“How did you get up here?”
“I’ve been up here so many times before. Is my martial arts really that poor?”
“Hehe.”
“The Hundred Flowers Palace does not welcome outsiders,” Nan Muxue interjected coldly.
Not to be outdone, the newcomer countered, “I’ve come to see Ruo’er. Do I need your permission for that as well?”
Chu Ruo sighed inwardly. Things had been fine when they parted, so why were they at each other's throats the moment they met again? “Zhi’er, you... we haven't seen each other in so long.”
Bai Zhi’er gave a gentle, moving smile. She looked exactly as she had three years ago when she left following Chu Ruo and Nan Muxue’s wedding. She blinked playfully. “Ruo’er, have you been well?”
“Yes,” Chu Ruo replied, her eyes reddening slightly. It had been three whole years without a word. She knew this kind-hearted woman hadn't wanted to disturb her life. “Zhi’er, are you... are you doing well?”
Bai Zhi’er remained as tender as ever. “I am. Everything is fine.”
Unable to help herself, Chu Ruo spread her arms, intending to give her friend a hug. Unfortunately, she had forgotten the "Little Scorpion" standing right behind her.
Just as Chu Ruo was about to step forward, someone grabbed a handful of her hair from behind and gave it a sharp tug.
“My dear disciple,” Nan Muxue’s voice dripped with icy sarcasm, “your dear confidante has arrived, and you’re already this impatient?”
*Crap!* How could she have forgotten the Little Scorpion was right there? Chu Ruo felt a wave of terror. Muxue had even brought out the "disciple" title. Her legs went weak as she turned around, nearly dropping to her knees. The face behind her was a mask of absolute frost. “Hehe... that, uh, Master... no, no, no! Xue’er, Xue’er, I...”
Nan Muxue didn't say a word. Instead, she raised her hand. Chu Ruo reflexively shielded her head, about to beg for mercy, only to realize the strike wasn't aimed at her. It was directed toward the two children fighting in the distance.
Before anyone could cry out, even the Protectors who had rushed over thought Nan Muxue had struck with lethal intent. In reality, she had merely used a gust of palm wind to separate the two children. Of course, even a gust of her palm wind carried significant power. While Nan’er was pushed back safely, the other child couldn't keep her footing and stumbled backward uncontrollably until Bai Zhi’er stepped in to catch her.
Expressionless and cold as ice, Nan Muxue declared, “The Hundred Flowers Palace is not a place for people to run wild.”
The child looked her up and down, then spoke words that nearly stopped everyone's hearts: “So you’re the Little Scorpion, Nan Muxue?”
*Pfft—* Chu Ruo wanted to laugh, but she forced herself—with every ounce of her being—to suppress it. If the Little Scorpion saw her expression now, it would be the end of her. This kid was something else; her tone was exactly like Zhi’er’s when she first met Muxue. *Impressive, truly impressive. This kid has a bright future.*
Nearby, Duan Ning and the others watched with amused expressions. It was obvious to everyone that the child had been brought by Bai Zhi’er. Since the Palace had been quiet lately, they were all quite happy to enjoy the show.
Only Nan’er couldn't stand it. Having just been separated, she gripped her sword and lunged again. “Do not insult the Palace Mistress!”
The other child dodged while shouting back, “Hey, you’re interesting! I didn't come up with that nickname. How is it an insult? I think it suits you better anyway!”
“Shut up! You little lecher!”
*Little lecher?* Since they were just children, no one took the accusation seriously, but they all turned to look at Chu Ruo with mocking grins. Chu Ruo looked at Nan Muxue. “Aren't you going to separate them?”
Nan Muxue kept her hands behind her back, not even glancing at her. “She was brought by your 'good Lady Zhi’er.' If she gets hurt, wouldn't your heart ache?”
“I—”
The child shouted again, “Little lecher? Me? Didn't I explain it to you? I was being kind and helping you! Grabbing your waist once makes me a lecher? And another thing, how many times do I have to tell you? You’re a girl, and so am I! Even if these clothes can't hide my dashing looks, why won't you listen? Besides, you’re so young and flat, what is there for me to take advantage of? Your waist is as hard as a rock! You’re stingy, you won't listen to explanations, and you strike so ruthlessly. Everyone in this Hundred Flowers Palace must be a Little Scorpion!”
*Good heavens...* This kid’s mouth was like a rapid-fire cannon. Chu Ruo realized that Muxue actually wanted to see Nan’er’s skills in action. It was a good opportunity; fighting against fellow disciples with the same style didn't always show the full picture. This was a practical test.
It was clear that Nan’er was exceptionally gifted and hardworking. Her skills were top-tier among her peers. Her opponent was clearly outmatched in terms of raw power, but the girl’s footwork was excellent and she was incredibly agile, darting and weaving like a fish. However, she couldn't run forever. Just as Nan’er was about to land a strike, the girl pulled something from her sleeve and threw it forward with a mischievous grin before dodging away again.
Nan’er immediately tried to retreat, but she was a second too late. The powder touched her hand, and an agonizing itch instantly flared up. Being stubborn, she tried to continue her attack, but the itching powder was potent. Her face flushed red from the irritation, and her sword hand began to wobble.
“Itching powder?” Chu Ruo finally stepped in. She caught Nan’er and pulled out a jar of ointment from her robes—she had made it a habit to carry medicine lately. “Enough. That’s enough for today.”
Nan’er bit her lip, glaring at the other girl. “Master...”
The child had already scurried behind Bai Zhi’er, making faces. “You lost, you stingy brat!”
“You!”
“Alright, go clean your hands first. If you don't treat this itching powder properly, you’ll scratch off several layers of skin. Listen to your Master and go.”
Though unwilling, Nan’er nodded obediently, giving the girl one last fierce glare before leaving.
Bai Zhi’er finally spoke. “Well? My disciple isn't any worse than yours, is she?”
“She’s your disciple?”
Zhi’er nodded. “If you can have one, why can't I?”
“No, it’s just... a bit of a surprise. Why did you take a disciple? And...” This kid’s personality was so flighty. Zhi’er was so gentle, yet this girl... and she was a girl too. Everyone else noticed it as well; they were just polite enough not to point out that this mischievous brat actually took after Chu Ruo more than anyone else.
“So, are we going to keep talking out here, or are you going to invite me in? I’ve been standing so long, and I haven't even had a drop of tea.”
“My mistake, my mistake! Zhi’er, come, let’s go inside and talk.” Chu Ruo looked around for Nan Muxue. “Xue’er, I... where did she go?”
“Stop looking, she left ages ago,” Nangong Yan said, shaking her head. “I think you’d better pray for yourself tonight.”
“I...”
“What are you afraid of her for? Ruo’er, come, let’s catch up,” Bai Zhi’er urged.
The child, meanwhile, bolted away. “I’m going to go explore on my own!”
Bai Zhi’er couldn't call her back in time. “Bai’er...”
“Her name is Bai’er?”
Zhi’er chuckled. “Ruo’er, after all this time, you’re still so adorable.”
“Zhi’er~”
“Alright, I won't tease you.” The two entered the room, and Bai Zhi’er took a sip of tea. “Her name is Bai Su.”
“Bai? Her surname is Bai?”
“Yes. I am her aunt.”
*Aunt?* “Zhi’er, I remember you saying the Bai family only had you and your sister left. How is this child...”
“Before I answer that, who is that Nan’er? I saw how worried you were about her. I suspect she’s more than just a disciple to you.”
“Hehe, Zhi’er, you’re as sharp as ever. Actually, Nan’er is from the Nan family. She...”
After Chu Ruo explained Nan’er’s background, Bai Zhi’er looked quite moved. Chu Ruo asked, “Zhi’er, what’s wrong?”
“Ruo’er, it seems your Little Scorpion and I—or rather, the Nan and Bai families—are quite similar.”
“So, Bai’er is truly of the Bai bloodline?”
“Indeed. A year ago, someone came to our island. Only then did I learn that our grandfather had a brother. Unfortunately, he was of poor character and was expelled from the family. The Bai family was forbidden from mentioning him or acknowledging his existence. Because of this, he and his descendants lived a life of wandering. Bai’er also has an older brother. It wasn't until their mother sent the children to me that I realized there were still Bai family members left in the world.”
“And their mother...?”
Zhi’er shook her head. “She was in poor health and has passed away. For some reason, my grandfather’s brother’s line seems to be short-lived. Otherwise, their mother wouldn't have entrusted them to me.”
“I see. And your sister? Is she doing better?” Chu Ruo asked. Bai Shan had been unstable after learning the truth of her birth years ago.
Zhi’er nodded. “Yes, she’s on the island now, focusing on her research. I have good news—I’ve managed to neutralize the 'Medicine Man' poison in Brother Jie’s body. He’s staying with Shan’shan now.”
“Really? That’s wonderful! That’s definitely something to celebrate.”
Bai Zhi’er smiled. “I wouldn't go that far yet. Let’s just say they’ve developed feelings for each other. My foster father visits us occasionally as well.”
“It was so lively when everyone was together,” Chu Ruo reminisced.
“I’ve been gone so long, I thought you’d have forgotten me.”
“Never! Zhi’er, you...”
Zhi’er just looked at her. “I wanted to write to you, but then I thought the letters probably wouldn't reach your hands anyway, so I decided to just come in person.”
“What made you decide to leave the island?”
Zhi’er gave a playful pout. “I missed you, of course. I thought of you day and night.”
Chu Ruo coughed. “Zhi’er...”
“Haha, alright. It was that girl, Bai’er. She heard our stories and clamored every day to come see you. It was a massive headache. She managed to sneak out when I wasn't looking.”
“She seems very energetic. What happened between her and Nan’er?”
“Those two? Your Nan’er ran into a pickpocket, and Bai’er kindly helped her, but Nan’er didn't appreciate it. The pickpocket gave a shove, and Bai’er caught her to keep her from falling. That’s how it started.”
*Bai’er and Nan’er... these two girls.* Chu Ruo laughed. “Nan’er will definitely get her back. I have faith in her.”
“You have a very high opinion of this disciple.”
“Of course. I taught her personally.”
“Still as improper as ever.”
“Zhi’er, since you’re here, stay for a while.”
“I don't mind, but what about your Little Scorpion?”
Chu Ruo waved it off. “It’s fine. This is the Hundred Flowers Palace; I can make the decisions here.”
Hearing movement at the door, Bai Zhi’er smiled. “Then you’ll have to stay and chat with me late into the night.”
“Sure! You have no idea, staying in the Palace all day is so boring...”
The area outside suddenly went silent, only for Bai Su’s voice to ring out as she ran. “The latrine! Where’s the latrine?! You’re despicable! Using laxatives! You’re a monster! You’re not a Little Scorpion, you’re a Little Witch! A Little Demon! Don't come any closer! Don't think I won't... won't settle this right here on the spot!”
Nan’er was chasing her with her sword drawn. “You will pay for your reckless words.”
Chu Ruo laughed. “See? I told you my disciple wasn't bad.” She reached out to pet the dog beside her. “Wowotou, come here. You really look exactly like Wotou. Zhi’er, let me tell you...”
As Chu Ruo sat there laughing and chatting, losing track of time and failing to return to her room for the night, she had no idea of the catastrophe waiting for her. But that is a story for another time...
***
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Master, Spare My Life: A Disciple's Sweet Rebellion | Chapter 245 | Old Friends and New Rivals | Novela.app | Novela.app
