The days spent together by the disciples always passed quickly, filled with countless trivial yet warm moments.
During the day, it was filled with laughter, play, and cultivation.
At night, Yan Hua would sink into Bai Yue’s Sea of Consciousness.
Within that Sea of Consciousness, Bai Yue, dressed in a patient’s gown, would hold Yan Hua’s hand, taking her along to eat and drink without restraint, spending another wonderful night together.
When everyone bid farewell to the Violet Blossom Secret Realm, the daylight was just right.
Yan Hua originally wanted to carry on her noble tradition of “no grass grows where I pass,” sweeping up all the plump Spiritual Fish in the lake to take with her.
But standing by the lakeside, gazing at the sparkling water, she tilted her head and ultimately gave up on this tempting idea.
This secret realm was comfortable, peaceful.
She thought that she must find a chance to return with everyone and live here for many, many days in the future.
If there were no fish left to eat by then, half the fun would be gone.
The journey home was once again led by Yan Hua.
Her speed was unmatched, and the spacious, warm Stomach Pouch became the exclusive vehicle for Master and the Junior Sisters.
Bai Yue found a comfortable corner, leaning against the soft and elastic Inner Wall.
The warmth and sense of security in this space made her drowsy almost instantly, and soon she fell into a deep sleep, surrounded by the scent of her disciple.
Her sleeping face was serene, long lashes fluttering like feathered fans with each steady breath.
Mu Chenxi sat cross-legged nearby.
She had intended to focus on cultivation, but the corner of her eye kept drifting toward Master.
Master was right beside her.
She could hear her breathing.
That gentle breathing calmed her heart, and even the spiritual energy flowing through her body seemed to move with a soothing rhythm.
As for Su Qiuyue, she had long grown accustomed to cultivating within Bai Yue’s body.
The slight upward curve at the corner of her lips betrayed her inner peace and contentment.
Her previously sleepy state improved greatly, and Yan Hua felt energized, speeding up even more.
A stream of light tore across the sky, and by the time night fell again, they had already entered the Ancient Battlefield.
The group found a hidden mountain hollow and set up a Temporary Cave Abode to rest.
“Master, Junior Sisters, I’m going to look for food. I’ll be right back.”
After Yan Hua finished speaking, she dashed out excitedly like a treasure-seeking mouse.
Not long after, she returned beaming, her arms cradling a pile of black eggs of various sizes and colors.
Seeing her expression of presenting treasures, Bai Yue could only smile helplessly and indulgently.
She took out Spiritual Rice, as well as pots, pans, and seasonings she carried with her, deciding to make a steaming hot meal of Egg Fried Rice for everyone.
Flames rose, and Ling Oil sizzled in the pot.
Bai Yue’s movements were skilled and graceful; with a flick of her wrist, golden egg liquid and sparkling Spiritual Rice drew perfect arcs through the air, blending evenly together.
Her profile, illuminated by the firelight, appeared especially gentle.
A few strands of silvery-white hair fell across her smooth forehead, swaying with her movements.
Though the Cave Dwelling wasn’t brightly lit, she herself seemed to glow.
The gazes of Su Qiuyue and Mu Chenxi were already glued to Bai Yue.
Amidst her busy work, the fruits of that loose Dao Robe trembled with each stir, tracing breathtaking arcs.
The two disciples’ eyes were filled with fascination.
Their breathing grew a bit rapid, fixed upon the mesmerizing scene that rose and fell with Master’s movements.
“Master, it smells so good. Is it ready yet…?”
Yan Hua’s head suddenly poked over from behind.
At some point, she had slipped up behind Bai Yue, wrapping her arms around her slender waist and resting her chin on Bai Yue’s shoulder, nuzzling contentedly like a big feline.
She took a deep breath, filling her nose with not only the tempting aroma of Egg Fried Rice but also the faint fragrance lingering on Master’s body.
“Greedy cat.”
Bai Yue felt the warmth at her waist and the breath by her ear.
Her body stiffened slightly before relaxing, gently scolding as she patted the hands around her waist.
“It’ll be ready soon.”
Yan Hua Senior Sister was so vulgar.
Only Yan Hua, this silly, gluttonous cat, could have eyes and mind filled solely with food, completely incapable of appreciating the higher, more elegant beauty before her.
Su Qiuyue and Mu Chenxi thought in unison.
Soon, the fragrant Egg Fried Rice was served.
Golden fried eggs, snow-white Spiritual Rice, and a sprinkle of fresh green wild vegetable leaves—it was enough to make anyone’s mouth water at just a glance.
“I’m starting!”
Yan Hua cheered first, grabbing the bowl and chopsticks Bai Yue handed her and digging in heartily, cheeks bulging like a hamster hoarding food.
After devouring her meal, she raised her clean, shiny bowl, sticking out her long tongue as if ready to lick it clean.
“Yan Hua, act more ladylike.”
Bai Yue laughed helplessly, taking her bowl and pulling out a clean Handkerchief to gently wipe the rice grains from her lips.
Her touch was gentle, her fingertips brushing the corner of Yan Hua’s mouth with a ticklish sensation.
Yan Hua immediately retracted her eager tongue, squinting contentedly as Master wiped her clean, purring in her throat like a well-groomed cat.
After eating their fill, it was time for everyone to rest.
This time, it was Mu Chenxi’s turn.
When her spirit entered Bai Yue’s Sea of Consciousness, she found herself facing the ice-white Bai Yue standing in a snowfield.
She was just as she had been at their first meeting—cold, as if carved from ten thousand years of black ice, emanating a frigid aura that kept all at a distance.
Yet, when she opened her eyes, the ice-blue pupils reflected Mu Chenxi’s small figure.
“Come here.”
Ice-white Bai Yue extended her hand.
Without the slightest hesitation, Mu Chenxi lifted her skirt and ran over, as always, into her embrace.
That embrace was cold and gentle.
The chilling cold seeped through their touching skin, but rather than discomfort, it felt like a cleansing ritual, washing away the impurities of her soul.
Ice-white Bai Yue held her close, pouring the purest power of cold ice and her own Dao insights into her body without reservation.
Mu Chenxi could clearly feel her cultivation soaring, and her understanding of the Dao growing deeper.
Nestled in Master’s arms, she felt the warmth within the cold, a safety and longing that surged in her heart like never before.
This was her Master.
The one she wished to chase and protect—the only one.
***
The next day, the group continued on their journey.
The weather on the Ancient Battlefield was always gloomy, and the air was filled with a sense of solemn killing intent.
They hadn’t walked far when a sudden, frantic cry for help reached their ears.
Not far ahead, a dark-skinned little girl was running in panic, a giant Wild Boar Demon Beast with exposed tusks chasing close behind.
“That’s a huge pork!”
A flash of excitement crossed Yan Hua’s eyes, and before Bai Yue could speak, she shot forward.
With a muffled “bang,” the fierce-looking Wild Boar Demon Beast was felled by a single punch to the head, its massive body collapsing with a crash.
“Master! Master! Roasted meat!”
Yan Hua excitedly dragged the boar’s corpse back, her face radiating “praise me, I want to eat roasted meat.”
“All right, I’ll make you some roasted meat.”
Bai Yue smiled, stepping out of Yan Hua’s Stomach Pouch and approaching the still-shaken little girl.
She spoke gently.
“Are you all right?”
The girl looked to be only eleven or twelve, but her cultivation had already reached the Foundation Establishment Stage—a genius by any standard.
Yet for some reason, she was alone in this perilous Ancient Battlefield.
“My name is Hei Ya. Thank you, fairy sister, for saving me.”
The girl answered timidly, her eyes wide and bright.
“My village is just ahead. I came out looking for my parents, but ended up in danger.”
“Your village is inside this Ancient Battlefield?”
Bai Yue was surprised.
“Yes. Our village is very safe. I only got into trouble because I was disobedient and ran out on my own.”
Hei Ya lowered her head in embarrassment.
“I think I was too impulsive. I’d better go back. Fairy sisters, would you like to visit my village? I’ll treat you well.”
She looked up, eyes clear and face sincere.
Bai Yue hesitated at her words.
A village suddenly appearing deep within the danger-filled Ancient Battlefield—no matter how you looked at it, it seemed suspicious.
“Does your village… have delicious food?”
Yan Hua moved closer, eyes sparkling.
“Yes, of course! Our village has lots of things you can’t eat outside. I can treat fairy sisters to all kinds of good food.”
Hei Ya nodded vigorously, her honest smile blooming.
“Master~”
At the mention of “delicious food,” Yan Hua’s attitude flipped a full 180 degrees.
She wrapped herself around Bai Yue’s arm, clinging on and rubbing her cheek affectionately against Bai Yue’s shoulder, her voice soft and pleading.
“Let’s just go have a look, okay, Master? She said there’s good food.”
“You, all you think about is eating.”
Bai Yue couldn’t withstand such tactics from Yan Hua.
Her heart instantly softened.
Helplessly, she extended a finger to poke Yan Hua’s smooth forehead, her beautiful eyes full of fondness.
Fine, fine.
All three disciples were strong now, especially this little monster Yan Hua.
Perhaps she didn’t need to be so cautious anymore.
Looking at the little girl again, her gaze was pure, and she didn’t seem like a bad person.
“All right, then… let’s go have a look.”
In the end, under her disciples’ barrage of cuteness, Bai Yue nodded in agreement.