Mu Qingli forced herself to practice "Ming Jue Xuan Yin" to suppress the strange emotions in her heart. Now with Lin Mo's strength, she could practice the skills freely for the time being and was no longer as stretched as before.
Emotional recovery.
Observing Lin Mo's tear-streaked face with a cold gaze, a thought couldn't help but surface in her mind:
'Could a mere garment, stitched by her own hands, truly move Lin Mo to such an extent?'
'Men are so easily swayed; a simple gift, especially a handmade one, is enough to secure their unwavering devotion.'
'Men are truly contemptible.'
'Considering what Lin Mo had said earlier, wouldn't a slight kindness from her be enough to effortlessly bind him to her?'
'Hmph, men.'
She had intended to mock Lin Mo internally, yet for some inexplicable reason, his radiant smile and the crystal-clear tears tracing paths down his exquisite face repeatedly flashed through her mind.
Even though the Bright Jade Profound Yin had suppressed her emotions, Mu Qingli felt her lips developing a will of their own, constantly yearning to curve upwards.
A burgeoning joy, like bamboo shoots after a spring rain, continuously sprouted within her heart, pushing aside the monolithic stone of indifference.
'No, no, this is wrong!'
'Mu Qingli, Mu Qingli! Snap out of it! This person is a man!'
'You're happy because you know you can control him! You can control this despicable man!'
'You're happy because you can finally resolve your own issues and fulfill your master's dying wish!'
'It's certainly not because this man is so delighted by your gift.'
'Absolutely not!'
'Absolutely not… right?'
Mu Qingli found herself immersed in self-doubt; for the first time, her convictions wavered.
Meanwhile, Lin Mo continued to weep beside her.
"No… it's not…" Lin Mo stammered, wiping away his tears. He couldn't understand why he had suddenly started crying; the more he wiped, the more tears flowed, and his voice gradually slipped beyond his control.
'No, no… he was a man; how could he shed tears so easily?'
'No, he mustn't cry…'
'He couldn't…'
'He would die…'
'He would die!'
'If he displeased Mu Qingli, his death would be a gruesome one…'
"It's… it's just… I'm so, so happy… it… it feels like—"
It had been so long since he had received a gift.
Born with an illness, he had been bedridden for over a decade, yet he never considered his life tragic, for he had a loving mother.
Every year, his mother would knit him a sweater, each one embroidered with his name.
Each winter, a new sweater kept him warm.
During his ten years with the Qiu family, he had forgotten that he could still receive gifts, that someone still loved him.
But he couldn't go back.
He could only survive in this world, striving to live, to forget many past events, and to consider the new advantages.
For instance, he could walk now.
He could leap and jump.
He still had many years to live.
He could visit countless places.
This way, he could forget the past.
Until now—
As Lin Mo gazed at the character "Lin" (TL Note: His surname) embroidered on the cuff, he felt that familiar affection once more. Though merely a semblance, this similarity was enough for him.
He wept, yet without sorrow; a smile of pure happiness seemed to grace his upturned lips, swaying gently with his trembling body.
"Forgive me, Sect Master… I've lost my composure! I—"
"It's alright, I know how much you like it," Mu Qingli interrupted Lin Mo.
She could detect the tremor in Lin Mo's voice, easily discerning the emotions it held; his words were sincere.
'Men truly are so easy to control.'
Mu Qingli smiled, yet even she failed to notice that her smile was no longer filled with scorn, nor was it a blend of defiance and disdain.
It was simply pure joy.
The joy of someone appreciating her gift, even if that someone was a man she detested.
Mu Qingli turned, her back to Lin Mo, and spoke: "Once you've cried enough, follow me. I have some matters to discuss with you. If not, I'll return in half an hour."
"No, there's no need, Sect Master. This humble one has cried enough," Lin Mo quickly wiped his tears and hurried to follow.
He was somewhat surprised that he hadn't been punished, and even more astonished that… this garment had truly been made by Mu Qingli herself.
'Given her status as Sect Master, shouldn't she have simply given him a standard disciple's uniform?'
This small warmth suffused Lin Mo's heart.
'Perhaps… not everyone was as tyrannical and terrifying as Qiu Yue.'
He quickly composed himself and followed Mu Qingli.
Mu Qingli led Lin Mo on a circuit, briefly introducing the Sect Master's residence.
After their tour, Lin Mo realized that while the Sect Master's residence was indeed within the core area of the Xuan Nv Sect, it was presently nestled in a tranquil valley. Above them, a colossal island floated in the sky, where, according to Mu Qingli, the disciple induction ceremony had taken place that day.
That was the heart of the Xuan Nv Sect.
Logically, Mu Qingli should have resided on that island, yet her current abode was situated in this secluded valley, encircled by dense, towering, and somewhat eerie forests, their interwoven branches obscuring most of the sunlight.
Although Mu Qingli stated that their cultivation technique required a cold, yin environment, no matter how frigid this place was, it surely couldn't compare to the main hall from that day, could it?
Despite the Sect Master's residence covering a vast area, its architectural layout was chaotic, with many buildings showing signs of long-term disrepair; numerous side halls were partially collapsed, and glaring holes marred their structures.
Most of these side halls served as storage or temporary accommodation, and the room where he had awakened was one such place.
Presumably, Mu Qingli had cleaned it, as the other areas were either thick with dust or in utter disarray.
'For a Sect Master of the Xuan Nv Sect's standing, even if the courtyard didn't boast rare spiritual herbs or exquisite blossoms, it certainly shouldn't be overgrown with weeds as it was now, should it?'
The courtyard even featured a dried-up canal, now barren. The verandas were draped in cobwebs, and some pillars had been largely consumed by insects and ants.
Their path was marked by a continuous trail of dust.
Mu Qingli, protected by her spiritual energy, remained pristine, but Lin Mo became increasingly dusty and disheveled with every step.
Upon reaching the main hall, one would expect it to be kept somewhat presentable, even if other areas were neglected. After all, the main hall was the largest structure in the residence, intended for the Sect Master to handle sect affairs and receive important guests.
Yet, the main hall was desolate; the vast chamber contained only a few dilapidated tables and chairs. The ceiling had several leaks, and many floor tiles were cracked.
The tables were devoid of scrolls or books, and the writing brushes were thick with dust.
To Mu Qingli, it was simply dismissed with a casual "for quiet cultivation."
But to Lin Mo, this was no quiet cultivation; it was clearly a sign that she had been sidelined, Sect Master.
'You've been stripped of power!'
'No wonder she had to personally make his clothes; it turned out… she had nothing.'
Lin Mo had initially assumed that while he might be Mu Qingli's tool in private, his public identity would at least be respectable, being a direct disciple of the Sect Master, after all!
As it turned out, the Sect Master herself was in such a dire state, let alone him.
However, Lin Mo dared not complain. Surveying the environment, he could only offer a thumbs-up and exclaim: "What an excellent environment for cultivation! Such simplicity must surely be at the Sect Master's own request. This humble one has heard that a pure heart and few desires aid cultivation.
To think, Sect Master, you are truly formidable, possessing such cultivation despite suffering from backlash.
This speaks not only of your exceptional talent but also, presumably, of your diligent efforts.
Yet, the sect now blindly trusts the slanderous words of the Grand Elder, lacking foresight and utterly unaware of your true might, Sect Master.
This humble one dares to assert that if you were to lead, the Xuan Nv Sect would undoubtedly ascend to greater heights."
"Silence, what do you know?"
Mu Qingli reprimanded Lin Mo, as if his flattery had missed its mark. Yet, this was not the case; had he truly misjudged, he would surely have been punished or beaten.
The mere light reprimand indicated that his words had resonated deeply with her.
Her averted gaze likely meant she was attempting to control her expression.
"Yes, Sect Master. This humble one spoke out of turn," Lin Mo said, then made to slap himself.
He had always served Qiu Yue in this manner.
However, a wisp of clear breeze materialized, gently restraining Lin Mo's hand before it could strike his face.
Mu Qingli's voice then rang out: "There's no need for your servant's antics.
Though you are a wretched man, you are now also my disciple. Despite being a disgusting and detestable wretched man, I admire your courage and resolve.
Remember this, Lin Mo. From now on, you are my disciple, not my s*ave. Call me Master."
'Not my s*ave.'
Such a light, ethereal phrase.
Ten years.
Lin Mo had long forgotten he was human; he only remembered being a s*ave, constantly humiliated, tormented, and yearning for escape by Qiu Yue.
He had long accepted his identity as a s*ave, worse than a pig or a dog, a belief ingrained by a decade of constant reinforcement and insidious conditioning.
He no longer viewed himself as a person.
"I… am… a disciple?" Lin Mo repeated, his voice trembling with disbelief.
Something seemed to strike Lin Mo's heart, stirring an inexplicable flutter within him.
It was as if a placid lake had suddenly rippled with countless waves, and from its center, something seemed poised to emerge.
He gazed at Mu Qingli's back, and for some unknown reason, his heart began to beat rapidly.
-----------------------
'It's strange… When I transmigrated… I was in good health?'
Feeling the throbbing in his heart, Lin Mo was a little worried… 'Was there something wrong with my body?'
'That's not right,' he thought. 'Having survived such harsh conditions without any issues, and now cultivating, my body should be even stronger.'
"An answer?" Mu Qingli's voice cut through the air. "My patience for men is limited. If you prefer to be a s*ave, then—"
"Esteemed Master!" Lin Mo quickly interjected, his voice urgent. "Please accept your disciple's humble bow!" He immediately knelt before Mu Qingli, then vigorously kowtowed three times.
"Mm, rise." Mu Qingli, seemingly searching for something, never once spared Lin Mo a glance, her face plainly etched with disdain.
Lin Mo, however, remained unfazed. He understood there was little he could change, but as long as his treatment surpassed what he endured at the Qiu family, he would be utterly content.
At the very least, he could now truly consider himself a person.
With a heart full of gratitude, he inquired of Mu Qingli, "Esteemed Master, did you bring me here to…?"
"…Can you read and write?"
"Uh… a little."
"Very well, we'll skip that for now. From today onward, for the next twelve hours, you will remain here with me to learn feminine etiquette and how to skillfully circulate your cultivation technique."
"All… all of it here?"
"All of it here," Mu Qingli stated, "lest you wander off and cause some unforeseen incident."
Though seemingly concerned, her words betrayed an underlying wariness.
Lin Mo's face remained impassive, yet inwardly, a murmur of suspicion had already begun: 'It seems this woman intends to keep me under constant surveillance.'
"Will we also eat here then? Can one make a fire and cook in this place?"
"Eat what?" Mu Qingli retorted directly. "You have no need for food. Why would you light a fire and cook?"
'?!'
Lin Mo was startled. 'No need to eat?'
'Though I am cultivating, I'm only at the Qi Condensation stage; I still need to eat.'
'Shouldn't abstaining from grains be… a Foundation Establishment realm matter?'
He recalled Yang Po Po once idly chatting with him, asking if immortals needed to eat.
Yang Po Po had stated that those at Foundation Establishment didn't, but cultivators at the Qi Condensation stage still required sustenance, a phase also known as "Mortal Transformation" (TL Note: 'Tuifan', referring to the process of shedding one's mortal coil and beginning the path of cultivation).
'Could the Sect Master possibly be unaware of something even Yang Po Po knew?'
'Moreover, I'd even confirmed it with Qiu Yue when she was in a good mood, and her answer was consistent.'
The cultivation process of the Qi Condensation stage was commonly referred to as Mortal Transformation.
Foundation Establishment—that was the true realm of cultivators, the "immortals" whispered about in the mundane world.
They had no need for food.
A terrible premonition suddenly seized Lin Mo. 'This woman… surely she can't be ignorant of this, can she?'
Mu Qingli sneered, "Short hair, short sight! Once one embarks on the path of cultivation, there is already a distinction between immortals and mortals. Eating is merely a waste of time, hindering cultivation and offering no boost to one's spiritual power!
In five days, my martial aunt will arrive in person, and she shall bear witness to how I, your master, will elevate you from a mere novice without even a single layer of Qi Condensation to the fifth layer!
By then, my martial aunt will undoubtedly grant me greater recognition and support. With her powerful backing, Qing You can forget about ever taking you away!"
'In five days… Mu Qingli's martial aunt will arrive?'
Judging by Mu Qingli's tone, it seemed this martial aunt possessed significant background and power.
Qing You and Mu Qingli were clearly at odds. Given that Mu Qingli was almost a figurehead, yet hadn't been ousted, it was likely this very martial aunt she spoke of who supported her, allowing her to retain her position.
Suddenly, a brilliant scheme materialized in Lin Mo's mind.
'As the one whose test had triggered an anomaly, causing the Grand Elder and the Sect Master to contend for him on the spot, wouldn't this martial aunt also desire to claim him?'
'If he provided that martial aunt with a compelling reason, an excuse, how could she not be tempted?'
'And if, at that crucial moment, he steadfastly maintained his loyalty, absolutely refusing to betray Mu Qingli… then her wariness and trust towards him… would surely plummet to their lowest point!'
'Though somewhat masochistic, this was undoubtedly the optimal solution.'
With his gaze firming as he looked at Mu Qingli, Lin Mo steeled his resolve and nodded, "I understand. Esteemed Master, please, guide me in cultivation at once!"
And so, five days later—
The Sect Master's Residence.
Above the clear sky, a loud, hearty laugh suddenly echoed. "Little Qingli~ I've heard all about your grand feat at the disciple induction ceremony, hahaha."
Upon hearing the voice, a rare flicker of joy crossed Mu Qingli's usually stern face. She offered a faint, placid smile, stepping out of the main hall into the courtyard, looking up as a streak of light rapidly flew towards them.
It was Mu Qingli's martial aunt, Zhao Qiubai. Years ago, when Mu Qingli's master perished in the outer domains, she left behind a will, decreeing that Mu Qingli should assume the position of Sect Master.
Had it not been for the support of Martial Aunt Zhao Qiubai and the discovery of her master's will, the Xuan Nv Sect, which her master held dearest, would likely have long since fallen into the clutches of that old hag Qing You, becoming a den of corruption.
Zhao Qiubai landed directly before Mu Qingli, her eyes sparkling with unconcealed delight.
As Mu Qingli's martial aunt, Zhao Qiubai held a considerably high status within the sect.
She was tall and slender, her white robes billowing gracefully in the wind, every gesture exuding the unconstrained elegance of an immortal cultivator.
Her long, raven hair was simply gathered by a white jade hairpin, with a few strands falling loosely by her cheeks, adding a touch of lively charm.
Despite her youthful appearance, with a hint of childish innocence still lingering, her demeanor, in every movement, carried no trace of immaturity, but rather an air of profound composure.
The conflict between her and Qing You was long-standing, and having always been a target of Qing You's machinations, seeing Mu Qingli humble Qing You this time filled her heart with immense satisfaction.
Seeing her, Mu Qingli hastened forward, bowing respectfully. "Martial Aunt, what brings you here?"
Zhao Qiubai smiled. "To see you, and to bring some necessities for your disciple. You can't leave the residence, can you?" She then handed a storage ring to Mu Qingli and continued, "You did well this time! Truly worthy of my senior sister's disciple, as assertive as she was in her youth!
Who would have thought that in my youth, your master would avenge me, and now in my old age, it's you, this little one.
Indeed, she raised you well; you have spirit!"
Mu Qingli's eyes lit up, her typically aloof expression instantly melting away as she asked, "Really?"
"Of course~ It's like a legacy. You have your Qing You now, and we had our own Qing You back then. You and your master are both fearless, afraid of nothing. We all feared that old hag, but only your master consistently defied her.
You've suffered quite a bit, haven't you? While I was away, did that old hag constantly cause you trouble?"
Mu Qingli looked gratefully at Zhao Qiubai. "Thank you for your concern, Martial Aunt, but fortunately, that old hag Qing You has had little effect on me."
Zhao Qiubai gently patted Mu Qingli's shoulder. "My dear, if you need anything, don't hesitate to tell your martial aunt. Speaking of which, where is your disciple?
Let your martial aunt have a look. I'm curious to see what kind of disciple could make that old thing Qing You stoop so low as to contend with you for them?"
"Then please follow me, Martial Aunt. I happen to lack experience in caring for a disciple, and there are some matters I wished to ask you about."
"Ask away. Your martial aunt has plenty of time now."
"Then I shall trouble you, Martial Aunt. Please, follow me."
With that, Mu Qingli led Zhao Qiubai back to the main hall and said, "The cultivation technique circulates perfectly, and spiritual energy is abundant, yet why has he become like this?"
"Hm? Such a thing? Let me see?"
"Lin Wan'er, come out and greet your Grand Martial Aunt!" Mu Qingli called out towards the depths of the main hall.
"Yes…"
A faint, weak voice responded, and from the darkness, a figure emerged, leaning on a cane, tottering unsteadily.
Zhao Qiubai squinted, then recoiled in shock!
The person who emerged was Lin Mo. His lips were already parched and cracked, lines of raw skin like fissures on dry earth, revealing a shocking, vivid red.
His lips had turned deathly pale, utterly devoid of color, and trembled slightly, as if silently articulating his body's desperate cravings.
His eyes were deeply sunken, encircled by dark, bruised shadows, as though smudged with heavy ink.
His once bright gaze was now dull and lifeless, his eyes reflecting exhaustion and despair. Each blink seemed to drain the last vestiges of his strength.
His cheeks were terribly emaciated, his formerly round face now appearing as if carved by a knife, cheekbones sharply protruding, skin stretched tautly over bone, without an ounce of superfluous flesh.
His skin, too, had lost its luster, becoming dry and sallow, like a piece of worn parchment.
His hair lay disheveled on his shoulders, utterly devoid of life, resembling a tangled heap of withered grass. His body swayed precariously, his legs like thin sticks of wood poised to snap, each step demanding immense effort.
His back was slightly hunched, as if he bore an invisible mountain on his shoulders.
"Lin, Lin Wan'er pays respects to Grand—"
Before he could finish his sentence, Lin Mo collapsed straight forward.
Zhao Qiubai, quick-witted and swift, instantly darted forward, catching Lin Mo by his back. She then stared at Mu Qingli in horror. "Little Qingli, you… you haven't given your disciple food or water?! She's severely dehydrated! How long has it been since she last ate?"
"Ah?" Mu Qingli blinked in bewilderment. "She still needs food and water? Isn't that something only mortals do?"
----------------
"You!" Zhao Qiubai wanted to curse, but that wasn't the most important thing right now. Saving the person was. "Why are you still standing there like an idiot? Give me the storage ring!"
Mu Qingli rarely saw Zhao Qiubai so angry, and she immediately panicked. She quickly threw the storage ring to Zhao Qiubai, then ran over and asked nervously, "Martial Aunt, is it really that serious?"
Zhao Qiubai, disinclined to engage further, immediately retrieved a delicate jade vial from her storage ring and gently tipped out a single pill.
She carefully helped Lin Mo sit up, allowing him to lean against her arm.
Lin Mo was so profoundly weak that he could barely keep his eyes fully open, his body limp and yielding.
Zhao Qiubai guided the Huiyuan Pill to Lin Mo's lips and murmured, "Here, take this."
Lin Mo's parched lips parted slightly, and Zhao Qiubai gently placed the pill into his mouth.
The moment the pill touched his tongue, it dissolved, a warm, potent energy immediately blooming within Lin Mo's mouth and slowly trickling down his throat.
The medicinal essence, like a gentle stream, nourished his parched body as if it were drought-stricken earth finally receiving a life-giving rain, which began to greedily absorb this revitalizing power.
As the vital energy flowed into Lin Mo's abdomen, it felt as though a warm flame had been kindled within him.
His stomach, previously cold from hunger and weakness, gradually regained its warmth; his digestive system began a gentle peristalsis, as if life itself was being reinfused.
With the further diffusion of the medicinal power, Lin Mo could feel every part of his body, from his limbs to his bones, being thoroughly nourished.
His arms, previously as weak and lifeless as cotton, now steadily regained their strength, and his fingers could even twitch faintly.
His legs no longer felt leaden and unresponsive; after a wave of tingling sensation, they began to possess the strength to support his body.
Lin Mo's pallor also began to recede; the deathly white, like paper, slowly gave way to a hint of healthy color.
His once pale lips blossomed into a healthy rosiness, and the cracked wounds at the corners of his mouth slowly began to mend under the pill's potent effects.
His eyes, too, gradually brightened, the previous dull, lusterless gaze now sparkling with renewed vitality.
"Th-thank you, Grand Martial Aunt," Lin Mo uttered in a faint voice.
"It's alright, just rest for now." Zhao Qiubai gently lowered Lin Mo to the ground, before turning a severe gaze upon Mu Qingli.
"Surely you're not unaware that newly inducted disciples must undergo the Mortal Transformation (TL Note: A process where mortals shed their mortal coil to become cultivators, often involving cleansing and spiritual awakening)?"
Zhao Qiubai's voice sharpened into a fierce reprimand for Mu Qingli, devoid of her usual easygoing warmth and amiability.
This was no trivial matter.
A disciple of such exceptional innate talent, one whose very birth heralded auspicious phenomena during testing, had nearly been starved to death by Mu Qingli!
If word of this were to spread, wouldn't the Xuan Nv Sect become the laughingstock of the cultivation world?
The mere thought of such a possibility caused Zhao Qiubai's fists to clench involuntarily; her eyes, wide and blazing, seemed to wish they could unleash a torrent of fire and incinerate her foolish grand-niece to ashes!
Thus, despite her deep affection for Mu Qingli, her heart now seethed with fury.
The gravity of this situation surpassed all expectations; at best, Mu Qingli might simply forfeit her position as Sect Master.
At worst, if this incident were to lead to any misfortune befalling Lin Mo, it could spell the utter ruin of the Xuan Nv Sect!
One must understand that in the cultivation world, the prosperity of a sect is invariably tied to the caliber of its outstanding disciples.
A disciple possessing such extraordinary talent is, by nature, the shining star of the sect's future hope.
Should she perish prematurely for an absurd reason like starvation, how would the outside world perceive the Xuan Nv Sect?
They would undoubtedly conclude that the Xuan Nv Sect was plagued by mismanagement, incapable of even tending to a lone disciple.
If that were the case, who would ever dare to join the Xuan Nv Sect?
All promising cultivators would shun the Xuan Nv Sect, its reputation would plummet into disrepute, ultimately leading to its inevitable decay.
"Forgive me, Martial Aunt… I… I truly didn't know…" Mu Qingli lowered her head, her hair sliding from her shoulders to obscure most of her features.
She resembled a flower withered by frost, her former imposing demeanor and chilling composure utterly vanished.
Her spine, usually held ramrod straight, now curved slightly, as if burdened by an immense, unseen weight.
She stood like a child caught in a transgression, her heart heavy with guilt and apprehension, daring not to lift her head and confront Zhao Qiubai's scathing questions and fiery wrath.
Her hands were restlessly clasped together, her fingers tightly interwoven, her knuckles faintly white from the strain.
Her lips were drawn into a tight, thin line, yet she found herself unable to utter a single word of explanation.
She could only stand there in silence, awaiting Zhao Qiubai's further censure.
"You! Fine, fine, fine! How can you possibly guide disciples when you don't even grasp such fundamental matters?! Had I known you were ignorant of the Mortal Transformation, I would have entrusted her to Qing You instead! Though I detest that little girl, she would never cause such a scandalous incident as nearly starving an apprentice to death!"
"Gr-Grand Martial Aunt—" Lin Mo spoke up softly, though his voice remained somewhat fractured and weak.
Hearing Lin Mo's voice, Mu Qingli's heart immediately leaped into her throat.
She had no idea what Lin Mo intended to say, but she knew that even a hint of complaint would surely prompt Zhao Qiubai to take Lin Mo away.
At that point, all her carefully laid plans… would be utterly ruined.
Yet… she also lacked the audacity to speak up, for it was an undeniable fact that she had nearly starved Lin Mo to death.
While Lin Mo was indeed a man, that was certainly no justification for her nearly starving him to death.
She was unlike those contemptible, vile men; if she made a mistake, she had to bear the consequences.
Besides, if Lin Mo were merely taken away by Zhao Qiubai, she could simply seek him out later, once the Profound Yin Body backlash occurred.
It would have no adverse impact on her, and she wouldn't even need to expend her time instructing Lin Mo.
Rather, it would be preferable for Zhao Qiubai to take him, as Zhao Qiubai possessed greater experience and truly embodied the demeanor of a master.
She was merely a half-baked novice… an utter idiot who had almost caused her own disciple's death…
Did she… truly resemble her own master?
"Wan'er, don't be afraid. Speak of any hardship you've endured, and I shall see justice done for you. I, Zhao Qiubai, fear no one!"
As these words were uttered, Mu Qingli felt as though she was bidding a final farewell to Lin Mo.
'Forget a man… even if it were herself, she would never follow a master who had nearly starved her to death.'
Mu Qingli's spirits sank, as she awaited her sole apprentice to declare his departure with Zhao Qiubai.
"Grand Martial Aunt… this, this isn't Master's fault…" Lin Mo stated feebly.
At these words, Mu Qingli's delicate frame trembled perceptibly.
Zhao Qiubai's gaze flickered.
He blamed Mu Qingli for none of this?
'Child… you are far too kind… your voice has been starved into a rasping croak, like a man's… and you still defend her?'
Zhao Qiubai felt a sudden sting in her eyes, but she forced herself to maintain a stern demeanor, declaring sharply, "She nearly starved you to death! And you don't blame her? Do not be intimidated by her status; this little girl, I can handle her with a single hand."
"No, it isn't Master's fault… it's… it's mine… I was foolish. Down the mountain, I fell for false rumors… believing that once I entered the sect, I would instantly become an immortal and no longer require food… That's why… I didn't inform Master. I thought… I was merely failing to adapt, and then—
I… I caused Grand Martial Aunt to worry… I apologize… and I caused Master… to be scolded… I'm sorry—" Lin Mo concluded weakly.
Mu Qingli's pupils constricted in shock, her gaze fixed on Lin Mo in utter disbelief.
'Men… shouldn't they betray me at a time like this…?'
'Shouldn't he be basely clinging to Zhao Qiubai's hand, pleading with her to quickly forgive the one who had nearly starved him to death?'
She couldn't fathom it, but she knew even more acutely that this was no time for such ponderings.
Mu Qingli immediately dropped to her knees, prostrating herself before Zhao Qiubai, and declared, "Martial Aunt… Qingli possesses a Natural Dao Body (TL Note: A rare and exceptional physique that allows for innate cultivation and spiritual affinity), having been born directly into the Qi Refining stage, thus negating the need for sustenance. After joining the sect, I only ventured out after reaching Foundation Establishment, and have since had no contact with disciples undergoing the Mortal Transformation… Furthermore, this is Qingli's first time acting as a master, and… I had no one to guide me… I assure you, I had no intention of starving my newly accepted apprentice!"
Zhao Qiubai's brow furrowed, realizing the logic in her words.
Mu Qingli possessed a Natural Dao Body, having been born into the Qi Refining stage, allowing her to absorb the spiritual energy of heaven and earth to sustain herself without the need for food…
Her senior sister had also passed away prematurely… and later, embroiled in the struggle for the Sect Master's position, she had no time to accept new disciples.
Subsequently, she was ambushed by Qing You, leaving her with the title but stripped of all authority… effectively imprisoned within this Sect Master's residence for five hundred years.
Had Zhao Qiubai herself not emerged from seclusion with a breakthrough in cultivation, little Qingli would likely still be under house arrest, unable to even attend this year's grand disciple-acceptance ceremony…
With so many factors compounding… it was hardly surprising that little Qingli remained ignorant of the Mortal Transformation.
Alas…
The matter had reached this point; further words would be fruitless.
Casting a complicated gaze upon Mu Qingli, Zhao Qiubai ultimately said nothing more, merely instructing Lin Mo to take heed of his health before handing her storage ring to Mu Qingli, and admonishing her before departing, "…This situation must not recur. Regarding matters of disciples, if you ever find yourself unsure of anything in the future, simply come and ask me."
With that, Zhao Qiubai stepped out of the main hall, no longer inclined to pursue the matter further, and transformed into a streak of light that shot directly into the clouds, vanishing into the horizon.
Mu Qingli took the storage ring, her gaze remaining fixed on Lin Mo.
It was only when her divine sense confirmed Zhao Qiubai's departure that she spoke softly, "Why… why didn't you go with Martial Aunt? I… didn't I almost cause your death?"
'…This question, do you even need to ask it?'
'You know I'm a man; does your Martial Aunt know that? How do I know she wouldn't just slap me, a man, to death?'
'Can I hide it myself?'
'Can't you use your brain to think for a moment? If I went with that Zhao Qiubai, could I still keep my little 'Lin Mo'?'
'It's not even certain I'd keep my life!'
'Besides, if I really left, wouldn't all this starvation have been for nothing?'
'How else would I gain your trust?'
'That's right!'
'Ten years!'
Lin Mo was no longer a naive young boy; he, too, harbored many subtle intentions.
Appearing before Zhao Qiubai on the verge of starvation, any person with a sane mind would undoubtedly want to take him away.
If he were merely an ordinary talent, perhaps it wouldn't have been like this; she might have simply scolded Mu Qingli.
But he was not ordinary, which allowed him to play this game.
All for this—a show of loyalty!
After a brief period of interaction, Lin Mo had come to understand Mu Qingli's stereotypical views of men—petty, treacherous, disloyal, and so forth.
In short, all negative labels were simply assigned to men.
The more this was the case, the more he needed to break these stereotypes; the more he broke them, the easier it would be to gain Mu Qingli's trust.
This was the most crucial reason.
Secondly… it was the expression he saw on Mu Qingli's face…
How to describe it? In that instant, it was strikingly similar to his past self.
That expression of fear of abandonment…
After all, she too had been stripped of power, left alone in this desolate place, with everything in the sect unrelated to her.
Upon reflection, although Mu Qingli constantly claimed to dislike and hate men, she had never actively sought to harm him.
Perhaps, she was also very lonely.
So lonely that even though he was the man she detested most, she couldn't bring herself to let him leave.
How to explain it… Lin Mo could understand that feeling.
When he was on Blue Star, he deeply disliked a snot-nosed kid next door.
That child seemed foolish, unable to grasp why he always lay in bed and couldn't play with him.
The windows of their two homes were close together; opening a window allowed them to hear each other's words.
No matter what he said, the other child never understood what it meant to be sick.
He was simply tireless, constantly seeking to talk to him, bickering with him, provoking his anger, and then giggling to the side.
During their arguments, he would feel angry and infuriated, but for some reason, Lin Mo always wanted to laugh afterward.
It was both infuriating and amusing.
He felt as though his chest, heaving violently with anger, was telling him that he was still alive.
He hadn't become disconnected from the world.
It wasn't until the little boy moved away, and the sound of their bickering no longer drifted through the window, that he suddenly realized what he had missed.
He didn't know the name of the child across the way.
What they looked like.
How old they were.
He was trapped in one place, unable to go anywhere.
But his world still had his mother.
Suddenly, his mother's face flashed through Lin Mo's mind, a gentle, warm smile that hadn't appeared in a long time, slowly melting away his frustration and sadness.
He still had his mother, but what did Mu Qingli have?
His mother always used one phrase to encourage Lin Mo to cheer up, and with that phrase, Lin Mo could always rally himself.
Moreover, he had watched many anime, novels, and TV dramas; it seemed many people used this line to move villains and bad guys.
This led them to be whitewashed, join the protagonist's camp, and become a great asset to the protagonist.
If he said the same, would Mu Qingli also become like that?
In that case, whether it was for escape or anything else, he would receive help.
So, he pondered and decided to say it.
"Because I love you."
Mu Qingli abruptly lifted her head, staring at Lin Mo in astonishment, all traces of her previous despondency nowhere to be found on her face.
'She must have been moved by my words~'
'Wow, this line is really effective!'
'Speaking of which, it was precisely because I said this to Qiu Yue that I wasn't immediately cut down by her, but instead captured alive and taken back, giving me the opportunity to spend ten years escaping the Qiu family.'
'Because his mother loved him, he was able to endure every painful day.'
'As long as one is filled with love for the world, every day is blissful, and everywhere is paradise.'
'So Lin Mo deeply loved every day and tomorrow.'
'As long as there is love, miracles will always be seen.'
'See, he escaped the Qiu family.'
'Hmph, Xuan Nv Sect, will I still be afraid of not escaping in the future?'
'Love is full of magic.'
Lin Mo believed in this phrase wholeheartedly.
'Presumably, by saying this, Mu Qingli will treat me better from now on.'
'Oh, it seems future days will be much easier~'
------------
Her lips twisted into an uncontrollable, upward curve, a crescent moon hanging high in the night sky.
The emotions in her chest, long suppressed, burst forth in unbridled laughter.
Her laughter was wild and unrestrained, yet beneath it, a furious rage surged.
Like a raging flood, anger swept away her reason, carrying countless memories in its tumultuous current.
Having lived for centuries, the faces of many people had long blurred in her memory; even her own mother's features had slowly begun to fade.
Only one person remained vivid.
He was unkempt, his eyes like those of a dead fish, seemingly devoid of life, carrying an air of slovenliness. As a father, he lacked the robust physique of others, and his strength was merely average.
She often wondered why a woman as beautiful as her mother would ever marry such a man.
He would always boast of his unmatched bravery, claiming he could take on ten men and send enemies fleeing in terror, his eyes only sparkling with life when recounting these tales.
He always spoke of protecting them, mother and daughter, assuring them that with him around, no one could ever harm them.
He would thump his chest, producing a 'thump-thump' sound to demonstrate his supposed sturdiness, yet he invariably devolved into a fit of violent coughing after only a few pats.
The young Mu Qingli couldn't comprehend how a man like him could possibly protect her and her mother.
The man's answer was simple: because he loved them, he would stake his life; unless he died, no one would harm them.
Indeed.
Love.
Mu Qingli seemed to understand, yet at the same time, she didn't.
She didn't quite grasp what love was, but it felt as though this 'love' existed; even though her family was constantly moving, never settling in one place for long before having to leave, and never truly belonging anywhere, as long as her parents were by her side, she believed that in this vast world, there would ultimately be a small corner that was truly theirs.
She would not be afraid.
Even the night seemed to grow kinder, merely veiled by a thin shroud.
Yet, Mu Qingli later came to understand that a man's promises were like a flickering candle in the wind, easily extinguished by a passing breeze.
He always claimed how valiant he was, how he could single-handedly defeat countless foes, and how enemies would flee in disarray at his mere sight.
What was the outcome?
When true danger struck, when a life-or-death choice presented itself, he abandoned his wife and daughter to save his own skin, fleeing in a panic by himself.
Afterwards, it took Mu Qingli a very, very long time to recall that the man who fled was, in fact, her father.
Those eyes, once filled with affection, had turned cold and selfish; his feet, as if winged by the wind, were solely focused on escaping danger, never once glancing back at the family he had forsaken.
He left behind only the abandoned women and children, weeping in despair and terror, their once beautiful family dissolving into nothingness at that very moment.
Alas, only Mu Qingli's illusion shattered. Her mother lay on the ground, blood slowly spreading from beneath her body, like a blooming red lotus, tragically beautiful and utterly desperate.
Yet, her mother's eyes still gazed into the distance, filled with a lingering yearning and hope for the cowardly man she loved to return and save their home.
That gaze, brimming with trust and affection, gradually faded, until it became utterly dim and lifeless.
Had her Master not chanced upon that path, Mu Qingli too would have perished there.
She would never forget that day; her Master was like a beacon, illuminating her dark world.
Her Master led her into the sect, and that sect gate felt like a portal to a new life.
Within the sect, she found a new home; her fellow disciples were like a new family. Her Master painstakingly raised her to adulthood, treating her as if she were her own daughter.
Her Master patiently taught her immortal arts; every move, every stance, was a skill for survival, enabling her to protect herself in this cruel world.
Her Master took the place of a parent, becoming the most steadfast pillar of support in her heart.
Yet, in the end, her Master also died because of a man.
It was an accident, a tragedy sparked by a man's selfishness and cowardice. Her Master's departure felt as though the sky had fallen, utterly shattering the last vestige of trust Mu Qingli held for men.
Now, everyone in the world knew how unreliable men truly were.
'Love,' as spoken by men? It was nothing more than a lie to deceive everyone.
Confronted with Lin Mo's declaration of 'love,' not a single ripple of emotion stirred in Mu Qingli's heart.
Mu Qingli felt only rage, an endless, boundless fury.
That rage was like a blazing inferno, burning fiercely in her chest, searing her very soul.
Her hands clenched into tight fists, nails digging deep into her palms, yet she felt no pain, for the anger in her heart had long drowned out everything else.
'Kill him.' This thought, like a vine sprouting in the darkness, wildly spread through Mu Qingli's mind.
'Kill this arrogant fool!'
The voice echoed incessantly in her ears, a whisper seemingly from the deepest part of her heart.
Through the gaps in her flowing hair, her golden eyes fixed relentlessly on Lin Mo.
Those golden eyes blazed like fiery infernos, filled with rage and hatred, resembling deep vortices poised to drag Lin Mo's soul into their depths.
Her gaze was almost tangible, like two sharp swords, piercing directly towards Lin Mo, as if to bore two bloody holes through his body.
Spiritual energy gathered in her hand, shimmering with a cold, eerie light, like winter icicles.
Step by step, she advanced towards Lin Mo.
"By the way, Master," Lin Mo said, his body having mostly recovered, as he sat up. "Are we continuing with etiquette lessons, or is it time for cultivation?"
Lin Mo's voice jolted Mu Qingli from her near-obsessive state.
She dispersed the spiritual energy in her hand, readjusting her emotions.
She knew she had once again been swayed by her inner demons.
Without hesitation, she activated the Bright Jade Profound Yin to force herself to calm down, yet the anger in her heart remained undispelled.
She still yearned to kill the presumptuous Lin Mo, but he was far too important.
Too many of her goals hinged on Lin Mo's presence.
She could only take a deep breath, striving to rein in her emotions.
Her Master's dying wish was paramount.
"Get up. Cultivate," Mu Qingli uttered, the words forced out with difficulty.
"Huh? Oh."
Lin Mo didn't make a fuss; he obediently sat up and began cultivating the Bright Jade Profound Yin. Though his body hadn't fully recovered, at least he was no longer at death's door.
Gazing at Lin Mo's pale face, still lacking full strength, Mu Qingli's lips curved into a cold smile, devoid of any warmth, like the biting wind across an ice-covered plain.
She had conceived an excellent method, one that would expose a man's true nature without resorting to murder.
It could also weaken Lin Mo's disgusting muscles, making him appear more feminine.
At the brink of life and death, people often reveal their true selves.
If she subjected Lin Mo to enough peril, pushing him beyond his limits, this man's true nature would be undeniable.
She firmly believed that by doing so, this man would expose his true colors, thereby proving her long-held conviction about men to be correct.
In her world, all men were despicable wretches, full of empty words, treacherous and deceitful scoundrels; they possessed no love!
Thus, for the next month, Mu Qingli imposed an extremely high-pressure cultivation regimen.
She acted as a supervisor so strict she was almost cruel, demanding that Lin Mo not only learn feminine etiquette, but also that volume after volume of weighty etiquette classics were tossed before him, like insurmountable mountains.
Lin Mo had to spend a significant amount of time each day reciting and memorizing them, and at the slightest error, Mu Qingli's spiritual energy, transformed into a long whip, would lash across his body.
At the same time, he had to constantly circulate his cultivation technique, even during sleep.
Nighttime should have been for rest, but Lin Mo couldn't sleep; he had to continuously circulate his cultivation technique until it became so ingrained that he did it subconsciously, like breathing.
Every time exhaustion made him want to stop, Mu Qingli's scolding voice would thunder in his ears, followed by a barrage of blows and curses.
Her palm, imbued with residual spiritual power, inflicted unbearable pain with every strike on Lin Mo, yet he dared not resist in the slightest.
Hungry and thirsty, he subsisted solely on Zhao Qiubai's elixirs to sustain his life, never experiencing the sensation of fullness.
When drowsy, he also relied on elixirs to forcibly awaken his mind; the brief invigoration brought by these pills came with intense side effects, leaving both his body and spirit in a state of extreme exhaustion yet unable to truly rest.
Lin Mo's body grew thinner day by day, his eyes weary and bloodshot.
'This is a test.'
Lin Mo knew this clearly.
Although he didn't know what nerve the word 'love' had struck in Mu Qingli to provoke such fury, Lin Mo knew this was likely the test.
A test of whether his 'love' was genuine.
'Here… I must endure.'
Mu Qingli would never kill him; she would only torment him, wearing down his will.
If he were proven a liar, he would never regain Mu Qingli's trust, nor would he ever get another chance to escape.
What awaited him next would be endless surveillance.
'My future hinges on this moment!'
Yet—
It sounded good in theory, but in practice, it was an entirely different matter.
Hunger gnawed at his nerves like maggots embedded in bone, while exhaustion crushed his spirit like a millstone, his emaciated body twisted like a tightened noose.
Countless times he yearned to fall to his knees and surrender, to cling to Mu Qingli's leg and beg for her mercy.
Whenever Ancestor Zhao Qiubai came to visit, subtly hinting with eager eyes to help him escape, he longed to accept immediately, to break free from this living hell.
'What if Zhao Qiubai knew I was a man, and still wouldn't kill me?'
'What if Zhao Qiubai wasn't as cruel as Mu Qingli?'
'What if—'
'No, I mustn't waver.'
'I mustn't falter.'
'I absolutely cannot taint my resolve.'
This was not just for his plan, but for his dignity.
Qiu Yue would kill him, so he could cast aside his self-respect.
But Mu Qingli wouldn't, so there was no need for him to abandon his dignity.
She also needed him.
He was tired of the world's slander against men, tired of these stereotypes. Before, he had neither the opportunity nor the strength to prove them wrong, but now, wasn't this his chance?
Lin Mo had no other special talent than endurance; he could tough it out!
To survive, to escape, Lin Mo would exert all his strength to portray the person others wanted to see.
In front of Qiu Yue, he was a humble and loyal servant.
And before Mu Qingli, he would be a resilient, loyal, and unyielding disciple, preferring death over submission!
He currently lacked the strength to resist, so he had to endure.
He needed to accumulate power.
As long as he endured this trial, earned Mu Qingli's trust, learned all her skills, and achieved cultivation success, he would sooner or later become his own master!
'Endure.'
'A moment's impatience can ruin a great plan.'
Lin Mo remained steadfast, cultivating, suffering, persevering, the light in his eyes never dimming even slightly.
His spirit, too, gradually grew more resilient.
He didn't know how much longer it would last; if it meant enduring until death, then so be it.
This was currently the only way he could resist.
Little did he know, Mu Qingli was currently filled with utter astonishment!
Because she had discovered that Lin Mo… had actually developed divine sense during the Qi Condensation stage?!
This was impossible! How could someone who hadn't even fully passed the Mortal Transformation stage develop divine sense so far ahead of schedule?
It was known that the earlier divine sense was developed, the better, as mental strength was the most difficult to cultivate; the later one started, the harder it became.
But developing it earlier was several times more difficult!
Of course, the development of divine sense was also related to one's personal qualities. The more resilient one's mental strength, the earlier it could be developed.
To draw a comparison, it was akin to being able to endure lying motionless in one spot for decades without breaking down.
'He's different…'
'This is not like the men I know!'
'Men aren't like this!'
Mu Qingli's heart continuously surged, tormented by pain and guilt.
Her anger had nothing to do with Lin Mo, yet she… had still unleashed it upon him.
Yet deep down, she always felt that if she just held on a little longer, Lin Mo would expose his true colors, proving how correct her assumptions were!
Yet…
Lin Mo still hadn't shown any weakness.
No matter how she asked, Lin Mo's answer remained the same: "Because I love you."
'Why?'
Mu Qingli couldn't understand why Lin Mo still hadn't revealed his true nature?!
'Men aren't like this!'
Mu Qingli trembled all over, biting her lip tightly. What man wouldn't run away?
What man would stay by her side after being treated this way?
'Still staying?'
'You're going to die!'
'Don't you know you're going to die!'
'You'll die!'
'Run!'
'Run like other men!'
Mu Qingli gazed at Lin Mo's pale, bloodless face, completely unaware that she had bitten her own lips until a trace of crimson appeared.
She couldn't understand; the world shouldn't be like this.
She trembled all over, her eyes misting over, her delicate body shaking so much it was impossible to tell if it was from burning rage or sorrow.
"What… what exactly do you love about me?!"
Once, her father had loved her, only to abandon her in a blink of an eye.
Her Master loved her, and even more, loved the world; for the greater good of all, she ultimately died inexplicably due to the betrayal of those men.
"You say you love me, but what exactly do you want from me?!" Mu Qingli could no longer bear it; all the questions and fury in her heart erupted, and she roared at Lin Mo, almost a primal scream.
Lin Mo didn't know either.
Lin Mo swayed precariously, his expression dazed.
'Am I supposed to say, "Ah, I'm lying to you~ I just want to gain your trust~ so I can escape later~"?'
'No.'
'It needs to sound better.'
'It needs to move her heart.'
People always say love conquers all.
Love makes everything beautiful.
Just like his mother used to say, it's to make you better.
'Loving you is to make you better.'
'Better at what?'
Mu Qingli's authority had been usurped; now she lived alone in this dilapidated Sect Master's mansion, with no one to talk to, no one to accompany her.
The sect didn't need her.
It was just like when Lin Mo was on Blue Star, the world didn't need him either.
But he had his mother.
But what about Mu Qingli? She had nothing.
Otherwise, she wouldn't have revealed that lonely expression, would she?
Why did he love her?
At first, it was just a casual thought, but now, seeing Mu Qingli's tear-streaked face, her panicked, almost roaring questions, he had found a reason.
She was just like him.
The world didn't need her, but someone did.
Loneliness was a terrifying thing.
Lying in a hospital bed, alone, having lost control of his body, trapped in a cage of flesh, the only thing he could do was observe and endure.
Observe the vibrant, colorful world.
Endure the vibrant, colorful world.
Lin Mo thought of many things, but in the end, said nothing.
Because he was so tired, his consciousness began to completely plunge into darkness, his thoughts intermittent.
But he still knew he had something to say.
"Because… I need you."
His first sentence.
"I… had no one… you… too… but now… you… have someone."
His second sentence.
There was no spiritual energy, no curse, just light, indistinct words, yet something seemed to strike her profoundly.
Her heartstrings, long dormant, vibrated anew.
Her body moved almost instinctively; as Lin Mo completely collapsed to the ground, Mu Qingli caught him.
Drops of water fell onto Lin Mo's face.
It was a night of torrential rain, and the dilapidated roof continuously leaked water.
Cold rainwater.
And warm water.
They fell together on Lin Mo's face, dripping onto his parched lips.
How long had it been—no, when had it ever happened?
'I need you'—who had ever said those words to her?
Her Master had said: "Mu'er, just stay in the Xuan Nv Sect. Master will be back soon. You don't need to worry about the cultivation technique; Master will handle it when I return."
Zhao Qiubai had said: "Junior Niece, just stay put. Leave the Sect Master's succession to me. If anyone disagrees, I'll beat them into submission for you; you just need to sit obediently. Give me that cultivation technique, Senior Sister. You just sit in this position and don't let that old hag Qing You get close."
Immortal Qing You had said: "Sect Master, please don't meddle here. You understand nothing; you are merely a pretty face who ascended through your Martial Aunt, so don't cause any more trouble. Moreover, the Xuan Nv Sect doesn't need this cultivation technique, nor does it need you."
She was clearly the Sect Master of the Xuan Nv Sect, clearly managing a large sect of tens of thousands, yet she couldn't integrate.
It was as if she had never been rescued by her Master that year; all of this was merely her fantasy, and she was actually lying on the ground with her mother, together nourishing the muddy earth with their crimson blood.
To her, this world was a wilderness, an empty, desolate wilderness.
But now, her world was different.
A small mouse that could talk had appeared.
She was very afraid of, and disliked, small mice.
But gradually, the small mouse disappeared, leaving only a dying person lying in that wilderness.
But now, she held him tightly.
Because her world was no longer lonely.
She held the completely unconscious Lin Mo tightly in her embrace.
With a faint shimmer of spiritual light, Mu Qingli unhesitatingly offered her most precious Natal Blood Essence (TL Note: A powerful form of blood essence in cultivation novels, often used for healing or strengthening, at great cost to the donor).
Completely disregarding the fact that this act would cause her cultivation to plummet and her vitality to wane, she slowly transferred the blood essence, imbued with immense vitality and power, into Lin Mo's mouth.
This blood essence alone would be enough to repair all the injuries Lin Mo had sustained, and would even pave the way for his future cultivation, making his progress unstoppable.
However… all these consequences no longer mattered.
"I'm sorry…" she whispered, her arms tightly wrapped around the person in her embrace, and in that profound silence, she remained sleepless through the night.