The weather was clear and the scenery beautiful. Summer had quietly arrived before anyone realized it, bringing with it the persistent, irritating drone of cicadas. Life in the Baihua Palace remained much the same as in previous years. Because of the sweltering heat, everyone had been granted a day off as per custom. Waves of scorching air permeated every corner of the palace. The disciples were envious—not of anyone’s martial progress, but of the fact that if one could sit in the Cold Ice Cave at a time like this, how refreshing it would be! It was the coldest place in the Baihua Palace, though that ancient ice was likely bone-chillingly freezing. Still, many wished they could give it a try.
The Cold Ice Cave was indeed cold, but at this moment, it wasn't entirely so. At the very least, the scene within the cave was one of blossoming spring.
"Chu Ruo! You—" If one were standing by the Silent Lake, they might have heard the intermittent, muffled moans that were being desperately suppressed, yet the sheer joy and pleasure within them could not be hidden.
However, no one would come here. The only ones who could hear this melody were the two inside the cave.
"Darling Xue'er, I love you to death..."
A long while later, accompanied by a sudden rise in pitch, the wonderful rhythm that would make anyone blush finally ceased. As for the scene inside the cave...
Chu Ruo’s clothes were a mess, though they were still mostly on her body. She was reclining on the ice bed, while the woman sitting at the edge of the bed had flushed cheeks. Nan Muxue lowered her head to fasten her final button, her tone carrying a hint of reproach that sounded more like a flirtatious pout. "The Cold Ice Cave is for practicing martial arts, not for you to engage in such ridiculous antics."
No wonder this rascal had insisted on "diligent practice" despite being given the day off, dragging her here of all places. It was her own fault, really; she had fallen right into the trap. Since when had she started losing her wariness around this person? As long as it was Chu Ruo, she would hesitate for nothing and keep no defenses.
While she was lost in self-deprecation, a pair of arms silently wrapped around her waist, and a chin came to rest on her shoulder. "But didn't you say I've been performing well lately and wanted to reward me?"
"Your Master did not mean... *this*." Nan Muxue was still a young woman at heart, and facing the person she loved, her skin was thin. She replied in a low voice, teeth lightly clenched.
"You said I could ask for anything."
...Nan Muxue could only regret digging her own grave. "I only promised to reward you. Your request was to come to the Cold Ice Cave for quiet cultivation. Who knew that once we arrived, you would act like such an utter rogue?"
Chu Ruo took the opportunity to turn her head and peck her on the cheek. The current "Little Scorpion" was simply too adorable—so soft that one wanted to take a bite. "But you didn't refuse me either."
Initially, she had simply wanted to invite her here to play, but ever since she had first "pushed her down," the Little Scorpion had become far too tempting. Chu Ruo wanted to be with her every waking moment... especially after the last time in the study when Nan Muxue hadn't refused her. Now, her lustful courage had grown to the heavens. Most importantly, the Little Scorpion doted on her, indulging her in everything. *Oh, my dear wife, I really, really love you too much. Mwah!*
Nan Muxue immediately flipped her expression, heartlessly pinching Chu Ruo’s waist. "Chu Ruo!"
"I was wrong, okay?" Chu Ruo immediately admitted her mistake, begging for mercy while tugging on her sleeve. "Xue'er, I was wrong. I won't dare do it again next time, I promise." *As if.*
Nan Muxue saw through her act, knowing she was merely feigning compliance. She gave her a few more spiteful pinches before letting go. In response, Chu Ruo pulled her toward the exit. "It's cold in the cave. I'll take you out to soak up some sun."
By the Silent Lake, the two stood bathed in the sunlight and the summer breeze. Nan Muxue closed her eyes, letting go of all her strength to lean completely into the other's embrace.
Chu Ruo gently stroked her dark hair. "Are you cold?" Her hands were always so icy; Chu Ruo wished she could use everything she had to warm her up.
"If you hold me tighter, I won't be cold."
"Okay~" Usually, it was Nan Muxue who said such long, doting things, but in this second, it was Chu Ruo speaking to the woman in her arms. "I'm already holding you very tight. You're so thin, I'm afraid I'll snap your bones." Despite her words, she used all her strength to hold her close.
The two remained silent for a long time. Nan Muxue looked content, while Chu Ruo would occasionally look down to kiss her forehead. "Xue'er, I... I know I'm willful and mischievous. It must be embarrassing for you. Like in the study last time, I just dragged you into it without a care... It won't happen again, I promise. I swear."
A jade-like finger pressed against her lips. "If you didn't cause trouble, you wouldn't be you. There are only these two places in the entire Baihua Palace. Next time you want to cause trouble, you'll have nowhere left to go. Let's see what you do then."
"Then we can just keep going back to the study and the Cold Ice Cave..."
A chill ran down her spine as the woman, eyes still closed, smiled brilliantly. "Does Ruo'er wish to copy books again? Or perhaps piece together ledgers?"
"Can I choose to kiss you instead?"
...
"La la la," in a corner of the Library, Chu Ruo presented her dishes like offering a treasure. "It's been a long time since you tasted my cooking. Have you been craving it?"
Nan Muxue set down her book, snorting with feigned disdain. "It is merely mediocre."
"Why are you so un-cute? If you're so capable, don't eat it then..."
"Your Master doesn't mind missing a meal or two, but as for the antidote to the Hundred Flowers Gu that certain someone needs to take every day..."
... "You... why can't you be a bit more gentle and cute like other girls?"
"If you want gentle and cute, go find your Zhi'er."
*Tsk tsk, listen to that jealousy.* Chu Ruo hurried over to coax her. "But I only have you in my heart. Come on, let's eat, let's eat. Look, we have Tangerine Peel Braised Pigeon, Squirrel Fish, Hibiscus Soup, and Almond Milk Soup. And of course, the peanuts you like to have every day. I know you don't like meat much, so these are all sweet and sour—appetizing and not greasy. Eat up."
Compared to Chu Ruo’s hearty eating, Nan Muxue was the epitome of elegance. Even with food she liked, she remained slow and deliberate, taking only tiny bites. Chu Ruo watched her dazedly. "Xue'er, as long as you like it, I'll cook for you every meal. Heh—*cough, cough*..."
A teacup that had been resting on ice was handed to her. "Even eating so much can't shut your mouth. It's like this every time. Slow down." Though she complained, she still patted Chu Ruo’s back to help her catch her breath. "No talking so much while eating from now on."
"Cough—I... I just saw you enjoying every dish and got happy."
"Foolish."
"If I weren't a fool, you wouldn't like me."
Nan Muxue didn't respond to that, picking up her silver chopsticks again. "Why did you think of coming to the Library today?"
"To read extensively! Didn't I say I'd work hard from now on? Since it's a rare day off, I wanted to come look around. I remember other disciples telling me this library has everything, encompassing all knowledge. I figured I should learn more about this world."
To be fair, Chu Ruo’s recent performance truly deserved the word "diligent." She didn't slack off or play around. Sometimes, her serious, focused expression even made Nan Muxue lose herself in watching her. Every time that happened, Chu Ruo would seemingly sense it, turning back to playfully wink and give her a warm smile. When no one was around, she would be a bit more "wanton" in seeking kisses, and Nan Muxue would always indulge her.
"Tonight," Nan Muxue lowered her head to take a few grains of rice, "sleep early. We are going down the mountain tomorrow."
"For what?"
"Xueruo Pavilion does not belong to the Baihua Palace; it belongs to us. There are things the Palace does not need to know. Besides," she looked up, her eyes full of Chu Ruo’s reflection, "you've been back for a while. Given your playful nature, your performance lately has been acceptable. I'll take you out for a walk and order a few new sets of clothes for you."
"I have several sets already, it's enough." The clothes the Little Scorpion ordered were terrifyingly expensive—practically astronomical prices. Since when had she become such a spendthrift wife? "Ow, why are you pinching my face..."
"I kindly offer to buy you things, and you're scolding your Master in your heart?"
"How do you hear it every time? How exactly do you do it? Do you have some secret technique you haven't taught me?"
"Shut up, you're so noisy. Your previous clothes were too plain, all white. Didn't you want some in other colors? I'll take you tomorrow so you can pick them yourself."
Chu Ruo leaned in. "My Xue'er is the best to me."
Nan Muxue arched an eyebrow. "When you're unhappy, I'm the 'Little Scorpion'."
"Either way, I love it all."
"Eat. You're sleeping in your own room tonight."
Chu Ruo pouted and glared. She had no beard to blow out in frustration, so she just huffed. For the past two nights, the Little Scorpion hadn't let her stay over, nor had she come to Chu Ruo’s room. *Oh, my warm and fragrant jade...* She tugged on Nan Muxue’s sleeve. "Xue'er~ Xue'er~"
Seeing her like this, Nan Muxue actually relented. "Tonight... I will go over." As she finished, she seemed a bit embarrassed, and her face began to turn a slight shade of crimson.
*Oh yeah!* "Then I'll wait for you tonight. Come early." Chu Ruo didn't ask why they hadn't slept together the past few nights. They were in the Baihua Palace now; even if they weren't worried about other sects like before, there were hidden dangers everywhere within these walls. She never doubted any of Nan Muxue’s decisions, so there was no need to ask. She was more afraid of hearing an answer she didn't want. As long as the woman she loved was by her side and they weren't separated, it was enough.
"Mhm."
"Why isn't it dark yet..."
... "Chu Ruo!"
That night, Nan Muxue silently pushed open the door, only to be immediately scooped up and carried straight to the bed.
Another bout of intoxicating intimacy followed...
Nan Muxue felt that she had been easily fatigued lately, while the culprit was currently glowing with energy. She couldn't help but sigh, "How is your energy so good?" They had just... during the day...
"Because," Chu Ruo leaned over and kissed the corner of her mouth, "you're enchanting."
Before Nan Muxue could speak again, Chu Ruo rolled over and hugged her as usual. "Xue'er, what do you think about me taking an apprentice?"
Nan Muxue had been squinting her eyes, but this sentence made her laugh and brought her back to alertness. "What, what kind of madness are you having now?"
"Well, I see you looking so majestic when you take in disciples. Among the senior disciples of the Baihua Palace, I've been here the shortest time. They're always teasing me. If I take an apprentice, I can put on the airs of a Master every day. Wouldn't that be fun?"
"With your skills?"
"What about my skills? Are you looking down on me? My martial arts were taught by you; they're not bad at all."
"You would only lead them astray."
"Hmph, the apprentice I take will definitely be exceptionally smart, just like me. And preferably good-looking. Tsk tsk, just thinking about it is wonderful."
*She even dares to want a good-looking one.* Immersed in her fantasy, Chu Ruo didn't notice the chill emanating from her surroundings at all, still blissfully dreaming of a beautiful female apprentice. Nan Muxue said coldly, "You are not allowed to take an apprentice. The Palace only has female disciples."
Before she could finish, Chu Ruo interrupted fearlessly, "What about a male one then?"
Taking an apprentice was one thing, wanting a good-looking one was another, and now she even wanted a man. "You're looking for death."
...Chu Ruo was unhappy; the little flame of hope had been snuffed out. She stubbornly buried her head in Nan Muxue’s chest and rubbed against her. "Xue'er, I want to be a Shifu."
Nan Muxue had been sleepy, but being pestered like this, she said, "Within three days, if you can find someone in the Palace willing to bow to you as their Master, I will agree. But the prerequisite is that you are not allowed to use threats or bribes. Otherwise, forget it."
"Deal, deal! Don't underestimate my charm. Just you wait—one day, no, in less than half a day, there will be plenty of people wanting to be my apprentice."
"Keep dreaming."
*What a cute Little Scorpion.* The fire in Chu Ruo’s body threatened to rise again. She rolled over to kiss her, but her lips were blocked by a hand. She rolled back down and coaxed the woman in her arms to sleep, saying tenderly, "Another day then. My wife is tired. Now, go to sleep like a good girl."
The next day.
Possessed by the idea of taking an apprentice, Chu Ruo now looked at everyone as a potential candidate. *Wait, I have to go down the mountain later. I was careless and fell for the Little Scorpion's trick; who knows how late we'll be back today.* Thus, her "wicked hand" reached out toward Xiao Guo'er...
"Hey, Xiao Guo'er, let me tell you something."
Xiao Guo'er was busy organizing the various items Nan Muxue had bought for Chu Ruo—a vast and varied collection. She replied absentmindedly, "Go ahead."
"Actually, it's just..." Chu Ruo’s voice got lower and lower until only she could hear herself. "Could you be my apprentice?"
"What? Speak up, I didn't hear you."
"Would you be willing to be my apprentice?" It was even quieter than before.
"Ugh, speak up! Honestly, is your throat blocked by porridge?"
Refusing to back down, Chu Ruo shouted at the top of her lungs, "Xiao—Guo—er! Are! You! Willing! To! Be! My! Apprentice!"
Then, the atmosphere became... suffocatingly silent.
***
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Master, Spare My Life: A Disciple's Sweet Rebellion | Chapter 81 | Sweet Summer Days | Novela.app | Novela.app
