Fairy, please have some self-respect. I am not the reincarnation of your deceased husband.

Although the progress of the tribulations in the [Master-Disciple Line] increases extremely quickly, and the triggering conditions seem simple, requiring only the master's guidance to advance.

But... that's precisely why Chen Lianshu found it even more suspicious.

Last night, the progress clearly stopped at 32%, so how did it increase on its own after I woke up?

Could it be that there are other ways to enhance the master-disciple relationship, besides "teaching"?

Or perhaps... I was "taught" something in a dream, but forgot it upon waking?

While she was pondering this, Mu Qianxue stepped forward and bowed to her master.

"Disciple greets Master."

"Um."

Pei Wanyun responded calmly, still slowly pruning the branches and leaves of the spiritual plant.

"Where are you two headed?"

Her expression remained unchanged, her smile still gentle, as if she didn't care at all about her eldest disciple's actions.

She was humming an unknown tune softly, and her pruning movements were light and skillful, clearly indicating that she was in a very good mood.

"I want to take my junior brother to morning practice, and then show him around Jade Spirit Peak and the inner sect so he can get familiar with the place."

Now that she had been discovered, Mu Qianxue no longer concealed her intentions and frankly revealed them.

After all, in her master's eyes, she was just a "dutiful" senior sister at the moment, and it was only reasonable for her to lead the newly entered junior brother in morning practice and familiarize him with the environment.

Given this reason, Master should not object.

"Okay, that's fine."

"Then you may go."

Pei Wanyun chuckled and nodded, readily agreeing.

"This disciple takes his leave."

"This disciple takes his leave."

The two bowed in farewell and then left side by side.

"Heh~~"

As the two disciples disappeared into the distance, Pei Wanyun's smile not only did not diminish, but became even more radiant.

Even the corners of his eyes were slightly upturned, revealing a hint of satisfied laziness in his expression.

"Um?"

Just as she finished pruning the spiritual plant in her hand, a snow-white ball leaped into her arms.

Little Snow Flame kept rubbing against her clothes, whimpering softly, and pointing its paws in the direction Mu Qianxue had left, looking as aggrieved as if it were accusing someone.

"What's wrong, Xueyan?"

Little Snow Flame gestured in her arms, waving its claws as if trying its best to "tell a story".

As the owner, Pei Wanyun naturally understood the little guy's meaning and was on the same wavelength as her pet.

"Did Qianxue...bully you?"

Xueyan nodded repeatedly, her eyes full of accusation.

This time it was truly wronged; it had clearly done nothing, yet it was punished by that cold-faced senior sister.

Even now, it still can't figure out how it ended up in the side hall.

But Pei Wanyun's response stunned Xueyan, and the entire beast froze in her palm.

Instead of "making a decision" for it, the other party patted its head apologetically.

"Feel sorry."

Especially after hearing what her master said next, Xiao Xueyan felt like the sky was falling—

"I carried you to the side hall."

"Forgive me, this is also to... avoid my husband noticing anything amiss."

"...?!..."

Xueyan stared wide-eyed at her master in disbelief.

The meaning couldn't be clearer—the owner was just using it as a scapegoat.

There are bad guys in Jade Spirit Peak!

And this "bad guy" is actually its closest owner...

……

Meanwhile, the two senior and junior disciples walking side by side were completely unaware of this "conversation" at the summit.

The two walked along the bamboo path, surrounded by tranquility, with only the rustling of bamboo leaves in the background.

Although Chen Lianshu did not know where the destination was, he had a vague feeling that the road seemed to lead to the back mountain.

However, although he had a doubt in his heart, he did not voice it.

Mu Qianxue's thoughts were far more complex than those of her junior brother beside her.

"..."

She was walking beside her husband, almost side by side, but she still felt it wasn't enough.

He was constantly thinking about how to get closer to her.

This morning, she had forcibly suppressed the countless urges to touch her husband's sleeping face.

I thought I could still hold back, but as time went by, that desire spread like wildfire, growing ever stronger.

No… she couldn’t hold back any longer.

We need to find a reason to "recharge."

With this in mind, Mu Qianxue immediately put her plan into action.

The path was narrow, so if the two walked close together, it wouldn't arouse suspicion.

She subtly shifted half a step to the side, and the sleeves that had previously had a slight gap now almost touched.

The movement was so natural that the person next to him did not notice it.

As they got closer, the clean and refreshing scent emanating from her husband became even clearer.

Although her scent blended with the surrounding bamboo fragrance, she could still discern his unique aura.

"..."

Mu Qianxue looked ahead, seemingly focused on leading the way, but her peripheral vision secretly fell on her husband's hand beside him.

Tall and clean-cut, with clearly defined joints.

Recalling the feeling of holding that hand when she was drunk the day before, her fingertips unconsciously tightened, and she secretly traced the feel of that palm in her sleeve.

If only I could touch it again…

"Junior brother."

She suddenly stopped, her demeanor remaining aloof and her emotions unwavering.

"Hmm? What is it, Senior Sister?"

Chen Lianshu also stopped and turned his head to look at them, his eyes filled with confusion.

Mu Qianxue, however, did not look at her husband. Instead, she pointed to a vigorous bamboo stalk by the roadside and, in her usual tone, carefully introduced it:

"Look at that 'Spirit Jade Bamboo'."

Because the two were very close, the back of their hands brushed against each other almost imperceptibly as they raised their hands.

The touch is fleeting, a balance of warmth and coolness.

However, Chen Lianshu did not pay attention and simply looked in the direction she pointed.

"This bamboo is a specialty of Jade Spirit Peak. It is hard and naturally imbued with spirit. If you take the heart of the bamboo to nurture a spirit sword, it can enhance its sword energy."

She spoke slowly and deliberately, and while Chen Lianshu was engrossed in observing the bamboo, she quietly moved a fraction closer.

Their sleeves were now completely intertwined, with almost no gap between them.

not enough.

not enough.

"I see, junior brother, I've got it."

Chen Lianshu nodded slightly, seemingly taking the knowledge to heart, but still didn't notice the subtle intimacy.

"Okay, just remember that."

"Let's keep going."

After saying that, the two continued on their way.

What puzzled Chen Lianshu was—

Along the way, Mu Qianxue seemed a little too "enthusiastic".

This is not even like her usual personality.

Not only did she frequently introduce him to the scenery and characteristics of plants and trees in various parts of Yuling Peak, but she was also extremely meticulous, truly "dutiful and responsible".

"..."

But soon there was nothing more to say, and Mu Qianxue silently looked down at her husband's feet.

The mountain path was slippery, and she so hoped that he would slip slightly and lose his balance...

In this way, there will be an opportunity...

Actually, she did consider faking a fall.

But recalling the awkwardness of their first meeting, he ultimately abandoned the idea.

Thus, the journey proceeded smoothly and without incident.

Mu Qianxue was not discouraged.

After all, the most important goal has been achieved.

Deep in the bamboo forest behind the mountain.

"?"

Chen Lianshu stared at the small but charming and tranquil courtyard before him, speechless for a moment.

This place is clearly Mu Qianxue's residence.

"Senior sister, aren't we going to morning meditation?"

"How did you end up here?"

He didn't say it explicitly, but his meaning was clear.

Mu Qianxue explained calmly, her expression unchanged:

"Right here."

"This place is quiet and full of spiritual energy, making it ideal for cultivation."

The reasons are certainly valid, and at this point, there is no other way.

Chen Lianshu didn't say anything more and followed her senior sister inside.

"Heh~"

At this moment, Mu Qianxue, who was walking in front, quietly revealed a smile on her usually cold face that was completely opposite to her temperament.

That was the smile of a successful plan.

Plan pass——

I finally managed to lure my husband home!