Disciple and Master

“Miss, miss…” At this moment, Chunhua burst into Yun Feiyue’s room, calling out loudly.

Yun Feiyue turned her head and cast a helpless glance at Chunhua, lazily saying, “What is it now?”

Chunhua handed over a piece of white jade. “Miss, this was left for you by Lord Shen Yin. He said that if you ever find yourself in trouble, you can take this jade pendant to seek out any of the other Lords of Shen Yin, and they will help you unconditionally.” As she spoke, Chunhua couldn’t help but beam with a brilliant smile—indeed, Lord Shen Yin truly cares for her mistress.

Yun Feiyue eyed Chunhua with suspicion before finally taking the jade from her hand. Such exquisite jade—it felt different just holding it.

Unconditional aid from the Lords of Shen Yin? Mo Feiyuan was indeed good to her. Yet this kindness felt somehow insubstantial to Yun Feiyue, as if it was lacking in some way she couldn’t quite describe.

She did want him to treat her well, but when he did, it always felt a little off.

Hmm…

“Did he say anything else?”

Chunhua thought carefully for a moment, then shook her head. “No, nothing else. Why do you ask, miss?”

Yun Feiyue waved her hand dismissively. “It’s nothing.”

Only then did Chunhua bow and prepare to leave, but not before reminding Yun Feiyue, “Miss, the old master sent word today, asking you to attend the Tianwu Rankings competition as soon as possible. There’s no need to worry about affairs here—Chunhua has already prepared everything you’ll need for the journey, miss…”

Yun Feiyue frowned. The old master had been missing for several days, and now, suddenly, a message was delivered about this matter. Could something have gone wrong?

“Chunhua, who brought back the message?”

“Well…” Chunhua looked troubled.

Yun Feiyue simply looked at her. Though she didn’t move, anger was already surging in her eyes. Chunhua knew that if she didn’t speak up now, Yun Feiyue’s temper would surely explode. She had no choice but to answer, “It was one of the old master’s most loyal men. He’s already left.”

“Which direction did he go?” Yun Feiyue asked, striding out of the Feihua Pavilion as she spoke.

Chunhua stamped her feet anxiously. The old master had strictly instructed her not to let Yun Feiyue come after him, insisting she must attend the Tianwu Rankings assembly. What should she do now?

“Miss! Miss!” Chunhua chased desperately after Yun Feiyue, but she simply couldn’t match Yun Feiyue’s speed and soon fell behind.

Outside, Yun Feiyue nearly collided with Luo Yunhuang and Xiao Mumu. At that moment, Luo Yunhuang was carrying a large basket in her hand.

She offered the basket to Yun Feiyue with a cheerful smile. “Here you go. The poison you asked for!”

Yun Feiyue paused, glancing at Xiao Mumu, who was enjoying himself in the beautiful woman’s arms. She sighed inwardly—such a useless son. Then, putting on a calm face, she accepted the basket.

Upon opening it, she found a gray brocade box inside, with a mischievous cartoon skull drawn on top, unmistakably Xiao Mumu’s handiwork.

“Indeed, this is a masterwork my beloved apprentice and I created together today,” Luo Yunhuang said with a grin.

Together? Beloved apprentice? Masterwork? Could Yun Feiyue really trust that this thing would be useful?

Xiao Mumu looked up at Yun Feiyue with a serious expression. “Feiyue, this really is a great concoction. My beloved teacher and I joined forces—”

Beloved teacher? Oh, this brat! He’s never been so affectionate with his own mother… Yun Feiyue smiled sweetly as she reached out for Xiao Mumu. “Come here, let your mother give you a hug.”

Xiao Mumu had never seen Yun Feiyue act so gentle before, and naturally didn’t believe it. He turned his head away, his little paw pressing to his forehead. “No, I’m exhausted from concocting poison all afternoon. I’m about to faint.”

“…”

“Very well, then tonight there will be no bedtime story,” Yun Feiyue replied.

“Mother, hug!” This trick never failed. As soon as Yun Feiyue scooped him up, several bumps immediately appeared on his little head. The scene was so violent that Luo Yunhuang felt her own face twitching.

So this was the renowned Miss Yun, lauded for her virtue and elegance? She certainly didn’t seem that way.

While Luo Yunhuang was still sorting out her feelings, Yun Feiyue looked up at her with a smile. “Forgive me, sometimes I just can’t help myself. I’ll leave him to you.” With that, she tossed Xiao Mumu to Luo Yunhuang and carried the completed poison back inside.

The old master would surely come to fetch the poison. Though she didn’t know where he was at the moment, she was certain he was making preparations to hunt down the Gongsun and Nangong families.

If he succeeded, glory and prosperity awaited them. If not, things would become truly troublesome.

“Miss, aren’t you leaving?” Chunhua asked anxiously, watching Yun Feiyue.

Yun Feiyue cast her a mild glance and smiled. “Why is our Chunhua so eager for me to leave today?”

Chunhua shook her head vigorously. “No, not at all, miss! I just want you to hurry to Mo Pond for the Tianwu Rankings. It’s several days’ journey from here. Since you’ve focused on martial arts and haven’t learned beast taming, you can’t properly handle a good mount, so you might not make it in time.”

“Is that so? Well… I’m not going,” Yun Feiyue drawled, sprawling lazily in her chair with an air of defiance.

Chunhua immediately knelt on the ground, prostrating herself, making it clear she wouldn’t get up unless Yun Feiyue agreed to leave.

Yun Feiyue was exasperated. She hadn’t even done anything, yet Chunhua was behaving like this…

“Get up, let’s talk things over properly, all right?” She most disliked people kneeling before her—it simply made her uncomfortable.

Chunhua shook her head stubbornly, biting her lip. “No, miss. Please, listen to Chunhua and go to the Tianwu Rankings. The old master said someone wants you dead, and it must be true. I don’t want you to be in any more danger.” Tears welled up in her reddened eyes.

Yun Feiyue knew Chunhua was only worried for her. Still, the old master was getting on in years and couldn’t endure more strife. No matter what, she had to take responsibility for the Yun family’s safety.

“Chunhua, you know I never change my mind once I’ve decided something. If you don’t tell me where the old master is today, I absolutely will not leave.”