I thought I would die, yet I never imagined there would be a day when I’d open my eyes again. However, when I awakened once more, the pain in my body showed no signs of improvement—I felt as if I had just been fished out of hell.

Yet what frightened me most was the dream I had before waking up. Ten years ago, I had dreamed of something similar. That dream was hazy and indistinct, but I knew even then that it was utterly rebellious and improper. This time’s dream was far more terrifying than that one.

In the dream, my life hung by a thread. Master carried me back and had serious discussions with Lord Lingyin for a long time. Later, he remained alone in the room, removing silver hooks and lowering curtains, undoing the already tattered clothing on my body. Then, without warning, a tearing pain spread throughout my limbs and bones, mixed with the agony of my severe injuries. I truly couldn’t control myself and cried out in distress. Those eyes, deep as night, gazed at me for a long time, as if observing my reactions. When I calmed down somewhat, he suppressed his breathing, and then…

I didn’t even dare recall what happened after that. I only knew that the pain in my body gradually disappeared, replaced by streams of divine power flowing into my body. My primordial spirit also gradually recovered, but due to extreme exhaustion, I soon fell into deep sleep.

Admittedly, compared to the wounds left by the Blazing Taotie, the pain Master brought me was negligible. However, my heart somehow knew that this intimate affair should not happen between master and disciple. Fortunately, it was just a dream—if it were real, it would be too terrifying. Thinking of this, I couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief. I extended my weak arm and wiped the sweat from my forehead with the back of my hand. But when I moved my arm, I inadvertently shifted my leg.

Immediately, an aching pain like being torn apart and reassembled struck me. I sucked in a sharp breath, mustered great courage, and slowly lifted the bedding. It was true that I wore nothing beneath the covers, true that there was an unusual discomfort from my waist to between my legs. When I turned my head to lightly sniff the pillow, this familiar yet strange scent was also true.

From my scalp to my fingertips, everything had gone numb, and my hands involuntarily clenched into fists—none of this was a dream. Thinking about this matter again, I was more clear-headed than ever before. Though I had never experienced it, I understood what had happened between Master and me. Thinking of this, I felt completely on the verge of collapse. I put on clothes, jumped down from the jade bed, wanting to rush out and demand an explanation, but my legs gave out—as if my tendons had been removed—and I fell to my knees.

This fall was both heavy and sudden. I instinctively reached forward to grab something, but accidentally pulled down the fox fur embroidered tablecloth, along with tea sets and flower vases that also shattered on the floor. Supporting myself, I tried to stand up and realized I was in my former room at Cangying Manor. All the furnishings in the room were the same as they had been ten years ago.

At this moment, the door was suddenly pushed open. Lord Lingyin entered with two maidservants, ordering them to help me back to bed.

Lord Lingyin said with concern, “Luowei, your primordial spirit hasn’t fully recovered yet. You mustn’t act rashly.”

I said, “Where is Master? Where has he gone?”

Lord Lingyin looked troubled: “He assumed you might not wish to see him right now, so he’s waiting outside.”

“Please ask him to come in.”

Lord Lingyin hesitated for a moment, then went out. Soon, the two maidservants were also called out, and Yinze walked in, sitting by the bedside: “Wei’er, do you feel better?” He sounded cold and indifferent, calm and unperturbed, as if nothing had happened.

I was the one who had asked to see him, while he was the one avoiding and unwilling to meet. But when he sat openly before me, I didn’t dare look directly into his eyes. I only gripped the bedding tightly and bowed my head deeply: “Thank you, Master, for saving my life.”

“You don’t blame me?”

“No. I heard part of your conversation with Lord Lingyin. Master was forced to resort to this measure to save your disciple.”

“Good, that you understand.”

Someone who had nearly reported to the gates of hell, having been so fortunately saved, shouldn’t complain about anything more. Moreover, when Master performed that act, he controlled himself very well, completing what needed to be done without touching me unnecessarily. He genuinely wanted to save my life. At such a time, feeling wronged would inevitably seem rather affected. However, even if I could control my tears, I couldn’t control the heartache.

I said, “This disciple understands.”

Yinze grasped my wrist, his fingertip lightly touching it. A flash of red light streaked through, flowing to my shoulder. Yinze said, “The fire damage in your primordial spirit hasn’t completely dissipated. If left untreated, it will flare up again within a month. I’m afraid you’ll need to share my bed for some time.”

“What?” I said in disbelief.

Besides me, several other water-governing divine lords could save you. You can choose them instead.”

“No, no.” I shook my head frantically. “Master would be fine.”

“Rest assured, only Lingyin and I know about this matter. To preserve your reputation, I’ll order him not to breathe a word. When you marry in the future, you won’t need to worry about rumors.”

My head lowered even further, the pain in my heart instantly spreading to my back and legs.

“Or I could take responsibility.”

Hearing these words, I was first stunned, then felt like dying. When my consciousness was hazy, Lord Lingyin had asked him if he liked me, and he had clearly said “no.” He obviously had no feelings for me, yet at this moment, he wanted to burden himself with such a huge responsibility because of this matter—how unlucky indeed.

I didn’t dare lift my head to look at him, still shaking my head: “Master is saving your disciple. This disciple doesn’t dare harbor improper thoughts.”

After a long silence, he suddenly chuckled softly: “If it were any other woman, she would probably nod in agreement. My little water spirit disciple is indeed as unrestrained as ever.”

What was the point of humiliating me? Right now, whether injured or saddened, it was all me—what did it have to do with him? If possible, I too wanted to marry someone I loved, but when flowers fall with intent while flowing water remains heartless, why force myself to lose face?

Yet, by some stroke of fate, I wanted to know what he was thinking. Even if there was a ninety percent chance it would break my heart, I still gathered my breath and said, “Why does Master want to take responsibility?” No matter what, I couldn’t bring myself to ask, “Does Master still like me even a little bit?”

Yinze said, “For a man to take responsibility for a woman’s first night is only natural.”

Hearing this answer, it would be an absolute lie to say I wasn’t heartbroken. But I still forced a smile: “No need. Someone who truly loves me wouldn’t care about such things. Besides, I think Master and Goddess Qingwu are a perfect match. I don’t want to break up your destined marriage.”

“Since that’s the case, I won’t worry about it. Rest well and recover. Tomorrow night, remember to come to my bedchamber.” He patted my shoulder and stood up. “If you feel unwell, you can come the day after tomorrow.”

Almost at the same instant he left the room, the smile on my face immediately collapsed. I buried my head in the pillow, not daring to make a sound, but within moments, the pillow was soaked through.

Soon after, a heavy rainstorm struck the Azure Dragon Heaven. The ground became rivers, immortal mountains gathered seas, and the space between heaven and sea was filled with melancholy. Even the travelers at the post stations were more sorrowful than usual. Hearing that I had awakened, my brother quickly came to my room to see me. He put away his umbrella and brought me meat soup: “Weiwei, I didn’t expect you to wake up so quickly. How do you feel now?”

I said guiltily, “Just a bit tired.”

He sat by the bed and stirred the soup with a spoon: “Then you must rest well. Don’t get out of bed for now. Master is amazing—he saved you from that condition.”

It seemed everything was as Master had said—others knew nothing about what had happened between us. Even my brother had no suspicions. He scooped up a spoonful of soup and brought it to my lips. I lowered my head to drink a sip, also eating two bites of stewed meat. It tasted quite good, just somewhat strange. There was a hint of sweetness—it was like duck meat, yet like beef, and also somewhat like game.

I licked my lips and said, “What kind of meat is this? Why can’t I tell what it is?”

“Taotie meat.”

I nearly sprayed the soup in his face: “Tao-Taotie? That Blazing Taotie?”

“Yes.” My brother scooped up a spoonful of soup and drank it himself. “The taste is acceptable, just needs a bit more sugar.”

My body was already uncomfortable, and now I felt like my internal organs were about to come up. Even if he had told me the soup contained Xuanyue meat, it wouldn’t feel much worse. I leaned against the wall: “Wait, you stewed that taotie? Does Master know? That was his precious treasure!”

Fu Chenzhi said, “This was the Master’s idea. He said the taotie was disobedient, so it might as well be stewed and eaten. The Four Fiends sound fierce, but their entire bodies are powerful tonics. The meat can replenish blood, the sinews can strengthen bones, consuming its brain has longevity benefits, and the bones have already been taken to be ground into powder for pill refinement. Even the horns and hooves could be sold at astronomical prices in the market.”

I kept shaking my head: “Forget it, I won’t eat it. If you like it, you can have it.”

“No, you must eat it.”

“I won’t eat it.”

“Weiwei, are you disobeying your brother again?”

“I won’t eat it. It’s disgusting.”

We spent more than half an hour arguing about whether to eat it or not. Finally, my brother couldn’t outlast me and had to add sugar and drink it himself. He stayed with me for a while longer, then planned to leave so I could rest quietly. But I tugged at his sleeve, asking him to stay with me a bit longer. I rarely acted so clingy, and my brother seemed quite pleased, staying to chat with me for a long time.

At dinner time, he brought me food and sat beside me to eat, staying until I fell asleep. Despite this, I still couldn’t sleep well. In the middle of the night, heavy rain struck again, and I was awakened by thunder.

In Cangying Manor, wild winds raged and rain beat against the windows. For the first time in my life, I was so afraid of sleeping alone in bed. Just thinking about having to do that kind of thing with Master later made it even more impossible to fall asleep. I knew it wasn’t that I was unwilling—I was just afraid I couldn’t bear it.

So the next day, I didn’t go find Master, dragging my brother to accompany me for another whole day, thinking I could delay as long as possible. At dusk, I originally wanted to dine with my brother in the room again, but Lord Lingyin knocked and entered, saying he had something to discuss with me privately, and called my brother out.

As soon as my brother left, Lord Lingyin closed the door and said, “Luowei, what you’re doing is improper. Do you think you’re being fair to Master?”

This question truly left me completely puzzled as I looked at him in confusion. Lord Lingyin said, “You just shared a bed with your master, and now you won’t see him, instead pulling other men to accompany you in your room. This is rather inappropriate, isn’t it? The Divine Lord knows all about these things.”

I felt my face flush with shame, but still smiled and waved my hand: “My brother isn’t ‘other men,’ and Master is only healing my injuries—there’s nothing improper about it. You’re overthinking, Divine Lord.”

Lord Lingyin sighed: “I’m afraid only you think there’s nothing improper about it. Fine, fine, do whatever you want. But since you’re already the Divine Lord’s woman, stop thinking of yourself as a disciple and don’t get too involved with other men. The Divine Lord has never liked overly troublesome girls. If you’re more obedient, you’ll be able to stay by his side longer.”

Without even giving me a chance to refute, he had already left the room. After hearing this speech, I felt my mood sink to the very bottom. In the past, I often helped Master tend to his various flowers and plants. Though I would comfort them and genuinely sympathize with them, I never wanted to become one of them.

Compared to a brief romantic affair, I would rather be his good disciple for life. But now, did I not even have a choice and was just categorized into their circle?

After another sleepless night, I finally couldn’t delay past the third day.

The bright moon hung like silk, broken jade, and cold mist, crimson-purple stone steps suspended in rows, extending into the moonlight, outlining the solitary and lofty silhouette of the Master’s magnificent hall. A jujube tree was in full bloom, with the dangerous White Emperor Mountain to the north. Carrying a lotus lantern across the stone bridge, I stepped onto the stairs, clouds connecting to my gauze skirt, feet treading on purple mist, walking lightly to stop before the door, and knocked. Soon, the door opened.

Usually Master would call for me to enter from inside, but this time he came to open the door himself. I gripped the silver handle of the lantern tightly, so nervous my voice trembled: “I greet Master.”

Though it was already late, he was still fully dressed. The moonlight made his face appear carved from jade, falling upon his water-pattern markings and indigo brocade robe. He gestured for me to enter, saying nothing more, then returned to the table, closed a book that had been lying face-down, and put it back in the bookcase. He had always been particular about decorating his bedchamber, changing ornaments from time to time. Like that pot of Heavenly Flow Bamboo by the window—it should have been purchased recently.

The bed was at the far end of the room, with double-hooked hanging curtains, extremely spacious, with some wine vessels placed on the central table. Seeing him use magic to move things away from the bed, my palms were already soaked with sweat, and I could barely hold the lantern.

Master said, “Come here.”

In a voice I could barely hear myself, I said “Mm,” then extinguished the lantern and walked over with small steps. Master turned around, reached out to brush the hair from my shoulder, and lowered his head to kiss my cheek lightly.

I shrank my neck as if electrified, then quickly said, “I’m sorry, I don’t know what to do…”

“It’s fine, relax.” He undid the draping on my shoulder. “I’m here—don’t think too much.”

Feeling my shoulder exposed to the air and remembering Lord Lingyin’s words, my eyes grew hot: “Master, after tonight, will I still be your disciple?”

He was stunned: “What do you mean?”

“Lord Lingyin said that after sharing a bed with you, I should consider myself your woman and can no longer think of myself as your disciple. But this is just healing, isn’t it? This doesn’t mean I intend to offend you.”

He was silent for a long time, then said, “Wei’er, I regard you as family. If you hope to always maintain the master-disciple relationship, then no matter what happens, this bond between us cannot be changed.”

It wasn’t that I was unwilling to change. But compared to a few months of brief sweetness, I wanted a lifetime of master-disciple affection more. If only time could return to ten years ago, when Master still liked me—how wonderful that would be… I said, “Thank you, Master. Master’s kindness, this disciple can never repay in this lifetime. Even if I become an ox or horse in the next life, I must repay you.”

“No need.” He picked up my draping again and placed it on my shoulder. Seeing my confused expression, he said calmly, “This matter doesn’t necessarily require removing clothes. Keep your clothes on—you’ll feel more comfortable too.”

For Master, who was always taciturn and cold, this was already an extremely gentle gesture. From beginning to end, he was even more restrained than the first time, not even touching my cheek once, just pressing me onto the bed and completing the matter quickly and forcefully.

Though only that one part of our bodies made contact, the numbness from my spine to my brain was still completely unavoidable. Even after the clouds and rain ended, even after he arranged my barely disheveled clothing, I closed my eyes, wanting to return to normal, but my heartbeat remained chaotic for a long time, and the intense numbness only increased rather than decreased. I could only lie against the head of the bed, painfully suppressing my breathing. The pain my heart bore was no less than the torment of the Blazing Taotie.

First tasting clouds and rain—who could know it would be such a bitter and astringent flavor?

Master, on the other hand, appeared much calmer. From beginning to end, he maintained a courteous, gentlemanly demeanor. After finishing, he sat at the table reading.

When I had recovered, I got down from the bed, relit the lantern, and bowed to him: “Thank you, Master. This disciple will withdraw first. Master, please rest early.”

“Go.” He didn’t even lift his head. “Come again in four days.”

The following four days felt like years. Though my primordial spirit was indeed gradually recovering, my heart’s ailment could never heal. No matter what I was doing, seeing, or hearing, Master’s figure was always lingering in my mind, impossible to dispel. The desire to see him had overcome all other desires, yet I was more afraid of seeing him than ever before. Occasionally, encountering him by chance would leave me absent-minded for the entire day.

Because time was so difficult to endure, I kept asking my brother to accompany me shopping and playing around Tianshi City. But when the fourth day finally arrived, I still didn’t dare face Master.

I had thought that since this was the third time, I should be somewhat accustomed to it. Unexpectedly, seeing him this time made me even more nervous than the previous two times. This time he didn’t make me lie down—he just sat on the bed and held me on top of him. With moonlight falling into the immortal pavilion, sitting face to face like this, his features were illuminated with particular clarity, and the pain was especially unbearable.

I gripped his shoulder, nearly biting through my lips. I didn’t know if it was my imagination, but I felt Master’s attitude had been growing increasingly cold recently. Finally, I couldn’t bear it anymore: “Master… could you please be gentler?”

“Where did you go this afternoon?”

“I went with my brother to buy… buy two bonsai trees…”

After that, he didn’t say another word.

This day’s lovemaking was still not long. After completing the necessary treatment, he ended it decisively and told me to come find him again in seven days. But unlike last time, when I returned from his place, this time, I was in so much pain I couldn’t leave my room for an entire day.