Chapter 329: Chapter 222 The Disciple is Foolish, Not Knowing the True Meaning of the Master’s Words_4
The day had not yet darkened.
"Where did the Sword Maiden go?"
The two disciples shook their heads.
Although Su Bei was somewhat puzzled, he was certain nothing dangerous would happen here in Wu City. As it happened, he was just about to find the Saintess to deliver those hundred boxes of preserves, and he planned to bring the Sword Maiden back with him on the return trip.
The sunlight was very warm. Su Bei greatly enjoyed this feeling, knowing well that to maintain such warmth long-term, one needed the strength to protect it.
What’s the use of strength if not for protection? I don’t want to be the male protagonist of some Japanese anime...
Finally stepping out of the courtyard, Su Bei paused. He felt it necessary to clearly explain his earlier words to his two disciples.
"One only cherishes what is lost, yet it’s a pity to not know who will accompany one then..."
"This is the true meaning of knowing who will join one."
"..."
He had never truly understood Sword Four. Still, with twelve years of higher education under his belt, he certainly knew the meaning of this particular phrase. Presumably, the one who named it must have meant the same.
—Alas, next year the flowers will be lovelier still, but with whom will I share the sight?
Next year at this time, who knows with whom I’ll return to enjoy these blooms!
Then his figure disappeared into the vast, glowing twilight.
The two disciples exchanged glances and remained silent.
「...」
Su Bei hurried toward the Sacred Sanctuary.
For Key Smoke, this older, single woman, he felt immense gratitude in his heart; after all, they had spent a day as husband and wife in the Illusion World. He wondered if his Heart Demon had any impact on her.
Pulling out the Elder Token and led by Sacred Land Disciples, he finally arrived at Key Smoke’s residence.
From afar, Su Bei could hear Key Smoke’s voice, as if she had sensed his approach, "Elder Su, please come into my boudoir for a little chat."
"..."
Su Bei entered the boudoir, where a thick fragrance filled the room.
Key Smoke lay on her bed, not bothering to rise as he walked in. Her uncombed black hair flowed loosely, her face was free of makeup—the very image of a homebody.
As a Saintess, she naturally had her sanctity and dignity. However, towards Su Bei—the man with whom she had faced the Heart Demon Tribulation—a different kind of thought stirred within her. In the Illusion World, he had seen everything there was to see of her—what did a little more matter now?!
"That... Saintess, perhaps I should step out for a moment..."
Su Bei felt a bit embarrassed. If it were Wenren Pingxin before him dressed like this, he wouldn’t mind at all. He might even stride forward, lift her blanket, and show her what ’junior brother’s affection’ truly meant. It would be even better if he leaned in and whispered in her ear, "Senior Sister, you wouldn’t want others to see you like this, would you...?"
"..."
He quickly shook his head. What kind of perverted anime-inspired thoughts were these?
"No need to be so formal, Elder Su. After all, we’ve seen each other before, why act like strangers now?" Key Smoke said with layered meaning, her alluring, peach-blossom eyes shimmering as they fixed on him. With no one else present, why bother with pretense?
"Elder Su, have you brought the preserves?"
Pushing down various emotions, Key Smoke lightly threw back the brocade quilt. It revealed a silk nightgown, sheer enough to show the bandeau she wore beneath. Her curves were clearly outlined, revealing her voluptuous, mature figure. Su Bei could vaguely make out the flesh tones beneath; it was exceedingly tempting.
"That..."
"Of course, I brought them."
Su Bei tried to appear more gentlemanly, but this was a sight probably only he in the entire world would ever witness. He couldn’t help but think, is the Saintess trying to seduce me?! Is this old cow trying to graze on tender grass?! No! I’m a self-reliant young man of good standing! How could I do something that would so thoroughly compromise my principles?
Despite these thoughts, his body betrayed him. He unconsciously walked toward her, pulled out the large pile of preserves from his Storage Ring, and dumped them all onto the low table.
"Have a seat..." Key Smoke gestured toward a stool. Then, without any shyness, she rose to check the count of the preserves.
"One, two, three..."
Su Bei’s gaze naturally followed her. The hills undulated. One, two, three...
Suddenly, Key Smoke’s dark brows furrowed. She glanced at Su Bei with annoyance and spoke up, "Why are there only ninety-nine?"
"One is missing!!"
Su Bei was taken aback. One was missing? In an instant, he remembered Dan Wulan lying on the couch; it seemed he had opened one box of preserves and fed it to her, syrup and all.
"That... there seems to have been a bit of an accident."
But Key Smoke’s heart suddenly leaped with secret joy. She coughed lightly, "Since that’s the case, Elder Su, how do you plan to make up for the missing one?"
"..."