“Disciple!” Purple Melody Saint quickly finished a steamed bun, his eyes fixed on Yun Qingxue with a smile. “Are there any more buns?”
Yun Qingxue blinked. Of course, there were more buns—all stored in her spatial bracelet. But deep down, she really didn’t want to hand them over.
“Whoosh!”
Before she could think of how to respond, she suddenly felt her wrist go light. A shimmering green glow flew from her hand to the roof, vanishing in the blink of an eye.
She instinctively looked down and realized that in just an instant, the spatial bracelet that had been on her wrist was gone.
“To prevent my disciple from being distracted by material things, I’ll hold onto this bracelet for you for now~”
On the roof, Purple Melody Saint’s face shrank, revealing his full figure. In his hand was the emerald bracelet—the very one Yun Qingxue had been wearing moments ago.
Yun Qingxue opened her mouth but hesitated. That bracelet had been a gift from Jin Lin—not just a magical artifact, but a token of his affection. She wanted it back, but she didn’t know how to ask her master.
As she hesitated, Purple Melody Saint spoke again:
“Once you’ve thoroughly studied and mastered the books I’ve given you, you’ll be free to leave. At that time, I’ll return the bracelet to you. I’ve reinforced the roof with a new barrier—no one can enter, and you can’t leave!”
“Stop dwelling on trivial matters. Mastering the Spirit Absorption Technique is your top priority. I don’t want to see you starving to death!”
“Yes, Qingxue understands,” she replied, pressing her lips together. It seemed she wouldn’t get the bracelet back anytime soon. Trapped with no food, her master was forcing her to make a desperate effort to master the fasting technique of Spirit Absorption.
Purple Melody Saint smiled approvingly at her obedient demeanor. “Then focus on your studies, disciple. I’ll return in a few days to check your progress.”
“Alright,” Yun Qingxue nodded as his figure vanished from the roof. Yet his voice echoed clearly once more:
“If you truly can’t endure and still haven’t mastered Spirit Absorption, you might as well roast that little snake on your wrist for sustenance. Better than starving to the point where I have to rescue you!”
“Hiss~” A’dai flicked his tongue in displeasure. *Damn you, Purple Melody Saint! What did I ever do to you?!*
“Master, rest assured. Qingxue will work hard!” Yun Qingxue called out loudly toward the roof.
“Hiss~”
A’dai flicked his tongue again. *Next time I see you, Purple Melody Saint, you’d better hide—or I’ll bite you!*
A slender, pale finger gently tapped A’dai’s raised little head. Yun Qingxue chuckled. “Enough, A’dai. Master was just teasing. You’re my friend—if anyone dares harm you, I’ll be the first to stop them!”
“Hiss~” A’dai nuzzled her finger. *Master is still the best to me~*
Yun Qingxue smiled, returning to the desk to pick up the books Purple Melody Saint had provided. Ignoring the protests of her empty stomach, she focused intently on her reading.
Three months later…
The afternoon sun shone brightly.
At Luoyun Mountain’s Shuiyun Gorge, a waterfall cascaded from the peak into the pool below, sending countless droplets into the air. Lush greenery surrounded the falls, swaying gently in the breeze.
A small whirlwind suddenly rose from the ground, carrying a chilling edge.
“When will Master release Qingxue?” Mo Changxing, clad in a violet robe, narrowed his star-like eyes at Purple Melody Saint, who was leisurely fishing by the pool.
“That’s right, Master. It’s been three months. You’ve locked Xuexue alone in that tiny hut. The loneliness alone must be unbearable for her!” Jin Lin frowned, uncharacteristically aligning with Mo Changxing.
Since arriving at Luoyun Mountain, he had only seen Xuexue on the first day. Before they could exchange more than a few words, she had immersed herself in study and cultivation—three long months had passed since then. He had thought that becoming Purple Melody Saint’s disciple would allow him to seek wisdom from the enigmatic master while frequently seeing Xuexue. Yet now, the once-elusive master was always in sight, while Xuexue had been hidden away!
If not for Xuexue, he’d never have formed this cursed alliance with Mo Changxing!
“Hmph!”
Purple Melody Saint didn’t even glance at his two disciples. “You are not the fish—how can you know the fish’s joy? That hut is filled with excellent books. If she grows weary of them, she truly would be a hopeless blockhead! Do you think my disciple Qingxue is a blockhead?”
“Xuexue is no blockhead!” Jin Lin immediately retorted.
“Exactly. So stop worrying. ‘In books, one finds houses of gold.’ With so many fine books to accompany her, my disciple Qingxue is already too happy to think of leaving. There’s no need for you two to fuss!” Purple Melody Saint said airily.
“Even if books contain houses of gold, one still needs to step outside for fresh air!” Mo Changxing shot back coldly.
“Master, you should let Xuexue out to stretch her legs. Even reading can be exhausting,” Jin Lin quickly added, backing Mo Changxing.
Purple Melody Saint reeled in his fishing line and stood up, casting a calm glance at Mo Changxing and Jin Lin. “She’ll come out when the time is right. As I said, there’s no need for you two to meddle.”
“Regardless, I must see Junior Sister Qingxue today!” Mo Changxing’s tone suddenly sharpened as he stepped sideways, blocking Purple Melody Saint’s path.
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