Chapter 20: Harmony Bells, Confiscated
Some people, while claiming to be the backup, were actually prepared to do absolutely nothing.
The hairpin Si Qinglan gave her was called the Spirit Severing Hairpin, right?
It supposedly suppressed her cultivation to below a thousand years, but she seriously doubted she even had a thousand years of cultivation.
That towering skill tree, presumably called a “spiritual root,” was still covered in little red locks. Since completing the novice missions, she hadn’t unlocked a single new skill.
All the spells she could use were incredibly basic, offering neither offensive nor defensive capabilities.
If something truly extraordinary happened, all she could do was say, “It’s not a last resort yet.”
Then push the male protagonist forward as a shield while she and the little protagonist made a swift escape, truly embodying the cold and heartless master.
Of course, that wouldn’t happen!
Although she hadn’t read the original story carefully, she still remembered the main plot points.
The protagonists’ trip to the human realm was at the invitation of the imperial family, to exorcise a haunted city.
This haunted city had plagued the human realm for over three hundred years and was connected to the male protagonist’s past. It was indeed a significant problem.
But the male protagonist hadn’t studied under the big iceberg for nothing. Even if the little protagonist couldn’t even maintain her human form in the early stages, he could still protect her while single-handedly resolving everything.
The price? A few injuries, some blood loss.
As the male protagonist, he had plot armor. He definitely wouldn’t die. Even lost limbs could regenerate, no need to worry.
In short, although the male lead was unreliable later, he was still dependable in the early stages.
All she needed to do was stick with him.
As long as nothing unexpected happened, there shouldn’t be a “last resort” scenario.
Thinking of this, Li Yu felt relieved.
While she was feeling good, the two protagonists were clearly nervous.
This wouldn’t do. They were about to be travel companions; being so formal wouldn’t make for a pleasant trip!
Li Yu cleared her throat and said, “Since we’re concealing our identities, we should be as low-key as possible. Leave those Mount Chao Yao rules behind.”
Mu Tao nodded seriously, though she didn’t fully understand.
“You don’t have to be so formal with me. Relax and act naturally, so no one suspects my true identity.” Li Yu glanced at Mo Yichu. “Especially you.”
Being singled out, Mo Yichu instinctively took two steps back and bowed. “Yes, Master Li Yu!”
Li Yu: “No need to be so formal!”
Mo Yichu froze, then lowered his hands, confused. “Yes…”
Li Yu frowned. “Why are you still so formal?”
This question completely baffled the always-rule-abiding Mo Yichu.
Mu Tao looked at her master, then at her senior brother, her eyes darting back and forth. Then she let out an understanding “Oh~”
Mo Yichu quickly imitated her, also saying “Oh.”
Li Yu was extremely satisfied, a smile appearing on her face. “Good, from now on, just be natural. There’s no need to be so formal.”
The next second, her compatibility dropped by three points.
But it didn’t matter, she still had 78%!
Entering the comfort zone required sacrifices.
Think positive, this temporary drop was for future stability!
Now, it was time to clear the room and catch up on sleep.
“Alright, that’s all. Go back to your rooms and rest.”
Just as she spoke, a thought struck Li Yu.
Since Mo Yichu recognized the hairpin, would he also recognize the spiritual flower Si Qinglan gave her?
She had only spaced out for two seconds, and Mo Yichu was already halfway out the door.
Young people were always eager to leave.
But sorry, the teacher wanted to extend the class today.
Li Yu: “Nephew Mo, wait.”
Mo Yichu: “…”
Mu Tao, who had just picked up her “portable kitchen” and was about to follow Mo Yichu out, stopped when he did.
She looked back at Li Yu, confusion swirling in her large eyes.
Li Yu: “Go back to your room and rest. I have something to discuss with your senior brother.”
Mu Tao: “Oh…”
Mo Yichu stepped aside.
Mu Tao bit her lip and left the room, gently closing the door behind her.
She should have gone back to her room, but somehow, she couldn’t bring herself to move.
After a brief hesitation, she carefully pressed her ear against the door.
Inside, Mo Yichu sat back down, confused. “What else do you need, Master Li Yu?”
As soon as he spoke, Li Yu raised her right hand. A flash of spiritual light later, a pure white spiritual flower appeared in her palm.
Mo Yichu’s expression changed when he saw the flower.
Li Yu: “Do you recognize this flower?”
Mo Yichu: “The Unasking Flower?”
Great, he recognized it!
Now she could proceed with the “let me test you” phase.
Li Yu: “Qingxuan Revered One gave this to me before we left. Do you know her intention?”
Mo Yichu: “This disciple does not know.”
Such a straightforward answer…
She needed to be more direct.
Li Yu: “Tell me, what is the effect of this flower?”
Mo Yichu: “Master Qinglan once said that the Unasking Flower has the effect of cleansing the heart and forgetting worldly attachments. Whether immortal, demon, god, or devil, consuming it will allow one to let go of everything and achieve inner peace.”
So, it was a high-level version of Meng Po Soup for the living? [T/N: Meng Po Soup is a mythical potion that erases memories in Chinese folklore.]
Such a thing existed in the immortal world?
Did Si Qinglan give her this because she was worried that the resentment in the human world would affect the Demon Bone and cause Mu Tao to lose control?
That seemed a bit excessive.
There wasn’t anything that could trigger the protagonist’s blackening in the early stages.
Besides, Mu Tao was now not only obedient and sensible but also lively and cheerful, completely different from the gloomy little thing in the novel. There were no signs of blackening whatsoever.
She appreciated her colleague’s kindness.
As for the flower, it seemed quite powerful. She’d keep it for now.
If there was ever a need for it, she could use it then.
Thinking this, Li Yu put the flower back into her spatial pouch.
When she looked up, Mo Yichu’s eyes were filled with confusion.
Li Yu knew her cryptic questioning was strange.
But just as she was about to let him off the hook, another thought popped into her mind.
She almost forgot, the male protagonist had a magical artifact that played a crucial role in the main storyline.
—The Harmony Bells!
She had to get her hands on them, otherwise, he might put them on the protagonist.
Ill-fated relationships were easily formed but difficult to break. All signs of such a relationship had to be nipped in the bud!
They were ancient immortals; there was no need to beat around the bush.
Just be direct, even if it cost her some compatibility points.
With this in mind, Li Yu threw caution to the wind and said, “Do you have any magical artifacts with you, Nephew? Show them to me.”
As expected, her compatibility dropped by three points.
But no matter how much it dropped, as long as it wasn’t in the death zone, the male protagonist still had to obey her.
So, the next second, Mo Yichu, looking utterly bewildered, displayed all his artifacts before her, as if setting up a stall.
They said bad students had a lot of stationery; it seemed good students also had their fair share.
None of the artifacts looked familiar to Li Yu.
But it didn’t matter, the Harmony Bells were easily recognizable!
Two intricately woven red strings, each with two small silver bells attached, clearly a pair. What else could they be?
Li Yu gently hooked her finger, using a bit of spiritual energy with the system’s assistance, and pulled the bells towards her.
She frowned slightly and asked in a serious tone, “Why do you have such things on you, Nephew?”
Mo Yichu’s expression turned awkward. “Replying to Master Li Yu, this, this was a gift from a senior sister in the sect. This disciple has no use for it, and it didn’t feel right to leave it anywhere…”
Right, unwanted romantic advances.
The person who gave him the Harmony Bells probably wanted him to put them on her.
Instead, he had tossed them into his spatial pouch, where they gathered dust until he put them on the little protagonist.
She didn’t know if he genuinely didn’t understand romance or was just pretending.
Regardless, she had to confiscate them.
“Nephew, you’re exceptionally talented. With dedicated cultivation, you will surely ascend to the Heavenly Gate within a thousand years.” Li Yu put the Harmony Bells into her spatial pouch and said earnestly, “This is not a proper item. I’ll keep it for you. Remember, don’t let romantic entanglements ruin Lingyao Revered One’s expectations for you.”
Mo Yichu: “Master Li Yu’s teachings are well received!”
Li Yu: “Put your things away and go rest.”
Mo Yichu nodded and silently gathered his artifacts.
As he stood up, he hesitated, looking at Li Yu.
Li Yu, curious, asked, “Is there anything else?”
Mo Yichu: “Please…don’t tell Master about this…”
So he was afraid of the big iceberg finding out.
She understood.
The Harmony Bells were like a love letter hidden in a schoolbag. Keeping it a secret was fine, but being discovered by the teacher would be embarrassing.
Li Yu didn’t like tattling, nor did she have any desire to see the big iceberg.
But that didn’t stop her from saying, “Depends on your performance.”
Mo Yichu took a deep breath, bowed, and silently retreated to the door.
As he turned to open it, he met Mu Tao’s slightly panicked eyes.
Awkwardness filled the air.
Mu Tao clutched her wrinkled clothes, her gaze darting around before settling on Mo Yichu.
“Senior Brother, focus on your cultivation, and don’t get entangled in romance!” she said, her tone serious, her chin raised.
Yes, that’s it, deflect the awkwardness onto someone else.
“…Thank you for your concern, Disciple Mu Tao.” Mo Yichu sighed and headed towards the deck.
—The cabin was too stuffy; he needed some fresh air.
As her senior brother hurried away, her master’s gaze fell on her.
Mu Tao instinctively flinched, her eyes nervously meeting those deep blue orbs.
“Master, I…”
“Next time you eavesdrop, put down your bundle first.”
Mu Tao blinked, then her eyes lit up.
“Mm!” she replied, carrying her little “kitchen” and happily running to her room.
Just as Li Yu was about to close the door, the girl, still carrying her bundle, bounced back and closed the door for her.
Li Yu: “…”
Silly girl, wasn’t it heavy?
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