Chapter 167: A Night Light For You
Mount Yu was filled with spiritual energy and the sweet fragrance of Mist Yu flowers.
“As expected of an immortal’s abode.”
Nan Xiaoxiang’s eyes widened in awe as they entered Mount Yu. Even as a mortal, she could feel the invigorating effects of the dense spiritual energy.
“Do immortals live in such a blessed place all the time?”
“Pretty much.” Chen Yin blinked. “If you want to live here, just bring your dowry.”
“I don’t have a dowry. But if you’re in need of a coffin, Young Master Chen, I can have the finest one custom-made and delivered to you.” Nan Xiaoxiang retorted with a deadpan expression.
Thanks, but no thanks. Chen Yin rolled his eyes.
Luo Luo had been to Mount Yu before, but she had always stayed hidden, so she wasn’t as impressed. Qingying, however, looked around with curiosity.
“Such a blessed land, comparable to the Mist Spirit Sect’s main branch. To think such a place, capable of supporting an entire sect, is occupied by just your family. How extravagant.”
She paused, then added, “But only Immortal Yu Ling could afford such luxury.”
Chen Yin didn’t know how they had come to possess Mount Yu.
Master had never mentioned it, as if she had always lived there.
But for many years, this vast mountain had been home to only him, Master, and Xiang’er. Although it was a bit lonely, it was also peaceful.
A gentle breeze carried the fragrance of flowers as they approached the cave mansion at the foot of the mountain. They entered, but Xiang’er wasn’t there.
So, Chen Yin led them further up the mountain, towards Master’s cave.
Master was sitting in the main hall, a wine jar in her lap, her cheeks flushed, her breath reeking of alcohol.
“Master, I brought some guests!” Chen Yin announced, pushing the door open.
“Huh…? What…?”
Master looked up groggily, then blinked, rubbing her eyes, as if she couldn’t believe what she was seeing.
Then, she clutched the wine jar and shrieked.
“Waaaaah! Who are you?! Don’t take my wine!”
Chen Yin: “…”
Nan Xiaoxiang: “…”
Qingying: “…”
This was their first impression of the renowned Immortal Yu Ling.
Her small form was hidden beneath her large robes, her eyes, like those of a protective puppy guarding its food, glared at them with a drunken intensity.
There wasn’t a trace of her usual imposing aura, only a childish petulance that was strangely endearing.
Chen Yin coughed awkwardly and turned to his guests. “Although Master is usually… eccentric…”
“I assure you, this is just a… special occasion.”
Nan Xiaoxiang’s eyes widened slightly, but she maintained her composure. “It’s alright. Immortals are often… unusual.”
“And… well… she’s kind of… cute.”
Chen Yin: “?”
Qingying, however, sensed the unfathomable depths of Master’s power, her eyes filled with a newfound respect.
So this is the strongest cultivator in the world? Even Chen Yin is afraid of her?
The System asked, “What are you thinking?”
“I’m wondering if I can become as strong as Immortal Yu Ling and finally get my revenge on that bastard.”
The System: “?”
Seeing that Master was still hiccuping drunkenly, clearly beyond saving, Chen Yin sighed and gestured for his guests to take a seat, asking Luo Luo to prepare some tea.
He walked over to Master, scooped her up, and carried her towards the bedroom.
“Waaaaah! Brat! What are you doing?! Don’t take my wine!”
Master’s small body struggled in his arms, her grip on the wine jar tightening as she wailed like a child.
“Put me down, you brat! I can still drink!”
…Yeah, right. A few more sips and you’ll be reincarnating.
After finally managing to deposit her on the bed in the bedroom, Master hiccuped and pouted, clutching the wine jar protectively.
Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes watery as she looked at him.
“Wh-why are you back?”
“We’ll talk when you’re sober.” Chen Yin sighed.
He hoped she would remember this embarrassing moment when she woke up.
Master just pouted and stared at him.
“Why did you drink so much today?”
“I wanted to! Is that a crime?!”
“If I’m not here, and Xiang’er isn’t here, who will take care of you if you get drunk?” Chen Yin helped her remove her outer robe and prepared the bed.
Master continued to complain, “Why can’t I wallow in my misery in peace?! You have other women, and Xiang’er went shopping. I’m all alone on this huge mountain! Can’t I be lonely?!”
Her voice was filled with a childish petulance, her eyes watery, as if she was about to cry.
Chen Yin was speechless. She sounded like an abandoned elderly person.
“Alright, alright, I’m back now.”
He finally managed to get her into bed, changing her out of her outer robe and tucking her in.
As he was about to leave, a small hand grabbed his.
“…Don’t go.” Master said, her head lowered, her voice muffled by the blankets.
Chen Yin paused.
He had never seen her like this before.
This old hag usually just yelled and cursed. She never showed such vulnerability.
If she wasn’t drunk, he would have suspected she was up to something.
But this time, he didn’t think so.
He gently stroked her hair, tucking it behind her ear. “What’s wrong?”
“…I’m not happy.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know. Just not happy.”
She pouted. “Can’t I be unhappy for no reason?”
“Of course you can.”
Chen Yin sat beside her quietly, saying nothing.
Master’s eyes fluttered closed, her voice soft and slurred. “I had a bad dream.”
“What kind of dream?”
“I dreamt that you were all gone.”
“Gone where?”
She was silent for a moment, then whispered, “…Dead.”
Chen Yin didn’t speak.
“I dreamt that I was alone on Mount Yu, only the Mist Yu flowers for company. The whole world was silent and empty.”
“I dreamt that you and Xiang’er turned to dust before my very eyes. I couldn’t save you, I could only watch as you disappeared.”
…Just like many years ago.
“When I woke up, I was scared.” She burrowed deeper under the blankets.
Chen Yin lowered his eyes silently.
“It was just a dream. It won’t come true.”
“None of us are leaving. I promise.” He gently stroked her forehead.
Master didn’t resist, just let him caress her head, her eyes downcast.
“Brat… why haven’t you reached the Grand Clarity Realm yet?”
“It’s not like I can just snap my fingers and break through.”
“But I can’t wait any longer.”
Chen Yin blinked.
“What’s so good about the Grand Clarity Realm?”
“Nothing good. It’s just time for you to do what you need to do.”
She whispered, “It has to be done soon. I’m afraid something will go wrong.”
Chen Yin thought for a moment. “Maybe I’ll be more motivated if there’s a reward.”
“…What do you want?” Master’s eyes narrowed suspiciously.
“The reward I want might be a bit inappropriate for a child like you.”
Master’s eyes widened in alarm, and she shrank back further into the blankets.
Chen Yin leaned closer, a mischievous grin on his face.
She retreated further, and he leaned closer.
Finally, when she had nowhere left to go, he gently touched her forehead with his finger.
Master closed her eyes tightly, then opened them cautiously.
“…I want you to tell me a story.”
“Wh-what kind of story?”
“All of them.” Chen Yin lowered his eyes. “All the stories I don’t know.”
Master bit her lip and looked away. “You don’t need me to tell you. You’ll know eventually.”
“Then tell me about all the interesting things you’ve encountered over the years.”
Chen Yin said seriously, “Anything. Tell me until I’m satisfied.”
Master put a hand to her forehead and grumbled, “What kind of childish reward is that?”
“Just think of me as a child asking for candy.”
“In exchange,” Chen Yin added, “I can tell you my stories as well.”
“…What kind of stories? Are they interesting?”
“Not really. They might be boring. I won’t tell them if you don’t want to hear them.”
Master tugged at his sleeve. “I want to hear them.”
“Then go to sleep now.”
Chen Yin tucked her in and, as he turned to leave, paused.
“And, one more thing. I’ll leave this by your bed.”
Master looked curiously at the small, round orb and the base beneath it.
“What is this?”
“A night light,” Chen Yin said.
He pressed a button, and the orb emitted a soft, milky white glow.
Master stared at it, mesmerized. “It’s not as good as a night pearl,” she mumbled, her eyes fixed on the light.
“It has a limited lifespan. I’ll get you a new one when it runs out.”
“A limited lifespan? What’s it for? Just illumination? Then why can’t I use a night pearl?”
Chen Yin turned away slightly.
“…Because it can prevent nightmares.”
Master fell silent.
In the dimly lit room, the small night light cast a soft, gentle glow, like moonlight.
Master suddenly felt calmer, as if the light was a soothing caress.
She didn’t feel like drinking anymore.
She wasn’t afraid of nightmares anymore.
And she wasn’t unhappy anymore.
She closed her eyes slowly. “…Not bad.”
Seeing that she liked it, Chen Yin smiled and closed the door as he left.
“…Goodnight.”