Chapter 23
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Chapter 23: Title
Ye Qingshang felt quite upset that day.
It was all because of Mu Huaiyun’s attitude, which was like he had swallowed a bomb.
If he had vented his frustrations so they could talk properly, it would have been fine. But instead, he kept his anger bottled up, and the closer she got, the more it smoldered, with a sour face and a worse temper.
For example, right then.
Ye Qingshang tilted her head slightly and asked, “Shall we practice together?”
Mu Huaiyun ignored her.
She kept on, “What I mean is, merging spiritual weapons requires sparring. My spiritual weapon is best matched with yours, so we…”
Before she could finish, Mu Huaiyun turned away and walked off.
Ye Qingshang: ???
She closed her eyes and breathed to calm herself.
Even if it wasn’t for merging spiritual weapons, she needed to stay calm for the chef from Shu; she didn’t want the next days to be bland and tasteless.
She chased after him, calling out, “Mu Huaiyun, can you…?”
“Can I what?!” Mu Huaiyun’s face was dark with anger. His tone was harsh, making even a simple question sound wrong.
Luckily, Ye Qingshang stayed calm. She went on, “Can you walk slower? The Yunshan Sect is full of barriers. As the young master, you use your spiritual power freely, passing through branch halls easily, but I’m not from the Yunshan Sect; I’m careful.”
“What does that matter to me?” Mu Huaiyun said, but he stopped anyway.
Finally catching up, Ye Qingshang quickly summoned Qianyu, swinging her sword to block his path, trapping him so he couldn’t move.
Mu Huaiyun: …
“What are you angry about?” she asked, puzzled.
“Nothing.” After that, he tried to break the seal. But Qianyu’s spiritual power was too strong; he failed after a moment, and his face turned darker.
Ye Qingshang: … That look says he wants to skin someone, and he claims he’s not angry?
She pushed more spiritual power into her hand, driving Qianyu into the wall.
“Tell me, what is it?” Ye Qingshang wasn’t very patient; after losing ground a few times, she struggled to keep her tone steady.
“I said nothing!” Mu Huaiyun yelled, his voice rising. His aura was fierce, but Ye Qingshang was tougher. The pressure from Qianyu hit him, making his Moon’s Shadow stir restlessly, almost out of control.
With a whoosh, Moon’s Shadow struck on its own, wrapping around Qianyu’s blade. Held back by Qianyu’s spiritual power, Moon’s Shadow grew wild, tightening its grip.
Mu Huaiyun stared coldly. “You should take back your spiritual weapon. Moon’s Shadow is sulking now; fighting it will only make it stronger. If it gets hurt, you’ll regret it. I’m not your master; I won’t go easy on you.”
“What do you mean by going easy? This has nothing to do with my master!”
Ye Qingshang attempted to recall Qianyu, but Moon’s Shadow clung too tightly, making retrieval impossible. She abandoned the effort and channeled three-tenths of her spiritual power into the blade, intensifying its glow.
To Mu Huaiyun, this appeared as defiance—Ye Qingshang willing to fight him over the mere mention of her master. His discomfort instantly grew tenfold. "Ye Qingshang, do you care for him so deeply? Your master… what truly binds you two? Merely master and disciple?!"
Ye Qingshang was baffled. Why did everyone keep asking? What else could exist between master and disciple?
"Obviously! Beyond that, what could we—"
Wait. Had they misunderstood?
"You—you don’t actually believe I’m having an affair with my master?"
Mu Huaiyun’s anger flared. "Did your spiritual power grow at the cost of your wits? Think! What master pampers a disciple so? Breaking rules for you at the Illusionary Battle Arena, traveling leagues yesterday just to assist with spiritual weapon fusion—not even blood relatives would go so far!"
"You’re mistaken," Ye Qingshang countered, pouring more spiritual power until Qianyu finally tore free from Moon’s Shadow. "My master came fearing Sect Leader Mu’s wrath after I claimed Qianyu. The weapon fusion? A casual pointer during his visit. Nothing more."
She looked up to find Mu Huaiyun’s expression shifting like turning pages.
"Even if my master loved someone, it wouldn’t be me. Besides, cultivation consumes him far more than any person. Surpass all in the cultivation world through enlightenment, and even you’d earn his favor."
Ye Qingshang shook her head. Others simply didn’t grasp her master’s nature—a man indifferent to romance, emotionally detached. Believing he cherished cultivation? Plausible. Believing he fancied her or anyone? Absurd. The sky would crumble first.
"…Truly?"
"Why would I lie?" Confusion flickered in her eyes. The question felt strange, yet a realization struck. "Regardless—my master’s affections and my bond with him are none of your concern."
"Could it be… you fancy me—"
"No! I don’t!" Mu Huaiyun denied hastily, his vehemence betraying him.
Ye Qingshang frowned. She’d only meant to ask if he bore her some grudge. Why such guilt?
"Good. Speaking of which, it’s still early. Has that Sichuan chef you mentioned yesterday returned to the sect? Might we vary our lunch?"
Mu Huaiyun nodded. "He avoids the main kitchen. You’ll need to accompany me."
"So he’s your private chef? No wonder…" Her tone turned solemn. "But since he’s yours, Young Master Mu, I accept your invitation."
Her earnest gaze met his silent one, abruptly reminding him of her expression within the bone spell’s illusion—back when she’d vowed, "I’ll die with you."
Death was one matter, yet now, over something trivial, her gravity felt like an eternal pledge. This habit of blurring life’s weight with its lightness was… infuriating.
"Stop looking at me like that."
"Like what?"
"Has no one told you," he sighed, "how utterly irritating you are?"
"Me? I—" What now? Moments ago, all was well. Even Qiao Zhu had praised her charm yesterday!
"If you mean to jest," he said stiffly, "don’t be so solemn. I’ll believe you."
"I’m not jok—" Her words died as he turned away. The muted daylight deepened his solitude, the gloom hanging heavy and forlorn.
His voice held impatience. "Are you coming?"
Ye Qingshang massaged her temples.
