"What’s it got to do with me!" Qing Jun replied sullenly.

Zhiwei sighed.

She thought more deeply than Qing Jun.

If Master has upset True Inheritor Bai, then in the future, within the sect, he would surely face obstacles at every turn...

Even Zhiwei herself wanted to stay with Master a little longer.

But thinking of the consequences, she could only suppress the bitterness in her heart, watching with open eyes as Master was taken away by True Inheritor Bai.

"Master... Zhiwei is about to reach Foundation Establishment. Once Zhiwei succeeds, I will definitely be able to help you!"

She muttered to herself.

If she reached Foundation Establishment, given her talent and ability, she would certainly become a strong support for Master.

After all, Master is currently only at the Foundation Establishment Third Layer.

If she became stronger than Master, would Master then obediently listen to Zhiwei in the future?

...

At the top floor of the Herb Pavilion.

The Herb Pavilion is a place selling Spirit Plants, yet it serves as a foothold for the Lingyin Sect in major Market areas.

Therefore, within the Herb Pavilion, there are also spaces provided for cultivators of the sect to hold private conversations.

"Guardian Chen."

Bai Susu’s golden eyes scrutinized Chen Ye up and down, and her smile suddenly took on a hint of slyness.

"Long time no see."

"True Inheritor Bai."

Chen Ye greeted with cupped hands, his expression calm.

This is bad.

Why does he feel that Bai Susu holds ill intentions?

His disciple is still downstairs!

He could only maintain this serious demeanor as best he could, hoping Bai Susu would back off. 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

"Hmph."

Bai Susu gave a light snort, feeling secretly annoyed at his serious demeanor.

In front of his master, why pretend to be so proper...

Yet, the more he acted like this, the more excited she felt.

She liked this kind of Chen Ye, wanting to completely tear apart his pretense of seriousness.

Hmm...

In front of Qing Jun and Zhiwei, he’s a mature, reliable, gentle master. In front of her, he’s just a little dog wagging his tail and begging.

Just thinking about it thrilled her.

"Even though you acted on your own, you did achieve a merit. I heard you slew three Foundation Establishment Demon Cultivators and even escaped from Yuan Ye’s hands... you really hide your abilities well."

Whether Bai Susu’s tone was praise or criticism was hard to tell, but with her slightly upturned lips, her good mood was evident.

After all, Chen Ye was her person.

This wasn’t just her wishful thinking.

At this moment within the sect, everyone at least believed that Chen Ye was her confidant.

The better Chen Ye performed, the prouder she felt.

"Just luck,"

Chen Ye responded humbly, but it was no surprise that Bai Susu was aware of this matter.

Although he fought quickly, the traces couldn’t be fully concealed. With intentional inquiry, it could be easily discovered.

He smiled and said,

"If not for the pills True Inheritor Bai gave me earlier for healing, I wouldn’t have had the strength to fight again."

"Wise of you to acknowledge that."

Bai Susu stopped close to him, so close that Chen Ye could smell a faint fragrance from her.

With her hands clasped behind her back, she tiptoed to Chen Ye’s ear and whispered only for the two of them,

"Since you’ve accomplished a merit, naturally there should be a reward."

Chen Ye’s heart skipped a beat, a sense of foreboding creeping in: "Wh-what reward?"

"Tonight, come to my room."

Bai Susu curled her lips, smiling like a little fox that had just stolen a chicken,

"This True Inheritor needs to thoroughly check if... your tail is injured."

After saying this, she turned around gracefully, leaving behind a string of clear laughter without minding Chen Ye’s stiff expression.

"..."

Chen Ye remained standing, feeling chills running down his spine.

Check the tail?

Where does he have a tail for her to check!

This was obviously an excuse!

...

As night fell, the back courtyard of the Herb Pavilion returned to tranquility.

Zhang Chuxi was imprisoned in the most remote Quiet Chamber, with prohibitions heavily set at the door.

Having cried herself tired and cursed herself hoarse, she now curled up on the hard wooden bed, eyes red and swollen, expression lifeless.

Since her childhood, she had been clothed in fine garments and fed with splendid food. When had she ever endured such hardship? No soft bed, no incense, no maidservants to attend to her, not even a sip of warm water.

"Chen Ye..."

She repeated these names in her heart over and over again, hatred sprouting in her heart.

Her back still burned painfully, a result of being scrubbed by Chen Ye with a hard brush.

It was at this moment that the prohibition suddenly rippled.

Zhang Chuxi sat up abruptly, a hint of hope flashing in her eyes: "Is it Aunt Lan? Or has Mother sent someone?"

However, when the small figure passed through the prohibition and appeared before her, her hope instantly died.

"It’s you!"

Zhang Chuxi gritted her teeth.

The one who came was Zhiwei.

With a food box in hand, she looked calmly at the disheveled Zhang Chuxi.

"I came to bring you food."

Zhiwei placed the food box on the table, taking out two plates of delicate side dishes and a bowl of Spirit Rice.

"Who wants to eat your food! Get out!"

Zhang Chuxi grabbed a pillow and hurled it at her.

Zhiwei sidestepped to dodge, saying mildly: "If you don’t want to eat, then leave it. Master said, if you don’t eat and starve to death, it serves you right."

"Chen Ye!"

Zhang Chuxi was infuriated just hearing the name,

"It’s all his fault! Let me out! Why should I listen to him!"

"Because he saved your life."

Zhiwei looked at her, her gaze serious,

"Because he is now in charge of the Herb Pavilion. Because you are now... nothing but a prisoner."

"You!"

"Also,"

Zhiwei interrupted her, taking out a small bottle from her bosom and placed it on the table,

"This is a healing medicine. Master asked me to give it to you. He said your swollen face is too unsightly and shames the Lingyin Sect."

With these words, Zhiwei paid no heed to Zhang Chuxi’s reaction and turned to leave.

"Wait!"

Zhang Chuxi suddenly called out to her. Zhiwei paused her steps and turned back: "What is it?"

Zhang Chuxi stared intently at the healing medicine on the table, her expression complex and conflicted.

After a long while, she averted her face, her voice sullenly asking: "Did... did he really say that?"