Master, Spare My Life: A Disciple's Sweet Rebellion | Chapter 123 | The Price of a Cure | Novela.app

“You seem particularly happy today.” A pair of lovers sat by the mountainside, illuminated by the full moon. Chu Ruo leaned back comfortably in the arms of the woman she loved, humming a little tune. Hearing this, she replied, “Do I? Though, if someone were to give me a kiss, I’d be even hap—” Before she could even finish her sentence, her wish was granted. The woman would always indulge her every whim. Chu Ruo savored the lingering sweetness on her lips and grinned. “Hehe, so sweet.” Nan Muxue looked down. Even the most beautiful moonlight in the sky couldn't draw a fraction of her attention away. It felt as though she could never grow tired of gazing at this face. She reached out to playfully pinch and knead Chu Ruo’s cheeks, and Chu Ruo leaned in closer to cooperate with the movement. Nan Muxue smiled. “You’ve been disappearing every day lately. Have you been running off to do something behind your Master’s back again?” “You’re wronging an innocent person. I was clearly going to check on their progress with the cure. They said it won’t be long before the antidote is ready.” In reality, she was going to act as a human test subject for those two women. The Pregnancy Gu required poison to be catalyzed, and they had to adjust the toxicity bit by bit according to her constitution. She had to endure the Heart-Severing Grass every single day, all while making sure the Little Scorpion didn't find out upon her return. *This baby is suffering so much...* Nan Muxue scoffed. “You know nothing of medicine. What is there for you to see? I suspect you’re just going to ogle a certain beauty.” “I’m just anxious for you, you heartless Little Scorpion.” “I’m heartless?” Nan Muxue’s temper had improved significantly of late. Or perhaps, she was simply treasuring this period of time. Since there was no absolute certainty that the Pregnancy Gu could be cured, she hoped that if she truly had to die, there would be no regrets between her and this fool. She tugged on Chu Ruo’s ear. “Don’t you bite your tongue saying such things? Or does the lie not burn your mouth?” “But you are! You don’t pity me at all. Ow—! Why are you pinching me?” “You are perfectly healthy. Why should your Master pity you? If you want my pity, you’d have to be injured...” “So you pinch me? Why don’t you just whip me while you’re at it...” Nan Muxue arched an eyebrow. “If Ruo’er has such a request, I wouldn't mind fulfilling it.” *Cough, cough...* “Speak up. Why have you gone quiet? Weren't you quite the chatterbox just now?” *I don’t dare say another word. The more I talk, the more I mess up. I’m afraid if I say two more sentences, you’ll knock me right off this cliff.* Just then, a gust of wind blew past. Chu Ruo sat up straight and carefully pulled Nan Muxue into her arms. “The wind is picking up. Be careful not to catch a cold. Let’s head back.” Nan Muxue looked at her without speaking. Chu Ruo laughed. “What is it? Why are you staring at me like that?” “Ruo’er.” Chu Ruo held her beloved tight. “I’m here. Calling me so suddenly like that... don’t you know I have no resistance to that voice of yours?” “Do you like it here very much?” “I don’t like it here. I only like you. I like wherever you are.” The corners of Nan Muxue’s mouth curled up. “That mouth of yours certainly knows how to coax people.” She then leaned against Chu Ruo proactively, looking somewhat languid. “If you like it here, we won’t leave. I will stay here with you.” “It actually is quite nice here. The people are simple and live away from the world’s strife. It’s like a hidden paradise. When Zhier saved me and took me to the Demonic Realm, the people there were very similar to the ones here. However... I still prefer the Hundred Flowers Palace.” “Did I hear that correctly?” Nan Muxue found it somewhat amusing. “In the past, when you were at the Palace, you thought of nothing but descending the mountain, and you always complained about how much you suffered there. Now you’re actually missing it?” “Because you’re there. The Hundred Flowers Palace is indeed a terrifying place, but because of you, it holds our most beautiful memories. Xue’er, I love you. I love everything associated with you.” “Fine. If you want to go back, we shall go back. As long as my Ruo’er likes it.” “Tell me, when will we finally be able to live in seclusion? Well, as long as I can be with you, nothing else matters.” For now, aside from the Pregnancy Gu, there seemed to be no other obstacles. Yet, Chu Ruo felt as if something was still missing. The affairs of the Hundred Flowers Palace didn't seem fully resolved. She had always known that Nan Muxue carried the responsibility of making the Palace the greatest in the world. Whether it was the pressure Nan Menghua had placed on her or the weight of the Palace’s century-old legacy, it was etched into her very bones, tied firmly to her pride, dignity, and honor. Even if Nan Menghua was likely dead, this was a burden Nan Muxue had to shoulder. Thus, they couldn't leave yet. Her beloved woman was willing to give up everything just to accommodate her, but Chu Ruo was unwilling to let her. She didn't want Nan Muxue to keep sacrificing for her sake. Her Xue’er had always been that proud Young Palace Mistress. Nan Muxue kissed the curve of Chu Ruo’s ear. “I will never leave you, nor will I let you leave me.” *Unless I die. Chu Ruo, you are the person I intend to bind to my side forever in this lifetime.* “You, woman... you call me silver-tongued, but when you start flirting, it’s truly the death of me.” The other didn't reply but stood up. “Let’s go back.” “Every time we get to this topic, you change the subject. You couldn't be shy, could you? Hey, wait for me!” She chased after her and caught her hand. “Xue’er, the moon is so beautiful tonight. Oh, I have a line of poetry for you: *Bright eyes like snow reflecting a loyal heart.*” “Learned that from your hometown again, I suppose?” “Don’t you think it suits us perfectly? It has both our names in it. *Ruo-Xue*. It’s quite nice.” “All you think about is playing. If you put in some effort, you wouldn't be unable to compose a single poem after being here so long, having to rely on reciting others' work.” “This is a martial arts world! Why would I learn to compose poetry?” With a sidelong glance from Nan Muxue, Chu Ruo immediately lowered her head and shut her mouth. The problem was, seeing her like this only piqued Nan Muxue’s interest further. “Once we return, you shall begin studying the knowledge of this world properly.” “Aren't I already learning? I remember everything you taught me. I haven't forgotten.” “It’s not enough. From now on, we shall add astronomy, geography, the Eight Diagrams, and the mechanical arts. Furthermore, you must learn the four scholarly arts: zither, go, calligraphy, and painting.” *??? Are you kidding me? I just gave you one line of poetry, and you dump all this on me? Hey, do you think I’m a pushover?* Summoning the bravado she had when she first entered the Hundred Flowers Palace, she declared, “I. Won’t. Learn.” “The Hundred Flowers Gu.” “...I’ll start learning as soon as I wake up tomorrow morning.” Seeing this, Nan Muxue finally chuckled again, while the person beside her wore a face of pure misery. *** The next day. Chu Ruo had been waking up very early lately. With the Pregnancy Gu on her mind, she would have to be truly heartless to sleep in. Nan Muxue was never one to sleep late either; seeing Chu Ruo get up, she followed suit. “The moment you wake up, you run off to see your Lady Zhier and that Fenghuang. Do you really think your Master won't get angry?” Chu Ruo leaned in, her smile even more mischievous. “Are you jealous?” “You...” “You know I’m just anxious to see them develop the cure.” Chu Ruo stepped forward to wrap her arms around that slender waist, taking the opportunity to brush her lips against Nan Muxue’s before saying, “Let me dress you.” Nan Muxue didn't say anything, simply cooperating by raising her arms to let the other dress her. She teased, “Offering service for no reason—is my disciple plotting something again?” “See how unlovely you are?” Chu Ruo lowered her head to tighten the waist belt. “What bad intentions could I possibly have? At most... I just want you to dress me in return.” Hearing this, Nan Muxue suddenly took two steps forward, bringing them flush against each other. Chu Ruo blinked. “What is it?” “Lately, which day has it *not* been your Master who dressed you?” At such close proximity, it was only natural for two people deeply in love to be drawn into a kiss. Nan Muxue was faster; with ease, she captured the other’s lips. Yet, the moment they touched, all her strength seemed to dissipate, allowing her beloved to ravage her lips as she pleased... *Tsk, tsk. I can never get enough of this Little Scorpion. Where else in the world could you find someone so brilliant, martial, and decisive? Who wouldn't love a beautiful, fierce older sister? Too bad for everyone else; no matter how much they crave her, the Little Scorpion is mine for life.* “Wife, I’m no saint like Liu Xiahui who can remain unmoved with a beauty in his lap. If you keep this up...” Nan Muxue snuggled into her embrace and spoke softly, “Ruo’er.” “What is it, my dear husband?” In the next second, the person in her arms pulled away. A trace of a smile remained at the corners of her mouth, but her eyes had turned serious. “Are you hiding something from me?” “No. Why would you say that? Really...” “Didn't you say we aren't allowed to deceive one another?” “I’m not! Xue’er, you’re overthinking it.” Nan Muxue looked utterly convinced of her suspicion. Had it been her old temperament, she would have flared up by now, but currently, she seemed as calm as a breeze. “These past few days, you’ve been leaving early and returning late. What have you been doing?” “I told you, I went to see Zhier and the others develop—” “You are being too abnormal. The method to remove the Gu is not that simple. Ruo’er, you can deceive everyone else, but not me. Do you understand?” She stroked Chu Ruo’s face, a smile still hanging on her own. “I don’t like it when you lie to me.” “I...” “The cure requires you, doesn't it? And it will endanger your life. Ruo’er, do you really think I would trade your life for my own?” Chu Ruo began to laugh as well, though it wasn't a lighthearted sound. She sighed with emotion. “As expected, my Xue’er is the smart one. It really isn't easy to trick you even once.” The Young Palace Mistress of the Hundred Flowers Palace had never been easy to fool, and no one ever truly could. “I won’t allow—” “Do you think I would just watch you die? Xue’er, even if there is only a ten percent chance, I must save you.” “I would rather spend my final days with you.” “Little Scorpion, how can you be so cruel? You want to leave first and leave me all alone?” Nan Muxue embraced her again. She raised her hand, revealing a gleaming silver needle. “Yes, I am a cruel, cold-blooded, and selfish Little Scorpion...” “Xue’er,” Chu Ruo held her even tighter. “Do you think that after all this time, I wouldn't have any defenses at all?” “You...” Nan Muxue suddenly felt a wave of dizziness. Her hands stopped obeying her, and her entire body began to lose strength. This time, a flash of genuine anger appeared in her eyes, but her body had already gone limp. “Chu Ruo, you...” Chu Ruo held her even tighter so her beloved wouldn't collapse. “My Xue’er is so smart; how could I not realize I couldn't hide it from you for long? Even if you hadn't kissed me, I would have kissed you. I needed to pass the Limp-Bone Powder into your mouth. Xue’er, you must remember—it’s wrong to always judge people by old standards.” “Chu Ruo... give me the anti...” Chu Ruo maintained an innocent tone. “The Pregnancy Gu? Of course I’ll remove it for you. As for the Limp-Bone Powder you’ve been poisoned with, I believe you’ll be perfectly fine by the time you wake up.” “You dare!” “From the first day you met me, has there been anything I didn't dare to do?” she whispered into her ear. “Xue’er, I did lie to you. The cure relies on me to act as the poison lead to draw the Gu into another host. I must let it consume me. I also have to endure the Heart-Severing Grass and other poisonous herbs. But as long as I can save you, it’s all worth it. Also... today is actually the day of the procedure. Now, get some rest. If our luck is good, we’ll still be together when you wake up. If you don't see me... then forget me. In the end, it was I who burdened you.” The person she held had gone completely silent. It was impossible to know how much she had actually heard. Only a single tear of love at the corner of her eye shimmered with a cold light. Chu Ruo kissed it away. It was icy, but she couldn't tell if it tasted sweet or bitter. The door was pushed open. “Ruo’er.” “You’re here. Perfect timing. Let’s begin.” “Ruo’er, even if we succeed, your body will likely never be the same after this...” “Zhier, you know my answer.” Chu Ruo looked over with a smile. “Zhier, in my heart, you will always be the most gentle and kind woman. Promise me, no matter what happens to me, you must save Xue’er.” Zhier turned her head away petulantly. “Since you trust me so much, aren't you afraid I’ll take the chance to kill her?” “You won't. Because you are Zhier. Zhier, I beg of you...” “Fine, fine. I promise. Ruo’er, you really are a fool.” Fenghuang shook her head repeatedly from the side. “You’re not much better yourself, helping the person you like save the person *she* loves.” “You!” “Alright, alright, stop arguing. Have you two thought this through? The chance of failure is fifty percent. There’s only a half-chance of success.” “No need to say more. Let’s do it. Just as I said before—if anything happens to Xue’er, don't bother saving me. I don't belong here anyway. If I die, don't tell Xue’er. Zhier, remember your promise. Feed her the Elixir of Forgotten Emotions and let her forget me.” “Ruo’er, you truly are a cruel person, making me watch you leave...” “Well, that’s what best friends are for.” Fenghuang interjected, “It might not come to that. Don't be so pessimistic. If you both survive this, I hope you can do something for me.” Bai Zhier was clearly displeased. “You’re only saying this at a critical moment like this? What are your intentions? Do you want us to do some other life-threatening task for your Miao people?” “You’re overthinking it. I want you to help me find someone once you leave. My aunt. She disappeared over twenty years ago after going to the outside world. She was a Shamaness, the one meant to succeed as the High Shaman. The sacred items in the Holy Land were stolen; I don't know if it’s related to her, but she is the only one who knows many of the Gu techniques. I hope you can help me.” Chu Ruo couldn't help but feel curious. “Didn't you say you aren't allowed to leave as you please?” “My aunt’s ideas were different from everyone else’s. She felt the Miao shouldn't be so insular and should go out to see the world. I actually agree with her. Everyone is too closed off and knows nothing of the outside; there’s no benefit in continuing like this. But the habits of the Miao people, passed down for generations, aren't something one or two people can change with a few words. *Sigh*, sometimes I really admire and envy my aunt. She had more courage than I do.” “So, what is your aunt’s name?” “Bai Xue.” Chu Ruo laughed. “Bai Xue? That doesn't sound like a Miao name. And your name is Fenghuang (Phoenix). How can your aunt have the surname Bai? Or is your surname Bai? Bai Fenghuang?” *White Phoenix, Blue Phoenix... they’re all phoenixes.* Fenghuang looked at her with amusement. “So you thought my surname was Feng? Or Bai? Miao naming is different from yours; it’s determined by the scene at the time of birth. When I was born, my father looked up and happened to see a painting of a phoenix on the wall, so I was called Fenghuang. When my aunt was born, there happened to be a great snowfall, so she was called Bai Xue (White Snow).” “Then why wasn't she called Xia Xue (Falling Snow)? And if you name people so randomly, what if someone looks up and sees a pile of cow dung? Wouldn't they be called...” “...Do you want to remove the Gu or not?” “I misspoke, I misspoke. Let’s begin.” Just as Chu Ruo lay down, a heart-wrenching pain struck without warning. She couldn't control herself and let out a loud scream before her vision went black, and she lost consciousness entirely. *** **Hundred Flowers Palace.** “Ning’er, what are you doing?” Duan Ning was packing her bags to head out. “The day for Xue’er’s Pregnancy Gu to flare up has long passed. They haven't returned for so long; something likely went wrong. I’m going to find them.” Nan Yunshuang moved to block her. “No news means everything is fine...” “No word at all is called 'fine'? Move!” Nangong Yan also spoke up. “How about this: Liuli, you and Yunshuang stay to guard the Palace, and I’ll go with Ning’er to search.” “No. You cannot leave the Hundred Flowers Palace at a time like this. If something happens...” “Move. Nothing will happen to the Palace. On the contrary, it’s Xue’er and the other we should worry about. Great Protector, the old Palace Mistress is no longer here. There’s no need to be like this.” Just as the atmosphere was turning icy, little Xiao Guo’er came stumbling in, running and shouting, “Protectors... the four Protectors... the Young Palace Mistress...” *Swish, swish, swish.* They all rushed over simultaneously. Yin Liuli spoke first. “What happened to the Young Palace Mistress? Don't be anxious, speak slowly.” Nangong Yan was more impatient. “Oh, just say it!” “She... the Young... the Young Palace Mistress... she’s re...” “I’m back.” It was Nan Muxue’s voice, but she was alone. She looked significantly colder than before. Her white robes, set against the drifting snow, made her face appear even paler, as if she were even more frigid than in the past. The others looked behind her, and only after confirming no one else was coming did they ask, “Just you? Where is Chu Ruo?” “Dead.” *** **Glossary** Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation :--- | :--- | :--- 软骨散 | Limp-Bone Powder | A classic medicinal powder in wuxia that causes temporary muscle weakness or paralysis. 断肠草 | Heart-Severing Grass | Literally "Intestine-Breaking Grass" (Gelsemium elegans), a highly toxic plant often used in fiction as a lethal poison. 忘情丹 | Elixir of Forgotten Emotions | A mythical pill that causes the consumer to forget their romantic feelings or a specific person. 白雪 | Bai Xue | Literally "White Snow." The name of Fenghuang's aunt. 下雪 | Xia Xue | Literally "Falling Snow." 牛粪 | Cow dung | Mentioned in Chu Ruo's joke about Miao naming conventions. 柳下惠 | Liu Xiahui | A historical figure in China known for his legendary moral uprightness and ability to resist sexual temptation. 明眸若雪映丹心 | Bright eyes like snow reflecting a loyal heart | A poetic line Chu Ruo invents, incorporating the characters "Ruo" (from her name) and "Xue" (from Nan Muxue's).