A part of play

“Stay close to me.”
Having achieved her goal, Chen Xueli formed a hand seal—a special technique to conceal aura.
Not just the charm’s fragrance; even if she unleashed demonic energy, it would vanish tracelessly.

“Mm…”
Su Wanqing nodded lightly, clutching Chen Xueli’s hem, hiding behind her.

Her current state was bizarre—any glance would raise suspicion.
For her reputation, she took several deep breaths en route, regaining some normalcy before re-entering.

Though still flushed and dazed, it wasn’t immediately obvious.
No mask this time—Chen Xueli held it and wouldn’t return it.

Part reason: bringing Su Wanqing back masked would complicate explaining to Qiao Jinxuan.

Mostly, though, Chen Xueli’s mischief—she loved Su Wanqing’s pitifully shy demeanor.
She concealed the aura but could still smell the charm’s scent—and adored it.

“…”
Chen Xueli glanced instinctively at the arm Su Wanqing kept covered; even clothed, she sensed the mark’s crimson pulse.
Re-entering, Su Wanqing’s unveiled beauty drew no attention thanks to the concealment.
But one gaze spotted them: Qiao Jinxuan, waiting puzzled on the second floor.

“Hm?”
Seeing Su Wanqing behind Chen Xueli, Qiao Jinxuan froze a second.

She thought it a mistake until they sat beside her—indeed Qiongxiao Elder Su Wanqing.
Glancing at Su Wanqing, then Chen Xueli, tension rose.

She’d just witnessed Chen Xueli’s rare, terrifying anger…
Rumors said Senior Sister Chen cultivated the rare Heartless Path.

Days together hadn’t disproved it—Chen Xueli’s teasing was cold mockery.
Until Elder Su appeared…

What could provoke such fury from a Heartless cultivator?
Despite curiosity, Qiao Jinxuan greeted nervously.

“El… Elder Su?”
Facing a peak master—especially Su Wanqing—she was tense.
Her loud response was quickly hushed.

“How are you…!”
“Shh—”
Chen Xueli signaled silence; Qiao Jinxuan covered her mouth, whispering curiously:
“Elder Su, why are you here?”

“…”
In her state, Su Wanqing couldn’t reply—speaking at close range would reveal anomalies.
She turned away, biting her lip, feigning aloofness while flushed.
Under the table, she pinched Chen Xueli hard—message clear.
Chen Xueli explained coldly, cooperatively.

“Master has a secret mission—can’t disclose.”
“We investigated the wrong direction; this isn’t our scope.”
She knew her earlier rage was careless—Qiao Jinxuan likely doubted her cultivation path.

“Oh…”
Qiao Jinxuan vaguely understood Su Wanqing’s reticence, nodding at her odd state.
To others, Su Wanqing was an ice beauty—interaction was miracle enough.
But her flush worried Qiao Jinxuan.

“Elder Su’s face is so red—is she alright?”
“Nothing; Master’s alcohol tolerance is… hiss… low. Those girls forced some drinks.”
As Chen Xueli said “low tolerance,” Su Wanqing pinched harder.
Even this two-cup lightweight beside her dared claim her tolerance poor?

No one in Heavenly Sword Pavilion questioned Su Wanqing’s drinking!
But in her state, she swallowed the grievance.

Pinching was her only outlet—resentment toward the rebel.
She regretted agreeing rashly—not the agreement itself.

She couldn’t gamble on Chen Xueli bluffing; losing meant ruin.
She regretted lowering her guard.
Without it, no opportunity for the rebel—why suffer now?

Immediate agreement would’ve spared enduring until departure…
The drug’s effects stabilized—no escalation, but torturously near collapse, never crossing the threshold.

Chen Xueli dosed perfectly—maximum stimulation within tolerance.
Mere moments in, Su Wanqing sweated profusely.

Twelve hours? Her mind would shatter, leaving a husk.

“Oh~ I see.”
Chen Xueli’s explanation dispelled Qiao Jinxuan’s doubts.
Late sect entry and disinterest in alcohol—she knew nothing of Su Wanqing’s prowess.

“Senior Sister, don’t you cultivate the Heartless Path? Why just now…”
After thought, Qiao Jinxuan voiced her question.
Chen Xueli had a ready excuse.

“Recent worries affected my emotions—uncontrollable.”
Vague like Su Wanqing’s sect leader excuses—most convincing.
Qiao Jinxuan’s suspicions vanished.

“Be careful; Heartless Path forbids emotions—else cultivation wastes, or fall to demonic ways.”

“Mm.”

“…”
Su Wanqing shot Chen Xueli a sour glance.
Demonic ways? Praising this rebel?

None more “demonic” than her.
Chen Xueli’s cold “mm” ended the talk.
Awkward silence fell.

All sipped tea, minds elsewhere.
Qiao Jinxuan worried about clues; Chen Xueli plotted post-mission “fun” with Master.

Su Wanqing thought nothing—just endured.
Ten minutes later, Chen Xueli broke the ice.

“Junior Sister, pay attention.”
“Time’s up—the key figure arrives.”
“Catch him when he leaves.”

“Y-yes…”
At imminent action, Qiao Jinxuan sat ramrod straight.
Her serious facade belied trembling teacup hands—nerves clear.

“No need to tense; too obvious backfires.”

“I fear him escaping.”
“Elder Yang’s with others investigating villages—if we can’t beat him…”

“No issue.”
Chen Xueli was relaxed.

“Forget Master’s here? He won’t escape.”

“Heh—”
“Right, Master?”
She coldly smiled at her increasingly unwell Master.
To outsiders, emotionless; to Su Wanqing, triumphant mischief.

Chen Xueli saw through her intent—drawing Qiao Jinxuan’s eyes deliberately.
She was at her limit…

So uncomfortable—craving release, even solitary “relief.”

Drug-tortured, Su Wanqing’s mind clouded.
Her hand unconsciously drifted to her abdomen—and lower…