Chapter 14: Me, ? For Real?

If Leng Qingqiu hadn’t kept binding him with ice chains and groping him with that obsessive look, Chu Huaizhou might’ve actually started treating her like a dao companion.

But he had no idea his earlier words were like a spark in a powder keg, reigniting Leng Qingqiu’s barely calmed emotions.
Hearing his praise, she trembled, her back snapping straight, the ornate cloud-patterned waistband accentuating her breathtaking curves.
Biting her lip, her usually cold, regal phoenix eyes turned hazy, her voluptuous thighs beneath her skirt rubbing together.
Her breathing quickened, and she let out a soft hum.
“Mmm…”

Master said she was beautiful!
He said her smile was beautiful!
Master always did this—catching her off guard with words that made her shy. How could she resist?
His earlier words seemed to confirm her as his dao companion.
So, doing something a bit bold should be fine, right?

Her rapid shift was unmasked, and with them sitting by the window, the sunlight made every detail clear.
His normally composed, icy disciple’s eyes shimmered with emotion, her snowy cheeks flushed, her chest heaving with each breath.
Was Qingqiu… blushing?
Chu Huaizhou’s scalp tingled. This reaction was too much!
No way, right? He’d only said her smile was beautiful. Was that such a trigger?
No, no, this wouldn’t do.

Just as he’d started to relax, tension surged back. If Leng Qingqiu got carried away again and bound him with ice chains like before, he’d have no excuse to escape!
Sensing the atmosphere turning dangerous, he shot a pleading look at Bai Li.
But Bai Li, still guilty from being caught and terrified of Leng Qingqiu, met his gaze for a second before stiffly turning to stare at her own tails.
What a fine tail, meow.

Before he could think further, Leng Qingqiu grabbed his arm.
“Uh?! Qing-Qingqiu?”
He subtly shifted half an inch away.
“What… what’s up?”

“Huaizhou.”
Her voice trembled, cutting him off.
“Do you know? When you were unconscious, I watched you like this every day…”
She leaned closer, the scent of snow plum blossoms enveloping him.
“Watching your lashes flutter, listening to your breathing, even…”
Her jade finger tapped his chest.
“…counting your heartbeats.”
“So… could you praise me again?”

Chu Huaizhou shivered. What was this?
Her words sounded like a wife longing for her husband after a long separation.
But coming from her, why did they feel so… off?
His back pressed against the chair, he blurted nervously, “Um, Qingqiu, I appreciate your care, and I’ll remember it. But I’m tired today. Can we talk tomorrow?”

She didn’t reply, just smiled and leaned closer.
From afar, Bai Li wanted to rush over and yell, Bad woman, let my human go!
But she knew she couldn’t beat Leng Qingqiu—she’d likely get thrashed.
So she turned away again, covering her ears with her paws.
Come on, human, don’t lose to the bad woman!

At this critical moment, a sapphire-blue ice-crystal butterfly flew in, landing on Leng Qingqiu’s shoulder.
She paused, halting her advance, and sat back.
To those familiar with her, this butterfly was a known emergency communication token from her Cold Abyss Dynasty.
Closing her eyes, she probed the message. Moments later, her eyes opened, the ambiguous warmth replaced by icy focus.
She looked at Chu Huaizhou seriously.
“Master, I have urgent matters to handle. I need to return.”

Chu Huaizhou was thrilled, eager for her to leave.
“Alright, go handle your business!”
But he regretted his haste—did that sound like he was shooing her? He added, “Is something wrong with your dynasty?”

Leng Qingqiu pursed her lips, her expression complex.
“No, it’s about you.”
“Huh? Me? Did I do something bad?”

She shook her head.
“Quite the opposite. A Great Vehicle peak demon’s seal is loosening, and you’re needed to handle it.”

Chu Huaizhou: ???
Me, early Golden Core, fighting a Great Vehicle peak demon? For real?

After Leng Qingqiu’s explanation, Chu Huaizhou roughly understood.
In short, his tribulation coincided with the loosening of this demon’s seal.
He’d planned to reinforce the seal but, in a bold move, declared it unnecessary—he’d just eliminate the demon himself.
Who’d have thought he’d pass out for a month post-tribulation, losing most of his memories and cultivation?
Leng Qingqiu’s message confirmed the seal was weakening, with the demon showing signs of breaking free.
Nearby towns were suffering—some residents bled pus from their orifices, others grew toxic mushrooms from cracked skin. If left unchecked, it’d be catastrophic.

She needed to set up arrays to delay the demon’s escape and suppress the news.
If other sects learned of this and deduced Chu Huaizhou’s condition, it could spell trouble.
If he recalled correctly, in the game’s setting, Heavenly Origin Sword Sect was only on good terms with Heavenly Derivation Sect. The others? Not so much.
Thanks to him, Heavenly Origin Sword Sect’s top combat power was unrivaled.
But a tree too tall attracts storms—such dominance could unite the other six sects against them.
He guessed this was why his three disciples had founded their own factions—to avoid drawing too much attention.
If those sects learned he’d lost nearly all his cultivation, the consequences were unthinkable.
Qingqiu was working hard to cover for him.

After quickly explaining, Leng Qingqiu stood to leave.
“Huaizhou, I’ll go now. Rest well. Oh, and wear this.”
From her storage ring, she produced a delicate blue necklace with an ice-crystal sword pendant.
“This protects against most charm and illusion techniques and can unleash a strike equivalent to my full power in danger.”
“Keep it on. Don’t take it off.”

“Okay.”
Chu Huaizhou nodded, letting her put it on him.
But… why was it so tight? Like a collar.