"Ruo'er? What are you busy with?"
"It’s noon, just the right time! Zhier, come here," Chu Ruo called out from the kitchen, where she was busy tinkering with some food, to the woman standing by the door. "I’ve made wontons. Come and try some."
"Wontons?"
"Yeah, they’re delicious. Oh, and I’m going to wrap some zongzi later."
"The Dragon Boat Festival has already passed. Why are you making those now?"
"Those were just the ordinary ones the others on the island made. Didn't I tell you? My hometown has many different flavors of zongzi. I’ve prepared all the ingredients; you’ll definitely love them."
"You really do enjoy fussing over these things," Bai Zhier said as she walked over, feeding Chu Ruo a medicinal pill. "Have you gotten used to living here these past few days?"
"It’s alright," Chu Ruo replied. She had been here for quite a while now. She was starting to get anxious—she had no idea what was happening on the Little Scorpion’s end.
"Is something on your mind?"
"Ah, no," Chu Ruo shook her head. "Zhier, there’s something I wanted to ask you."
"Are you asking when we’ll leave the island?"
Chu Ruo scratched her head at the certain tone. "Hehe, Zhier, you’re so smart."
Bai Zhier took a bite of a wonton, wiped her mouth, and looked at her teasingly. "Can’t wait to see your Little Scorpion?"
"Well, the Martial Arts Assembly is drawing closer by the day, and you guys haven't made a move yet..."
"Is Xianlai Island not good enough?"
"It’s good, really good..." It was like a fairyland, a hidden paradise. Unfortunately, what occupied Chu Ruo’s heart was that cold, distant Baihua Palace atop the clouds.
"Soon," Bai Zhier sighed. "The special herb for your new medicine will bloom in a few days. Once I incorporate it into the prescription, we can leave the island shortly after."
*I shouldn't have asked,* Chu Ruo thought, regretting her loose tongue. "Zhier..."
"As you said, the Martial Arts Assembly is coming. It is indeed time to set out."
"I..."
"Sister!" Bai Shan appeared out of nowhere, holding a bunch of beautiful red flowers. Seeing Chu Ruo, she walked over and pulled Bai Zhier’s arm. "Let’s go play on the west side this afternoon. Look at these flowers; they’re blooming so beautifully."
Bai Zhier nodded, then looked at Chu Ruo. "Ruo'er, are you coming?"
"I—"
"So hesitant and wishy-washy. If it’s such a burden, don't bother," Bai Shan rolled her eyes. "Sister, let’s go."
"Who wants to go anyway? Even if I did, I wouldn't go with you," Chu Ruo shot back with a glare. "Zhier, you two go ahead. I’ll wrap the zongzi. You can eat them when you get back."
"Alright."
As soon as the sisters left, Chu Ruo began pacing, trying to find a way out. It was rare for them not to be watching her. These days, Bai Zhier was often with her to monitor the effects of the new medicine, and if she was busy, Bai Shan would pop up to supervise her like she was a thief. It was impossible to send word to the outside world. How was she supposed to let the Little Scorpion know where she was?
"Sisters!" Chu Ruo approached the girls of Xianlai Island while they were resting, carrying a pile of food and offering a flattering smile. "Would you like to try my freshly wrapped zongzi?"
"What’s so special about zongzi? No one eats them once the festival is over."
"My fillings are different from yours. Yours are just jujube or salted pork. Try mine; I guarantee you'll never forget the taste."
The girls, skeptical but curious, tried the zongzi and immediately broke into praise. "Not bad! How did you think of adding these ingredients? You really have a knack for cooking."
"Hehe, it’s a recipe from my hometown. I’m glad you like it." Being a modern person, Chu Ruo naturally knew more varieties. She took the opportunity to sit down and get closer. "Sisters, did you encounter anything interesting while you were out this time?"
"Not really," one girl replied. "Just the usual. Besides, we go out to buy supplies, not to play. We don't stay outside the island for long."
"Don't you get bored staying here all day?"
"This place is like a paradise, and we can study medicine. How could it be boring? Ordinary people beg to come here and can't. Your way of thinking is truly unique."
*...Every single one of them is brainwashed just like the Baihua Palace disciples,* Chu Ruo thought. "Yes, yes, you're right. But isn't the island a bit too quiet? I can't sit still. Besides, there’s so little to eat here compared to the delicacies outside."
"That’s true. We stay on the island all day, and the food is a bit bland. Mostly fish. Say, ever since you arrived, we’ve all been gaining weight. You have to take responsibility for this."
"Exactly! Make Chu Ruo compensate us!"
"Hehe, well, if it’s delicious, it’s worth it, right? When is your next trip out?"
One girl took a sip of tea and glanced at her. "Why? You’re not thinking of coming with us, are you? Don't even dream of it. Miss Shan said you’re strictly forbidden from leaving the island. Just give up."
*...I swear, Bai Shan is even more of a 'Little Scorpion' than the original,* Chu Ruo grumbled internally. "I didn't say I was going. I just wanted to ask if you could bring some food back for me next time."
"That’s fine. We’ll be heading out in a few days. Just tell us what you want, and we’ll bring it back."
"Yeah, there are some ingredients the island doesn't have. I’ll have to trouble you. Have any interesting new shops opened lately? Any special places to eat or have fun?"
"You really are full of quirks. Recently... I don't think there’s anything special."
Another girl chimed in. "I heard a new inn opened. The dishes they sell are very strange. I bet you’d be interested."
Someone else added, "I know, I know! It’s called... right, Xueruo Pavilion. That’s the name. I heard they even sell something called fried large intestines. Can people even eat that? Tsk tsk..."
Before Chu Ruo could even ask for details about Xueruo Pavilion, the mention of fried large intestines made her one hundred percent certain. It had to be a branch opened by the Little Scorpion. She had suggested turning Xueruo Pavilion into an intelligence network back then. It seemed the pavilion had flourished.
"That sounds so interesting! Okay, next time you go out, go to this Xueruo Pavilion and buy some of every single dish they have. Buy a lot—enough for everyone."
"Everything?"
"Yes! Wait a sec," Chu Ruo slapped her forehead. "I’ll go get some silver notes for you. Hehe, I’d feel bad making you spend your own money. Wait for me!"
*This is my one gamble.* She would tamper with the silver notes—draw a snake? A scorpion? Baihua Palace had special marks on their notes that ordinary people wouldn't recognize. And buying that much food would surely attract attention. If the Little Scorpion really listened to her, Caifeng would be managing Xueruo Pavilion. This branch would definitely have disciples trained in intelligence. *Please, let them be sharp. Amitabha, bless me.*
***
After giving them the money, Chu Ruo took a nap in her room. It was the hottest part of the day, the kind of afternoon that made one drowsy. Outside, the cicadas buzzed and birds chirped. She was sleeping soundly when someone woke her. "Ruo'er? Ruo'er?"
"Mmm... Zhier?" She stretched, bleary-eyed. "What’s wrong? Is it time for dinner?"
"Shan'an and I had a bit of an argument, and now she’s disappeared. Come help me find her."
"Me? You’ve got to be kidding." Chu Ruo rubbed her eyes, showing no intention of getting up. "She hates my guts. Besides, you have so many people on the island. Why do you need me?"
"The terrain on the west side is treacherous. It’s easy to fall into the mountain crevices if you aren't careful. I’ve already sent people to look," Bai Zhier’s voice was thick with anxiety and panic. "Ruo'er, Shan'an is my only sister. We’ve always relied on each other. I’m so scared right now..."
"Don't be scared, Zhier. Don't be scared." Seeing her like this, Chu Ruo’s sleepiness vanished. she stood up to comfort her. "It’ll be fine. I’ll go with you. Don't worry, let’s go now."
Bai Zhier appeared strong, but she was actually quite fragile inside. She cared deeply for her sister. In her moment of helplessness, her instinct was to seek out the person she liked. This only proved how much she trusted and relied on Chu Ruo. Chu Ruo sighed silently.
"Shan'an? Shan—an?"
"Bai—Shan—Shan!" Chu Ruo shouted on the mountain. "Your sister is calling you home for dinner!"
"Everyone has been searching for two hours," Bai Zhier’s face grew increasingly frantic. "Ruo'er, what should we do? What if she encountered some venomous snake or wild beast..."
"It’s fine, don't scare yourself." Chu Ruo patted her hand. "Zhier, don't overthink it. It’s getting dark. Look at the lake; there might be a storm coming. Let’s hurry. We’ll split up. If we haven't found her by dark, we’ll meet back up, prepare, and come back to continue the search."
"Alright."
"Then let’s get to it."
"Ruo'er," Bai Zhier called out. "Be careful yourself."
"Don't worry, I'll be fine."
"Bai Shan!" Chu Ruo walked further and further, her throat feeling like it was on fire from shouting. Unknowingly, she entered a dense thicket where the light was dim. She shivered. Why did this feel like a cliché plot development?
"Bai Shan! Your sister is calling you home for dinner!!!" Her voice echoed through the woods. Chu Ruo was fuming, stomping as she shouted. "Bai Shanshan, are you dead yet? If you are, make a sound so I can carry your corpse back! Ouch—!"
She tripped over something and fell flat on her face. Rubbing her waist, she sat up. "What the hell was that... Bai Shanshan?!"
The pink-clad figure slumped on the ground was indeed Bai Shan. Chu Ruo rushed over. The girl had fainted. She patted her cheek. "Hey, wake up! Wake up!"
Seeing she wouldn't wake, Chu Ruo started putting some force into it, practically slapping her. "Wake up!" She glanced around; no one else was nearby. What rotten luck. If she didn't wake up, she’d have to carry her. Truly rotten luck.
Hoisting Bai Shan onto her back, Chu Ruo began the trek back. It was exhausting. She started talking to herself to distract from the weight. "So heavy... so young yet so heavy. And so malicious. Let me tell you, if it weren't for your sister, I wouldn't bother with you, you brat..."
"Chu Ruo?"
The chatter finally woke Bai Shan. She called out weakly, "You... put me down."
"Oh, you’re awake. You think I want to carry you? You were unconscious. By the way, why did you faint?"
Bai Shan uncharacteristically answered her. "I ran off in a fit of pique after arguing with my sister. I wasn't careful and got stung by the scorpion I keep..."
"What?! You got stung? Why didn't you say so!" Chu Ruo hurriedly put her down. "Where’s the antidote? You raised it, you must have an antidote! Take it, quick!"
Bai Shan looked up at her. She didn't speak for a long time, and a blush actually crept onto her face, making Chu Ruo feel awkward. "What? Say something!"
"I took the antidote, but it makes me dizzy." Bai Shan looked away, her reaction turning strange. "Carry me back."
*Wow, she sure knows how to give orders.* For Bai Zhier’s sake, Chu Ruo endured it and continued walking. "Be more careful next time. Your sister was worried sick."
"Why were you... so nervous just now?"
"Of course I was nervous. If you died, your sister would cry herself to death... Ow! Zhier, help! Your sister is being crazy and bullying people again!"
***
A few days later...
"Chu Ruo, come drink some soup!"
Chu Ruo wondered if Bai Shan had hit her head or if her brain was full of bubbles. She had been making soup for her constantly. If Bai Zhier hadn't been watching, she would have suspected it was poisoned. And her tone was still terrible. *What kind of person is this?*
*Bang!* Bai Shan slammed the table. "What are you dazing off for? Didn't you hear me tell you to drink the soup!"
"Alright, alright." She walked over. The soup was actually quite good. "Zhier, aren't you having any?"
"No, Shan'an made this specifically for you. I won't have any. I’m going to check on the herbs. You two sit." With that, Bai Zhier retreated.
For some reason, Bai Zhier had been acting a bit strange lately too. Chu Ruo couldn't quite put her finger on it. These two sisters were truly unpredictable. "Hey, your sister’s been a bit weird lately, don't you think?"
Chu Ruo kept her head down, drinking the soup. When no answer came, she looked up and found Bai Shan staring at her intensely. She swallowed hard. "W-what is it?"
"Nothing. I’m leaving too."
Bai Shan’s behavior these past two days... was it shyness? No, it felt like it, but something was off. Did she fall for her because of that "heroic rescue" on the mountain? That would explain the soup and Bai Zhier’s reaction. No, still not right. What was it? She couldn't say. *Forget it, time for a nap. Nan Muxue, you Little Scorpion, why aren't you here yet?*
***
Night...
The room was silent. Chu Ruo was sleeping with her mouth wide open, drooling, when someone suddenly covered her nose and mouth. She opened her eyes, ready to scream, but stopped struggling the moment she caught that familiar scent.
The person above her let go once she stopped moving. Chu Ruo sat up immediately, her lips trembling. "Mas—"
Lips crashed against hers. Chu Ruo was stunned for only a second before she leaned in, completely losing herself in the kiss.
"You Little Scorpion..." Her breath was ragged. Chu Ruo hadn't expected herself to blush so hard, though thankfully it was dark. "You took so long to find me."
"What? Does my disciple have a complaint?"
That familiar, arrogant tone. The same old recipe. In this moment, Chu Ruo actually wanted to laugh. Even now, she was still so stubborn, her tone unchanged. Truly the Little Scorpion. "You—"
*Clang! Clang!*
The sound of fighting erupted outside. Bai Zhier didn't understand how so many strangers had suddenly appeared on the island, how they had broken in, or why everyone was suddenly weak and limp from being drugged. Her heart was still fixed on that one room, and the person inside.
"Sister, watch out!"
In her distraction, a long blade swept past her face. It wasn't until that familiar figure emerged, hand-in-hand with the woman she had met only once, that Bai Zhier finally understood. Her worry and care had been entirely redundant.
"Chu Ruo! I knew it was you! You betrayed my sister again! I’ll kill you and this woman!"
Xianlai Island was now engulfed in flames. The girls of the island were fighting back desperately but were being slaughtered. The scene was a mirror of the Baihua Palace branch—that night on Cloud Mist Mountain. It was horrific.
"Young Palace Master," Xiao Guo'er led several disciples, bringing the captured Bai sisters and several other weakened islanders. "They have been apprehended."
Nan Muxue looked down at them, expressionless. "Take these two away. As for the rest... leave none alive."
"No!"
"Wait!" It wasn't the Bai sisters who shouted. Chu Ruo spoke up. "They are innocent."
"When those two gave Liu Shaopeng the Soft Bone Powder to use against Baihua Palace, they should have expected this day. Were the disciples at the branch not innocent?"
The logic was sound. Chu Ruo didn't want to preach about cycles of vengeance; if it were anyone else, she wouldn't have said a word. But the Bai sisters—especially Bai Zhier—had been incredibly kind to her. Chu Ruo grit her teeth. "Master, I beg of you..."
"Ruo'er," Bai Zhier smiled faintly, stopping her. "Don't make it difficult for yourself. Say no more."
"Sister! If she hadn't sent word, how could Nan Muxue have found this place! Chu Ruo, you dog!" Bai Shan snarled, trying to lung forward, but she was held fast. "I’ll kill you both!"
"Master," Chu Ruo saw Nan Muxue was about to lose her temper, her hand already on her sword hilt. "Spare the others. They’ve never done anything evil; they hardly even leave the island. They were very good to me while I was here. Please, let them go."
Xiao Guo'er clearly disagreed. "Chu Ruo! Have you forgotten what happened at the branch? Those disciples..."
Nan Muxue simply stared at the person before her. "Have you thought this through? Even if you plead for them, they won't be grateful. They likely won't let you go in the future."
"I ask Master to please show mercy."
"Xiao Guo'er, release them."
Xiao Guo'er was reluctant but could not disobey. "Yes."
Chu Ruo went over to help Bai Zhier up. "Zhier, are you alright?"
"Hypocrite! My sister was truly blind. I really regret trying to bring you two together and having my foster father marry you!"
*She did it on purpose! This malicious woman!* Chu Ruo wailed internally. *The Little Scorpion knows now. I’m dead, I’m so dead.* She didn't dare look at Nan Muxue’s expression.
Bai Zhier silenced her sister and pulled a piece of paper from her robes, handing it over. "This is the prescription. The most unique herb is in my room; take it with you later. It should last you a while until you find a way to suppress the poison in your body."
Chu Ruo’s nose stung. She didn't dare look at either side, keeping her head low. "Zhier, thank you."
"Go on, you should return to your Little Scorpion’s side," Bai Zhier said, her head held high and spirited. She looked at Nan Muxue. "Treat Ruo'er well. Otherwise, I will find a way to take her away."
*...Are you all trying to get me killed?* Chu Ruo hung her head, staring at her shoes as she shuffled back to Nan Muxue’s side. She heard a cold, emotionless voice: "Finally willing to come back?"
*So much sarcasm...* "Yeah." *Wait, what kind of answer was that? I want to slap myself.* "No, I mean..."
Nan Muxue took her hand and raised it slightly. "Whether she is well or not is none of your concern."
*Tsk tsk, two women, one drama.* The atmosphere was so intense that Chu Ruo couldn't help but look up to witness the spectacle. The result was predictable: a sharp glare. *I was wrong!* She immediately lowered her head again.
"Heh."
Everyone turned. It was Bai Shan’s laugh—scornful and contemptuous. "Hehehe... You think you can take her away?"
"What do you mean?"
Bai Zhier also sensed something was wrong. "Shan'an, you..."
"Sister, did you really think I had fallen for her these past few days?" Her smile turned twisted. "I saw you sinking deeper and deeper. To make you give up, I had to play a little trick to make you think I liked her. I also knew your medical skills were so much better than mine; it was truly hard to find an opening to strike."
Bai Zhier realized the truth. "You!"
Nan Muxue was no fool. She stepped forward, her Ice Soul sword unsheathed, her voice like frost. "Hand over the antidote!"
As soon as she spoke, Chu Ruo felt a sudden, violent pang in her heart. Her vision went black, and she collapsed instantly.
"Ruo'er!"
Both women moved almost simultaneously to catch her. Seeing this, Bai Shan laughed even more maniacally. "She won't die... for now. Sister, do you remember when we were in the Demon Realm? I told you I was researching a new toy."
Nan Muxue suppressed her fury. Ever since Chu Ruo went missing, she had been consumed by anxiety; a single slip could lead to qi deviation. She had already suffered several backlashes of her internal energy. "Hand over the antidote," she demanded, her sword pointing at Bai Zhier. In an instant, she had discerned what the other woman cared about most. She smiled wickedly. "Otherwise, your sister’s life..."
"If you dare touch my sister—"
"Why wouldn't I?" Nan Muxue said with a lazy, dangerous air. As the Young Palace Master of Baihua Palace, she always seemed to hold the winning hand. The sharp blade drew a thin line across Bai Zhier’s throat, and crimson blood appeared. "If Ruo'er is gone, your sister will be heartbroken. Seeing her in pain will hurt you. If I kill her, you will hurt even more. Which of us do you think has the upper hand?"
Bai Shan stared fixedly at the Ice Soul sword. Finally, her spirit broke. "This poison... has no cure."
***
**Glossary**
Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation
---|---|---
仙莱岛 | Xianlai Island | The home of the Bai sisters; a legendary medical sanctuary.
雪若阁 | Xueruo Pavilion | An inn/intelligence hub named after Nan Muxue and Chu Ruo.
冰魄 | Ice Soul | Nan Muxue's signature sword.
百花蛊 | Hundred Flowers Poison | The unique poison/parasite within Chu Ruo's body.
软骨散 | Soft Bone Powder | A common martial arts drug that causes physical weakness.
Caifeng | 彩凤 | A disciple of Baihua Palace mentioned in previous context.
