Master is more delicious than chicken soup.

The woman was dressed in a snow-white palace dress, its hem spreading out like a blooming snow lotus.

Her long black hair cascaded down like a waterfall, held up by a simple jade hairpin, with a few strands hanging by her ears, adding a touch of lazy charm.

Her face was extremely beautiful, breathtakingly so, looking like she didn't belong to the Mortal world.

Her eyebrows were like distant mountains shrouded in mist, and her eyes were like autumn waters rippling with waves.

But at this moment, those beautiful eyes were tightly closed, and her long eyelashes trembled slightly as if she were trying her best to suppress something.

She was the Peak Master of Purple Bamboo Peak, Yun Yuzhen.

A peerless powerhouse who had lived for three hundred years yet still maintained a youthful appearance, possessing the Taiyin Sacred Body and a cultivation of Tribulation Crossing Realm, Tenth Heaven.

"Revered Master."

Su Ye walked up to the Cold Jade Throne, looking up at the high-and-mighty ice goddess with a smile on his face.

"Stop pretending, your Disciple knows you aren't in meditation."

Yun Yuzhen's eyelashes trembled even more violently.

Finally, she slowly opened her eyes.

What kind of eyes were they?

Cold and deep, as if they contained the endless starry sky, yet carrying a hint of indifference that kept people thousands of miles away.

But if one looked closely, they would find a trace of imperceptible panic and annoyance hidden deep within that indifference.

"Rebellious Disciple."

Yun Yuzhen's red lips parted slightly, her voice as clear and cold as jade striking beads, so pleasant it could make one's ears pregnant.

"Who allowed you to come in?"

"The gate to the Cold Jade Palace wasn't locked."

Su Ye blinked innocently, carrying the food box up the steps and coming directly beside the Cold Jade Throne.

This kind of rebellious behavior, if done on any other peak, would have resulted in being slapped to death long ago.

But at Purple Bamboo Peak, it seemed to be a common occurrence.

"Hmph."

Yun Yuzhen snorted coldly and turned her head away, leaving Su Ye with a beautiful side profile and a slender neck.

"Reeking of rouge and powder."

"Last night... you must have had quite a merry time, didn't you?"

The jealousy in her words was so thick it could practically corrode this ten-thousand-year-old profound ice.

Su Ye laughed inwardly; his Revered Master was indeed jealous.

He didn't explain, but simply opened the food box on his own and took out the steaming bowl of chicken soup.

"Revered Master, you've misunderstood."

Su Ye scooped up a spoonful of chicken soup, blew on it gently, and brought it to Yun Yuzhen's lips.

"Your Disciple was doing it to treat Junior Sister's illness."

"Junior Sister Wan'er has the Primal Water Body. Last night, her water and fire were out of balance; if not channeled in time, her life would have been in danger."

"Channeled?"

Yun Yuzhen turned her head and looked at Su Ye with a half-smile, her gaze seemingly able to see through everything.

"Does channeling require channeling all the clothes away?"

"Does channeling require making such a huge commotion that even I in this Cold Jade Palace could feel the ley lines of Purple Bamboo Peak vibrating?"

Su Ye's face didn't change and his heart didn't skip a beat as he spoke nonsense with a straight face:

"That's because your Disciple's cultivation is profound, triggering a resonance between heaven and earth."

"As for clothes... those are external things. Why should a cultivator be constrained by such trivialities?"

"You..."

Yun Yuzhen was laughed out of anger by this Rebellious Disciple's thick skin.

She wanted to lash out, but she smelled the rich aroma wafting into her nose.

It really smelled good.

Moreover, the soup seemed to contain extremely pure Pure Yang power, which held a great attraction for someone with her Taiyin Sacred Body.

"I'm not drinking it."

Yun Yuzhen turned her head away proudly, "Mortal things will only taint my Dao Heart."

"Really not drinking?"

Su Ye sighed and said with feigned regret, "Ah, what a pity for this thousand-year-old snow ginseng. It's said to have miraculous effects on maintaining youth and beauty. If one drinks it, their skin will become so tender that water could be squeezed out..."

"Moreover, your Disciple also added a drop of... Origin Essence Blood refined from the Supreme Bone."

Hearing the words "Supreme Bone Origin Essence Blood," Yun Yuzhen's delicate body jerked.

She whipped her head around and stared fixedly at Su Ye, a flash of heartache and reproach in her eyes.

"Are you crazy?"

"The Supreme Bone Origin is so precious, yet you actually used it to stew soup?"

"For Revered Master, let alone a drop of essence blood, even if I had to dismantle this bone to stew soup, your Disciple would be willing."

Su Ye looked at Yun Yuzhen affectionately, his gaze so sincere that it was impossible to doubt him.

Although... he was actually just saying it. That so-called essence blood was actually energy condensed from the excess that overflowed after Dual Cultivation last night; it was a drop in the bucket for him.

But that didn't stop him from using it to boost his Revered Master's favorability.

Yun Yuzhen's heart softened instantly.

The stomach full of scolding and cold words she had prepared all turned into a pool of spring water.

This Rebellious Disciple... although he acted absurdly and was a bit lecherous, his filial piety toward her was indeed undeniable.

"Open your mouth."

Su Ye handed the spoon over again.

This time, Yun Yuzhen did not refuse.

Her red lips parted slightly as she took the spoon and swallowed the delicious chicken soup.

The warm current slid down her throat into her belly, instantly turning into pure spiritual power that dispersed into her limbs and bones; even the year-round chill brought by her Taiyin Sacred Body seemed to be dispelled a bit.

"Is it good?"

Su Ye asked with a smile, as if coaxing a child.

"It's so-so."

Yun Yuzhen pursed her lips and said stubbornly, "A little bit better than last time."

"Then Revered Master should drink more."

Su Ye didn't expose her, continuing to feed her spoonful by spoonful.

For a moment, the atmosphere inside the Cold Jade Palace actually became somewhat warm.

A dignified powerhouse of the Tribulation Crossing Realm, Tenth Heaven, was now being fed by a Nascent Soul Stage Disciple like a well-behaved little wife.

If this scene were to spread, the entire Taichu Holy Land would probably experience an earthquake.

The bowl of soup hit the bottom.

Yun Yuzhen licked her lips as if she hadn't had enough, her pink tongue flashing for an instant, making Su Ye's heart flutter.

"What are you looking at?"

Yun Yuzhen keenly noticed Su Ye's aggressive gaze; her face flushed slightly, and she immediately regained her cold demeanor.

"Look again, and I'll gouge your eyes out."

"Revered Master is beautiful, so naturally your Disciple wants to look a few more times."

Su Ye put down the empty bowl and casually pulled out a shadow recording stone from his robe, playing with it in his hand.

"After all, Revered Master's well-behaved and lovely appearance while drinking soup is a rare sight..."

"You!"

Seeing that familiar shadow recording stone, Yun Yuzhen was suddenly filled with rage.

This Rebellious Disciple!

Ever since he "accidentally entered" while she was bathing last time and used this thing to record it, it had become his protective talisman!

"Give it here!"

Yun Yuzhen reached out her jade-like hand to snatch it.

Su Ye flipped his wrist, easily dodging, and took the Opportunity to grab that soft, boneless hand.

"Revered Master, don't get angry; getting angry is bad for your health."

Su Ye gently stroked the back of her hand; the delicate texture was simply irresistible.

"Let go..."

Yun Yuzhen struggled symbolically twice before letting him hold it, though the blush on her face deepened.

"Let's talk business."

Yun Yuzhen took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the throbbing in her heart, her expression becoming a bit more serious.

"Your Senior Martial Uncle... that woman, the Holy Lord, just sent a voice transmission to me."

At the mention of "Senior Martial Uncle Holy Lord" Ji Wushuang, Su Ye's expression also tightened slightly.

That female powerhouse at the Half-Saint Realm had a certain unspeakable "doting" for his Revered Master; if she knew he was teasing her, his legs would probably really be broken.

"What are Senior Martial Uncle's instructions?" Su Ye asked.

"In three days, the Taichu Secret Realm will open."

Yun Yuzhen looked into Su Ye's eyes and said slowly, "This Taichu Secret Realm is the oldest Trial Grounds of the Taichu Holy Land, opening only once every five hundred years."

"There are countless opportunities inside, even the chance to become a Saint, but it is also full of dangers."

"Your Senior Martial Uncle's meaning is to have you lead the team, taking your Junior Sisters from Purple Bamboo Peak inside for experience."

"Taichu Secret Realm?"

A sharp light flashed in Su Ye's eyes.

As someone well-versed in web novel tropes, he naturally knew what a "Secret Realm" meant.

It meant endless Heaven And Earth Treasures, opportunities to show off and slap faces, and more importantly... his System could score another big wave of points!

"Who else is going?" Su Ye asked.

"Besides you, there's Wan'er."

Yun Yuzhen paused before continuing, "And Lin Qianxue, who just joined Purple Bamboo Peak."

"Shallow Snow is going too?"

The image of a cold-as-frost girl carrying a giant sword appeared in Su Ye's mind.

Supreme Grade Ice Spirit Root, Innate Sword Heart.

She was the only Junior Sister on Purple Bamboo Peak, besides Revered Master, who was also ice-cold toward him, the Eldest Senior Brother.

Of course, that was on the surface.

Privately... well, people with a clear Sword Heart are more passionate than anyone once they fall in love.

"Yes, she just joined Purple Bamboo Peak, just in time for the opening of the Secret Realm."

Yun Yuzhen rubbed her brow with a bit of a headache, "That girl is a sword fanatic. If no one watches her, she'll probably turn the Secret Realm upside down with her killing."

"So, your task this time is heavy."

"You must ensure their safety while also letting them gain experience."

At this point, Yun Yuzhen suddenly grabbed Su Ye's hand back, her tone carrying a hint of imperceptible worry.

"Especially you."

"Su Ye, you possess the Supreme Bone and the Heaven Swallowing Demonic Art. Although powerful, you also easily attract trouble."

"When the Secret Realm opens, it won't just be Disciples from Purple Bamboo Peak; the core Disciples of all thirty-six inner peaks will go."

"The tree that stands out in the forest will be destroyed by the wind."

"You must be careful."

Feeling the warmth from her palm and seeing his Revered Master's concerned gaze, a warm current rose in Su Ye's heart.

This was his Revered Master.

Even though she spoke of her dislike and always proudly refused to admit it, at critical moments, she was always the one who cared about him most.

"Revered Master, rest assured."

Su Ye gripped Yun Yuzhen's hand tightly, a confident and domineering smile appearing on his face.

"Who is your Disciple?"

I am the Eldest Senior Brother of Purple Bamboo Peak in the Taichu Holy Land!"

"Whether they are a Saint or a Prodigy, if they dare to touch my Junior Sisters..."

A cold light flashed in Su Ye's eyes, and the air behind him seemed to distort for a moment, where a demonic shadow that could swallow heaven and earth could be faintly seen.

"I'll let them know the meaning of cruelty."

Yun Yuzhen looked at the high-spirited man before her and was momentarily dazed.

The little kid who used to follow her around asking for candy had really grown up.

He had grown into a man who could shield her and Purple Bamboo Peak from the wind and rain.

"Hmph, all you do is brag."

Yun Yuzhen quickly regained her composure, withdrew her hand, and returned to her cold Peak Revered Master persona.

"Since you're so confident, if you don't take first place in this trial..."

Her beautiful eyes darted as she looked at Su Ye with a half-smile.

"After you return, you'll go to the Cold Ice Cave for three months of confinement, and you won't be allowed... not allowed to touch any more women."

"Ah?"

Su Ye's face instantly fell, "Revered Master, isn't this punishment a bit too harsh?"

"Is this staying chaste for you? This is asking for your Disciple's life!"

"Stop being glib."

Yun Yuzhen took out a crystal-clear jade talisman from her sleeve and threw it to Su Ye.

"This is an Incomplete Manual of the Taichu Secret Realm map; that old woman, your Senior Martial Uncle, gave it to me. Take it."

"Also, Shallow Snow has a solitary personality. In these few days... go and enlighten her more."

When she said the word "enlighten," Yun Yuzhen's tone clearly grew heavier, and her gaze became a bit erratic.

Su Ye understood instantly.

Where was Revered Master telling him to enlighten her?

She was clearly giving him tacit permission to... ahem, deepen their bond as fellow Disciples.

"Revered Master is wise!"

Su Ye snatched the jade talisman, smiling like a fox that had stolen a chicken.

"Your Disciple will go 'enlighten' Fifth Junior Sister right away."

"Scram."

Yun Yuzhen waved her hand as if shooing a fly.

Su Ye didn't linger either; he gave a bow, turned, and walked out of the hall.

When he reached the door, he suddenly stopped and looked back at Yun Yuzhen, who had closed her eyes again.

"Revered Master."

"What is it now?" Yun Yuzhen didn't open her eyes.

"Next time your Disciple brings you soup, remember to drink it while it's hot."

"And..."

Su Ye shook the shadow recording stone in his hand, his smile full of meaning.

"When Revered Master was drinking soup just now, the way a bit of soup got on the corner of your mouth... was really cute."

Swoosh—!

Before he could finish, a terrifying cold Sword Qi instantly slashed from the depths of the hall.

"Su Ye! Go die!!"

Su Ye had already anticipated it; his figure flashed as he laughed and turned into a streak of light to escape.

"Hahahaha, Revered Master, calm your anger, your Disciple is leaving!"

Boom!

The cold Sword Qi struck empty air, leaving a deep mark on the heavy ice-jade gate.

Yun Yuzhen opened her eyes, looking at the empty doorway, her chest heaving violently.

After a long while.

She reached out and touched the corner of her mouth, where a trace of warmth seemed to remain.

"This... Rebellious Disciple."

She cursed in a low voice.

But the corners of her mouth, uncontrollably, curled up into a stunningly beautiful arc... Halfway up Purple Bamboo Peak, deep in a quiet bamboo forest.

Snow fell here year-round; unlike the Cold Jade Palace at the summit, the snow here seemed more lonely and murderous.

A figure dressed in a plain white sword robe stood quietly in the sea of bamboo.

She carried a giant sword taller than herself on her back, her posture as upright as a pine tree, her entire body radiating a heart-palpitating Sword Intent.

When snowflakes approached within three feet of her, they were automatically sliced to pieces by invisible Sword Qi.

Purple Bamboo Peak's Fifth Junior Sister, Lin Qianxue.

Su Ye's figure landed silently outside the bamboo forest; looking at that familiar back, a complex look flashed in his eyes.

Innate Sword Heart, Supreme Grade Ice Spirit Root.

She was a fine talent for cultivating the Dao of the sword.

But it was precisely because of this Sword Heart that she had severed too many emotions, living her life like a cold sword.

Except toward him, her Eldest Senior Brother.