As the cold touch disappeared, Rong Hua's gaze did not retract, but rather became bolder and more unrestrained as he appraised her.
Shen Yue took out a book with a simple, unadorned cover and handed it to him: "This will help you with your cultivation."
Rong Hua took it and flipped through it casually. He wasn't very interested in the book, but he was very interested in this sword.
Shen Yue was about to say something more when she suddenly felt a sharp spiritual energy surge towards her. Shen Yue dodged it with a flick of her wrist.
Her delicate, straight brows couldn't help but furrow. "What are you doing?"
She gave him the sword to use against enemies, not to attack his master.
The man, who had been expressionless and even somewhat gloomy, suddenly revealed an evil, eccentric smile. His tone, however, was full of guilt and apology: "Master, disciple merely wished to test the sword's power. Disciple was reckless and is willing to accept punishment."
Shen Yue's cold expression softened slightly, and she did not pursue the matter further.
Everything that needed to be said had been said. Shen Yue did not wish to linger, and returned directly to her sleeping quarters to meditate.
Rong Hua also returned to his side hall, tossing the sword and book onto the ground as if they were trash, then turning away, too lazy to look at them again.
Shen Yue's gentle and soft demeanor towards him just now flashed through his mind. A mocking smile touched his lips, and his eyes flowed with muddy, impenetrable darkness.
Ever since Shen Yue emerged from seclusion, she had been meditating in her sleeping quarters. It was only after about half a month that she came out.
Coincidentally, it was the time for disciples to embark on their worldly trials. Young disciples had too little practical experience; they couldn't just stay within the mountain to cultivate, they also needed to venture out to improve their perception and gain experience, which would greatly aid their cultivation.
Although there were no powerful demonic cultivators outside, demonic energy was rampant. That demonic energy was not to be feared; it could serve as practice for the young disciples.
Of course, to be safe, each expedition would be led by several senior disciples with high cultivation to prevent any mishaps.
Shen Yue spoke to Rong Hua about this.
Rong Hua lazily lifted an eyelid, appearing rather indifferent. "Disciple understands."
The immortal's brows furrowed slightly. Rong Hua's unconcealed coldness and distance made her feel a little lost. She knew that Rong Hua was still blaming her.
However, she had no other choice. She was the highly respected master of Qingyun Sect, a leader in the cultivation world. But undeniably, she had been negligent as a master.
"You... be careful on your journey." Her clear voice softened slightly, though her expression remained faint.
Rong Hua stared at her for a moment, his dark eyes revealing no discernible emotion. Then, a half-smile appeared on his face, and his voice was low, "I will. Disciple takes his leave."
"Good."
As he reached the doorway, the man paused, unable to resist turning his head.
Shen Yue was still standing in the same spot, her eyes, covered by soft white bandages, looking in his direction. Although Shen Yue couldn't see him, Rong Hua felt that her attention was entirely focused on him.
At that moment, Rong Hua felt the dead heart in his chest give a sudden leap, then accelerate wildly. It took a long, long time before its frequency returned to normal.
Rong Hua quickly packed his belongings, preparing to gather at Qingyun Sect's grand platform.
But as soon as he stepped out of his room, he saw a tall, slender white figure standing with its back to him, as if it had been waiting there for a long time.
Rong Hua froze, his eyes deepening further. Then, in a low voice, he called out, "Master."
The immortal, clad in a white robe, slowly turned around. Her vibrant red lips curved slightly, her smile faint yet breathtakingly beautiful.
"I will escort you from the hall." Shen Yue didn't know what expression Rong Hua currently wore, but she only heard him softly say a single word: "Good."
Rong Hua and Shen Yue walked side by side.
Rong Hua secretly observed the immortal beside him from the corner of his eye.
"We've arrived." Her cool voice pulled Rong Hua back to reality.
Two small medicine bottles appeared in Shen Yue's hand out of thin air. She tossed them to him, "Here."
His gaze lingered on the medicine bottles for a moment before slowly drifting upwards, settling on the immortal's pale, exquisite face.
When Shen Yue didn't see him take them or speak, she sighed, "Take them. These medicines will only benefit you."
Rong Hua lowered his eyelashes and took the medicine bottles from her hand. "Thank you, Master."
His lukewarm attitude caused Shen Yue to sigh inwardly again.
"Master, this disciple departs." The man's brows were gloomy, his handsome, sculpted features expressionless, his eyes like stagnant water.
Shen Yue nodded and softly said, "Go."
Rong Hua did not turn and leave immediately. Instead, he looked at Shen Yue intently for a while before making his move.
When he reached the corner, Rong Hua, driven by an unknown impulse, turned his head.
As expected, his master was still standing in the same spot.
The man with somber brows suddenly smiled, a scorching glint flashing in his dark eyes.
—
Jiang Ling and the disciples, holding umbrellas and braving the biting cold wind and snowflakes, stepped into Qingyun Sect.
The disciples guarding the gate saw them and exclaimed in surprise, "Senior brothers are back! Senior brothers are back!"
Before long, they were surrounded by dozens of disciples.
Amidst the boisterous atmosphere, one disciple asked doubtfully, "Who is this young lady...?"
Instantly, all eyes focused on the graceful young lady dressed in a green robe.
The young lady seemed somewhat embarrassed by so many people staring at her. She lowered her eyes and hid behind a man, her fingers nervously clutching his robe.
But her exquisite features still drew many sideways glances and curious stares.
Jiang Ling stepped forward to explain, "Miss Yin's family was killed, and she was severely injured. She has forgotten many things. We saved her, and she has followed us ever since. Miss Yin is kind and simple, but also persistent. She has been following us for half a year."
The disciples responded in agreement, no longer questioning the matter of Miss Mu.
Jiang Ling led the disciples to the front hall. Upon seeing the white-robed immortal seated on the high seat, he couldn't help but smile. He stepped forward and bowed respectfully, his voice filled with suppressed excitement, "Master, disciple has safely brought the junior brothers back."
Shen Yue nodded faintly. After a moment of silence, she said, "Rong Hua, come to my side."
Jiang Ling's smile stiffened slightly. He turned his head woodenly and saw the handsome man softly whispering something to the green-robed young lady beside him, coaxing her to release her grip on his robe timidly.
He walked step by step to Shen Yue's side, his expression composed, and softly called out, "Master."
Shen Yue responded gently, a small arc forming at the corner of her lips, "It's good that you're back."
The other elders looked at Shen Yue with great surprise. They couldn't understand how the ordinary Rong Hua had captured Shen Yue's attention.
Rong Hua stared intently at the smile on her lips, his tense expression finally relaxing.