Chapter 27: “I…Don’t Like…”
Having worked for so many years, Li Yu knew that relationships with superiors and colleagues were never simple.
She considered herself adept at reading people.
Looking into Qin Yuan’s eyes, listening to her tone, the fiery enthusiasm confirmed her earlier unease.
It was obvious—Qin Yuan was interested in her!
Wasn’t this princess supposed to fall for Mo Yichu at first sight?
This was one of the few plot points she remembered, yet the characters weren’t following the script.
The lack of romantic development between the two protagonists was her deliberate doing, but she hadn’t interfered with the supporting characters’ affections.
Why wasn’t the original story unfolding as written?
And what was with the little protagonist’s sudden increase in blackening value?
System, explain!
Was this reasonable? Was Qin Yuan acting normally? Was Mu Tao acting normally? Were they also being forced by some unscrupulous system?
【The system has not detected the presence of similar entities.】
【The system has not detected any anomalies in the characters’ motivations.】
No system, normal motivations…
Then why weren’t they following the original story?
As Li Yu wondered, the system spoke again.
【The system does not intend to force the host. The system’s purpose is to assist the host.】
Li Yu: …
Fine, fine, no one was forcing her.
She was working voluntarily, happy?
Why was she even arguing with the system? Better focus on the current situation.
She really couldn’t handle overly enthusiastic people.
Observing such enthusiasm from afar was fine, but being the target of it was unsettling.
Perhaps she should learn from Mo Yichu and say something emotionally unintelligent to shut down the conversation.
Yes, that was the plan!
Li Yu: “Princess, you misunderstand. The rise and fall of mortal dynasties are the natural order. My disciples and I have come to the human realm out of concern for all living beings, not to protect a single kingdom.”
That should be cold enough, right?
It even had a hint of “whether you live or die is irrelevant to me.”
Anyone would be chilled by those words.
“As expected of an immortal, detached from worldly concerns. The matters that trouble mortals are but fleeting moments to you, like ripples on water, quickly returning to stillness.” Qin Yuan’s tone became reverent. “Immortal, you care for all beings, and the Huai Kingdom, as well as this humble mortal, are among them. If you protect all beings, then I too am under your protection…”
Li Yu: “…”
Hold on, wasn’t she being a bit delusional?
How thick were her rose-tinted glasses?
Not only did Qin Yuan not fall for the male protagonist, but she was now interested in her?
And the system claimed her motivations were normal…
Could it be that Qin Yuan’s affection in the novel wasn’t for the male protagonist, but for the strongest person she could reach from the immortal mountain?
This made a lot of sense.
In the original story, only the male and female protagonists came, so she saw the male protagonist as her only connection to the immortal world?
So, for Qin Yuan, whether the immortal was male or female, old or young, beautiful or ugly, made no difference.
Her enthusiasm, her persistence, her bold confession, wasn’t about romantic love, but a kind of hero worship?
If that were the case, she was worshipping the wrong person…
Li Yu was just a freeloader.
At least until her skill tree was unlocked, she couldn’t do anything but talk and cheer for the juniors from afar.
Wait, she suddenly felt a drop in the atmospheric pressure.
It wasn’t her imagination; it was coming from the little protagonist sitting silently beside her.
Li Yu glanced at Mu Tao, who was frowning, her lips slightly pouted, clearly unhappy.
Right, Mu Tao was upset. Her blackening value had increased earlier.
【Protagonist Blackening Value +1%!】
【Current Protagonist Blackening Value: 20%!】
Seriously, always rounding up?!
Although Li Yu had a slight preference for even and whole numbers, rounding up the blackening value was unnecessary!
Why was this happening…?
She had assumed that as long as the protagonist didn’t like the male protagonist, the jealous scenes from the original story wouldn’t happen.
Two girls fighting over a man was pointless. Without that plot line, they could become good friends.
But she never imagined that Mu Tao would still be upset by Qin Yuan’s presence.
Only this time, it wasn’t because of the male protagonist.
If she had to guess, the source of Mu Tao’s unhappiness now was probably…
—Her.
Qin Yuan’s excessive enthusiasm towards her was upsetting Mu Tao.
Although ridiculous, it made sense upon closer inspection.
Mu Tao’s world was small, consisting only of bullies and an aloof master.
Suddenly, this master started treating her well, becoming the most important person in her life.
And since this most important person usually only interacted with her, Mu Tao naturally developed a sense of possessiveness.
It was like a family having a second child, and the older child, feeling insecure and neglected, acted out to get attention.
This was a headache.
She came here to watch the drama, and now she was the drama.
After all her efforts to prevent the romantic subplot, she had inadvertently taken on the male protagonist’s role, becoming the target of unwanted affection.
Oh well.
A job was a job.
She’d just play the role of the irresistible beauty and experience the burden of being universally adored!
It was just being a mother figure to the protagonist and an idol to the supporting character; she didn’t have to compromise her morals or her body.
The most important thing now was to end this awkward situation and appease the sulking little protagonist.
So, she closed her eyes and said softly, “Princess, we are all a bit tired from the journey.”
Qin Yuan blinked and quickly replied, “Then please rest well, Immortal. I’ve reserved both rooms on either side of this one. Please feel free to choose whichever you prefer. If you need anything, just call for me!”
She smiled. “I’m staying in Room Number One, always available!”
Qin Yuan reluctantly left the room, glancing back several times.
Before closing the door, she looked at Li Yu expectantly and said, “Immortal Li Yu, if you need anything, please let me know!”
The moment the door closed, Li Yu breathed a sigh of relief.
She looked at Mu Tao.
The girl was looking down, her hands nervously wrinkling her skirt.
Li Yu was about to comfort her when she noticed the even more silent Mo Yichu.
Judging by the level of shock, she should probably comfort him first.
Qin Yuan’s words must have been a bombshell.
For an immortal disciple on their first mission outside the mountain, to encounter a situation so closely related to their own past…
It would be difficult for anyone to accept.
But how should she start?
—Nephew, are you alright?
That sounded more like concern for a colleague who had just been scolded by their boss, not a comforting elder.
—Nephew, are you unharmed?
No, that was also strange.
—Nephew, don’t be sad.
Even worse, that wasn’t comforting at all; it was insensitive!
Mu Tao looked up, noticing Li Yu’s hesitant attempts to speak to Mo Yichu, and spoke first.
“Senior Brother, are you alright?”
Li Yu felt her breath catch.
Words of concern indeed sounded more natural coming from a peer.
If it weren’t for her role, she would have loved to join their “young people” group.
For a moment, Mu Tao’s voice sounded even more pleasant and soothing than usual.
Soft, gentle, like a comforting melody sent from heaven!
Mo Yichu snapped out of his thoughts and shook his head calmly. “Thank you for your concern, Disciple Mu Tao, I’m fine.”
Mu Tao: “That Third Princess is really… How could she say those things on our first meeting, without considering Senior Brother’s feelings?”
Her puffed-up cheeks and displeased expression showed more annoyance than concern.
Li Yu suspected that she wasn’t genuinely worried about Mo Yichu but was simply looking for an excuse to criticize Qin Yuan.
It wasn’t good for the little girl to be so prejudiced. She would have to talk to her later.
Mo Yichu: “Actually, I don’t feel anything.”
Mu Tao: “Don’t feel anything?”
Mo Yichu nodded. “Whether what Princess Qin Yuan said is true or not, I don’t have any memories of it. Even if it’s related to me, it feels like a stranger’s story.”
Mu Tao glanced at Li Yu, then looked back at Mo Yichu. “Do you really feel that way, Senior Brother?”
Mo Yichu: “Even if I did remember, it was a long time ago. I can’t change the past, so why dwell on it?”
Mu Tao: “Senior Brother is truly open-minded.”
Indeed, as expected of the big iceberg’s disciple, emotionally detached, unaffected by worldly matters.
However, it wasn’t entirely true that he was unaffected.
After speaking, he seemed lost in thought. “I just feel that it all came so suddenly; I don’t know whether to believe it.”
Li Yu offered some comfort. “Whether you believe it or not doesn’t change who you are now.”
Mo Yichu: “What about you, Master Li Yu? Did you know about this before today?”
Li Yu: “No.”
Whether the original owner knew or not, she had to pretend she didn’t.
Trying to end the conversation as quickly as possible.
Mo Yichu: “I see…”
Li Yu: “Mm.”
Mo Yichu was silent for a moment, then sighed. “If what Princess Qin Yuan said is true, then Master took a great risk for me.”
The risk wasn’t that great.
Although the laws of heaven existed, there were always loopholes. If it was truly that strict, wouldn’t immortals flying in the human realm also be considered using divine power?
As long as they weren’t discovered by mortals and didn’t cause any direct impact, it shouldn’t be a violation.
Or even if it was, it wouldn’t result in immediate arrest.
It was all about being discreet.
—Quick, precise, and decisive, grab and go, no lingering!
But even if it was a minor act, Weisheng Xuanzhu had been dedicated to raising his disciple.
In the original story, the big iceberg, before entering his long slumber, had even asked Cangming Revered One to look after his disciple, as if afraid he would stray from the righteous path.
His disciple didn’t stray, but the disciple of the one he entrusted him to…well, that was a different story.
Being a master wasn’t easy these days.
“Since Lingyao Revered One decided to save you, even if it meant facing tribulation, he wouldn’t regret it. After all, you’re his only disciple in millennia.”
Li Yu felt a pang of emotion.
Perhaps Li Yu, the Exalted Immortal in the novel, knowing about Mu Tao’s Demon Bone, also never regretted taking her in as a disciple, at least not before the true calamity arrived.
Thinking this, she looked at Mu Tao.
Their eyes met.
Mu Tao tilted her head and winked at her, seemingly in a better mood than before.
But her blackening value remained unchanged.
Why did it only increase and not decrease?
Even her compatibility could recover naturally…
Although puzzled, Li Yu maintained eye contact with her adorable disciple.
Seeing the joy in Mu Tao’s eyes, a smile appeared on her face.
Sensing he was intruding, Mo Yichu silently stood up, bowed where no one could see, and quietly left the room, closing the door behind him.
Li Yu and Mu Tao were alone.
Li Yu wanted to say something, perhaps impart some wisdom about not judging others so quickly.
But the words felt like a reprimand.
Mu Tao wasn’t in a good mood; saying these things might increase her blackening value.
She knew that when she disliked someone, she also hated it when her friends spoke well of that person.
And if they added, “You’re overthinking it, be more open-minded,” she might explode.
Mu Tao, seeing Li Yu’s hesitation, lowered her gaze.
“I’m sorry, Master.”
“…”
What? Why was she apologizing?
“I’ve caused trouble for Master.”
“Have…have you?”
She didn’t know how to respond.
Mu Tao: “I was rude to Princess Qin Yuan, and Master thinks it wasn’t right.”
Li Yu: “This…”
Mu Tao: “Master didn’t say anything, but I can see that I was too presumptuous today.”
Li Yu: “I…”
Mu Tao: “I won’t do it again.”
She lowered her head even further.
Li Yu could almost see a pair of drooping ears.
Although Mu Tao claimed she was wrong and wouldn’t do it again, she was clearly still upset.
Recognizing a mistake and wanting to correct it wasn’t the same as letting go of the negative emotions.
It was better to soothe the little wolf cub’s ruffled fur.
Li Yu gently stroked Mu Tao’s hair.
“I’m not blaming you.”
“…”
“I startled you earlier; I should be the one apologizing.”
“Master!” Mu Tao looked up. “Master didn’t startle me. I was being rude, and I don’t resent Master for scolding me!”
Li Yu: “But you’re unhappy.”
Mu Tao: “No…”
Li Yu chuckled and gently pinched Mu Tao’s soft cheek. “Still saying no? It’s written all over your face.”
It wasn’t just written on her face; it was also recorded by the system, causing her unnecessary panic.
Although just four points, if it increased by four points every day, it would reach 40 in ten days, 80 in twenty days, and with the current 20, wouldn’t that be complete blackening?!
Although she knew percentages didn’t work that way,
Her heart couldn’t handle it.
Mu Tao’s cheeks were soft, her skin smooth, still carrying a hint of baby fat. She didn’t look chubby, but her cheeks were squishy and pleasant to touch.
But she couldn’t keep pinching her; it felt inappropriate.
“Why are you unhappy? Do you need me to spell it out for you?” Li Yu withdrew her hand.
Her tone was gentle, her eyes filled with a soft smile, devoid of any reprimand.
She wouldn’t dare reprimand the protagonist.
The broken sword from her dreams had haunted her for six months; how could she provoke the protagonist?
She could only hint at it and hope the protagonist would reflect and find the right path.
Her gentle question instantly made Mu Tao ponder, her lips pursed.
After a long silence, Mu Tao muttered, “I don’t like…”
“Don’t like what?” Li Yu asked softly.
“I don’t like it when outsiders speak to Master in such a disrespectful tone…as if they’re close…” Mu Tao’s voice trailed off, her head almost touching the table. “I…don’t like it…”
“Disrespectful?” Li Yu asked, knowing the answer.
“Like, like…like they’re very familiar with Master…” Mu Tao bit her lip, her voice barely a whisper. “Master…doesn’t like being disturbed like that…”
As her head was about to touch the table, Li Yu gently flicked her forehead.
Mu Tao straightened up, her previously resentful eyes clearing slightly.
She stared at Li Yu, her mouth open slightly, speechless.
After a few seconds of silence, Li Yu placed a cup of tea before her.
Mu Tao carefully took the teacup, brought it to her lips, and took a small sip, her eyes nervously studying Li Yu. Only after confirming the smile in her master’s eyes, the assurance that she wasn’t angry, did she dare finish the tea.
“Mu Tao.”
“Ah?” Mu Tao put down the cup and sat up straight, nervously.
“You’re the only disciple I’ve ever had.”
“Master, I…”
“And you will be my only disciple.”
“…”
Li Yu carefully observed Mu Tao’s reaction.
She saw tears.
Tears welled up in the girl’s large, round eyes, blurring her light brown irises, like amber catching the sunlight.
This little protagonist, though more lively than before, still cried easily.
And when she cried, she was quiet, only sniffling softly.
Li Yu gently rubbed her brow. “Does it hurt?”
“No,” Mu Tao shook her head, tears spilling from her eyes.
Li Yu: “Next time it will.”
Mu Tao: “…”
Li Yu: “Next time you doubt my affection, it won’t be so gentle.”
Mu Tao: “…”
Li Yu: “I can see that Princess Qin Yuan has immortal destiny. Immortal destiny is rare and precious. If given the opportunity, she might embark on the path of immortality.”
Mu Tao: “But Master…”
“I know.” Li Yu interrupted, gently wiping away the tears from Mu Tao’s eyes with her sleeve. “I see your little jealous thoughts.”
Mu Tao stared at her, her eyes wide with confusion.
Li Yu: “I promise you, even if Qin Yuan comes back to Mount Chao Yao with us one day, she will never be my disciple.”
Mu Tao sniffled and asked, her gaze fixed on Li Yu, “Master…why are you telling me this…”
Because I’m afraid of you blackening!
Li Yu thought this but said gently, “I’m afraid you might be unhappy.”
These words made Mu Tao’s tears flow even more freely.
Just as Li Yu was about to comfort her, the girl threw herself into her arms.
“I’m sorry, Master,” she sobbed.
She was being unreasonable, always making her master worry.
She understood now; her master was the best master in the world, always loving, cherishing, and protecting her…
She wouldn’t doubt her master ever again.
Mu Tao’s heartfelt words, sincere and without a hint of falsehood, almost melted Li Yu’s heart.
But then…
【Protagonist Blackening Value +5%】
【Current Protagonist Blackening Value: 25%!】
Now, she just wanted to ask,
How?! How was she supposed to deal with this?! Would this blackening value ever leave her alone?!
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