Master, Spare My Life: A Disciple's Sweet Rebellion | Chapter 48 | Worlds Apart | Novela.app

"Ruo’er?" Bai Zhi’er called out as she spotted the familiar figure. She walked over with a gentle smile. "It’s time for your medicine." The person didn't turn around, merely calling back, "Just a second, just a second..." Bai Zhi’er didn't speak again. Instead, she moved with silent, delicate steps, circling around to the front so as not to startle her. Chu Ruo was currently busy fiddling with a mixture of soap pod and bath bean water, trying to make bubbles. She had tested the proportions several times and felt this batch might finally work, so she didn't pay much attention to the person beside her. Suddenly, a pill was pressed to her lips. It looked just like a Maltesers chocolate ball. *Don't they always eat these in TV dramas? Too bad the ones I have to eat taste like garbage. Those actors are just performing, but when it comes to me... sigh, what a tragedy.* She opened her mouth and swallowed the pill, instinctively bracing herself to make a bitter face. But then... *Huh?* Today, the taste was different. It was sweet. Though it still carried a heavy medicinal scent, it was far better than that sour, bitter mess from before. She chewed twice and asked in confusion, "It’s... sweet?" Bai Zhi’er chuckled softly. "Didn't you say you were afraid of the bitterness? I modified the recipe. Is it easier to swallow now?" "Yeah, much better than before. If the medicinal smell wasn't so strong—if it tasted like a sugar drop—it would be perfect." As soon as she finished speaking, she felt a dark shadow looming over her head. *Are you kidding me? My internal power might be gone for now, but my reflexes aren't a joke.* With a graceful dodge, she ducked behind Bai Zhi’er and stuck out her tongue. "Missed me! Blehh..." Bai Shan pulled her hand back. "I missed, sure, but that pill just now..." "Blegh—*cough, cough, cough!*" Hearing this, Chu Ruo began to dry heave, but she was so agitated that she caught her breath wrong and started coughing violently. Bai Zhi’er hurriedly turned to pat her back and steady her breathing, casting an annoyed look at her sister. "You’re always tricking Ruo’er. All you know how to do is bully her." "What?" Chu Ruo was so angry her lungs nearly burst. She had been worried for nothing. "The medicine is fine?" "You’re the stupid one, who else can you blame?" Bai Shan turned away triumphantly. "Besides, use your brain. Who gave you that medicine? Would my sister have the heart to hurt you?" "Shan-shan," Bai Zhi’er blushed easily as always. "Don't talk nonsense." "How is it nonsense? You—" "Hey, let’s go back to the tent and eat. I’m starving," Chu Ruo interrupted. She was afraid Bai Shan would say something else to make everyone awkward. "All you think about is eating. Do you remember anything else?" Bai Shan huffed. "My sister stayed up for several nights just because you said the medicine was bitter, just to re-formulate it for you. Do you have any idea how much work that is? Every single herb in that pill—if the dosage is off by even a fraction, it affects the efficacy. Not to mention she had to change the entire prescription. And you? You just give a casual 'it’s fine' and have the nerve to complain about the smell. You ungrateful wolf." No matter how thick-skinned Chu Ruo usually was, anyone with a shred of conscience would feel embarrassed hearing that. She looked over apologetically. "Zhi’er, I..." Bai Zhi’er, standing right beside her, suddenly cut her off. "Aren't you hungry? Let’s go back and eat. I need to go check on the herbs from the other day." She turned and left without looking back. Bai Shan stepped forward. "Selfish brat. Hmph!" *** Inside the tent, Bai Zhi’er sat at a low table, flipping aimlessly through a medical manual. She couldn't concentrate at all; her mind was filled with that one figure. From their first accidental encounter to the seeds of affection sprouting in her heart, and then to saving her... she had thought it was fate. Even when she discovered the person was a woman, she hadn't minded at all. Instead, during these days spent together, the ripples in her heart had only grown stronger. But... "Zhi’er." The call snapped her out of her thoughts. Chu Ruo had already sat down beside her. "Why aren't you eating?" "I’m not hungry. Why did you come over?" Chu Ruo presented a plate from behind her back like a hidden treasure. On it were golden-brown, neatly arranged squares of food. "Try this. It’s delicious." Bai Zhi’er never knew where Chu Ruo came from or why her head was filled with so many strange, novel ideas. When it came to food and drink, she could take the most common ingredients and turn them into something entirely new and incredibly tasty. The long blocks on the plate were stacked neatly, their color a tempting golden hue, their shape almost cute. She asked curiously, "What is it?" "Milk." Bai Zhi’er was stunned. "Milk can be made like this?" "Mhm. It’s called Fried Milk. Don't underestimate it—the crust is crispy and not greasy, and the inside is fresh and tender. I didn't add much sugar, so it’s not too sweet. Try it." She originally had no appetite, but because of the person in front of her, she picked up her chopsticks. "Zhi’er," Chu Ruo observed her expression and spoke carefully. "Thank you. You’ve worked hard." Bai Zhi’er smiled gently. "It’s a small matter. Don't listen to Shan-shan’s nonsense. I couldn't sleep anyway, and I wanted to improve my medical skills." "Actually, you don't have to work so hard. You don't have to do it for me. It’s not worth it." Bai Zhi’er froze for a second but kept smiling. "I never thought milk could be eaten this way. How did you get it to solidify?" "Zhi’er..." Since she was avoiding the topic, Chu Ruo couldn't push further. Such topics were indeed awkward. "Um, have you been in a bad mood lately?" Bai Zhi’er tilted her head to look at her. "Have I?" *I thought I hid it so well. How could you tell?* "Lately, you’ve looked so worried. It’s obvious you have something on your mind. What is it?" Before receiving an answer, Chu Ruo guessed, "We’re going to the Heavenly Demon Palace tomorrow. Is it related to that?" Bai Zhi’er set down her bone chopsticks and wiped her mouth. "I’m full." *Just like the Little Snake-Scorpion,* Chu Ruo thought. *She only eats a few bites every time. No wonder she’s so thin. She also likes wearing plain white and likes to dodge questions. The only difference is probably the temper.* Bai Zhi’er was gentle. The Little Snake-Scorpion... tsk, that temper. She was a stubborn, petty tsundere. But Yan’er... Yan’er was also very kind and gentle. *Thinking back, I probably just deluded myself. Haha.* "Ruo’er?" "Ah, go ahead, I’m listening." Bai Zhi’er found it amusing. "Go ahead with what? I haven't said anything. You’re spacing out again. Alright, I’m going to read. If you’re tired, go back and rest. Don't mind me." Chu Ruo looked at her and was reminded of Nan Muxue. Once upon a time, she also buried everything in her heart and refused to let Chu Ruo know, always dismissing her with that same tone. It was a gesture that undoubtedly stirred one's pity. Thinking of this, Chu Ruo didn't obey. She reached out, snatched the medical book away, and grabbed Bai Zhi’er’s hand. "Who said I’m sleepy? You spend every day cooped up here researching medicine. Come on, let’s relax today. Let’s go out and play." Bai Zhi’er didn't expect—or rather, wasn't prepared for—this sudden boldness. She allowed herself to be led away. Most importantly, in her heart, she didn't resist at all. They said they were going out to "play," but there wasn't much to do on the ice-covered grasslands. It mostly involved riding horses, and since Chu Ruo hadn't learned yet, Bai Zhi’er had to take her. They rode quite far until they reached the top of a small hill and sat down to enjoy the view. "Here," the two sat on the ground, Bai Zhi’er leaning close to her companion, pointing at the frozen lake not far below. "In the summer, the water is a deep blue. It’s very beautiful." "Then I definitely have to see it if I get the chance." As soon as she said it, she noticed Bai Zhi’er staring at her. "What? Did I say something wrong?" The other woman lowered her eyes and smiled faintly. "Nothing. It’s just that by summer, you won't be here anymore." "Zhi’er, you..." "Ruo’er," Bai Zhi’er suddenly rested her head on Chu Ruo’s right shoulder. "Let me lean on you for a bit. I’m very tired." Chu Ruo’s entire body went stiff. Her heart was a mess of contradictions. She knew the other woman’s feelings, and she didn't want to give her false hope, but she truly felt for her. This feeling wasn't like when she liked the Little Snake-Scorpion or "Yan’er." Chu Ruo knew clearly that she only felt sympathy for Bai Zhi’er. After discovering that Yan’er was actually Nan Muxue, Chu Ruo had sworn never to let her heart flutter for anyone else again. Her feelings for Bai Zhi’er were devoid of romance. If there was anything else, it was gratitude. But considering what she and Bai Shan were doing to the Hundred Flowers Palace... they were destined to perhaps never be truly close friends. But for now... forget it. Looking at her, her eyes were indeed full of exhaustion. Chu Ruo opened her mouth, but only a soft "Mhm" came out. The two didn't speak, silently gazing into the distance. Bai Zhi’er felt a fleeting illusion that time had stopped. If it were possible, she wished it would stay this way forever. A breeze blew past, and suddenly, transparent little bubbles appeared one by one. They drifted down onto the snow-covered grass, but instead of popping, they slowly shimmered with a white glow and began to frost over. Before long, each bubble had turned into a tiny, frosted ice sphere. She was amazed by this novel phenomenon, and a sense of joy and delight rose in her heart. "This is..." It was just something Chu Ruo had tried out of boredom today, wondering if bubble solution would freeze in winter. It turned out to be quite fun. Chu Ruo took a small hollow wooden stick and blew another bubble, but instead of letting it fly, she let it freeze on the stick first. Then, she took Bai Zhi’er’s palm—which had become quite cold in this weather—and carefully placed the bubble on it, watching the little sphere transform. "This is so interesting," Bai Zhi’er laughed, her face filled with girlish innocence. "Tomorrow is New Year’s Eve. You should be more like this—happier." *If you were always by my side, naturally, I wouldn't be tired.* "Ruo’er." "Yeah?" "Nothing." *...There’s definitely something.* Chu Ruo thought. *In dramas, what usually follows this kind of hesitation? A forced marriage? Poisoning? About to die? Forget it, forget it, don't think about it. I’ve been so unlucky lately that whatever I fear comes true. Let’s hope for the best.* "Zhi’er, actually, I’ve had some questions in my heart for a long time." Seeing that the atmosphere was decent, she tried to ask, "I heard you say your foster father captured the sect leaders and martial arts masters to turn them into 'Medicinal Thralls.' What are those? And why are they doing this? Also, the Hundred Flowers Palace... Little... I mean, Nan Muxue. What exactly is my relationship with her?" "You’ll find out about the Medicinal Thralls tomorrow. As for the Hundred Flowers Palace—" "What about the Hundred Flowers Palace?" A frozen bubble gently hit Chu Ruo. Bai Zhi’er had already stood up, a rare mischievous smile on her face. She ran a few steps toward the icy lake with a playful air. "Come and get me!" Chu Ruo’s playful side was triggered by the movement. She temporarily pushed everything to the back of her mind and made a show of chasing her. "Just you wait! When I catch you, you’re in for it..." *** ...New Year’s Eve... *Crack! Pop! Bang!* The sound of firecrackers echoed outside. No matter how cold and quiet the Hundred Flowers Palace usually was, it managed to have a hint of festive atmosphere on this New Year’s Eve. Little Guo’er happily covered her ears, jumping up and down. "Young Palace Master, come out and look! Everything is red outside, it’s so pretty." It was the New Year. In Chu Ruo’s room, the walls were bare except for a single painting—the portrait Nan Muxue had painted of her. Nan Muxue opened the window. "This is your first New Year at the Hundred Flowers Palace. Look, I specifically ordered everything to be decorated in red. We never did this in previous years. Isn't it beautiful?" She gently stroked the painting, afraid a single speck of dust might settle on it. "They all say you’re dead. At first, only Little Guo’er believed me. Later, when she saw that Ning’er had your medicine pouch, she didn't say anything, but I know she cried secretly for days. I don't blame her; having that much heart is rare enough. I don't blame any of them. How could they possibly understand my Ruo’er?" The person in the painting was grinning, just like the real person whose face was always brimming with a bright, happy smile. Nan Muxue opened the door. Snow was falling again, contrasting beautifully with the festive red decorations. She began to murmur the lines of a poem from the collection Chu Ruo had left her. "The face is gone, I know not where..." She suddenly laughed. The disciples present, including Little Guo’er, looked at each other in confusion. Little Guo’er stepped forward. "Young Palace Master, you..." "I am going down the mountain. If anyone asks, tell them I am in my room. Do you understand?" Little Guo’er didn't dare ask more and respectfully complied. "Yes, this disciple understands." Nan Muxue said no more. With a flash of her lightness skill, she vanished from their sight in the blink of an eye. That day, another shocking yet somewhat familiar piece of news spread through the martial world. The Young Master of Flying Roc Fortress, Liu Shaopeng, had vanished from within his own fortress. No disciple had seen who did it, nor did anyone know how it happened. It seemed the Heavenly Demon Palace didn't want anyone to have a peaceful New Year. People were disappearing one after another. Who would be next? When Liu Shaopeng woke up, he was in a dark, cold, and damp place. The walls were lined with horrific instruments of torture. When he finally saw the person in front of him, he recoiled in terror, but there was nowhere to go. His back hit a cold iron wall. His hands and feet were bound, and he couldn't make a sound. Walking toward him was the ice-cold Nan Muxue. At this moment, a cruel smirk touched her lips. "Did you think you would be safe forever as long as you hid inside your fortress?" Liu Shaopeng made muffled noises, but they were unintelligible. He only heard her continue calmly, "Don't bother struggling. No one can find this place." She picked up a red-hot branding iron. "I won't kill you. Ruo’er doesn't like it when I kill. I am going to torture you in memory of my Ruo’er!" *** At that very moment, Chu Ruo took advantage of a quiet moment to actually slap herself across the face. She cursed her own big mouth and her uncanny accuracy. She had been forced into this "Demon Realm" and the Heavenly Demon Palace, and she had just been thinking about fishing for information. Even if she couldn't get any, it shouldn't have mattered. She had only been in the presence of this so-called Palace Master for less than ten minutes when that wicked woman Bai Shan—yes, wicked woman—suddenly blurted out that her sister had brought her sweetheart back to meet everyone, and that they intended to get married. *I... May the heavens strike me down with lightning!* *** **Glossary** Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation --- | --- | --- 魔域 | Demon Realm | The territory controlled by the Heavenly Demon Palace. 天魔宫 | Heavenly Demon Palace | The antagonist sect, rival to Hundred Flowers Palace. 药人 | Medicinal Thrall | Humans captured and used as living vessels for drug testing or cultivation. 炸牛奶 | Fried Milk | A Cantonese dessert; used here as a modern dish introduced by the protagonist. 飞鹏堡 | Flying Roc Fortress | A martial arts sect/fortress. 柳少鹏 | Liu Shaopeng | The Young Master of Flying Roc Fortress. 除夕 | New Year’s Eve | The night before the Lunar New Year. 天雷滚滚 | Struck by lightning | Internet slang for being utterly shocked or appalled by something absurd.