Bai Ran shrunk her neck and took a sip of the herbal tea. Her eyes lit up as soon as she took a drink.
The warmed herbal tea made her whole body feel warm, while its cooling effect also calmed Bai Ran's mind.
Moreover, it seemed that this herbal tea contained many spirit herbs that replenished blood and qi, giving it a faint medicinal scent.
It was like biting into a hot, steaming sweet potato on a winter day, both warm and satisfying.
"Thank you, Master!" Bai Ran smiled, her hand holding the teacup becoming much warmer.
Although her master was stern and looked formidable, he was kind-hearted and always considered Bai Ran.
The ointment on the table when she was injured, the incense and candles that lulled her to sleep when she was tired, the fragrant meals after days of endless cultivation…
And this cup of hot herbal tea in the bitter cold…
Xuan Qinghong's mouth twitched, seemingly struggling to suppress a smile.
"Master, where is Long Jinhan?" It had been quite some time since she had seen him.
Mentioning Long Jinhan, Xuan Qinghong's expression turned grim, "I do not approve of your marriage!"
Bai Ran blinked. Marriage? Did Long Jinhan say that?
"That rogue, he looks like a crooked path! I do not approve!"
Ever since he'd mentioned wanting to marry the little doll and the master disagreed, he'd been pestering him like a persistent dog every day.
Hmph! As long as this old man is here, he'll never dream of coveting his precious disciple!
Bai Ran smiled, trying to placate Xuan Qinghong's emotions, "Master, he's actually a pretty good person…"
"It's human nature to want three wives and four concubines! Moreover, that man looks like a fox spirit, how could he possibly live a steadfast life!"
Fox spirit… Bai Ran tried hard to suppress her laughter. He was indeed too handsome.
But as she laughed, a tear fell from Bai Ran's eyes.
Xuan Qinghong immediately panicked and looked at the little doll in front of him in a flustered state, "Why are you crying? I agree to your marriage then!"
She, however, wiped her tears, her eyes red, "It's not that…"
It's not that… she just hadn't experienced this kind of… fatherly care…
Once a master, always a father. Perhaps a father's warmth was like this…
"I was just thinking, Master is so good to me…"
Xuan Qinghong reached out and awkwardly patted her back, "What nonsense are you spouting? Since I've accepted you as my disciple, you are my only precious pearl."
Xuan Qinghong seemed to remember something, "But you must keep your eyes peeled when choosing a husband."
In an instant, Bai Ran stopped crying and laughed, "Got it!"
Just then, Long Jinhan peeked his head in from outside the door, "Master?"
Xuan Qinghong's face darkened, his anger unstoppable, "Master what master! Who is your master!"
At this moment, Bai Ran felt she was the happiest person in the world.
Everyone around her was well, all her worries were gone, and those who loved and cherished her were by her side…
It was almost too much happiness, as if it were all a dream…
After a scolding, Long Jinhan finally saw Xuan Qinghong off.
"Girl," he looked at Bai Ran gently and sat beside her, "Did you miss me?"
Two red clouds appeared on Bai Ran's face, and she turned her head awkwardly, "Starting tomorrow, I will be in seclusion in the cultivation chamber of Xiaolong Academy."
She wouldn't be able to see him again… A hint of disappointment crossed Long Jinhan's face.
"Girl, I want to kiss you." His voice, filled with allure, had a fatal attraction for Bai Ran.
Instantly, her face flushed, but before she could speak, her head was held by a large hand.
Her lips were covered, and Bai Ran's eyes widened, feeling her heart about to leap out of her chest.
As the city was gradually conquered, Long Jinhan's kiss deepened.
Slowly, Bai Ran's body softened, and her breathing became heavy.
After an unknown amount of time, Long Jinhan reluctantly released her, "Girl, I will work hard to wait for your master to accept me."
"I will also wait for you to become strong enough to stand shoulder to shoulder with me."
"I will wait, I am willing to wait."
For her, he was willing to do anything… Long Jinhan pressed his forehead against Bai Ran's, holding it gently.
"I heard what your master said. I promise you, Long Jinhan will only marry Bai Ran in this life."
"If I go back on my word, then…"
Long Jinhan's thin lips were stopped by a finger. Bai Ran looked at him, her eyes full of laughter, "I believe you."
The next moment, Bai Ran took the initiative to kiss him. Long Jinhan stiffened, then reached out his long arms and gradually held the person in his embrace tighter.
Love filled the room, scattering and brushing against their beating hearts…
…
Nine Heavens Divine Realm – Jade Pond Palace.
"Damn it!"
"Bang—!" A maid was struck by spiritual energy and fell heavily to the ground.
"Why! Why is that bitch so lucky!" Ze Lan's veins bulged, her face flushed red, "Even the Demon Lord of the Demon Realm is on her side!"
Fox spirit! Bitch! Brother Xiao helps her, and even the Demon Lord helps her! What right does she have!
Her arm was broken by the Demon Lord and still hasn't healed! She was unwilling!
A terrifying rage permeated the entire palace, and all the maids knelt, trembling in fear.
Just then, the palace doors slowly opened, and Baili Xiao walked in with a stern face, followed by Wusi.
"You didn't take my warning to heart, Ze Lan." His eyes were cold and unfamiliar, his words devoid of warmth.
Ze Lan no longer wanted to pretend. Her anger surged, "I want to kill her! She seduces men everywhere, such a promiscuous person! How can she be worthy…"
"Slap—!" A loud slap sent Ze Lan's face to the side.
Her face swelled up, bearing the clear imprint of five fingers.
It was Wusi who had acted, not Baili Xiao.
"You! You dare to hit me!" Ze Lan, covering her burning cheek, stared at Wusi as if she were insane.
Wusi gritted her teeth in anger, "I'm hitting you! You, a self-proclaimed Jade Pond Palace Goddess, think you can arbitrarily attack maids! And even insult the Divine Monarch's beloved!"
She was insulting that woman! And more importantly, she was insulting the Divine Monarch who liked that woman!
"I'm going to kill you—!!!" Ze Lan, like a madwoman, lunged at Wusi.
But Baili Xiao waved his sleeve, and the spiritual energy Ze Lan had gathered instantly dissipated into the air.
"Bang—" Wusi delivered a heavy kick, sending her flying and crashing heavily against the wall.
The temperature around Baili Xiao was extremely low as he slowly walked forward, "Ze Lan, with the Divine Emperor's protection, I cannot take your life."
"But if you dare to lay a hand on her again, I will no longer consider our past affections and will turn you into a person without any spiritual power!"