Chapter 145
Chapter 145: Those Who Are Willing, Step Forward
Xing Lan sheathed the Ruoheng Sword and walked forward. He reached out and pinched the soft flesh on Shi Zi Chu’s cheek, causing the irritable young lady to instantly lose her composure.
“Master!”
Looking at the girl who was on the verge of a tantrum, Xing Lan spoke slowly, “You want to defeat me?”
Without hesitation, Shi Zi Chu nodded.
Xing Lan paused for a moment before gently replying, “You will, eventually.”
Shi Zi Chu swallowed her frustration, her face falling in disappointment.
“I have agreed to the matter of the divine sword,” Xing Lan said as he gently patted her head. “After the apprenticeship ceremony.”
Shi Zi Chu looked at him with a stern face, but the next moment, her composure shattered.
“Look at this.”
With that, Xing Lan took out the fragment of the Water Yin Bone.
The carefree expression on Shi Zi Chu’s face vanished in an instant.
The Water Yin Bone—an extremely rare treasure for cultivators in general—was a disaster for those with water-based spiritual roots. Water cultivators were often seen as potential alchemy furnaces, and with the addition of the Water Yin Bone, they were practically born furnaces themselves.
“It was given to me by your mother,” Xing Lan stated plainly.
Shi Zi Chu suppressed the surge of anger in her heart, her expression obedient. “Since it was given to Master by Mother, then Master may deal with it as you see fit.”
Xing Lan nodded.
After the discussion about the Water Yin Bone, the master and disciple walked towards the pavilion. Xing Lan selected several heavenly treasures they needed, while the rest were taken by Shi Zi Chu.
…
Vigilance Peak
When Shi Zi Chu arrived, Elder Zheng Lian was preparing to leave after arranging for Ye Su Zhu’s accommodations.
“Elder Zheng Lian,” Shi Zi Chu greeted, bowing respectfully.
Elder Zheng Lian waved his hand dismissively.
Shi Zi Chu glanced over at the former residence of Xu Zhou Ye and the others, and in a gentle voice, suggested, “Elder, Disciple thinks these places are wasted as they are. Why not dismantle them and let the three of us choose new cave dwellings?”
Looking at the kind and innocent face of Shi Zi Chu, Elder Zheng Lian didn’t hesitate for long before agreeing.
Chu Zhi Rou, who had completed her great task, had only become an inner disciple, and whether she would ever become a personal disciple seemed unlikely in Elder Zheng Lian’s eyes.
When Liang Wei Sheng and Ye Su Zhu arrived, they coincidentally saw Elder Zheng Lian dismantling the cave dwellings.
After a moment, Elder Zheng Lian handed over five storage pouches. “These are the items left by the five of them. You can take care of them.”
Shi Zi Chu glanced at Liang Wei Sheng.
Liang Wei Sheng, ever perceptive, stepped forward and took the pouches from Elder Zheng Lian.
Shi Zi Chu’s voice was gentle as she spoke, “You two should pick the places you like and arrange the dwellings.”
After a brief and courteous exchange, the three of them selected their new homes.
Once Elder Zheng Lian had arranged everything, he left.
Having already formally accepted her as his master, Liang Wei Sheng bowed to Shi Zi Chu. “Senior Sister.”
Shi Zi Chu returned the gesture, her voice filled with concern. “How have you been during this time?”
“All is well,” Liang Wei Sheng responded respectfully, his voice carrying an unmasked gratitude.
Shi Zi Chu smiled faintly and said gently, “Su Zhu is new here. Please help her get familiar with the Jade Void Sect.”
Liang Wei Sheng nodded quickly, agreeing.
Ye Su Zhu glanced at Liang Wei Sheng’s poetic, handsome face, her expression calm, with little reaction.
Shi Zi Chu looked at the storage pouches for a moment, then said, “As for their belongings, we’ll deliver them in a few days.”
Liang Wei Sheng nodded.
Ye Su Zhu suddenly spoke, “Can I come with you?”
Shi Zi Chu, though surprised, nodded.
…
By the time she returned to the main peak’s rear mountain, the sky had already darkened.
Seeing that Xing Lan was not brewing tea at the pavilion’s tea table, Shi Zi Chu decided to soak in the hot spring.
However, when she arrived, she found Xing Lan already in the spring.
The man leaned against the pool’s wall, eyes closed, appearing to be in a light doze. The sharp angles of his face were softened by the mist, making him seem less imposing.
His usually neat, tied-up long hair was now loose, floating in the water. His bare upper body was muscular and strong, with clear, smooth lines of muscle.
As Shi Zi Chu’s gaze slowly drifted downward, the sound of water splashing echoed.
A few warm drops of water splashed toward her, landing on her face.
“Jiu Jiu, turn around.”
His deep voice carried a hint of helplessness.
Shi Zi Chu wiped the water from her face with her sleeve. “So petty.”
What’s wrong? She wasn’t doing anything.
Xing Lan, feeling unfairly blamed, could only sigh, but there was a fleeting darkness in his eyes.
“What’s wrong?”
His cold voice asked without emotion, his expression calm and indifferent.
Shi Zi Chu lowered her hand and looked at him, seeing him now out of the spring, his white inner robe clinging to his body. The open collar revealed a glimpse of his collarbone and chest muscles.
“Can’t I come to talk to Master if there’s nothing wrong?” Shi Zi Chu asked mischievously.
Previously, their dual cultivation had been due to her giving Master a special medicine.
Seeing how calm and detached Xing Lan was now, she thought a little playful teasing wouldn’t hurt.
Xing Lan, now only in his inner robe, walked towards her, the heat from his damp body and the fragrance of snow and bamboo surrounding her.
Shi Zi Chu’s face warmed slightly.
He lightly tapped her on the head with his fingers. “What are you planning again?”
Shi Zi Chu shrugged off his hand and sneaked her own towards him.
Just as she was about to touch his chest, Xing Lan caught her slender wrist, his voice calm as he asked, “What are you doing?”
Shi Zi Chu looked up at him with innocent eyes, a sweet smile on her lips. “There’s water droplets. Let me wipe them for you.”
Her innocent appearance concealed a mischievous glint.
Xing Lan released her wrist and took a step back.
His calm demeanor only intensified, his deep eyes as fathomless as the ocean, holding an unspoken tolerance.
Shi Zi Chu took a few steps forward, nearly pressing against him.
Xing Lan was about to warn her when she spoke softly, “Master, why are you avoiding me?”
When he didn’t respond, she stood on her tiptoes and, as if losing her balance, “accidentally” fell into his strong embrace.
Her red lips brushed against his cool skin.
Feeling his body stiffen, Shi Zi Chu’s eyes gleamed with triumph.
She quickly straightened up, feigning panic. “Disciple didn’t mean to! I’ll leave right away!”
Her little trick was poorly executed.
As she turned to run, Xing Lan’s arm shot out, wrapping around her waist with ease.
A silent aura of danger surrounded them.
“Jiu Jiu, how did I teach you?”
His arm tightened as he effortlessly pulled her up. “If you do something, you must take responsibility for it.”
Only realizing her mistake too late, Shi Zi Chu struggled.
Seeing that Xing Lan was carrying her towards the master’s bedroom, she quickly begged, “Master, I was wrong!”
Xing Lan looked down at her struggling form, his deep, tranquil gaze now changing.
“It’s too late.”
…
The moonlight cast silently through the window, illuminating a few scattered garments on the floor. Behind the curtain, low sobs echoed, sweet and sorrowful.
…
Xing Lan entered the room without a sound. As he walked over, he saw Shi Zi Chu lying on the bed, her eyes vacant.
He bent down and sat on the edge of the bed. “What’s wrong?”
When Shi Zi Chu regained her senses, her eyes were full of resentment. “Master, you tricked me!”
All that talk of being pure and unattached—it was all a lie!
A big bad wolf pretending to be kind!
So mean! Still holding a grudge!
Xing Lan reached out and pulled Shi Zi Chu up. “Those who are willing, step forward.”
Besides, it was Jiu Jiu who had first made improper thoughts; he had merely followed the flow.
Shi Zi Chu pouted, still complaining.