He had just been reborn when he was imprisoned by his nemesis, the Empress?

Xu Yi looked in the direction of the sound and saw a woman slowly walking in.

She has a classic oval face with soft, delicate features that are nonetheless elegant.

Her two eyebrows were long and slender, with slightly upturned peaks, carrying a subtle air of authority without appearing harsh.

She had a pair of beautiful, narrow, and lively willow-leaf eyes with slightly upturned corners, yet without a trace of coquettishness.

Instead, she exudes a cool and aloof air, her pupils as deep as a cold pool, making it impossible to discern her emotions.

Her delicate, upturned nose was small and exquisite, below which were a pair of cherry-red lips, pale pink in color, naturally red without any makeup, and with a touch of aloofness when she pursed them.

Xu Yi was slightly taken aback, and only after regaining his senses did he remember his question, and hesitantly asked.

"Who...are you? Did you save me?"

"Um."

The woman nodded slightly, her voice flat and even.

You can call me Shen Yunshu.

As Shen Yunshu spoke, he slowly walked towards the bedside.

As Xu Yi watched her approach, his doubts grew, and he couldn't help but ask her.

"Why did you save me? I'm just a homeless child with no one to rely on. I shouldn't be of any use to you."

Shen Yunshu looked down at him and said bluntly.

"You have great talent, and I want to take you as my disciple so that you can embark on the path of cultivation."

Xu Yi was taken aback, not expecting her to be so direct.

If it were any other cultivator, they would probably say something like:

Phrases like "You're so pitiful," "I want to adopt you," and "We have a connection" are used to make oneself feel grateful and willingly become an apprentice.

It's quite rare to see Shen Shuyun not playing these tricks.

Even though he could have a place to stay and cultivate, Xu Yi had no intention of staying in this dream world.

After all, he had no idea what level of "high talent" Shen Yunshu was referring to.

Some people think that being able to cultivate one's innate talent to the Cave Heaven Realm is considered high talent, while others have even lower expectations.

This level of effort would be a waste of time for Xu Yi, who had already reached the Star Realm.

It might end up like this: after all that work, you've at least exhausted yourself.

"Thank you for saving my life."

Xu Yi composed himself and said seriously.

"But can you find someone else to be your apprentice? I don't want to become an apprentice; I want to commit suicide."

Shen Yunshu seemed surprised by his words. Her clear, willow-leaf eyes widened slightly, and her tone carried a hint of barely perceptible confusion as she asked, enunciating each word clearly.

"Why...?"

Xu Yi made up an excuse on the spot, his tone carrying a hint of childlike dejection.

"Because I feel that my life has no meaning, it's too bitter."

Upon hearing this, Shen Yunshu's eyes flickered slightly, the coldness in them seemed to fade a little, and a hint of pity appeared in them, her tone softening somewhat.

"Because of...these?"

She paused, looking at Xu Yi's thin figure, and added...

"You will find meaning in life under my guidance, and I will make your life sweeter afterward."

As she spoke, she reached out and awkwardly touched the top of Xu Yi's head.

Her fingertips were slightly cool, and her movements were a little stiff, but her strength was very gentle, with a touch of clumsy tenderness.

Xu Yi froze on the spot, unsure of how to react, and could only silently let her touch him.

Shen Yunshu seemed to notice his stiffness and withdrew her hand.

He took something wrapped in oil paper from his storage pouch at his waist and handed it to Xu Yi, his tone still indifferent, yet carrying a hint of inquiry.

"Are you...hungry? Here, have some."

Xu Yi looked down and saw a golden-yellow rice cake inside the oil paper package.

Looking at the rice cakes, Xu Yi felt a slight pang of hunger, but he still slowly shook his head and said...

"I'm not hungry."

After saying that, he turned around, hugged his legs, and shrank to the innermost part of the bed.

This woman appears cold on the outside, but is surprisingly honest and kind on the inside.

Xu Yi didn't want to owe her anything, and he didn't want to delay her because of his stay. He would find an opportunity to commit suicide after she left.

Shen Yunshu looked at his small, huddled figure, a hint of confusion flashing in her eyes.

She had lived for hundreds of years, devoted herself to Taoism, and had never been so close to anyone before, let alone knew how to please a child who wanted to commit suicide.

She stood by the bed, silent for a long time, before slowly speaking, her voice tinged with a mixture of helplessness and determination.

"How can I make you happy? I want to make you happy."

Xu Yi was silent for a moment, then looked up and made an excuse.

"I need to pee, could you let me out first?"

Shen Yunshu gave a light "hmm," not thinking much of it, stepped aside to make way, and pointed outside the door.

"The outhouse is in the backyard."

Xu Yi quickly threw off the covers and got out of bed, hurrying out of the room. As soon as he stepped into the courtyard, his eyes were drawn to a pair of scissors in the corner.

Those scissors looked quite sharp; they should come in handy.

Seeing that Shen Yunshu hadn't followed, Xu Yi quietly walked over, picked up the scissors, clenched them tightly in his small hand, and headed towards the backyard.

But after taking just one step, the scissors in his hand vanished into thin air.

Xu Yi turned around abruptly and saw that Shen Yunshu had appeared behind him at some point.

Her previously calm face now held a hint of seriousness, her gaze fixed on Xu Yi, and her tone was several degrees colder than before.

"What are you doing with those scissors?"

Xu Yi scratched his face, pointed at her, and said...

"Is it wrong for me to play with scissors and cut earthworms?"

Shen Yunshu's gaze fell on his face; she didn't believe his nonsense, and she said firmly...

"If you still think about suicide, I will stay by your side from now on, even when you pee."

"Sigh... sigh..."

Xu Yi was speechless after hearing her words and could only sigh helplessly.

Seeing his expression, Shen Yunshu softened her tone and slowed her speech.

"If you don't want to cultivate, then we can stop for now."

"I can take you to a scenic place."

She paused, seemingly trying to recall something that could make her happy, and added...

"I can also take you to eat some delicious food, local specialties, rare spiritual fruits. As long as you want to eat, I can find it for you, but you can't commit suicide like this."

Xu Yi lowered his head and remained silent for a moment, then sighed softly.

"Why are you so attentive and nice to me? We've only known each other for a short time!"

Upon hearing this, Shen Yunshu's eyes flickered, as if he was seriously considering the question.

After a moment, she slowly spoke, her tone serious, with a hint of barely perceptible stubbornness.

"Because, as the book says, a master and his disciple are like family. Since I've decided to take you as my disciple, I'll naturally treat you well."

No, she's already treating me like an apprentice? Sigh...

Seeing Xu Yi standing there motionless for a long time, Shen Yunshu's cool and aloof expression softened, and she gave him a somewhat hesitant admonition.

"You...go and pee. The book says that children shouldn't hold it in, it will hurt their health."