Master, Spare My Life: A Disciple's Sweet Rebellion | Chapter 67 | A Sharp Lesson | Novela.app

"I’m sleepy..." Chu Ruo yawned uncontrollably, struggling to stay awake as she reached for the person beside her. "Xue’er, time to get up..." "It’s still early. You can sleep for another hour." The voice was tender, and a pair of arms pulled her into a warm embrace. *How cute.* Chu Ruo hugged her back around the waist. "Maybe we should get up. If we keep this up, the others are going to get annoyed." "What do they matter?" Nan Muxue held her close, unable to resist reaching up to pinch Chu Ruo’s cheek. "With your Master here, what are you afraid of?" Chu Ruo finally forced her eyes open to meet her gaze. "There you go again, putting on those 'Master' airs." "I *am* your Master. Why shouldn't I?" "What kind of Master forces her disciple into her bed... Ow! Why did you kick me out? You little scorpion!" Just as Nan Muxue was about to turn over, the person she had just shoved off the bed scrambled back up. "If the disciple doesn't return to her own room, people will say it was the Master who forced her to stay here..." "Petty," Chu Ruo muttered, though she was grinning. "Always hitting me or scolding me. You definitely have a streak of domestic violence in you, little scorpion." "Domestic violence?" "Ahem... anyway, I’m sleepy again. Let’s sleep a bit more. *Zzz...*" Nan Muxue indulged her, allowing the girl—who was very poorly pretending to be asleep—to drape a leg over her. She gave a soft, exasperated huff. "No manners even in sleep." Nevertheless, she pulled the quilt up to tuck them both in tightly. Chu Ruo peeked with one eye, waited for the right moment to steal a quick kiss from the beauty, and then fell back asleep in total satisfaction. An hour later. "Still sleepy?" Nan Muxue asked gently as she straightened Chu Ruo’s clothes. Chu Ruo didn't know what was wrong with her today; she felt like she could fall asleep standing up. She nodded. "Yeah, a little." "Then go back to sleep. I’ll go alone and have Ning’er stay behind—" Chu Ruo shook her head immediately, hugging Nan Muxue and resting her heavy head on her shoulder. "No, I want to be with you. Wherever you go, I go." Nan Muxue allowed her to cling to her. "Put on your mask. Once we get there, I’ll have A-Yue prepare a stool for you. Just prop your head up on the table and sleep. Ignore everything else." Chu Ruo laughed as she listened. "Such detailed instructions. You’re treating me like a child." "You aren't much better than one." "If you spoil me like this, I’ll only get more outrageous. What’s the phrase? Bold and reckless? Presumptuous because of your favor?" Nan Muxue let out a soft chuckle and tied the mask onto her face. *** The third day of the Martial Arts Assembly, the second day of the tournament. "My, Young Palace Master Nan and her beloved disciple are certainly taking their time. One might wonder what you two were busy doing." *Can this guy even speak human?* Chu Ruo thought. *Nothing but filth coming out of his mouth.* Normally, she tried to maintain her poise so as not to embarrass the "Little Scorpion," but hearing that tone, she saw no need for politeness. Without even looking to see who it was—knowing the Hundred Flowers Palace had her back—she snapped back, "None of your damn business! Acting like a gossiping old biddy. What are you supposed to be?" "Quite the temper. And what are *you* supposed to be? Nothing but a dog picked up by the Hundred Flowers Palace. If you’ve got the guts, come out here—" "Take back what you just said." Before he could finish, Nan Muxue spoke, her voice freezing cold. "Apologize to Ruo’er." "Me? Apologize to *him*?" The speaker was a man in his thirties. Judging by his dress, he held some status. "Nan Muxue, did I hear you correctly?" "That’s Zhu Lingfeng, a Protector Envoy of the Sky Eagle Sect—same rank as you," Duan Ning whispered into Chu Ruo’s ear, as she or Nan Gongyan usually did to keep her informed. "They were among yesterday's winners. Since you two didn't show up, I heard some people who already dislike the Palace were planning to pick a fight today." The Bingpo Sword hadn't left its scabbard, yet a chilling aura began to spread. "Will you apologize or not?" "Hahaha!" Zhu Lingfeng doubled over, clutching his stomach as he laughed. "Everyone, look! Nan Muxue, this little wench, is flying into a rage for the sake of her little pretty boy! Hahaha... Hahaha..." *Motherf—* Chu Ruo thought. *There are idiots everywhere.* Her face darkened, and she gripped the Bingsha Sword at her waist, ready to step forward. But she was stopped. Nan Muxue didn't say another word, nor did she move. She simply waited for Zhu Lingfeng to finish his laughing fit, which had drawn a crowd from other sects. Many looked on with amusement, some even joining in the laughter. The scene made Chu Ruo feel sick. In these onlookers, she saw the ugliness of human nature. Just because the Hundred Flowers Palace was composed of women, they were constantly disparaged. Those who couldn't defeat them resorted to slander, and even women from other sects looked on with disdain, waiting for the Palace to make a mistake. The Little Scorpion was right: there was no "reasoning" in the martial world. Whoever had the sharper sword was the winner. Finally, Zhu Lingfeng stood up, looking smug. Chu Ruo couldn't fathom where this idiot got his confidence. He brushed the dust off his clothes. "Wh—" He didn't finish. In fact, he would never finish a sentence again. All anyone saw was a flash of cold light. The Bingpo Sword was already back in its sheath. For the first second, Zhu Lingfeng didn't react. Then, a warm, wet lump of red flesh landed in his own palm. A brownish-red liquid leaked from the corners of his mouth, dripping through his fingers. Then came a *splat*—blood erupted in a torrent. Only then did he realize that the thing he was holding was his own tongue. "Mmmph! Mmmph!" He desperately covered his mouth, trying to make a sound. It was impossible to tell if he was cursing or screaming in pain. He collapsed to the ground, his eyes bulging and turning bloodshot as he glared at them. "Since you didn't know how to hold it back, I did it for you," Nan Muxue said heartlessly. She gazed into the distance, her pristine white robes untainted by a single drop of red, yet she still stepped back a few paces in disgust. *Tsk, tsk. With a wife like this, who needs to worry about losing a fight?* Chu Ruo stared at her, star-struck. But her admiration didn't last long, as the crowd began to murmur in condemnation. The Sky Eagle Sect disciples ran to fetch their Sect Leader, and more importantly, Abbot Zhizhen of Shaolin and Shen Wanxiong of Casting Sword Villa were approaching. "Amitabha." Zhizhen pressed his palms together. Seeing the situation, he moved to check the man's injury. Nan Muxue sent out a palm strike, accurately shattering the severed tongue on the ground. Seeing this, Zhu Lingfeng’s muffled wails became even more heart-wrenching as he writhed on the floor. "Amitabha," Zhizhen repeated, turning to Nan Muxue. "Benefactor Nan, was this truly necessary?" "Indeed, such a cruel hand..." "Exactly. Master, the Hundred Flowers Palace has always been arrogant, they respect no one..." *Oh, look at them kicking us while we're down.* "All of you, shut your traps!" Chu Ruo roared. "You didn't have a damn thing to say a moment ago, but now you’re all jumping out? Anyone else want to say something?" With the Little Scorpion there, she wasn't afraid of a fight. She unsheathed the Bingsha Sword and pointed it at the crowd. "If you’re not convinced, step up. You don't even need my Master; I’ll send you down to join that guy on the floor myself. Come on." It was a psychological bluff. They had seen Nan Muxue’s skill, and as her direct disciple, Chu Ruo’s prowess was assumed to be formidable. Zhu Lingfeng had ended up like that just for saying a few words; who would dare throw their life away? Even the sect leaders, being older and more cautious, wouldn't act rashly with Zhizhen and Shen Wanxiong present. The crowd fell silent. Satisfied, Chu Ruo sheathed her sword. "If you can't beat me, don't talk big. The price for being an overconfident fool is high." "There was no need for this. As the saying goes—" Chu Ruo interrupted Zhizhen. "Master, the one who starts the trouble is the one at fault. Besides, when he was mocking the Hundred Flowers Palace just now, I didn't see you two stepping out. Now that this 'little matter' has happened, surely it’s not worth troubling your great presences?" *They could have come over earlier if they wanted to. They're just playing the 'holy' mediators now. These 'righteous' sects are so hypocritical.* Shen Wanxiong’s face stiffened. He forced a smile. "Just now..." "Enough. Don't bother lecturing the Hundred Flowers Palace; we aren't of the same sect. We can't control what you think, but if you provoke the Hundred Flowers Palace, don't expect to walk away unscathed. If you have a problem, come at me, Chu Ruo. Don't think you can bully the Palace just because we're women. I’m putting this out there: if I ever hear another dog's mouth spewing insults at my Master, their fate will be a hundred times worse than Zhu Lingfeng’s!" Years later, Duan Ning and the others would still tease her about this. But the martial world would always remember that day. Chu Ruo, one of the future consorts of the Hundred Flowers Palace Master, had made a domineering vow to protect her Master during her first assembly. The determination and fury in her eyes had made everyone recoil. And she truly lived up to those words—but that is a story for later. "Xiao Guo’er, quick, give me a hand... *phew*." "What’s wrong? Are you scared?" "Man, there were so many people. I was actually terrified someone would be blind enough to challenge me to a duel. Or what if Shen Wanxiong got annoyed and swatted me with a palm strike? Plus, yelling that loud made my throat hurt and my heart is pounding." "You were roaring pretty fiercely back there. In the end, the Young Palace Master and the Protectors would have handled it anyway. But, seeing how you defended her, I’ll say you did well." Finally able to sit, Chu Ruo slumped into her chair. "I always do well, okay?" "It seems everyone was bluffed by you. If I didn't know you’d lost your martial arts, I would have been fooled too." Chu Ruo smiled but said nothing. A cup of tea was handed to her. She took it with a knowing look. "Thank you, Master." "Have some preserved plums. Keeping them in your mouth will make your throat feel better." *Look at my wife’s awareness. This care... my heart is melting.* "Mmm, I’m fine, just a bit uncomfortable after the shouting." Chu Ruo lowered her voice. "Even though the others have a grudge against the Palace, don't you think today was a bit weird? It’s like that Zhu Lingfeng was deliberately provoking us. He couldn't beat you, so what was he after? A death wish?" "It might not have been his idea. If he had that kind of brain, today wouldn't have happened." "You mean someone used him? But who? And for what purpose?" "I’m not sure. But one thing is certain: the Hundred Flowers Palace was already unpopular. After this, we will be even more hated. We’ve lost public favor. Even if we luckily win the Alliance Leader position, others might not follow our orders. My biggest fear is a collective revolt." "Kicking us while we're down? Was I too impulsive just now? I even interrupted the Shaolin Abbot. I’ll be more polite from now on." Nan Muxue shook her head, her eyes on the eight sects currently fighting on the platforms. "It has nothing to do with you. To them, the Hundred Flowers Palace is beneath notice regardless. Even if you hadn't spoken, I would have taken the same stance. When they bully us to our faces, are we supposed to offer kind words and smiles? The Hundred Flowers Palace does not swallow insults. But remember, you must never be defeated. Only when you are strong enough will others fear to bully you. The Palace cannot afford a single mistake. Once we stumble, everyone will rush to trample us." "Xue’er..." The other woman turned, looking at her with an amused glint. "Not afraid of people hearing you?" Chu Ruo hurriedly lowered her head. "My slip of the tongue." Her heart ached for her. Step by step, she was beginning to understand why Nan Muxue had to wrap herself in layers of ice. In these years in the martial world, every step she took must have been like walking on thin ice. One wrong move meant a bottomless abyss. She couldn't afford to fail. So many people were just waiting, watching, ready to push them down and shatter them the moment something went wrong. How did she navigate this world without being broken? She was the same age as Chu Ruo—an age that, in the modern world, would be carefree and lighthearted. The "martial world" was truly cruel. "Ruo’er," Nan Muxue’s eyes suddenly softened. "You may call me whatever you wish." *Xue’er, I will protect you. I will protect the rest of your life.* Chu Ruo looked up, a brilliant smile replacing her somber thoughts. "Alright. But for now, I still want to call you Master." The corners of Nan Muxue’s mouth lifted. "I shall remember what you said earlier." "Earlier? Which part?" "Think hard. If you can't remember, you’ll sleep by yourself tonight..." "Wait, no! I’ll think! I’m thinking right now!" *Sleep alone? No way. But I said so many things! Argh, this little... can't curse her, she might hear my thoughts. Sigh, the tragedy.* And so, Chu Ruo tried very hard to remember, and while she was thinking... she fell asleep. *** "Hey, wake up!" Chu Ruo jolted forward. "Who pushed me? Who?" "Sister, it’s over. Are you still not awake?" Chu Ruo wiped the corner of her mouth, though she hadn't actually drooled. "Huh? The matches are finished?" Xiao Guo’er rolled her eyes so hard they nearly disappeared. "You can sleep through all that noise? Were you out 'stealing' someone last night?" "I was not!" *Well, I did 'steal' a kiss, but I slept too! I don't know why I’m so tired today.* "I was just..." "Fine, fine. Get ready, we’re heading back." "Where’s Xue—I mean, my Master?" Not just the Little Scorpion, but almost everyone was gone. The four Protectors were missing too. "Where did they go?" "The Great Protector was injured. Everyone is over there discussing it. The Young Palace Master didn't want to wake you." "Nan Yunshuang is injured? Was today's opponent that good? I thought she was really strong." "You were asleep, so you didn't see. At first, it was normal, but then the other sect's fighter suddenly seemed like a different person. Their strikes were incredibly vicious and powerful. Look over there, at the platform. See that stone pillar? Someone ripped a chunk of stone right out of it with their bare claws, like they were grabbing tofu. Their eyes were blood-red, looking like they’d gone berserk. It was terrifying." That description sounded like a Medicinal Man. "Is the Great Protector badly hurt?" "She took a claw to the shoulder. Luckily she won, but it looked serious. The opponent was fighting to the death, but after she knocked him off the stage, he suddenly fainted. Strange, right? Her last hit wasn't even that hard." *Medicinal Men are controlled. They probably made him faint once it was clear he’d lost to avoid discovery.* "What about Lin Jianghong?" *With her meager skills, if even Nan Yunshuang got hurt... good grief, I hope she didn't kick the bucket.* "The disciple wakes up and immediately worries about the Young Villa Mistress. How very chivalrous." Seeing the situation turning sour, Xiao Guo’er slipped away silently. "I was just—" "Just what?" A brilliant smile, as warm as a spring breeze... *yeah, right.* Chu Ruo felt the killing intent. "Let me explain..." "Your Master is listening. My good disciple, speak... slowly." "Um, I heard from Xiao Guo’er that there were Medicinal Men on the stage today. Did anyone else notice?" A massive eye-roll followed, but Nan Muxue returned to the topic. "No. Unless they knew beforehand, they wouldn't guess. At most, they’d think it was some secret technique or a pill. After all, the moves were still from their own sects. Those two sisters are quite something." Her tone was playful. Chu Ruo quickly pivoted. "Did you hear any flute music? Bai Shan must be nearby." "Not a single strange sound. Perhaps she has improved her methods. And..." "And?" "Your Miss Zhi’er’s side didn't have any Medicinal Men. On the contrary, she won as well." *What? Her? With her skills? Her group must have been pathetic. And if her group didn't have them, then they really are targeting us.* "Be careful," Nan Muxue sighed, then fixed her gaze on Chu Ruo again. "Or perhaps, your Miss Zhi’er has come looking for you." "I..." "Continue with your explanation from before." Chu Ruo stood there, bewildered. "..." *** "I didn't expect the Young Palace Master of the Hundred Flowers Palace to be so skilled at such a young age. Her hand is quite ruthless." "Did you see her moves clearly today?" "Of course. You worked so hard to set up this show; if I didn't watch closely, wouldn't I be letting you down?" "You’ve seen her methods. What do you think?" "Her sword is fast. Nan Muxue is a formidable woman. She is a threat to me." "Then you must strike at her weakness." A finger pointed at Nan Muxue and Chu Ruo in the distance. "That Chu Ruo is her greatest weakness." Two terrifying laughs rang out. "Hahaha..." *** "Shan-shan, why are you messing around? Father said it wasn't time to release the Medicinal Men yet." Bai Shan shrugged. "I already did it. Honestly, you’re just worried about hurting your precious Ruo’er." Bai Zhi’er’s face flushed. "You..." "Alright, sister, don't be mad. Besides, I’m doing this for your own good." "For my own good? What excuse are you using me for now?" "I’m serious. Father wants to wipe out all those martial artists on the day of the finals. We don't know what he’s really planning. Instead of letting that happen, I’d rather make your Ruo’er’s Palace lose now. Maybe they’ll just pack up and go home early." Bai Zhi’er looked at her sister crossly. "You think I don't know what you’re thinking? You were hoping Nan Muxue would take the stage so you could use the Medicinal Men against her, weren't you?" Bai Shan stood with her hands behind her back, swaying her head. "I didn't say that. But she’ll have to go up eventually. If one doesn't work, I’ll send ten. If ten don't work, I’ll send a hundred. I want to see how many Nan Muxue can handle." "Stop fooling around. We can't rush this. She still has Nan Menghua behind her." "Sister," Bai Shan turned back. "Don't you truly wish she were dead? If she dies, isn't that better? Chu Ruo would..." "Enough!" Her face was bright red; she knew exactly what her sister was going to say. "Shut up. Not another word." "Fine, I’m going out to play." As she passed by, she snatched away Bai Zhi’er’s hair ribbon. "If she dies, Chu Ruo is yours. Just admit it!" "Give it back! Give me back my ribbon, you—" "Come and get it! If you catch me, I’ll give it to you! Bye-bye!" *** **Glossary** Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation --- | --- | --- 天鹰门 | Sky Eagle Sect | A martial arts sect. 祝令风 | Zhu Lingfeng | A Protector Envoy of the Sky Eagle Sect. 护教使者 | Protector Envoy | A specific rank within a sect. 小白脸 | Pretty boy | Literally "little white face," a derogatory term for a man who lives off a woman or is effeminate. 智真 | Zhizhen | The Abbot of Shaolin. 沈万雄 | Shen Wanxiong | The master of Casting Sword Villa. 铸剑山庄 | Casting Sword Villa | A prominent sect known for smithing. 药人 | Medicinal Men | Humans turned into mindless, powerful puppets through drugs/alchemy. 白姗 | Bai Shan | Bai Zhi'er's younger sister. 南梦华 | Nan Menghua | Likely a senior figure or the previous Palace Master of Hundred Flowers Palace.