trial." Chu Ruo shaded her eyes and looked up. *Good grief.* How was a normal person supposed to climb that? There was nowhere to even crawl. The blades looked disordered, but there was nowhere to place a foot. One reach of the hand would likely result in several gashes. No wonder people entered this place but never left. But who was she? She had learned qinggong, hadn't she? "I’ll go." "I’ll go." They spoke in unison. Chu Ruo laughed. "I appreciate the synchronicity, but not right now." Nan Muxue looked grave. "Your lightness skill is not as good as mine—" *Whoosh!* The sound of Chu Ruo taking flight cut her off. She moved like a gust of wind. Nan Muxue immediately tried to follow, but Fenghuang blocked her path. "Only one. If you go over there, the trial is void." Nan Muxue’s eyes were cold enough to kill. She didn't shout; she simply spoke the most ruthless words in a flat tone. "If anything happens to Ruo'er, I will make every soul in your Miao territory join her in the grave." "Such big words. Why not let her try? A person with courage won't come to harm." Fenghuang stood with her arms crossed, watching Chu Ruo as she ascended step by step. "I actually have confidence in her." The three women fell silent, their heads tilted back to watch the movement above. Bai Zhier and Nan Muxue didn't even dare to breathe loudly, fearing they might distract her. Chu Ruo kept her hands behind her back, her toes lightly tapping against the blades. There was another trick to this mountain: it swayed violently. One had to be fast and steady. The blades gave no time for deliberation; there was no chance to choose a "route." She relied entirely on her lightness skill to leap upward. Despite her caution, her boots were nicked twice. Fortunately, she finally reached the summit. The blade at the very top seemed to be waiting for someone to claim it. Chu Ruo reached out—success! She snatched it in one go. *Swish! Swish!* To her surprise, the moment she took the hilt, a hidden mechanism beneath it triggered. Two darts shot out instantly. Luckily, she reacted quickly—they were aimed straight for her eyes. She dodged, but lost her balance and began to fall backward. Everyone’s heart leaped into their throats. At the last second before her descent became a plummet, she gave a steady kick against the structure, propelling herself backward. She landed and stumbled several steps, barely keeping her feet. "Ruo'er!" "Ruo'er!" Fenghuang clicked her tongue. "One in each arm, eh?" Chu Ruo rubbed her nose awkwardly and said to the two women, "I’m fine, I’m fine." She then handed the blade to Fenghuang. "Is this enough?" The Shaman Chief took it. "This trial is passed. Do you want to continue with the rest? If you aren't sure, don't commit, or you might lose your life." "Bring on whatever you’ve got." "Good. Very well." Fenghuang clapped her hands. "Prepare the next." The following trials were the so-called "Sea of Fire" and "Cauldron of Oil" types—fraught with danger. Fortunately, Chu Ruo’s martial arts had improved significantly, and she managed to pass them with more thrills than actual injuries. Finally, Fenghuang led them to the mouth of a cavern. "This is our Sacred Land," she said. "Bring out the item inside, and you are finished." "Your Sacred Land? And you’re telling us to enter?" "Miao people are forbidden from entering." "What’s inside?" "You’ll find out once you’re in there." Fenghuang smiled triumphantly. "If you’re afraid of dying, you can go back. Don't say I didn't warn you: it’s filled with countless traps, and even we don't know what it looks like inside. If you can come out safe and sound..." "There is no 'if.' We will be fine." Chu Ruo took the hand of the woman beside her. "Xue'er." No more words were needed. With just that one call, Nan Muxue understood. "Whatever it is, we face it together." "Zhier, you stay out—" "I came on this journey for your sake. How could I possibly wait outside while you face danger?" Bai Zhier smiled and walked straight toward the entrance. "What are we waiting for? Let’s go." *** **Glossary** Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation --- | --- | --- 醋坛子 | Vinegar jar | A Chinese idiom for a very jealous person. 师傅饶命 | Master, Have Mercy | The title of the book Chu Ruo wrote (likely a meta-reference to the novel's title). 刀山 | Mountain of Blades | A traditional trial/performance involving climbing a ladder or structure made of sharp knives. 火海油锅 | Sea of Fire and Cauldron of Oil | Common metaphors for extreme trials or Buddhist hells; here, literal physical challenges. 圣地 | Sacred Land | A holy or forbidden area belonging to the Miao people.