37: Chapter 37 Sect Master's Prohibition: No one may disturb Xu Ruyu within three months.

The "sorrowful" figure of Qingyan, who looked as if she had suffered a great grievance, had just disappeared at the end of the flower path after looking back every three steps. Before Xu Ruyu could catch his breath or even think about whether to steam or braise the heavy basket of jumping spirit fish (though conditions likely only allowed for roasting), another wave of even more cloying, fragrant wind—carrying a clear purpose—entwined itself around him like a maggot on a bone.

Xu Ruyu's heart tightened, and he stiffly turned his head.

Sure enough, Su Mei's charming face, smiling so sweetly it seemed ready to drip honey, was already inches away.

Today, she had changed into a waist-cinching long dress of primrose yellow and pink clouds, which accentuated her graceful and exquisite figure. As she walked, her skirt swayed like a blooming Udumbara flower.

She smiled beautifully, her eyes rippling with a charm so thick it was almost tangible. Her gaze landed directly on Xu Ruyu, lingering particularly on the basket of fish in his hand and the irritation and helplessness that hadn't quite faded from his face.

"Junior Brother Xu~" Su Mei's voice was soft and sweet, with a hook in it. "We haven't seen each other for only a day, but this Senior Sister has missed you dearly.

Yesterday at Meixiang Court, you left in such a hurry, Junior Brother. This Senior Sister didn't even have time to properly 'discuss' things with you... regarding our Hehuan Sect's 'Great Dao of Joy'~"

She deliberately emphasized the words "discuss" and "Great Dao of Joy" with an ambiguous lilt, which, combined with that soul-snatching gaze, made her intentions more than obvious.

Xu Ruyu felt his scalp tingle; he was facing a massive headache.

He had just sent away a little actress-witch, and now a blatant vixen had arrived!

What "Great Dao of Joy"? He hadn't even learned how to draw Qi into his body yet; how could he know anything about some damn Great Dao!

His mind was filled with only one simple and strong desire—to quickly get rid of the trouble in front of him, find a quiet corner, roast this basket of fish to satisfy his stomach, and soothe his nerves which had been battered since yesterday.

"Se... Senior Sister Su..." Xu Ruyu forced a smile that looked worse than crying, instinctively leaning back to try and create some distance. "Senior Sister must be joking. I am dull-witted and know nothing of the Great Dao. I wouldn't dare 'discuss' it with you.

I... I was just about to go handle these fish. I won't take up any more of your time for cultivation, Senior Sister..."

As he spoke, he lifted the fish basket and tried to slip away to the side.

"Oh~ Junior Brother, don't be in such a hurry to leave."

Su Mei extended a jade-like arm, her slender fingers forming a loose barrier. She didn't actually touch him, but her posture and the increasingly thick sweet fragrance created an invisible wall.

She was all smiles, her eyes like water. "Though the Great Dao is profound, it also originates from life and the true heart.

I see that you look tired and restless, Junior Brother. You truly need someone to enlighten and guide you, to harmonize your Yin and Yang.

Why not... come sit in Meixiang Court with me again? In my quarters, besides 'mind-concentrating tea,' I also have better 'Soothing Incense' and an 'Enlightenment Prayer Mat'~"

As she spoke, she moved half a step closer, her breath like orchids, almost pressing against Xu Ruyu's ear. Her voice dropped lower, filled with seduction: "What I am best at is helping people 'relax their minds' and 'comprehend the true essence'..."

Xu Ruyu felt completely uncomfortable being pestered by her, and a surge of frustration rose within him.

This woman! Why was she like a piece of sticky candy that he couldn't shake off?!

He nearly fell for her tricks at her place yesterday, and she dared to come again today? And she chose the entrance of Ningyin Hall of all places!

While struggling to resist the pervasive charm and sweet scent, he ranted wildly in his mind: Damn it! Last night, when the fire in my body was about to explode and I was suffering so much I wanted to die, why didn't I see you running over to "enlighten and guide" me?

Now that I've temporarily recovered and don't have that kind of "interest," you're the one rushing to stick to me!

If you had dared to come last night, I would have... I would have shown you that my "Great Dao of Joy" would leave you unable to get out of bed tomorrow, having to walk while leaning against the wall!

This "manly" thought, filled with a sense of vengeful pleasure, flashed through Xu Ruyu's mind.

However, immediately after, another image jumped out uncontrollably—the way his Revered Master, Xiao Nianyin, had walked out of the Main Hall this morning while holding the doorframe, her brows slightly furrowed and her movements seemingly stiff...

Xu Ruyu shuddered violently, instantly snapping out of his wild thoughts. His cheeks felt hot as he hurriedly suppressed that rebellious image and association.

Sinful, truly sinful!

How could he associate Revered Master with... that kind of thing!

Seeing Xu Ruyu's eyes wandering and his expression shifting from gritting his teeth to flushing red, Su Mei thought her Charm Technique was working. Feeling proud, she was about to add more fuel to the fire and use even more powerful methods. Today, she was determined to pull this "unpolished gem" to her side and "study" him thoroughly.

Just as her red lips parted slightly and her fingertips secretly formed a hand seal, and an even more subtle charm was about to spread—

"Su Mei."

A cold, calm, yet undeniably majestic female voice suddenly came from behind the tightly closed doors of the Main Hall, like moonlight piercing through layers of mist.

The voice wasn't loud, and it even carried a faint sense of exhaustion, but to Su Mei's ears, it sounded like a clap of thunder!

Her whole body shook, and the charming, seductive smile on her face froze instantly. It was as if a bucket of ice water had been poured over her head; all the charm she had been secretly gathering vanished without a trace.

She quickly withdrew her fingers, which had almost touched Xu Ruyu's arm, took a step back, straightened her expression, and bowed respectfully toward the Main Hall.

"This Disciple is here!"

There was no longer a hint of flirtatiousness in her tone, only complete awe.

Xu Ruyu was also startled and quickly stood up straight, looking toward the Main Hall.

After a moment of silence inside the Main Hall, that cold voice rang out again. It was flat and emotionless, yet carried the unique decisiveness of the Sect Master. It reached Su Mei's ears clearly and also drifted over to Xu Ruyu's side.

"Hear my command."

"From this day until three months from now, when the term for the Martial Arts Arena agreement expires,

The area within a hundred feet of Ningyin Hall is designated as a Forbidden Ground for quiet cultivation."

Xiao Nianyin's voice paused, as if she were gathering her strength, but every word she spoke was as heavy as a thousand pounds:

"During this period, unless personally summoned by me, no one in the Hehuan Sect—whether Elders, Deacons, Inner Sect Disciples, or Outer Sect Disciples—may disturb Xu Ruyu's cultivation for any reason."

Her tone suddenly turned cold, carrying a clear warning:

"Those who violate this order will be seen as challenging the Sect Master's authority and will be severely punished according to sect rules!"

"Su Mei, do you understand clearly?"

Su Mei lowered her head, a layer of fine cold sweat breaking out on her forehead.

She never expected that the Sect Master would issue such a strict ban for the sake of Xu Ruyu!

This was clearly placing Xu Ruyu under absolute protection, isolating him from all contact!

It seemed the Sect Master's level of importance for this Personal Disciple far exceeded what outsiders imagined!

"This Disciple... understands clearly!"

Su Mei didn't dare to hesitate for a moment and quickly responded.

"Mm." Xiao Nianyin's voice seemed to soften slightly. "Convey this command to everyone in the sect who needs to know.

You may withdraw now."

"Yes! This Disciple obeys!"

Su Mei bowed again before she dared to stand up straight. She tilted her head slightly, casting a complex look at the relieved Xu Ruyu beside her. In her eyes, there was resentment, curiosity, and a deep sense of wariness.

She didn't dare say anything more. She turned around and walked back the way she came, her charming figure now appearing somewhat rushed.

Only when Su Mei's figure had also disappeared from sight did a brief peace finally return to the front of Ningyin Hall.

Xu Ruyu let out a long, thorough sigh of relief, feeling as if a huge boulder weighing on his chest had finally been moved.

He quickly turned toward the Main Hall and performed a deep, respectful bow, his voice filled with gratitude:

"Thank you, Revered Master, for helping me out of this predicament! Your kindness is engraved in my heart!"

The hall was silent; there was no response.

There was only the crisp sound of the wind blowing through the wind chimes under the eaves and the faint chirping of birds in the distance.

Xu Ruyu waited for a while and scratched his head.

Revered Master probably didn't want to say anything more, or perhaps she was back to quiet cultivation.

He tactfully stopped disturbing her, picked up the basket of spirit fish by his feet, and looked around.

"Hmm... I'll find a place sheltered from the wind and a bit hidden to roast these fish."

Xu Ruyu muttered as he began to search for a suitable spot behind a rock near the mountain wall at the side of Ningyin Hall.

There were a few flat boulders there, with a small cluster of shrubs next to them. It was perfect for blocking the view while not being too far from the hall, in case Revered Master needed him for something.

He set the bamboo basket down and looked at the energetic, silver-scaled spirit fish inside. Temporarily pushing his previous troubles to the back of his mind, he began to enthusiastically plan the steps for roasting fish in the wild.

Though the conditions were simple, there was nothing wrong with filling his stomach and enjoying a bit of the pleasures of the mortal world.

Inside the Main Hall, behind heavy curtains, Xiao Nianyin leaned against the cloud bed. Listening to the slight sounds of Xu Ruyu's relaxation and anticipation outside the hall, and feeling her still-empty Meridians and aching body, the corners of her cold lips moved ever so slightly.

Isolating outsiders to gain time.

Xu Ruyu, within these three months, do not let this... painstaking effort of mine go to waste.