24: Chapter 24 Xiao Nianyin: Why do I seem to care about him a little?

Su Mei’s cloyingly sweet and tender voice drifted through the air like honey-soaked silk threads, winding and lingering with undisguised intimacy and temptation.

Her shimmering peach-blossom eyes seemed to stick to Xu Ruyu with physical weight, as if she wanted to meticulously "appraise" him from the inside out.

Xu Ruyu felt completely uneasy under her gaze, feeling that this woman's eyes made his scalp tingle even more than Lei Xuan’s lightning on the arena stage.

He subconsciously shrank behind Xiao Nianyin, instinctively seeking his Revered Master's protection.

Xiao Nianyin’s cold eyes fell upon Su Mei’s seductive and charming face, then swept over the undisguised "interest" in her eyes toward Xu Ruyu, understanding the situation instantly.

Su Mei, the "Enchantress Fairy" of the Inner Sect and the biological niece of Third Elder Liu Mei, had inherited Liu Mei's Charm Techniques perfectly. She was quite famous among the younger generation, with many admirers under her spell.

Her sudden appearance now, and her "enthusiastic" invitation to Xu Ruyu...

It likely had everything to do with Xu Ruyu’s unbelievable performance in the "Great Fox Illusion."

Lady Qingli’s Great Fox Illusion was the pinnacle of charm and mental trials.

Although the process of Xu Ruyu "breaking through the illusion" was strange, in the eyes of these Disciples who specialized in Charm Techniques, he was no different from an unpolished jade—or a perfect subject of immense challenge and "research value."

If they could "exchange pointers" with him, or even explore the secrets of his resistance and "counter-measures" against Charm Techniques, it would surely be of great benefit to their own cultivation.

Moreover, Xu Ruyu now held a special status as the Sect Master's Personal Disciple. If one could establish a "close relationship" with him, it would be highly beneficial for both the individual and their faction.

Having understood the reasoning, a faint trace of displeasure inexplicably rose in Xiao Nianyin’s heart, like a drop of ink falling into a clear spring; though it didn't turn murky, it disturbed the clarity.

This feeling came so suddenly that even she was slightly stunned.

As the Sect Master, it was normal for Disciples to interact, or even grow close through sparring and Cultivation Techniques; it was part of the Hehuan Sect's tradition.

The Hehuan Sect was what it was because the path of romance and Dual Cultivation were essential parts of the Sect's secret methods. How could she, as the esteemed Sect Master, interfere with or even feel jealous of a Disciple approaching Xu Ruyu?

As soon as this thought surfaced, Xiao Nianyin immediately suppressed it, a hint of self-mockery rising in her heart.

What was wrong with her? To actually have her emotions stirred by such a trivial matter?

Xu Ruyu was merely a tool she temporarily controlled to resolve her own predicament. Didn't the fact that his appeal attracted others' covetousness prove her judgment was correct and that this boy indeed possessed special value?

She quickly composed her thoughts, her face remaining as indifferent and calm as ever.

Looking at Xu Ruyu, who was staring at her with an anxious and pleading expression, that trace of displeasure in Xiao Nianyin’s heart grew slightly again—who was this boy showing this pitiful look to?

Did he actually expect her, his Revered Master, to block him like a mother hen protecting its chick and harshly drive Su Mei away?

"Ahem." Xiao Nianyin coughed lightly, her voice returning to its usual coldness, revealing no emotion. "Su Mei."

"This Disciple is here."

Su Mei quickly responded, though half of her gaze remained fixed on Xu Ruyu.

"Since you are curious about Ruyu and wish to get to know him, I will not stop you," Xiao Nianyin said calmly. "It is only right for fellow Disciples to do so."

Xu Ruyu’s heart went cold. Was Revered Master... not going to do anything?

Xiao Nianyin turned her gaze to Xu Ruyu, her tone carrying a hint of admonishment: "Ruyu, your Senior Sister Su has deep attainments in the art of charm and is a standout among our Sect's younger generation.

Although you were fortunate enough to perform well in the Great Fox Illusion, you must not become complacent or arrogant because of it."

She paused and continued with hidden meaning: "The path of cultivation is vast and infinite, and the art of charm is profound and mysterious.

Your Foundation is still shallow; you need to ask for guidance with an open mind and learn from everyone’s strengths."

On the surface, these words were lecturing Xu Ruyu to be humble, but in reality, they were a reminder—Su Mei’s Charm Techniques are powerful; you better be careful and not fall for her tricks!

At the same time, she was telling Su Mei that Xu Ruyu was her Disciple; they could "interact," but there must be boundaries.

Xu Ruyu only half-understood, feeling as if his Revered Master had said something yet also nothing at all. He could only nod blankly: "This Disciple... will follow Revered Master's teachings."

"Mhm."

Xiao Nianyin nodded slightly and said no more. She turned directly and continued walking along the path toward Ningyin Hall.

Her pure white skirt brushed against the fallen flowers on the ground. Her back remained straight and solitary, yet she seemed a few degrees more distant and indifferent than usual.

She left decisively, as if she truly didn't care whether Xu Ruyu left with Su Mei.

"Revered Master..."

Xu Ruyu subconsciously called out. Watching Xiao Nianyin's back as she left without hesitation, he felt an inexplicable hollowness, as if he had been "abandoned" by his Revered Master.

"Junior Brother Xu~" Su Mei’s soft and seductive voice immediately pressed in, carrying a sweet fragrance. "It seems the Sect Master has agreed.

Then don't keep your Senior Sister waiting. Let's go. My Meixiang Court is just ahead. The 'mind-concentrating tea' there was even praised by the Sect Master once~"

As she spoke, she naturally reached out her delicate hand and gently took hold of Xu Ruyu’s wrist beneath his torn sleeve.

At the touch of skin, Xu Ruyu felt a smooth, slightly cool sensation on his wrist, accompanied by a faint, soul-stirring fragrance. His heart skipped a beat, and his face heated up.

"Se-Senior Sister Su..."

Xu Ruyu wanted to break free but didn't dare use too much force. He could only be awkwardly led away by Su Mei, heading in the opposite direction from where Xiao Nianyin had gone.

He couldn't help but look back toward the direction where his Revered Master's figure had disappeared, only to see swaying flower trees and an empty, silent corridor.

...

Ningyin Hall.

The heavy hall doors closed silently behind her, cutting off all external sounds.

The light inside the hall was soft, and the familiar elegant fragrance lingered, but Xiao Nianyin felt the scent was somewhat stifling today.

She didn't go directly to the quiet room to regulate her breathing as usual, nor did she handle the accumulated Jade Slips of the Sect. She just stood somewhat dazed in the middle of the vast, magnificent hall.

In her mind, the scene on the path just now replayed uncontrollably—Su Mei’s seductive smile, her soul-hooking eyes, her hand naturally taking Xu Ruyu’s wrist, and Xu Ruyu’s dazed, seemingly (to her) half-resisting, half-accepting look...

"It is only right for fellow Disciples to do so."

She softly repeated the words she had just said, but her lips were pressed into a cold, straight line.

Yes, it was only right.

Within the Hehuan Sect, it was perfectly normal for male and female Disciples to grow close due to cultivation exchanges or even become Dao Companions.

Su Mei had taken the initiative to invite him, and Xu Ruyu had not explicitly refused. What reason or standing did she, the Sect Master, have to stop them?

But why... was this lingering irritation in her heart so real?

She slowly walked to the window. Outside was a mountain view shrouded in clouds and mist, with immortal cranes dancing—a sight that should have been refreshing.

But her gaze lacked focus, and her fingers unconsciously tapped against the cold windowsill.

Xu Ruyu should be at that "Meixiang Court" by now, right?

How would Su Mei "entertain" him? That so-called "mind-concentrating tea" was likely not that simple.

Given Su Mei’s personality and the "interest" she showed in Xu Ruyu, she was likely impatient to test him, perhaps even using her Charm Techniques to see what was so special about this Junior Brother who could "break through" the Great Fox Illusion...

That boy is so simple-minded, and the power inside him is uncontrolled. Can he really resist a Revered Master specifically trained in Charm Techniques like Su Mei when she acts intentionally?

What if... what if he treats her the same way he treated Lady Qingli in the Great Fox Illusion... No!