"This rain is simply never-ending," Duan Ning grumbled as she climbed into the carriage, looking slightly disheveled while shaking the rainwater from her clothes. "It’s been coming and going these past two days. How annoying."
"Keep your voice down," Nan Muxue whispered. Someone was currently pillowed on her lap, and naturally, no one else was permitted to get so close to her. "Ruo'er is asleep. Don't wake her."
Duan Ning rolled her eyes in exasperation. "All she does is eat and sleep. What a glutton."
"If you keep talking, you can go back outside and ride your horse in the rain."
"I’m telling you, you’re far too biased..."
Chu Ruo, in her dazed sleep, frowned and shifted at the commotion. The person above her immediately began to pat her soothingly. "It’s nothing. Go back to sleep."
"Mm..." Perhaps finding the daylight through the carriage window too bright, Chu Ruo turned inward, burying her face against Nan Muxue’s body to continue her slumber, never once opening her eyes.
Nan Muxue adjusted the long robe covering Chu Ruo, then poured a cup of hot tea and handed it to the other person in the carriage. "How much longer until we reach Tianyou City?"
Duan Ning took the warm ginger tea and gulped down a few mouthfuls before answering slowly, "A day or two." Though she didn't say it outright, her voice dropped significantly as she stared at the two with a playful glint. "If we were riding horses, we wouldn't be this slow. Don't forget, her public identity is still that of a man. You and this precious disciple of yours are being so blatant; aren't you afraid the other disciples will have thoughts? Tsk, tsk..."
"Ruo'er’s body hasn't fully recovered; she can't be exposed to the wind." Nan Muxue merely looked down at the sleeping face, remembering how the girl had pulled her hand earlier, pleading, *'Xue'er, I don't want to learn to ride. I want to sit in the carriage with you.'* And so, she had agreed. "As disciples of the Hundred Flowers Palace, they should know what not to look at and what not to say. They understand the situation."
"Even when you were gravely ill before, you weren't this delicate. You spoil your precious disciple too much. She needs tempering and experience. That incident with the Branch Sect was a prime example."
"I am her Master. She does not need to be tempered; I will protect her myself."
Duan Ning stared at her for several long seconds, finally dropping her playful facade and letting out a sigh of wonder. "Muxue, you’ve really changed a lot. I almost don't recognize you anymore."
"In the past, my life consisted of nothing but the words 'Hundred Flowers Palace,'" Nan Muxue said, her gaze burning with resolve. "Now, I have someone I must protect."
Duan Ning nodded, mulling it over. "Well, at least it’s not a bad thing. It seems you’ve improved, though I liked the old Muxue better." She reverted to her mischievous self. "At least she didn't play favorites so heavily."
"I recall the Second Protector seems to have some free time. Perhaps I should send her to..."
"Don't! Just take it as me saying the wrong thing, alright?" Duan Ning knew Nan Muxue’s temperament all too well. With just one sentence, she was already using Liuli to threaten her. This petty streak of hers truly hadn't changed a bit. "We finally caught a break with the Martial Arts Assembly to come out and have some fun. Do you really have the heart to separate me and Liuli?"
"Liuli isn't as playful as you."
"I’ve already made plans with her," Duan Ning said anxiously. "Anyway, you’re not allowed to tear us apart."
"Tear you apart?" Nan Muxue smiled teasingly. "That’s a curious choice of words. What kind of 'tearing apart' are you referring to?"
"You!" Duan Ning’s face flushed red. "You’ve really spent too much time with this brat. You’ve learned to be wicked."
A few jokes were enough; Nan Muxue didn't press further and changed the subject. "Have you sent word to Yunshuang?"
"Yes, I notified her to go to Mo'yang as you instructed. The Martial Arts Assembly is being held in Mo'yang City this year. There’s not much time left—less than ten days. Other sects are arriving one after another. Why do you want to stay in the neighboring Tianyou City instead?"
"There is no use in going early. Mo'yang must be incredibly chaotic right now. There’s no need for us to join that mess. It’s less than half a day’s journey from Tianyou; there’s no rush."
"True. At times like this, the host city is always a mess of infighting between sects. Tianyou is crowded too, but since we aren't exactly well-liked anyway... In the past, there was at least the Soaring Eagle Fort."
Nan Muxue closed her eyes. "There is no need to mention the Soaring Eagle Fort ever again."
"The news says their Fort Master—Liu Shaopeng’s old man—will be coming in person this year. Liu Shaopeng has been missing for so long; he’s likely met the same grim fate as the others who disappeared."
Duan Ning’s tone was actually a bit probing. They had grown up together; while they might not have noticed at first, as time passed, they began to sense the clues and grew suspicious of the disappearances. Nan Muxue replied leisurely, "I feel as though you are more concerned about this than the Soaring Eagle Fort itself."
Duan Ning waved a hand. "Just asking. However, his old man seems to be getting suspicious." She stretched and added casually, "In some matters, it’s best to be cautious."
If Nan Muxue didn't speak, they wouldn't pry, even though the answer was obvious. But if trouble truly arose, they would still do their utmost to protect her.
The rain poured down as the carriage traveled slowly for several more hours. Finally, as darkness fell, the group decided to set up camp for the night. Chu Ruo finally woke up, her head feeling a bit heavy and oxygen-deprived from the long sleep.
"Mm, Xue'er..." she called out in a soft, sleepy voice, shifting her body. "Where are we?"
"You’re awake?" A pair of hands pressed against her temples. "You slept for so long; do you have a headache?"
"A little." The treatment was top-tier; a non-angry Little Scorpion was quite adorable. Opening her eyes, she saw a lamp had been lit inside the carriage, the candlelight flickering. Looking at the darkness outside the window, she suddenly sat up. "It’s so late! Why didn't you wake me?"
Nan Muxue’s hands continued to massage her. "There was nothing to do, so why wake you?" Her smile held a hint of teasing. "Are you blaming your Master for letting you sleep until your head is muddled and uncomfortable?"
"You’ve really had enough," Chu Ruo grumbled, grabbing those hands and taking the opportunity to lean back into the other’s embrace. Looking up lazily, she said, "I’m just worried about you. My head was on your lap for so long; it must be numb." This Little Scorpion—her mouth just wouldn't let her off for a single day. Sigh, she was her own worst enemy.
"What did you say?"
Her cheeks were pinched. She wanted to break free, but she was leaning right into the other’s arms. She lamented that she was basically delivering herself into the trap. "I said... I said I’m worried about you!"
"Hmph," Nan Muxue snorted disdainfully. "That sighing look of yours didn't mean that at all."
"I’m a patient, you should cherish me..."
Before she could finish the word 'me', her cheek was pinched hard. As expected, the Little Scorpion didn't know the meaning of 'tenderly protective.' Strictly speaking, she wasn't exactly a delicate flower anyway. So what was she? A little cutie? Psh, what exactly was she...
"Dazing off again." Nan Muxue smiled and let go, watching the girl’s eyes roll upward in a comical fashion. She remembered how Chu Ruo had been grinning in her sleep earlier, looking a bit silly but very cute, muttering names under her breath. Every name she called out was the same person: Master, Little Scorpion, Yan'er, Xue'er... accompanied by a dorky chuckle. It had made Nan Muxue unable to resist a doting smile.
"Are you coming back to your senses yet?"
Her head was tapped. Chu Ruo quickly raised her hands to protect it. "Can you stop hitting my head? Xiao Guo'er and Duan Ning hit me all the time, and now you’re doing it too."
"Your Master thinks she hasn't hit you enough."
"You..."
"Since you’re awake, eat something. There are dry rations, and some wild rabbit and fish that Ning'er caught. We’re resting here tonight."
There was food on the table, clearly left for her by the Little Scorpion. Meanwhile, Nan Muxue picked up a book and began to flip through it. Chu Ruo asked, "Aren't you eating? Or have you already eaten?"
"No appetite."
*Picky eater,* Chu Ruo thought to herself. Although the Little Scorpion ate little and didn't care for meat, she was extremely fastidious about culinary skill. The vegetarian dishes in the Hundred Flowers Palace were incredibly exquisite, and even then, she barely touched them. She certainly wouldn't want this dry mantou or a hunk of charred meat. Chu Ruo peeked out the window; the rain had lessened to a drizzle. She scooted over, grabbed the book, and tossed it aside. "It’s because you haven't had my cooking, right? Are you missing my skills? Come on, let’s go to the river and catch some fish."
"But it’s late," Nan Muxue said hesitantly as she was pulled up. "And it’s still raining. You just recovered..."
"Alright, stop nagging." Chu Ruo interlaced their fingers without allowing any argument, smiling warmly. "I know you’re worried about me, but the rain is light, and I’ve been fine for ages. We haven't done this in so long. I haven't grilled fish for you since we left the palace. Let’s go. Besides, there are so many people out here; I want to spend some time alone with you..."
Nan Muxue said no more, allowing herself to be led by the hand. But as soon as they stepped out of the carriage, her hand went empty. The warmth vanished instantly. Looking up, she saw the girl looking warily at the disciples who were still some distance away. She knew that the person before her was even more concerned about her reputation than she was. In that moment, a sudden, indescribable emotion welled up in Nan Muxue—perhaps it was called happiness. Even a small thing, a look, or a gesture was enough to move her. She took the initiative to step forward and grasp Chu Ruo’s hand. Under the cover of the night, the two quickly disappeared.
After catching the fish, cleaning them, starting a fire, and finally reaching the grilling stage, Chu Ruo was so tired she sat directly on the ground, wiping a mix of sweat and rain from her forehead. "Finally done. Starting a fire is too much work. Thank goodness the rain stopped, or I’d be dead from exhaustion."
"You were the one who insisted on coming, yet now you complain so much," Nan Muxue teased. "So useless..."
"Saying I’m 'dead from exhaustion' over a small thing," Chu Ruo interrupted her. "You were going to say that, weren't you? I knew it. You’re always like this. Who am I doing this for? You heartless woman."
"You..."
Chu Ruo covered her face first. "You’re going to lecture me again, aren't you? I’ll block it first and see how you... Ow!" Her waist was pinched. Chu Ruo jumped in indignation. "You! You’re not playing fair! You’re not following the script!"
"Is there a rule that your Master can only pinch your face and not your waist?" Nan Muxue’s most infuriating trait was her ability to speak with a deadpan expression even in these situations. "Childish."
"Please, who’s the childish one?" A faint smell of burning wafted up, and she hurriedly flipped the fish. "You, you... all you do is pick on me. You don't even know how to give in a little."
"What does 'pick on' mean?"
Chu Ruo focused on flipping the fish to check its doneness, answering absentmindedly, "It means to tease or oppose someone. I’ll explain these words to you later. Maybe we can even use them as our secret code."
"Ruo'er," Nan Muxue called her name without warning, her tone turning heavy. "Are you really... never going back?"
Hearing that tone, Chu Ruo knew the other’s mood had soured. The Little Scorpion was exceptionally nervous about the whole 'transmigration' thing. She quickly sat back and hugged her. "I’m not going back, I’m not. Even if I wanted to, I couldn't. Didn't I explain it to you..."
"You aren't allowed to even think about going back!" Nan Muxue buried her face in Chu Ruo’s embrace, letting out a low, muffled roar. "You aren't allowed! You aren't allowed!"
Such a wavering, insecure Little Scorpion was a rare sight—almost non-existent, except when it came to the matter of her transmigration. She was incredibly tense about it, often asking the same question: *Are you really staying?* Chu Ruo held her tightly. "Okay, I won't think about it. I won't. I’m not going back, and I don't want to go back."
Her waist was gripped tightly. It was still those same words: "You aren't allowed to go back! I am your Master; I forbid you from thinking about it! You aren't allowed to return! You must listen to me!"
The tone was bossy and threatening, yet it sounded more like the helpless words of a willful child, carrying a trace of immature cuteness that made Chu Ruo want to laugh. But she held it in. The Little Scorpion could be quite adorable sometimes, like a little girl. She tilted her head to kiss the other’s forehead, coaxing her. "Alright, alright. You’re the Master; you have the final say. I’ll listen to you. I won't go back. No matter what, I’m staying."
"You promised me. If you break your word, I will cripple you, I will kill you..."
A death threat, but it lacked any real menace. If she truly left, where would Nan Muxue even go to cripple her? Heh. Actually, Chu Ruo knew that more than 'not going back,' Nan Muxue wanted to hear something else. "Xue'er, I promise you, I will never leave you. For a lifetime. I guarantee it, on my life."
After a long while of coaxing, the hands clutching her collar finally loosened. Chu Ruo let out a long, silent breath. No matter how cold and arrogant the Little Scorpion was, she still had the willful side of a young girl. Heh, she bet no one else had ever seen this. She was the first, and she had to be the only one. She started giggling foolishly again until the smell of burning fish wafted up. Ignoring the heat, she grabbed at it. "Oh no, it’s burnt!" She pulled it over; it was slightly better than the one in the carriage earlier, but her skills were definitely off today. "If I’d known, I would’ve brought a pot to make fish soup." As the saying goes, to catch a Little Scorpion’s heart, you have to catch her stomach.
Nan Muxue took the fish and silently put a piece in her mouth, leaving Chu Ruo dumbfounded. "Um, don't eat that. If you’re really hungry, I’ll catch another and make soup. Wait for me, it’ll be fast. I’ll go get a pot from Xiao Guo'er."
"Don't bother." Nan Muxue stopped her and leaned her head on Chu Ruo’s shoulder. "As long as you made it, it’s fine."
So it wasn't the food she was picky about; it was the person. Chu Ruo smiled and held the woman closer. "I guess Heaven arranged for me to come here just so I could meet you."
"You know that for sure?"
The words were teasing, but Chu Ruo nodded seriously. "Of course. Otherwise, why would I fall at the foot of Entering Cloud Peak? Wasn't it just to wait for you to pick me up?"
"Do you have no shame?" Nan Muxue chewed a few bites of fish and set it down, then cupped Chu Ruo’s face. "Ning'er was right about you. You’re just a glutton who eats and sleeps."
"You..."
Chu Ruo was about to retort when the other woman leaned in and hugged her. "However... your Master just happens to like this glutton." After saying that, she rested her head entirely on Chu Ruo’s shoulder. Heavens, what kind of divine Little Scorpion was this? Every time, she’d trample on her first and then give her a piece of candy so sweet it made her teeth ache. She had no defense against this; she couldn't even counter-attack. It was a total kill. The Little Scorpion really had her wrapped around her finger. She was too good at flirting. What could she do? She was helpless.
"The sentiment is nice," Chu Ruo said, resting her own head on the other’s shoulder contentedly. "But why does it sound so awkward when you say it?"
"It’s late enough. Let’s go back."
"Okay."
On the way back, Chu Ruo pointed to a spot. "Isn't there a ruined temple over there? Why didn't we go there?"
"It’s too small and in total disrepair. If we went, the other disciples would have to stay outside. Besides, Xiao Guo'er and the others checked it; there are a few beggars and wanderers living inside. They have no other place to stay; why should we disturb them?"
Aside from not wanting to disturb people, the hierarchy of the Hundred Flowers Palace had reached a crazy and terrifying level. Even if they went to that temple, only the Little Scorpion would be allowed to stay inside; even the Protectors couldn't stay with her. Sigh. Seeing the carriage getting closer, she pulled her hand back. "I... um, tonight, I’ll stay with the others..."
Before she could say 'sleep outside,' she was interrupted. "Do you think Ning'er would agree, or that Xiao Guo'er and the other disciples would welcome you to sleep with them?" Nan Muxue looked over with an amused glint. "Don't forget you are a man. Even if Ning'er and Xiao Guo'er know the truth, those two..."
"Stop, stop! I don't want to be with those two; they’d tease me to death. I meant, since we’ve set up camp, aren't there extra tents? I’ll just find one and make do for the night."
"So much talk." Nan Muxue pulled her toward the carriage without another word. "Get in."
The tone was commanding, threatening, and absolutely beyond question. Though Chu Ruo wanted to speak, she was shoved inside, and the door was shut. This scene... it felt a tiny bit like 'forcing a good person into...' Psh, what a filthy thought. But this situation really was easy to misunderstand.
"Xue'er, I..."
"Light the charcoal brazier."
"Oh."
She obediently took the fire starter to light the brazier. This carriage was pulled by four prized horses and was quite spacious. It was meticulously designed so that the smoke from the charcoal could vent out without letting in the cold wind. The charcoal itself didn't seem ordinary; it was made by the Hundred Flowers Palace using specific woods and flowers, so the fumes weren't harmful. She finished lighting it and looked up, only to see a graceful silhouette. Nan Muxue was facing away from her, taking off her outer robe...
Chu Ruo covered her eyes—*oh no*—but still left a wide gap between her fingers. "Xue'er, what... what are you doing?"
Nan Muxue didn't stop. "My clothes are damp. Shouldn't I take them off to dry?"
After all that, she just wanted to dry her clothes. Why did she feel so disappointed? She rummaged through the luggage. "I’ll find you a dry set."
"Just an outer robe. The inner layers aren't wet."
"Oh."
She quickly handed over a robe and sat down beside her. Nan Muxue looked at her. "Aren't you going to change yours?"
"Um," Chu Ruo scratched her head. "My clothes..."
As she hesitated, Nan Muxue remembered. When they had found her, all her belongings—except for the things Nan Muxue had given her previously—had been thrown away because they were prepared by Bai Zhier. They had planned to get new ones at the next town, but they had been in the wilderness for the past few days. The other disciples had clothes, but they were all women’s attire. Chu Ruo was appearing as a man, and for now, she wasn't being asked to change that, so women’s clothes weren't suitable.
"Stop laughing," Chu Ruo grumbled. It was the first time she had seen the other woman laugh so brilliantly, like a normal person who had just heard a funny joke. "It’s your fault. I only have this one set of clothes."
"What, are you unhappy that I threw away the things your Miss Zhier gave you?" She arched an eyebrow. "Your Master wants to tear even this set off you."
"You..." Chu Ruo covered herself. "What are you doing?"
The other woman gave her a disdainful look. "These clothes were given to you by your Miss Zhier; Ruo'er certainly treasures them."
"You... you’re being unreasonable!"
The next second, a pair of hands was directly stripping her clothes. "Help! Murder! Lady bandit! She’s ravishing me!"
"If you keep talking nonsense, I’ll feed you a silencing drug. Have you forgotten about your eyes?"
...*You’re toxic.* Was she really going to lose her... no, was she really going to have a slightly painful but happy 'roll in the carriage' on this wind-and-rain-swept night? Fine, let it come. To be able to push back in the future, she had to be fearless.
Nan Muxue looked at her in confusion. One second she was screaming, and the next she was spreading her arms with a look of 'martyrdom.' "Aren't you going to hang your clothes up? Do you want to get your inner layers wet too?"
So it was just... wait, she hadn't been quite right these past few days. As she mechanically took off her outer robe, she realized that ever since that night they almost 'did it,' she had been associating everything with *that*. No, no, she couldn't be like this. But she couldn't control herself! This thought was bad, but once it was there, it wouldn't leave. "Achoo! Achoo!"
"You brat," Nan Muxue said crossly. The next moment, she sat right into Chu Ruo’s lap, wrapping them both in her robe. "Still cold?"
*Tsk, tsk. So fragrant. So gentle. So soft. So warm.* All of Chu Ruo’s distractions were broken. she quickly hugged her tight. "Cold. Hold me tighter." That troublesome Little Scorpion, that troublesome brazier. A brazier by her side and a beauty in her arms—what more could a person ask for?
"Weren't you going to sleep outside?"
*Why are you so un-cute?* "I was just afraid the other disciples would see and ruin your reputation. We are Master and disciple, after all. I don't mind, but there are those people from the martial world out there..."
Nan Muxue pressed a finger to her lips. "Is it me you care about, or those people?"
"That’s obvious! It’s you, of course. Why would I care about those bird-brains?"
"Then that’s that." Nan Muxue’s pupils reflected only one person. Her cheeks grew rosier under the glow of the charcoal fire. "Your Master doesn't mind, so why are you worrying for nothing?"
"I..."
The person in her arms suddenly nuzzled against her neck, as docile and clingy as a kitten. "I’m sleepy."
The words were like a spell. Chu Ruo also felt waves of fatigue hitting her. She leaned back slightly to let the other nestle more comfortably in her arms. "Sleep, then. I’ve got you."
Silence fell within the carriage, leaving only the charcoal fire, which burned ever brighter.
***
Tianyou City.
Chu Ruo was aggrieved—aggrieved to the extreme. Wasn't Xueruo Pavilion owned by the Little Scorpion? Then wasn't it like her own home? How could they not even arrange enough guest rooms? The reason was the Martial Arts Assembly. Mo'yang was completely full, with no lodging left in the entire city. Every inn was packed, and the same was happening in Tianyou. Those who couldn't stay in Mo'yang came here, along with those just coming to watch the spectacle. But she couldn't understand—all the other disciples were settled, even Xiao Guo'er had found her room. That wasn't the point. She had a room too, and she was staying alone. But the key point was: there were only two rooms left. One for her, and one for Duan Ning and the Little Scorpion to share.
"Look at that long face," Duan Ning said, cracking melon seeds and laughing happily. "Anyone who didn't know would think you’re at a funeral. Don't bring such bad luck to the Hundred Flowers Palace’s campaign."
"You!"
"I just don't get it. You have a room to yourself; you have the best treatment of all the disciples. Several disciples are sharing a single room, and even Xue'er and I have to squeeze into one. Why do you look so unhappy?"
"Of course I’m unhappy! You’re so noisy; how can my Master rest well with you there?" Since there were more people around now, it was better to call her 'Master' in public. "Don't affect her performance when the time comes." The truth was, if the three of them had separate rooms, she could have snuck over to see the Little Scorpion at night. But now, under everyone’s eyes, a Protector had to squeeze in with the Young Palace Master. How could she go sleep with her Little Scorpion? *Waaa, I won't have it! I want to sleep with my Little Scorpion! Waaa!*
"Alright, our room is here." Duan Ning had been walking between the two of them the whole time. As they reached the door, before Chu Ruo could even say a word to Nan Muxue, Duan Ning slammed the door shut with a *bang*.
"What are you doing?"
"I’m doing this for your own good. In public, it wouldn't look good if people saw you two."
Nan Muxue stood up to leave. Duan Ning called out, "Where are you going?"
"Taking Ruo'er to buy some things."
Duan Ning curled her lip and continued cracking seeds. "Chu Ruo... sigh, Muxue, oh Muxue. It seems you’re beyond saving."
Just as Nan Muxue led Chu Ruo to the entrance, they were blocked by a long-unseen figure.
"Nan Yunshuang," Chu Ruo realized she had spoken out of turn and instinctively hid behind Nan Muxue. "Cough, cough... First Protector." *Wait, I’m the Holy Envoy. She should be bowing to me. Forget it, forget it. Teasing Duan Ning is one thing, but I’d better skip this one, or I might lose my life.*
Nan Yunshuang was expressionless, even more of a 'poker face' than the Little Scorpion. She cupped her hands and said officially, "Greetings, Young Palace Master."
Nan Muxue followed Chu Ruo’s movement, shielding her behind her back. Standing with her hands behind her, she resumed the cold, lofty posture of the Young Palace Master. "Has the First Protector even forgotten the palace rules?"
Chu Ruo rolled her eyes and thought to herself that Nan Yunshuang’s greeting seemed fine. If we were talking about rules, she was probably the most rule-abiding person in the palace. Xiao Guo'er had mentioned that the four Protectors had different duties; Nan Yunshuang was in charge of the palace rules and discipline, basically like one of those old hags in the imperial palace who taught etiquette. Was the Little Scorpion intentionally making things difficult?
Clearly, Nan Yunshuang’s reaction confirmed her guess. She was also stunned for a moment, but quickly recovered. "This subordinate does not understand. Please enlighten me, Young Palace Master."
"The Hundred Flowers Palace has a strict hierarchy. Why do you not bow upon seeing the Holy Envoy? Do you intend to disrespect your superior?"
*Mm.* There were some disciples around; though they didn't dare look up, Chu Ruo felt their gossiping souls burning so hot they were about to singe her. She decided to smooth things over. "Um, that’s not necessary. If there’s anything to say, let’s go upstairs."
But Nan Muxue remained unmoved. She didn't even look at the other woman, staring straight ahead into the distance. Nan Yunshuang was silent for about two seconds before finally bowing. "Greetings, Holy Envoy."
"Disregarding the Holy Envoy, defying palace orders..." *Tsk, tsk. As expected of the bossy Little Scorpion.* Her aura was overwhelming; she was suppressing her completely. She had the 'vibe' part down perfectly. "I ordered you to wait in Mo'yang, yet you came to Tianyou without permission. Return immediately. When this matter is over, return to the palace to receive a hundred strikes."
A hundred strikes meant breaking a hundred heavy staves. That was too brutal. While Chu Ruo was still dazed, Nan Muxue led her outside, but Nan Yunshuang blocked their path. "This subordinate has words for the Young Palace Master."
"This Palace Master does not wish to hear them. Go back."
Blocking their path again, Nan Muxue’s eyes turned cold. "Does the First Protector believe she can rival this Palace Master? Or are you relying on my Mother’s presence to increasingly disregard me?"
"This subordinate would not dare." She still blocked them. "Please step aside with me, Young Palace Master."
At that moment, a worker from Xueruo Pavilion passed by carrying water. The water was quite full, and as he moved to avoid the two, some splashed upward. Nan Muxue merely swept her right hand casually—she didn't even touch the droplets—but they instantly transformed into terrifying ice needles that shot toward Nan Yunshuang.
The other woman drew her sword to parry, spinning the hilt to deflect the ice. With great effort, she shattered them all, but the final needle shot straight for her face. Fortunately, she jerked her head aside, and it grazed her cheek.
The commotion drew Duan Ning out from her room. After questioning two disciples, she quickly stepped forward and pushed Chu Ruo. "Isn't it just buying a few sets of clothes? I’ll go with her. You two talk. Chu Ruo, let’s go. Hurry."
"Why are you pulling me? I want to go back and see Xue'er..."
"See what? Are you afraid Yunshuang will do something to her? First, she can't win in a fight. Second, she wouldn't dare be disrespectful to the Palace Master. Relax, Xue'er will be fine."
"You say that, but they were practically at each other’s throats!"
"Oh, alright. Anyway, this started because of you. Just ask Xue'er tonight. I’m telling you, ever since you fell off the cliff, she hasn't seen Yunshuang once. We all think she’s taking her anger out on her."
Chu Ruo scratched her head. "I don't understand."
"Fine, let’s go buy clothes. You’ve been wearing this one set for so many days. The Second and Fourth Protectors are arriving tomorrow; shouldn't you, as the Holy Envoy, pay some attention to your image?"
Inside Xueruo Pavilion, Nan Muxue turned her back. "If you have something to say, say it."
"Chu Ruo..."
"If you want to talk about Ruo'er, don't bother."
"She shouldn't be alive."
*Clang!* The Ice Soul sword unsheathed, its tip pressing against her throat. Nan Yunshuang struggled to finish her sentence, "And she shouldn't be here."
Nan Muxue was cold as frost. "You dare to try something against Ruo'er?" The sword tip pushed forward a fraction, and crimson blood began to flow. "Yunshuang, I haven't seen you for a long time. You know the reason."
The other didn't answer. The sword moved another inch. "You can kill me. As for the Palace Master..."
"Do not use my Mother to pressure me. From the beginning, you tried every means to get rid of Ruo'er. And then, there was the Branch Sect."
After calmly saying those words, Nan Muxue let out a cold laugh. "I know Mother didn't like the establishment of the Branch Sect, but I didn't expect you to be so ruthless. You didn't hesitate to pretend to be an insider and conspire with Liu Shaopeng. Aside from Ruo'er, you also wiped out the Branch Sect in one fell swoop. You succeeded. All those disciples, so many lives... My not killing you is my final mercy."
"What... did you say?"
A voice came from the doorway. Two people entered—not Chu Ruo and Duan Ning, but the Second Protector, Yin Liuli, and the Fourth Protector, Nangong Yan, who had arrived a day early. They had just asked the disciples downstairs and come to meet Nan Muxue when they heard that sentence. Nan Yunshuang’s expression was one of shock, while Nangong Yan’s hands were shaking uncontrollably. She walked toward the other woman, her body unsteady. "What Xue'er said..." Her voice was trembling; one could hear her trying to suppress her rage. "Is it true?"
Silence. Receiving no answer made Nangong Yan even more furious. She lunged forward. "Answer me!" She grabbed Nan Yunshuang’s collar, shouting in her face. "Did you conspire with Liu Shaopeng to kill the Branch Sect disciples? How could you do it? So many innocent disciples!"
Yin Liuli hadn't expected this outcome either. They had only thought Nan Muxue was lashing out because she had lost her love and Yunshuang had always wanted to deal with Chu Ruo. Now it seemed the three of them were the fools. So many lives in the Branch Sect had ended that day. Though she also felt hatred, she had to separate them first because Nangong Yan’s emotions were clearly unstable. Naturally, when someone you care about—even if you won't admit it—reveals such a dark side, you can't suppress the inner fury.
"Yan'er, calm down..."
"Go away!" As everyone knew, Nangong Yan’s reaction was extreme. She shoved Yin Liuli aside and pushed Nan Yunshuang hard. "Tell me! Did you sacrifice the Branch Sect disciples just to get rid of Chu Ruo? You’re so cruel!"
Nan Yunshuang remembered the instructions before the seclusion. One sentence had been stuck in her mind: *Remove Chu Ruo if necessary. As for the Branch Sect, do not leave them.* She opened her mouth and spoke only three words: "They couldn't stay."
"Couldn't stay? Heh. Are you talking about Chu Ruo, or the Branch Sect, or both? How did you become like this!" Nangong Yan stepped back, devastated. *Slap!* The next second, she swung her hand in a vicious slap. "A few days ago, I thought you had changed. I thought the old Yunshuang had come back. Nan Yunshuang, from this day forward, we are strangers."
Blood seeped from the corner of her mouth, but Nan Yunshuang didn't wipe it away. She remained expressionless, though the handprint on her face was deep and the wound on her neck from the Ice Soul sword wouldn't heal. She ignored it all, turned, and left without looking back.
"Yunshuang!" Yin Liuli called out, then looked at Nangong Yan. "Yan'er, go check on her." For a moment, she thought she saw the other woman stumble as she left.
"I said it already. We have nothing to do with each other anymore."
"Liuli!" The three in the room were frozen; there was nothing to say, and the atmosphere was awkward. Fortunately, Duan Ning and Chu Ruo returned. Duan Ning ran over excitedly. "And Yan'er! Why did you two arrive a day early?"
Yin Liuli gave a faint smile, looking at the woman who had skipped over to her side with doting eyes. "Things were handled smoothly over there. We saw we had extra time, so we came a day early."
Chu Ruo scratched her head. "Then where are you staying tonight?"
"Right! We thought you’d be here tomorrow, so the rooms we prepared for you won't be empty until then. By the way, where’s Yunshuang?"
"I’m going for a walk," Nangong Yan said suddenly, her steps heavy as she walked out.
*Leaving so soon?* Chu Ruo had wanted to get a good look at her. She peeked a few times; the woman did look a bit like the Little Scorpion, but the Little Scorpion was prettier and had a better aura. Of course—she was *her* Little Scorpion, after all.
"Why is the Holy Envoy staring at the Fourth Protector?" Yin Liuli asked with a playful smile, then looked at Nan Muxue. "I’ve heard the two of them have quite a deep relationship."
*You people really...* "I... I..." She stuttered for a while but had nothing to say. Sigh.
"Alright, Yan'er and I will find another place to stay and come back tomorrow. Ning'er, come out with me to look."
"Let’s go. If I’d known you were coming, I wouldn't have asked Chu Ruo to go," Duan Ning said happily.
"Hey, hey, hey! You really dislike me, don't you? I didn't even want to go with you; you’re the one who dragged me along just now!"
"Little Ruo, I advise you to watch your mouth. Otherwise, you’ll regret it..." She leaned in and whispered something in Chu Ruo’s ear right in front of the other two. Chu Ruo’s expression turned from annoyance to excitement, and she rubbed her hands together. Her attitude did a complete 180-degree turn. "Hehe, safe travels, Third Protector!"
Duan Ning affectionately took Yin Liuli’s arm. "Let’s go." Her voice faded as they walked away. "Tell me what happened after we left."
Once they were downstairs, Yin Liuli asked, "What did you just say to Chu Ruo?"
"It’s a secret. Anyway, she’s very happy."
"You two have a good relationship, don't you?"
"Are you jealous?"
Yin Liuli turned her head away unnaturally. "Answer me. Don't change the subject."
"Oh, it’s none of our business. Come on, let’s look around. I’ve already explored the area and know it well; I was just waiting to show you. Let’s go, let’s go."
Yin Liuli gave another doting smile. "Always thinking about playing. We still need to find a place to stay."
"Oh, no need. This lady already prepared a place for you."
"Didn't you say there were no rooms left?"
Duan Ning smiled mysteriously. "Well, that’s my secret. I kept a room for you at Xueruo Pavilion."
Yin Liuli’s eyes widened. "You girl, you even dare to lie to Xue'er. Your courage is growing."
"Shh. Haven't you noticed anything strange about this Xueruo Pavilion?"
"What?"
"Dummy. *Xue-Ruo, Xue-Ruo.* What do you think?"
"You mean, this place..."
Duan Ning’s smile grew more triumphant. "If I’m not mistaken, this is an inn Xue'er opened privately, separate from the palace. It’s also her own intelligence network. Haven't you noticed? Caifeng was sent down the mountain on a mission, but what was the mission? Where is she? I bet she’s managing Xueruo Pavilion. But it’s right that Xue'er doesn't want us to know. If one person in the palace knows, the Palace Master and Yunshuang will find out. Let’s keep this secret."
Yin Liuli nodded, then added, "I have one more question."
"What?"
"Since this place belongs to Xue'er, who would dare to listen to you and pull a little trick behind her back, lying to her that there were no rooms?"
"Well, that’s this Protector’s secret. Come on, you haven't told me why Yunshuang left and why Yan'er looked like that."
"Sigh. I’m afraid you’ll be angry with her too once you hear it." The Branch Sect had been managed by Duan Ning; if we were talking about emotional attachment, hers was the highest among them. To know that Yunshuang had intentionally... Sigh. Yin Liuli sighed again and began to explain slowly as they walked.
***
Back in the room...
"Ow! Why did you pinch my face again?" Chu Ruo grimaced.
"You and Ning'er seem quite close. What did she say to you?"
"Nothing, just a small thing." Taking advantage of the loosened grip, she slipped away and scurried to the other’s side, hugging her. "What happened just now?"
Nan Muxue briefly explained what had happened in the room. Chu Ruo clicked her tongue. "But you can't entirely blame her, right? It must have been your Mother’s idea."
"That is why I didn't take her life. But I cannot forgive her. My Mother gave the order, but she was the one who executed it. I don't understand why she became like this."
"Well, let’s not talk about her. Let’s talk about something happy. Look at my new clothes; I changed into them at the shop. Not bad, right? And, and! I bought you food. They’re all local specialties. Come try some."
"Wait."
"Wait?"
Her face was pinched again. "If you keep staring at Yan'er like that, does Ruo'er want your Master to feed you another bowl of 'sweet soup'?"
*Tsk, tsk. Last time I drank your sweet soup, I went blind.* The memory was vivid. "No, no need."
"Is Yan'er pretty?"
*Ah, this is a freebie question. Time for maximum survival instinct.* She caught the opportunity. "My Xue'er is still the prettiest. But you two really do look a bit alike."
"Oh? So you really did look at her closely?"
"I..."
*Bang!* "Murder! Murder! The great Young Palace..."
***
When it was time to sleep at night, Duan Ning and Yin Liuli still hadn't returned. Nan Muxue had long since turned off the lights and gone to bed, but she was tossing and turning. Tonight, she lacked that warmth again, and her mind was full of that brat. She couldn't concentrate at all. She really was too weak.
*Creak—*
The door was opened. She thought it was Duan Ning, but the footsteps... Just as she realized who it was, she was embraced from behind. She craved this warmth, but her reason forced her to stay alert. "Go back."
"I won't." Chu Ruo hugged her waist. "Xue'er, turn around..."
"Ning'er will be back soon..."
"She won't." The girl’s smile grew more triumphant. "She swapped rooms with me." *May good people live long lives! Duan Ning is a legendary wingman. Five stars.*
So this was the 'secret' they had talked about today. Nan Muxue smiled inwardly but turned around with a blank expression. "Did you bolt the door?"
"Mm-hmm." Chu Ruo looked at her, wanting to kiss her. "I thought I wouldn't be able to sleep with you..."
Her mouth was pinched, leaving her only able to make muffled "Mmph" sounds. "Yan'er is so pretty; why come to your Master’s room?"
"Mmph, mmph..."
Nan Muxue let go. Chu Ruo quickly answered, "I didn't even look at her closely. I was just curious! Everyone says she looks like you. Besides, you used to pretend to be her to trick me..."
"You dare say more?"
"I won't, I won't! I’ll change the subject. Where’s A-Yue? I haven't seen her in a long time."
"She came with Liuli and the others. They brought some disciples too." She realized the shift in topic. "You really do think about everyone."
...*There is nothing a kiss can't solve.* She leaned in and kissed her. "My heart only has you."
Nan Muxue spat softly, "Shameless."
"Xue'er, Xue'er," Chu Ruo pressed closer. "You’re so good."
"Silly."
"Then I’m just silly." Chu Ruo took her hand. "From now on, I want to be with you every day. We won't be apart day or night. I can't bear to leave you."
Nan Muxue finally lay in her arms. "Am I not right here?"
"Mm." She kissed her forehead. "Sleep."
"Just sleeping?" Nan Muxue was a bit surprised. Ever since that night they were interrupted, how could she not know what this brat was thinking? They had been on the road for days, and now they were finally in an inn. She thought she would... she had even silently consented. Yet this brat was being so well-behaved.
Actually, on the street today, Duan Ning had teasingly asked how far they had progressed. Chu Ruo had immediately waved her off. "Xue'er and I haven't done anything. Don't talk nonsense."
"Nonsense. Her Virgin Mark is still there."
Those words—*Virgin Mark*—had reminded Chu Ruo. She hesitated. Nan Muxue still had Nan Menghua above her. If she found out... She didn't dare take her yet. At least not now. She had to endure for a while. But it was such torture!
"What are you dazing off about again?"
A jade-like hand touched her forehead. Chu Ruo felt herself heating up. She suddenly grabbed the hand. "Nothing, Xue'er. I’m a bit sleepy. Let’s sleep."
Though Nan Muxue couldn't figure it out, she indulged her and lay back down. "Since you’re sleepy, rest early."
***
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Master, Spare My Life: A Disciple's Sweet Rebellion | Chapter 61 | The Protectors Convene | Novela.app | Novela.app
