Chapter 061
Chapter 61: Is This Considered Disrespecting My Superior?
Standing by the edge of the bath, Xing Lan gazed downward at Shi Zi Chu, his unfathomable eyes stirring with faint ripples.
After a moment, he knelt down, gently wiping the blood off Shi Zi Chu’s face with a silk cloth soaked in warm water. His movements were careful and tender, revealing how deeply he treasured her.
When the blood was cleaned away, Shi Zi Chu had just finished circulating her spiritual energy through her meridians.
As she ended her cultivation and opened her eyes, two fingers holding the silk cloth appeared before her.
“Master… cough cough,” Shi Zi Chu began to speak, but her throat felt dry and itchy, causing her to cough softly. She raised her hand, causing a soft splash, and with her wet fingers gently grasped his slender, clearly defined ones.
The pristine white silk cloth was instantly stained with deep brown medicinal liquid.
Xing Lan brought a cup of spiritual water to Shi Zi Chu’s lips, gently feeding her.
After drinking the water, Shi Zi Chu cleared her throat and softly said, “I’m feeling much better now, Master. You don’t need to worry.”
Xing Lan’s voice remained distant and low, carrying an icy chill, “You’ve absorbed most of the medicinal bath’s essence. Go soak in the hot spring.”
[First, I’ll deal with the Chu Clan, then I’ll return to handle Jiu Jiu.]
Xing Lan stood up, pausing briefly before leaving, adding, “The main peak has restrictions. Don’t even think about sneaking away.”
Shi Zi Chu watched helplessly as Xing Lan tore through space, leaving the main peak. Feeling dispirited, she rested her head gloomily against the side of the bathing pool.
[Master really is angry this time.]
She was doomed!
Climbing out from the medicinal bath, Shi Zi Chu cast two dust dispelling spells on herself before heading toward the hot spring.
Warm, spiritually rich water enveloped her body, soothing her as she sank down until only her head remained above the surface.
…
The matter with the Chu Clan was easy enough to handle. The evidence was irrefutable, impossible to deny.
Even the Chu Clan’s ancestor, who had been cultivating in seclusion, was startled out by Xing Lan’s actions. Upon learning the full story, the usually calm ancestor nearly had his blood pressure surge dangerously high.
By the time Xing Lan returned, Shi Zi Chu was still in the bathing area, leaning against the pale jade walls, sleeping peacefully with her head tilted to the side.
He gently lifted her from the water, dressed her, and carried her back to her bedroom.
After tucking the covers neatly around her, Xing Lan sat on the edge of the bed, gazing down at her quiet, obedient sleeping face. His deep, all-consuming gaze revealed hints of possessiveness.
Meng Xi Yu, despite his severe injuries, still deeply loved Jiu Jiu.
Then there was the Young Lord of the Jiang family, whose life-bound soul contract beast was in Jiu Jiu’s hands. His intentions couldn’t be clearer.
And Yan Zhou Bai was nearly ready to lay his feelings out in the open.
Each of them was exceptionally gifted, devoted in heart, and close to Jiu Jiu in age.
His thick lashes lowered briefly; when he raised them again, the deep eyes beneath showed a serene confidence. Jiu Jiu’s heart was cold and ruthless; Xing Lan ought to be more concerned that those men would suffer heartbreak instead.
Just then, a transmission talisman arrived from outside the main peak’s restriction barrier.
With a slight movement of his finger, Xing Lan allowed the talisman through. It landed gently in his palm.
“Venerable Xing Lan, Clan Chief Ye has come to pay respects.”
As the talisman vanished, Xing Lan looked down to meet Shi Zi Chu’s bright, clear peach-blossom eyes, now fully awake.
Jiu Jiu had won the spirit stone mine jointly managed with the Ye and Jiang families. Ye He Qi’s visit at this moment clearly indicated his purpose.
Noting Xing Lan’s dark, cold expression, Shi Zi Chu reached out a single delicate hand from beneath the covers, eyes sparkling sweetly and obediently.
Xing Lan grasped her hand, then gently supported her back, lifting her to a seated position.
Just as Shi Zi Chu sat upright, his icy, cold-water voice rang out, “The Shared Life and Death Talisman behind your ear—did you form it with Clan Chief Ye?”
Ye He Qi had excellent sources of information, but not this swift, unless other methods were involved.
For instance—the Shared Life and Death Talisman.
Shi Zi Chu obediently nodded once.
Xing Lan’s cold voice sounded again, “Did he trouble you in the Floating Flower Secret Realm?”
Chu Clan or Ye Clan—it didn’t matter. Both were equally easy for him to punish.
As for the Shared Life and Death Talisman, breaking it was effortless for him.
Shi Zi Chu hurriedly shook her head. Judging by Master’s mood, if she had nodded, the Ye Clan would suffer greatly!
“Do you wish to see him?”
Shi Zi Chu quickly nodded her head repeatedly.
Xing Lan took out a brand-new dress from his storage ring and placed it by the bedside, asking softly, “Can you dress yourself?”
Shi Zi Chu paused halfway through nodding. Blinking innocently, she gazed pitifully at Xing Lan and pleaded sweetly, “I’m so weak, and my meridians ache terribly. Master, please help~”
Xing Lan silently lifted the blanket, gently supported Shi Zi Chu as she stood, and carefully helped her dress.
Watching his dignified and meticulous manner of dressing her, Shi Zi Chu suddenly thought of a certain phrase.
[This truly goes against common sense.]
Having a Master dress his disciple—wouldn’t this shorten his lifespan a little?
With warmth and gentle teasing, she softly spoke, “Master, tell me—am I disrespecting my superior right now?”
The three-finger-wide belt tightened abruptly around her waist.
“Is this your first time disrespecting your superior?” his deep, chilly voice responded coldly.
Ever since bringing Jiu Jiu back, his temper and patience had gradually improved.
Shi Zi Chu raised her eyes, catching the helpless yet indulgent expression hidden within Xing Lan’s brows, and boldly countered, “It’s Master who spoiled me.”
Xing Lan swiftly tied a decorative sash around her waist, his cold voice following immediately after, “We’ll settle this account after you return.”
[Don’t think you can distract me with mere words. If it weren’t for your strong constitution, I’d be collecting your corpse in the Evernight Forest.]
“Master~” Shi Zi Chu softly begged, acting spoiled, but Xing Lan remained unmoved, his expression icy.
Feeling dejected, Shi Zi Chu gloomily left the room.
Front Mountain, Side Hall.
Shi Zi Chu took a while to walk there.
Ye He Qi had already waited nearly two incense sticks of time inside the side hall.
When Shi Zi Chu finally arrived, dressed in the green disciple’s robes, she appeared pale and frail, her expression weary.
[Is she even going to survive?]
Ye He Qi was deeply concerned.
Shi Zi Chu entered and sat down to the side, greeting him casually, “Clan Chief Ye.”
After speaking, she relaxed comfortably into her chair.
Seeing Ye He Qi’s worried gaze, Shi Zi Chu slowly reassured him, “Relax. I won’t die.”
[What was that old saying? Ah, yes. Troublesome people live forever.]
“But Daoist Shi,” Ye He Qi tactfully chose his words, “you look as if you might ascend to the heavens any moment now.”
[The spirit stone mine isn’t even open yet—her condition is truly alarming! If she wants to die, she could at least wait until after we’ve mined the stones!]
Shi Zi Chu pointed silently toward the doorway, threatening, “Say one more word, and I’ll hang myself right here at the entrance and drag you down with me!”
Observing her annoyed embarrassment, Ye He Qi almost smiled, quickly suppressing it.
[Clearly, she’d just been scolded by Venerable Xing Lan and wasn’t in the best mood.]
Composing himself, Ye He Qi asked with genuine concern, “How are your injuries?”
Seeing his sincerity, Shi Zi Chu gently curved her lips, redirecting the conversation, “What’s happening with the Chu Clan?”
Ye He Qi ceased inquiring about her condition, simply saying, “Venerable Xing Lan visited Chu Clan. Their ancestor, who was cultivating in seclusion at the rear mountain, came out.”
That simple sentence conveyed vast amounts of information.
Shi Zi Chu raised a hand, resting her face on it, tapping her cheek twice.
[As expected.]
Now, she and Chu Zhi Sheng were mortal enemies. If that was the case, she must strike first.
Ye He Qi continued, “This matter also involved Young Sect Master Meng. After friendly negotiations, the eighth-rank Blood Spirit Herb soon to appear in the Evernight Forest will go to him.”
As for what Venerable Xing Lan had gotten from the Chu Clan as compensation, nobody knew, though it certainly wouldn’t be insignificant.
Shi Zi Chu’s injuries seemed rather worthwhile, and even Ye He Qi felt envious.
Suddenly, Shi Zi Chu asked, “Is there anyone else in the Chu Clan eyeing the position of Clan Chief?”