Li Ye was furious.

He had just begun to think better of this little creature because of the heavenly tribulation, believing she had perseverance and could accomplish things. But what happened? She could form hand seals during world-destroying heavenly lightning, yet couldn’t focus on proper breathing in this immortal herb-infused water. Her body’s energy had become chaotic, nearly causing a cultivation deviation.

Fortunately, he discovered it early and stabilized her divine soul with a stream of fire.

But when the small immortal before him opened her eyes, there was no lingering fear or trepidation in her wet gaze. She simply stared unblinkingly at his chest, now dampened by the hot spring.

Then she gulped audibly.

Li Ye: “…”

He had almost forgotten that this small immortal was a lustful one who became infatuated at the sight of him, unable to focus on anything else.

With a cold snort, Li Ye released her.

“I’ll give you one hour,” he said solemnly. “In one hour, I’m going out.”

…

…

He could go out by himself if he wanted—why give her an hour? Er’er was confused, but still stared at the tail feather pendant on his chest.

It was so beautiful, gleaming red with a layer of gold—clearly a superior magical artifact.

She was drooling with desire.

The great master before her seemed somewhat heated, shifting uncomfortably, the tips of his ears reddening slightly.

“Earlier I was injured, but today I’m much better. The Kan Sect and I have unresolved grievances that I don’t wish to delay settling,” he said, looking elsewhere with slight impatience in his brow. “If you can clean up your external injuries within an hour, I’ll take you along to broaden your horizons.”

Great masters fighting—what would she do there except risk her life?

Er’er waved her hand: “I won’t—”

Before she could finish saying “go,” Er’er suddenly thought of something.

The Kan Sect—wasn’t Kan Ze from the Kan Sect? It wasn’t appropriate for him to stay with her forever. Perhaps she could do a good deed and send him back? That way, everyone would benefit, and no one would have to put anyone in a difficult position.

Her eyes brightened slightly, and she immediately continued: “—let Master down.”

Li Ye glanced at her, dragged his wet robes to shore, and with a flash of fire, water vapor rose. By the time he sat back on his throne, his robes were completely dry.

He looked at the small immortal still soaking in the hot spring.

When he mentioned teaching her immortal techniques, her breathing exercises were chaotic. But once he mentioned going out with him, she concentrated with all her might on circulating her energy. The charred patches on her body fell off one by one, revealing smooth, fair skin beneath. Her tattered robes also regained their shape, floating on the water’s surface like an elegant begonia.

In less than half an hour, she was already completely healed, lying at the edge of the hot spring.

“Master,” she called softly, “I have no strength left.”

After such rapid healing of external injuries, it would be strange if she had any strength remaining. Li Ye pressed his lips together, a hint of discomfort in his expression.

His reputation had always been used to frighten others, making demons and monsters flee into the ground, forcing countless evil spirits to kneel and beg for mercy.

But he never imagined that one day, someone would strive so desperately because they liked him. First enduring the heavenly tribulation with gritted teeth, then cultivating so diligently.

What a foolish little immortal.

After looking at her with disdain for a while, Li Ye still extended his hand and lifted her out of the water.

With a splash, water sprayed in all directions.

Li Sect immortals all knew water-avoidance techniques; no one would walk around completely soaked. So Li Ye naturally assumed this small immortal would know this as well.

However, Er’er had only recently joined the Li Sect and hadn’t yet learned the basic techniques. How could she know? Her elaborate skirts, heavy with water, slid down her body.

With a slip, Li Ye froze.

Er’er only felt a coolness at her collarbone, and before she could react, her vision went dark.

Then with a “thud,” she was thrown forcefully back into the hot spring.

Er’er: ???

She understood the logic, but it was her clothes that were torn—why cover her eyes?

After choking on several mouthfuls of water, Er’er finally struggled out of the hot spring. Looking down, she saw that indeed, half of her bodice had split open.

However, with her skinny frame, there wasn’t much to see even with half the front torn.

Er’er couldn’t understand why the great master was acting as if facing a great enemy.

In the blink of an eye, Li Ye had already moved to the entrance of Upper Bing Palace, his tall figure with his back to the hot spring, his entire being shrouded in gloom.

His undeserved disciple hadn’t learned anything useful, yet she had first learned to seduce him.

He kept his distance from women, as they interfered with both cultivation and daily life—there was no need for closeness. Yet despite all his precautions, there was no guarding against a thief in one’s own home. The sight that suddenly met his eyes couldn’t simply be ignored.

This little creature had low cultivation but plenty of devious thoughts. If she came looking for him to take responsibility later, what should he do?

Give her a few thousand years of cultivation, or agree to cultivate together with her?

If they cultivated together, with her weakness, wouldn’t she hold him back?

Even if she didn’t hold him back, whether she could withstand his powerful immortal energy was another question.

For the first time in his life, Li Ye found himself deeply conflicted over something unrelated to immortal techniques.

However, half an incense stick’s time later, the little creature ran to his side and simply looked up to ask: “Master, when do we depart?”

Li Ye looked down in surprise to see her acting as if nothing had happened, still wagging her nonexistent tail obediently.

This must be a strategy of letting out a long line to catch a big fish.

Li Ye fell silent, suddenly realizing with amazement that his undeserved disciple understood the tactics of feigned retreat to advance and deliberate release to capture.

After pondering for a moment, he decided to watch and wait.

“We’ll leave now.”

“Good.”

Er’er climbed onto the great master’s travel cloud and immediately sat cross-legged. Although her external injuries were mostly healed, her internal injuries would take much longer to recover. It wasn’t advisable to move much, so she conserved energy where possible.

But looking down at her, Li Ye only thought this little creature was truly clever.

The travel cloud wasn’t large. If they stood, the two could maintain some distance. But by sitting cross-legged, she naturally leaned against his legs due to the limited space.

Her body was soft and warm, like a freshly steamed bun, and she fidgeted restlessly.

Taking a deep breath, Li Ye recited a heart-steadying incantation to himself.

The Ninth Heaven was full of small immortals single-mindedly pursuing improper paths. It was only because this one was more useful than others that he couldn’t throw her down. He couldn’t care about her—he just hoped that when they reached the Kan Sect, she would restrain herself and not embarrass him.

He had important business at the Kan Sect.

With Kan Ze’s fate unknown, the Kan Sect had lost its pillar and fallen into internal chaos. He had things he wanted to know, and sneaking in for covert investigation at this time was ideal.

Originally, he hadn’t wanted to bring along this encumbrance, but he truly didn’t understand how lower-level immortals typically lived. Having her there could help provide cover.

However, the little creature on his leg was truly insatiable. Not content with leaning against him, she even reached out to tug at his fingertips.

“Master.”

Li Ye irritably withdrew his hand, thinking that if he acquiesced, she would surely pounce on him for an embrace.

Yet she persisted, propping herself up to pull at him: “Master, Master.”

After exercising restraint again and again, Li Ye finally couldn’t hold back and said coldly: “If you speak again, your master will throw you down to feed the vultures.”

Er’er: “…”

Watching helplessly as they passed by the entrance of the Kan Sect, Er’er reached out her hand and innocently pinched her lips shut.