Inside the guest room, Chu Ruo was frustrated—extremely, utterly, and thoroughly frustrated. She had spent the early morning blissfully feeding her "Little Scorpion" porridge, and afterward, she had sat herself down, back straight and eyes wide with anticipation, waiting for her beloved to return the favor. But just as she’d taken a single bite, Xiao Guo appeared outside, announcing that someone was looking for her.
Her heart sank. She frowned and pouted, but what rankled most was that the Little Scorpion actually urged her to go.
"Xue'er, let me finish eating first, please?" Chu Ruo pleaded, her voice dripping with dissatisfaction.
Nan Muxue set down the bowl, her eyes brimming with amusement. "Fine, take your time and eat your fill."
"You..." Chu Ruo felt a lump in her throat. "I still prefer it when you feed me..."
"Your master is feeling lazy right now."
Chu Ruo grabbed her hand, shaking her arm in a fit of spoiled coaxing. "Xue'er... Xue'er..."
As expected, the Little Scorpion had no defense against this tactic. Nan Muxue reached out, brushing a stray lock of hair behind Chu Ruo’s ear with tender indulgence. "Fine. When you return, I shall feed you. This afternoon, we shall take a stroll through the streets."
*Muah!* Chu Ruo planted a kiss on her cheek. "Wait for me! I’ll be back in a flash!" With that, she vanished like a puff of smoke, leaving Nan Muxue to touch the spot where she had been kissed, a lingering smile playing on her lips.
"It’s you?" Chu Ruo looked at the person waiting for her in the private room, feeling a surge of surprise. "Is something the matter?"
the person had been standing with their back to the door. Hearing her arrival, they turned around and froze for a moment. Chu Ruo waved five fingers in front of their face. "What are you doing? Speak up."
"I didn't realize that without the mask... you were actually quite good-looking..."
"What?" Chu Ruo didn't catch the mumbled words. She noticed the person’s face flush slightly as they looked away, appearing somewhat... embarrassed? "I say, Young Villa Mistress Lin—ah, no, I should call you the Alliance Leader now. Alliance Leader Lin, if you have something to say, just say it. I’m busy."
The visitor was Lin Jianghong of Green Willow Villa. Because Chu Ruo had ambushed Liu Songhe during the finals and Nan Muxue had intentionally manipulated the outcome, Lin Jianghong had essentially been handed the position of Alliance Leader. It was a result that had shocked everyone. So, why was she here today?
"I... it’s just," Lin Jianghong stammered, acting uncharacteristically bashful. "Yesterday... thank you."
Thank her? Oh, right. Yesterday, when Lin Jianghong was sent flying off the martial arts stage, Chu Ruo had kicked her to prevent her from smashing into a stone pillar and dying. Chu Ruo waved it off. "Forget it. Just stop spreading nasty rumors about my master in the future."
"You care that much?" Lin Jianghong asked nervously. "You and your master..."
Here we go again. Honestly, everyone loved asking that. What was she supposed to say? She was tired of lying, but she couldn't tell the truth. "Why does everyone ask that? You might not be bored of it, but I’m exhausted. Anything else? If not, I’m leaving."
"Wait!" Lin Jianghong called out. "You saved me. I owe you my life. And this position of Alliance Leader... it was only through a series of accidents involving you that I won. If you have any requests or need my help, I, Lin Jianghong, will certainly see it done."
"Spoken like a true Alliance Leader, quite the presence," Chu Ruo teased. "Actually, there is one small thing I hope Alliance Leader Lin might grant me..."
Lin Jianghong’s face grew even redder. "You don't have to keep calling me Alliance Leader. It sounds awkward. Just call me by my name."
***
"Xue'er!" The moment Chu Ruo returned to the room, she scanned the area until her eyes locked onto her target. she skipped over to Nan Muxue, who stood up to greet her. A wave of warmth washed over Chu Ruo. "I’m back."
"Have you seen your Young Villa Mistress Lin?"
"You knew it was her all along, yet you let me guess for ages."
"Do you have a problem with that?"
"No, how could I?" Chu Ruo sidled up to her. "So, about my breakfast..."
Nan Muxue leaned away. "You took so long that I had A-Yue clear it away."
...Liar. You said you’d feed me when I got back. You played with my feelings! Chu Ruo felt a surge of mock grievance. "You... you lied to me..."
Nan Muxue flicked her ear, sounding exasperated. "You’re becoming more pathetic by the day. It took you so long that the food would have been cold. I ordered them to bring a fresh, hot portion. Besides, plain porridge is so bland; would you even have an appetite for it?"
Chu Ruo’s face transformed instantly into a beaming grin. "Hehe, as long as you’re the one feeding me, I’ll love eating anything."
"Shameless." Nan Muxue pulled her down to sit. "Wait a moment. A-Yue should be here soon. After we eat, we’ll go out."
"Aren't you going to ask what Lin Jianghong wanted?"
Nan Muxue’s gaze was sharp, as if she already knew everything. "Naturally, the Holy Envoy performed a heroic rescue of a beauty yesterday, so the Alliance Leader came to offer her thanks."
"Why are you so un-cute? We’ve already... done *that*, yet you still tease me like this."
Nan Muxue tilted Chu Ruo’s chin up. "Your master enjoys it. Is the disciple dissatisfied?"
Just then, A-Yue arrived with the food. *Phew, saved!* Chu Ruo cheered as she took the tray and dismissed A-Yue. Then, she pulled Nan Muxue onto her lap. Though she received a sharp glare in return, Nan Muxue eventually gave in to her whims and personally fed her.
"Xue'er, you’re so good to me."
"Silly girl," Nan Muxue said, wiping the corner of Chu Ruo’s mouth. "No longer complaining about my teasing?"
"It was just a joke."
"Give me your hand."
Chu Ruo obediently held it out. "You’re not going to prick my finger again, are you? Spare me, it hurts."
Nan Muxue ignored her. She took a ring and slid it onto Chu Ruo’s ring finger. It was a perfect fit. Chu Ruo grinned. "What’s this? Are you proposing to me already?"
"Proposing?" Nan Muxue looked genuinely bewildered. "It is but a ring. What does it have to do with marriage?"
Sometimes the "Little Scorpion" was quite adorable when she was clueless. Chu Ruo loved it when there was something Nan Muxue didn't know; it made her look particularly charming. Chu Ruo leaned in for a kiss. "In my world, that’s how it works. When two people want to get married, one kneels and proposes, then puts a ring on the other’s finger. If they accept, it means they will never be parted for a lifetime."
"Do they kneel on both knees?"
"Hahaha!" Seeing Nan Muxue’s thoughtful expression, Chu Ruo couldn't help herself. "Xue'er, you’re too cute! Hahaha..."
The laughter died in the next second as a finger poked her spine. "Is it that funny?"
Chu Ruo shivered. "No, not funny at all." She pulled Nan Muxue closer. "Actually, I should be the one proposing. You’re the master, after all. If anyone’s kneeling, it should be me. It’s not like it would be the first time."
Nan Muxue leaned into her embrace and smiled. "Indeed. The apprenticeship papers you signed are still in my hands."
"When did I ever sign such a thing?"
"When you first arrived, didn't Xiao Guo have you sign many documents?"
Chu Ruo remembered. Back then, the Hundred Flowers Palace had so many ridiculous rules—guarantees to follow palace regulations, promises not to commit this or that offense, oaths never to disobey the Palace Master... she had written a mountain of things without really looking. "Why does it feel like I signed a deed of sale for myself?"
"It is," Nan Muxue said, tilting Chu Ruo’s head down to meet her eyes. "So, even if you regret it now, it is too late."
"Forget signing; even without it, I’d stick to you for a lifetime."
Nan Muxue stroked her face. "Ruo'er," she said, her expression suddenly dimming. "I am sorry."
Chu Ruo panicked. "What? What’s wrong?"
"I can give you everything," Nan Muxue whispered, her eyes filled with apology. "Except for a formal status."
Oh, that. Chu Ruo understood. Nominally, they were master and disciple—a boundary that was not to be crossed. Setting aside the views of others in this era, there was still Nan Menghua above them. They didn't dare expose their relationship easily. "What are you worrying about? You gave yourself to me; that is my greatest happiness. Besides, if anyone’s giving status, it should be me to you. After all, I’m the husband and you’re the wife."
"You..."
"Xue'er, don't fret over such things. As long as our hearts are true, nothing else matters. I only wish to spend my life with you. As for everything else, even if it needs to be handled, I will be the one to do it. Trust me, alright?"
"Mhm." No more words were needed. Nan Muxue would always trust the person holding her. She clasped Chu Ruo’s hand. "Look at your ring."
The design was unique, shaped like a coiled dragon. The two dragon horns were particularly prominent, giving it an overbearing, wild look that somehow remained elegant. "You had Shen Ruoxuan make this, didn't you? Does it have another function? Counting the one you gave me before, that’s two." Since returning, Chu Ruo had realized that the gifts from the Little Scorpion weren't just for show; they were likely weapons. The needles in her hair and the sleeve-arrows were proof enough.
"You’ve grown cleverer this time," Nan Muxue admitted, demonstrating the hidden mechanisms. "Press here, and a very sharp small blade will emerge. Be careful; it is coated in lethal poison."
"Oh."
"And this protrusion here—pull it out." With a soft metallic clatter, a very fine steel wire was pulled from the ring. "This is the Dragon-Slaying Silk. It is incredibly sharp and can kill without a trace. These are all for your protection."
"Aren't you giving me too many weapons? I’m covered in them—the thorn armor, the ring, and..."
"Carefulness is the key to a long life. I will not let anything happen to you again."
Chu Ruo pecked her lips. "Nothing will. I have you. Why didn't you get one for yourself? We could have worn a matching pair."
Nan Muxue shook her head. "I have no need for such things."
"It’s not just about that. If we wore the same thing, it would be a 'couple’s set'."
"And what does that mean?"
... "Never mind. Since you gave me a gift, I have something for you too."
Nan Muxue was surprised. When had this girl prepared something? "What is it?"
Chu Ruo took her hand and placed an object in it. "Ta-da!" She glanced around. There was no one there, and with their hearing, they would have detected any eavesdroppers. She lowered her voice. "The Martial Arts Alliance Leader’s Token. Am I smart or what?"
Nan Muxue had to admit that while this girl often seemed flighty, she could be surprisingly impressive. "You asked her for it?"
"How could I?" Chu Ruo widened her eyes, looking slightly offended. "Do you think I’m that stupid?"
"Fine, you aren't stupid. My Ruo'er is the most capable." She really was like a child; she had to be coaxed. "Tell me, when did you start eyeing this token?"
"A few days before the final match. I met with Shen Ruoxuan once and analyzed the situation."
"Then how did you two have time to prepare?"
"You underestimate the people of the Sword Casting Villa. This token was forged by the four great villas together years ago. Fortunately, Shen Ruoxuan’s skill in this area is top-notch. He forged two fakes."
"Do you think the Sword Casting Villa knows the secret of the token?"
Nan Muxue shook her head. "Unlikely. This token is quite old. The fact that the four villas had to collaborate back then suggests it was to prevent any one person from knowing its secrets. Even if they know something, it certainly isn't everything. Otherwise, the token wouldn't have remained undisturbed for so many years. Besides, the villas have changed hands over many generations; whether they still know anything is another matter."
Chu Ruo nodded. "In the end, it’s because I’m capable, right? I solved it without you even having to step in."
Nan Muxue smiled. "Then tell me, how did you get your hands on it, and how did you know your master wanted it?"
"Well, last night when we... didn't we throw our clothes on the floor? This morning, when I picked yours up to wash them, I accidentally found that fake one. I figured you were eyeing the token and that it must hide a secret. I guessed Lin Jianghong would come looking for me, so I told her I wanted to see the token. She gave it to me, and I swapped it. Simple as that. By the way, I sounded her out; her elders gave her the token without saying a word. They probably don't know the secret either."
"Aren't you afraid your Young Villa Mistress will be angry?"
"Please, she’s too dim to notice. Besides, if you want it, others surely do too. It would have ended up being swapped or stolen anyway. Better I take it first than let her get robbed on the road."
Nan Muxue stroked her face. "Do you not regret doing such a thing for me?" She knew Chu Ruo was a good person at heart, yet she was willing to do something underhanded for her sake. Though it wasn't a matter of life and death, it wasn't exactly honorable. It seemed there truly was someone in this world who would favor her so unconditionally.
"It’s not that big a deal. But I was thinking... it is hers, after all. If this token really has a secret, whatever it is, once we find it, we’ll give her half. Is that okay?"
Chu Ruo asked tentatively, her concern for Nan Muxue’s feelings evident. "As you wish. Originally, I had planned with Shen Ruoxuan to find an opportunity to swap it when Lin Jianghong came today. If I failed, he would have tried."
"Let him try then. The more people, the better. Let them scramble. You can call me petty, but in the Jianghu, there are no eternal enemies or eternal friends. Let’s not let him know about this for now. The Sword Casting Villa isn't on the best terms with us; if he turns on us one day, it would be bad. Why are you... staring at me?"
"Nothing," Nan Muxue said, suddenly resting her head on Chu Ruo’s shoulder. "I just feel that you are different from before."
"Am I?"
Chu Ruo was clever, but she had always been simple and kind. These thoughts and methods were things Nan Muxue had taught her. Nan Muxue admitted she trusted no one except Chu Ruo. Even if Chu Ruo hadn't suggested it, she would have made the same plan. But she hadn't expected her Ruo'er to change, bit by bit. "You don't need to worry about these things."
"I told you, I want to be with you. I want to protect you. From now on, leave these matters to me."
"Come. I’ll take you to the streets. The weather is fine, and it will be crowded. There is a stall selling stinky tofu; you should like it."
"You’re letting me eat it?"
"No. We are just going to look."
... *You’re toxic!* But what could she do when her wife didn't like the smell? Chu Ruo sighed dejectedly. "Oh."
The shopping trip could be described in one word: extravagant. They had won a fortune, after all. Nan Muxue was making amends. As she said, they were master and disciple; they could not walk hand-in-hand through the bustling streets. She didn't care about the opinions of others, only about one person. But her mother was still there, and as long as she was a useful pawn, she wouldn't be discarded easily. Chu Ruo was different. So, Nan Muxue did her best to compensate her—for everything she had done, for risking her life, for her kindness. Nan Muxue wanted to repay her a hundredfold, a thousandfold. She would spoil her and indulge her; whatever Chu Ruo wanted, she would pay any price to get it.
However, as soon as they returned, they found another unexpected visitor. "Nan... Young Palace Master, you’re back."
The two had gone out alone. A-Yue hurried up to them. "Young Palace Master, the Young Master of the Sea Dragon Gang says he’s here to see you. He refuses to leave..."
"Understood." Nan Muxue waved her off, her expression returning to its usual icy mask. "The Hundred Flowers Palace has no dealings with your gang."
"Oh," Chu Ruo whispered beside her. "No wonder you wanted to stay an extra day and said someone wanted to see me. Turns out it was for your Young Master."
Silently, Nan Muxue reached out and pinched the flesh on Chu Ruo’s back, making her grimace in pain. Xiong Feng, a tall man of nearly six feet, was staring at Nan Muxue with an intoxicated look, completely oblivious to anything else. "I... I came specifically to thank the Young Palace Master."
The others looked at each other. "Thank her?" These two had no history. In yesterday’s match, there was no favor shown; in fact, Chu Ruo had injured their strategist, Gu Yutian. Where did this "thanks" come from?
Nan Muxue didn't answer. Xiong Feng scratched his head sheepishly. "Two years ago, there was a bounty out for the Fire Judge."
Aside from Chu Ruo, everyone else nodded. It was time for a quick lesson, this time from Nan Gongyan. "A particularly powerful villain. Because he offended someone influential, the bounty was ridiculously high, along with many other benefits. Everyone wanted his head back then."
"He is already dead. I do not remember."
Nan Muxue was as cold as ever, her answer arrogant. *If you don't remember, how do you know he’s dead?* Xiong Feng didn't seem embarrassed and continued, "We wanted that bounty too, but we didn't realize his martial arts were so formidable. If the Young Palace Master hadn't arrived in time, I would have been a ghost long ago."
Ah, another case of the beauty saving the hero. *Tsk tsk, what kind of creature is this Little Scorpion? So unique and charming.* Nan Muxue looked straight ahead. "My intent was to kill him. I had no desire to save you."
...Chu Ruo wanted to laugh, but she held it in. The Little Scorpion’s lethality was truly extraordinary. The key was this brother Xiong Feng—whether he was too honest or just slow, he actually pulled out a box and placed it on the table. "I will never forget your life-saving grace. This is a South Sea Night-Luminescent Pearl the Sea Dragon Gang found recently. A gift for the Young Palace Master."
"There is no need. I, Nan Muxue, never accept gifts from others. There is no need for the Young Master to dwell on it. Please leave."
"Nan..."
Before Xiong Feng could finish saying "Young Palace Master," Nan Muxue had already turned and led Chu Ruo upstairs, leaving him standing there with eyes full of longing.
"The Young Palace Master is quite heartless. That Young Master has been thinking of you for two years, and you just dismiss him like that?"
Nan Muxue turned, pinning Chu Ruo into a corner against the wall. "Does Ruo'er have a great grievance against her master?"
"I just feel you’ve broken a young man’s heart."
"What does that have to do with me? He is not in my eyes."
Chu Ruo felt smug and giddy. She stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Nan Muxue’s waist. "And your heart?"
"He is not in there either."
Chu Ruo wagged a finger. "This is where you’re supposed to say your heart only has room for me."
"When has your master ever admitted to such a thing?"
"You’re really not cute. But, I like it." Chu Ruo took her hand. "You gave me a gift, so I’m giving you one in return."
"Did you not give me one already today?"
"This one is different." Chu Ruo held up the items in her hand. "Look, hair ribbons. I bought two. One for you, one for me. Yours is pink, mine is blue, but the style is the same. Do you like them?" *Hehe, this counts as a couple’s set too.*
Nan Muxue simply looked at her and pursed her lips. "Put it on for me."
She would never tell anyone else that in this world, she would never accept a gift from anyone—except her.
***
**Glossary**
Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation
---|---|---
林绛红 | Lin Jianghong | Young Mistress of Green Willow Villa, now the Martial Arts Alliance Leader.
绿柳山庄 | Green Willow Villa | A prominent martial arts sect.
盟主 | Alliance Leader | The head of the martial arts world (Wulin).
斩龙丝 | Dragon-Slaying Silk | A hidden weapon made of fine, sharp steel wire.
海蛟帮 | Sea Dragon Gang | A martial arts organization.
熊峰 | Xiong Feng | Young Master of the Sea Dragon Gang.
南海夜明珠 | South Sea Night-Luminescent Pearl | A rare and precious treasure.
火判官 | Fire Judge | A notorious villain mentioned in a past event.
情侣款 | Couple's set / Matching set | Modern term used by Chu Ruo for matching items for lovers.
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Master, Spare My Life: A Disciple's Sweet Rebellion | Chapter 77 | Unexpected Visitors | Novela.app | Novela.app
