"That’s enough," Nan Muxue said, suppressing a smile as she looked at the person whose eyes were brimming with pitiful tears after having all ten fingers pricked. She chose to ignore Chu Ruo’s blatant attempt to pull her into a hug. "Go to sleep on your own."
Chu Ruo was still baring her teeth and blowing on her fingers to soothe the sting. Hearing this, she immediately reached out to grab the other woman, only for her fingertips to flare with a sharp, agonizing pain. "Ow, ow, ow, it hurts!"
"Can't you be more careful?" Nan Muxue immediately pulled the injured hand toward her, blowing gently on the fingers before taking a jar of ointment from her robes to apply it. "I’ve said it before—you’re a simpleton. You never learn your lesson."
"I only did it because of you! You said you wouldn't go out these next few days and would stay in the room to keep me company. It’s only been a moment, yet you prick my hands and then try to pat your skirt and leave? You don't care about me at all. You're ignoring my eyes pleading for comfort and my thirsty gaze begging for a hug. You’re truly heartless, cold-blooded, and unfeeling... Ow! Stop pinching! It hurts! Awoo~!"
"In any case," Nan Muxue said, showing no mercy as she pinched one of the fingers covered in needle marks, "since I am heartless, cold-blooded, and unfeeling..."
"You're not heartless! You're not!" How could she let her keep pinching? Her fingers would be ruined. Chu Ruo seized the opportunity to pull the woman into a tight embrace. "My Xue’er is the most affectionate, kind-hearted soul."
The other woman was far from appreciative. "What are you shouting? Have you no sense of respect for your elders? Call me Master."
"I don't want to. I want to call you Xue’er."
"During the day, in front of Ning’er and the others, it was 'Master' this and 'Master' that. Why are you calling me by my name now?" The thought of it made Nan Muxue displeased. *The moment you saw that Bai Zhi’er, I suddenly became 'Master.'* At that thought, the last shred of pity she felt vanished completely.
"During the day? I don't really remember. But like you said, Duan Ning and the others were there. Of course I have to call you Master in front of people. Hehe, but in private, naturally..."
"Naturally what? Since you respect your Master so much, you shall call me Master from now on, even in private."
"Alright, alright, it’s just a title. If it makes you unhappy, I’ll call you Xue’er in front of them too. Actually, I prefer calling you Xue’er. Every time they’re around and I have to call you Master, it feels like I’m acting in a play; it’s uncomfortable. Mm, this is much better. I can hold you..." She took the chance to slide her hands down to the woman's waist to sneak a feel. "...and I can kiss—"
Unfortunately, she didn't succeed. Her mouth was blocked by a hand. Nan Muxue turned her head away. "Lie down and go to sleep."
"Wait, where are you going? You said you weren't going out. Xue’er, don't go, okay?" She shook the woman's arm. The Little Scorpion always fell for this move. "I haven't seen you in days. I missed you. Let's sleep together."
Nan Muxue hadn't actually intended to leave. she just wanted to tease the girl—at most, she would have pretended to leave to make her feel a bit gloomy before returning later to watch over her. How could she bear to leave her side again? Hearing Chu Ruo’s pleading, she was about to stop the charade, but the phrase "sleep together" brought Bai Shan’s words back to her mind. Her expression turned stern as she shook her head. "No."
"What do you even have to do?"
"I," Nan Muxue quickly came up with an excuse, "need to discuss some matters with Ning’er and the others."
Chu Ruo’s face fell. "Oh, they're just next door. That shouldn't take long, right?"
"Mm. It will likely take all night."
Chu Ruo pouted, deeply unhappy. *But what can I do? What can I say? The Little Scorpion must be discussing the final battle with them.* She let out a dejected, resigned sigh. "Then... can you stay with me for a bit before you go? Wait until I fall asleep?"
Whenever she met those eyes, Nan Muxue found herself utterly powerless. She always wanted to grant her every wish. She spoke her name, her voice overflowing with deep affection. "Ruo’er."
As Chu Ruo spoke, she lay back down, leaving half the bed empty. "Come here, come here. Lean against me for a while. Let me look at you. I haven't seen you in so long."
Nan Muxue chuckled softly and lay on her side. Her robes fluttered as she propped her head up with one hand, looking down at the person before her. She placed her other hand over the silk quilt at Chu Ruo’s waist, patting her gently. A faint, constant smile played on her lips. "Sleep."
*Tsk, tsk, tsk. This is so dreamy,* Chu Ruo thought. It was like a gentle older sister coaxing her to sleep with a doting expression. Still, she tried to pull the quilt over Nan Muxue. "You should cover up too. Be careful not to catch a cold."
Nan Muxue stopped her, instead tucking the quilt tighter around Chu Ruo. "I’ll be leaving in a moment. You keep yourself covered. That underground labyrinth was damp and cold; you need to rest well these next few days. Don't get out of bed."
"But I'll be so bored."
Nan Muxue narrowed her eyes. "Hmm?"
*Ahem.* That threatening tone was unmistakable. "I mean... I think you're right. I'll just stay in bed for the next few days. Except for going to the bathroom..."
"Quiet." Nan Muxue remained propped up, continuing her gentle patting. "Go to sleep."
"Oh. Then you're not allowed to leave until I'm asleep. Otherwise, I won't be able to let you go."
Nan Muxue laughed. "So talkative."
Before long, Chu Ruo drifted into dreamland, her lips still murmuring "Xue’er, Xue’er." Nan Muxue didn't move an inch. She simply watched the person she wanted to fold into her very heart. She looked from her eyes to her lips, taking in every feature. She reached out to stroke the girl's brow, tracing downward inch by inch, so lightly that it didn't even cause a tickle. Finally, she leaned down and did something she hadn't expected of herself—while Chu Ruo was fast asleep, she stealthily kissed her lips.
Afterward, Nan Muxue felt her face begin to heat up. She felt like a thief, though she didn't understand why. It wasn't as if they hadn't kissed before, so why did it feel so illicit now? Yet, she found that this kiss in the silence of the night was somewhat intoxicating. She reached out and pinched the girl. "You... I've told you so many times to stay alert while sleeping, yet you sleep like the dead. You wouldn't wake even if the world split apart." Her voice turned slightly disgruntled as she pinched harder. "You seemed quite cozy sharing a bed with your 'Zhi’er.' Are you truly not afraid I'll ruin you? If I don't discipline you properly this time, there's no guarantee you won't do it again. It’s the only way to appease the resentment in my heart."
*Whoosh!*
An object from outside the window flew straight toward her with unerring accuracy. Without even turning around, Nan Muxue flicked her wrist and caught it firmly in her palm. It was the special signal Shen Ruoxuan used to contact her. She rose carefully and, moments later, appeared on the high roof of the brothel.
"Where is the item I asked you to forge?"
"Almost done. I have to stay up all night to finish it. I’ll definitely have it for you by tomorrow morning. You could at least show some concern for me. So heartless. Why did you choose this place? How about we go somewhere else and have a little wine..."
"Keep it brief. There’s no need to change locations."
Shen Ruoxuan clicked his tongue. "What, your precious disciple is visiting a brothel and you're accompanying her? That’s some high-level devotion. You’re practically a paragon of a virtuous wife. But you’re usually so petty. Don't tell me you've changed your tastes and are going for both men and women now?"
Nan Muxue drew her sword. "Speak."
"Fine, fine." Using his fingers, he carefully pushed the blade away from his throat. "My old man went to see Liu Songhe today."
"So, they intend to join forces against the Hundred Flowers Palace."
"Very likely. And that’s not all. He also went to see the Sea Dragon Gang. These were all secret meetings, very well hidden. I came to warn you to be careful. This time, as the hosts, Sword Casting Villa cannot participate in the competition. However, E Tu has clearly been bought by Liu Songhe. If they manage to win over the Sea Dragon Gang as well, your situation will be very precarious."
Nan Muxue’s expression remained unchanged. "What did the Sea Dragon Gang say?"
"Unclear for now. But I suspect the old man didn't go to see Xiong Feng. He likely went straight to Gu Yutian. That man has always kept a low profile, but I’ve always felt he’s not ordinary."
"Worry about yourself. If your father finds out, you, the 'Half-Dead Eleventh Young Master,' might not live to see tomorrow."
"And they say you have no heart. Now that you have that little Ruo-ruo, you spend all day wishing for my death. How is she? E Tu didn't..."
"Ruo’er will be fine. Whoever dares to strike her once, I will return it tenfold, a hundredfold. E Tu won't be appearing again. You should think about how to select a fourth person to take his place in a few days."
Hearing this, Shen Ruoxuan knew that E Tu was likely in a state where he wished for death but couldn't find it. Nan Muxue’s methods were already legendary in the martial world. "You mean to push another sect forward? I don't know how many people my father has contacted. And then there are those 'Medicine Men' from the Heavenly Demon Palace you mentioned. If more variables arise..."
"There is one person who is most suitable."
"Who?"
"Lin Jianghong of Green Willow Villa."
"Her? That girl only has a few parlor tricks for martial arts. Besides, Green Willow Villa has been declining for years; even my father doesn't bother with them. Not to mention, Lin Jianghong..." He pointed to his head. "...is missing a few gears. She’ll be beaten to death if she goes up there."
"But she is the simplest, the one with the least guile. I want her to stir up the situation. This Martial Arts Assembly has been going a bit too smoothly; I fear a trap."
Shen Ruoxuan put his hands behind his back. "Her martial arts are so poor. If something happens to her up there, aren't you just sending the girl to her death?"
"That depends on her fate. Liu Songhe wants to be the Alliance Leader; I simply won't let him have his way."
"You really are cold-blooded."
Nan Muxue was indifferent to his sarcasm. Instead, she handed him a drawing. "Remember the two sisters on this paper. They are the Holy Maidens of the Heavenly Demon Palace and descendants of the Bai family of Divine Physicians."
Shen Ruoxuan opened it and clicked his tongue in admiration. "Two beauties. What were their names? Bai Zhi’er, Bai Shan... Wait, the Bai family disappeared so long ago. When did they get involved with the Heavenly Demon Palace?"
"You mentioned hearing your father in a secret meeting at the villa. It might have been them."
"Fine, I’ve got it." He crumpled the paper into a ball, and when he opened his hand, it had been ground into dust. "By the way, have you ever considered one question?"
"What?"
"Regarding the Martial Arts Alliance Leader."
Having collaborated for years, Nan Muxue immediately knew what he meant. She nodded. "The Alliance Leader can command the various heroes. It sounds prestigious, but in reality, if no one obeys, the title is useless."
"As expected of Little Xue-xue. Exactly. I’ve been wondering why my father and Liu Songhe are so obsessed with that position. Could there be some secret?"
"No matter how the leader is chosen, the Abbot of Shaolin always presides. Perhaps he knows some inside information."
"If he knows, he won't say. If our guess is correct, he might only reveal the secret once someone becomes the leader. But we can't just count on him speaking. There must be an object involved. Could it be..."
"The Token!" "The Token!"
They spoke in unison. Nan Muxue added, "My mother is also exceptionally focused on the position of Alliance Leader. I previously thought it was just her ambition. Every leader holds the Black Iron Token to lead the heroes. The secret is likely within that token."
"But before a leader is chosen, that token is guarded day and night by the heads of the four courtyards and the seven holy monks of Shaolin. No one can get near it. To know the mystery within, it seems the only way is to become the Alliance Leader."
"That is the only way. This Martial Arts Assembly is the first in twenty years. Those who were leaders in the past have either died or vanished. It’s quite suspicious."
"There are plenty of suspicious things. Why hasn't a leader been chosen for twenty years? What exactly is the Heavenly Demon Palace planning? None of this is known. It looks calm on the surface, but underneath, I fear a bloodbath is coming. Stay here if you like; I’m leaving."
"Shen Ruoxuan," Nan Muxue called out. "Are you truly willing to move against your father and the villa?"
Shen Ruoxuan turned back. His eyes held a terrifying coldness and murderous intent. "When I was young, my mother was humiliated, beaten, and framed by those wretches just because she was a servant. In the end, she died with a heart full of resentment. From the moment he stood by and watched coldly, I told myself that one day, I would make this villa and everyone in it join my mother in the grave!" With a flash, he vanished into the moonlight.
Nan Muxue returned to the room. The girl was still asleep. She felt an inexplicable sense of relief. With a light leap, she returned to her previous position, propping her head up and watching the single figure in her eyes.
The next morning, Chu Ruo opened her eyes to find the person across from her in the exact same position as the night before. The only difference was that her eyes were closed, and her other hand was still resting on the quilt at Chu Ruo’s waist. A wave of pity washed over her. *This Little Scorpion... not only is she not using a quilt, but she’s been propping her head up like that. Doesn't her arm ache? Won't it go numb?* Carefully, gently, and slowly, she lifted the quilt, wanting to pull the woman in for a hug.
"You're awake," Nan Muxue said without opening her eyes.
"Mm. Doesn't your arm hurt like that? Come sleep in my arms. I'll hold you."
She finally opened her eyes. "I'm not sleepy."
"But your arm must be uncomfortable." Chu Ruo stubbornly leaned closer. "Hehe, you didn't leave at all, did you? This posture is exactly the same as when I fell asleep."
Nan Muxue was never one for guilt, let alone blushing. "I only just returned a moment ago."
"You were gone that long? Then hurry up and sleep for a bit. Come on, I'll go make you something to eat. When you wake up—"
"Stop." Nan Muxue cut her off. "Don't forget what you promised me last night."
"What?"
"No getting out of bed."
"I—"
Nan Muxue tilted her chin up. "Does Ruo’er have an objection?"
"No, none at all."
"I have to go out for another half hour. Stay here obediently. I’ll have Xiao Guo’er watch you."
"...Is that really necessary?"
Nan Muxue poked a spot on her back. "What do you think?"
Chu Ruo swallowed. "It’s necessary. Totally necessary."
Satisfied, Nan Muxue nodded. "Give me your hand."
"More needles?!!!"
"Mm."
*Waaaah, I don't want to live anymore. If I’ve done something wrong, let the heavens punish me, but please don't prick my fingers!*
"Chu Ruo, drink your porridge!" A short while later, Xiao Guo’er entered. Seeing Chu Ruo face down, wrapped in quilts and wriggling on the bed, she looked at her with disdain. "Why are you squirming around like a giant maggot?"
"Can't I be bored and have sore fingers at the same time? Your idol won't let me out of bed. I have to find some activity for myself."
"Idol? What's that?"
"...It just means the Young Palace Master."
Xiao Guo’er nodded. "Oh, oh. Then why won't the idol let you out of bed?"
*Heavens, what did I do to deserve this 'Guo’er Treasure'?*
Fortunately, Nan Muxue returned quickly. Chu Ruo was overjoyed and excited. As soon as the woman sat down, Chu Ruo lunged at her, only to be scooped up—yes, scooped—into Nan Muxue’s arms.
"There are people here... Xiao Guo’er..." She turned her head, but the girl was already gone. She turned back with a brilliant smile. "You're finally back."
"What? Usually, it’s harder than climbing to heaven to get you out of bed. Now you're complaining about being uncomfortable?"
"I was talking about Xiao Guo’er. She almost drove me to a breakdown." At this moment, the lower half of Chu Ruo’s body was on the bed, while her upper half was draped across the woman's lap, her head resting against Nan Muxue’s heart. "You're not allowed to go out again today."
"Alright," she replied dotingly. "I won't."
Chu Ruo looked up pitifully. "Look at my fingers. They're full of needle marks. It hurts so much."
Nan Muxue understood her meaning and cooperated by taking out the ointment to apply it. "I’ll be gentle."
Chu Ruo enjoyed the tenderness of being in her arms while having her medicine applied. *So peaceful. So sweet.*
Nan Muxue took out another item. "Take off your clothes."
"???" Chu Ruo clutched her chest. "You just got back and you want to strip me?"
Usually, such an action resulted in Nan Muxue not even bothering to answer. She simply moved her hands, and in a few quick motions, even the chest binding was removed. Chu Ruo felt a bit chilly. *What now? Should I grab the quilt and cry about this 'beastly' behavior, or ask her to be gentler? Or should I endure the beating and take the chance to counter-attack?*
Before she could decide on a move, Nan Muxue had already put the item on her. Chu Ruo looked down. The thing was close to skin-colored and very light. It didn't look transparent; at least, once it was on, you couldn't see the flesh underneath. It didn't feel stuffy; in fact, it was very breathable. Most importantly, it made her chest look flat. "What is this?"
"A soft armor I had made for you. Does it fit?"
"Mm. Why did you think of making this?"
"Chest bindings are too hot. In this sweltering weather, with this, you won't need them."
Chu Ruo nodded in satisfaction. "I like it. It really is breathable."
"You think that's its only purpose?"
"What else?" She reached out to touch it, and then, tragically, her finger was pricked again. *My poor fingers!* "Ow..."
"You simpleton, why are you so reckless? There are barbs on the surface. Be careful when you put it on. This is impervious to blades and spears."
Chu Ruo sucked on her bleeding finger while examining the armor. *Isn't this the Soft Hedgehog Armor?* "You guys have things like the Soft Hedgehog Armor here too?"
"Soft Hedgehog Armor?"
"This soft armor. Where did it come from?" She had noticed more than once that this era seemed to have things from modern times or other dynasties, as if everything was mixed together.
"I had Shen Ruoxuan forge it. He may seem unreliable, but anything he makes can rival any master smith from Sword Casting Villa. Your constant injuries reminded me that even if I am by your side, I cannot be careless. With this armor, you won't be easily hurt. It’s not easy to take off, either." She placed a ring on Chu Ruo’s finger. "The mechanism is in this ring. Without it, the armor cannot be opened, and no one will know the ring is the key. I will teach you the method; remember it well."
"Mm."
Nan Muxue whispered a few instructions and demonstrated the technique personally. "Did you get it?"
"Mm. But if I can't remember it, I won't be able to take it off. Then how will you hold me?"
"I’ll just have to peel it off along with your skin."
"...*Cough, cough, cough*... You... why are you so..." At Nan Muxue’s warning gaze, she finished, "...so talented." *Baby is unhappy.*
"I have my own way of avoiding the barbs." Nan Muxue indeed pulled her back into her arms, completely unharmed. "No need to worry."
Chu Ruo looked quite content, but then she frowned, causing the woman above her to immediately ask anxiously, "What’s wrong? Are you unwell?"
"Maybe I slept too much. My head hurts a bit. Do you have any medicine for headaches? Give me a pill."
Nan Muxue relaxed and personally fed her a pill, then massaged her forehead. "Who told you to sleep so much?"
"You wouldn't let me out of bed. What else could I do besides sleep?"
"If I don't let you out of bed, can't you find other things to do? Read a book, memorize mental cultivation techniques, meditate... You're just lazy and yet you blame your Master."
"Truly sharp-tongued, you Little Scorpion..."
"What did you say?"
"I didn't say anything! I didn't say a word. You must have misheard, haha."
Her fawning expression made Nan Muxue want to laugh. Finally, they locked eyes and both burst into laughter—a laughter as gentle as water. Nan Muxue held her against her heart and patted her head. "You silly girl."
*Tsk, tsk, tsk.* From last night until now, Chu Ruo felt like she was being a bit of a "shou." The Little Scorpion wasn't being an "gong" at all... no, she was an "gong" when she was protecting her. No, that was just being fierce. In her daze, she felt a tug. "What are you thinking about?"
"I just feel that like this, I’m very much like the submissive one."
The answer slipped out. She shouldn't have said it! As expected, it drew a follow-up question. "What does that mean?"
"It means..." She propped herself up and whispered into the woman's ear, looking a bit embarrassed. "It means that."
Just then, a knock sounded at the door. It was Duan Ning and the others. Chu Ruo was about to get up, but Nan Muxue held her down firmly and called out to those outside, "Come in."
"What are you doing?" Chu Ruo whispered urgently. "They're coming in!"
Instead of letting go, Nan Muxue pulled her even closer. "Is Ruo’er actually feeling shy?"
*Damn it. She’s doing it on purpose. The Little Scorpion is definitely doing this on purpose because of what I said about being the submissive one.* But she couldn't win a fight against her, nor was she as strong. Hearing Duan Ning and the others enter, she could only quickly turn her head and hide it in the Little Scorpion’s embrace. *So embarrassing! But... also a tiny bit happy.*
Sure enough, as soon as Yin Liuli, Duan Ning, Nangong Yan, A-Yue, and Xiao Guo’er entered, their eyes collectively fixed on the two by the bed. In such an ambiguous position, Nan Muxue seemed to be shielding Chu Ruo from the light, her hand blocking the girl's face, which also prevented Chu Ruo from accidentally revealing she wasn't actually asleep. "Is the copying of the palace rules finished?"
Duan Ning teased, "Finished. I just don't know if the Young Palace Master has the time to look them over."
Facing the thick stack A-Yue handed over, Nan Muxue didn't even need to look to know someone had helped them. She took them and placed them by the bed. "Ruo’er will check them. For every mistake, you will copy them again."
In her arms, Chu Ruo almost burst out laughing. *Duan Ning, you've finally fallen into my hands! Aha, your day has come!*
"Then you might as well just tell me to copy them again now. If they fall into your Ruo’er’s hands, will I ever be finished?"
"In that case, copy them again. Ruo’er will still check the ones you've already finished. If there are mistakes, you'll still have to copy them."
"Don't! I was wrong. I’ll give in, okay? My hand is about to fall off."
"Since there’s nothing else, go eat first. When Ruo’er wakes up, you and Yan’er come over. Liuli, go call Yunshuang. Don't let her come to this room."
"Yes."
Once they left, Nan Muxue nudged the girl. "Happy now?"
"My Xue’er is the absolute best!" Chu Ruo sat up, overjoyed, and gave the woman a kiss. "Love you."
In Chu Ruo’s modern mindset, saying "love you" in this context was just a casual way to express happiness and affection. However, in Nan Muxue’s eyes, the context was entirely different. Chu Ruo didn't always have the word "love" on her lips, though she occasionally declared her feelings. Right now, it was no different from a confession. Moved, Nan Muxue leaned forward and kissed the stunned girl. Her face was flushed with a rare bashfulness. "I... love you too."
Chu Ruo was surprised at first, then dazed, and finally filled with joy and emotion. She pulled the moving woman into her arms. This was the first time in days she had held her. It was always Nan Muxue looking after her, protecting her. She was so slender, she also needed an embrace, yet she took on everything and held Chu Ruo in her arms. How could she ever let such a woman down? "Nan Muxue, how can you be like this? Why do you favor me so much?" *All your coldness is given to the world, yet you fear the tiny bit of warmth you have left isn't enough to warm my heart.*
"Ruo’er," Nan Muxue said, her hand resting on Chu Ruo’s shoulder as she laughed softly. "Because you are my Ruo’er."
***
"Little Ruo-ruo~"
"We aren't that close."
Duan Ning looked at Chu Ruo, who was putting on a serious act while clutching the punishment copies with a smug expression. It made her teeth itch. *Hoo... I must endure.* "Holy Envoy, we’ve been friends for so long..."
"Hmph, hmph." Chu Ruo pretended to inspect the copies. "This Holy Envoy must check carefully. The Fourth Protector’s... no problems. As for the Third Protector’s..."
Nangong Yan laughed triumphantly, constantly winking at Duan Ning. *Serves you right.*
"Stop looking for a moment. Let's play!"
"Don't try to distract me. Xue’er won't let me out of bed. The only thing I can do is—"
"Oh, come on. Didn't you have Xiao Guo’er get that 'billiards' thing ready? The table is done, and the wooden balls have been dyed. Weren't you going to teach us how to play?"
"Oh, right! Where’s the table?"
"It’s being brought in right now. The madam here heard about it and said it seemed like a good idea. She had someone make a set for free and sent it over, asking if you could teach them when you have time. It’ll surely attract a lot of business."
"Of course." *Like I said, making money from ancients with modern stuff is a piece of cake.* "Then come on, come on!"
Duan Ning smiled craftily. "Then it’s a deal. We need a wager. If you lose, the matter of the punishment copies is wiped clean."
"And if you lose?"
"I’ll tell you a secret."
Nangong Yan pulled her back. "What secret do you have? Don't lie to her again. If Xue’er gets angry and punishes you, I’m not going to suffer with you."
"It’s fine," Duan Ning whispered back, giving the person on the bed a strange smile. "I’ll just tell her that Xue’er has been angry these past few days because she shared a bed with that Bai Zhi’er."
"You..."
"Xiao Guo’er is here! Come, come, let's begin!"
***
Enjoying the story? Rate this novel:
Master, Spare My Life: A Disciple's Sweet Rebellion | Chapter 72 | Blatant Favoritism | Novela.app | Novela.app
