"Phew... Xue'er..." The relaxed sound of Chu Ruo’s light snoring abruptly shifted into a pained grimace.
Nan Muxue watched her bedfellow, a smile playing on her lips. "Wake up."
"No..." Chu Ruo’s eyes remained shut, her handsome face flushing a deep red. Her hands flailed about as her nose and mouth were covered, making it difficult to breathe. "Sleepy..."
"Is this how you plan to wake up early?"
Chu Ruo’s eyes fluttered open, bleary with sleep. "Time to get up? Up..." She struggled to sit, muttering under her breath, "How does it feel like I just laid down..."
Before she could even find her clothes, she was pulled back, losing her balance and falling directly onto Nan Muxue. "Xue'er, you..."
Nan Muxue reached up and pinched her cheek. "I was teasing. Sleep a while longer."
Chu Ruo didn't take offense. Instead, she flopped back down and pulled the other woman into her arms, her face beaming with joy. "What time is it?"
"Midnight has just passed."
Only midnight? "I knew it. It felt like I’d only just fallen asleep." But what could be better than waking up to find you still had hours of sleep left, with your wife right beside you? She leaned down to peck Nan Muxue’s crimson lips. "What’s wrong? Is the wound on your arm hurting?"
"A minor injury, nothing to worry about." Nan Muxue suddenly propped herself up, arching an eyebrow with a hint of playfulness that bordered on a challenge. "Chu Ruo."
Hearing her full name made Chu Ruo instinctively tense. "Yes?"
"I woke you for no reason. Why aren't you angry?" Nan Muxue had felt this for a long time—this girl always indulged her. Whether it was unreasonable tantrums or deliberate mischief, Chu Ruo would always embrace her immediately, tenderly calling her "Xue'er." It made her feel a profound sense of happiness.
"You’re being so serious, you’re going to scare me," Chu Ruo teased, blinking her eyes. she reached up to wrap her arms around the woman above her, successfully pulling her down to whisper in her ear, "Mhm, my Xue'er can do whatever she wants."
Nan Muxue turned her head to look at her, her eyes shimmering like rippling water. "Will you always treat me this way?"
"Just drop the 'will' and make it a statement," Chu Ruo laughed. "Why ask me that? Honestly, I’m the one who’s done nothing. If anyone should be asking, it’s me. I’m just a penniless 'pretty boy' relying on you to support me. If one day you don't want me anymore..."
Nan Muxue pressed a finger to her lips, silencing her. "None of that matters. Ruo'er, I can grant you anything you desire, but I only want one thing from you."
Without needing the beautiful woman to say it, Chu Ruo placed their intertwined hands over her own heart. "In my heart, there is only one Little Scorpion."
***
The first crow of the rooster woke Chu Ruo. Almost instinctively, she reached out to the side of the bed before even opening her eyes. When she finally did, her smile was radiant. "I knew you’d be awake."
"If I weren't, how would I know if you were being diligent?"
"Always so sharp-tongued," Chu Ruo shrugged. "I’m getting up now..."
"Ruo'er," Nan Muxue pulled her back. "If you don't want to get up, keep sleeping."
"You spoil me too much. If this keeps up, the fighting spirit I worked so hard to stir up will vanish again." She kissed Nan Muxue’s cheek. "You’re always the one kissing me when we wake up. From now on, I’m going to kiss you every morning too."
Nan Muxue sat up to begin dressing, but Chu Ruo stopped her. "I need to hurry back to my room. You’re in your own quarters today, so why get up so early? Did you forget what I said? Sleep a bit longer from now on."
Nan Muxue gave a faint smile. "I have never been one to linger in bed. I only do so because you are here. Go wash up and then come find me. I will be waiting for you in the Ice Cave."
"Xue'er..."
Faced with the sudden embrace, Nan Muxue wasn't surprised. Instead, she tightened her hold, asking dotingly, "What is it now?"
"Do you have any idea? Sometimes, when you say things so calmly and matter-of-factly, it makes me so happy. Nan Muxue, you really are a seductive Little Scorpion without even realizing it."
This time, Nan Muxue was genuinely stunned. "What did I say?"
"Nothing," Chu Ruo said, greedily inhaling the fragrance of the woman she held. "In short, I just love you. Very, especially, and extremely much."
"Always so improper," Nan Muxue said, though her eyes couldn't hide her smile. "Go quickly, lest you run into someone on your way out."
"You really are an impossible Little Scorp—"
*Thud!*
After being kicked off the bed, Chu Ruo pouted as she stood up to dress. She happened to glance back and saw Nan Muxue preparing to rise as well. However, because of their activities the previous night... the Little Scorpion was currently wearing nothing at all. "Bring me a fresh robe," Nan Muxue commanded.
Her lustful gaze finally drew Nan Muxue’s attention. The latter immediately lay back down, wrapping herself tightly in the quilt. With a cold expression, she gestured toward the wardrobe for Chu Ruo to fetch her clean clothes.
What else could a devoted partner do? Chu Ruo scurried over to the wardrobe, asking, "What color do you want?"
The Little Scorpion actually had many colors, though she usually preferred plain white. To Chu Ruo’s surprise, she asked back, "What color do you like?"
Searching through the silks, Chu Ruo replied, "Me? I obviously like you best when you're wearing noth—"
*Smack!* A soft pillow flew through the air, heartlessly hitting the floor. As Chu Ruo picked it up, she grumbled, "Look at you, I still have to give you..."
She suddenly froze. Nan Muxue sat up again, shielding herself with the quilt, and peered over. "Ruo'er?"
Chu Ruo had pulled something from the very bottom of the wardrobe. She hurried back to the bedside, looking at her beloved. "These... these are my clothes."
Nan Muxue didn't need to look to know. "The day I rescued you, your clothes were filthy and torn, likely from the jagged cliffs or branches during your fall. I simply had them changed for you..."
"I don't mean that. These clothes... you didn't throw them away."
Nan Muxue smiled. "Though they are strange garments, I thought you must have come from a far-off place. I kept them as a memento. I intended to give them back to you one day but truly forgot. They have been sitting there all this time. You certainly have a knack for digging things up."
Chu Ruo pulled her into an embrace. "Tell me, did you fall for me at first sight? Is that why you secretly kept my clothes?"
"Shameless."
"The world says you are cruel and heartless, but they are clearly wrong."
"No, they are right. Aside from you, I care for no one else in this world."
"Seeing these clothes... I actually feel a bit nostalgic for the time before I transmigrated."
Nan Muxue instantly snatched the clothes away, her tone dropping several degrees. "You want to go back?"
"No! Where did that come from? I wore these in the modern world. Seeing them just makes me feel... what’s the word? Homesick..."
"You are not allowed to think of it!" Nan Muxue snapped, her composure breaking. "If you ever dare harbor the thought of returning, I will burn these clothes right now!"
"I’m not going back!" Chu Ruo hurriedly pulled her into her arms. "Honestly, why are you so worked up? I’m not going anywhere. How many times do I have to promise you?"
"Ruo'er..."
"Xue'er," Chu Ruo looked down at her. "I love you. Nothing compares to you in my eyes. I really won't leave. Don't scare yourself. I promise, until the day I die, I will stick by your side and annoy you day and night until you’re sick of me."
***
"This Ice Cave hasn't changed a bit."
"This cave was formed naturally; the ice is over a thousand years old. Forget a few months—even after ten thousand years, it wouldn't change in the slightest."
"Why do you become so cold the moment you step in here?"
"Stop your prattling," Nan Muxue said seriously, gesturing to a spot. "Sit."
"You didn't even think to bring a cushion..."
Before she could finish complaining, Nan Muxue pulled her down to sit cross-legged. Chu Ruo shivered instantly, the bone-chilling cold erupting from the inside out. "Xue... Xue'er, it’s cold..."
Nan Muxue sat directly opposite her, her hands in a flower-pinching mudra resting on her knees. "I will teach you the breathing and meditation techniques from the *Hundred Flowers Secret Manual*. From now on, you will spend two hours in the Ice Cave every day. Over time, your internal power will advance by leaps and bounds."
"Is this technique really that powerful?"
"It is not the technique that is powerful, but this cave. As long as one practices correctly, even an ordinary person can quickly become a top-tier master. With your innate talent, it won't be long before you are peerless."
*Isn't this just like the icy bed from the Condor Heroes?* Chu Ruo wondered. "Did you used to sleep in this cave before?"
"Why would I sleep here?"
"You said it helps increase cultivation quickly. Why not sleep here to absorb it faster?"
"Greed leads to loss. The cold qi of this cave is harmful. One must not exceed three hours a day, or the cold will seep into your internal organs and damage them. Over time, it would be extremely detrimental to your health. Do not be greedy."
Chu Ruo immediately became anxious. "But you used to stay here for hours on end! Was it... was it..."
"It matters not. You keep interrupting. Focus. Recite after me: 'Stillness nurtures the nature, stability guides the breath; thus virtue is attained. When the heart flourishes, the form may be hollow; if it withers, all is lost...'"
Chu Ruo sat in silence for a long time. Gradually, she felt as if the world around her had vanished. Her mind and spirit unified, and everything became clear. By the time she emerged from this state, the two hours had passed. The two of them headed straight for the study.
"I’m telling you, you should get another chair for this desk. That rocking chair in the back is way too comfortable; I want to sleep the moment I sit in it."
"You’re just looking for excuses for your own laziness," Nan Muxue said. She picked up a letter sent from a branch sect but didn't sit down. Instead, she walked to the window, gesturing for Chu Ruo to take her seat.
"That’s not a good idea," Chu Ruo shook her head. "This is the seat of the Palace Mistress. It’ll look bad if others see. I shouldn't break the rules."
"It wouldn't be the first time. Sit when I tell you to. Put the ledgers aside for now and look at these reports from the branch sects. Write down your thoughts and give them to me when you’re finished."
"You trust me that much? Aren't you afraid I’ll come up with terrible ideas?" Chu Ruo joked, but she began to read seriously. She couldn't help but think that these branch sects were quite high-maintenance—one branch alone had seven or eight matters requiring instructions, not to mention the intelligence reports. It took forever just to read through them. Being a decision-maker was much harder than it looked. However, she didn't complain. She became incredibly focused, blocking out all distractions. Nan Muxue watched her silently from the side, her eyes full of warmth.
Around noon, they ate together. Perhaps it was the post-meal lethargy or the drowsy weather, but Nan Muxue suggested Chu Ruo take a nap. Chu Ruo waved her off, saying she wanted to finish the paperwork, but within moments of sitting back down, she couldn't help but slump over the desk and fall asleep. Seeing this, Nan Muxue took a prepared cloak and gently draped it over her.
"Young Palace Mistress..."
"Lower your voice," Nan Muxue whispered, stopping the newcomers. "Ruo'er is asleep."
It was the three protectors: Yin Liuli, Duan Ning, and Nangong Yan. Duan Ning caught sight of the scene and gave a wicked grin. "Tsk, tsk. She’s already sitting in the Palace Mistress’s seat. When do you plan to abdicate and let her take over, old lady?"
"Ning'er," Yin Liuli chided her before turning to Nan Muxue. "Fortunately, the doors and windows are closed. Xue'er, you are being too careless. If someone saw Chu Ruo in your seat... The old Palace Mistress has already left seclusion. Even if she isn't in the main palace right now, you must be careful of Yunshuang."
"It matters not. She won't say anything." Nan Muxue turned around, her wide sleeves fluttering like white silk. "I summoned you because I have tasks for you."
"We await your orders."
"Some time has passed since the Martial Arts Assembly. Ning'er, you are to visit each branch sect. The price paid at Cloud Mist Mountain was too heavy; I do not want a repeat of that incident. These are the reports and accounts from each branch. Audit them. I will not tolerate anyone harboring ulterior motives during this time. Also, keep an eye on the movements in the martial world."
"Understood."
"Liu Shaopeng has been found. Yan'er, you will accompany Yunshuang to personally escort the Young Fort Master back."
"What?!" The three of them knew exactly who had been holding Liu Shaopeng, though they hadn't said it aloud. Nangong Yan pouted. "I don't want to go with her."
Nan Muxue’s expression remained cold. "This is an order. Do not be difficult."
"Then let me swap with Ning'er..."
"No," Nan Muxue interrupted. "There is a reason I am sending you with Yunshuang. Liu Songhe is a despicable and ruthless man; Yunshuang’s presence will ensure your safety."
"I don't need her protection..."
"Furthermore, Mother has left seclusion. Moving Yunshuang away for a while is beneficial for us."
"Hmph, fine, fine. You’re so mean, always making me watch her. I hate it."
Yin Liuli spoke up. "And what about me?"
"You are going nowhere. Stay with me in the palace," Nan Muxue frowned. "I have a premonition that Mother will make a move soon. Liuli, you are more composed and observant than the other two, and your martial arts are nearly on par with Yunshuang’s. Having you with me on the mountain puts my mind at ease. I need you to watch everyone here; my mother surely has her own people embedded within."
"I obey your command, Young Palace Mistress."
"Good. Go now. Liu Shaopeng has been given Misty Soul Powder; he won't wake until he reaches Flying Roc Fort. Be careful when you deliver him."
"Yes."
Once they left, Nan Muxue returned to Chu Ruo’s side. As if sensing her presence, Chu Ruo woke up and rubbed her eyes. "Xue'er, I fell asleep..."
Nan Muxue stood there and pulled Chu Ruo toward her, letting the girl wrap her arms around her waist. Chu Ruo was surprised at first, then held her tightly, her head resting against Nan Muxue’s chest. "Tempting me the moment I wake up... don't you know I have no self-control?"
Nan Muxue stroked her hair. "Are you still tired?"
"No. You’ve been standing all morning. You sit; I’ll sit in the back."
Nan Muxue shook her head. "I’ll stay right here. I’ll stay with you like this."
Chu Ruo looked up. "Do you have any idea how much I want to kiss you right now? If you keep this up, I won't be able to hold back."
Nan Muxue cupped her face and leaned down, her lips finding their mark with precision. "And what does my disciple wish to do?"
Chu Ruo kissed her back. "What do you think?"
"Chu Ruo, this is the study!" "I know." "It’s daytime!" "I know that too." "Lecher!" "Be good... who told you to be so irresistible?" "Mmm..."
In the days that followed, Chu Ruo’s life became a steady routine: the Ice Cave, the study, and the Little Scorpion’s room. Life was harder and more exhausting than before, but she worked diligently and finally began to see progress. Of course, there were sweet moments—like when she fell asleep working late in the study, and her beloved would cover her with a cloak, quietly blow out the candles, and wait by her side. And, of course, there was the fact that she could "devour" her partner in various ways every day... Life was good, but after only a few days, she wondered if things would remain this beautiful forever.
***
A few days later, at Flying Roc Fort.
Liu Songhe’s face turned ashen as he looked at the unconscious Liu Shaopeng being carried in. "Fort Master, Hundred Flowers Palace has followed the Young Palace Mistress’s orders to return your son to your esteemed fort."
"The old Palace Mistress promised he would be returned safe and sound. Is this the extent of your sect's sincerity?"
Nangong Yan stood with her hands behind her back. "We heard the Young Fort Master went missing during the Martial Arts Assembly, and that someone even sent his finger and right ear to you. It is a miracle we were able to find him at all. Rest assured, he has only been drugged and is in a coma. He will wake in a few days."
"You!"
Nan Yunshuang stepped forward silently to shield Nangong Yan. "We have simply followed orders to deliver him. If you have anything to say, Fort Master, please take it up with our Palace Mistress personally."
One of Liu Shaopeng’s uncles slammed the table and stood up. "Outrageous! You clearly have no respect for Flying Roc Fort!"
"Men, see the two protectors out."
"Brother, Peng'er is..."
"Say no more. Let them go."
"Fort Master, farewell."
The uncle clearly didn't understand. "Why let them go? It’s obvious Nan Muxue is the one who harmed Peng'er..."
"Why do you think she was willing to hand him over now? Just wait; you’ll understand soon enough. Go, call the fort’s physician to examine his injuries."
A moment later, the disciple who had escorted Nan Yunshuang out returned, carrying a small box. "Fort Master, the two of them gave me this. They said they forgot to bring it out earlier."
"See?" Liu Songhe took the box. "Just as I suspected. Besides making him unconscious, they have also fed him a lethal poison. If we hadn't let them go just now, Peng'er’s life would be in danger."
"The women of Hundred Flowers Palace are truly vicious. You are wise, Brother."
Liu Songhe stared at the physician who was checking his son’s pulse. "How is he?"
"In... in response to the Fort Master," the physician said cautiously, "the Young Fort Master’s right ear is gone, and he is missing three fingers..."
"I can see that! Tell me the rest!"
"His heart meridians are damaged, and his internal channels... are not in good shape. Though he will be able to walk, I fear he can no longer practice martial arts. And..."
Liu Songhe took a sharp breath, forcing himself to pick up a teacup. "What else? Say everything."
"The... the Young Fort Master’s... his manhood... is gone."
*Crash!*
"Brother! Are you alright?"
The teacup shattered on the floor. Liu Songhe staggered; his brother rushed to support him, but was violently pushed away. "Outrageous! They want to end the Liu family line! Fine... fine! Nan Muxue, that slut... sending him back like this is no different from sending back a cripple. It wasn't enough to maim him and destroy his cultivation; she dared to extinguish the Liu family’s legacy! Peng'er, don't worry. Father will avenge you."
"Brother, why don't we chase them down now and kill those two protectors..."
"No, it is not yet time. Killing them is useless; they are merely dogs. I will wipe out Hundred Flowers Palace sooner or later. But for now... Nan Muxue, that bitch... I will make her pay a blood price for everything she has done today!"
***
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Master, Spare My Life: A Disciple's Sweet Rebellion | Chapter 80 | Diligence and Devotion | Novela.app | Novela.app
