The Villainess Always Tries to Seduce Me - Chapter 41

Today, she seemed surprisingly magnanimous, appearing truly eager to learn. Yun Chuanzhi felt quite gratified. She stood up and placed her fingertips against the other’s, explaining carefully, “This part should go from underneath. It’s a technique similar to how mortals weave bamboo hats.”

The young girl’s fingertips were unlike Bai Fenghe’s delicate ones; they were worn with thin calluses from years of labor. Though her hands were small, her fingers were half an inch longer than her palms, appearing nimble, strong, and quite beautiful.

The warmth of the hand rubbed against the back of Bai Fenghe’s hand, the texture of the palm lines distinct.

As the faint scent of soap pods drifted into her nose in wisps, Bai Fenghe’s mind grew slightly restless. She bit the tip of her tongue to force herself back into a state of calm.

“So much trouble,” Bai Fenghe muttered, winding the cotton threads bit by bit with a hint of dissatisfaction. “Why not just build a spinning wheel to save some effort?”

“This is just woven for fun. Besides, a spinning wheel requires much more timber. Lingshui did her best just to find these two pieces of Volcanic Ebony,” Yun Chuanzhi replied.

“It’s just ebony. You should have just told me instead of asking Lingshui,” Bai Fenghe said, withdrawing her hand from Yun Chuanzhi’s palm and tucking it into her sleeve to cool down.

No wonder her Master had refused to teach her artifact refining back then. It seemed he knew her temperament was too impetuous and careless; she simply wasn’t cut out for it.

“Really?” Yun Chuanzhi was instantly overjoyed. With a brilliant smile, she stepped forward and began to massage Bai Fenghe’s legs. “Then I want three logs, along with a few pieces of top-grade spirit stones and ancient profound iron.”

“Give you an inch and you take a mile,” Bai Fenghe scolded, though she didn’t say no.

“You play then; I’m going to take a short nap,” Bai Fenghe said listlessly. Supporting herself on the corner of the table, she rose gracefully, paced to the bed, and then stood still.

Yun Chuanzhi understood her meaning. She trotted forward to personally tidy the bed, smoothing the wrinkles in the silk bedding and straightening the precious Red Jade Seven-Treasure pillow. Reaching underneath, she felt a sachet.

The sachet was exquisite and small, stuffed full of soul-soothing herbs until it was bulging. Yun Chuanzhi weighed the sachet in her hand; the more she looked at it, the more familiar it seemed.

Wasn’t this the sachet she had made with a charm back at the foot of the mountain to help Bai Fenghe dispel her nightmares? When did Bai Fenghe bring it up the mountain?

While Yun Chuanzhi was lost in surprise, a jade-like hand descended from above and snatched the sachet away. A flush of red flashed across Bai Fenghe’s face, but by the time Yun Chuanzhi looked up, she was met with a proud and cold countenance once more.

“I found this object useful, so I kept it,” she said, grabbing Yun Chuanzhi by the collar and dragging her behind her. “I am going to rest. Do not disturb me.”

Yun Chuanzhi had grown quite a bit taller recently; the so-called “lifting” only worked because Yun Chuanzhi stood on her tiptoes and cooperated by backing away.

She knew this would satisfy Bai Fenghe, and indeed, Bai Fenghe looked very pleased. With a sway of her slender waist, she lay down silently on the bed.

Lately, Bai Fenghe seemed constantly weary. Yun Chuanzhi knew nothing of medicine, and Bai Fenghe never summoned the Divine Physicians, so she could only guess it was due to forced cultivation.

She had heard from Cheng Jinshu that Bai Fenghe suffered from old lingering ailments due to a punishment years ago, and her health had been poor ever since. Yet, having stayed by her side for several months now, Yun Chuanzhi had never seen her expose any vulnerability, aside from those two instances, one real, one perhaps feigned, when she first arrived.

Sigh, with internal troubles and external threats, she doesn’t have it easy, Yun Chuanzhi thought, feeling a twinge of pity. She tucked her in, tiptoed back to the window, and continued weaving her wind-collar.

Bai Fenghe kept her eyes closed for a long time but never heard the door open. Her eyelashes fluttered slightly; seeing the silhouette of the girl bent over her work, a deep drowsiness finally washed over her, and she fell into a heavy sleep.

This sleep was deep and long, completely unguarded. Though it started as a midday nap, she ended up sleeping for hours.

When she woke again, the shadows of the trees outside the window were dark, and the sky was dotted with stars. The firmament looked like a deep blue gem, with a hint of pale dawn appearing at the horizon.

Bai Fenghe’s heart jolted. Supporting her limp body, she sat up and looked toward the window. There, under the dim light of a candle, the girl was still sitting. Faint flickers of light glowed in her palms, and her eyes were tightly shut.

How could she have slept so soundly? She had no barriers around her and hadn’t been alert at all. If someone had tampered with her while she slept, the consequences would have been unthinkable.

Bai Fenghe felt a lingering fear, but the girl heard her movement, opened her eyes, turned around, and smiled at her. “You’re awake?”

The moment Yun Chuanzhi’s voice sounded, the fear from a moment ago miraculously vanished.

Bai Fenghe gave a soft “mm” and slowly exhaled. Stepping barefoot onto the floor tiles, her wide sleeves swaying as she walked toward the window, she asked, “Is it already dusk?”

“More than that. The sun is about to come out from behind the mountains,” Yun Chuanzhi yawned. She was equally shocked; it was the first time she had seen Bai Fenghe sleep so deeply that even noise couldn’t wake her.

“I’ve been resting for a day and a night?” A look of bewilderment crossed Bai Fenghe’s eyes. She pushed open the window to catch the cool breeze. The air was damp with dew; it was indeed morning.

“Yes. I even pretended to smash a cup halfway through to try and wake you, but you acted like you didn’t hear a thing and even rolled over,” Yun Chuanzhi sighed. Heaven knows how bored she had been all night; she had woven three wind-collars.

Bai Fenghe suppressed her internal shock. She closed the window and reached out to light the lamp. “You didn’t sleep all night?”

“I slept during the night and woke up again at the Hour of the Tiger at 3 AM,” Yun Chuanzhi stretched her back and yawned. “Seeing that the Sect Leader was rarely in such a deep sleep, I didn’t dare return to my room.”

Who knew if Bai Fenghe had any defenses up? She had so many enemies seeking revenge; if someone sneaked in and harmed her while she slept, Yun Chuanzhi would be held responsible. It was better to stay here and keep watch.

Bai Fenghe’s red lips moved as if to say thank you, but the words didn’t come out. Instead, she just snorted. “You certainly are kind-hearted.”

Yun Chuanzhi mimicked her snort where she couldn’t see, then pushed herself up to stand. However, having sat for too long, her legs were numb, and she stumbled forward toward her knees.

Before her knees could hit the ground, an arm reached out and encircled her waist. As the arm lifted her, Yun Chuanzhi’s straightened body crashed right into the soft warmth of the other’s chest.

Even though Yun Chuanzhi tried to control herself, her cheek sank into a cloud-like warmth.

Realizing what had happened, Yun Chuanzhi turned red from her head to her heels. Her body froze uncontrollably until the woman spoke faintly, “Have you buried yourself long enough?” Only then did she find the strength to back away.

Seeing the usually calm and self-possessed girl blushing to such an extent, the spark of irritation in Bai Fenghe’s heart instantly dissipated like smoke, replaced by a mischievous sense of pleasure.

She added, “How was it?”

“A bit hot,” Yun Chuanzhi didn’t know what she was asking, so she answered honestly. She had regained her breath and used her sleeve to wipe the sweat that had suddenly broken out on her forehead.

“No one was asking you how you felt,” Bai Fenghe took a step forward with her hands behind her back, watching with satisfaction as Yun Chuanzhi retreated step by step until she hit the red coral cabinet behind her.

What kind of wicked idea has Bai Fenghe come up with now? Yun Chuanzhi was puzzled. She only felt that the originally cool autumn had suddenly turned into a steamer, becoming unbearably hot.

She looked up at Bai Fenghe, her eyes catching the beautiful curves, but she pointedly avoided the fair skin visible above. Then, she said honestly, “Very good.”

“Very beautiful.”

“The Sect Leader is the most beautiful person.”

She blathered a string of nonsense praise until Bai Fenghe grew annoyed and waved for her to shut up.

“Get out and prepare breakfast,” Bai Fenghe said irritably. Watching the girl’s retreating back as she bolted for the door, she didn’t know whether to be angry or laugh.

Bai Tuan popped its head out from somewhere and clattered over to Bai Fenghe’s feet. “Our Sect Leader Bai’s beauty is world-renowned, yet today you’ve met your match in a little immortal servant. One could say,”

“Pah.” Bai Fenghe kicked it and curled her lips. “Believe it or not, I’ll throw you into the furnace and refine you into an ink slab.”

“I was just teasing her for fun,” Bai Fenghe glanced at the door and sat back down lazily.

“I’ve followed you for over a hundred years. Usually, you’re displeased when anyone teases you, yet I’ve never seen you tease someone else like this,” Bai Tuan spoke bluntly. “It’s just a pity she isn’t the real Cui Ergou,”

Bai Fenghe’s fingers, which were fiddling with a strand of hair, paused slightly. Her smile slowly cooled. “What do you mean?”

“Neither you nor I know her past. We only know she is well-versed in artifact refining. Though her behavior is lazy, she is mature; clearly not a young girl.”

“Perhaps,” Bai Tuan dragged out its voice, “Before she took over this body, she might have even had a family.”

As soon as these words were spoken, the room felt as if it had fallen into an ice cellar. Even the morning breeze blowing in from the window turned much colder. The iron puppet shuddered and found a curtain to wrap itself in.

It muttered, “I was just guessing. Don’t take it out on me.”

After a long silence, Bai Fenghe’s laughter rang out softly. “Your guess is reasonable. Why would I take it out on you? Besides, so what if she has a family? She is just a lowly immortal servant. Is someone with a family not allowed to serve?”

If only that were really the case, Bai Tuan thought, peeking out with one eye at Bai Fenghe and sighing quietly.

Although Bai Fenghe was deeply guarded, she had never experienced matters of the heart and didn’t know the risks involved. Combined with her inherently arrogant and stubborn nature, if someone like her were to fall in love, even if it were just a slight fondness, there was no guarantee she wouldn’t give her whole heart.

If that heart were given to the right person, it would be fine. But if it were misplaced, another heaven-shattering calamity would be waiting for her.

At any time, whether for immortals or mortals, trust is always the greatest weakness. Bai Tuan worried about this, but as a puppet, there was nothing it could do.

It only hoped it was overthinking and that Bai Fenghe was truly just teasing.

Yun Chuanzhi was unaware of the small storm that had occurred in the bedroom of Fengchun Pavilion. She yawned as she prepared the meal, tea, and a small piece of Dingsheng cake traditionally eaten in early autumn. She carried the tray to the door.

Before she could knock, the door opened. Bai Fenghe, now changed into formal attire, stood elegantly at the entrance. Her dark hair was coiled into a bun, adorned with gold wire hairpins and tassels, leaving only a few strands of fringe fluttering in the wind.

Today, her makeup was detailed and enchanting. Her eyelashes curved like butterfly wings, and the corners of her eyes were decorated with shimmering floral patterns that swept toward her temples.

“Sect Leader, this,”

Yun Chuanzhi was interrupted as soon as she spoke. Bai Fenghe’s tone was cold, and she didn’t even look at her. “No need for the meal. I just received a letter from the Grand Sect Master. All Sect Leaders and Elders are required to go to the main peak to discuss the Autumn Instruction.”

Just as Yun Chuanzhi was about to ask what the “Autumn Instruction” was, Bai Fenghe brushed past her. Her silk shawl reflected the glow of the rising sun, dazzling the eyes.

What’s wrong now? Yun Chuanzhi handed the tray to a passing servant, tucked up her skirt, and chased after Bai Fenghe. However, Bai Fenghe was walking extremely fast, forcing her to jog the whole way.

So tiring, Yun Chuanzhi thought silently. Had she known she’d be doing physical labor so early, she would have asked Lingshui for leave and let her serve instead.

She ran along the corridor for a long time until she was breathless. Just as she was about to boldly ask for a break, Bai Fenghe came to a sudden halt. Yun Chuanzhi had to grab a nearby pillar to avoid crashing into her again.

“I suddenly have an idea.” Bai Fenghe, who had been cold-faced a moment ago, was smiling again. But the smile didn’t reach her eyes; it looked like she was plotting something, making one’s heart feel chilled.

Yun Chuanzhi said nothing, warily hiding behind the pillar.

“You’ve reached the age of hair-pinning at fifteen, haven’t you?” Bai Fenghe stepped forward, grabbed Yun Chuanzhi by the shoulder, and pulled her out from behind the pillar. She smiled and said, “You have indeed served diligently lately, so I was thinking of a way to reward you.”

A reward? Money or treasures? Yun Chuanzhi was suddenly happy, her lips curling up unconsciously.

“Your immortal talent is mediocre, and you have no intention of cultivating. Your lifespan is as short as a mortal’s. If you stay in these mountains for a few more years, half your life will be gone.”

“So, I was thinking of choosing an auspicious day to find you a good match and arrange a marriage for you. You can go down the mountain and live an ordinary life. How does that sound?” Bai Fenghe’s eyes were indifferent, her voice as light as mist.

The smile on Yun Chuanzhi’s face vanished instantly.

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