After dinner that day, Chu Ruo was uncharacteristically diligent. She served tea, poured water, and even massaged Nan Muxue’s waist and shoulders with a fawning, sycophantic smile. "Hehe, my massage technique isn't half bad, right?"
Nan Muxue did look quite relaxed. She had been resting with her eyes closed, but upon hearing this, she reached for her teacup. Chu Ruo, showing rare foresight from behind her, moved with lightning speed to hand the cup over before she could reach it. "Try this, it’s a floral tea I brewed myself."
A faint smile played on the corners of Nan Muxue's lips. She took a sip and said, "Out with it. You’ve been putting on this act all afternoon. What mischief are you brewing now?"
"You really... can't I just be nice to you? You make it sound like I only do this when I want something," Chu Ruo grumbled. However, her hands on Nan Muxue's waist stopped their work. She quietly reached forward, wrapping her arms around the other woman and pulling her back into her embrace. "But since you mentioned it, there is one small thing..."
She watched Nan Muxue’s expression closely. Seeing no immediate rejection, she continued, "It’s just, well, Xue’er, I won’t be going to the third round tomorrow. I want to go out and have some fun."
*Just for this?* Nan Muxue smiled inwardly. It wasn't a big deal; she had told the girl before that she wouldn't force her to go if she didn't want to. Still, she asked, "When I told you not to go before, you insisted on coming. Why the change of heart now?"
"That was because I wanted to accompany you."
"And now you don't?"
"No, I..." Chu Ruo immediately grew nervous. "That’s not what I meant, I..."
Nan Muxue reached back and cupped the girl's face, her tone softening into a coax. "I’m just teasing you. Why are you making that face?"
"In that case, maybe I should just go with you. I can't bear to be away from you anyway."
"It’s just one match; it won't take long. I might even finish and come find you before you're done playing."
"No need for that! Just wait for me to come back here."
"Fine. If you don't want to go tomorrow, then don't. I’ll have Ning’er stay behind to accompany you."
"Her? Tomorrow is the Second Protector’s match; she won't want to leave. But maybe... I’ll ask her later. And Xiao Guo’er, and A’Yue..."
"Alright, alright," Nan Muxue said with her usual doting smile. "Take whoever you want. It’s better to have more people with you." After all, a group was more conspicuous; if anyone tried to move against the girl, they could defend her, or at the very least, she wouldn't disappear without a trace.
"Hmm, actually, that won't work. Their martial arts aren't quite high enough," Chu Ruo blurted out. "I should probably invite Yan'er too..."
Nan Muxue narrowed her eyes. "Yan'er?"
*Oh no.* That wasn't a question; it was a warning. Chu Ruo’s survival instincts screamed at her. "Well, you see..."
It was too late. Nan Muxue sat up straight and turned to face her directly. Chu Ruo looked away, but her chin was immediately seized and forced back. *Fine, I’ll just close my eyes. If I don't look at you, what can you do?*
"I’ll count to three. If you don't open your eyes, I’ll make sure you never have to open them again. One..."
*Pop!* Her eyes snapped open like wide saucers. Unfortunately, the one emitting a sharp, lightning-like gaze wasn't her, but the little snake-scorpion across from her. She forced a sheepish grin. "Xue’er..."
The next second, her cheek was pinched and pulled hard to the side. "My good disciple, why don't you tell your Master how your relationship with 'Yan'er' has been progressing?"
"I..."
"From what I’ve seen lately," Nan Muxue interrupted ruthlessly, "it seems to have advanced by leaps and bounds."
"It’s nothing like that! Between me and Yan'er... ow, ow! The Fourth Protector! I mean the Fourth Protector! There’s nothing between us!"
"Is that so?" Nan Muxue didn't let go. "You certainly call her by a pet name quite affectionately."
"I was wrong! My tongue slipped! No, I’m just a big mouth! Xue’er, I was wrong, okay? Please let me go..."
Nan Muxue gave her cheek two more forceful tugs before finally letting go with a cold snort, falling silent.
Chu Ruo tried to grab her hand, but it was swatted away. She tried again; this time it wasn't swatted, but pulled back. Third time's the charm—she reached out once more and gripped it tightly, leaving no room for the other to shake her off. Despite being rewarded with a massive eye-roll, Chu Ruo beamed. This display finally made Nan Muxue laugh. "Always so shameless."
"If I weren't, how could I have won over a beauty like you?" Chu Ruo lifted Nan Muxue’s hand and kissed it. This made the other woman shyly try to retract her hand, her face flushing a rosy hue. "Xue’er," Chu Ruo pleaded, her voice a mix of begging and coquettish wheedling, "don't be mad anymore. I didn't do it on purpose. Don't be mad at me, okay?"
Looking into those eyes and that face full of anticipation, Nan Muxue’s gaze softened completely, though she refused to admit it. "Sometimes, I really want to sew that mouth of yours shut."
Chu Ruo pulled her a bit closer. "If you sew it shut, how will I kiss you?"
Nan Muxue arched an eyebrow. "Then I’ll just poison you dumb."
*...You little snake-scorpion, you're toxic! What a poisonous woman!* "You, you, you..." Chu Ruo stammered for a long time before finally muttering dejectedly, "Little snake-scorpion."
Naturally, the consequences were severe. "It’s one thing to curse me in your heart, but you dare say it aloud? Has your Master been too kind to you lately?"
*You call this kind?? Sister, you have a deep misunderstanding of yourself.* But forget it—she was the one Chu Ruo had chosen. Seizing an opening, Chu Ruo lunged forward, burying her upper body in Nan Muxue’s embrace and practically sprawling across her lap. "Master! Mercy! This disciple won't dare do it again!"
Nan Muxue’s hand, which had been mid-air after Chu Ruo dodged her reach, finally descended to rest on the back of the girl's head. She chuckled softly. "You truly are a scoundrel."
"So now I’ve rolled into your arms. You have to hold me tight, or else I’ll..."
"Or else what?" Nan Muxue finished for her. "Roll into someone else's arms?"
"No way! Don't even think about throwing me away. Even if you do, I’ll just roll right back. I’m sticking to you for life."
"I should never have saved you back then. Now you’re a parasite who won't leave, wasting so much of my Baihua Palace’s rations every day."
"Since you picked me up, you have to be responsible. I’m not going anywhere anyway. You have to take care of me for the rest of your life."
Nan Muxue held her tighter. "For as long as you say. Not just this life—in the next life, I will take care of you for your whole life as well."
"No."
"No?"
"In the next life, it’s my turn to take care of you."
"Alright."
After saying this, Chu Ruo suddenly sat up and apologized. "Xue’er, I’m sorry. I won't call her Yan'er again."
Nan Muxue stroked her face. "I wasn't truly angry..."
"No," Chu Ruo interrupted, gripping the hand on her face. "The name 'Yan'er' is of extraordinary significance to the two of us. It’s our secret. I shouldn't use that name for anyone else."
"It was a misunderstanding from the start; I did use Yan'er’s identity back then," Nan Muxue said, her smile breathtakingly beautiful. "But remember, the only 'Yan'er' in your heart can be me."
"Okay," Chu Ruo pulled her into a hug. "I won't call Nangong Yan that anymore. My Yan'er is only you. Let’s do this: from now on, if I call you Yan'er, it means something is wrong and you have to listen to me. It’ll be our secret code."
"Mhm."
The two chatted for a while longer, but Chu Ruo, thinking about her outing the next day, decided to go find Duan Ning and the others to give them a heads-up. It was still early, and Nan Muxue was feeling a bit tired and didn't want to go out, so she stayed in the room to read, planning to sleep once she felt drowsy.
Duan Ning and Nangong Yan happened to be drinking. Chu Ruo called A’Yue and Xiao Guo’er over. Her goal was clear: to see if anyone would go out with her tomorrow. Of course, the key was the destination—a brothel.
"What’s wrong with you all? Did you take the wrong medicine? Why is everyone silent?"
*Smack!* Xiao Guo’er, Duan Ning, and Nangong Yan all struck at once. Only A’Yue was refined enough not to move. Luckily, Chu Ruo dodged quickly, though she still took a hit from someone. "What are you hitting me for?"
"You want to go to a brothel? Are you tired of living?!"
"Exactly! How can you be so heartless? Going to a brothel behind the Young Palace Mistress's back! Hmph!"
"Chu Ruo, what are you thinking? Xue’er is so good to you. Even if you're playful, you shouldn't go to a place like that."
"Chu Ruo, when you were gone, the Young Palace Mistress suffered in both body and mind for you. I have served her for years and never seen her so heartbroken. You must not betray her like this."
Faced with the four women speaking in unison—and quite loudly at that—Chu Ruo quickly made a gesture for them to stop. "What are you all thinking? Am I really that heartless and ungrateful?"
"Hmph!"
"Oh, alright, keep it down! If Xue’er hears, she’ll skin me alive!" Chu Ruo glanced at the door before whispering, "You guys, I’m going there for serious business, okay?"
Duan Ning took a sip of wine and asked, "What business?"
"It’s about the Martial Arts Assembly. Ever since the Medicine Men appeared, Baihua Palace has been unfairly blamed for colluding with the Heavenly Demon Palace. Aren't you curious who’s behind the rumors?"
"Can you not use such crude metaphors?"
Xiao Guo’er scratched her head. "What does that have to do with going to a brothel?"
"Oh, you kid, you just can't wrap your head around it. Besides an inn, where is the best place to gather information?"
*Oh.* Everyone had a moment of realization. It made sense. Most sect disciples were men, and with the Martial Arts Assembly being such a grand event, business in the red-light districts was booming. The rumors about the Medicine Men were spread by people gathering and gossiping. That was the hub for information. The Heavenly Demon Palace, Sword Casting Villa, and Flying Eagle Fort were all possibilities, but as the little snake-scorpion said, Baihua Palace had many enemies. There were too many sects with grudges. If they didn't find a way to turn the situation around, even if they won, the others wouldn't let them take the position of Alliance Leader.
"So, are you coming with me or not?"
A’Yue shook her head. "I’ll stay with the Young Palace Mistress tomorrow."
Nangong Yan had been troubled by her own thoughts lately, which was why she had dragged Duan Ning out for a drink. She figured she might as well find something to do. Moreover, subconsciously, she wanted to use Chu Ruo to spite a certain someone, so she agreed. "Count me in."
Duan Ning, on the other hand, was a bit conflicted. "But tomorrow Liuli has a match..."
"Oho, look at that! Usually, you're the one laughing at me and Xue’er, and now you... missed me! Neener neener~"
"Go away! I’m just concerned about the Palace’s affairs."
"Who are you kidding? Are you going or not? But you’ll have to dress in men's clothing. We’ll all go in disguise to avoid being recognized."
"I..."
Nangong Yan also urged her, "Go on, Ning’er. Liuli will be fine. We’ve never been to one anyway; we might as well go see."
"Fine, fine. I’ll have to tell Liuli. Come to think of it, I really haven't been to one. Even though Baihua Palace has brothel properties, they’re usually managed by Yunshuang and Liuli..."
"Wait, what did you just say?"
"Baihua Palace has brothel properties. What, are you surprised? Xue’er never mentioned it to you?"
"No. Are there any Baihua Palace ones here?"
"No. This place is so far from the Palace. Do you think opening a brothel is easy? You can't just open one whenever you want. But most of the ones in the cities near the foot of the mountain are ours, especially the largest one, Zuimeng Building. Don't underestimate it; it makes quite a lot of money."
*Zuimeng Building!!!* So it belonged to the little snake-scorpion. No wonder she knew exactly what Chu Ruo had done that time she went, even down to the details of her paying for someone's wine. That wretched little snake-scorpion—so dishonest, so un-cute!
"What is it?" Duan Ning asked with a playful smile. "You look like you have a story..."
"Pah, pah, pah! I don't! Xiao Guo’er, are you coming with us?"
"Me? I suppose there’s no harm in going to see."
"Alright then, you’ll be my little attendant. Oh, and listen up—you absolutely cannot let Xue’er find out about this. If she knows I went to a brothel, I’m dead."
"Oh," Duan Ning’s smile grew even stranger. "Then that depends on your performance."
"You!"
"Yan'er and I were just drinking. This place has good wine; want to try some?"
"Me? I can't hold my liquor..."
"If you can't hold it, all the more reason to practice," Duan Ning said, pulling Chu Ruo into the drinking session without allowing for an argument. "You represent Baihua Palace. You should know why Xue’er had you dress as a man—it’s so you can go where it’s inconvenient for us to show our faces. How can a man traveling the martial world not drink? You have to drink a lot. Sometimes you have to socialize with other sects. Furthermore, if your tolerance is low, you could be drugged or tricked. Being able to out-drink others is a form of self-protection. Come on, drink your fill today. Let’s see how much it takes to get you drunk, and we’ll slowly build up your tolerance from now on."
"Enough, enough! Pour less. I’ll try a bit."
Under Duan Ning’s "gentle persuasion," Chu Ruo drank quite a lot. Eventually, she lost track. She stumbled back to her room with red eyes, swaying on her feet. She thought she was just tipsy, but in reality, she was dead drunk.
"Ning’er, why did you make her drink so much?"
"Don't tell me you, the Fourth Protector, are feeling sorry for her too? Could it be that you two really..."
"Get out of here," Nangong Yan said, laughing as she gave the other a shove. "She really can't drink. Making her drink so much and so fast is bad for her health. Aren't you afraid Xue’er will come settle the score with you later?"
"Don't worry, I know what I’m doing. She didn't collapse, did she?" Duan Ning laughed happily, clutching her wine bottle. "Sometimes, you just have to get drunk."
Upon returning to the room, Chu Ruo headed straight for the bed. Nan Muxue was already lying down, but she had left a candle lit for her. By the dim light, Chu Ruo reached the bedside and nearly sat directly on the floor. She braced herself and managed to sit down, groping around blindly. "Xue’er... Xue’er..."
"You’re back. What are you looking for?" Nan Muxue turned over. She could already tell from the smell of alcohol and the girl's state what had happened. Her tone was soft. "You’ve been drinking?"
"Mhm. Duan Ning... they had me try... hehe... my tolerance," Chu Ruo said, her body swaying precariously. "I... lost count. Too much."
Nan Muxue tried to pull her down to sleep. "If you're tired, hurry and lie down."
Chu Ruo waved her hand. "I... I have to change. The smell of wine... will bother you. And I need to drink Hundred-Flower Honey... drink..."
She actually held her hand in the shape of a cup in the air, as if toasting someone. Nan Muxue suppressed a laugh, but her heart felt warm. Even when this girl's mind was a mess, she was still thinking of her. She got out of bed. "I’ll get it for you. Sit here and wait."
Chu Ruo’s brain was currently like mush. Nan Muxue brought her clothes and helped her change, then fed her the Hundred-Flower Honey, which had a slight sobering effect. Consequently, Chu Ruo cleared up a little, though she was still drunk. "Xue’er? I..." She shook her head. "When did I get back to the room?"
"Drunk like this... if you can't drink, don't drink so much," Nan Muxue said, finally pulling her down to lie beside her. "You aren't allowed to drink that much again, do you hear me?" She felt a bit of resentment toward Duan Ning and decided she would definitely give her a lecture tomorrow.
"She’s right. I have to practice my tolerance, otherwise how can I travel the martial world?" Chu Ruo snuggled into the other woman's embrace. "So cool and refreshing... Xue’er is the most comfortable... mhm..."
That "mhm" was a sound of extreme comfort. Nan Muxue let the girl nuzzle against her. "Don't listen to her. You don't have to force yourself to do anything. I’m here for everything."
"No. I want to work hard and do everything well. I want to help you."
"Alright. It’s enough that you have the heart for it. Sleep now."
Nan Muxue finished speaking and kissed Chu Ruo’s forehead. But that cool comfort made Chu Ruo greedy; she wanted more. She moved upward, and with just one look into each other's eyes, they were locked in a deep, passionate kiss. The entanglement of lips and tongues made them both lose themselves.
"Xue’er," Chu Ruo felt very hot, yet also very cold. Regardless, she found that holding Nan Muxue beneath her was the only thing that felt right. "Let me hold... hold you for a bit."
She really was drunk. She was already holding her, yet she said such silly things. Nan Muxue laughed and lightly tapped the girl's brow. "Then what are you doing right now?"
"Right now?" Chu Ruo shook her head and simply collapsed her entire weight onto the other woman. "Xue’er, I feel so uncomfortable."
Nan Muxue massaged the sides of her forehead. "Does your head hurt from drinking too much? You, why do you have to push yourself?" She then frowned. "That girl Ning’er doesn't know when to stop. You should interact with her less in the future, or you'll be the one suffering."
"Hehe, well, I have... I have you. Who would dare bully me..."
"Fine. With me here, I’ll naturally stand up for you." Nan Muxue stared down at the face before her, her heart filling with joy. She couldn't help but toy with that slightly hot, handsome face. "I’ll have a word with her tomorrow, alright?"
"Mmm..." Chu Ruo began to drift again. She vaguely felt someone talking to her and squeezed out a sound in response. Feeling the cool sensation on her face, she grabbed the hand tightly and pressed it against her cheek, unwilling to let go. "Ice... ice block..."
Nan Muxue was a bit exasperated. Why was she being called an ice block again? "You—"
But it wasn't over. Chu Ruo’s hands began to wander, her mouth mumbling, "Big ice block... why... why is it covered in cloth? Take it off..."
Nan Muxue realized something was wrong, but before she could react—*shred!*—Chu Ruo grumbled as she undid the thin gauze robe Nan Muxue was wearing. "Much cooler."
"You!" Nan Muxue bit her lip in anger. *How can you be so unruly even when you're drunk?* But despite her anger, the flush on her face wouldn't fade.
"This ice block even wears clothes. How fun," Chu Ruo had no idea what was happening. Her hands were just blindly pulling at the other's garments. Nan Muxue wanted to push her away, but on one hand, a drunk person has more strength, and on the other, she was afraid of actually hurting her. This hesitation made her movements clumsy, and in the end, Chu Ruo got her way. "The ice can move! Hehe, *hic*!"
Nan Muxue watched helplessly as her inner garment was tossed aside. The culprit then hugged her and fell asleep happily. She pinched Chu Ruo’s nose in frustration. "I’ll teach you to sleep!"
*Zzz...*
This made her want to kick the girl off the bed, but she couldn't bring herself to do it. She finally let go, and watching the girl sleep so soundly, she began to feel happy too. Looking down again, she realized her current state... and if she didn't pay attention, it was fine, but once she did, every time Chu Ruo moved, she would tremble. Every movement of the other was touching her. Feeling a bit indignant, she pinched the girl's face out of spite. "I’ll deal with you tomorrow."
Perhaps she was too forceful, or her nails were a bit sharp, because this pinch woke Chu Ruo up. "Ow! Who hit me? Who? Come out... who?"
Nan Muxue suppressed a laugh and half-coaxed, half-lied, "It’s nothing. You’re drunk. Go back to sleep."
"Oh," Chu Ruo obediently flopped back down, her hand naturally landing on the other woman's body. Then, a very faint moan reached her ear. Combined with the sensation under her hand, she struggled to open her eyes and looked up. "Xue’er?"
This look was a mistake. She saw a pair of almond eyes glaring at her in fury. Chu Ruo was so scared her voice trembled. "Xue... Xue’er?"
As her voice trembled, her body moved too. Nan Muxue’s expression shifted again, her face turning even redder. She was too embarrassed to speak, so she just kept a sour expression.
"Sorry, sorry! I... I must have drunk too much. I’ll... I’ll get your clothes. Clothes!" Chu Ruo’s eyes darted around looking for the clothes. But as she looked, her eyes couldn't look away. Finding clothes? That was immediately thrown to the back of her mind. Her eyes were fixed in a daze.
"Chu Ruo!"
Nan Muxue bit her lip and shouted in annoyance. No response. She shouted three more times before the other finally snapped out of it, grinning mischievously with a look that could only be described as lecherous. "Hehe, Xue’er, I..."
This time, Nan Muxue didn't interrupt her. The reason Chu Ruo stopped was because she had a nosebleed. She had looked up to reply, only to feel a sudden sweetness followed by a faint metallic taste. A warm liquid flowed from her nose. At first, she thought it was snot and worried it was too embarrassing, but the nosebleed was flowing so fast it reached her mouth in an instant. Luckily, she reacted quickly, rolling off the bed while tilting her head back. "Xue’er!"
"Ruo’er!" Nan Muxue had seen it too. She called out in panic and immediately looked for something to stop the bleeding. After a bit of a fuss, the two finally lay back down.
Chu Ruo lay flat with two rolls of cloth stuffed in her nose. "Check if it’s still flowing?"
Nan Muxue leaned over to check carefully. "It’s stopped. Don't touch it."
As she leaned in, Chu Ruo immediately became unruly again. Nan Muxue didn't miss that shifty gaze. Cursing herself for being too panicked to find her inner robe earlier, she quickly pulled back and lay down, wrapping herself tightly in the quilt.
"Xue’er," Chu Ruo said, lying on her side. "You’re so beautiful."
"Shut up!" Nan Muxue said with a hint of anger, though it was mostly embarrassment.
"I’m serious. Otherwise," she pointed to her nose, "would I be like this?" *But why is my body so useless? Why is it so cowardly? It just saw its own little snake-scorpion... why did it get so excited it bled? One star review. It must be the wine. I blame the wine. Mhm.*
Nan Muxue looked at the comical sight and finally laughed, though she still muttered, "Pathetic."
"It just proves you're beautiful." Chu Ruo took Nan Muxue’s hand and unconsciously leaned in. Then, naturally, they kissed...
"Xue’er," this time, her voice was husky. After a brief moment to breathe, she kissed her again. "You’re so lovely."
Nan Muxue responded passionately. Perhaps Chu Ruo’s drunken antics earlier had stirred her body, or perhaps she had been waiting for this for a long time. She wrapped her arms around the girl's neck and let her kiss her. "Ruo’er..." Nan Muxue realized that her own voice had changed as well.
Chu Ruo was originally lost in the moment, and the other's hand had even reached around to her back. But then, she suddenly began to remember her reservations. Looking over, the Cinnabar Mark was as glaring as ever. She admitted it—she was hesitating again. "Xue’er, I... let’s... let’s sleep."
*...How can there be such an annoying person?* She had lit the fire, only to turn into a shrinking turtle. However, Nan Muxue understood exactly what Chu Ruo was worried about. She also knew the consequences if they were discovered. The worry wasn't non-existent. Looking again, she saw the girl's eyes were full of her. She reached up and stroked the other's lips. "Have you thought it through? Do you really not want me?"
*Good heavens, the little snake-scorpion is being so proactive!* It was shocking. But after a fierce internal struggle, Chu Ruo said, "I... I do, but not now."
"Mhm."
Short and concise. "Are you... are you mad or not?"
"What do you think?"
"I’m not... actually, I’m just worried..."
Nan Muxue interrupted her gently. "I know."
"Then you're really not mad?"
She shook her head, then added, "As for being mad... earlier when you were drunk," she pinched the girl's waist, "you certainly used the alcohol as an excuse for your crimes..."
"I was wrong, I was wrong! I was just drunk! Xue’er!"
"If you ever dare drink this much and act crazy again, watch your... mmm..."
This time, it was Chu Ruo who kissed her. Afterward, she stared into her eyes. "Little snake-scorpion, remember this: sooner or later, you will be mine. You can only be mine."
***
The next day.
Since there were fewer matches now, the start time had been moved to the afternoon. So, as soon as Nan Muxue left, Chu Ruo headed to the red-light district with Duan Ning and the others.
Although all sect disciples were supposed to attend the matches, Chu Ruo knew that many of the eliminated sects were just there for show. The leaders went, while the disciples mostly snuck off to have fun. If one wanted to gather information, they had to listen to these gossiping disciples. Sect leaders wouldn't be sharing rumors in the main hall. So, now was the best time. The red-light district was booming, and it was just as lively during the day. They could gather what they needed and head back. And, of course, they could take a look around while they were at it.
Chu Ruo, Duan Ning, and the others entered a medium-sized brothel. The large ones were too expensive for ordinary disciples, and the poor ones had no customers; this was just right. They were dressed in men's clothing and lightly disguised. They entered the main hall, ordered some things, and sat down. Just as they were thinking about how to strike up a conversation with other sects, several objects were thrown in from nowhere. Before they could see what they were, the entire hall was filled with thick white smoke. It was so thick they couldn't see their own hands. Before Chu Ruo could even open her mouth, she felt her nose and mouth being covered. There was a faint floral scent, and then, she gloriously fainted.
*A million curses in my heart! Who did I offend this time? Why have I been kidnapped again? It’s probably related to Flying Eagle Fort. Sigh, bad luck. Truly bad luck.*
"Awake?" In a dark room, dim light seeped through a broken window. The air smelled of blood and moldy rot. Something was sizzling on a charcoal fire, dripping with fat. "Want something to eat?"
Chu Ruo opened her eyes. She was indeed tied to a pillar again. But the person this time was a surprise. "E Tu?" She struggled with all her might, but it was useless; the chains clanked loudly. "Why did you kidnap me?"
E Tu took a piece of meat—she couldn't tell what kind—on a fork, sniffed it, and held it to Chu Ruo’s mouth. "The heat is just right. Want a taste?"
Chu Ruo didn't miss the body lying in the corner. She couldn't tell if it was a corpse or a living person, but it wasn't moving. Remembering what they had told her about what kind of meat E Tu ate, she felt a wave of nausea. "What did you kidnap me for? Baihua Palace has no grudge against you."
The man didn't answer. He quickly pulled a gleaming semi-circular meat cleaver from behind him. With a few rapid strokes—his technique so fast the meat was sliced into several perfectly even, translucent pieces—he demonstrated a mastery that combined blade techniques with martial arts. He caught the slices on a porcelain plate, arranging them neatly. He picked up a slice with chopsticks. "Do you know which part of the human body tastes the best?"
Chu Ruo’s heart skipped a beat. *As expected...* She forced herself to suppress her nausea and kept a straight face, but she didn't speak. She was truly afraid this man would suddenly say, "Brother, have a bite?" while acting like a refined gourmet. *Ugh.*
E Tu put the slice of meat into his mouth, looking extremely satisfied. "Mmm, delicious," he said, smiling at Chu Ruo. "It’s the human tongue."
***
| Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 饿屠 | E Tu | Literally "Hungry Slaughterer." A cannibalistic character. |
| 守宫砂 | Cinnabar Mark | Also known as the "Gecko Mark." A traditional red dot on a woman's arm that disappears if she loses her virginity. |
| 醉梦楼 | Zuimeng Building | Literally "Drunken Dream Building." A brothel owned by Baihua Palace. |
| 花柳巷 | Red-light district | Literally "Flower and Willow Alleys." |
| 百花蜜 | Hundred-Flower Honey | A special honey from Baihua Palace with medicinal/sobering properties. |
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Master, Spare My Life: A Disciple's Sweet Rebellion | Chapter 69 | Drunken Antics and Danger | Novela.app | Novela.app
