“Jerk…”
“…”
“Scoundrel…”
“…”
Chen Wentian and Jasmine were still snuggled together in her bed, enjoying a moment of calm bliss after a thrilling moment of passion. She was spooned against him, his body covering hers, her three fluffy tails proving them cover instead of the blankets. Their legs were intertwined while his arm was wrapped around her waist, holding her tight.
She was mumbling something but he ignored her. He buried his face in her silvery hair, enjoying her scent which couldn’t really be described. It was simply divine.
He wanted to stay like that for a little while longer, at least until his little dragon gained enough strength for another battle. With Jasmine, he was never quite satisfied with just one round and she never was either.
“Hubbyyyyy.” She whined.
“What’s up?” He finally replied, since she asked so nicely.
He wasn’t going to reply to jerk or scoundrel or asshole or anything like that. He had principles, even while in bed.Jasmine loosened his arm and turned around to look at him. She had something on her mind. Her eyes were filled with an uncanny fierceness and passion.
“Listen closely, Chen Wentian!” She said in a serious voice, “This unknown enemy, demon or whatever, I will allow you do whatever you need to protect the sect. However, if you get into a fight or if you want to look for a fight, you come and get me, understand?”
“Jasmine…”
“No! No ifs and buts! You better not leave me behind this time. If you are going to fight, then I will fight too. Otherwise, I will really bite you!”
He studied her. Her expression was fierce and determined. He wanted to deny her at first but quickly gave up on the idea. He knew she wasn’t backing down. She was straightforward and stubborn. She was rough on the outside but, inside, she was really kind. She was passionate and loyal to the ones she loved.
Jasmine was his disciple in name but she was also an immortal as well as a divine beast. She had her own ego and ideas. If she really wanted to do something, he couldn’t stop her. She was the only one that was his equal in every way.
“Alright,” He said softly, his decision having already been made for him. He brushed the hair off her face and stroked her cheek. “I agree. If there’s going to be a fight, you’ll be the first one I call.”
Her lips widened into a grin. She showed her happiness by tackling him, pushing him onto his back. She was ready for another round and he obliged.
---
“Mistress Long, we have arrived.”
Long Yifei opened the curtains of the window by a sliver and peered out.
A few steps from her horse carriage were the carved metal gates of the mayor’s residence of Dragon River Town. It was surrounded by tall white walls that were capped off by royal-yellow roof tiles. From the street, it was impossible to see anything inside the mansion.
She preferred to travel by horse carriage even though the town was right outside the sect. Unlike her fellow disciples, she tended to get ogled by every passerby, whether it was male or female, old or young. Even with a face veil hiding her heavenly features, just her presence alone was enough to cause chaos among the mortal population, to the point that crowds would spontaneously appear in the middle of empty streets.
Also, ever since she started studying the various secret arts of the Virtuous Order of Chunzhen, her magnetic aura had only increased in potency, drawing more stares and weird behavior. This annoyed her to no end and she couldn’t wait to start her formal schooling at the order.
Long Yifei straightened her dress and opened the doors. Wooden steps were already prepared for her, as well as two columns of female guards standing to either side, blocking her movements from the view of others.
She walked up the stone steps. As soon as she approached the metal gates, they swung open with a swish of spiritual energy. She went through and the gates quickly shut behind her.
She made her way through the familiar courtyard and arrived at a shaded pavilion overlooking a clear pond filled with rainbow-colored fish.
“Disciple Long Yifei, greets Prioress.” She said with a bow.
Immortal Glass Melody Gui Li, Prioress of the Virtuous Order of Chunzhen, looked up from her book and studied Long Yifei for a moment.
“Something on your mind?” She asked.
Long Yifei shook her head, “No, Prioress.”
Although Gui Li taught her many things regarding the order, she was not Long Yifei’s official teacher. That privilege would go to someone far more powerful. As such, Long Yifei did not voice casual thoughts and feelings to this woman.
“Well, I had something I wanted to ask you.” Gui Li said, unruffled.
“I shall answer to the best of my ability.”
“Good. My sources tell me that your sect is currently undergoing a large-scale operation of some kind. Do you need any assistance? If your master faces any new difficulties, the Order is willing to help.” Gui Li said.
Long Yifei paused before answering. The Order was willing to help because of her but this help would only deepen the debt that Chen Wentian owed. Based on his personality, he obviously would not be willing.
“I’m sorry.” She replied with a bow, “Master is handling everything. He has instructed me to say that we do not require any assistance.”
“Will you be participating in these sect activates? Don't forget, the start of the school year is just a month away.” Gui Li continued.
“No, Prioress. I am exempt. Master understands that I need to prepare for the order.”
“At least he is sensible…” Gui Li mumbled to herself before looking back at Long Yifei, “But I have to warn you. If he is not ready to head for the Martial Brilliance Kingdom by the end of the month, I have been instructed to take you there alone. I am not going to wait for him and potentially have you be late for the opening ceremony.”
“Understood, Prioress. Master has anticipated this and he has no objections.”
“Good!” Gui Li seemed much happier at this. She dug into her sleeves and produced a black orb that was covered in faint inscriptions. “Here, this is an early gift from the Order. You’ll get more good stuff at the school but since your status is too special, they sent this to me.”
Long Yifei took the orb which was slightly larger than a chicken egg and studied it. It pulsed with spiritual energy of an attribute she couldn't grasp.
“What is this?”
“It is called the Ebony Elude. It is a one-time-use spatial treasure that allows you to escape even an immortal up to the Spirit King Realm. It is keyed to the school and if you are anywhere in the Martial Brilliance Continent, it will return you safely to the school. In this subcontinent, it might not reach as far but it will still allow you to escape any immediate danger. And don’t think about refusing, you must absolutely take it.”
“… Thank you.”
“Mmm, that was all I had for you today. You may return and continue your studies.”
“Yes, Prioress.”
Long Yifei turned and left the pavilion. Her feet moved automatically towards the gate but her mind was elsewhere. She gripped the orb in her hand tightly as she considered the ramifications of such a powerful lifesaving treasure.
The sect was facing a crisis, an unknown demon enemy. Having survived the loss of one immortal master, her confidence in her current master wasn’t very high at that moment. Life was uncertain and these were uncertain times.
She didn’t think of herself as a disloyal person. She wholeheartedly followed Murong Aiyin in the past and now she obeyed Chen Wentian. But in her heart, she was a realist, someone who cared about her own dreams and ambitions above all else.
She wondered what would happen if Chen Wentian or the sect met some kind of disaster. Some of the other disciples might follow him to their deaths. Wu Qianyu was certain, perhaps Lin Qingcheng as well. She wasn’t sure about the others but she was quite sure about herself. She wasn’t someone to sacrifice her life for others, the Ebony Elude notwithstanding.
She hoped she wouldn't get reach such desperate straights again. She hoped that master would be able to resolve the crisis soon.
She looked to the sky and let out a frustrated sigh. “Why is everything so complicated?”
---
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