When I woke up, the entire cultivation world was talking about my master.

As the saying goes, what is said unintentionally may be taken to heart by the listener. Chu Xianlan immediately pinched Xiao Huandu's mouth shut, "What nonsense are you talking about!"

"No, I wasn't just shrinking back blindly—"

"Huh? What are you talking about that taste!"

Xiao Shengsheng also came over, stood on tiptoe, and tried to smell it.

With one big and one small dog wearing wolf ears and sniffing around, it inevitably gives the impression of provoking a dog.

If two dogs are sniffing around something intently, and won't give up until they find it, the thing they're sniffing is most likely...

Chu Xianlan was startled and quickly tried to dodge.

Xiao Huandu's expression became indescribable.

Isn't this just a cover-up?

Humans cannot sense scents, but demons and half-demons can. To be covered in the scent of another to this extent, it's impossible that it was just simple contact.

Perhaps one of them did it on purpose.

At this point, it would require at least prolonged skin-to-skin contact, or a passionate, lingering embrace, or perhaps...

The sound of the flute was like thunder: "I understand!"

"Handsome guy, you two are a couple, right? You're in a relationship, aren't you? I know, I know!"

Chu Xianlan froze on the spot.

"Little sister, you have a bright future ahead of you." Hua Ling finally couldn't hold back any longer and floated out from the corner to give her a personal account.

"What are you? A little flower fairy? You're so cute." Xiao Shengsheng blinked and reached out to poke the flower spirit.

"Oh my, you're so good with words! Come chat with me all night long!"

"Right? That's how it's written in storybooks: lovers who are opposed by the world and forbidden by societal norms elope to a secluded paradise—ahhh, how romantic!"

Her little mouth opened and closed like a devil's.

Xiao Shengsheng was thrilled. These two people were so pleasing to the eye, they were twice as handsome and twice as enjoyable!

Upon hearing this, Yi Chen glanced up at the commotion outside, seemingly waiting for his disciple's response.

Chu Xianlan categorically denied it, saying, "No!"

Xiao Shengsheng's eyes widened, and she covered her mouth. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing's right. We're just master and disciple." Chu Xianlan didn't even realize that her tone was a little stiff.

Everything was quiet.

Xiao Shengsheng knew he had done something wrong and secretly glanced at his older brother.

Xiao Huandu then smoothed things over, tugging at Xiao Shengsheng's ear: "You're just a kid talking nonsense, don't take it to heart."

Yi Chen frowned slightly.

First they didn't care about the Daoist partnership, and now they're in such a hurry to sever ties?

In the past, when Chu Xianlan denied it outright and emphasized countless times that they were "just master and disciple," Yi Chen had never felt such displeasure.

But now, the same words sound jarring.

If they're hiding their feelings before they've even confessed their love, what will happen after they become a couple? Will they still deny their relationship and keep it a secret forever... and claim to the outside world that they're just master and disciple?

A feeling of unease welled up in Yi Chen's heart, as if he had not received the recognition he deserved. He was gripped by a strange sense of anxiety, feeling lost and uneasy.

On the other side, Xiao Huandu tidied up his sister's clothes and hair, and coaxed and urged the little girl out the door to play.

Yanling and Hualing also ran out, joining in the frenzy.

Xiao Huandu returned to the house and almost sneezed a series of times from the cold air conditioning.

Both of them were disciples from the Taiyi Sect. Even though they now knew that the other party was also a half-demon, Xiao Huandu still felt a sense of awe towards Yi Chen.

He didn't dare ask why they suddenly released cold air, but silently rubbed his arms and suggested:

"Um... both Immortal Lord Jixue and I were struck by the blue rain of Thousand-Condensed Cold Iron, and our injuries haven't fully healed yet. How about we go find a shaman to check on our condition?"

Xiao Huandu explained that the witch doctor was a highly skilled senior who lived in seclusion in Peach Blossom Spring. She was good at solving problems involving half-demons, and the residents here would seek her treatment no matter what kind of difficult or complicated illness they encountered.

"Master, would you like to go and take a look?"

Chu Xianlan was naturally very worried about her master's health. The blood holes looked like they had healed, but who knew if any hidden dangers might have been left behind?

"Okay." Yi Chen paused for a moment, seemingly lost in thought, and then nodded to him.

Along the way, residents of Peach Blossom Spring would occasionally pass by, casting curious glances their way.

Chu Xianlan felt a little embarrassed by the stares, but since this was their territory, she could only keep her eyes down and walk obediently.

Unexpectedly, even though he didn't cause trouble, troublemakers still came knocking on his door.

Two half-demon men suddenly jumped out and blocked Xiao Huandu's way, warily eyeing Chu Xianlan and Yi Chen behind him.

"Xiao Huandu, you've brought in outsiders without permission?"

"They are my friends."

Sensing his unfriendly tone, Xiao Huandu still patiently continued.

"Friends?" Another man with sharp features raised an eyebrow mockingly. "You brought people in without reporting to the organization beforehand. What are you trying to do? Don't you know this is breaking the rules?"

There are rules in Peach Blossom Spring that any outsider entering the place must report to the organization and undergo a series of checks and questions before they can move freely. This is also for the safety of all the people living here.

"What if they are spies sent from outside? What if they are here to destroy Peach Blossom Spring? Xiao Huandu, can you bear this responsibility?" His tone became increasingly aggressive.

"Are you done talking?" Xiao Huandu's face darkened.

The two men were taken aback by his cold tone, and although they crossed their arms, they still maintained a rather arrogant demeanor.

"No need for you to worry," Xiao Huandu said casually, ignoring the two men. "I will take responsibility for the people I brought in."

The two men left behind exchanged a glance, their faces flushed with embarrassment. They muttered a few words: "What are you pretending for?" "Just because you've been around outside doesn't mean you're all that." "You'll get into trouble sooner or later." They turned and left, cursing under their breath.

It seems that Xiao Huandu's very presence was more unsettling to them than the fact that he had brought outsiders in.

Chu Xianlan glanced back, seemingly lost in thought.

The Peach Blossom Spring may appear harmonious on the surface, but its network of relationships is actually quite complex.

Xiao Huandu sighed, "Please excuse me, there are still quite a few old-fashioned people here."

"Did I cause you trouble?"

Xiao Huandu shook his head. "No. It has nothing to do with you. They... just don't like me and are deliberately picking a fight."

For some half-demons who have never left Peach Blossom Spring in their entire lives, the outside world is dangerous, and going out is original sin.

They would rather live here carefree for the rest of their lives, maintaining a peaceful routine day after day, ignoring the discrimination and persecution outside, and not caring about their suffering kin. As long as they close their eyes and pretend that everything is none of their business, they can live peacefully and comfortably.

It is the nature of living beings to seek advantage and avoid harm.

Xiao Huandu didn't think they were wrong.

Rather, it's the act of insisting on going out to seek the truth that makes one an oddball.

After turning left and right, the group arrived at a quiet bamboo forest. From afar, they could smell the fragrance of herbs, which brought them a sense of peace and dispelled the unpleasantness from before.

Xiao Huandu stopped in front of the bamboo house, turned around and said, "The shaman only sees one guest at a time. Immortal Lord Jixue, please go first."

Yi Chen glanced at Chu Xianlan.

Chu Xianlan understood immediately and said obediently with a smile, "Master, I will wait for you outside and won't go anywhere."

Before leaving, Yi Chen left behind the Unmoored Boat.

The two traitors glared at each other.

Xiao Huandu nudged Chu Xianlan with his elbow and asked in a rough voice, "Hey, what exactly happened between you and your master?"

Chu Xianlan looked righteous and upright. "Didn't I already say that we met you after we escaped from the capital?"

When faced with existential questions, we must bravely say no!