“Is there any movement from the Flying Peng Fortress?”
“Reporting to Master, for the time being, there has been no movement.”
Nan Muxue toyed with the jade thumb ring on her left hand. “Keep a close watch on their every move. Report to me immediately if anything unusual occurs.” Liu Shaopeng had not taken any action yet, though only a few hours had passed. She, however, had already made preparations; to be precise, she had considered the consequences from the moment she went to find him.
“Yes, your disciple shall remember.”
“Cough, cough, cough...” The person on the bed suddenly coughed, though she did not wake. Nan Muxue immediately pressed a finger to her lips, signaling for silence.
“You may leave now,” she whispered. “Remember, keep a strict eye on the Flying Peng Fortress. Inform the Third Protector that the branch sects must be especially cautious. That is where the Fortress is most likely to strike. Do not be careless.” Given Liu Shaopeng’s cautious nature, he wouldn't act without absolute certainty, especially since cooperation between their two sects was mutually beneficial. Still, it was better to be safe.
“Your disciple understands and shall take her leave.” The disciple withdrew, her mind filled with questions. The Flying Peng Fortress and the Hundred Flowers Palace had always been on good terms; why the sudden tension? And was that person on the bed the legendary Chu Ruo? Master seemed so anxious—could she have turned against the Fortress for this person’s sake?
Once the disciple had gone, Nan Muxue immediately turned her gaze back to the unconscious Chu Ruo. She reached out and placed a hand on the girl’s forehead; it was frighteningly hot. The wounds had become inflamed, and in the sweltering heat of midsummer, complications had set in. A high fever had taken hold, and as the cool hand touched her, Chu Ruo began to mumble in her delirium.
“Cool... so nice... icy cold...”
The hand did not pull away. Instead, Nan Muxue leaned in closer, her eyes fixed on that handsome face. She was startled by her own recent behavior. Why was she acting like this? She could find no answer. As she sat lost in thought, the person on the bed murmured again, the words rasping painfully from her throat.
“Yan’er...”
Nan Muxue stared at her, a nameless bitterness spreading through her heart. So, in the end, it was only Yan’er? But Yan’er was her. Why, then, did this feel so unpleasant?
Chu Ruo continued to call out, “Little Scorpion... Yan’er... Master...” She seemed caught in a dream, her brow furrowing slightly. “Little Scorpion... Master... Yan’er...”
The sight was so ridiculous that Nan Muxue finally let out a soft laugh. “What a mess. You can’t even stay focused in your dreams.”
Just as she moved to stand and leave, her hand leaving the forehead, the feverish Chu Ruo suddenly lunged out and grabbed it, pulling it back. “This block of ice... why won’t it stay still? It’s trying to run away...”
*Not staying still? Who isn’t staying still?* Nan Muxue gave her a speechless look, even though she knew the girl couldn't see it. She reached out with her other hand to check Chu Ruo’s body; the heat was beyond alarming. Fortunately, her pulse was relatively stable; it was just a severe fever. Nan Muxue didn't try to stand again, but Chu Ruo seemed unsatisfied with just that small bit of coolness. Her hands groped blindly for the source of the chill until she finally found her direction. With a sudden tug, she pulled Nan Muxue toward her.
“Such a big block of ice... so cool... my iceberg...”
“You!” Nan Muxue lost her balance and fell into her arms. To her shock, Chu Ruo only hugged her tighter, refusing to let go. How could she... this was... it was almost as if she were doing it on purpose. Yet, Nan Muxue did not push her away. Finally, as if possessed, Nan Muxue actually removed her own shoes and socks, climbed onto the bed, and allowed the girl to pull her into a death grip.
***
Cool and refreshing... ah, so comfortable. This was Chu Ruo’s only conscious thought within her dream. Where did this giant iceberg come from in such heat? And it wasn't melting! In this sweltering summer, it was pure bliss. Moreover, it was so soft and fragrant. She rubbed against it repeatedly, unable to get enough. But why was it so soft? And the shape... it felt like she was hugging a person.
*Wait, a person? The Little Scorpion!!!*
The sweet dream instantly turned into a nightmare. Chu Ruo struggled to open her eyes and wake from this terror. When she did, she found herself face-to-face with a peerless, breathtaking beauty. She nearly screamed, but it seemed the Little Scorpion was also asleep. Even with the mask on, she was still so beautiful.
*Beautiful or not, this lady rogue! How could she take advantage of my unconscious state to crawl into my bed?*
Wait, something was wrong. Chu Ruo moved her arms and legs. It was clearly her own arms wrapped tightly around the other woman’s waist, and one of her legs was hooked over the woman’s body.
*What’s wrong with me? Am I possessed? Am I the rogue here?!*
Fortunately, they were both still fully clothed. *Phew, I guess nothing happened.* She looked around; they were back in the room at the inn. She remembered being beaten within an inch of her life, and in a haze, someone had come to save her. Had they said "don't be afraid"? It was the Little Scorpion who saved her. Great, now she and Yan’er had each saved her once.
*Ugh, why do you two always do the same things to me? What am I supposed to do? I still haven't gotten the antidote. How can I leave?*
Despite her caution, her movements woke the light-sleeping Nan Muxue. Seeing the woman’s eyelashes flutter, Chu Ruo realized she was about to wake and quickly shut her eyes, feigning sleep. After her internal struggle, she didn't know how to face her. Pretending to be asleep seemed safer.
The result was—*THUD!*
“Ow!” Chu Ruo sat on the floor, rubbing her back. “Are you crazy, woman? You wake up and immediately kick me off the bed? What did I ever do to you?”
In truth, when Nan Muxue opened her eyes and saw that face, a strange warmth had filled her heart. She knew perfectly well the girl was faking sleep. She had been about to reach out and stroke a stray lock of hair when Liu Shaopeng’s words flashed through her mind. Rage surged within her, and she delivered a vicious kick, sending Chu Ruo flying off the bed.
While Chu Ruo was still rubbing her waist, Nan Muxue had already stood up and walked to her side. The air around them suddenly grew frigid. Chu Ruo felt she was quick enough to dodge, but her neck was suddenly caught in a death grip.
*Damn it, that suffocating feeling again!* “Let go... let...”
No matter how she struggled, the hand would not loosen even a fraction. How could a woman be so capricious? She was a psychopath! Chu Ruo forced the words out, “If you... want to kill me... cough... why bother saving me?”
*Facing death and she still won't beg for mercy or admit her fault. Fine.* Nan Muxue’s expression darkened further. “You are a member of the Hundred Flowers Palace. If you are to die, you can only die by my hand.”
“What right... do you have... to kill me?” *Are you toxic? I didn't even do anything and you want to kill me. Early menopause? Hormonal imbalance?*
“You tell me.”
The three words were cold, but the grip on her throat loosened slightly. Chu Ruo took the chance to gulp in air, finally able to speak with less effort. “Because I hugged you while I slept? Please, I was unconscious! I didn't know I was hugging you.”
Nan Muxue’s face flushed for a fleeting second before returning to its icy mask. “I will give you one more chance. Stop playing the fool.”
*There’s more?* “Let me think, let me think!” Her brain worked at high speed. If her neck weren't being squeezed, she would have slapped her own forehead. “Because of what I said to Liu Shaopeng? I was lying when I said I’d take him to the secret passage! Believe me, I only said it to escape, and it didn't even work! I was really just tricking him!”
*It’s over, I’m defenseless here.* She expected no one would believe she was lying to Liu Shaopeng; after all, in a crisis, people usually look out for themselves. But she truly hadn't thought of betraying her for a second. *Heaven help me, looking at the Little Scorpion’s murderous intent, I’m going to lose my life today. I transmigrated here directly; I wonder if I can soul-transmigrate next time.*
“No!” The hand tightened. The woman seemed even angrier. “Think again!”
*Can’t you remember, or do you simply refuse to tell the truth? Chu Ruo, do you really want me to kill you?*
“Cough, cough... cough...” Chu Ruo shook her head desperately but stopped speaking. First, the grip had tightened again, and second, she truly didn't understand what else she had to confess.
Nan Muxue had decided that if the girl lied, she would show no mercy. But why, seeing her struggle and her pain, did her heart soften inch by inch? *Nan Muxue, where is your decisiveness? Why do you care so much about such a useless person? Chu Ruo, what is it about you that can ruin me like this!*
Just as Chu Ruo felt she was about to pass out again, the shackles on her throat vanished. The feeling of suffocation disappeared instantly. She gasped for air as Nan Muxue swept her long sleeves and sat down at the table. *Damn, that turn was gorgeous, but looking up at that terrifyingly frozen face, I can’t even be a fangirl.*
“Get up!”
*Fine, fine, you don't know how to speak nicely.* Chu Ruo stood up reluctantly.
Nan Muxue spoke slowly. “Tonight, you will go and kill someone.” *Since this is how it is, I will no longer indulge you. Chu Ruo, from now on, you will only be my pawn, my stepping stone, and nothing more.*
“Hey, we agreed I wouldn't kill anyone. Besides, I’m injured.”
*CRASH!*
With what looked like a light, casual palm strike, Chu Ruo watched as the sturdy square table—which looked like it had been there since the inn opened—shattered into splinters. “Go, or die.”
*Is the Little Scorpion for real?* Chu Ruo could feel the shift in the woman’s mood and tone. It was different from usual. Though the Little Scorpion often scolded and threatened her with a sour face, this was different. She had changed. The look in her eyes was different; the way she looked at Chu Ruo was no longer the same as before. They had only just come down the mountain; everything had been fine. Why the change? Chu Ruo felt a pang of discomfort, a sour, stinging ache in her heart. *Little Scorpion, why did you change?*
“What?” Her dazed silence drew a cold sneer from the other. “Are you that afraid of death?”
Chu Ruo, stung by the woman’s coldness, felt a surge of reckless courage. “Of course I’m afraid. Otherwise, why would I let you order me around just because of the Hundred Flowers Gu in my body?”
If the table were still intact, Nan Muxue would have swept everything off it in a rage. “Are you seeking death?”
“Yes, I am!” The woman’s tone was so heartless that Chu Ruo felt her nose prickle. “So what? Kill me then! Just like you were doing! Don't worry, I won't struggle this time. Just do it. Come on!”
“You think I’d let you die that easily? You haven't tasted the Hundred Flowers Gu in quite some time.”
*Oh, you’ve got that wrong.* Was her secret stash of antidotes, saved up through agonizing pain, for nothing? She had suffered through an episode just a few days ago. She laughed. “You enjoy torturing people anyway, don't you?”
“Indeed. But how could I forget? Ruo’er is so capable she can go to a clinic and concoct her own antidote. Naturally, she isn't afraid.”
The person who had been acting so righteous a second ago immediately deflated, stammering guiltily, “How... how did you know?”
Seeing her guilty look only fueled Nan Muxue’s fury. She stood up abruptly and closed the distance between them. “What’s the matter? Weren't you quite the silver-tongued orator? Keep talking.”
“I... what should I say?” Chu Ruo retreated, trembling under the overwhelming pressure. “What’s wrong with me getting an antidote?”
“Still stubborn!” Nan Muxue reached out and snatched something. The small pouch Chu Ruo kept hidden against her body was ripped away. With a sharp pull, the innocent little pills scattered across the floor. Nan Muxue was enraged. “And what is the meaning of this?” *You actually endured the unimaginable pain of the Gu just to secretly stash these antidotes? Are you that desperate to leave me?*
“You gave them to me, so they’re mine. What I do with them is my business.” *Damn, I worked so hard to save those. Now I have to pick them up... wait, given the situation, I might actually kick the bucket here today.*
*SLAP!*
Chu Ruo clutched her stinging cheek, unable to believe it. “You hit me?” It wasn't the first time she’d been hit, but a slap to the face? she was fuming. “You don't hit the face! You slapped me!” *Little Scorpion, you actually hit me! To think I actually liked you... even if it was wrong to like two people at once, I must have been out of my mind. You actually hit me!*
“I am your Master. Why can I not hit you?”
“I’m telling you, Nan Muxue, I’m done! I’m not serving you anymore!” She clutched her swollen cheek and turned to leave, but then she saw the white sleeve of Nan Muxue’s arm blooming with fresh, red blood. The stain was spreading rapidly. Her anger vanished instantly, replaced by panic as she grabbed the woman’s hand. “How did you get hurt again?” It must have happened when she came to the rescue. Fine, she wouldn't hold the slap against her for now.
Unexpectedly, the woman pushed her away ungratefully. “Get lost.”
*Here we go again.* Just like last time, she became like a hedgehog the moment she was injured. Actually, she was like that even when she wasn't. Chu Ruo tried to pull her toward a seat. “Let me tend to the wound.”
“Let go,” Nan Muxue snapped, wrenching her hand away. “Weren't you just about to leave? Why put on this hypocritical act now?” She finally couldn't hold back the words in her heart. *Chu Ruo, you actually wanted to leave. How could you? How dare you do this to me?*
Her tone was full of venting and anger, yet Chu Ruo thought she heard a trace of... grievance? How was that possible? This was the Little Scorpion. Seeing the blood beginning to drip onto the floor—the slap must have been so forceful it tore the wound open—she took the hand again, her heart aching. “I didn't...”
“Didn't what?” Nan Muxue turned her back. “Get out. I don't need your fake kindness.”
“Listen to my explanation,” Chu Ruo said, rushing to stand in front of her. “I was... I was...” But she was too embarrassed to say it. *I wanted to leave because I fell in love with both you and Yan’er and couldn't give either of you a future.* How could she say that?
“Heh,” Nan Muxue sneered. “You can’t even come up with an excuse to brush me off, can you? Wait outside! You’re killing someone tonight. Don't even think about running. No matter where you go, I can find you. Killing you would be effortless.”
Chu Ruo didn't take the threat to heart. She was only obsessed with checking the injury. “I’m not brushing you off. I just don't know how to say it.”
“Get out! Let go! Let go!”
The more the woman struggled, the more she bled. Chu Ruo grew angry as well. “Will you stop moving? Your wound is bleeding out!”
“What does it matter to you? Don't you wish I were dead? If I die, you can leave.”
“I don't!” Chu Ruo roared. She hadn't expected her own reaction to be so explosive. Even Nan Muxue was momentarily stunned by the volume of the shout.
In that moment of surprise, their eyes met. Chu Ruo’s heart stirred, and following her instincts, she stepped forward and pulled the woman into an embrace. “I don't. I never wanted anything to happen to you.”
“You wanted to leave.” Nan Muxue said only those four words. *Leave.* The pain those words brought was far worse than the wound on her arm.
“I just... I just...” She stammered for a long time, unable to find the words. “Let me fix your wound first.”
“Why did you want to leave?” Nan Muxue wouldn't let her touch the injury, her gaze burning into her. “You hate me. You hate me for using the Hundred Flowers Gu to control you, for forcing you to learn martial arts, for making you do things you don't want to do. Is that it?”
“I told you, no!” *How can a woman be so persistent?* But seeing the blood flow faster, Chu Ruo gritted her teeth. “Because I didn't want to come between you and Yan’er.”
*Between me and Yan’er?* For a moment, a flicker of understanding crossed Nan Muxue’s mind, yet it remained blurry. “You...”
“Let me see the wound first!” Chu Ruo said urgently. “We can talk later.”
***
“There, it’s finally stopped bleeding. Be careful, don't let it tear again.”
“You haven't finished what you were saying earlier.”
*Can’t you have a slightly worse memory?* Chu Ruo tried to laugh it off. “What was Master saying? Your disciple doesn't quite understand.”
“You...”
Chu Ruo took her other hand. “Don't ask. I... I don't know how to say it. Give me some time, and I’ll give you an answer.” By now, Chu Ruo was certain she liked Yan’er, and she had fallen for the Little Scorpion too. She didn't know what to do. Other than leaving, she couldn't think of a way out. But if she asked herself honestly, was she really willing to part with them?
“You still want to leave.”
“I’m not leaving.” Seeing the complex emotions shifting on the woman’s face, Chu Ruo hurriedly shook her head and hugged her again. “I won't leave. Trust me, I won't lie to you.” *But what am I going to do about you and Yan’er?* Or perhaps she was just flattering herself. How could Yan’er and the Little Scorpion possibly like her? She was probably just worrying over nothing.
“Chu Ruo,” Nan Muxue said, returning the embrace. She suddenly used her full name. “If you dare lie to me, I will kill you.”
*Back to the Little Scorpion in a second.* Chu Ruo laughed. “I wouldn't dare. I can’t go anywhere without Master. Look, you were only gone for a moment and I ended up covered in bruises. It’s safer to stay obediently in the Hundred Flowers Palace.”
“It was my negligence. I knew people from the Flying Peng Fortress were here. And you, going to get an antidote... you were seeking death.”
“Hey, he was determined to catch me. He would have grabbed me no matter what I was doing.”
“What did you say?”
“...I’ll be more careful next time,” Chu Ruo said, backing down without a shred of dignity. “So, Master, can we discuss something?”
Nan Muxue let out a soft laugh. “You don't have to go.”
“You... you know what I was going to say?”
“Other than the matter of killing someone, is there anything else Ruo’er wanted to say?”
*Wow, talk about being sharp-witted.* Chu Ruo hugged her even tighter. “Hehe, nothing else. Nothing at all.”
That night.
“Why are you crowding me? Sleep on your own side.”
Chu Ruo pressed against her. “It’s hot. Your body is cool.”
“You...”
“I’m injured, Master. Just let your disciple hug you for a bit.” Chu Ruo had to admit she was utterly shameless—the type to push her luck the moment she got a bit of sweetness. Hugging the Little Scorpion was so comfortable; she wasn't going to let go. She was just as cool as Yan’er. *Yan’er... there are only a few days left before we return to the Palace. For these few days, I’ll just let myself indulge. I’ll handle everything once we’re back.*
“Didn't Ruo’er want to leave? Why are you clinging to your Master now?”
“Why must you bring up the one thing I’d rather forget? You’re not cute at all. Look at Yan’er, every time I hug her, she...” Realizing she’d said something she shouldn't have, Chu Ruo snapped her mouth shut.
Nan Muxue, however, became interested. “What about her? Speak.”
“Nothing, nothing. Let’s sleep.”
“Is that so? But your Master heard that you two often sleep together. Do you hug her like this as well?”
“Who told you that? Slander! Defamation! Rumors! You can’t believe them, haha, definitely not.”
Her chin was tilted up. “Master wants to ask Ruo’er a question.”
“What?” Chu Ruo was incredibly nervous. *You’re not going to ask which of us I like more, are you?*
Fortunately, that wasn't the question, though it wasn't much better.
“Between Master and Yan’er, whom do you prefer hugging to sleep?”
“...”
***
