All The Female Disciples Want To Kill Me-Chapter 752: , 2

If only I really were a man...

「...」

The light of the firewood within the Daoist Temple was dim and murky. Su Bei gently wiped the two swords inside the Sword Box, feeling the brand-new energy coursing through his body, and murmured to himself, "The sword needs nurturing."

For him, the Qingping Sword had become second nature, but when it came to the Missing Departure, he still had much to learn in terms of control.

Since ancient times, countless cultivators had sought the ultimate form of immortality, the grand secret to everlasting life. Only those who had achieved this lesser immortality were truly worthy of being called "Immortal," having reached the preliminary stage of Achieving Dao. For a Sword Cultivator, nurturing oneself with the sword, and the sword with oneself, was essential. Though the concept of becoming one with the sword wasn't as exaggerated, if one wanted to reach the pinnacle of cultivation, the least one must do was to cultivate a Sword Spirit. A Sword Spirit of their own.

Su Bei slowly closed his eyes, fully opened his Dantian Knowledge Sea, and let his soul disperse and merge with the surroundings, seeing his seated self in meditation. His soul wrapped around the Missing Departure once before returning to his body. Touching the sword again, he could feel a newfound intimacy compared to just a moment ago.

Seeing this, Su Bei nodded in satisfaction, then picked up the Longsword, skewered a piece of pork on it, and roasted it over the fire. "The sword has been nurtured well."

Missing Departure: ...

「The Flower Bright Moon was faintly veiled in light mist.」

Footsteps gently approached from behind Su Bei. Within the flickering light of the fire, he could make out the familiar gauze. Under a moonless sky, everything around was somewhat dim.

Su Bei's lips curved into a smile. Without looking, he embraced the woman who came up from behind, saying with a laugh, "Ji Baoer, why did you come back by yourself? Speak! Where did you leave Zi Jun?"

...

Even as he spoke, his hands began to explore, climbing upwards... He pressed down on her, his lips grazing her earlobe, his touch tracing the curves of her body.

Li Zijun's eyes widened, her mind went blank, allowing Su Bei to pull her over effortlessly. Feeling his skilled hands moving over her body, she was momentarily unable to think.

Having just bathed, a fragrant scent lingered on her, and a seductive atmosphere enveloped the Daoist Temple. Her complexion gradually flushed, and it was unclear whether it was due to the awkwardness of her situation or because his large hand grasped her wrist.

Su Bei furrowed his brows, gradually realizing something was amiss. Ji Baoer should have been more responsive... and not so inexperienced. He could even feel the woman beneath him trembling.

"Master... Master." Li Zijun finally recovered from her shock. Her small hands pushed against Su Bei in panic as she nervously said, "I am not Sister Nan Ji... I am Zi Jun..."

...

Her voice carried a hint of grievance as she turned her body to the side, looking away and biting her lip.

Su Bei was momentarily stunned. He leaned over to look blankly at the woman in front of him. What had he done that was no better than a beast?

The atmosphere turned awkward. Su Bei wanted to comfort her by stroking her head, but fearing she might misunderstand, his hand hung in mid-air. He swallowed uncomfortably and said, "Disciple, your master didn't know it was you... You were wearing your master's wife's clothes, and the firelight was dim..."

Li Zijun mumbled a low reply, her face unreadable. "Master... could you get off first?"

...

Su Bei gave her an embarrassed smile, then gently got up. Rubbing his nose thoughtfully, he said, "Your master truly didn't know..." With that, he caught her snow-white wrist, trying to pull her up.

The flickering firelight cast shadows on both their faces, each harboring their own thoughts.

For some reason, as Su Bei looked upon Li Zijun's translucent, jade-like visage, a surge of desire rose within him, and his heart inexplicably began to beat faster. Compared to Nan Ji, the boldness of his recent actions towards Li Zijun couldn't be denied, yet the sensations she aroused in him were distinctly different. That soft, almost imperceptible distance between them sparked a strange feeling in Su Bei.

As if forgetting the previous embarrassment, Su Bei lifted his hand and tentatively slid two fingers towards Li Zijun's face. After a pause, he finally touched her smooth, jade-like cheek.

Li Zijun's delicate body trembled slightly, her intelligent eyes, bright as stars, fluttered. She shifted, creating a small space between them, but this time she didn't resist. Closing her eyes, she allowed Su Bei to gently caress her beautiful face with his fingers. Her skin felt warm and smooth, like jade.

Suddenly, Su Bei saw pearl-like tears trickle from the corners of Li Zijun's eyes, sliding down her snow-white cheeks. The flickering firelight reflected two streaks of tears.

Su Bei's hand paused, then gently slid to Li Zijun's rosy chin, tilting it up so he could gaze upon her exquisitely beautiful face. With two fingers, he gently wiped away her tears and softly said, "I'm sorry."

"Master..." Li Zijun's eyes looked at Su Bei, filled with tears.

She didn't know why she was crying. Was it because of his transgression? Or was it because any future between them was doomed from the start?

Seeing the momentary absentminded look in his eyes, Li Zijun didn't know how she should react. Was it resignation?

"Flowers in the mirror, the moon in the water," Li Zijun said softly. She gently lifted her head, a faint smile playing on her lips as she hid the last teardrop in the corner of her eye. "Your disciple doesn't blame you, Master. The skirt was a gift from Sister Nan Ji; that's why you mistook me for her."

...

Su Bei gave her an awkward smile, suppressing the terrible thought that had momentarily risen in him. Why were all his disciples so peculiar? Each one seemed as if they had spent an eternity with him, and there was always this undercurrent of inexplicable emotion.

Just then, the door opened. Ji Nanjue, having changed into another robe, walked in. With a strange expression, she surveyed the scene before her.

She sat down barefoot beside Su Bei, wiping lingering water droplets from her skin. A glint of confusion flashed in her eyes. Usually, he would pounce on me. Why is he so calm today? What happened between these two while I was away? The atmosphere is so peculiar.

"Husband, what's wrong? You seem distracted."

Su Bei smiled at her and embraced Ji Nanjue. In Su Bei's arms, Ji Nanjue seemed to sense a complex mix of emotions from him. She tilted her head up and planted a kiss on the corner of his mouth.

She had been thinking a great deal just now. She knew their journey ahead would be long and arduous; the world was unfeeling and would often make their path exceptionally difficult. However, being able to enjoy this fleeting moment of peace brought her considerable satisfaction. Her mindset had gradually begun to shift. Not seeking to be together day and night, but content to have once shared this.

"It's nothing." Su Bei touched her hair. "It's late, we should get some sleep..."

Ji Nanjue got up and took the distracted Li Zijun's hand. She carefully examined her own dress on Li Zijun and nodded. "Zi Jun, this dress looks quite good on you..."

Li Zijun's face turned crimson.

Then Ji Nanjue glanced at Su Bei and said coolly, "As a punishment, you'll sleep outside tonight. I'll sleep cuddling Zi Jun. Is that all right, Zi Jun?" She winked at Li Zijun.

Li Zijun hesitated. She looked up at Su Bei, then at Ji Nanjue beside her. Feeling a little sorry for him, she said, "That's not very nice... It looks like it's going to rain outside."

Su Bei knew Nan Ji was giving him an out; she must have noticed the earlier awkwardness. A warmth spread through his heart. He looked at Ji Nanjue. "I'll just go outside then..."

Just then, faint footsteps suddenly sounded from a distance. The unexpected noise made everyone frown momentarily. Su Bei asked, a hint of confusion in his voice after a brief pause, "At this hour of the night, are there still travelers?"

...