When I woke up, the entire cultivation world was talking about my master.

Xiao Huandu: "Oh, you mean that?"

Chu Xianlan saw her friend burst into laughter and patted him on the shoulder.

"Don't you know? My master kisses people randomly when he's drunk."

Chu Xianlan: "?"

Is this human talk?

Now that things have come to this, I don't even know where to begin complaining; my head is full of question marks.

After a two-second silence, he finally uttered a probing question, "...So, according to you, the number of people kissed by Junior Uncle could circle the entire Taiyi Sect?"

"No," Xiao Huandu glanced in the direction of the main hall and sighed.

"Master is somewhat aware of this flaw of his, so he never dares to get drunk outside, only indulging himself in Xingjin Pavilion. Moreover, he is not close to outsiders, only to his own people. Because of this, Immortal Lord Jixue and Immortal Lord Anhe never drink with him, and they would stay far away at the slightest sign of it, for fear of being favored."

"When I first became his disciple, I was also quite startled. Whenever he got close, I would back away, but the harder I hid, the more enthusiastically he chased me, searching the whole room for me. Tsk, my cultivation level wasn't as high as his, and I couldn't escape anyway, so I got used to it and stopped trying to hide."

"We should probably avoid this kind of thing!" Chu Xianlan couldn't help but say.

"It doesn't matter," Xiao Huandu said casually. "I like women and have no interest in men. Besides, that's my master. A disciple won't lose a piece of flesh if his master kisses him. It's like being bitten by a mosquito."

Chu Wenzi was stunned. "Really?"

"Yeah, is this the first day you've met me? I only like hot, stunning beauties, the kind with slim waists and long legs," Xiao Huandu said disdainfully.

It's like being kissed by an elder in the family, what's the big deal? It's not like a sexy and beautiful older sister passionately kissing you, what's there to get excited about?

Chu Xianlan was greatly shocked.

To be honest, this guy's orientation is quite obvious.

Although the cultivation world has always been open to this kind of thing, Xiao Huandu truly only liked girls, and specifically the kind of girl like Qionglan who was radiant and charming.

Uh-huh?

Chu Xianlan felt that something was wrong, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it.

So the reason why Master was able to remain so calm was firstly because his Dao heart was firm and he was not disturbed by external things; secondly... perhaps Master had no interest in men at all?

And what about myself? Why am I so concerned? Is it because he likes men?

The moment the thought popped into her head, it startled Chu Xianlan herself.

He's never thought about this issue in detail!

Those who cultivate the Tao have long lifespans, and matters of love and romance are quite distant for them; they have always felt that it's best to let things take their natural course.

Chu Xianlan frowned and glanced at Xiao Huandu, thinking that practice makes perfect.

Taking a deep breath, I forced myself to visualize a scene in my mind. What if I tried to replace the accident at the icy pool with a scene between myself and Xiao Huandu...

"Ugh." No, this won't do.

My stomach churned violently.

Xiao Huandu: "???"

Just talk, what's with vomiting in front of me?

Just then, a hoarse roar came from the direction of the main hall, "Xiao Du! Xiao Du!"

"I'm here!" Xiao Huandu shuddered.

"Why is everything so dirty... Get back here right now!"

Xiao Huandu responded with a few "ah ah oh oh" sounds, then patted Chu Xianlan's back forcefully. "My master has sobered up. I'm off, brother. See you later."

After Xiao Huandu left, Chu Xianlan fell into deep confusion.

Does he really like men?

No, that's not correct.

It's easy to get nervous when facing one's master. The master's aura is too strong, and it's a conditioned reflex that has been formed through long-term reverence... It would be abnormal not to feel uneasy after making a mistake.

The Master didn't mind, simply because of his tolerance and gentleness, and his repeated forbearance and concessions.

Xiao Huandu is his brother. Imagine kissing your brother on the lips, who wouldn't feel disgusted? The master's situation is probably similar. Kissing his disciple on the lips, oh my god, even if you think of it as a mosquito bite, you'd still get a bump.

Master must have been forcibly suppressing his discomfort to refrain from punishing him on the spot.

The more Chu Xianlan thought about it, the more reasonable it seemed, and she finally understood.

Unfortunately, someone over there had completely lost their way.

Even Yi Chen himself couldn't believe that one day he would use such a clumsy method to get rid of his disciple.

He gazed at his blurry reflection in the pool and began to try to organize his thoughts.

Because of his icy demeanor, Yi Chen always seemed unapproachable. Moreover, he didn't like getting close to people. It was only because Chu Xianlan had been like a clingy little animal that had recognized its master since childhood, always wanting to trespass into his territory, that he gradually got used to it.

Like a little tail following behind, once it gets tangled up, it can never be shaken off.

For a long time, Yi Chen had been accustomed to controlling everything related to his disciples, from their cultivation progress to their joys and sorrows, and regarded this thorough understanding as part of his duty as a teacher. He took it for granted and never felt there was anything wrong with it.

But now, the feeling of being out of control is getting stronger and stronger.

Distance, feigned indifference, and strict prohibition—all the methods available have been tried, but they have backfired. Chu Xianlan is only one step away from giving up entirely. If pushed any further, she may really make an irreparable mistake.

He was somewhat disappointed by the boy's impulsiveness and recklessness, but he also... couldn't bear to see him suffer.

His fingertips traced the surface of the water as if exploring, creating ripples, and Yi Chen's eyes became slightly misty.

How much does an apprentice like you?

Is it like a fledgling bird longing for its elders, or like people who are obsessed with love, yearning to possess, tossing and turning in bed, and feeling an irreplaceable liking?

Will she lose her appetite because of him, feel anxious when she can't see him, and miss him when she can't meet him? Even if she knows he is a half-demon, will she not give up on him?

After all... he seems to have his own insights into half-demons.

The chill of the cold pool was dispelled by the wind.

Yi Chen closed his eyes and finally made a decision.

Then... take a step back.

Since they still have the Life-Binding Gu curse on them, if Chu Xianlan can't help but find an excuse to get close to them, he can accommodate her and not show so much resistance.

Like... an occasional close approach, guidance in cultivation, or brief physical contact, holding hands, or, when it's really hard to soothe someone, giving them a hug.

As long as it's not excessive or goes too far.

Just... cooperate with him and satisfy him, that's all.

If this can help disciples calm their minds, stop them from being anxious all day, and make them feel better, then it doesn't seem entirely unacceptable.

More... is impossible now, and it's not appropriate for a master and disciple to be like that... As for the kind of scene Chu Xianlan imagined in her dream, she shouldn't even think about it.

……

When Chu Xianlan returned, the barrier around the cold pool had already been removed.

He stood outside the courtyard, holding the sword manual in his hand, hesitating whether to deliver it directly inside or secretly leave it in his master's room, when the courtyard gate of Han Tan was suddenly opened from the inside.

Yi Chen leaned against the door, a faint red mark on the tip of his nose. He lowered his eyes and said softly, "You're back."

"I was delayed on the way, Master. I apologize for keeping you waiting."

Chu Xianlan quickly stepped forward and handed over the sword manual with both hands.

Amidst the softly falling snow, there was a moment of silence between the two.

Chu Xianlan lowered her head and touched the back of her hand. "Master, that..."

Seeing his hesitant expression, Yi Chen understood that he was probably going to rack his brains to find a reason to explain the accident that had just happened.

There's really no need to say anything more. I've thought about it so much just now, and I've already found a reason for him. Thinking of this, Yi Chen felt a little helpless, and his heart softened a bit.

After all… he had already allowed his disciple to get a little closer, and he always looked so pitiful, so he might as well put him at ease now and give him a way out…

"Come in, it's been a long time since your master has given you any guidance in cultivation—"

"Master, I wish to go into seclusion for half a month."

The two spoke at the same time.