Chapter 14: A Mother’s Visit and a New Wardrobe

Meanwhile, Su Yun was currently exploring her new body in her residence.

Her face was flushed, and she lay exhausted on the bed. Her expression clearly indicated she had engaged in something intensely stimulating while exploring her new form.

“Hmph… Dammit, is this what a woman’s body feels like? It seems a bit too stimulating. I almost couldn’t hold back just now, I acted impulsively! This sensation truly can’t compare to when I was a man. Ah! I’m going crazy, going crazy! Su Yun, you’ve fallen! You said you’d only ‘check it out,’ but how did you get carried away?” Su Yun chastised herself, patting her forehead.

After calming her emotions, Su Yun pulled the covers over herself and fell into a deep sleep. She was indeed quite weary.

****

The sect competition continued even after the Spirit Sword Mountain disciples departed. However, their presence had irrevocably altered its essence.

Soon, as dusk settled and the sun dipped below the horizon, the day’s proceedings concluded.

Following the assembly, Su Muxue transformed into a streak of light and departed. She needed to make arrangements for her daughter’s departure from the Moonfall Sect and enrollment into Spirit Sword Mountain the following day, leaving her no time to confront Han Heng for the moment.

“Elder Han, you were in charge of recruiting disciples this year, weren’t you? What are your thoughts on it?” the Grand Elder inquired, speaking up as soon as Su Muxue vacated her seat.

While the Spirit Sword Mountain representatives were present, they had refrained from making any divisive remarks. Now that the day’s assembly was over, however, they were certainly intent on causing trouble.

Their defeat had been utterly humiliating, especially concerning the new disciples. This outcome essentially declared that the Moonfall Sect would be suppressed by Spirit Sword Mountain for a considerable period to come.

In the past, even when they lost, it was never such a one-sided affair; at least a few disciples would hold their own. But today, only two Moonfall Sect disciples had managed to secure a victory, and even those were hard-won.

“Grand Elder, what is the meaning of this?” Han Heng demanded, his voice laced with anger.

The Grand Elder chuckled, then his tone grew stern as he questioned him.

“Meaning? I mean nothing in particular. The Sect Master holds back because of your seniority, unwilling to embarrass you directly. But I am your Senior Brother, and I won’t be so lenient with my words. Look at the disciples you recruited this year! What kind of state are they in? Did you not see it yourself? Most have poor dispositions, hesitant and fearful in battle. Especially those from your Han family! You used your authority to bring in so many of your relatives—was there even a single promising talent among them?”

Though Han Heng’s expression turned grim, he found himself utterly unable to refute the Grand Elder’s furious accusations.

****

Some fifteen minutes later, at Su Yun’s residence, Su Muxue descended from the sky, landing directly before Su Yun’s room door. She first pushed on the door, and finding it locked from within, immediately used her divine sense to probe the situation inside.

‘Sleeping, are we? Understandable. After such bizarre events today, anyone would be emotionally drained,’ Su Muxue mused. Instead of entering through the main door, she transformed into a streak of light, phasing through the window and quietly settling herself beside Su Yun’s bed.

Gazing at her sleeping daughter, Su Muxue felt a familiar pang of reluctance and conflicting emotions.

The words she had spoken yesterday were meant to reassure Su Yun, to free her from worries. Yet, in truth, Su Muxue was heartbroken at the prospect of her departure.

After all, Su Yun had been by her side for over a decade. With her sudden departure looming, Su Muxue anticipated a return to loneliness and tedium.

Su Yun was particularly adept at cheering her up. With her daughter around, Su Muxue’s days were often filled with continuous joy and laughter.

Still, she had to respect Su Yun’s choice. Children, once grown, were destined to leave their parents’ side.

“Ah, my little rascal,” Su Muxue whispered, reaching out to caress Su Yun’s cheek. “Your mother will do everything in her power to fulfill your wishes and unconditionally support your choices. Yet, the path of cultivation is uncertain, fraught with unknown risks. Once you leave your mother’s side, you must be careful in all things.” As she spoke, she gently released her spiritual power, coaxing Su Yun into an even deeper slumber.

Then, leaning down slightly, she pressed a soft kiss to Su Yun’s forehead.

After the tender kiss, she quietly lay down beside Su Yun.

“Oh, how much cuter you were as a child,” Su Muxue sighed. “You never refused your mother then. Now that you’re grown, you won’t even allow a hug.” She gently lifted the covers and softly embraced Su Yun.

If she didn’t hold her today, it would be difficult in the future. Yet, as she drew back the covers, she discovered Su Yun was sleeping completely naked.

“Little rascal,” Su Muxue murmured, a hint of exasperation in her voice. “You’re a girl now. You can’t just sleep naked like this anymore. If anyone saw you, it would put you at a disadvantage.”

She held Su Yun throughout the entire night, her eyes remaining open until dawn approached. Only then did she quietly depart from Su Yun’s room. She needed to use the remaining time to prepare some necessities for her precious daughter, such as clothes. Su Yun currently didn’t even have her own garments; she couldn’t possibly go to Spirit Sword Mountain wearing her mother’s attire.

****

In the early morning, as the sun crested the mountains, Su Yun finally opened her eyes with a look of contentment, sat up, and stretched languidly.

“Ah, how wonderful,” Su Yun sighed. “It’s been so long since I’ve slept this comfortably.”

Suddenly, however, Su Yun wrinkled her nose. She seemed to detect a very familiar fragrance. Tracing the scent, she quickly realized it originated from right beside her.

“Huh? No way,” Su Yun muttered. ‘Did Mom secretly visit while I was asleep? And even shared my bed?’ She sniffed the scent within her covers, finding it permeated entirely with Su Muxue’s fragrance.

The reason Su Yun had consistently avoided intimacy with Su Muxue since gaining self-awareness was precisely her fear of developing inappropriate feelings for her. After all, she wasn’t truly a child.

Just as Su Yun felt a blush creep onto her face, a knock sounded from outside the door.

“Knock, knock! Little rascal, are you awake?” It was Su Muxue’s voice.

Su Yun immediately scrambled out of bed.

“Ah? Coming, coming! Just let me put on some clothes first!” Su Yun hastily called back.

Outside the door, Su Muxue rolled her eyes.

“What clothes are you talking about? I’ve prepared new ones for you. You can’t possibly go to Spirit Sword Mountain wearing my clothes, can you? Open the door!” Su Muxue reiterated.

Su Yun paused, then, after a moment’s thought, realized, ‘She’s right.’ She quickly wrapped her body in an outer garment, went to the door, and opened it.

As the door swung open, Su Muxue walked in, a cheerful smile gracing her lips.

“Mother, did you secretly come here last night?” Su Yun asked, pouting slightly.

Su Muxue did not deny it.

“Hmm, what’s wrong?” she replied. “You’re leaving soon, so of course I wanted to spend a night with my precious child. Last night, I worried you might resist, so I used my power to help you sleep more soundly. Come, take a look at these clothes. I rushed to the mortal realm overnight to buy them.” Upon entering the room, Su Muxue raised her hand and, in the next instant, a multitude of gift boxes flew out from her storage artifact, nearly filling Su Yun’s entire room.

Su Yun stared at the numerous colorful boxes, utterly dumbfounded.

She stepped forward and casually opened one of the boxes, revealing a beautifully crafted set of maiden’s attire neatly arranged inside.

“This… there’s so much,” Su Yun said, feeling somewhat speechless. “How could I possibly wear all of these?”

Su Muxue offered an awkward smile.

“I didn’t know what colors or styles you’d like,” Su Muxue replied innocently. “Besides, I didn’t have much time to choose, so I just bought everything suitable.”

After flipping through several outfits, Su Yun found herself inexplicably drawn to red, perhaps a subconscious pull from her Phoenix bloodline.

Previously, she would have certainly disliked such vibrant colors.

“I’ll wear this set first,” Su Yun stated. “We can deal with the rest later.”

Female attire was clearly unavoidable, and Su Yun could only resign herself to it.

“Alright then! Come, let Mother help you get dressed and make you look beautiful,” Su Muxue offered enthusiastically.

In the past, Su Yun would have definitely refused, as she was genuinely uncomfortable being naked in front of her beautiful mother.

However, given their imminent separation and her current female body, she didn’t overthink it.

As Su Muxue helped Su Yun dress, she continuously admonished her, reminding her that as a girl now, she couldn’t be as casual as before, lest others take advantage of her.

She also cautioned Su Yun to be careful when outside, not to trust people indiscriminately, and always prioritize her own safety.

Su Yun nodded repeatedly in agreement.

The clothes Su Muxue had purchased were all rather girlish in style. After all, Su Yun was only twelve years old, so she hadn’t bought any overly mature attire.

Moments later, a pure and innocent young girl, adorned in a knee-length embroidered red dress with a matching red ribbon tied in her hair, appeared in the room.

“There, all done,” Su Muxue declared, her hand gently caressing Su Yun’s cheek as she gazed at her slightly awkward daughter. “Mmm, truly wonderful. So adorable! You are indeed my child, Su Muxue’s offspring, whether a boy or a girl, utterly delightful.”