"Achoo! Achoo!"
"Tsk, tsk." Duan Ning looked at the person huddled under a thick quilt. "This poor little pretty boy isn't looking so fresh anymore. Did you catch a chill from the wind at the cliffside? As I thought," she said, reaching out to ruthlessly pinch the other's face, "being good-looking is useless. You're just a decorative pillow."
"Let... go..." Chu Ruo finally managed to break free and spat toward her. "If you hadn't spent all day intentionally provoking my Master, would she have taken it out on me?"
"Then why didn't she come for me? She chose to deal with you instead. What does that have to do with me?"
"Right, why does she always punish me? It’s so unfair."
"Because you're incompetent and an easy target."
"Pah!" Even if it was the truth—a tiny bit of the truth—did this girl have to be so blunt? She was another unlovable little scorpion. No, the title of 'Little Scorpion' belonged only to Nan Muxue; this one was just an overgrown brat.
"Little Ruo," the other woman said, suddenly clinking her teacup with a leisurely air. "Don't think this Protector doesn't dare do anything to you. Even if Xue'er dotes on you, I could still slip some laxatives into your medicine or food..."
Chu Ruo hated it when people left sentences unfinished like that, leaving everything to the imagination. "What did I ever do to you?" It was over. Was the food she ate today already laced with croton seeds? Luckily, she hadn't taken her medicine yet.
Duan Ning propped her head on one hand and smiled radiantly. "What were you just thinking in that head of yours?"
*Damn!* Another one. Chu Ruo swallowed hard. "Seriously, do you all practice mind-reading?" How did both of these women know exactly what she was thinking? *Show some respect, okay? I’m entitled to my privacy.*
"Hahaha!" Duan Ning laughed so hard she swayed. "You really are too much fun. If you’d come to the branch sect earlier, my days would have been much more entertaining." She wasn't done yet; she reached out two jade-like fingers to tilt Chu Ruo’s chin up. "With Xue'er’s unpredictable temper, why don't you consider following me instead? I’ll be your Master."
"You're younger than me, aren't you?" Chu Ruo stared at her with a look of utter confusion. What kind of bizarre behavior was this? Was she trying to poach the Little Scorpion’s disciple? "Does my Master know you're doing this?" Even if Xiang Tuo was a teacher to Confucius at seven and Gan Luo became a high official at twelve, having one Little Scorpion the same age as her as a Master was already enough. Adding one even younger? No, no, no—this was her final stand. Absolutely not.
"Little Ruo, I can see you aren't the brightest, but you'll do. Age isn't an issue, and following me comes with plenty of perks. First, you can stay here at the branch sect, free and unfettered. Second, I’ll treat you much better than Xue'er does. She hits and scolds you; I’ll do neither. And..." Duan Ning caught a faint movement outside the door. She smirked, leaned in close to Chu Ruo’s ear, and whispered something in a highly ambiguous posture...
*Creeeak.*
Chu Ruo felt like God loved playing jokes on her. In a situation like this, who else could be standing at the door but the Little Scorpion! Who else?!
"Uh, I..."
"Oh, I'm tired," Duan Ning said, slowly standing up and dusting off her hands. "Heading back to my room now." She turned back. "Oh, right, right. Think over what I just said. Also, since we're so close now, you can just call me Ning'er. It's more... intimate..."
Chu Ruo broke out in goosebumps. This woman was toxic.
As Duan Ning left, she brushed past Nan Muxue. Chu Ruo expected the Little Scorpion to explode, or at least give her a lecture with that dark expression. Instead, she said nothing and walked right past her. Was she the one who was going to suffer in silence? Just as Chu Ruo was about to speak, the Little Scorpion remained silent, didn't even look at her, and seemed ready to turn and leave.
*Damn it, I must be a masochist.* She knew she was in for it, so she should have just let her go, but she couldn't bear to. Chu Ruo grit her teeth, her traitorous feet already moving as she grabbed the other woman’s hand. "Don't go, don't go."
She expected a cold "let go," but she was wrong again. Nan Muxue tried to pull away. Usually, she humored Chu Ruo, but if she were serious, ten Chu Ruos wouldn't be a match for her. "Master~"
Seeing that she was truly using force, Chu Ruo changed tactics, using a soft, pleading voice. Every time she called her that, the Little Scorpion’s heart would inevitably soften. "I was wrong."
"And what exactly did Ruo'er do wrong?"
Sarcasm, mockery, and a definitely unpleasant tone. But who was she? She was someone who could make a masterpiece out of a scrap of cloth. "I was wrong, okay? I’ll accept any punishment. I’ll copy whatever you want. Just don't be angry, seriously. Anger is bad for your health."
"Since Ruo'er did nothing wrong, why would I be angry?"
"Well, well," Chu Ruo scratched her head. "Even though I didn't really do anything, it’s all Duan Ning’s fault. She was the one trying to drive a wedge between us."
"What are you scratching for? You're not a monkey," the other woman said with a look of disdain. "What did she say?"
"She wanted me to take her as my Master. Don't you think she’s being a bit disloyal as your Third Protector?"
Upon hearing this, Nan Muxue simply flicked her long sleeve with an air of ethereal grace. "In that case, why hasn't Ruo'er gone to find her new Master yet?"
"...I'm about to cry from frustration, okay?" Before she transmigrated, she was a proud person who took no crap. Now she was so pathetic all she could do was cry. "I said I’d rather die than submit."
"We have been Master and disciple for a time; I have no wish to hinder your bright future. Following Ning'er and staying at the branch sect would be free and unrestricted. She won't hit or punish you. Many disciples of the Baihua Palace wish to be her student. It is rare for the two of you to be so... like-minded."
"I don't want to!" Chu Ruo interrupted quickly, knowing this would go on forever otherwise. She put on a fawning smile. "I still prefer following Master. I'm the type who enjoys being hit, scolded, and punished by you."
*That should do it, right? I even said something so deranged and shameless.*
Well, Chu Ruo realized she was just "too young, too simple." Nan Muxue replied, "So, in your heart, I treat you that poorly?"
*I...* "No, no! Master treats me with the warmth of a spring breeze!"
"Go find your new Master then," Nan Muxue said, looking down at the Palace Master’s jade ring on her finger. "After all, the two of you were getting along so well..."
"When were we getting along?" Chu Ruo’s eyes widened. "Her? Impossible."
"So close you were whispering in each other's ears, and you still won't admit it?"
Oh, a sudden realization dawned on her. "Hehe, you couldn't be jealous again, could you..."
"Chu Ruo!"
"Aiya," now that she knew the reason, Chu Ruo was full of confidence. She pulled the woman back. "Don't be mad. She’s the one who leaned in; it’s not like I wanted her to."
Nan Muxue didn't push her away this time, though her tone was still prickly. "What did you say?" That ambiguous posture—she knew Ning'er had done it on purpose, but it still made her uncomfortable. And this girl was always so dense; she was beyond saving.
"It was nothing, really nothing." *Take me as your Master, and you and Xue'er won't be Master and disciple anymore. Then you can be together openly...* For a moment, Chu Ruo actually thought it was a good suggestion. *Pah! What am I thinking? Not realistic.*
"Have you lost your soul?"
"Hiss—it hurts!" Her face was suddenly pinched with significant force. "Chu Ruo, you are becoming increasingly disrespectful."
"I was wrong, I was wrong! Let go first, let go..."
"Weren't you just holding onto me and refusing to let go? Why the sudden change of heart?"
"Master~"
"Useless," Nan Muxue said, her other hand merely fiddling with her ring. "I must give you a proper lesson today to improve your memory."
After a long, long time, Chu Ruo’s face was pinched into a miserable state before Nan Muxue finally let go, looking ready to leave again.
"You're still leaving?" Chu Ruo grabbed her. *Then was my face pinched for nothing?* "You've already punished me, aren't you over it yet?"
"Tell me. What exactly did she say?"
"You're the one who insisted on hearing it." She leaned in and repeated Duan Ning’s words into her ear. Nan Muxue’s face flushed red upon hearing them. "Silence! How can you speak such absurdities?"
"You asked me to tell you, and besides, Duan Ning was the one who said it."
Another pinch to the face, though gentler this time. "She is the Third Protector. Show some respect." She didn't want Chu Ruo calling others by their names, especially after seeing them sitting so intimately. It was more than she could stand.
"Yes, yes, the Third Protector. Ow, ow, it hurts! Don't pinch there, you just pinched it, it hurts..."
She let go. The spot on Chu Ruo’s face was indeed red and the skin was slightly broken. No wonder she was crying out. A pang of guilt hit her; she had tried to be careful, but in her irritation, she had still hurt her. She pulled out some medicinal salve and began to apply it, though her words remained sharp. "All you know is how to cry 'it hurts.' Useless."
Watching her apply the medicine, Chu Ruo felt happy. Despite the stubborn, arrogant words, she clearly cared. "Then Master, please apply the medicine for me."
"You'd like that..."
"I'd be wasting all the effort you put into training me otherwise. I know, that's what you were going to say, right?"
"Smart-aleck." Nan Muxue rolled her eyes and noticed the bowl of dark, bitter medicine on the table. "You still haven't taken your medicine."
"Uh, I’ll do it in a bit. In a bit."
Nan Muxue tested the bowl; it was still warm. She picked it up and held it out. "Drink."
Just one word, her tone as non-negotiable as ever. Any other disciple of Baihua Palace would have been trembling, but unfortunately, this was Chu Ruo. She made a face. "It's bitter..."
"You..."
"How about," Chu Ruo’s expression changed in a second. Nan Muxue felt like she must have been seeing things a moment ago. Before she knew it, she had been pulled onto the other's lap. Chu Ruo’s tone turned suggestive. "You feed me."
The bowl was already in her hand; she was already feeding her. But Nan Muxue understood that Chu Ruo didn't mean *that* kind of feeding. Her face flushed again. "Master," Chu Ruo pleaded, "this medicine is really too bitter. I can't drink it unless you feed me."
Chu Ruo knew, just as she had said before and as the other disciples whispered behind her back, that she was only this bold because of the Little Scorpion’s favor. The person in her arms would always indulge her. Her vision was suddenly obscured as a hand covered her eyes. Familiar, warm lips, carrying a hint of fragrant coolness, pressed against hers. The terrifyingly bitter medicine was passed into her mouth, but Chu Ruo found it as sweet as nectar.
"Rogue..."
Nan Muxue’s soft scolding made Chu Ruo feel even more lightheaded. She grinned foolishly. "Master is so good to me."
"Oh? I thought Yan'er was the one who was best to you."
Having opened up to her earlier, Chu Ruo felt much more relaxed. She no longer avoided the topic or felt stifled. "You're good to me too."
"Fine. Drink your medicine and go to sleep. I'm leaving."
Quick as a flash, before Nan Muxue could react, they were both lying on the bed, wrapped tightly in the quilt. The girl clung to her like a vine. Nan Muxue found it amusing. "I thought you didn't want to sleep with me anymore. What is this?" After their talk that afternoon, she hadn't wanted to pressure her. Yan'er and the Little Scorpion were both her. Since this girl was confused, she would let her be. If she knew she had been deceived all along, how would she react? Anger? Most likely. She really had tricked her quite thoroughly. Once Yan'er finished the palace affairs and came over, she would tell her the truth. She was actually quite curious about the reaction.
"I've been trying to restrain myself these past few nights, but I've realized that habits are terrifying things," Chu Ruo said, hugging Nan Muxue tighter. "Master."
"Hmm?"
"Do you really not mind at all? I wanted to wait until the three of us were together to say this, but I suppose I don't have to. I like you, and I like Yan'er. Have you and Yan'er never been unhappy about it?"
"If Yan'er and I appeared before you at the same time," Nan Muxue said, brushing back Chu Ruo’s bangs, "what would you say?"
"I know what I'm about to say might make you unhappy or disappointed."
Nan Muxue’s heart skipped a beat. *Disappointed? So, your answer is Yan'er? But Yan'er is me. If you learn the truth, will you still feel the same?*
Chu Ruo continued, "I... wouldn't choose either of you."
She was stunned. "What?"
"I don't want to hurt you. But I know that from the moment I realized I liked you both, I already had. I don't want to keep making this mistake. A three-person relationship is always the most painful. You and Yan'er are such close sisters. Even though you're both wonderful girls and aren't angry that I like you both, sooner or later, it will be unfair and painful for all of us. You give me your whole hearts, but you only get half of mine. I don't want that. Even though I still crave your kisses and cherish sleeping beside you—and the same goes for Yan'er—I know I'm being greedy. I avoided you for so many days because I was thinking of Yan'er while I was with you, but when I see you, I can't control myself. I... when Yan'er comes, I’ll tell you both clearly. From then on, we’ll just be friends. I’ll stay by your side and help you manage Baihua Palace, and I’ll care for Yan'er as a friend, but only as a friend. We... we..."
She suddenly couldn't go on. A wave of bitterness washed over her. No matter how coolly she had thought about it before, or how simple letting go seemed, now that the moment was approaching, it hurt terribly. Letting go of someone was so difficult, let alone two. But she couldn't be selfish. For Yan'er and the Little Scorpion’s sake, she couldn't lead them on. They were so outstanding in every way; how could she be worthy of them? Especially as a woman—it wasn't even fully accepted in the modern world, let alone ancient times, especially in a place like Baihua Palace. Chu Ruo’s voice broke into a sob. "We..."
The next second, she was pulled into a warm embrace. A cool sensation touched her forehead—Nan Muxue’s lips. "This involves three people; it's not for you to decide alone. In a few days, Yan'er and I... we will give you an answer."
The next day...
"Master?" Chu Ruo felt around. *Good, she’s still in my arms.* She felt relieved and went back to sleep.
But of course, things wouldn't be that easy. Nan Muxue rubbed her face. "Get up."
She yawned. "It's still early."
"Morning practice..."
She buried her head in the other's chest. "I'm sleepy..."
"Shameless."
As expected, the Little Scorpion was indulging her. She smiled and wrapped her arms around the woman’s waist. "Let's go out and play today."
"All you think about is playing," Nan Muxue said, actually tapping the tip of Chu Ruo’s nose. "Where do you want to go? Lingshui City at the foot of the mountain?"
"No," Chu Ruo shook her head, opening her eyes. The face before her was truly breathtaking. She couldn't help but lean in for a light kiss, making the other blush for the umpteenth time. "I heard there's a Rainbow Falls to the north. It's very beautiful, and they built a swing nearby. Let's go see it. We can bring some wine and food—no, I’ll cook something myself. You haven't been eating well lately; you should eat more today." Even if they were to part ways, Chu Ruo wanted to leave her with some happy memories. Besides, the Little Scorpion had never really had fun; she wanted to take her around and make her happy.
Nan Muxue turned away. "And whose fault is that?"
*How is that my...* "Ahahaha." After receiving a warning look, she immediately put on a smile. "Right, right, my fault. Um..."
"Ruo'er," Nan Muxue suddenly called her. "If you knew I had lied to you, would you be angry?"
"You lied to me? Why? About what?"
"Nothing." She wasn't ready to reveal everything so abruptly. When Yan'er arrived, that would be the catalyst to force her to speak.
*Hmm, according to the usual tropes in movies, this is definitely a foreshadowing.* Usually, the leads have some massive, shameful secret or conspiracy, and the other person obliviously ignores it. Then, every time the person tries to confess, they get interrupted. When the truth finally comes out, the other person is shocked: "You lied to me?!" Then the first person says, "No, I wanted to tell you all along!" Then a villain appears, they get separated by misunderstandings, and they only reunite when they're about to die, or one dies and the other is left heartbroken. *But that doesn't fit here. What could the Little Scorpion lie to me about? I'm a transmigrator with no background. She told me about the Hundred Flowers Gu. She gives me the antidote regularly, and if she's in a good mood, she gives me extra. What's left to lie about?*
"What are you dazing off for? Since you're not sleepy, get up and make food."
*Damn, you're really not holding back.* She was about to complain, "You sure know how to order people around..."
"I told you before, Ruo'er is responsible for the meals. Are you planning to go back on your word now?"
*...How many holes did I dig for myself in the past? I should slap myself.* "I'll go make it." Seeing how she’d lost a few pounds from not eating well, she felt bad for her. Come to think of it, if it wasn't her cooking, the Little Scorpion really did eat very little. In that sense, she really was giving her a lot of face.
"Oh, right," Chu Ruo said before getting up. "I won't be sleeping with you tonight."
"You..."
The words were too blunt, leaving Nan Muxue both embarrassed and speechless. Chu Ruo thought she had misunderstood again and quickly added, "No, it's just that I promised Xiao Guo'er and the others we'd tell ghost stories tonight. Everyone's going to be there; it's a rare chance. I want to go. Master, my dear Master..."
"Fine," the other woman said, brushing her hand away with a look of disdain. "I won't have time tonight anyway. In fact, I won't have time for the next few days."
Chu Ruo’s eyes widened. "Why? What are you doing?!"
"If you can meet people, why can't I have business? Starting tonight, I will be in seclusion for several days." Nan Muxue told a lie. She was going into seclusion, but she planned to start tomorrow. Tonight, she wanted to see Chu Ruo one more time as "Yan'er" before the real Yan'er arrived. Perhaps for the last time.
"Oh. Will it take many days? Is it dangerous? Do you want me to stand guard outside for you?"
She received a reply that was enough to make her fume. "It's only dangerous if you're there." This was half-true. Her martial arts required a focused, tranquil mind, and she had already been distracted by Chu Ruo for too long. She couldn't afford to neglect it any further.
***
At the third watch.
Chu Ruo arrived at the meeting spot with a pile of food. Everyone was already there, gathered around a bonfire, waiting for her to start the barbecue. Xiao Guo'er immediately went to help her. "What took you so long?"
Chu Ruo sat down. Although the nights had turned cold, it was warm by the fire. "Do you think preparing all this food is easy? I marinated everything and made the dipping sauces. And it's not late. In my world, the third watch is only eleven or twelve—the night is just beginning! Anyway, let's start grilling." The branch sect was so much more relaxed; they could even have a barbecue in the wild. Sweet.
"Everything's ready," Chu Ruo said, dusting off her hands and pouring herself a cup of wine to warm up. Since coming to the ancient world, she had learned to take a few sips of white liquor now and then. "Let's start the stories."
One of the disciples slapped her thigh. "Alright, I'll go first. I'll tell you a true story from the Baihua Palace."
Xiao Guo'er immediately pointed. "Is it that one? I've heard it!"
"Yes, that's the one."
Chu Ruo chimed in, "What? There are ghost stories in Baihua Palace? How come I didn't know?"
*Smack!* The sound of Xiao Guo'er hitting her head was drowned out by the crackling of the fire. "You know what the main palace is like. We aren't allowed to play around; we rest as soon as we're done with work. We only play cards because you're here. We rarely discuss those rumors. Spreading rumors in the palace gets you punished."
"Fine, but why did you hit me?"
"Shh, be quiet. Sister Ye is starting."
The disciple began her vivid narration. "We're all branch sect disciples. This story was told to me by a disciple from the main palace who visited once. Years ago, Baihua Palace recruited a new batch of disciples to the Cloud-Entry Peak. They were all quite talented, but one of them was very withdrawn—arrogant, even. So, the other disciples didn't like her. they isolated and bullied her." This Sister Ye took a bite of grilled beef and continued. "This disciple didn't talk much. She just endured the bullying in silence. But in her heart, she desperately wanted a friend. Then one day..."
As Sister Ye spoke, she couldn't help but keep eating the skewers. The other disciples, also eating, urged her impatiently. "And then? And then? Come on, tell us! You're killing us!"
"Don't rush me." Finally, she finished her last bite and started grilling another skewer. "One night, she was so upset that she ran outside to vent. She met another disciple who said she had entered the palace a few days before her, but they were in different groups and training grounds, so they rarely met. She said she was also being ostracized and had heard about her. One thing led to another, and they became best friends."
By this point, Chu Ruo basically understood. This woman was definitely a ghost. But the cardinal sin of listening to stories was spoiling the ending. Seeing how excited everyone was, she didn't want to ruin it. Even if the outcome was predictable, the process was still worth hearing. So she didn't interrupt.
"After that, the two often met at night to chat and practice swordplay. They told each other everything. Until one day, during lunch, another disciple casually said to her, 'I went to the latrine last night and saw you dancing with your sword and laughing all by yourself. What were you doing?' The disciple thought it was strange. 'There were clearly two of us,' she thought. Even if they didn't like her friend, they shouldn't say that. She argued back, saying she was with so-and-so, but the other disciple insisted she was alone. They couldn't agree and parted on bad terms."
"And then? Stop drinking and tell us!"
"Later, she couldn't let it go. But there are so many disciples in Baihua Palace; it's normal not to know everyone. So, she spent her free time asking other disciples if they had heard of this person. At first, no one had. Until finally, she asked a senior disciple who had been there a long time. That disciple’s face went pale. She told her that the person she described was a disciple from years ago who had committed suicide in her room because she was being bullied. And wouldn't you know it? The room she was staying in was that disciple’s former residence."
*Hiss—* Everyone gasped. Seeing them scared, Sister Ye looked a bit smug and continued in a deliberately eerie voice. "That night, she hesitated to go back to her room. But where else could she go? She had nowhere else. She waited until late into the night when all the other disciples had gone to sleep. She was afraid to stay in the courtyard in case the dead disciple came looking for her. After thinking it over, she decided to go back. She had lived there for so long and hadn't seen anything; maybe the other person was mistaken. So she walked slowly, slowly, slowly back to her room. She opened the door—*creeeak*—the moonlight shone in, bright and clear. There was nothing. She breathed a sigh of relief, thinking she had just scared herself. She quickly entered and closed the door. She had just taken a few steps toward the bed when suddenly!" Sister Ye let out a sharp cry, startling everyone. "She felt a cold breeze behind her. *Heh... heh... heh...* It was the laughter of the dead disciple. 'You... finally... know... who... I... am... Give... me... back... my... room...'"
"Whoa!" There was a chorus of outcries. "That's too scary!" "So terrifying!" "Ye-zi, you're the worst, telling such a scary story."
"Haha, you're the ones who wanted to hear it. It's no fun if it's not scary."
Xiao Guo'er was enthralled. "Is there more?"
Sister Ye gave a mysterious smile. "After that, no one ever saw that new disciple again. The legend was passed down in Baihua Palace. That disciple is still wandering the palace, looking for her next target..."
"Stop it! You're making me cold."
But the other girl didn't stop. "So, Xiao Guo'er, Chu Ruo, you two better be careful. If there's someone around you who only comes out at night and no one else has seen them, that's the disciple!"
"Psh, I've lived here for years and nothing's happened. Right, Chu Ruo?" Xiao Guo'er shook Chu Ruo’s arm but got no response. She turned to see the other woman looking unsettled. The hand holding her wine cup was... shaking? "What's wrong with you? Seen a ghost? Or did you drink too much?"
"Xiao Guo'er, do you think Yan'er... never mind, it's nothing." *I don't even believe in this stuff. How can I be scared by a ghost story? Besides, this is a wuxia world, not a supernatural one. Amitabha. I'm fine, definitely fine. But then again, transmigration is real, so ghosts might be... no, I can't believe in that. It's fine, definitely fine. Besides, Yan'er is so good to me. Even if she were a ghost, she wouldn't eat me, right?*
"You're acting weird," Xiao Guo'er said, ignoring her expression. "Let's keep going. I've got one."
The group told a few more stories. Chu Ruo leaned toward Sister Ye with a grin. "Sister Ye."
"Go on, who are you calling 'Sister'? I'm younger than you."
"Ye-zi, Ye-zi. That story you told... could that female ghost turn into someone else?"
Ye-zi paused. Just then, a sudden, inexplicable wind blew, making them both shiver. "Maybe. Disciples have been going missing. For a ghost, turning into someone else is a piece of cake. Your forehead looks a bit dark; you're definitely in for some bad luck soon."
After another fifteen minutes, everyone had had their fill of food and stories. They decided to head back. Chu Ruo, having drunk a bit too much to bolster her courage, leaned on Xiao Guo'er as they headed in a different direction from the others. *I only know this is a martial arts world; don't bring in the supernatural. Amitabha. I'm fine, definitely fine. But transmigration happened, so ghosts... no, I can't believe in that. It's fine, definitely fine. Besides, Yan'er is so good to me. Even if she were a ghost, she wouldn't eat me.*
"Master," Ye-zi said, parting from the others to return to her room. She ran into Yin Liuli and Duan Ning and bowed respectfully. "The Second Protector is here as well. Greetings, Protectors."
"Mm," Duan Ning nodded. "Did you tell the story?"
"I did."
"And how did Chu Ruo react?"
Ye-zi laughed. "Just as you guessed, Master. She was scared out of her wits."
"Good, good. I'll take you down the mountain to play tomorrow."
"Thank you, Master."
Yin Liuli looked at the woman beside her with doting eyes. "You really don't act like a Master."
"You're all just too serious."
"Why did you have Ye-zi scare Chu Ruo?"
"You'll see," Duan Ning said, affectionately hooking her arm. "I've arranged everything. Tomorrow, let's go down the mountain for a couple of days. It's rare for you to visit; let me be a good host."
"But the mountain..."
"Xue'er and Chu Ruo are here; nothing will happen. Besides, it's so close; we can be back in no time. Come on, please?"
Yin Liuli nodded. "Alright, alright, as you wish."
"*Hic!*" Chu Ruo let out a wine-scented burp as she walked. Xiao Guo'er ducked her head away. "Ugh, that smells terrible."
"I couldn't help... Yan'er?" A figure flashed ahead, heading toward her room. Chu Ruo sobered up a bit and slapped Xiao Guo'er. "Xiao Guo'er, look! Is that Yan'er?"
Xiao Guo'er was too busy avoiding the wine fumes to look up. She just kept fanning the air. "Where? I don't see anything."
Chu Ruo didn't look back; her eyes were fixed on the white figure. Her legs were shaking. She didn't dare speak too loudly. What if the figure suddenly turned around? *So scary.*
Following from a distance, Chu Ruo turned and grabbed Xiao Guo'er’s head. "Look, there's a figure. The one in white. See it?"
Xiao Guo'er finally saw the white shadow. "Stop shaking me! I see it. It's white."
*She can see it. Good. It's not just me. No, I have to be sure.* "Is that Yan'er?" As she spoke, the figure flashed and disappeared into her room. *Did she go inside?*
Xiao Guo'er shook her head. "No."
*What? So bold? Could it really be a ghost from the main palace following me here?* "You... I..." Her tongue was tied. "I'm asking you one more time. Don't lie to me. I'm not joking. Be serious. Is that Yan'er or not?"
"Who's joking with you? It's not her."
"You're sure?"
"Yes," she said firmly. "It's not."
Chu Ruo was sure she hadn't misheard. *I'm going crazy. It's not the Little Scorpion either; she started her seclusion tonight. Then it can only be... what do I do, what do I do?*
"Hey, why are you running?" Xiao Guo'er rubbed her head. "Are you so tired you have to get back to your room right this second? It's only a few more steps. Honestly, if you can't drink, don't. Of course it's not the Fourth Protector; she's at the main palace. How could you mistake her? That was clearly the Young Palace Mistress. But why is she going to Chu Ruo’s room so late? Whatever, I'm going to sleep too."
*Creeeak.*
Chu Ruo cautiously pushed open the door and looked around. The moonlight was bright, but there was nothing. *Clang!*
She almost screamed. It was just a small bottle that hadn't been placed properly and fell. *Phew.* She patted her chest. *Scaring myself.* The figure had disappeared in the blink of an eye. Where did it go? Whatever, since there's nothing, I should just sleep. Everything will be fine when I wake up. She hurried inside and bolted the door without even opening her eyes. *Rule of ghosts at night: if I'm on the bed, the ghost can't get me. I won't look.* She felt her way forward; the bed was only a few steps away.
"Finally back?" Nan Muxue found it amusing. The girl had stayed out so late. She had seen her finishing up and returned to the room early, hiding to give her a "Yan'er" surprise. Instead, she saw her with her eyes closed, muttering some "Heavenly Spirits, Earthly Spirits" nonsense. For someone so bold, she had really been scared by those stories.
*Eeeeeek!*
"What," Nan Muxue said, seeing her standing still without turning or speaking. "Have we not seen each other for a few days that you've forgotten who I am?"
The other still didn't answer. Nan Muxue’s heart stirred. *Could she finally know I'm pretending to be Yan'er?* She asked tentatively, "Do you... finally know who I am?"
*The lines are the same!* Chu Ruo broke into a cold sweat. She remembered she had a few cloves of garlic in her pocket. They worked on vampires; maybe they'd work on ghosts too. Whatever, it was worth a shot. With lightning speed, she popped the garlic into her mouth and chewed. *Man or ghost, I'll stink you to death.* Even she couldn't stand the smell of raw garlic. She opened her mouth wide and blew a huge breath toward the other person, while simultaneously swinging her right arm in a few circles and landing a heavy punch right on the left eye of the stunned, defenseless Nan Muxue!
The force was not light. After the punch, Chu Ruo’s courage vanished. Her legs gave out, and she collapsed to the floor, her voice trembling as she let out a pathetic cry. "Gho... ghost! A ghost..."
Well, at this moment, Chu Ruo didn't know it, but she was finished. Nan Muxue clutched her blackened eye, her teeth gritted. *Chu Ruo, you are dead.*
***
**Glossary**
Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation
--- | --- | ---
彩虹瀑布 | Rainbow Falls | A scenic spot near the branch sect.
陵水城 | Lingshui City | A city at the foot of the mountain.
金矿脉 | Gold vein | A gold deposit discovered on the mountain.
飞天神猴 | Flying Divine Monkey | A criminal mentioned in Nan Gongyan's backstory.
熊猫眼 | Panda eye | Slang for a black eye.
三更 | Third watch | Traditional timekeeping (approx. 11 PM – 1 AM).
天灵灵地灵灵 | Heavenly Spirits, Earthly Spirits | A common incantation used to ward off evil or seek divine help.
