Battle Through the Heavens: Starting with Cao Ying as an apprentice

To Yun Yun, the woman before her was not only the queen of the snake-people, but also the woman of her master, Su Baichen, and her mistress. This understanding of her identity and status was already deeply ingrained in her heart.

"Mistress, your sister has exceptional talent. The reason she only advanced to Dou Huang yesterday is probably because she's been a bit too playful lately," Yun Yun continued, her voice gentle.

"As long as Cai Die is willing to concentrate on cultivation, her cultivation speed will definitely not be inferior to mine."

Cai Lin was quite pleased with these words. Especially the address "Mistress," which felt like a warm current flowing through her heart, making her feel comfortable all over. Her beautiful eyes darted around, and her gaze fell on Yun Yun, scrutinizing her carefully.

"This is a woman who knows how to maintain proper boundaries," Cai Lin thought to herself.

She possessed a refined and elegant appearance, though not as dazzlingly beautiful as herself, she had her own ethereal charm; her figure was slender and graceful, with fullness in all the right places and slenderness in all the right places, making her practically perfect; her talent was also quite good, being able to cultivate to the level of Dou Wang in a place like the Yunlan Sect was already a rare achievement. More importantly, she understood her place, knew how to be respectful, and knew how to submit.

But Cai Lin's thoughts quickly drifted away. She thought of the woman from the Central Plains Pill Tower—Xuan Yi. Su Baichen's first woman. Although they had never met, that name had long been like a fine thorn, subtly piercing her heart. The moment she became Su Baichen's woman, Cai Lin knew that sooner or later she would have to face Xuan Yi, face the existence that had appeared in Su Baichen's life even earlier.

Moreover, the black robes are probably just the beginning.

A profound meaning flashed in Cai Lin's beautiful eyes. A man as outstanding as Su Baichen was practically a rare gem on this Dou Qi Continent, appearing only once in a millennium. Even if he didn't take the initiative, countless women would flock to him like moths to a flame. Cai Lin was well aware of this.

She took a deep breath, suppressing the faint bitterness in her heart.

Jealous? Why bother? If she loses her composure because of jealousy, wouldn't that give outsiders an opportunity to take advantage of her? Those "vixens" lurking in the shadows would probably be more than happy to see her lose her composure.

But we can't do nothing either.

An idea quietly took shape in Cai Lin's mind—she wanted to start managing things and making plans (forming cliques).

From this day forward, she will build a solid barrier for Su Baichen's rear. And she, the Queen of the Snake-People, will sit in the center, overseeing everything.

Needless to say, her younger sister, Cai Die, would definitely be on her side. But what about the others?

Cai Lin's gaze fell on Yun Yun again, this time with a different meaning in her eyes.

This woman might become her first ally. She's reasonably attractive, has a good figure, and is quite talented. More importantly, she knows how to bow her head, how to obey, and how to find her place in this complex web of relationships.

Well, I'll reluctantly count her as one.

As for the other women who might appear in the future, Cai Lin already had a plan in mind. She would personally teach them the rules, ensuring that everyone was in their proper place and fulfilled their duties, thus guaranteeing peace and harmony in Su Baichen's rear.

He only needed to focus on his own affairs, fighting external battles and cultivating his inner self; he could leave these trivial matters to her.

Yun Yun suddenly felt a gaze fall upon her, scrutinizing and pondering. She looked around; apart from Cai Lin, there was no one else. But why was Cai Lin's gaze so strange?

His gaze was sharp and deep, as if it could penetrate clothing and reach the heart.

Yun Yun felt uneasy, like a sheep being watched by a wolf, feeling uncomfortable all over. She shifted her feet slightly, trying to avoid the gaze, but found that the gaze was following her like a shadow.

"Mistress Cailin, what's wrong?" Yun Yun finally couldn't help but ask, her voice carrying a hint of barely perceptible unease: "Is there something on my face?"

Cai Lin then snapped out of her thoughts. Seeing Yun Yun ask her, she didn't answer directly, but instead smiled. That smile was as bright as the spring sunshine, yet it made Yun Yun's heart inexplicably tighten.

“Yunyun!” Cailin’s voice softened, taking on a consultative tone: “I have something I’d like to ask for your opinion on.”

The three words "Yun Yun" floated out softly, exceptionally clear in the quiet courtyard.

Not far away, Cao Ying, who was tiptoeing back to retrieve the dropped storage ring, was struck by those three words and froze on the spot as if electrocuted.

She had only intended to come back quietly, grab her things, and leave, but she unexpectedly stumbled upon this scene.

"Add 'ah' to the name..." Alarm bells rang in Cao Ying's mind, and a chill ran down her spine.

She was all too familiar with this sentence structure! Whenever her master, Su Baichen, started with "Cao Ying" or "Ying'er," it was never a good thing, giving her quite a few "wonderful" childhood memories.

They would either assign her a bunch of difficult training tasks, or ask her some thorny troubles, or ask her questions with a half-smile that made her scalp tingle.

People who aren't family don't enter the same door. If the master is like that, the mistress is probably not much different.

Cao Ying held her breath and quietly hid behind a pillar, only revealing her bright eyes, staring intently at the two people over there.

This time, it wasn't her master who said it to her, but rather Cai Lin's mistress who said to Sister Yun Yun—"This is going to be a good show!"

She even took out a small packet of melon seeds from her storage ring and started cracking them gently, her eyes never blinking, as if afraid of missing any detail.

Cai Lin had already noticed Cao Ying's subtle movements not far away, but she ignored them and didn't care. She had more important things to do now: to win over Yun Yun and find allies!

Chapter 124 Addressing Each Other as Sisters

Upon hearing this, Yun Yun was slightly taken aback, but she maintained her dignified and proper demeanor, bowing respectfully and replying, "Please speak, Mistress. Yun Yun is all ears."

Cai Lin took a light step forward, her skirt embroidered with dark gold patterns swaying slightly, and the distance between her and Yun Yun suddenly closed.

Her unique fragrance wafted over—a cool and elegant scent with the subtle fragrance of orchids, noble yet with a hint of the calm and steady scent of cedar, just like her, inspiring both awe and an irresistible urge to get closer and savor it.

"What do you think..." Cai Lin slowly began, her voice lower than before, yet with a gentler, more penetrating quality, like pearls falling onto a plate in the silent hall, carrying a sense of heartfelt sincerity: "What do you think of my Bai Chen?"

Yun Yun looked up and met Cai Lin's deep, beautiful eyes, as dark as the night sky.

Yun Yun always felt that there was another layer of meaning hidden in the words of the Mistress of Rainbow Scales, like an undercurrent surging beneath the calm surface of a lake.

However, with her romantic experience as pure as a blank sheet of paper, even with her intelligence, she couldn't fully understand this subtle test. She could only answer sincerely and simply, "Young master, your talent is unparalleled, your comprehension extraordinary, and your cultivation progresses by leaps and bounds; you are gentle and humble, never arrogant; your words are often witty and humorous, yet always measured. Moreover…"

She paused, then said softly but firmly, "Young Master has done Yun Yun a great favor. If it weren't for your rescue that day, Yun Yun would have already... Young Master is the most important benefactor in Yun Yun's life."

Cai Lin listened quietly, a barely perceptible smile appearing on her lips, then gently shook her head.

This girl's heart was as pure as a mountain stream, transparent and clear. But precisely because of this purity, it was difficult to approach her with roundabout words. So naive, how could she possibly understand the hidden meanings behind those words?

"What I mean is," Cai Lin said, making her point more directly, lowering her voice slightly, and hinting, "would you like to take things a step further and become someone close to Su Baichen?"

"Go a step further?" Yun Yun murmured, a moment of bewilderment appearing on her beautiful face.

Going a step further? With those close to you?

Isn't she already the young master's maid? Serving him daily, pouring tea and water, organizing his books, and occasionally listening to his lectures and explanations—shouldn't she be considered "his attendant"? And if things were to progress further…

Suddenly, a flash of inspiration cleaved through her confused thoughts like lightning! Yun Yun's breath hitched slightly, and a blush spread across her fair cheeks at a visible speed, from her ears all the way to her neck, like peach blossoms in March reflected in spring water.

She lowered her eyes unconsciously, her long eyelashes trembling slightly, her heart pounding in her chest like a drum.

Is that what you mean?

Although she was simple-minded, she wasn't stupid. How could she not understand after her mistress had spoken so plainly and given her such a meaningful look?

Once that thought took hold, it grew and entwined like a vine. To become the young master's...woman?

The idea was too bold, too romantic, and even made her feel a sense of treacherous fear towards her benefactor. Yet, deep within her heart, something was stirring, and an unspeakable expectation, long suppressed by her, was quietly breaking through the soil.

No, no!

Yun Yun pinched her palm sharply, using the slight sting to bring herself back to her senses. Perhaps this was the mistress testing her?

I wanted to see if this maid was obedient and well-behaved, or if she harbored any improper thoughts. How could she be so ignorant and arrogant?

"How...how could this be?" Yun Yun's voice was as soft as a mosquito's buzz, filled with inferiority and panic: "Yun Yun...Yun Yun is just an insignificant maidservant by your side, young master. To be able to serve you is already a great blessing, how dare I have any other improper thoughts?"

"What's wrong with the maid?" Cai Lin chuckled softly, her laughter devoid of sarcasm, instead carrying a hint of knowing understanding and tolerance from someone with experience. She reached out, her fingertips gently brushing against a strand of Yun Yun's hair that fell over her shoulder, the gesture natural and intimate.

“My younger sister, Cai Die, isn’t she a maid now?” Cai Lin’s tone softened, as if her older sister were chatting casually.

"But I've seen through that little girl's thoughts long ago. The light hidden in her eyes when she looks at Bai Chen can't be hidden from me. It's only natural that she would develop feelings for Bai Chen after being by his side every day. She will be one of Bai Chen's people sooner or later."

Yun Yun listened in a daze, her heart skipping a beat.

"As for you!" Cai Lin changed the subject, her gaze returning to Yun Yun's face with scrutiny and encouragement: "If you are willing, and with my assistance, things will be much simpler. I can let you start directly as a 'bedchamber maid'."

The words "serve the emperor in bed" exploded in Yun Yun's ears like a thunderclap, making her tremble and her cheeks burn.

Cai Lin seemed oblivious to her embarrassment and continued speaking calmly and persuasively: "Once you take this step and truly become his person, based on my understanding of Bai Chen's character, he is the most loyal and responsible. Once you have physical intimacy, he will never ignore you, much less treat you poorly."

She paused slightly, observing Yun Yun's reaction. Seeing that although Yun Yun was too ashamed to lift her head, she did not show any resistance or disgust, she felt somewhat confident. So she offered an even more tempting possibility.

“If you’re even luckier,” Cai Lin’s voice lowered further, as if sharing a wonderful secret.

"If you secretly conceive and give birth to a child for Bai Chen... then you'll have truly secured your position in the palace in one fell swoop. Bai Chen isn't heartless; she values ​​blood ties even more. At that time, who will dare to look down on you in the slightest?"

Having said that, Cai Lin said no more, but simply gazed at Yun Yun quietly and directly with her beautiful eyes that could see through people's hearts, waiting for her response.

"I...I...I..." Yun Yun felt her mind go blank, her heart racing, and she couldn't speak coherently. The shock came too suddenly and too directly; she was completely unprepared, as if she had been pushed to a crossroads of fate and had to make a choice immediately.

Cai Lin didn't urge her, but waited patiently, her fingertips still casually twirling Yun Yun's hair, her posture relaxed, as if she were discussing today's weather rather than deciding a woman's life-long matter.

Time passed slowly. Yun Yun's breathing gradually calmed down, the blush on her face hadn't faded, but the panic in her eyes slowly subsided.

She recalled the first time she met the young master, when he descended like a god in her time of crisis, rescuing her from dire straits. She remembered the days spent by his side; he never treated her as a lowly servant, and when guiding her in her cultivation, he was patient and meticulous. Occasionally, when she made clumsy mistakes, he would simply smile helplessly and never be harsh with her.

She recalled the radiance in his eyes when he was chatting and laughing, the profile of his face when he sat quietly reading, and the focused expression when he was refining elixirs... every little detail had been unknowingly and deeply imprinted in her heart.

Yes, how could she not have expectations?

But that expectation was wrapped up in layers of "duty," "gratitude," and "not daring to dream," buried deep in the most secret corner of her heart, something she herself dared not easily touch.

Now, the mistress of the Rainbow Scales has ruthlessly torn through this barrier, and the suppressed emotions have surged forth like water bursting its banks.

What kind of good maid is one who doesn't want to improve herself? Besides, this is something that the mistress herself approved and even actively facilitated!

It's an opportunity that fell from the sky! If you miss it, you'll probably never have another chance in your life.

In just a few breaths, Yun Yun's mind was in turmoil.

Finally, she raised her head, the last trace of hesitation in her eyes vanished, replaced by a do-or-die determination, and two small flames seemed to ignite in her clear eyes.

She took a deep breath, no longer avoiding Cai Lin's gaze, and said clearly and forcefully, word by word, "Mistress Cai Lin, I want it! I want... to become the young master's woman!"

Saying those words seemed to have exhausted all her strength, yet it also brought an unprecedented sense of ease and resolve.

Chapter 125 Cao Ying's Cognitive Collapse

"it is good!"

The serious expression on Cai Lin's face, which had been holding a hint of scrutiny and guidance, melted away the moment she heard Yun Yun's words, like ice meeting the sun in spring, and blossomed into a bright and sincere smile.

That smile was so bright that it instantly washed away her usual aloof and noble air, adding a touch of warmth and humanity.

She immediately released her hand from playing with Yun Yun's hair, and instead grasped Yun Yun's soft hand, which was slightly sweaty from nervousness, tightly in her palm. That hand was warm and soft, carrying a soothing power.

"That's more like it!" Cai Lin's voice was filled with relief and joy, and her tone became exceptionally light and affectionate: "From now on, please don't call me 'Mistress' anymore, it's too formal!"

She took Yunyun's hand and patted it gently, her eyes filled with tenderness: "Since you have this intention, we can be considered family now. I am a few years older than you, if you don't mind, you can call me 'elder sister' like Caidie does:

This change in attitude was as smooth and natural as flowing water.

From the aloof and unpredictable matriarch to the confidante and scheming "elder sister," Cai Lin switched roles seamlessly.

"Don't worry." Cai Lin leaned closer, her voice full of reassuring promises: "With your sister here, I will definitely make sure everything is taken care of for you. As long as I have food to eat here, you will never be shortchanged. I will never mistreat my own people."

She spoke the words "our own people" with exceptional clarity and weight.