Xiao Ruoching stared at Su Bei, her eyes wide with bewildernt. Her lips were pursed tightly as she struggled fiercely, trying to free her small hand from Su Bei’s firm grasp.
Naturally, she failed to break free.
Then, she gently bit her lower lip and let out an almost inaudible "HMPH," her struggles slowing.
Su Bei watched his disciple with amusent before releasing her delicate wrist.
Xiao Ruoching shook her wrist, which was sowhat numb from being held. A hint of resentnt, unnoticed even by herself, flickered in her eyes as she looked at Su Bei, pouted, and said, "Of course. Whether Master accepts disciples, or whom he accepts, what concern is it of this disciple?"
"Even if Master were to accept all the won of the Red Pavilion as his disciples, this disciple could say nothing."
If this had been a few days prior, such words would certainly never have left her lips.
Yet, for so unknown reason, as Xiao Ruoching gazed at her smiling Master, an unexpected flicker of anticipation ignited in her heart.
Perhaps this life will be different from the last? Though the possibility is minuscule.
Su Bei observed Xiao Ruoching’s expression—the slight wrinkle of her little nose, the blink of her eyes—and suddenly spoke, "Has anyone ever told you that you’re far more captivating when you pout in anger than when you maintain a stern expression?"
Xiao Ruoching froze for a mont, her jade-like bosom, confined by the binding, rising and falling gently. Her eyes held a dazed look.
Her lips trembled as if she wanted to speak, but no words ca out.
More captivating when I’m angry than when I’m stern?
Seeing the gentle look on her Master’s face, her vision blurred slightly.
She ticulously recalled her past life, trying to superimpose the image of her current Master onto the one from before, yet an unshakeable sense of difference persisted in her heart.
The sa, yet not the sa.
A quiet stillness filled the air.
Su Bei thoughtfully examined the Sword Sect disciple robes Xiao Ruoching wore. They weren’t unattractive, but he felt they lacked a certain... zest.
He suddenly proposed, "It wasn’t easy getting to Mo City. How about we go for a stroll?"
"Your Master managed to acquire a fair amount of silver from the Star Moon Sect; I can certainly afford to buy you so prettier clothes."
Xiao Ruoching snapped back to reality, looking at Su Bei in surprise. She then glanced down at her standard Sword Sect disciple attire.
Shopping? That feels like a distant mory.
Su Bei rose, shaking his head and sighing as if to himself, "It’s not good to always wear such constricting clothes!"
"Haven’t you noticed how much smaller they’ve beco?"
"This is a lifelong concern..."
Smaller?
Xiao Ruoching didn’t imdiately grasp his aning.
Then, she instinctively glanced down.
Instantly, a blush crept up her cheeks. She shot to her feet, glaring at Su Bei indignantly. "Disciple... I an, it’s because I’m using that binding now!"
"It’s the binding! Not the clothes!"
Clenching her pearly white teeth, Xiao Ruoching balled her small hands into fists, her fury palpable.
It finally dawned on her why Mo Li had regarded her with that faintly mocking gaze back then.
Then, seeing Su Bei standing with his arms crossed, a teasing smirk playing on his lips, Xiao Ruoching abruptly realized she had been played by her Master yet again.
She stamped her foot lightly, took a deep breath, and tried to compose herself.
However, the murderous intent glinting in her eyes was impossible to conceal.
Watching his spendthrift disciple’s glare, Su Bei’s eyes crinkled into a smile.
My spendthrift disciple used to seem gentle and refined, with an air of worldly detachnt, but to , she lacked a certain vitality. Now... have we grown closer? Or has she finally stopped hiding her true self? How to put it? She just seems more... human now!
"Rember, don’t always wear such a stern face in the future!"
"Smile more..."
Su Bei turned his head, paused in thought, and then added, "As your Master, I’ll buy you a dudou. You can’t always wear that binding..."
Xiao Ruoching was speechless.
***
As one of the eight great cities of the Dongfeng Ancient Country, Mo City’s prosperity was no re facade.
The streets were broad, flanked by taverns and eateries with green-tiled roofs and light-colored walls. Trees stood straight as javelins, creating an exquisite and beautiful cityscape. People flowed along the streets like shuttles in a loom.
As evening had fallen, the large red lanterns adorning the shops were already aglow.
Su Bei and Xiao Ruoching strolled along the streets, one in front and the other behind.
Everywhere, one could hear the chatter of the common folk, their conversations invariably touching upon the Sword Sect.
In a daze, one might even spot a group of individuals running through Mo City’s main streets and alleyways. They were bare-chested, clad only in large shorts, shivering violently in the cold wind, their teeth chattering, yet they still maintained stern faces.
Su Bei raised an eyebrow.
He couldn’t help but let out a leisurely sigh. "The local customs of Mo City are truly simple and honest! Even the common folk here speak and act with integrity!"
Then, he turned and led Xiao Ruoching to the renowned Yanzhi Lane.
After a cursory glance around, he turned back to Xiao Ruoching and declared, "Disciple, tonight, pick whatever you like, choose whatever you desire!"
"This... Master will foot the bill!"
Yanzhi Lane lived up to its na; upon entering, one was imdiately enveloped by the pervasive fragrance of rouge. The lane traversed Mo City’s main thoroughfare from north to south. Its proximity to the Red Pavilion made them complentary attractions, arguably Mo City’s two premier sights.
Taverns, brothels, and shops abounded—it was the pri destination for the idle rich with money to burn to seek amusent.
As dusk fell and lanterns were lit, the lane was already ablaze with brilliant lights.
Teahouses, taverns, gambling dens, shops, and theaters all buzzed with activity. Along the street, one could see scholars with their hands clasped behind their backs, Cultivators exuding an aura of immortality but with shifty eyes darting about, rchants with pushcarts awaiting custors, and won of the night, heavily made-up with rouge, standing at street corners soliciting business. All wore smiles, doing their utmost to entice passersby into their establishnts to earn that shiny silver.
Lingering in this most prosperous and lively part of Mo City, status and power beca irrelevant. The sole objective was to spend money like water, indulging in life’s most exquisite sensations.
The aroma of wine from the taverns, the fragrance of tea from the teahouses, the scent of rouge and powder from the brothels, and the clamor from gambling dens and theaters stretched for several miles.
Watching Su Bei navigate the bustling streets with practiced ease, Xiao Ruoching opened her mouth, her voice faint, "Master, you seem very familiar with this place?"
Su Bei coughed lightly, then adopted a solemn expression. "Familiar?"
"This place is utterly unfamiliar to . Here, hold my hand! Otherwise, your Master might get lost..."
Xiao Ruoching gave Su Bei a peculiar look. After a mont’s hesitation, she extended her small hand.
An indescribable feeling quietly surfaced in her heart.
The wind was not harsh; in fact, it felt rather pleasant against her face.
She then began to rationalize her actions. He’s my Master; I can’t defy him! If I want to kill him, I must obey him, lull him into a false sense of security! Yes, that’s it.
With that, she cast aside her guilt and contentedly held Su Bei’s hand, feeling the inexplicable warmth radiating from his palm. Watching the throngs of people pass by, her gaze gradually grew distant.
After many twists and turns, the two finally stopped before a building.
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