Chapter 68: “Little Crybaby”
Half a month ago, a joyous occasion was supposed to take place on Mount Chao Yao.
Two of the mountain’s revered ones were to be wed, and representatives from various immortal sects arrived to offer their congratulations.
However, on the eve of this joyous event, Cangming Revered One, one of the betrothed, secretly left Mount Chao Yao without a word, without even a letter of explanation.
Her departure was so discreet that only when a disciple went to Chaoxi Pond to deliver her wedding attire did they realize she was gone.
On the wedding day, with the bride missing, the guests were stunned.
Some were amused, some offered condolences, and some felt that Mount Chao Yao had made a fool of them.
They hadn’t received a satisfactory explanation for the Demon Bone incident.
And then, regarding the Heavenly Gate, Mount Chao Yao’s attitude had been incredibly hostile.
Now, having traveled a great distance for this joyous occasion, they were told the wedding was canceled because the bride had disappeared?
—Weren’t they being treated like fools?
Although Cangming Revered One’s reputation in the human realm was tarnished, she was still one of the Three Revered Ones of Mount Chao Yao, the only god currently residing in the human realm.
Such a marriage, without her consent, even under duress, wouldn’t have been approved by Qingxuan Revered One or the Mount Chao Yao disciples.
When the various sects arrived, they were told that Cangming Revered One had no objections and the entire mountain was celebrating.
If she had no objections, and the disciples were celebrating, why did she suddenly flee? And where could she have gone?
The answer was obvious.
—Didn’t she have a disciple, a Demon Lord now, in the Demon Realm?
She had stubbornly insisted on sending the Demon Bone to the Demon Realm, and now that the Demon Bone had become the Demon Lord, she chose to flee to the Demon Realm on the eve of her wedding, right when all the immortal sects were gathered on Mount Chao Yao.
This was a deliberate act of defiance, a blatant mockery!
Cangming Revered One was clearly siding with the demons, showing no respect for the immortal sects!
Besides this speculation, other rumors circulated.
Some said that she had been forced, that Lingyao Revered One had come to Mount Chao Yao for her.
Now that her reputation was tarnished and she was injured, he wanted to force her into marriage, and she had no way to resist.
Others said that she didn’t escape on her own, that her disciple, the Demon Lord, had taken her—because someone claimed to have seen a dark cloud of resentment on the horizon the day before the wedding.
But without proof, the immortal sects didn’t accept these explanations.
Regardless of the reason, they had traveled a great distance for nothing, only to witness a farce.
Everyone turned to look at Weisheng Xuanzhu.
They expected some kind of explanation, some reaction, from the groom whose bride had run away.
But he simply said indifferently, “So be it.”
As he spoke, everything red within sight instantly froze, then shattered into countless ice shards as he turned and left.
Silence fell upon the crowd.
There would be no explanation; no one dared demand one from the Kun Peng Monarch of the North Sea.
So, everyone turned to Qingxuan Revered One, who hadn’t left yet.
She shrugged and said, “Why are you looking at me? It’s not my wedding.”
Then, she muttered, “Why did he have to freeze my flowers too…”
So rude!
Si Qinglan had always known that Weisheng Xuanzhu was rude.
As a flower that bloomed in sunlight, she naturally wouldn’t bicker with a fish from the cold, dark depths.
But this time, his rudeness was excessive.
She knew he had liked Li Yu for a long time, but that wasn’t an excuse to use such underhanded methods!
Normally, anyone who dared to be this disrespectful on Mount Chao Yao would be expelled.
But this situation was different; she couldn’t defeat him, so she chose to feign ignorance and endure.
After Li Yu left, Si Qinglan had expected Weisheng Xuanzhu to confront her, knowing she was involved.
But she waited anxiously for days, until all the other sects left, and the mountain gate was closed again, yet he never came.
She thought about it, the more she thought, the more uneasy she felt. Finally, she couldn’t stand it anymore and went to Qingke Hua, tracking Weisheng Xuanzhu’s aura until she found him.
She pushed open his door with a forceful surge of spiritual energy—at least, the sound was loud.
Not breaking down the door directly was her being polite!
But before she could even enter, a wave of icy coldness assaulted her, forcing her to strengthen her protective barrier.
He was cultivating, the frost and snow in the room swirling around him in a strange pattern, like a rotating nebula.
“Weisheng Xuanzhu!”
As her angry shout echoed, the frost and snow instantly vanished.
He slowly opened his eyes, his gaze calm and emotionless as he looked at Si Qinglan.
“Something the matter?” he asked indifferently.
As if nothing had happened.
Si Qinglan frowned. “Don’t you…know what you did?”
Weisheng Xuanzhu: “If it’s about Li Yu, there’s no need to discuss it.”
Si Qinglan: “No need to discuss it? After causing such a scene, such a huge embarrassment, you’re just dismissing it?!”
Weisheng Xuanzhu: “You were the one who let her go. If I don’t dismiss it, how do you expect me to hold you accountable?”
Si Qinglan faltered. “You…you knew all along?”
He didn’t answer, just asked in return, “If you didn’t want this to happen, why interfere?”
Si Qinglan was speechless.
He had never confronted her, so she assumed he hadn’t suspected her involvement.
Or perhaps he had, but was too ashamed to confront her, since he himself was also responsible.
She hadn’t expected him to not only know about her actions, but also be so…unapologetic.
Si Qinglan frowned, her expression shifting. After a moment of silence, she asked, “You’re holding me accountable?”
“Shouldn’t I?”
“After what you did, you’re holding me accountable?” Si Qinglan was so angry she almost laughed. She entered the room, erected a soundproof barrier, and shouted, “You know what you did to Li Yu! I didn’t release her; you drove her away!”
Weisheng Xuanzhu didn’t speak, just stared at the furious Si Qinglan.
“How could you do this?! How dare you!” Si Qinglan continued angrily. “Taking advantage of her like that, even if you have her now, what do you truly have? A soulless puppet, is that what you want?!”
Weisheng Xuanzhu: “Yes.”
Si Qinglan: “…”
Yes? He actually said yes?
Si Qinglan suddenly felt like she didn’t know him at all.
“Weisheng Xuanzhu, I considered you a friend! We’ve known each other for over three thousand years! When you’re in hibernation, I even have my disciples guard your resting place! How could I not have known you were this kind of person?!”
“Thank you for your trouble,” Weisheng Xuanzhu replied indifferently, “But I didn’t need it.”
Si Qinglan laughed in exasperation. “If I did something like this, I’d be so ashamed I’d want to hide. And you’re just sitting here, acting like nothing happened!”
Weisheng Xuanzhu: “Don’t worry.”
Si Qinglan: “…”
Weisheng Xuanzhu: “I’ll leave when the time comes.”
Si Qinglan: “What do you mean?”
Weisheng Xuanzhu: “I read that letter. I left it there, hoping you would see it.”
Si Qinglan’s eyes widened in surprise.
Weisheng Xuanzhu: “The news of the wedding spread far and wide; Mu Tao would definitely come to take her away. If you discovered it in time, the Demon Bone wouldn’t set foot on Mount Chao Yao.”
Si Qinglan: “And if I didn’t?”
Weisheng Xuanzhu: “Then we would fight. She would be taken away either way.”
Si Qinglan was confused, her brow furrowed. She couldn’t understand his motives.
Was he…trying to get them together?
Had he also noticed their relationship…?
But Li Yu’s letter was filled with resolute determination; she was clearly prepared to go to the Demon Realm alone.
If he wanted to help them, why not just…not interfere?
Si Qinglan: “Tell me, why…why are you doing all of this?”
“This isn’t something you can interfere with,” Weisheng Xuanzhu said in a low voice. “Si Qinglan, for the sake of our long acquaintance, I won’t involve Mount Chao Yao, and I won’t harm you. Don’t dig any deeper.”
Si Qinglan: “What are you talking about?!”
Weisheng Xuanzhu: “Just go.”
Just go? How could she possibly be at ease?
His words were increasingly strange. What did he mean by “not involving Mount Chao Yao,” “not harming her”?
And if she did dig deeper, what would she find?
Si Qinglan was momentarily confused, then she seemed to understand. “You didn’t just…want her? No, you never wanted her! She left, and you didn’t even react… What…what are you planning?”
“…”
Seeing his silence, Si Qinglan stepped closer, her brow furrowed, her voice filled with suspicion. “You did something to Li Yu, didn’t you? You’re using her to harm Mu Tao!”
“…”
“What’s your goal?!” she demanded. “To eliminate the Demon Bone for the human realm? Or something else…”
Weisheng Xuanzhu: “Knowing these things will benefit neither you nor Mount Chao Yao.”
Si Qinglan: “…”
Should she continue questioning him?
The answer seemed dangerous.
He was willing to manipulate even Li Yu for this; perhaps this truly wasn’t something she could interfere with.
But could she just…stand by and watch?
“Weisheng, we’ve known each other for so long, is there anything we can’t discuss openly?” Si Qinglan said softly. “Perhaps…we can help you.”
She received no answer, only silence.
The kite outside the window soared high in the sky, like a free bird.
But Si Qinglan suddenly felt that everything she knew, everything she was familiar with, was trapped, bound by an invisible force.
Nothing was truly free, not even her.
She chuckled humorlessly and nodded. “Fine, I won’t interfere, I won’t get involved anymore! Come and go as you please, do whatever you want, just don’t ask me to clean up your mess…”
“After you’re all gone, I’ll pretend I never knew any of you!” Si Qinglan said, dispelling the soundproof barrier and leaving without looking back.
They were all heartless, she thought.
Just leave, and take that damn Lamp with you, before it explodes on her mountain!
After they were all gone, she would turn Chaoxi Pond and Qingke Hua into her personal garden!
Such a waste of space!
As she fumed, she saw the human woman Li Yu had brought back.
She was flying the kite, the little black bird by her side.
Her bell-like laughter echoed in the otherwise quiet world.
Always bringing back trouble, good riddance…
Although she didn’t want to be involved, a wave of worry washed over her.
Perhaps she should find a way to send a message to the Demon Realm.
Li Yu, Mu Tao, don’t fall for his trap!
Mu Tao hummed a tune from Mount Chao Yao, gently brushing Li Yu’s long, dark hair with a sandalwood comb.
Her master’s usual hairstyle was simple, not adorned with elaborate accessories.
She had tried many hairpins but couldn’t find one worthy of her master.
In the end, she could only tie a soft blue ribbon around Li Yu’s hair, adding a few simple pearl ornaments.
“Why am I even bothering? Master looks beautiful no matter what.”
She leaned her chin on Li Yu’s shoulder, her cheek against hers, and looked at their reflections in the mirror. “What do you think, Master?”
“It’s good,” Li Yu replied, her voice emotionless.
“Master has never combed my hair before. Can you…do my hair today?”
“Okay.”
Mu Tao happily helped Li Yu up, sat down before the mirror, removed her orange-red ribbon, and placed it in Li Yu’s outstretched hand.
Her long hair cascaded down her back. Li Yu stood behind her, picked up the wooden comb, and started combing her hair, her gaze lowered.
Her movements were rough, not gentle at all, pulling at Mu Tao’s hair, making her wince.
But her complaints were ignored; Li Yu would pause momentarily after each wince, but her touch didn’t soften.
And after finally combing it smooth, she gathered all the hair and tied it into a messy, thick ponytail with the ribbon.
Mu Tao puffed out her cheeks, frowning at her reflection. After a long moment, she muttered, “Master, this isn’t…pretty…”
“It is,” Li Yu said.
“How is it pretty?”
“It is.”
“…”
Mu Tao took a deep breath and used a spell to redo her hair.
She stood up, pouting. “Master is just humoring me!”
Li Yu: “I’m not.”
A flicker of disappointment appeared in Mu Tao’s eyes.
She took the comb from Li Yu, placed it on the dressing table, led Li Yu to the bed, and sat down beside her.
“Master, someone will bring some wedding attire later, you can try them on and choose whichever you like.”
Li Yu: “Okay.”
Mu Tao smiled and kissed her forehead.
Li Yu looked at her, a faint smile on her lips.
No surprise, no anxiety, no attempt to avoid the contact.
This was rare and precious, and Mu Tao couldn’t help but wrap her arms around Li Yu’s neck, nuzzling against her.
Her master’s scent, the scent she craved,
Every bit of it intoxicating.
“Like a little puppy,” Li Yu said.
Mu Tao, hearing this, gently nibbled on Li Yu’s lips as punishment.
A soft moan escaped Li Yu’s lips.
Mu Tao looked at her, but Li Yu’s eyes were unfocused.
Mu Tao paused.
How boring…
She bit down harder.
Another soft moan.
The faint taste of blood brought her back to reality.
She quickly released Li Yu, her heart pounding, pulling away slightly.
A spot of blood appeared on Li Yu’s pale lips.
Like a plum blossom blooming in the snow, a stark contrast, yet strangely beautiful.
Mu Tao gently touched Li Yu’s lips with her thumb, smudging the blood.
“Does it hurt, Master?”
“No.”
“I didn’t mean to.”
“It’s fine.”
Mu Tao bit her lip, trying to hold back her tears, but they fell anyway.
Li Yu reached out and gently wiped them away with her sleeve.
“Don’t cry, it hurts me to see you cry.”
A sharp pang in Mu Tao’s heart made the tears flow even more freely.
It was all fake…
Just the spell’s control.
There were only two things Li Yu needed to do.
—Obey her and be kind to her.
Orders superseded instinct.
Mu Tao knew Li Yu wasn’t truly unconscious, that she would remember everything when she woke up.
Lingyao Revered One must have controlled Master like this too.
He also wanted her master this way.
How could her master be happy?
The moment she regained consciousness, she would try to escape.
She had escaped Lingyao Revered One; would she escape her too?
Mu Tao couldn’t understand, or perhaps she didn’t dare to think about it.
She felt like a thief, stealing these precious moments.
And stolen things were always returned eventually…
Mu Tao’s heart ached, and she grabbed Li Yu’s hand. “Don’t…don’t wipe them anymore.”
Li Yu paused, then continued wiping her tears.
“Why…why can’t I stop them?” she asked, her voice soft, a mix of confusion and gentle persuasion. “Mu Tao, don’t cry anymore, your eyes are all swollen.”
Why was this happening? She was being comforted for doing something wrong.
Mu Tao didn’t understand, her heart aching.
“Master!” She couldn’t help but throw herself into Li Yu’s arms, burying her face against her chest, her voice choked with tears. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry…”
Li Yu gently patted her back.
Mu Tao repeated her apologies, as if hoping they would reach Li Yu’s heart.
She had apologized countless times, her throat dry, her tears soaking Li Yu’s robes.
Then she asked timidly, “No matter what I do wrong, Master…won’t abandon me, right…?”
“I won’t,” Li Yu replied, gently stroking her hair.
Mu Tao’s voice was muffled against her chest. “Really?”
Li Yu: “Mm.”
Mu Tao shook her head slightly. “…That’s a lie.”
Li Yu: “It’s true.”
Mu Tao: “…”
Li Yu: “Seeing you cry…hurts me.”
Mu Tao froze, then forced a smile, her eyes still red. “Then I won’t cry anymore!”
Li Yu pinched her cheek gently.
This small gesture made Mu Tao feel a flicker of hope.
She looked up at Li Yu, searching for a spark of genuine emotion in those blue eyes, but they were unfocused, distant.
What was she expecting? This was her own doing.
Her master was here, obedient, even kind to her.
Every word, every tear, acknowledged.
Mu Tao gently caressed Li Yu’s face, her tear-filled eyes fixed on her.
She told herself to be happy.
This wasn’t a bad thing; her master would always be with her.
But…
Was this truly…her master?
She tilted her head, a blank look in her eyes.
Not yet, she couldn’t undo the spell yet.
She needed more time.
After their wedding, when everyone knew about their relationship, no one would dare covet her master anymore.
Then, she could truly have her master, without any pretense.
“Master, wait a little longer, just give me a little more time…”
“Wait for what?”
Mu Tao played with the sash of Li Yu’s robe, avoiding her gaze. “Wait for me…to marry you…”
Wait for me to marry you, wait for you to truly belong to me.
I’ll undo the spell; then you can punish me however you want.
She would only make this mistake once.
She wouldn’t make any more mistakes.
“Master said yesterday that you would marry me, you won’t…go back on your word, right?”
She carefully took Li Yu’s hands in hers. “You wouldn’t lie to me again, right?”
“Right.”
“Then…say it again?”
“I’m waiting to marry you,” Li Yu said with a smile.
“Words are meaningless!” Mu Tao thought for a moment, then, shaking Li Yu’s wrist, listening to the soft chiming of the bells, she said playfully, “Write it down, Master, and leave your fingerprint!”
Li Yu frowned slightly. “Where would I find paper and a brush?”
Mu Tao immediately stood up. “I’ll go find some!”
She hurried out of the room, like a little rabbit.
The door remained open, the barrier still active.
Li Yu leaned against the doorframe and waited.
Mu Tao quickly returned.
“Master!” She took Li Yu’s hand and led her to the table.
With a flick of her wrist, a brush, ink, paper, and inkstone, along with bright red ink paste, appeared on the table.
“I’ll grind the ink for Master!” Mu Tao poured some water into the inkstone and carefully started grinding the inkstick.
Li Yu watched as the ink darkened, then picked up the brush.
She looked at Mu Tao, her eyes unfocused. “What…what should I write?”
Mu Tao thought for a moment. “Just write, ‘I sincerely want to marry Mu Tao.’”
Li Yu nodded and clumsily wrote the sentence on the paper.
—I sincerely want to marry Mu Tao.
“Finished,” she said, looking up. “Should I leave my fingerprint now?”
“No, no.” Mu Tao frowned, looking at the messy handwriting, both surprised and displeased. “That’s not how you write it, Master!”
Li Yu: “Why not?”
Mu Tao pointed at the sentence. “—’I sincerely want to marry Mu Tao.’ This ‘I’ isn’t clear, who knows who ‘I’ refers to? If you try to deny it later, I won’t have any proof!”
Li Yu thought for a moment, discarded the paper, and wrote it again.
—Li Yu sincerely wants to marry Mu Tao.
This time, Mu Tao’s frown deepened.
She looked at Li Yu, her eyes reddening. “You wrote it wrong again, Master!”
Li Yu: “What’s wrong?”
Mu Tao: “Your name, you misspelled your name! Are you doing this on purpose?”
Li Yu looked confused. “It’s correct.”
Mu Tao: “No, it’s wrong!”
“It’s not wrong!” A hint of impatience appeared in Li Yu’s eyes. “That’s how you write it.”
Mu Tao: “…”
Li Yu: “…”
Mu Tao persisted, “Look again, Master, are you sure it’s not wrong?”
Li Yu tilted her head, examined the characters carefully for a long moment, then said, “Oh, it seems I did make a mistake.”
“Then write it again, Master.” Mu Tao sniffled, placing another sheet of paper before her.
Li Yu picked up the brush and thought for a long, long time, until Mu Tao was almost in tears again, then she finally wrote, her gaze unfocused,
—Li Yu and Mu Tao’s bond is not just that of master and disciple. Li Yu sincerely wants to marry Mu Tao.
She pressed her finger into the ink paste and stamped her fingerprint beneath the messy handwriting.
She looked up at Mu Tao, a hint of amusement in her eyes. “Is that better?”
Mu Tao: “…”
Li Yu: “Why do you still look unhappy?”
She seemed to think for a moment, then playfully smudged some of the red ink paste on Mu Tao’s nose. “Little crybaby.”
Mu Tao’s eyes widened.
For a fleeting moment, there was a spark of clarity in her master’s gentle eyes.
Li Yu wiped the remaining ink paste on the discarded papers.
Then, her voice no longer as emotionless, she said, “Keep this safe. I’m only writing such an embarrassing thing once in my life.”
That fleeting expression, that tone, as if they had never truly existed.
When Mu Tao looked again, she only saw the usual vacant stare.
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