“Master, drinking this really can cure your brain.”
“Listen to your master and drink it quickly.”
“Wuwuwu~ It’s so bitter, only a hug can make it better.” Su Xiao Zhengtai frowned, tears welling up in his eyes, looking like a pitiful little kid who had been wronged.
Su Bai looked at him like this, then glanced at the bowl of shiny black medicinal soup, silently making a mental note.
Then, she scooped up the little ball and lifted him high a few times. Only then did the little boy stop crying, a smile reappearing on his tear-streaked face.
……
That night, Su Bai was once again carried to bed by the little boy, under the noble pretense of: “Enhancing the bond between Dao partners.” However, when she saw the seemingly innocent little boy “groping and fondling” her chest, Su Bai couldn’t help but curse him silently as a “little pervert”!
“Master, your chest is so big, so soft, and so fragrant~~”
“So big~ does it smell like peach blossoms inside?”
“Master, master, can Xiao Hei drink some?”
“Hehe~ wait, Master spoils Xiao Hei so much, surely you’ll let Xiao Hei drink, right?”
These wolfish words came from the soft, cute voice of the little boy, which should have made her so angry she’d spit blood, but seeing the adorable little boy in the white robe on her chest, with his big black eyes looking at her so innocently, Su Bai couldn’t bring herself to feel any anger at all.
At this moment, Su Bai hated with all her heart that she was a beauty worshipper and a dumpling addict.
Hiss~
A jolt of electricity surged instantly from her chest, running along her spine straight to her head. Her delicate body trembled uncontrollably, a tingling sensation washing over her in waves like a tide. Her cheeks flushed crimson, like the most vibrant peach blossoms blooming in spring, radiant and dripping with allure.
The little boy playfully spat out a cherry blossom petal from his mouth, his eyes glinting with a sly, unspoken mischief. Su Bai was both shy and annoyed, glaring fiercely at him, but he was shamelessly proud, pouting innocently while murmuring, “Master’s chest smells like peach blossoms.”
This time, Su Bai could no longer maintain her composure. Unable to bear it any longer, she kicked the troublemaker forcefully!
Su Xiao Zhengtai was kicked straight into the corner, clutching his bottom as tears welled up, pitifully staring at Su Bai. “Master, why did you hit Xiao Hei?”
Su Bai snorted coldly, refusing to answer.
“Does Master dislike Xiao Hei very much?” Su Xiao Hei wiped his tears as he crawled over to hug Su Bai’s waist. “Please don’t dislike Xiao Hei, Master. Everything Xiao Hei does is for your own good.”
“Xiao Hei is a Nascent Soul True Lord. As long as Master falls in love with Xiao Hei, Xiao Hei will definitely bring Master to ascend to the Nascent Soul realm. Then, Xiao Hei and Master will be immortal soulmates.”
Su Bai laughed—not from amusement, but from how furious this little scamp made her. She had never met such a shameless person!!!
“Su Xiao Hei! Su Xuantian!”
“Let me ask you, in these hundred years, have I ever wronged you even a little? Before you entered the Dao, I raised you with my own hands; after you embarked on the path of cultivation, I provided all your resources; and when you entered the Immortal Alliance Enforcement Hall, I went through great trouble with Daoist Zhang to get you in!”
“Every single thing—was it not a debt of gratitude akin to being reborn?”
“And what about you? You imprison your master, strip away my authority, and even commit such a treacherous act of betraying your teacher and ancestors. Have you no guilt in your heart at all?”
“Nope~” Su Xiao Zhengtai tilted his head innocently. “Master treats Xiao Hei so well, Xiao Hei knows that in my heart. What I’m doing now is repaying Master.”
“Think about it, throughout history, how many cultivators have left only bones behind, and how many actually achieved the Nascent Soul True Lord position? Now, as long as Master loves Xiao Hei, Xiao Hei can bring Master to that True Lord status, even achieving Divine Sovereign isn’t impossible.”
“Isn’t this the best repayment?”
“Of course~~” Su Xiao Hei buried his face once again between the soft snowy peaks, a look of contentment and affection. “A drop of kindness should be returned with a gush of spring water. Xiao Hei knows this isn’t enough, so I give myself to Master. I want to be with Master forever.”
Su Bai was silent.
True evil is not in knowingly breaking the law, but in having no recognition of one’s own wickedness, completely unaware of the harm being done, and declaring oneself to be doing good with an innocent face.
“I definitely spoiled you rotten!!” With that, Su Bai stopped speaking, kicked the little boy aside, grabbed the thin blanket embroidered with golden threads, and lay down on her side.
Seeing this, Su Xiao Hei rolled his eyes but then naturally snuggled into his cold, aloof Master’s embrace, resting his head on those soft peaks and curling into a little dumpling as he fell fast asleep.
……
At the same time, in the Northern Plains.
The night wind was like a sharp blade, tearing through with fierce gusts. Among the howling were the mournful cries and wails of wolves, as if trying to rip the ink-black night apart.
Su Xiao Hei, dressed in a dark robe, looked like a god in the darkness. Sitting cross-legged on the wilderness, his expression was stern.
A purple banner smoked and fluttered violently, emanating demonic energy. Wailing spirits moaned in grief, and with every swing of the banner, packs of wolves were instantly drained of life, their withered corpses piling into small mountains in the wild, emitting the scent of death under the night sky.
“Tch~ Didn’t make the Prison Lord feel guilty, but I ended up feeling guilty instead.”
“As expected, the Prison Lord is worthy of that title; his Dao heart is indeed strong.”
“Hehehe! Su little ghost, half a year has passed since the three-year agreement, are you sure that girl is even a little moved by you?”
Nascent Soul True Lord Xuantian slowly stood up and took a few steps forward. With each step, black lotuses seemed to bloom and vanish beneath his feet like a dream.
His splendid robe fluttered in the night wind, clashing oddly with the bloody, grim scene.
“In two and a half years, we shall see the outcome.”
The banner trembled faintly behind him, as if sensing its master’s resolute determination. The wailing of spirits gradually softened, finally turning into a dull, oppressive hum.
……
Time quietly passed. Two and a half years flew by, arriving at [Simulation Year One Hundred Fifty-Five].
In these two and a half years, Su Xiao Zhengtai had been remarkably obedient and sensible. When thirsty, he poured water; when hungry, he cooked; when tired, he gave massages and shoulder rubs. Whenever Su Bai was bored, he provided emotional support. Except for being under house arrest, in every other aspect, he could be considered a qualified little pet.
This morning, Su Xiao Zhengtai was busy from early on. His small storage ring contained countless items: brightly colored silk ribbons, strangely shaped vine plants, tea leaves of emerald green orchids, and an unremarkable stone.
He placed the stone on the table opposite him, then respectfully handed a cup of tea to Su Bai. His big, watery eyes were full of anticipation. Softly, Su Xiao Hei asked,
“Master, in these three years, have you felt even a little spark of emotion for me?”