Jiang Wan’er, who had been lowering her head in utter disappointment, froze for a moment, then asked in disbelief:
“Stupid—stupid Senior Brother, w-what did you just say?”
“I said, Junior Sister, you arrived at just the right time.”
Pressing down firmly on Limuqun’s struggling forehead, Luozhilan continued to imitate his voice, the corner of her mouth lifting as she spoke with heartfelt sincerity:
“Junior Sister, Senior Brother was just teasing you just now. I’ve already finished cultivating my technique, so come on in.”
“Eh?” Jiang Wan’er suddenly lifted her head, her eyes gleaming like a lion’s: “Then I’ll count down from ten, Senior Brother, hurry up and get dressed! When I finish counting, I’m coming in!”
“You—don’t—”
Limuqun’s body trembled.
He had just managed to escape from those plump, ample Dao Fruits, and was about to stop this ridiculous farce when he heard Jiang Wan’er already starting her countdown outside the door.
“Ten, nine, eight…”
No way could he finish dressing in ten counts, especially with Luozhilan still clinging to him.
How on earth could he make it in time?!
“Master, please stop messing around and hurry back to Zhini Peak by crossing the Great Void. I’m begging you!” This time, it was his turn to almost cry as he pleaded with Luozhilan.
But Luozhilan only wore a sly, victorious smile, her shapely arms hooked tightly around his neck, showing no intention of leaving at all.
“Six, five, four…”
Ruined, utterly ruined. What should I do?!
Limuqun was completely panicked.
His gaze swept across the bed, and suddenly, a half-baked idea came to him.
He extended his arms, reversed their positions, and, holding Luozhilan, dove straight for the bed.
“Three, two, one!” “Clack.”
The wooden door swung open as Jiang Wan’er pushed her little head inside, curiosity shining in her eyes.
But before she could see much, an indescribable scent wafted toward her, making her pinch her nose and back away quickly.
“Cough, cough—Stupid Senior Brother, did you spray perfume? Why does your room smell so strong?”
Even with her nose pinched, the penetrating aroma—a mix of Danchamber fragrance and osmanthus—forced its way into her nostrils, making her feel inexplicably dizzy.
“Cough, cough, I forgot to put the lid on the Danfurnace after refining Danchamber earlier. Junior Sister Jiang, don’t worry about it, just find yourself a seat and make yourself at home.”
Alright, then.
A breeze drifted into the room, lessening the pungent smell.
Only then did Jiang Wan’er enter, still pinching her nose.
She glanced around, but the person she’d been longing to see was nowhere to be found.
She couldn’t help but ask, “Eh? Stupid Senior Brother, where are you?”
“Cough, cough, right here.”
Following the voice, she finally saw Limuqun on the bed, wrapped tightly in quilts, with only his head sticking out.
“Eh?” Jiang Wan’er asked in confusion, “Stupid Senior Brother, why are you lying in bed? And under so many blankets?”
Limuqun gave an awkward smile and explained,
“I—I’ve got a qi and blood imbalance, so I feel a bit cold.”
“Really? But you look a lot chubbier, the blanket’s puffed up like a drum.”
“Haha, I’ve been staying home cultivating, eating well and being lazy—I’ve definitely gained weight.”
“But how did you get so much taller?”
“Well, I had a little adventure in the Mystic Realm. Soon, your Senior Brother will be a handsome guy over two meters tall.”
“I actually think Senior Brother is just fine the way you are now…”
“Is…is that so, Junior Sister Jiang? You’ve got good taste.”
Something still felt off, but Jiang Wan’er secretly swept the blankets with her divine sense and found nothing unusual.
Could it be…I’m just overthinking it?
Her clear, watery eyes were full of suspicion. Suddenly, Limuqun let out a deep growl:
“Hiss, don’t move!”
Jiang Wan’er frowned, looking at Limuqun’s body—mysteriously squirming under the quilt—and asked doubtfully, “Stupid Senior Brother, just now, were you talking to someone?”
“No, not at all. You must’ve misheard.”
“No way? Wan’er heard it very clearly, you said ‘don’t move’.”
Her eyes filled with even greater doubt as she stared at the strangely wiggling mound under Limuqun’s blanket.
“Stupid Senior Brother, why do you seem so weird today? Are you hiding something from Wan’er?”
“Uh…”
Cursing Luozhilan’s outrageousness and utter disregard for timing, Limuqun’s mind raced, his legendary wit working overtime as he hurriedly explained,
“Ju-Junior Sister, you really have sharp hearing. I did say ‘don’t move’—but I was saying it to you!”
“Me???” Now the confusion in Jiang Wan’er’s eyes only grew.
“But I wasn’t doing anything…”
“True, you weren’t—but Junior Sister, don’t you think the way you were just thinking looked especially pretty, especially cute?”
“Senior Brother—I wanted to fix that look in my memory, so I asked you not to move.”
Knowing the crisis at hand, Limuqun shamelessly blurted out whatever came to mind.
But when Jiang Wan’er heard this, she suddenly lowered her head, her expression darkening.
It’s over, I knew I’d slip up.
Seeing her reaction, Limuqun’s heart trembled.
Jiang Wan’er had always considered him her prey—such wild words would surely infuriate her.
What now…
“Mas—Master, just keep quiet for a bit.” After thinking hard, he realized there was only one solution.
Lowering his voice, he whispered to Luozhilan, who was also hiding under the blanket: “If Jiang Wan’er actually tries anything, I’m going to have to trouble you…trouble you to knock her out first.”
“Hmph.” Luozhilan, her waist bent as she clung to Limuqun, snorted and pinched her nose, imitating Limuqun’s voice:
“Junior Sister Jiang, you looked so pretty and cute just now. How could I bear to knock out such a beautiful girl?”
Hearing that sour tone, Limuqun was left dumbfounded.
Then, anger bubbled up in his heart: Luozhilan, what are you doing now?
He wanted to cry but had no tears, thinking all women were nothing but trouble, and couldn’t help but recall the little fox sleeping deep in his consciousness.
Zuo Qiuli, oh Zuo Qiuli, you’re the only reliable one…
Just then, he noticed Jiang Wan’er, who had at some point quietly lifted her head.
That adorable, pretty face was covered in a cherry blossom blush, her hands pressed tightly over her mouth.
Though her eyes sparkled with unmistakable joy, there were also crystal tears at the corners.
This, this—could it be…
Limuqun’s heart pounded even harder.
Did I drive her mad with my words?
The girl gazed softly at Limuqun’s head poking out from under the covers.
After a long silence, she released her hands from her mouth and, both shy and bashful, spoke:
“Senior Brother…for the upcoming Heavenly Sword Dao Tournament in a couple days, I’ll be leading the team.”
“You must try your best to earn a spot.”
“When we leave the Sect, I’ll tell you a secret.”
With that, her cheeks flushed as red as a ripe fruit, she dropped a pink Storage Bag onto the table, then dashed out into the moonlit night without looking back.
Inside the cabin, Luozhilan, who had also been hiding under the covers, suddenly straightened and poked her head out.
She glared at the pink Storage Bag on the wooden table, grinding her teeth.
How hateful! What Sect Saintess? To think she harbors special feelings for a mere inner disciple, and even brought such a childish gift.
Shameless!
I can put up with a Fox Girl of Qingqiu, but why is this little brat butting in too?
The more she thought about it, the angrier she got. With force, she pulled the half-exposed Limuqun back under the quilt.
“Hey, hey, Master, what are you doing now?”
Luozhilan lifted her chin, looking displeased. “Master has taught you so much, and you never repay Master?”
“Repay?” Limuqun scratched his head, replying sheepishly, “Master, you’re a Golden Core Cultivator. You wouldn’t care for my measly odds and ends.”
“Says who.” She pouted, her expression reminiscent of the Luozhilan from his memories.
“You could reward Master with something special.”
“For example…” She leaned close to Limuqun’s ear, her breath fragrant as orchids: “How about we finish what we didn’t finish the other day…?”
What? Master, you even remember that?!
Limuqun was stunned, but after the shock, he couldn’t help but gulp, his gaze locked on a certain round, full “millstone.”
“This…isn’t that a bit…”
“What, not even such a small request?”
“Ahem, since it’s Master’s command, this disciple can only obey!”
Luozhilan smiled faintly, a hint of triumph in her beautiful eyes.
Saintess Jiang, the thing you treasure—I won’t be polite about it.
Outside, the moonlight was still bright, shining gently in the night.