Chapter 2 Part 1

Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/PazjBDkTmW

This chapter is edited by Bakhtawar Kakar. Thank you for your contribution!

Chapter 2: The Master Is Affectionate and the Disciple Is Dutiful (1)

The invisible spirit Qi floated through the cave, as clear as water.

The sudden coolness snapped Bai Lian out of her strange state.

She quickly closed her mouth and sat upright.

Looking at Shifu’s ice-stone-like face, she began to understand why the demons in Journey to the West were so obsessed with Tang Monk.

Generally speaking…

“I feel pretty good,” Bai Lian thought to herself.

Her eyes curved into a smile, and the air seemed to naturally fill with a refreshing fragrance.

Cherish this time alone while it lasts.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see Shifu so weak.

Once Shifu recovers, this calm, quiet moment will likely feel like a distant memory.

Puff～

Bai Lian let out a small breath and rested her hands on her knees.

“…”

Hold still.

On the other side, An Lan lay ready and alert. At that moment, she resembled a white cat, her eyes wary and her body poised to spring should anyone dare approach.

Bai Lian?

Hah, she’s nothing!

If she dares to cross the line, she’ll get scratched!

But the anticipated move never came.

Time passed slowly, almost unbearably.

Bai Lian, seated by the bed, gazed silently at An Lan.

Meanwhile, An Lan, lying on the bed, observed Bai Lian with equal intensity.

The cave was filled with the soft sound of water dripping in the humid stillness.

After what felt like an eternity, Bai Lian finally moved. She didn’t want to leave yet—she hadn’t seen enough. But time was running out.

Go on. Focus on the clothes.

Bai Lian extended her hand, making careful gestures to measure An Lan’s body shape.

The garment she was working on was a Tang-style dress.

In truth, she wanted to make something simple and comfortable—perhaps blue-and-white underwear with built-in cooling properties. But she knew better.

Shifu would probably beat me if I dared.

With that thought, Bai Lian began sewing with focused seriousness.

Seeing Bai Lian quietly sewing clothes, An Lan finally let out a sigh of relief.

Not bad.

Her eldest disciple might be a little odd, but at least she hadn’t turned into a complete “pervert.” With proper guidance, she could still be steered back onto the right path!

At that thought, An Lan felt a spark of anger.

It’s all because of those women from outside.

Especially that troublesome purple-haired woman, Si Yunshang!

If it weren’t for her, how could Bai Lian have developed such questionable ideas?

How pure Bai Lian used to be!

Back when Bai Lian first joined the Duxian sect, she was such a simple and thoughtful disciple. After a long day of cultivation, she would soak her bare feet in a warm water bucket and then read books, laughing softly to herself.

When Shifu fell asleep at her desk, Bai Lian would slow her steps, careful not to wake her. Before leaving, she’d even drape a blanket over her Shifu’s shoulders.

On her birthday, she’d make an assortment of sweets and, for some inexplicable reason, stick candles on them.

She…

No.

I can’t keep thinking about this.

The more An Lan reminisced, the emptier she felt.

Compared to everything Bai Lian had done, what had she contributed as a Master? All she had ever done was teach Bai Lian the rules and cultivation methods of Qiongming Peak. To Bai Lian, she was probably the most familiar stranger.

Alas.

With a deep sigh, An Lan recalled the story of “Little Bai Lian” that her disciple had shared during one of their conversations.

What a pitiful child, growing up under constant threats of death.

Bai Lian had once said An Lan was like the sun to her.

But An Lan knew better. She wasn’t the sun. She wasn’t even the moon. She was nothing more than an unqualified Master.

If she were ever betrayed by her disciples, it would be a punishment she deserved.

But… Bai Lian was a good disciple.

In truth, Bai Lian hadn’t really changed.

Otherwise, how could she wear such a sweet smile while sewing clothes?

She had simply grown up.

People always grow up.

Four years ago, Bai Lian had been a 15-year-old girl. Now, she was 19 and soon to turn 20.

“Unless I can recover my former strength… otherwise…”

An Lan’s thoughts trailed off.

One day, Bai Lian would leave.

One day, she would walk away from Qiongming Peak with someone she loved.

The cave felt damper and colder by the second. An Lan couldn’t feel any warmth. Instead, a chill crept into her bones.

Restoring her former strength felt like an impossible dream.

“Master?”

Bai Lian’s voice pulled her from her thoughts. The disciple, noticing An Lan’s slight trembling, stopped sewing.

Bai Lian stood up quickly, excitement lighting her face.

I’ve been caught!

Fine.

There’s no pretending to sleep now.

“Hmm…”

An Lan yawned, pulling her hand out from under the quilt. She stretched her body languidly, then rubbed her “sleepy” eyes with the back of her hand.