“Yan’er,” Chu Ruo did not look away. Instead, she gazed at Nan Muxue earnestly and said, “I don’t know if she needs me, but if she does, I will be there for her just the same. Although, between the three of us, perhaps...” Regardless, they had never truly broken that thin layer of paper between them; she had never voiced her feelings aloud. She wanted to find an opportunity when all three of them were together to confess everything—to admit she had fallen for two wonderful women at once. However, she felt it would be unfair to confess to only one of them now, even if she eventually chose neither. “In any case, no matter the outcome, I will stay by your side until the day you and Yan’er no longer wish to see me.”
*Whiz!*
The sound of a projectile cutting through the air reached Chu Ruo’s ears. Almost simultaneously, as she prepared to dodge, Nan Muxue yanked her behind her back. However, Chu Ruo wasn't one to stay put; she darted back out to shield Nan Muxue, scanning their surroundings. “Be careful!”
Nan Muxue felt a mix of amusement and touched affection. The hidden arrow was clearly aimed at this fool, yet she was the one trying to play protector. Chu Ruo was a newcomer to the martial world; aside from Flying Eagle Fort and Sword Casting Villa, she had no enemies. Even if the Villa dared not speak of the stolen sword, they wouldn't use such underhanded tactics. Flying Eagle Fort was a possibility, but with Chu Ruo traveling with her, Liu Shaopeng wouldn't act so rashly. Thinking this, she glanced at the projectile that had been knocked to the ground. Given the force behind the throw, it should have embedded itself in the tree trunk. There was only one reason it hadn't: the tip was blunt.
*Whiz! Whiz!*
Two more followed. Chu Ruo dodged them with agility. Not only that, she swept Nan Muxue into her arms, keeping her steady as they evaded. She urgently scanned for the source. “The arrows are coming from one direction. It should be just one person. If another comes, I’ll rush them immediately. You stay—”
*Whiz!*
It was never-ending. Because Chu Ruo was speaking, her reaction was a fraction slower. However, she was no longer the fledgling who knew nothing when she first arrived. Seeing she couldn't dodge in time and that the arrow was headed straight for Nan Muxue in her arms, she didn't stop to think. She reached out and snatched the arrow right out of the air. Chu Ruo sucked in a cold breath; it had been a hair’s breadth away from the Little Scorpion’s face. “Master, are you okay? Wait, this arrow...” She finally noticed something odd. “It’s headless.” A blunt arrow, also known as a headless arrow, had a dull tip that couldn't kill. Depending on the weight, they were used for training or to injure and capture enemies on the battlefield. Looking at the one in her hand, it was clearly for training.
“Come out,” Nan Muxue said softly.
The sound of wind came from the distance, followed by the galloping of a swift horse. Chu Ruo watched as a woman in white approached. From her attire, she was clearly of the Hundred Flowers Palace lineage. She also wore a veil, but once she reached them, she dismounted and pulled it away. She looked to be about eighteen or nineteen, with delicate features and two slender, beautiful eyebrows. Her eyes held a mischievous, playful spark. She smiled, her voice pleasant to the ear. “Xue’er, I finally get to see this precious disciple of yours today.”
Judging by her tone, Chu Ruo would bet a bag of spicy strips that this was the Third Protector, Duan Ning. They were near the branch sect, and she dared to call the Little Scorpion "Xue’er" so casually—it had to be her. Chu Ruo wondered if all the ladies in Hundred Flowers Palace were this beautiful. From the Little Scorpion down to the Fourth Protector and the other disciples, though there were a few plain faces, the five of them alone probably swept the top five spots on any martial arts beauty ranking. She couldn't help but stare a bit dazed. Suddenly, she felt a sharp pinch on her waist. A chunk of her meager flesh was being twisted ruthlessly. Only one person would dare to pinch her like this (actually, everyone dared, but only one was doing it now). She sucked in another breath and turned a strained expression toward her "kind and gentle" Master. Nan Muxue was smiling with terrifying "warmth."
“Good disciple, why haven't you greeted the Third Protector yet? Or have you forgotten your manners because you’re so captivated by her beauty?”
*Damn it, couldn't you have just nudged me? Did you have to be so heavy-handed?* Looking back at Duan Ning, the woman was watching her and the Little Scorpion with great interest. Fortunately, the Little Scorpion was behind her, so the pinching hand was hidden. *Fine, I’ll give you face in front of them since you’re the Young Palace Master.* Chu Ruo straightened her robes, wiped the dazed look off her face, and bowed solemnly with her hands clasped. “Disciple Chu Ruo greets the Third Protector.”
Not only Duan Ning, but even Nan Muxue was surprised. This girl could change her face in an instant, looking so serious and solemn, yet somehow still quite adorable.
Duan Ning smiled radiantly. “Xue’er’s most precious closed-door disciple... I wouldn't dare accept such a formal greeting.”
“Ning’er,” Nan Muxue’s face flushed slightly. “Being away for a few years has only made you more frivolous.”
“There are quite a few rumors about the two of you in the outside world, you know.”
Chu Ruo held up the headless arrow. “Were you testing me on purpose?”
The other woman winked playfully. “If not you, did you think I was testing Xue’er?”
*The women of Hundred Flowers Palace are all toxic. Their tongues could choke a person to death.*
“Enough chatter. I received your letter earlier, and since I was free today, I thought I’d come to meet you and see just how capable this precious disciple of yours is. Hmm, she is indeed more talented than the others. An ordinary disciple wouldn't be able to dodge two of my arrows after such a short time of training, let alone catch one. By the way, the Palace has been buzzing about the two of you for the past six months. Tell me all about it on the way.”
Nan Muxue didn't answer. Instead, she vaulted onto her horse. Seeing this, Chu Ruo feared that the "rumors" might make her Master grumpy enough to force her to take "Route 11" (walking). She scrambled onto the horse with a speed she had never achieved in her life. Duan Ning’s jaw dropped. “Is the Palace so broke lately that you have to save money on horses, or have the two of you already reached *that* stage...”
*Hyah!*
Before Chu Ruo could process that, Nan Muxue spurred the horse into a gallop. “Hey! Master, slow down!”
...
Chu Ruo shaded her eyes from the sun and looked up at the Cloud Mist Mountain before her. It wasn't much shorter than Cloud Entry Peak. She felt depressed and whispered, “I thought the branch sect was in the city. Why is it still a mountain?”
“If you don't want to be here, you can go back.”
“No, no, how could I not want to be here?” She quickly forced a smile. “I’m just curious. Pure, simple curiosity.”
“The place in the city is for public appearances—socializing, recruiting, and dealing with outsiders. But this place possesses a natural strategic advantage,” Nan Muxue explained, as she always did when facing that face. “A wily hare has three burrows. This is the true branch sect.”
*Impressive. A wily hare has three burrows.* It wasn't just about having three holes; she had one in the light and one in the dark. This place was likely even more secretive than the main headquarters. The Little Scorpion’s brain was truly something else.
“Stop daydreaming. Let’s go.”
“Oh.”
“I say,” Chu Ruo panted as she reached the summit under the scorching sun, wiping sweat that was practically dripping onto the ground. “Why... don't you guys... install a basket lift... like the one at the main Palace?”
“The lift is still under construction,” Duan Ning pointed to two spots on the mountainside. “Can't you see it?”
“Who has the energy to notice that?”
She looked at Nan Muxue. Despite the heat, there wasn't a drop of sweat on her. Wait, Duan Ning wasn't sweating either. Was everyone in Hundred Flowers Palace naturally cold-blooded? “Aren't you two tired?”
Duan Ning shrugged nonchalantly. “Why would we be tired taking the shortcut?”
“YOU TWO DIDN'T CALL ME???”
“Ruo’er was so eager to charge ahead. Since you were so motivated, why would I stop you?” Nan Muxue replied expressionlessly, then walked away with her hands behind her back.
“You... you...”
“Hey,” Duan Ning patted her from behind. “Who told you to be so enthusiastic? I couldn't even stop you. I shouted until my throat was sore, but you wouldn't turn around. Your Master said you needed to be taught a lesson.”
“That wicked woman... has she not given me enough lessons already?” *Little Scorpion, bleh...*
Nan Muxue turned around just as Chu Ruo was sticking her tongue out at her. “Ah, haha, that... it’s too hot. I’m just... dissipating heat.” She pointed at her tongue.
“In that case, keep it out. Don't pull it back in.”
...
*Pfft.* Duan Ning couldn't hold it in. “You two, hahaha...”
“Whah are you laughing ah?” Chu Ruo’s tongue was hanging out, making her speech slurred.
“Hahaha... don't,” the other woman laughed even harder, clutching her stomach. “Don't talk, I beg you, hahaha...”
As luck would have it, Nan Muxue saw the two of them "laughing and chatting." Her expression turned incredibly dark. She flicked her sleeve and walked away alone.
“Mather... I mean, Master! Oh, boy.” Chu Ruo pulled her tongue back in as soon as Nan Muxue was gone. “Where’s my Master going?”
“Xue’er has always been like that—straightforward and rarely bothering with others. Come on, don't just stand there. Whenever she arrives, she goes straight to the study to check the branch sect’s affairs.”
“But that’s different, I—”
“You what?”
“Why do you ask so much? I’ve noticed you talk a lot.”
Duan Ning raised an eyebrow. “Chu Ruo, you’ve got quite the nerve. Do you know who I am?”
“The Third Protector. So what? I’m not even afraid of the Little Scor—Master, let alone you.”
In the strictly hierarchical Hundred Flowers Palace, no one would ever dare speak like that. It seemed this person’s status was indeed extraordinary. However, Duan Ning wasn't one to care about such things; on the contrary, she was the most playful of the five.
“What’s that smell?” Chu Ruo sniffed the air vigorously as they walked. “So fragrant... the smell of stinky tofu?” She rubbed her hands excitedly. “Someone here eats stinky tofu?”
“You have a good nose. You like it too?”
“Does that mean you love it?” Chu Ruo almost wanted to shake her hand. “Kindred spirits! No one in the main Palace eats it, and they won't let me eat it either. I only had it once when I went down the mountain. I’ve missed this smell so much.”
Hearing this, Duan Ning grabbed her sleeve and pulled her along. “No one else here likes it either. I discovered it once when I went down the mountain—it’s a delicacy! Come, come, I’ll play the host today. Let’s go to my room.”
“But my Master...”
“Oh, it’s fine. Once Xue’er starts looking at Palace affairs, she ignores everything else. She won't be out for an hour or two. Don't worry about her. Are you coming or not? If not, I’ll eat it all myself.”
“I’m coming, I’m coming!” Chu Ruo looked in the direction the Little Scorpion had gone, then took another deep sniff. Faced with gourmet food, she would definitely choose the stinky tofu. “Stinky tofu, here I come!”
“So good! I’ve missed this taste so much. Delicious!”
Duan Ning stuffed a piece into her mouth and mumbled, “Right? There’s an old couple at the foot of the mountain who specialize in fried stinky tofu. If you go late, it’s all gone. I went specifically to buy some this morning, even though I had to rush to meet you two. I never dared eat it at the main Palace, and they don't eat it here either. Sometimes I have to maintain my dignity as the Third Protector and eat it in secret. I didn't expect you to like it too. Not bad, we can be stinky tofu soulmates.”
Chu Ruo couldn't help but think the disciples of Hundred Flowers Palace were miserable if they had to eat stinky tofu in secret. “My Master said it would take at least a full day to get from the inn to the branch sect. It’s only been half a day.”
“If you ride hard, it doesn't take that long. Besides, you believed her? She was obviously teasing you. I can't believe she took someone as slow as you as a disciple. It’s so unlike her.”
“She’s my Master, how was I supposed to know she was lying? Whatever, let’s not talk about that. Do you have any sauce? I want to dip it.”
“You need sauce for this?”
“You didn't know? It’s even better with sauce. Where’s the kitchen? I’ll go make some.”
Duan Ning stopped her. “I have some in my room.”
“Why would you have that in your room?”
“None of your business.”
“Oh, I get it. You often sneak food, don't you? That’s why you have supplies ready.”
“Too much talk.”
Chu Ruo didn't bother replying, focusing on mixing the dipping sauce. Suddenly, Duan Ning called out, “Chu Ruo.”
Without looking back: “Yeah?”
“You’re a woman, aren't you?”
“Yeah, I am.” Wait... !!! By the time she realized, it was too late. Chu Ruo turned around. “How did you know?”
“You certainly answered fast. I was only guessing, but now you’ve admitted it yourself.”
“Then how did you figure it out?”
Duan Ning’s answer was enough to make her choke. If she had known, she wouldn't have asked. “I’ve never seen a man so obsessed with food.”
*That’s your reason?* She had been exposed on her very first day. Luckily it wasn't another sect. Chu Ruo mentally reminded herself to be more careful and stop being such a scatterbrain. She handed over the mixed sauce. “Try it.”
“Wow, it *is* good!”
“Told you.”
“Mm,” Duan Ning clapped her hands and stood up. “I’ll make one too.”
...
“Are we eating too much? We still have to have dinner with Master later.”
The other woman waved her hand. “She never eats at the same table as others. We’ll eat our own.”
“That’s not true. I always eat with her.”
Duan Ning’s eyes widened. “Chu Ruo, who exactly are you to make Xue’er break her rules like this?”
“It’s just eating a meal together. Isn't your reaction a bit much?”
“The two of you... could it be that the rumors are true? Is there something going on?”
“Stop right there. You actually believe those tall tales? I’ve said it many times—you can talk about me, but don't talk about my Master. A woman’s reputation is important. Enough talk, eat the tofu. Mmm, my chili sauce is great. At this moment, some fried intestines would make this perfect.”
“Fried intestines? Are they good?”
“Delicious! A perfect match for stinky tofu. You’ve never had them? No one sells them here?”
Duan Ning shook her head. “Never heard of it.”
*There are no fried intestines in this era? A business opportunity!* Next time they went back, she’d have the Little Scorpion’s inn sell them. Right, the inn hadn't been renamed yet. She’d ask later. “Alright then. One day, take me down the mountain to buy ingredients. I’ll cook personally and treat you.”
“It’s a deal! Hey, try this,” Duan Ning picked up a piece of stinky tofu, dipped it in her own sauce, and held it out. “I mixed this one. See how it tastes.”
Duan Ning was straightforward and didn't care for formalities. Knowing Chu Ruo was a woman, she didn't mind the proximity and fed the piece directly to her. Chu Ruo didn't think twice and opened her mouth to take it.
*Creeeeeak—*
At that exact moment, in a scene that looked incredibly cozy and perhaps even a little intimate, the Little Scorpion—no, her "approachable" Master—stood at the door with a large group of people: Ying Liuli, A-Yue, and Xiao Guo’er. Several pairs of eyes stared at the two of them, practically shooting sparks.
Even at a moment like this, with Nan Muxue’s face looking as sour as it could possibly get, Chu Ruo upheld the principles and stubbornness of a true foodie. She swallowed the piece of stinky tofu...
*I’m dead.* Although she didn't quite know why, her intuition told her she was toast.
“Uh, hey everyone. Since you’re all here, why don't we... eat some tofu together? I mean, stinky... tofu.”
...
