Hearing those familiar lines now, Gu Baiqing couldn’t help recalling all the scenes he shouldn’t, shaking his head in a mental evil spirits, be gone. He knew Mo Xuanli didn’t mean it the same way as in the original text, but goosebumps still rose all over him. He debated how to respond—or maybe not respond at all—when suddenly there was a loud plop.
“Benefactor!” Three Bean cried in alarm.
Gu Baiqing looked over in confusion—Mo Xuanli, who had just been there, was gone, only bubbles rising from the water.
Completely baffled, Gu Baiqing dove in and hauled him out. Sure enough—the guy had fainted.
Could soaking here too long cause fainting? Was Mo Xuanli’s constitution really that weak? In the original, he could “exert himself” for three or four hours in the pool until even the original master collapsed, yet he felt fine. So why now…
Gu Baiqing didn’t have time to think. He quickly carried Mo Xuanli out, draped clothes over both of them, and then remembered—he couldn’t sword-fly. The Jade Healing Pool was isolated on its own mountain. To leave, he’d have to sword-fly… which would cost points again? Gu Baiqing’s heart ached.
Suddenly noticing Three Bean pacing anxiously nearby, Gu Baiqing remembered that this little fellow could transform into a flying mount and quickly said, “What are you doing? Change into your true form or take human form to help out!”
It would have been fine if he hadn’t said anything, but the moment he did, Three Bean’s fur stood on end in anger. “You liar! The only reason I can’t transform is because of you!”
Only then did Gu Baiqing realize—because he himself had no spiritual power, his contracted beast was also affected. At the moment, Three Bean could only act as a flashy-pawed cat, able to transform only on rare bursts of power.
Three Bean had probably thought he was following a powerhouse, only to discover he was actually weaker than when he’d been a free-roaming demon beast. Gu Baiqing, as his master, had instead become his shackle.
Gu Baiqing felt a wave of awkwardness, but fortunately, at that moment, a disciple in charge of the area came in to check on them. Gu Baiqing quickly ordered him to send the person to the Flying Crane Pavilion, and the disciple promptly complied.
Three Bean hesitated, wanting to go along but unable to follow freely—now that he was Gu Baiqing’s contracted beast, he couldn’t stray too far without permission. He could only look at Gu Baiqing pleadingly. “I… can I go with my benefactor?”
Seeing Three Bean’s anxious look, Gu Baiqing walked over and patted the cat’s head. “Call me ‘Master.’”
Three Bean felt wronged, but rules were rules, and his benefactor had already stressed it multiple times before. “Master.”
Gu Baiqing smiled, picked Three Bean up, and tossed him onto Mo Xuanli, letting the other disciples take them both away.
When Gu Baiqing stepped outside, he found Chu Fei already there.
“Good thing you came—otherwise I’d have had to hike back down the mountain.” Although his points had increased slightly, he still had to be frugal to avoid another situation where he’d have to sacrifice himself; he’d rather not go through that kind of experience again.
“Second Senior Brother is looking for you. Where’s your disciple?” Chu Fei frowned in puzzlement.
“Fainted from soaking too long. I sent him to Third Senior Sister. Oh… and I heard from Mo Xuanli that you and Nan Zhi followed me into the Demon Refining Tower afterward. Thanks for that. I’ll give you a little porcelain bottle later—my child attendant made plenty of them.”
“Who wants a porcelain bottle? I don’t even like them.” Chu Fei immediately straightened his face in denial, then added, “Besides, we didn’t actually help much. Second Senior Brother is interrogating Elder Lin and a disciple and wants you to come.”
“Not going. Too much trouble. Anyway, it’s not a disputed matter—Mo Xuanli’s already told Second Senior Brother everything he should have. As long as my contracted beast isn’t implicated, that’s fine. I’ll check on Mo Xuanli first, then head back to Luofeng Pavilion.” Speaking, Gu Baiqing placed a hand on Chu Fei’s shoulder. “Come on, junior brother. Once we’re back, I’ll give you a porcelain bottle.”
Chu Fei rolled his eyes but still dutifully acted as Gu Baiqing’s driver.
When they arrived at the Flying Crane Pavilion, they happened to see Luo Nianyi coming out. Upon spotting Gu Baiqing, he asked, “What were you and your disciple just doing?”
“Soaking in the pool. Chatting. Uh… I did slap him once when I first woke up.”
Two pairs of reproachful eyes instantly turned his way.
Gu Baiqing looked embarrassed. “I was still under the lingering influence of the illusion’s spiritual power, so it was an accident… an accident. But we chatted afterward just fine.”
Luo Nianyi said dryly, “It probably wasn’t an external injury—he seems to have fainted from fright, maybe from some extreme shock. His spiritual power is almost completely drained. I thought you’d run into danger or gotten into a fight.”
“That definitely has nothing to do with me, and probably… wasn’t an outside enemy.”
“And your newly contracted spirit beast? Isn’t it a Tricolored Illusion Cat? If it was an illusion attack, you might not have noticed.”
Gu Baiqing’s mouth twitched. “Did you forget my situation? Now that it’s my contracted beast, it’s basically just an ordinary cat. Mo Xuanli saved it before, so it’s been following him around.”
After understanding, Luo Nianyi nodded. “It might be lingering effects from the illusion, or maybe symptoms from advancing too quickly in cultivation. Either way, the examination showed no problem—he should be fine once he wakes up. Want to go check on him?”
“No.” Gu Baiqing’s refusal was decisive.
Luo Nianyi gave him an “I knew it” look.
Since it was confirmed Mo Xuanli was fine, Gu Baiqing naturally wouldn’t bother with extra concern. He simply pulled Chu Fei away to return home and rest.
At that moment, Mo Xuanli finally began to regain consciousness. But as soon as he woke, the last scene before his mind had gone blank flashed vividly in his head—
He had pressed his master against the edge of the Jade Healing Pool, under the moonlight, kissed him, and then fiercely…
Mo Xuanli sucked in a sharp breath, sitting bolt upright. His face flushed as though dusted with rouge, his pupils widened in panic, and he flusteredly threw off his blanket, then pulled it back on again—repeating this a few times, unable to decide whether to get up or lie back down.
Until Three Bean’s voice came from beside him.
“Benefactor!”
Three Bean was pacing anxiously at the bedside, calling several times, but Mo Xuanli seemed as if his soul had left his body.
“Benefactor, are you okay? Should I call Elder Flying Crane? Oh, and your master—he must be here. I’ll go get him.”
The moment Mo Xuanli heard the words “your master,” it was like being struck by lightning. He immediately lunged forward to grab Three Bean, who was about to jump down, stammering in nervousness, “Don’t… don’t… call… call Master. Don’t… Master. I’m fine!”
Three Bean looked worriedly at the clearly unwell Mo Xuanli. “But Benefactor, your face and neck are all red—are you running a fever?”
Mo Xuanli instinctively touched his face and indeed found it burning hot. “I’m fine. I’ve studied medicine—this is normal.”
Hearing that, Three Bean finally relaxed. “Sorry, it’s my fault. You must have seen too much when you used the lens, which drained a huge amount of spiritual power and made you faint.”
If Three Bean hadn’t mentioned it, it would have been better—but as soon as he did, the images almost immediately replayed in Mo Xuanli’s mind. His face flushed so red it could drip blood, his brain went hazy, and a rush of heat surged straight to his head.
Those scenes, those images… were they… his master’s fantasies?
His master was someone so strict, aloof, pure, and untainted—how could that be possible? No…! He must have misunderstood. It had to be a problem with the lens.
Seeing his benefactor’s shifting expressions, Three Bean asked curiously, “Benefactor, what do you want to see? Did the lens give you an answer?”
Mo Xuanli felt like he was about to die of embarrassment, but still forced himself to ask, “Three Bean, can that lens create illusions to deceive people?”
“Huh?” Three Bean froze.
Mo Xuanli explained very seriously, “Because I saw something that absolutely could not happen. Could it be that using it in the wrong way leads to errors?”
In truth, Three Bean didn’t know what Mo Xuanli had been looking at with the lens—he only saw Mo Xuanli stiffen all over after using it, and then faint.
“How could that be! This is… a very powerful magic tool. It absolutely doesn’t do anything like deceive. Whatever answer you seek in your heart, you can see through the lens. Back when I wanted to find you, I used the lens to see you inside Zixiao Sect. The sect has a protective mountain barrier—outside artifacts can’t see in at all—but this one can. And even though it’s an unnamed artifact, I’d stake my life on its ability. Benefactor, you must believe me, I would never lie to you. If you truly doubt it, then try it again—there’s still one last use left anyway.”
The more certain Three Bean sounded, the more despair Mo Xuanli felt, wishing he could just smash his head into a wall and erase his memory. How could he dare look again? That would be outright desecrating his master.
In fact, he vaguely remembered that when he was using the lens, he had also seen his master in reality—those earlobes, red as if dyed with blood, and that faint, awkward expression of fearing someone might notice something.
So… what he saw was real.
Those scenes were indeed the fantasies in his master’s mind when they were soaking in the jade therapy pool together—his master wanted to…
With that conclusion, Mo Xuanli’s breathing became rapid and uncontrollable. This was something he never could have imagined.
How was he supposed to make sense of this?
No—it’s not real, it can’t be real. His master would never… Mo Xuanli still instinctively rejected the thought. This was beyond unbelievable; it couldn’t even be described with “absurd” or “fantastical.”
Just as Mo Xuanli was on the verge of mental collapse, someone suddenly knocked on the door. Like a startled bird, he stiffened—right now, he had no idea how to face his master. His mind hadn’t untangled this yet, so when the person began to push the door open, Mo Xuanli instinctively lay down and pretended to be asleep.
Three Bean looked at him in puzzlement, then turned toward the person coming in.
“Wow, it really is Lin Jiaying’s tricolored Illusion Cat.”
Hearing the voice, Mo Xuanli’s tense body instantly relaxed. He was about to open his eyes when he heard Tang Yu say, “Didn’t Elder Luofeng also come by just now? Why didn’t he come in to take a look?”
Mo Xuanli instantly froze again, not daring to open his eyes.
Then came Yun Yue’s voice: “He did, but after confirming with Master that Junior Brother Xuanli was fine, he left.”
“Huh? He didn’t even come see for himself? That’s so cold.”
Yun Yue chuckled softly. “That’s just how Elder Luofeng is. Master says he’s a cold blade on the outside, but hot tofu on the inside. Don’t be fooled by his lack of expression—inside, he’s very worried about Junior Brother Xuanli.”
Mo Xuanli’s breath caught in an instant, his heart swelling faintly.
Hot tofu on the inside… that really…
His pleased smile suddenly froze.
“Master, you’re so good… soft and warm…”
Ahhh, no, don’t think about that!
Cold sweat dampened Mo Xuanli’s back from shock.
“Is that so? But last time when Xuanli was in danger, he was so slow to act. He didn’t go in to save him right away, even relying on someone else to rescue him—I was worried to death at the time.”
Hearing his brother complain about his master, Mo Xuanli instinctively wanted to speak up in his defense—Master hadn’t been unwilling to save him; Master shouldn’t have gone in personally in the first place. His master’s body had problems, so naturally he would want someone more capable to handle the rescue.
But before Mo Xuanli could open his mouth, Yun Yue said, “I don’t know why Elder Luofeng didn’t act more aggressively, but I heard from Master that at the time, they had no other way left except to prepare to break open the Demon-Refining Tower. It was Elder Luofeng who insisted on rushing in to save people, against the objections.”
“Breaking open the Demon-Refining Tower—what about the villagers at the foot of the mountain?” Tang Yu asked in shock.
“It’s not impossible, it just requires setting up a barrier in advance, which takes a bit more time. My guess is Elder Luofeng was worried Junior Brother Xuanli couldn’t hold out that long, so he went in himself.”
Hearing this, Mo Xuanli’s breathing halted again. In that condition, Master had risked himself for his sake. And now he learned there had actually been another way to save him—but Master… was afraid… afraid he wouldn’t last until then, so even without stable spiritual power to protect himself, he still went in to find him. And yet, he had downplayed it completely in front of him.
Master… this person… how can he be like this?
Tang Yu nodded. “Then Elder Luofeng was still being responsible for his own disciple. It’s a blessing in disguise that things turned out well—Xuanli even advanced right away. Honestly, I was so excited—my brother here is amazing! He must be the fastest in Zixiao Sect history to advance from early to mid Foundation Establishment. How did he suddenly figure it out—did he take some miraculous elixir?”
Tang Yu looked at the bedbound Mo Xuanli with eyes full of envy.
“Maybe… it’s talent? Untapped potential? Now that I think about it, with how formidable Elder Luofeng is, there’s no way he’d take on an ordinary disciple as a personal student for no reason—Junior Brother Xuanli must have something extraordinary we just haven’t noticed.” Yun Yue smiled.
At this, Tang Yu suddenly let out a chuckle.
Yun Yue looked at him, puzzled. “What? Did I say something funny?”
Tang Yu shook his head. “No, Senior Sister, I just thought of something—back when Zhao An was beaten down the mountain, he refused to accept it and questioned Elder Luofeng about why he’d take Xuanli but not him. And the answer Elder Luofeng gave…”
Yun Yue asked curiously.
Mo Xuanli’s ears immediately perked up—he had never heard this before. What was it?
The reason Master had taken him in—he very much wanted to know why he had been chosen back then.
Tang Yu laughed and said, “Elder Luofeng replied that he took Xuanli in because Xuanli looked better than him, and also had a good figure, a good voice, and a good personality—all aspects were better.”
Mo Xuanli: ????
“You should have seen Zhao An’s face at the time—it went completely green. After all, in all these aspects, he really lost utterly.”
Yun Yue suddenly froze, her gentle expression stiffening. “Did Elder Luofeng really say that?”
Tang Yu nodded. “Yes, I heard it with my own ears. I didn’t expect Elder Luofeng could be so exasperating, actually saying something like that.”
“It’s certainly surprising. I didn’t know Elder Luofeng had that side to him,” Yun Yue said, her tone returning to normal.
Both of them didn’t take it seriously, thinking it was just a deliberately irritating joke.
But in Mo Xuanli’s mind, a voice suddenly rang out.
Maybe… it’s true! His master really did choose him for these reasons. Otherwise, there would be no reason for his master to pick someone just entering the inner sect, someone with extremely poor foundations.
Maybe back then, in the main hall, that casual glance, that outstretched hand pointing at him, deciding his fate instantly… it was because of…
Thinking this, Mo Xuanli immediately rejected it in his heart. A master like his, so transcendent, could never make such a superficial decision. He must be mistaken.
Suddenly his heart skipped a beat… to like someone, to fall at first sight—how could that be called superficial?
Mo Xuanli drew a sharp breath. Like? Li… like? What like? Who likes whom? What is he even thinking?
His mind crashed again.
“This statement was only from Elder Luofeng. If it were anyone else, I’d suspect some impure intentions toward Xuanli, because in the cultivation world these days, men pursuing men does happen. But Elder Luofeng…” Tang Yu said, then laughed at himself.
Mo Xuanli shivered instantly.
Yun Yue, hearing this, said awkwardly, “Don’t joke around. Xuanli respects his master very much.”
Tang Yu hurriedly patted his mouth. “I was just thinking aloud. Everyone knows Elder Luofeng is cold and distant; being genuinely kind to Xuanli is already good enough. If he really had other thoughts about Xuanli, would he have sent him to live over at our place?”
Mo Xuanli slowly opened his eyes, his gaze flickering… as if something inside had cleared.
No matter how much he denied it, all the evidence was right in front of him—he could no longer shake his head.
Everything in his mind linked together automatically, forming a line he couldn’t break, forcing him to understand his master’s thoughts.
So, his master… truly had feelings for him.
For this affection, his master had struggled, perhaps knowing he shouldn’t. So he outwardly remained cold, even distant. Yet when something happened, he desperately protected him, cared for him, and was willing to sacrifice himself, even risk his life for him.
And fearing he couldn’t restrain himself, he sent him to live at the Chunyang Pavilion, while secretly leaving his room behind.
His master suppressed his feelings, never expressed them, only silently cared for him, never seeking a response.
By now… his master’s heart must be deeply attached.
What should he do? He had just glimpsed the secret he should never have seen.
He should be angry—because he truly revered his master, wanting to stay by his side like family, to treat his master as a parent for life. He had no such intentions. Yet his master had developed feelings he shouldn’t have.
But he wasn’t angry… only anxious, panicked, not knowing what to do.
His master was so high above him; how could he possibly desire him? That would be grossly disrespectful. He could never meet his master’s expectations—he only wanted to be a good disciple.
Moreover… his own status…
Mo Xuanli’s gaze darkened. What right did he have to think about this? His master’s feelings were a mistake.
Perhaps if his master knew the truth about him, he would be disgusted and wish he had never felt anything.
He would rather his master keep this forbidden affection hidden forever, gradually fading away.
But could that really happen?
He suddenly understood—maybe “changing master” was his master’s final attempt to deal with this feeling.
Without the master-disciple relationship, maybe it wouldn’t be Master Gu Baiqing holding back—he could express his feelings without concern for convention.
But he couldn’t. He could never… he couldn’t, and he had no right to.
…He could only feel sorry for his master.
“Besides, a master-disciple relationship—it would be too immoral. Using authority to take advantage of a disciple is a major taboo in Zixiao Sect,” Tang Yu continued chatting, unaware that his good friend had already fallen into turmoil because of his words.
Mo Xuanli shivered, embarrassed, wanting to cover his face. It wasn’t that his master wanted to bully him—it was that his master wanted to be… pursued.
His master, so cold and aloof, actually wanted to be…
Mo Xuanli felt ashamed. Such a master disillusioned him, yet he understood it as human nature. Everyone has emotions and desires. Besides, he had been so close to removing his master’s clothes; the proximity made it inevitable that his master’s mind would react. Though a sharp slap restrained it, imagining it was understandable.
Mo Xuanli spent a long time rationalizing the image to himself before he could barely connect it to his master. He also felt pity for his master—daring to fantasize this way, yet not revealing a single trace.
He understood his master’s inner struggle—the desire and restraint, wanting but not daring. And he could only selfishly pretend he hadn’t seen anything.
Mo Xuanli’s thoughts raced wildly, until the other two noticed he had woken up.
Tang Yu looked caught, and Yun Yue came to check. Seeing Mo Xuanli’s blank, yet changeable expression, especially the flushed face… how was it so red?
“Is he running a fever?” Yun Yue asked, puzzled.
Mo Xuanli snapped back to himself and quickly said, “I’m fine. You don’t need to worry.”
Yun Yue noticed Mo Xuanli’s mood was a bit strange and glanced at Tang Yu.
Tang Yu awkwardly said, “Xuanli, you’re awake? You heard that? Don’t be mad. I just like to talk nonsense. I didn’t mean to mess with your master—I know Elder Luofeng is a really good person.”
Mo Xuanli’s eyes flickered. “My master is naturally a good person—the person who treats me the best.”
But I cannot give my master what he most wants.
Seeing Mo Xuanli was alright, the two of them stayed and chatted for a while.
Tang Yu couldn’t help his strong curiosity and asked, “Hey, Xuanli, tell me—what did you see in the illusion? Was it something delightful, or something frightening?”
Mo Xuanli was immediately dumbfounded. What he saw was a wedding feast…
A wave of guilt immediately rose in his heart. His master… adored him, yet he had imagined his master marrying someone else, and he happily calling her “Master’s wife.”
When his master entered the illusion later and saw that scene, he must have been… very sad.
Yet his master still endured everything, doing his best to wake him.
How could he have imagined such an illusion! He only wanted to feel the warmth of home by his master’s side, to maintain a stable, harmonious master-disciple relationship. He had been so selfish.
Mo Xuanli suddenly sat up, appearing to want to get out of bed.
Tang Yu was startled and quickly steadied him. “What’s wrong? Are you not feeling well?”
“I want to…” Mo Xuanli froze mid-motion. Want to do what? Find his master? Comfort him? By what right? Wouldn’t that be cruel to a master who adored him? If he can’t return the feelings, he shouldn’t give hope.
Mo Xuanli exhaled a heavy breath and lay back down. He felt completely drained tonight.
“Xuanli, what’s wrong? You’re acting strange,” Tang Yu asked worriedly, then suddenly had a thought. “Is it because Little Plum Branch didn’t come to see you, so…”
“Ah?” Mo Xuanli was already distracted and suddenly hearing Tang Yu say that felt confusing.
Just then, someone came looking for him.
It was a group of fellow disciples he usually played with—but they hadn’t come to see him.
“Xuanli, you have to help Junior Sister Jiaying this time. You know she didn’t do it on purpose; it was just an accident.”
“Yeah, luckily you and Elder Luofeng are fine. Why not let the big matter slide?”
“If you don’t go plead for her, Jiaying might be expelled from the mountain. She really knows she was wrong.”
Tang Yu frowned upon hearing this. “My brother almost died in the illusion! Even in that situation, Lin Jiaying should have known it was her fault. If she had just spoken up, admitted her mistake, and let everyone know what happened, it would have been fine. But she stayed silent until the end—what is she thinking? Expecting others not to notice? This kind of behavior—refusing to admit fault at a crucial moment—why should we protect her?”
Everyone present looked awkward.
Yun Yue reminded Mo Xuanli, “From Elder Luofeng’s attitude before, it seemed like he wouldn’t intervene—everything would be handled by Elder Qianren.”
Mo Xuanli nodded. “It’s useless for you to come to me. I’ll follow my master’s decision in this matter.”
“Xuanli, Jiaying is usually good to you. Isn’t this too harsh?”
“Yeah, I say the real culprit is the beast. Kill the beast and call it punishment—doesn’t that work?”
Three Bean, who had been guarding Mo Xuanli, immediately bristled. “It’s not like I wanted to go to the Beast Refining Tower! That fierce woman threw me in! I almost died in there!”
Everyone was shocked—they had always assumed Jiaying’s tricolor illusion cat couldn’t speak, since only high-level beasts could talk, and this one clearly looked like a low-grade, defective creature.
Mo Xuanli’s expression darkened. “Three Bean is now my master’s contracted spirit beast, and also my friend. If you want to touch it, you better think carefully.”
For the first time, Mo Xuanli scolded them, leaving everyone uncomfortable.
“Xuanli, you…”
“In this matter, my master, Three Bean, and I are the victims. We will not speak for the culprit. Whether it was an accident or not, I trust Second Senior Uncle to make a fair judgment.”
Hearing this, and facing the mid-foundation pressure Mo Xuanli exuded, which ordinary Qi Practitioners couldn’t resist, the others grumbled in their hearts but eventually left.
“I really don’t know what they were thinking… maybe they thought you’re easy to deal with.”
Yun Yue comforted him, “Xuanli, don’t take it to heart. It’s only fair handling.”
Mo Xuanli had explained everything to Fu Zhiyi when he came out; he knew Lin Jiaying would be punished. But he didn’t show favoritism, spoke the truth, and that already proved his stance. His injury was one thing, dragging his master into it… he could not forgive.
Later, Luo Nianyi came to check on Mo Xuanli’s health.
“No problems. You can go back.”
Mo Xuanli nodded in thanks and got up to leave, his first thought being to return to Luofeng Pavilion to tell his master he was fine.
“Oh, your master instructed you to go straight back to Chunyang Pavilion and rest properly. If you want a day off, you won’t need to attend class tomorrow.”
Mo Xuanli’s expression changed slightly. “Disciple understands.”
Tang Yu happily guided Mo Xuanli outside, with Three Bean following closely.
“I’ve starving coming to see you! Let’s eat first, then head to Chunyang Pavilion to rest properly.”
Mo Xuanli, previously absent-minded, stopped in his tracks. He should go to his master’s evening meal… but looking up, it was already past the proper time.
Sometimes, the little child attendant would prepare the meal if needed, so no worries—but…
“Oh, does your master’s spirit beast have to follow you all the time? What does it eat? Should we prepare cat food?” Tang Yu asked, curious.
Mo Xuanli suddenly brightened and scooped up Three Bean. “You go eat. Don’t wait for me. I’ll take Three Bean to Master first, then return… anyway, you don’t need to wait. I’m leaving first.”
Watching Mo Xuanli hurry off, Tang Yu was momentarily stunned, then clapped his hands, convinced that this guy wasn’t just delivering a spirit beast—he was definitely going to find Little Plum Branch.
Huh? She’s already so heartless, yet Mo Xuanli is still rushing to her… Truly, as the saying goes, “passionate hearts leave only regrets!”
Tang Yu sighed in frustration. Brother, why must you hang yourself on just one tree?
“Benefactor, why are you sending me? My master… that is, my owner, told me to follow you.”
“A master may not mind, but you must follow the rules. A master’s spirit beast should stay by their side. You know Master’s situation—if something urgent happens and I’m not there, you must protect Master.”
Three Bean extended his little paw, looking a bit stunned at his little benefactor.
Mo Xuanli realized this too, clearing his throat: “At least notify me immediately. Master… tends to endure hardships and be stubborn when facing difficulties. You must remember to inform me in time.”
No matter how Three Bean listened, it felt like the little benefactor was telling him to keep an eye on his master.
But since the benefactor said so, and he didn’t dislike Gu Baiqing, he would obediently stay by his master’s side.
And so, one human and one cat rode their swords through the night, bathed in moonlight, arriving at Luofeng Pavilion.
Mo Xuanli worried a bit that Gu Baiqing might have already gone to bed.
Yet after landing, Gu Baiqing’s room still had the lights on. Mo Xuanli, curious, approached with Three Bean.
Meanwhile, Gu Baiqing was about to be driven mad by Chu Fei.
Can you imagine? In this world, there actually exists “drunken milk.”
To maintain good relations with the fellow disciples, Gu Baiqing had the child attendant prepare many small porcelain bottles and invited Chu Fei to enjoy them. Although Chu Fei appeared restrained, he had been secretly bribed many times with these little bottles. Eventually, he succumbed.
He removed his mask, revealing a doll-like face that clashed with his usual temperament, holding the small bottle in both hands—adorable if one ignored the murderous intent of the blades nearby.
He likely wouldn’t dare drink like this elsewhere, but this rare moment of indulgence, Chu Fei didn’t restrain himself.
After ten bottles, he immediately jumped up to perform drunken boxing.
With Chu Fei’s strength, Gu Baiqing couldn’t stop him. Luckily, he was only performing and not hitting anyone. Gu Baiqing could only let Chu Fei go wild in his room. If it weren’t for the fact that Chu Fei’s behavior was too embarrassing to let others see, potentially harming the reputation of the guardian elders, Gu Baiqing would have already sent him out.
Late at night, utterly exhausted, Gu Baiqing decided to leave him to rest.
Yet the boy still clung on.
“Senior Brother… Senior Brother, you seem like a completely different person,” Chu Fei said in a childish voice.
“Hehe, really? I think you’ve changed too.”
“Mm, but this Senior Brother is quite good.” He even hiccupped cutely while saying it.
“What’s good?” Gu Baiqing looked amused at Chu Fei tugging on his sleeve at the bed’s edge.
“Give me the little bottle.”
Gu Baiqing laughed outright. “If you behave, I’ll give you as much as you want.”
“Mm, I’ll be good.” Chu Fei smiled, tilted his head against the bed, and held out the little bottle. “Senior Brother, here, shall we drink together?”
Gu Baiqing, tilting his head, could see Chu Fei’s doll-like face up close. He suddenly noticed a secret: Chu Fei’s thick, dramatic eyebrows were drawn on—his natural eyebrows were short, fine, and faint.
He had drawn them to appear imposing and dominant—poor guy.
Gu Baiqing felt he had discovered a huge secret, making it hard to suppress a laugh.
“Senior Brother, drink!”
Gu Baiqing waved his hand, pushing it away. “Senior Brother doesn’t like it. You drink it yourself.”
What was meant to coax him unexpectedly triggered Chu Fei.
His face changed instantly, and he jumped onto the bed, pressing down on Gu Baiqing’s chest. “This is the best thing in the world. Why don’t you like it? Try it, just try it, you’ll like it.”
Then, aggressively, he poured it into Gu Baiqing’s mouth.
Gu Baiqing wasn’t prepared, choked on the milk, getting it all over his mouth and pillow. He nearly cursed aloud—drunk people are indeed unreasonable!
And this one was a violent, over-the-top one. He should have thrown him out earlier.
Both Gu Baiqing and Chu Fei were straight men, so no awkwardness arose, but being physically pinned still felt very unpleasant, triggering a natural struggle to push back.
The more Gu Baiqing resisted, the more frenzied Chu Fei became.
“Drink it, it’s really good, I’m not lying!” Chu Fei pressed half his body down, even placing a leg over Gu Baiqing’s legs to limit struggle, intent on forcing the little bottle down his throat.
“Chu Fei… let go… I…” Gu Baiqing, not wanting to waste points fighting, was now truly angered.
Just as Gu Baiqing was about to strike, the person on top suddenly leapt like an arrow from a bow. The black sword instantly drew to his hand, held horizontally in front, his whole body tense. The drunken posture vanished, eyes alert toward the door.
“Who’s there! Show yourself!”
Outside, Mo Xuanli had also suddenly awakened, realizing his mind had been completely blank moments ago.
Gu Baiqing hurriedly sat up, puzzled at Chu Fei, then glanced outside—only the quiet maple forest was there.
“Was there someone outside?”
Chu Fei was momentarily confused, swaying slightly. By the time Gu Baiqing turned back, he had already collapsed onto the bed, hugging the little porcelain bottle, fast asleep.
Gu Baiqing’s mouth twitched. He smacked Chu Fei on the forehead as revenge, but seeing him sleep so soundly made it feel pointless.
“Next time, I won’t let you drink this much again.”
Gu Baiqing’s mouth was sticky, so he had to wash his face again. When he returned, he frowned once more—Chu Fei had fallen asleep hugging his quilt, and his pillow and blanket now carried the scent of milk, with some spots wet, making it impossible to sleep.
Generously, Gu Baiqing gave the bed over to Chu Fei and went to find somewhere else to rest.
But although Luofeng Pavilion was large, the rooms immediately available—aside from the child attendant’s—were only Mo Xuanli’s.
Gu Baiqing went to Mo Xuanli’s room, pushed open the door, and was about to step in when instinctive caution made him sense something was off.
This kind of “reluctantly entering a disciple’s room and sleeping on the disciple’s bed” scenario… d*mn it!
It reminded him of the time Master’s original room had been accidentally struck by lightning during training. Mo Xuanli had gone down the mountain on business, and the original Master had stayed in the disciple’s room for one night. Halfway through, he was discovered by Mo Xuanli returning overnight.
Mo Xuanli, naturally, climbed onto the bed, and, with complete justification, murmured softly: “So Master misses me this much? Wants to do naughty things on my bed? Heh~ I miss Master too.”
…
Standing outside the door, Gu Baiqing recalled the scene and firmly decided this was another trap. Whether Mo Xuanli was in Flying Crane Pavilion or in Chunyang Pavilion, even if he had no idea about tonight’s temporary lodging, this behavior was still dangerous—absolutely forbidden.
Gu Baiqing took a deep breath, closed the door, and decided—fine, he wouldn’t sleep.
He went directly to the usual training corridor. This place had the richest spiritual energy. While it wasn’t effective for meditation, sitting in stillness could provide a relaxing effect similar to sleeping.
He sat cross-legged as usual, one hour per day, entering a meditative state.
The night wind brushed past, stars glittered, red maple leaves fell onto Gu Baiqing’s shoulders, and his dark hair floated gently, like enchanting red threads, seductive and captivating.
He sat quietly, unaware that not far away, leaning against a maple tree, someone was silently watching him, accompanying him. Dark eyes seemed to merge with the night but reflected a trace of a white figure.
Three Bean perched on a nearby branch, worriedly watching his little benefactor.
Earlier, when his little benefactor’s emotions fluctuated, Three Bean sensed a terrifying force. Now calm, there was still unease.
After a while, Three Bean couldn’t help but want to ask the little benefactor something.
Then, Mo Xuanli suddenly moved, leapt down from the tree, came to the eaves, and walked up to Gu Baiqing, slowly bowing.
