That’s right, it’s care.
Perhaps for a young female cultivator, taking care of a man older than herself might sound a bit ambiguous.
But in Zhao Yushuang’s heart,
there wasn’t the slightest improper thought.
Her thoughts were simple:
Chen Ye’s talent in Alchemy Dao was unprecedented for her.
Yet, such a remarkable talent was so low-key that he ended up in the hands of those in power, becoming a plaything.
What a pity.
If she could help him shake off that humiliation and let him practice Alchemy in peace at Danxia Peak, restoring his Dao heart, it would count as recovering a true master of Alchemy Dao for the sect.
"Instructor Chen."
Zhao Yushuang’s graceful steps moved lightly, her beautiful eyes shimmering, a smile on her lips,
"The situation at the frontline is tense, and the sect has issued orders. Within three days, we need to prepare ten thousand Qi Recovery Pills, thirty thousand portions of Hemorrhage Stop Powder, and three hundred Soaring Spirit Pills required for the Foundation Establishment Stage. I’ll leave these Soaring Spirit Pills to you, Instructor Chen."
Her attitude was so good that it left Chen Ye somewhat flattered.
In the past, she was biased against him due to Zhao Tong’s manipulations.
But ever since she witnessed his alchemy skills, her attitude had greatly changed, even going so far as to protect him in various ways.
Chen Ye was not someone ungrateful, he nodded slightly:
"Guardian Zhao, you’re too serious. With the war at hand, it’s only right for me, Chen, to do my utmost. Even if you hadn’t come, I would have prepared myself to report to Danxia Peak."
Hearing this, Zhao Yushuang’s expression relaxed a little.
Her eyes glanced over the disciples behind Chen Ye, and she sighed softly.
From her perspective, such a talented person like Chen Ye, stuck in this desolate Cangli Courtyard with three immature disciples, must be leading a hard and lonely life.
Moreover, being threatened by Bai Susu and forced to sacrifice himself...
Thus, Zhao Yushuang’s red lips parted gently, her tone becoming all the more tender:
"Since you have this intention, junior brother, that is best. But rest assured, I know you appreciate tranquility and don’t like handling worldly affairs. I’ve already arranged for my special Heaven-grade Alchemy Room to be cleared for you at Danxia Peak. There, the earth fire is most stable and the environment most serene. As for sorting herbs, controlling the Pill Furnace fire, and other chores, I’ll have the smartest child attend to them, ensuring that no one disturbs your peace."
These words were exceedingly considerate.
The treatment was unbelievably good, clearly showing the care this woman had for him.
"..."
Zhiwei’s gaze lowered, the Gourd Sword trembling in her palm.
Even though True Inheritor Bai had left.
Why was Master still being entangled by this fox spirit?
Zhiwei couldn’t understand.
But surely it wasn’t because Master was unfaithful; he was such a solemn, pure-hearted person, how could he be unfaithful?
It must be these women, lusting after Master’s body.
Now,
if she didn’t stop it, she feared Guardian Zhao might even arrange Master’s sleeping quarters.
Moreover.
Zhiwei had ample reasons to suspect that the "smart child" Zhao Yushuang mentioned might actually be herself!
"Thank you for your concern, Senior Zhao."
The young girl stepped forward, standing shoulder to shoulder with her Master.
"Oh?" Zhao Yushuang paused a bit surprised.
Zhiwei raised her head, that exquisite face adorned with an impeccable smile:
"Master has always been used to practicing alchemy alone, without needing anyone’s attendance. Even for the smartest child, if their aura is mixed, it could make Master lose concentration. As his disciples, it is our duty to attend closely to Master without needing others."
Zhao Yushuang looked somewhat surprised at this seemingly soft yet actually very prickly young girl.
She wasn’t angry, and her expression carried a smile:
"Indeed, that filial piety is rare and not unworthy of the painstaking efforts your Master has for you."
"Little girl, you usually only see his gentleness and care for you, but you don’t know what burdens your Master bears behind the scenes... In any case, he’s sacrificed a lot. Now that you can reach Foundation Establishment, you should appreciate his difficulty and not let him worry in the future."
At this point, a trace of sympathy showed in Zhao Yushuang’s eyes.
Her intentions were good, wanting to express Chen Ye’s merits, hoping these little girls would understand their Master’s hardships.
But little did she know.
These words to Zhiwei,
were like daggers piercing her heart.
The raven-haired girl’s straightened spine trembled imperceptibly.
Her fingers clutched the Gourd Sword tightly, nails almost digging into her palm.
How could she not know?
Zhiwei lowered her gaze, the long lashes hiding the pain in her eyes.
Clearly, she was Master’s eldest disciple, clearly, she had sworn to protect Master.
Yet now, she could do nothing.
This feeling of a treasured object being defiled and being unable to stop it made her almost suffocate.
Even now, with Bai Susu gone, here came another, Zhao Yushuang, praising Master’s endurance right in front of her.
This feeling was like having a wound exposed in front of her, only to have salt rubbed into it.
"Master..."
Zhiwei’s heart was filled with bitterness, but she couldn’t show it.
She couldn’t pierce the last bit of dignity Master had left.
So, Zhiwei took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the wetness in her eyes, and when she looked up, she squeezed out a smile more unsightly than crying:
"Senior Zhao’s teaching is right..."
"Master’s sacrifices... Disciples remember it in their hearts, not daring to forget for a moment."
Sooner or later.
She would become strong enough, strong enough that no woman would dare look at Master with such pity, and strong enough... to regain all the dignity that Master and she had lost!
Chen Ye stood by her side, listening in utter confusion.
Hmm?
As the saying goes, three women make a show.
Why were there only two women now, yet he still couldn’t understand the conversation?
The oblivious Master laughed heartily:
"It’s not that bad, really not that bad. Master’s quite at ease, not nearly as tired as you all say."