The Beloved Master's Mad Dog Disciple - Chapter 24

Bo Xuenong watched Shen Yanting board the carriage, her hand absently rubbing her back, her eyes betraying a hint of regret.

She followed Shen Yanting into the carriage. Feng Yingbo’s purchase was spacious and luxurious, with soft fur rugs cushioning the floor. Three rows of wide, plush seats offered ample room to recline and rest comfortably, explaining why two horses were needed to pull it. At least Shen Yanting wouldn’t feel cramped.

The problem was that none of their group of sword cultivators knew how to drive a carriage.

Feng Jin fed the two horses Beast Taming Pills, estimating they would obey her commands. But to maintain their disguise as ordinary travelers, they needed to put on a show. They couldn’t let a child who looked no older than ten drive the carriage alone.

As Bo Xuenong considered taking on the responsibility and putting on a convincing act, Feng Yingbo had already slipped out of the carriage and taken hold of the reins. “I can do it! Let me drive!”

Fu Yunqing was astonished. “You know how to do this?”

Xiang Yu exclaimed, “Elder Feng is so impressive!”

Bo Xuenong and Shen Yanting sat side-by-side on the right, both instinctively shifting forward.

Sensing Shen Yanting’s movement, Bo Xuenong turned to meet her gaze. Shen Yanting saw her worry, and Bo Xuenong clearly perceived Shen Yanting’s unease.

They shared a silent agreement: neither held any expectations for Feng Yingbo.

Bo Xuenong suddenly realized that her past dismissiveness toward Feng Yingbo and the others had caused her to miss much. For instance, Shen Yanting’s attitude toward them couldn’t be summarized by the simple phrase “good relationship.” She felt pity and sorrow for Fu Yunqing, and helplessness and concern for Feng Yingbo. If she had recognized Feng Yingbo’s absurdity sooner, perhaps she and Shen Yanting could have shared such moments of unspoken understanding long ago.

Bo Xuenong had always believed she was keeping pace with Shen Yanting, but now she realized their emotions weren’t synchronized. She still wasn’t enough like her Master—she needed to work harder!

She was her Master’s disciple; she should be as capable as her Master.

Bo Xuenong’s firm resolve shattered into fragments as the swaying carriage jolted violently. Gripping the carriage curtain with one hand and shielding Bo Xuenong beside her with the other, she glared at Feng Yingbo, who was casually handling the horse reins. She felt an overwhelming urge to swap places with her.

After all, they had fed the horses Beast Taming Pills. By all logic, these horses should be more attuned to human commands than ordinary steeds, requiring minimal urging to follow Feng Jin’s intentions and maintain a steady pace.

But when the horse rein fell into Feng Yingbo’s hands, instead of a smooth journey, the carriage began careening wildly.

Bo Xuenong watched in horror as the white horse’s head smashed into tree after tree, the carriage lurching violently with each impact. Her hand, which had been gripping the curtain, reached out and yanked Feng Yingbo back into the carriage. Seizing the reins herself, she took Feng Yingbo’s place. “Aunt Feng, let me handle this.”

If Feng Jin hadn’t fed the horses so many Beast Essence Pills, they would have been bleeding from their heads long ago.

Feng Yingbo, utterly oblivious to her own incompetence, tried to scramble back out even after Bo Xuenong had dragged her inside. “I can do it!”

Shen Yanting firmly pressed Feng Yingbo back into her seat. “No, you can’t.”

Shen Yanting’s stern, unsmiling demeanor silenced Feng Yingbo, who meekly protested, “Senior Sister Shen…”

Before she could finish, Fu Yunqing, who had already bumped her head several times due to Feng Yingbo’s “expert” driving, reached out and grabbed her. “Please, I’m begging you, stop torturing the horses.”

Even Xiang Yu, who had always idolized Feng Yingbo and wanted to become her disciple, couldn’t help but nod in agreement.

Feng Yingbo finally gave up on trying to retake the reins. She nudged Feng Jin, who was sitting across from her, with her foot. “Jin’er.”

Feng Jin ignored her, clutching her head as she shuffled out of the carriage.

Breaking from her usual behavior, she actively sat beside Bo Xuenong. “Eldest Senior Sister, let me drive. You should sit inside.”

Feng Jin was still afraid of Bo Xuenong, hesitant to get too close or sit inside with her. Her inner thoughts raced incessantly.

Perhaps Feng Jin’s fear of sitting next to her was so intense that Bo Xuenong heard the Dead System’s voice again.

Feng Yingbo: Look at other people’s Masters, then look at Feng Yingbo. Can’t she be a little more mature and reliable?! If she were even slightly competent, I wouldn’t have to sit so close to Eldest Senior Sister. Heavens, even sitting next to her feels cold! It’s not summer anymore—I don’t need to cool down! Hurry inside! I have Beast Taming Pills; I can control these horses myself.

Dead System: Host, Feng Yingbo is only forty years older than Bo Xuenong. She’s just five hundred and forty-four years old—young by cultivator standards. It’s normal for her to be immature. If she were reliable, she wouldn’t have given birth to you in the first place.

What did she say?

Feng Jin is Feng Yingbo’s daughter?

So they’re not master and disciple, but mother and daughter?

Then why did Feng Jin say she looked like the Female Lead?

It’s impossible that Feng Jin is the daughter of Yu Cenwan and Feng Yingbo. Even setting aside the question of how two women could have a child, Feng Yingbo’s reaction to the Female Lead’s portrait yesterday proves they couldn’t have had any past relationship. Even Bo Xuenong, who wasn’t particularly perceptive about emotions, knew no sane person would point at a portrait of their own daughter’s mother and so calmly declare her to be their life’s savior.

What on earth is going on?

Bo Xuenong felt her head was about to explode. She couldn’t ask Feng Jin about her inner thoughts here, so she remained seated.

She deliberately moved closer to Feng Jin and placed a hand on her shoulder.

Feng Jin’s slender frame stiffened, and her inner thoughts indeed grew louder—too loud and too fast. Bo Xuenong couldn’t make out a single word. She hadn’t realized her presence was so intimidating. Giving Feng Jin’s shoulder a comforting pat, she smiled. “Sixth Junior Sister, you’re still young. Let me drive the carriage.”

She thought this would reassure Feng Jin, but instead, Feng Jin’s inner thoughts became even more chaotic.

Bo Xuenong had no idea when she had left such a deep shadow on Feng Jin. Hearing Feng Jin’s frantic, trembling thoughts, which were jumping all over the place, she felt a rare pang of guilt. Feng Jin was so devoted to protecting Shen Yanting, yet Bo Xuenong had terrified her to this extent.

Abandoning her plan to frighten Feng Jin into revealing her thoughts, Bo Xuenong released her hand from Feng Jin’s shoulder and even moved further away.

Bo Xuenong’s principle had always been “Shen Yanting first.” As long as Feng Jin remained wholeheartedly committed to protecting Shen Yanting, Bo Xuenong was willing to treat her better. Of course, this was just her current mindset; who could predict what the future held?

With Feng Jin’s control using the Beast Taming Pill, the two horses finally calmed down, and the carriage journey proceeded smoothly.

Their first destination was Lanshou Village.

Fu Yunqing had once lived there, and the dying often yearn for their homeland.

Bo Xuenong held the horse rein but didn’t control the horses, merely tugging on the rope while pretending not to notice Feng Jin occasionally touching the horses’ tails.

As Feng Jin guided the horses forward, her thoughts continued to race, though without any clear focus. Bo Xuenong occasionally glanced at Feng Jin, scrutinizing her face, which indeed bore a striking resemblance to the Female Lead.

Last night, Shen Yanting had stayed up with Bo Xuenong, reviewing every ranking on the Heavenly Talent Register that Bo Xuenong could access. After finishing, Bo Xuenong had even pulled out Yu Cenwan’s portrait again, studying it intently. The more she looked, the more convinced she became that Feng Jin truly resembled the Female Lead. Before this, she had never been so curious about anything beyond Shen Yanting, perhaps because both Feng Jin and Yu Cenwan were close to Shen Yanting.

Finding no useful information from Feng Jin, Bo Xuenong was about to try coaxing Feng Yingbo when Fu Yunqing cut in first, addressing Feng Yingbo: “Junior Sister Feng, look how well Xuenong drives the carriage! How can you possibly claim to know how to drive?”

Bo Xuenong felt a pang of guilt.

Feng Yingbo, unaware that Feng Jin was actually driving, naturally followed Fu Yunqing’s lead: “Xuenong does have innate talent, but I’m not bad either…”

Feng Yingbo glanced at the red mark on Fu Yunqing’s forehead and pouted. “Fine, I don’t know how. I’ve just watched others do it.”

Bo Xuenong understood.

Feng Yingbo’s carriage-driving skill didn’t come from her hands, but from her eyes.

Fu Yunqing asked impatiently, “Exactly who have you been watching?”

“Yu Cenwan,” Feng Yingbo blurted out a name none of them had expected. Sensing they might not remember Yu Cenwan, she added, “Senior Sister Shen’s junior sister. I saw her on the Heavenly Talent Register yesterday.”

Unlike Cui Huaizhou, Bo Xuenong didn’t believe Shen Yanting was an abandoned disciple of the Cloudmist Sect Leader. Even though Shen Yanting herself admitted it, Bo Xuenong still insisted on thinking of Yu Cenwan as Shen Yanting’s junior sister. This pleased Bo Xuenong, as it aligned with her own perception of the female lead’s role.

Her master had never been an abandoned disciple; that claim was merely a fabrication Mo Tingshu used to deflect outsiders’ inquiries.

Bo Xuenong silently approved of Feng Yingbo’s reference to Yu Cenwan and glanced into the carriage.

Feng Yingbo had just tied the curtain aside, allowing Bo Xuenong to easily observe her expression. There was nothing unusual in Feng Yingbo’s demeanor when mentioning Yu Cenwan, which only deepened Bo Xuenong’s confusion about Feng Jin’s earlier words.

Shen Yanting noticed Bo Xuenong staring at Feng Yingbo with a puzzled expression, feeling both strange and slightly gratified.

Bo Xuenong’s curiosity about the affairs of those around her might signal a shift in her perspective.

Shen Yanting had always hoped Bo Xuenong could break free from the constraints of her bloodline and live a normal life—a life filled with people she cared about: friends, family, and… a life well-lived. Assuming Bo Xuenong was curious about how Feng Yingbo had met Yu Cenwan, Shen Yanting offered to ask for her: “Junior Sister Feng, when did you first meet Little… meet Yu Cenwan?”

She had initially wanted to call her “Junior Sister,” but considering her current status, she refrained from extending that familiar title.

Hearing Shen Yanting ask about Yu Cenwan, Bo Xuenong perked up her ears with curiosity, while Feng Jin’s inner thoughts quieted considerably.

Feng Yingbo carefully recalled the events. “I was being pursued at the time, and so was she. We collided… Hmm… She was a bit stronger than me and casually rescued me. She drove a carriage and took me along, pretending we were sisters in distress. Well, mostly she pretended, since I was poisoned and completely dazed, barely able to keep my eyes open.”

Bo Xuenong: “What happened next?”

“After that?” Feng Yingbo bit her lip, thinking hard, a flicker of confusion crossing her face. “After that… I woke up in a mountain cave. She was long gone by then, but she had detoxified me and bandaged my wounds. That’s how I miraculously survived. I honestly thought I was going to die.”

Feng Yingbo suddenly added with firm resolve, “If I ever meet Yu Cenwan again, I’ll save her too!”

Her desire to repay the favor was commendable, but Yu Cenwan would need to be in danger for Feng Yingbo to have the opportunity to save her. Feng Yingbo’s words carried a hint of ill omen.

Fu Yunqing stopped her, her tone sharp, “You should wish her well.”

“I do wish her well!” Feng Yingbo paused, thinking for a long moment before realizing why Fu Yunqing had said that. Her voice softened considerably. “I… I just want to repay her kindness.”

Feng Jin, who had been silent until now, her thoughts echoing only in their minds, suddenly interjected, “Why not offer yourself in marriage?”

Feng Yingbo stared at Feng Jin in disbelief. “Do you even know what you’re saying?”

“I’m not stupid,” Feng Jin muttered. “Offering yourself in marriage isn’t so bad.”

She didn’t explain her reasoning to Feng Yingbo, but her thoughts revealed her true intentions to Bo Xuenong:

Feng Jin: In dramas, that’s how it always goes! When you can’t repay a life-saving debt, you offer yourself in marriage. I think Feng Yingbo should repay her, and Eldest Senior Sister should too! Martial Aunt Shen and the Female Lead are both being targeted. Better for our own people to act than let outsiders get to them first—at least our people are good! Eldest Senior Sister… her Bloodline is flawed, but she listens to Martial Aunt Shen. As long as Martial Aunt Shen lives, Eldest Senior Sister can still be good.

Dead System: Host, don’t forget your mission. The Female Lead and Shen Yanting are both your target characters.

Bo Xuenong didn’t understand what a “television drama” was, but she understood the phrase “unable to repay, I offer myself in return.” She declared Feng Jin a kindred spirit, their views on repaying kindness perfectly aligned. Ever since Bo Xuenong had taken her in, she had felt she belonged to Shen Yanting—her entire being, her very life, belonged to Shen Yanting.

Her memories of the past were fragmented, only the day of the bloodbath remained vivid, corpses strewn everywhere.

A crimson haze filled her vision, the overwhelming stench of bl00d saturating her senses. Then, gentle arms lifted her, shielding her eyes, and the cold fragrance of sandalwood replaced the metallic tang.

Bo Xuenong couldn’t be sure if she had lost control that day, whether she had felt more fear or longing in the face of such carnage.

All she remembered was the vow she had sworn: her life belonged to Shen Yanting.

Bo Xuenong’s satisfaction with Feng Jin deepened. Little did she know, Feng Jin’s offer of “offering herself in return” didn’t mean surrendering her life.

Feng Jin ignored the Dead System’s warnings, her beautiful eyes fixed on Feng Yingbo, her usual playfulness replaced by earnestness. “Master, what do you think of Yu Cenwan?”

“Jin’er, why are you still…” Feng Yingbo was utterly bewildered, unable to understand why Feng Jin persisted in discussing Yu Cenwan. “I’ve barely exchanged five words with her. How am I supposed to know what she’s like? But… she saved me. That makes her a good person.”

Feng Yingbo glanced sideways at Shen Yanting, who sat beside her, and her mood brightened. She spoke of Yu Cenwan with a playful tone, “Well, if she’s Senior Sister Shen’s junior sister, then she must be a great person!”

Bo Xuenong’s eyes lit up, suddenly feeling a kinship with Feng Yingbo. They shared a similar way of judging good and bad.

Shen Yanting wasn’t surprised by Feng Yingbo’s words. After all, she had taught Feng Yingbo much of her cultivation techniques and had even gifted her Lifebound Sword. She knew Feng Yingbo admired her, though she felt a touch of helplessness. “Does that mean everyone connected to me is automatically a good person?”

Instead of answering, Feng Yingbo countered with a question: “Senior Sister Shen, do you think Yu Cenwan is a bad person?”

Shen Yanting had initially wanted to say she had never met Yu Cenwan and couldn’t form an opinion. But when she noticed the slight tremble in Bo Xuenong’s earlobe, she changed her words at the last moment. “No, she’s a good person.”

Something seemed to dawn on her, and her gaze softened as she looked at Feng Yingbo. “You’re a good person too.”

“The Sect Leader is good, Xiao Jin is good… Xiang Yu is good too.” Shen Yanting’s gaze finally shifted to Bo Xuenong, who happened to turn her head at the same moment, their eyes meeting. The frost in Bo Xuenong’s eyes completely melted away, and a genuine smile tugged at the corner of her lips. “Nong’er is the best.”

!!!

She’s the best!

Master said I’m the best! And she smiled at me!

Bo Xuenong released one hand from the horse rein and pressed her palm against her chest. Shen Yanting’s voice still echoed in her ears, and the fleeting smile she had just seen flashed before her eyes. Shen Yanting’s praise lacked its usual coldness, replaced by a hint of tenderness. Her smile, no longer icy, carried a unique warmth that made Bo Xuenong feel inexplicably hot.

Bo Xuenong raised her hand to fan her slightly flushed cheeks, a radiant smile blooming across her face. Her soft features seemed drenched in honeyed sweetness.

Feng Jin, sitting beside her, had witnessed the entire scene clearly. Her panicked thoughts instantly calmed.

Right, right, right! That’s how you coax her! Martial Aunt Shen is a master at this! Hehe, Martial Uncle just praised me as a good person, so Eldest Senior Sister probably won’t want to kill me anymore, right? Ah! Maybe not. Eldest Senior Sister’s Bloodline can erupt at any moment! Never mind, never mind. At least Eldest Senior Sister definitely doesn’t want to kill me now.

Feng Jin was just as delighted as Bo Xuenong. The fear in her heart rapidly dissipated, and her frantic thoughts vanished along with it.

Bo Xuenong felt no embarrassment at being seen through by Feng Jin; joy completely overwhelmed her.

She secretly memorized all the names Shen Yanting had just mentioned, silently categorizing them as people she must not kill.

Since her Master considered her the best, she would never disappoint her. From now on, she would smile more sincerely and treat the “good people” in her Master’s eyes with greater gentleness.

Shen Yanting remained unaware of the whirlwind of thoughts passing through Feng Jin and Bo Xuenong’s minds in that brief moment. She simply noticed Bo Xuenong listening with unusual attentiveness and suddenly realized that their journey together would inevitably involve unforeseen circumstances. Bo Xuenong’s temper wasn’t particularly mild, and Feng Yingbo and the others were far from docile. She feared Bo Xuenong might suddenly harbor resentment toward them.

Shen Yanting didn’t expect Bo Xuenong to fully grasp her desire to prevent her from killing any of them. She merely hoped her words would resonate enough to deter Bo Xuenong from acting on murderous impulses toward Feng Yingbo and the others.

She believed her words carried some weight with Bo Xuenong.

Shen Yanting’s impulsive remark had no idea it would trigger such a profound transformation in Bo Xuenong’s future, nor that it would manifest so immediately. Bo Xuenong suddenly felt compelled to comfort the little Feng Jin beside her, who was still worried about being killed.

As Bo Xuenong leaned closer, Feng Jin was lost in her joy, unable to stop her silly grin.

A sudden glance revealed Bo Xuenong sitting much closer than before, causing Feng Jin’s heart to leap into her throat. She swallowed nervously, her voice trembling as she asked, “E-Eldest Senior Sister, is something wrong?”

Bo Xuenong wore a gentle smile, her gaze warmer than usual as she reached out to pat Feng Jin’s head. She lowered her voice deliberately, saying, “Feng Jin, I don’t want to kill you.”

She spoke the truth, but Feng Jin was terrified.

“E-Eldest Senior Sister,” Feng Jin stammered, completely at a loss for words. Bo Xuenong’s sudden declaration that she didn’t want to kill her sounded to Feng Jin like she very much did want to kill her. Her frail body trembled as she called out to Bo Xuenong, swaying precariously. If Bo Xuenong hadn’t grabbed her arm, she might have fallen from the carriage.

Bo Xuenong genuinely wanted to reassure Feng Jin and ease her fear, but her efforts backfired. Her hand tightened awkwardly around Feng Jin’s wrist as she lowered her voice even further, softening it. “Sixth Junior Sister, I’m not that scary. Master said I shouldn’t kill good people, and she just… she just said you’re a good person.”

Feng Jin heard her.

If not for Shen Yanting’s earlier words of comfort, Feng Jin might have already jumped out of the carriage in terror.

The more Bo Xuenong insisted she meant no harm, the more Feng Jinyue perceived it as a threat.

Far from being reassured, Feng Jin felt her recently calmed fear surge back, her mind racing with panicked thoughts. Her gaze instinctively drifted toward Feng Yingbo in the carriage, seeking a sliver of comfort.

Feng Yingbo had been conversing with Shen Yanting, oblivious to the exchange between the two women outside. Noticing Feng Jin’s backward glance, she immediately slid off her seat and knelt on the central rug. Reaching out to touch Feng Jin’s cheek, her expression turned serious. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” Feng Jin insisted, her voice stubborn despite the tears threatening to spill.

Feng Yingbo wasn’t blind. She saw the faint tremor of tears in Feng Jin’s eyes, but unable to coax the truth from her lips, she turned to Bo Xuenong, who sat beside her.

Bo Xuenong, of course, wouldn’t admit she had frightened Feng Jin. Instead, she feigned ignorance, her crow-like lashes fluttering as a hint of moisture gathered in her eyes. “J-just now, something flashed past… its aura was incredibly strong.”

Bo Xuenong hastily fabricated an explanation. Feng Jin, who couldn’t admit she had been frightened to tears, could only nod in agreement. This made Fu Yunqing in the carriage even more anxious. “Could it be a top-tier demon beast?”

Bo Xuenong was at the peak of the Golden Core stage, while Feng Jin was only at the initial stage. If something could frighten them, Fu Yunqing’s fear was understandable, but even Feng Yingbo began to panic. “I didn’t sense any demonic aura. Could it really be that powerful?”

Bo Xuenong just wanted to brush the matter aside. As Feng Yingbo and Fu Yunqing began to discuss it, she regretted opening her mouth at all.

The only two who knew she was lying, Shen Yanting had to admit that Bo Xuenong’s carefully cultivated reputation was impeccable. The casual lie she had spun was immediately believed by Feng Yingbo and Fu Yunqing.

Shen Yanting hadn’t sensed any demonic presence. Having been closely observing Bo Xuenong’s movements, she had not only seen Bo Xuenong use Spiritual Qi to conceal her voice while speaking to Feng Jin, but had also eavesdropped on their conversation.

The clearer she heard, the more puzzled she became.

Bo Xuenong hadn’t said anything particularly harsh. Why had Feng Jin been so terrified?

Shen Yanting knew lying was wrong, but Bo Xuenong’s willingness to feign kindness and gentleness was too good an opportunity to pass up. Over the years, she had grown accustomed to this, finding it easier to help Bo Xuenong cover up her lies than to expose them.

She gazed deeply at the unresponsive Bo Xuenong and sighed softly. “It was probably just passing by. There’s no need to worry too much.”

“That’s good.” Shen Yanting had cultivated an excellent reputation, and her words immediately reassured Feng Yingbo. She pinched Feng Jin’s cheek. “Don’t be scared. Even if there were a powerful demon beast, it would have to kill me first to get to you.”

Feng Jin sniffled. “I don’t want to die, and you mustn’t die either.”

“Alright, alright, I won’t die.” Though Feng Yingbo’s personality was lively and her eyes still held a hint of flirtatiousness when she smiled, she showed a different kind of maternal tenderness when she looked at Feng Jin. In moments like these, Bo Xuenong genuinely felt that Feng Yingbo resembled a mother.

In truth, Bo Xuenong had no idea what a mother should be like. The Imperial Tranquility Sect had no mother-daughter pairs cultivating together, and she had long forgotten what her own mother looked like. As far back as she could remember, Shen Yanting had been the only constant in her life, and the only one she allowed to enter her inner world.

She couldn’t imagine what a mother should be like, but Feng Yingbo seemed to fit the role. After all, she had never seen Feng Yingbo as a true Master.

Bo Xuenong stared at Feng Yingbo for too long, her gaze unsettling Feng Jin and puzzling Feng Yingbo. Feng Yingbo touched her face. “Xuenong, is there something on my face?”

“No, I was just thinking about my mother.”

An eerie silence fell over the carriage. Feng Jin quickly averted her gaze from Feng Yingbo, her expression complex. Xiang Yu and Fu Yunqing, remembering their own deceased mothers, grew visibly saddened.

Shen Yanting reacted the strongest, precisely because Bo Xuenong had spoken those words.

Her heart clenched violently. Shen Yanting bit through her lip, a crimson bead of bl00d trickling down her corner as she stared at Bo Xuenong in stunned silence.

Shen Yanting had never imagined Bo Xuenong would retain memories of her mother. Did this mean Bo Xuenong had already developed full memory retention by the time her clan was massacred? Did she know that Shen Yanting was among those who had destroyed her entire sect? Did she know that her parents had died by their hands? Was Bo Xuenong secretly harboring hatred toward her?

Shen Yanting had pondered this question before, but as time passed, Bo Xuenong’s constant portrayal of a dutiful disciple had lulled her into complacency. Viewing the Demon-Slaying from Bo Xuenong’s perspective, Shen Yanting realized she was the villain. She had slaughtered many of Bo Xuenong’s bl00d relatives, members of her own Zong.

This was an indelible bl00d feud.

Shen Yanting didn’t regret killing Bo Xuenong’s kin, for they were far more vile than Demonic Cultivators—not only did they devour humans, but they also preyed on their own flesh and bl00d. What truly unsettled her was Bo Xuenong’s attitude. She had always believed Bo Xuenong had forgotten the past, yet now she suddenly claimed to remember her mother.

Shen Yanting suddenly doubted the sincerity of Bo Xuenong’s respect.

Should she explain? How could she possibly explain?

Tell Bo Xuenong that their bloodline was cursed, that if her parents were alive, they wouldn’t cherish her but devour her instead?

Would Bo Xuenong even believe her?

Shen Yanting had never felt so panicked and helpless. She couldn’t even calm herself down. She had to admit she was terrified of Bo Xuenong’s resentment.

Though she feigned indifference, Shen Yanting had never neglected Bo Xuenong’s upbringing, nor had she ever mistreated her in the slightest.

She had poured five centuries of her life and heart into Bo Xuenong, asking for little in return. She didn’t need Bo Xuenong to love her, but she couldn’t bear the thought of her hating her.

“Master! Master!”

Before Shen Yanting could decide what to do, a hand had already reached up to cup her face. Bo Xuenong’s anxious voice followed. Shen Yanting’s eyelashes fluttered slowly as consciousness gradually returned. Her first sight was a pair of panicked, helpless eyes. When she recognized them as Bo Xuenong’s, her heart relaxed slightly.

How could I forget?

Bo Xuenong’s ability to conceal her true feelings was poor. She couldn’t even maintain a convincing fake smile, let alone play the role of an obedient disciple for five centuries.

The moment Feng Jin noticed the change in Shen Yanting’s expression, she immediately dragged Feng Yingbo out of the carriage. Bo Xuenong naturally slid back to Shen Yanting’s side. Her fingertip pressed against Shen Yanting’s lips, wanting to pry them apart but afraid to use too much force. On the verge of tears, she cried out, “Master, what’s wrong?”

Shen Yanting released her teeth, but bl00d continued to drip from her reddened, bitten lip.

Bo Xuenong hurriedly rummaged through her Storage Jade Bracelet, pulling out a Healing Pill and holding it to Shen Yanting’s lips, her eyes filled with worry. “Master, please take this pill quickly.”

Normally, Bo Xuenong never remembered to use Healing Pills when injured herself. But now, seeing Shen Yanting’s bleeding lip, she suddenly recalled the many high-quality medicinal pills stored in her bracelet.

Shen Yanting glanced at the Healing Pill, her expression less than pleased. She pushed Bo Xuenong’s hand away. “I don’t need it.”

Silently channeling her Spiritual Qi, Shen Yanting released a wisp of azure mist from her lips. The bleeding stopped instantly, and the wound vanished without a trace.

Such a minor injury posed no real harm.

If Bo Xuenong hadn’t been watching her so intently, Shen Yanting would have simply ignored it.

Despite the wound’s disappearance, Bo Xuenong didn’t lower her hand holding the pill. She pressed it even closer to Shen Yanting’s lips, her voice strained. “Master, please take it.”

Bo Xuenong’s eyes were slightly reddened, their depths shimmering with unshed tears.

She wasn’t upset by the rejection, only deeply concerned for Shen Yanting.

Though the wound on her lip had long since healed, Bo Xuenong couldn’t tear her gaze away. The moist sheen on Shen Yanting’s lips didn’t distract her; she couldn’t forget the teeth marks that had once been there, nor the drop of bl00d that had fallen before her eyes. Her guilt for failing to protect Shen Yanting reached its peak, and she impulsively mimicked Shen Yanting’s earlier action, biting her own lip.

The moment her teeth touched her lip, Shen Yanting noticed.

Her brow twitched, and she pressed her fingertip against Bo Xuenong’s mouth, forcefully separating her teeth with a firm press. “Don’t bite,” she said coldly.

Bo Xuenong nodded dumbly, then opened her mouth as wide as possible, desperately trying to prove to Shen Yanting that she would be good and wouldn’t let her teeth touch her lip again. Speaking in this exaggerated posture made her voice sound strange. Shen Yanting had to listen intently for a while before she could make out Bo Xuenong’s words: “Master, won’t you take your medicine?”

For some reason, Shen Yanting felt like Bo Xuenong was trying to coax her like a three-year-old.

A tightness gripped Shen Yanting’s throat as she realized her earlier suspicions had been absurd.

Bo Xuenong’s feelings for her, her Master, were genuine, not feigned.

With a cold expression, she gently nudged Bo Xuenong’s chin, and Bo Xuenong obediently closed her mouth, though she still stubbornly held out the medicinal pill.

Looking at Bo Xuenong’s unwavering persistence, the words Shen Yanting had been about to say transformed into a sigh. She lowered her lips and bit down on the Healing Pill.

Her soft lips brushed lightly against the skin of Bo Xuenong’s palm, sending a surge of heat through her hand.

Bo Xuenong swallowed nervously and abruptly withdrew her hand, pressing her palm against her sleeve and gripping it tightly to suppress the momentary panic.

Shen Yanting, however, didn’t notice this. After swallowing the Healing Pill, she finally spoke to Bo Xuenong, “Are you relieved now?”

“No,” Bo Xuenong’s eyes grew even redder. “Master, are you upset? Did I do something wrong? Or did the Sect Leader and the others do something wrong?”

“Huh?” Fu Yunqing, who had been secretly observing the master-disciple pair since the beginning but hadn’t uttered a word, widened her eyes at this sudden accusation. “I haven’t said a single thing.”

Bo Xuenong knew perfectly well that Fu Yunqing hadn’t said anything, but she couldn’t bring herself to care.

Ignoring Fu Yunqing, Bo Xuenong pressed Shen Yanting, “If not the Sect Leader, then Feng Jin? Or Aunt Feng?”

“I knew it wouldn’t be that easy,” Feng Jin wailed from outside the carriage, but Bo Xuenong didn’t even glance her way.

Bo Xuenong had completely forgotten that she had just placed Feng Jin and her group on the “do not kill” list. If Shen Yanting named anyone, she would send them to their deaths—openly if possible, secretly if necessary.

Of course, if Shen Yanting named her, she wouldn’t spare herself either.

No one could harm Shen Yanting.

Not even herself!

The Suspended Ink Sword at her waist pressed closer to her palm. Shen Yanting gripped Bo Xuenong’s wrist, forcibly separating her hand from the sword. Her gaze swept lightly over the blade as she replied absently, “No, I was just thinking about the past.”

“The past? Does Master have enemies? Who are they?”

Shen Yanting restrained the restless Bo Xuenong, her lips pressed into a thin line as she said flatly, “They’re all buried now.”

Shen Yanting knew all too well what it meant when Bo Xuenong reached for her sword. She didn’t want Bo Xuenong to harbor grudges on her behalf, so she lied.

Bo Xuenong knew Shen Yanting was lying. The book had clearly stated that they had become separated in the Secret Realm after encountering Shen Yanting’s enemies, creating the opportunity for the Male Lead to rescue her. Of course, she wouldn’t expose Shen Yanting’s lie; instead, she secretly resolved to cultivate diligently and wait for the perfect moment to bury them all alive.

Those people were among the root causes of her and Shen Yanting’s deaths in the book.

Killing them would be too merciful; burying them alive was just right.

Bo Xuenong lifted the carriage curtain and glanced outside. Seeing no one around, she immediately began circulating her spiritual energy to cultivate. Shen Yanting remained deep in thought, while Fu Yunqing was slightly annoyed by Bo Xuenong’s earlier guess about her angering Shen Yanting. Xiang Yu remained quiet as always, Feng Jin’s fear had resurfaced, and only Feng Yingbo, with her carefree nature, found nothing strange in Shen Yanting’s recent behavior and didn’t mind Bo Xuenong’s wild speculation.

Though she had moved to sit outside, Bo Xuenong hadn’t managed to reclaim the Horse Rein from Feng Jin. With nothing else to do, she turned back to strike up a conversation with Bo Xuenong. “Xuenong, you mentioned earlier that you were thinking of your mother. You were only four when you joined the Imperial Tranquility Sect. Do you still remember what she looked like?”

Bo Xuenong opened her eyes, a faint spiritual light flickering in their depths. “Aunt Feng, I wasn’t thinking about my mother. I barely remember her. I was…”

She stopped abruptly, remembering she couldn’t reveal her ability to hear Feng Jin’s thoughts. “I… I just think you and Sixth Junior Sister look like mother and daughter.”

Feng Jin glanced back at Bo Xuenong, startled. Feng Yingbo, however, seemed delighted and wrapped an arm around Feng Jin’s shoulder. “Once a master, forever a mother, right? I don’t just look like her mother—I am her… Mmph!”

Feng Yingbo’s words were cut short as Feng Jin clamped a hand over her mouth. She struggled in protest, but Feng Jin refused to let go.

Feng Jin forced a stiff smile. “She’s mute. She didn’t say anything.”

Fu Yunqing gave Feng Jin a peculiar look. “Junior Sister Feng isn’t wrong. Once a master, forever a mother, after all. It’s not just you and Junior Sister Feng who look like mother and daughter—Senior Sister Shen and Nong’er…”

“Nong’er and I don’t look alike,” Shen Yanting interrupted Fu Yunqing.

In the past, Shen Yanting might have agreed with Fu Yunqing. But Bo Xuenong’s earlier remark had stirred up memories she’d long suppressed.

She could be Bo Xuenong’s Master, but never her mother.

Because Bo Xuenong’s mother had died by their hands.

In truth, feral beasts driven mad by bloodlust wouldn’t protect their own young. Shen Yanting didn’t even know which of the fallen were Bo Xuenong’s parents. Yet she knew every person she had slain was Bo Xuenong’s kin. Though they had been cruel, violent, and bloodthirsty, long since losing their humanity, she couldn’t kill them and then take their place.

It wasn’t just the role of mother; Shen Yanting couldn’t claim any position of elder authority.

Fu Yunqing felt everyone had changed since leaving the Imperial Tranquility Sect. Feng Jin and Bo Xuenong were no longer the same, and even Shen Yanting had become strangely different. Only Feng Yingbo remained unchanged.

At that moment, Feng Yingbo broke free from Feng Jin’s restraint, glaring furiously at her for trying to silence her. “You’re the one who’s mute! I’ve always been your mother!”

Feng Jin lowered her head, unusually silent.

Yesterday, Shen Yanting had resolved to learn how to be a proper Master from Feng Yingbo. But in less than half a day, she realized Feng Yingbo’s methods with Feng Jin offered limited lessons for her.

Her thoughts in disarray, Shen Yanting unconsciously clenched her fist. “Nong’er, I will be good to you, but you must never see me as your mother!”

“Okay!” Bo Xuenong always agreed to whatever Shen Yanting said, without the slightest hesitation.

Bo Xuenong’s gaze flickered over Shen Yanting before she cautiously reached out and gently tapped the back of Shen Yanting’s hand. “Master, you’re squeezing your hand too tightly.”

Following her suggestion, Shen Yanting relaxed her grip, and Bo Xuenong let out a relieved breath.

The way Bo Xuenong exhaled so carefully touched Shen Yanting deeply. Bo Xuenong had never shown such tenderness even toward herself. Shen Yanting raised her hand slightly, but before she could reach out, Bo Xuenong leaned in, pressing her head against Shen Yanting’s palm with perfect cooperation and smiling up at her.

Having always worried about Bo Xuenong’s Bloodline, Shen Yanting had only recently discovered how easily she could be coaxed after trying to bridge the distance between them.

Bo Xuenong truly was as she claimed—

Very obedient.

Shen Yanting’s gaze softened with warmth as she gently stroked Bo Xuenong’s head. “Nong’er.”

Feigning indifference wouldn’t harden her heart, nor would it help Bo Xuenong overcome her Bloodline. But perhaps concern and love could. It might be difficult, but she would do her best to learn from Feng Yingbo how to be a good Master.

Shen Yanting’s plan was well-intentioned, but she hadn’t considered how their increasingly close, yet ultimately un-mother-daughter-like master-disciple relationship might evolve.