Master is Also Running Away from Marriage Today (Transmigration) - Chapter 30

In the cultivation world, going into seclusion was as common as stepping out for a meal. Even if the meal lasted a bit longer, it wasn’t anything unusual.

So when Mu Ling emerged from her seclusion, Zhao Yunshi merely glanced at her before tossing the jade token for leading the team her way. “Since you’re out, you’ll select the candidates and set off with everyone in half a month.”

Mu Ling had absolutely no interest in attending the so-called “Demon Subjugation Conference.” She picked up the token half-heartedly, earning a frustrated flick on the forehead from Zhao Yunshi. “Everyone else is fighting for a chance to go, yet you act like I’m forcing you. ”

Mu Ling nearly retorted, “I genuinely don’t want to go,” but past experience had taught her that the more she resisted, the more Zhao Yunshi would insist on shoving these so-called “opportunities” down her throat, ones that others coveted.

She understood why this mission was seen as a plum assignment: the demonic realm was in retreat, and most of the immortal sects believed the demons were on the verge of collapse. Attending the conference promised both fame and connections with elite disciples from other sects. Naturally, everyone clamored for it.

But only Mu Ling knew the truth. The Demon Subjugation Conference was a disaster waiting to happen. The alliance would suffer near-total annihilation during their assault on the Demon Palace.

Mu Ling was well aware that she had become a thorn in the side of certain factions within the sect. She had heard the whispers and could guess Zhao Yunshi’s intentions. Yet, she had no interest in the position of sect leader. The only reason she accepted the role of team leader was to repay a debt of gratitude.

In the original storyline, Zhao Yunshi had personally led the Qingyi Sect into the Demon Subjugation Conference, charging at the forefront. But she had been fatally wounded by the Demon King while protecting her disciples, and the sect had been nearly wiped out. In the aftermath, Lin Qingge was the only one left to inherit the leadership.

Over the years, thanks to the Qingyi Sect’s protection, Mu Ling had been able to live in peace. She had grown attached to the sect and didn’t want to see it meet the same tragic fate as in the story.

As for the jealousy and mockery from others, Mu Ling paid it no mind. Her years of keeping a low profile had already made her stance clear. What others thought was none of her concern. Taking on this mission would settle her debts of gratitude. Once Lin Qingge slew the Demon King a few years later, Mu Ling planned to leave Qingbo Peak to Ding Xin and retire to some scenic, secluded place. Finally living the carefree life she had always dreamed of.

Since she had accepted the task, Mu Ling threw herself into preparations, emptying Qingbo Peak of every talisman and treasure she could find. But what truly shocked the Qingyi Sect was her method of selecting participants.

Instead of handpicking the sect’s elite disciples, Mu Ling claiming to “let the heavens decide” opted for an absurd lottery system. Even more baffling, Zhao Yunshi, for reasons unknown, actually agreed to it!

Within the Qingyi Sect, the number of ordinary disciples far outnumbered the elite ones. After the lottery draw, only a small portion of elite disciples were selected to attend the Demon Subjugation Conference, while the majority of those chosen were ordinary disciples.

As a result, the elite disciples who had assumed their attendance was guaranteed but were now left behind at the sect secretly resented Mu Ling. After all, the Demon Subjugation Conference was a prime opportunity for them to make a name for themselves, and Mu Ling’s intervention had ruined their chances.

Mu Ling, however, couldn’t care less about their grievances. When she reviewed the list of selected disciples, she inwardly sighed in relief. In the original story, Zhao Yunshi had led the elite disciples, recklessly charging ahead. But now, with Mu Ling in charge and the overall strength of the disciples being lower, she had every excuse to shamelessly linger at the rear of the Demon Subjugation Alliance. That way, the casualties would spare the Qingyi Sect. This was the best solution Mu Ling could devise to protect her sect.

Meanwhile, Lin Qingge, standing beside her, gazed at the name “Huang Meng” on the list in Mu Ling’s hands, her lips pressing together slightly.

Years ago, Huang Meng had instigated Su Yue to abandon Lin Qingge in the back mountains. By a twist of fate, Lin Qingge had advanced her cultivation and triumphed in the disciple competition, completely overshadowing Huang Meng, who was originally expected to shine.

However, due to Huang Meng’s prior performance, she had still been taken in by one of the elders.

Over the years, Lin Qingge had secretly tasked animals to keep an eye on Huang Meng’s movements. Yet, Huang Meng had been extremely cautious, focusing solely on training and showing no signs of suspicious behavior.

Was it truly a coincidence that Huang Meng was now attending the Demon Subjugation Conference?

Though these thoughts swirled in her mind, Lin Qingge maintained a perfectly composed smile. She set down the pastries she had personally made beside Mu Ling, leaning in close; close enough that barely a fist’s width separated them and feigning curiosity, she asked, “Most of the names on this list seem unfamiliar to me.”

Mu Ling glanced at her. Lin Qingge’s eyes remained fixed on the paper, as if unaware of the scant distance between them.

“I’m quite satisfied with this list,” Mu Ling admitted, seeing no outsiders around to overhear. “The Demon King is cunning. Who knows if he’s truly injured? What if it’s a trap? If we charge in blindly, we’ll be walking straight into a slaughter! If we sent only elite disciples, those proud youngsters would rush ahead without a second thought, impossible to control. These disciples are better. They care less about face and more about staying alive.”

As Mu Ling analyzed the Demon King’s possible schemes, the smile on Lin Qingge’s lips faltered for a moment, though she nodded in agreement. “Master’s insight is impeccable.”

How had she never noticed before? When Mu Ling spoke enthusiastically, she was adorable. And when she focused her gaze on someone, her eyes sparkled like stars, making Lin Qingge wish that gaze would never leave her.

If I never reclaim my identity as the Demon King, I could live like this forever.

Mu Ling observed the obedient, smiling Lin Qingge. Though she didn’t understand why Lin Qingge seemed so cheerful, she couldn’t help but mirror the faint smile. I wonder what’s gotten into Qingge lately. She’s suddenly become so much closer to me.

Moreover, Mu Ling had accidentally caught a glimpse of what seemed to be romance novels in Lin Qingge’s room!

At that moment, Mu Ling was so excited she nearly cried!

In the past, although Lin Qingge had always been polite and considerate to others, there seemed to be an invisible chasm that kept people at a distance. Her presence was often solitary, and people would instinctively avoid her when they saw her. She, too, rarely took the initiative to approach anyone.

But after Mu Ling emerged from her recent seclusion, she noticed that Lin Qingge had started appearing by her side from time to time. Unlike before, her expression was no longer cold and distant. When she looked at Mu Ling, a faint trace of warmth would occasionally seep into her eyes. In the past, Mu Ling had to use her authority as a master to pressure Lin Qingge into reluctantly cooking, but lately, Lin Qingge would often linger in the kitchen, experimenting with all sorts of delicious snacks and treats for Mu Ling.

Mu Ling absolutely adored this version of Lin Qingge!

Perhaps due to her childhood experiences, Qingge had once resembled an icy statue of a goddess, flawless yet slightly cold. Mu Ling had always hoped to warm her up, but she never expected Qingge to suddenly embrace the warmth of human life and willingly grow closer to her!

Seeing such an outstanding disciple, Mu Ling felt immensely gratified. Recently, she even found time to add a lengthy passage of glowing praise for Lin Qingge in The Chronicles of a Genius Girl’s Growth.

“Qingge’s culinary skills keep getting better! Every dish she makes is so delicious I could swallow my tongue. And I’m not exaggerating: Qingge is so beautiful and so capable. No man in this world is worthy of her! If anyone ever has the incredible fortune to become her Dao companion in the future, it must be because their ancestors accumulated virtue for hundreds of generations.”

Meanwhile, busy preparing for their upcoming journey, Mu Ling failed to notice that every time Lin Qingge appeared before her, there would be subtle physical contact whether it was straightening the hem of Mu Ling’s disheveled skirt, plucking a fallen leaf from her hair, or hand-feeding snacks to the preoccupied Mu Ling. Lin Qingge was like an extremely patient hunter, slowly weaving her net and drawing closer, tightening the circle around her prey.

By the time Mu Ling became aware of it, she had already grown accustomed to Lin Qingge’s affectionate gestures. Though she was slightly puzzled by the change, upon reflection, she realized Qingge wasn’t actually that old perhaps she simply couldn’t bear to see Mu Ling overworked and had thus become more attentive. In any case, Mu Ling didn’t resist the change; in fact, she rather delighted in it. She prided herself on not being an overly controlling master and had no intention of prying too deeply into her disciple’s thoughts.

At this moment, Lin Qingge stood naturally beside Mu Ling, seemingly oblivious to her master’s lingering gaze. With jade-like fingers, she picked up a rabbit-shaped pastry from the plate and leisurely brought it to Mu Ling’s lips. “Master, open up!”

The pastry was molded into the shape of an adorable little rabbit—crimson eyes, a plump body, stubby legs, and even ears that quivered slightly, making it look unbearably cute!

“So adorable!”

Mu Ling’s eyes sparkled, instantly captivated by the pastry. Enticed by its sweet aroma, she obediently opened her mouth.

What could be cuter than a bunny? Eating it, of course!

“Yes, so adorable.”

Lin Qingge looked at Mu Ling, whose cheeks were flushed pink and lips slightly parted as she gazed at her, and softly echoed her words. Her eyes dimmed slightly as she brought the pastry to Mu Ling’s lips. Pausing for a moment, her fingers naturally brushed against the corner of Mu Ling’s mouth, wiping away the stray crumbs.

Lin Qingge tried to act as if nothing had happened, but even after tucking her hand back into her sleeve, the tips of her ears still turned red against her will. She struggled to maintain her usual aloof demeanor, yet her gaze secretly lingered on Mu Ling’s reaction. Unlike the blushing, bashful heroines in the romance novels Lin Qingge had studied, Mu Ling didn’t react with shyness at all. Instead, her eyes sparkled as she exclaimed, “My Qingge is truly amazing!”

Lin Qingge froze for a moment, then burst into laughter as well: “As long as Shizun is happy.”

Ah, forget it! How could she compare Shizun to the women in those novels?

Perhaps it was better this way. Mu Ling’s obliviousness meant she likely harbored no such feelings for that Bai Fengqing either. With Lin Qingge being so close to her day after day, surely she would find a way to make Mu Ling understand someday.

And if by some chance Mu Ling never came to understand, then so be it!

No matter what, Mu Ling would always remain by her side. No one could ever take her away.