Chapter 8: I thought you were flirting with me~

‘This.’

‘Am I hearing things? Or am I dreaming?’

‘Junior Sister said she likes me and never wants to be separated. What does that mean?’

‘Is it that kind of like?’

‘Could it be… like me? No, that’s not right.’

‘Junior Sister is so innocent if she likes someone, it must be an innocent liking’

‘It’s a simple affection similar to that between friends or a master and disciple, which is why she would say she likes the Sect Master… that should be the meaning, right?’

‘It’s not the same kind of like as the one in my heart.’

‘I almost misunderstood. That was close.’

Song Ruoxue tried hard to suppress her emotions. “Little Li, why would you say that?”

“Because… Little Li really likes the Sect Master, and I really like life in the Sword Sect.” Su Li’er looked down at her own toes, the sound of her heart beating in her ears.

“I see.” Song Ruoxue smiled in relief. “I understand what Little Li means.”

“Ah… the Sect Master understands?” Su Li’er was dazed.

“Little Li must work hard. In the future, when the Sword Sect recruits disciples, you will become an outstanding senior sister and be liked by many people,” Song Ruoxue said slowly.

“O-okay.” Su Li’er pouted, then put on a smile. “Little Li will do her best!”

‘As expected.’

‘The big ice cold Sect Master still rejected me… she’s so hard to deal with.’

‘Is it because I’m not good-looking enough?’

‘Or is it because my performance wasn’t good enough?’

‘Ah, wuwuwu, my lifespan is running out, and winning over the Sect Master is still a distant dream!’

‘What am I supposed to do!’

‘I can only take it one step at a time for now…’

‘Judging by the Sect Master’s reaction, the affection level should have been pulled back a little…’

‘This is really too difficult.’

‘Little Li, oh, Little Li, you are a fox of supreme intelligence. What is the best course of action now!’

—Bite!

A lightbulb went off in her head.

Since the Sect Leader is too cold and unapproachable, they can only play it safe and develop their strength first.

‘I won’t attack for now. I’ll find a suitable opportunity and take her down in one fell swoop!’

‘I absolutely cannot speak recklessly anymore. I must be quiet, I must be obedient. Since I can’t succeed by attacking, then I’ll defend!’

In just a few short seconds, Su Li’er had formulated a plan!

‘This is the IQ of a genius fox. Aren’t you envious?’

—Meow, meow, meow.

A strange sound came from the woods.

“Eh? There’s a fox here?” Su Li’er came back to her senses and suddenly noticed a small fox hiding by the woods. She was somewhat interested.

Her wrist was suddenly seized.

“Foxes are no good.” Song Ruoxue’s face turned cold.

In the mountain forest, a wave of coldness instantly surged.

Su Li’er shivered and tried to pull her wrist back. “Um… Sect Master? Little Li’s hand hurts a little.”

Song Ruoxue regained her composure. “Sorry.”

Then, with a thought, she sent a wave of killing intent towards the little fox behind the trees. The little fox was instantly frightened and fled in a panic, soon disappearing without a trace.

Su Li’er watched, dumbfounded, a drop of cold sweat sliding down her forehead.

‘Does the big ice cold Sect Master have some great enmity with foxes?’

She didn’t dare to speak, trembling with fear.

Song Ruoxue explained in a slightly gentle tone, “Little Li, you are too kind.”

Su Li’er blinked blankly. “Little Li doesn’t understand.”

“Foxes are all wicked to the core. Even if they take human form, they are still villains. These kinds of creatures must be killed!” Song Ruoxue explained gently, word by word.

‘What kind of outrageous statement is this, sister!’

Su Li’er only felt a chill seep into her bones, a fear that made her marrow ache!

‘Did a fox dig up your ancestral grave? Or did one strip you naked and humiliate your character?’

‘Why do you have such great malice towards foxes!’

“Sect Master, this… isn’t this a bit too absolute?” Su Li’er muttered fearfully.

“Little Li.” Song Ruoxue said earnestly, “Since ancient times, the fox clan recorded in history has always had a bad reputation. They are all complete villains. Although they don’t commit heinous crimes, they manipulate people’s hearts and play with emotions. What they do is, in a sense, even more detestable than murder. And most importantly, they are skilled at acting and deceiving, able to trick you into a complete tizzy!”

“Uh…” Su Li’er was speechless.

“So, a pure child like Little Li must remember, cherish life and stay away from foxes!” Song Ruoxue instructed, her expression resembling that of a concerned mother.

Su Li’er slandered in her heart. ‘This, this isn’t right, is it? Why do I feel like I’m being called out?’

‘Which bastard fox ruined our reputation!’

Su Li’er stood rooted to the spot, extremely conflicted. What should she do now?

Her immense self-confidence suddenly dissipated. She was so flustered, so scared!

‘No, you are a clever fox. You must learn to counter every move!’

“Sect Master, then what if… a member of the fox clan wants to join our Sword Sect? What should we do?” Su Li’er tried to speak as calmly as possible, although she was already trembling.

“Well…” Song Ruoxue narrowed her eyes, then said nonchalantly, even with a hint of gentleness, “I will let the fox taste all the suffering of the mortal world.”

“The suffering… of the mortal world?” Su Li’er was horrified.

“Little Li, don’t ask anymore.” Song Ruoxue chuckled lightly. “This isn’t something a child should be asking.”

“Ah, okay.” Su Li’er nodded in lingering fear.

For a moment, countless terrifying images seemed to flash before her eyes.

Like a fox being hung up and whipped viciously, being sliced open layer by layer with a small knife, being thrown into a wok of boiling oil to sizzle, being locked in a small dark room to decompose into a pile of dry bones…

‘This, this, this, this… it’s-it’s over!’

Su Li’er had never imagined in her life that the big ice cold Sect Master would hold such great malice towards foxes!

‘This is unreasonable!’

‘I want to cry, wuwuwu.’

‘Is there anyone who can come and defend the foxes!’

‘Not all foxes are bad , they are all good foxes, hey… wuwuwu.’

“Once we’re down the mountain, stay close to me,” Song Ruoxue said softly.

Coming back to her senses, Su Li’er quickly composed herself. “Okay.”

At the same time, an alarm bell rang in her heart, echoing through the past, present, and future, so loud it felt like it would shatter her brain.

‘—Absolutely, I must not expose my identity!’

****

After descending the mountain, there was a very long village path.

After walking for about half an hour, they finally reached the market. It was completely different from what Su Li’er had imagined.

It was so bustling!

If it weren’t for the fact that the building was still a bit old, Su Li’er would have thought she had returned to Earth!

The restaurants, resembling rows of cookies, stretch along a seemingly endless cobblestone road, and the air is filled with the aroma of various delicacies.

The shouts of vendors filled her ears.

Of course, it would be better if there were fewer people.

Su Li’er was a bit uncomfortable from being squeezed. Afraid of causing trouble, she was timid and didn’t dare to push forward.

Suddenly, her small hand was enveloped in a cool touch, bony and distinct, with a bit of strength that made it slightly painful.

Her heart fluttered for a moment. ‘Doesn’t the big ice block Sect Master dislike me?’

‘Why…’

“Sect Master?” Su Li’er called out in a very soft voice.

Walking a little ahead, Song Ruoxue glanced over slightly, then pushed forward without looking back. “I’m afraid you’ll get lost. Hold on tight.”

Su Li’er had a sudden realization. “Okay~, Little Li will hold on tight!”

‘Big ice block Sect Master, you’re being a little ambiguous!’

‘Saying things like that can actually tempt me, so don’t do it again!’

‘I thought you were flirting with me~’

‘Turns out you were just afraid I’d get lost!’