Twenty-Five: The Elixir

How long have I been asleep?

Nan Jiumu replied respectfully, “To answer Master, twenty-one days have passed.”

“Mm.”

Mu Qingsi gave a slight nod. “Yun Qingyi is within the sect, I presume?”

“To answer Master, she is.”

“Good.”

****

“Ha—”

With eyes still half-closed, Gu Bei leaned against the headboard, gradually pushing himself upright.

‘The same dream for days on end… Am I truly missing Master after only a few days away?’ he mused aloud, smacking his lips.

Peculiarly, ever since his departure, each night he succumbed to sleep, he found himself reliving past events, a recurring cycle that had persisted for several consecutive nights.

“Young Master Gu, are you awake?” A maid’s gentle, deferential voice drifted from beyond the door.

Gu Bei pursed his lips. “I’m awake. I’ll be there shortly.”

Three days had passed since Gu Bei’s departure from the Minor Sword Sect, his return to the Hundred Hunt Gate personally overseen by Yu Qiuqiao herself.

In preparation for the sparring match scheduled in half a month, his cultivation had once more soared to the peak of Qi Condensation—a potent, explosive surge! What force could possibly impede his progress now?

—Naturally, this rapid advancement was the direct result of Yu Qiuqiao’s liberal use of elixirs.

Indeed, Yu Qiuqiao even intended to procure some heavenly materials and earthly treasures, aiming to directly elevate his cultivation to the Foundation Establishment realm.

Yet, he had heard that the success rate would not be high, supposedly due to an issue with his Dao heart.

Though he didn’t fully grasp the concept, he consistently felt an underlying sense of unease or incompleteness.

Many things felt this way.

However, life, at its core, was an art of compromise, a truth he had long since come to accept.

Should he refuse to compromise and directly confront the demoness Yu, he would merely explode, self-destructing without consequence.

He wouldn’t even be able to splatter her with a drop of his blood.

From the moment Gu Bei had arrived, Yu Qiuqiao had, after all, been systematically tormenting him with a slow, deliberate cruelty.

Gu Bei could, in fact, surmise the underlying cause, for there was but a single transgression that might have genuinely displeased Young Miss Yu.

—Before Yu Qiuqiao’s departure, she had entrusted him with a communication artifact, yet he had chosen to contact Ning Wanzhuang.

‘Heh, that almost sounds as if Young Miss Yu was consumed by jealousy.’

Gu Bei scoffed lightly, settling on the edge of his bed to pull on his long boots.

‘Hmm… could it be that the demoness’s torment of me is, in some twisted sense, a form of flirtatious banter?’

As Gu Bei pondered this, an unconscious smile graced his lips, and even his previously funereal mood lifted considerably.

He merely pulled on his boots and an outer garment; he harbored no habit of wearing jade, much less elaborately styling his hair. After all, his Master, Mu Qingsi, perpetually eschewed makeup and adornments, her long, inky black hair, like a cascading waterfall, simply tied back with casual indifference, never even gathered into a formal bun.

Mu Qingsi herself never bothered, and with her being his sole elder, Gu Bei naturally followed suit.

Nan Jiumu, however, was adept at styling hair, but asking his junior disciple brother to bind his own…

‘That would be a bit too intimate, to be honest.’

Thus, at times, even when fully dressed, he retained a somewhat unkempt air. Yet, fortunately, while his looks were merely passable, Gu Bei’s inherent temperament was quite agreeable.

While one might not describe him as gentle as jade, a mild disposition was certainly fitting.

Consequently, his hair was managed in precisely the same fashion as his Master’s—a simple tie-back sufficed.

Why, then, did Nan Jiumu consistently permit her senior disciple brother to maintain such an unkempt appearance?

Because she found it rather appealing.

While Gu Bei, in certain formal settings, might don splendid, relatively formal attire entirely devoid of ornamentation, relying solely on the scholarly aura cultivated from over a decade of arduous study in his past life, Yu Qiuqiao, by stark contrast, favored simple, fitted martial wear daily, completely bypassing any complex dressing rituals.

What Gu Bei failed to realize was that each time Young Miss Yu saw him dressed in such a manner, she perceived it as a subtle act of defiance.

Just like now.

The maid escorted Gu Bei to the main hall, where she gently pushed open the door for him.

Once Gu Bei had stepped over the threshold, she quietly withdrew.

Yu Qiuqiao lifted her gaze, her eyes briefly appraising Gu Bei.

A fleeting flicker of displeasure crossed her foxy eyes.

This hint of displeasure remained unconcealed, revealing itself fully and unapologetically to Gu Bei.

In a sense, Yu Qiuqiao’s overtly disdainful gaze contributed to Gu Bei’s reluctance to be there.

Yet, what recourse did his unwillingness offer?

When one is under another’s roof, one must inevitably bow their head.

“Come, drink some tea first,” Yu Qiuqiao stated blandly.

Gu Bei remained silent, nodding his agreement before taking a seat opposite Yu Qiuqiao.

He lifted the teacup—

“Young Master Gu, are you unwilling to utter even a single word to Qiuqiao?” Yu Qiuqiao inquired with a faint smile.

“I merely find myself at a loss for words,” Gu Bei replied, his gaze fixed on the tea, upon which he gently blew twice.

“Young Master Gu’s demeanor has shifted considerably from what it once was.”

“Yes, Fairy Yu is correct. However, I am capable of change.” Gu Bei’s voice remained resolutely unenthusiastic.

In truth, it wasn’t a sudden shift to an unyielding demeanor; rather, he surmised that a slight struggle on his part might make Young Miss Yu’s torment all the more gratifying for her.

He was, in essence, projecting his own inclinations; after all, in his previous life, when perusing certain unspeakable tomes, he had always favored narratives akin to ‘the tribulations of a female knight.’ One couldn’t simply surrender at once; a slow, drawn-out process was far more compelling.

Only at the very climax would he finally yield and sing praises of conquest.

At that point, the sense of conquest would reach its peak.

While Gu Bei considered himself far from brilliant, even a fool’s myriad thoughts could yield a single insight. This was especially true when a fool entered Sage Mode (TL Note: A state of calm clarity and introspection, often following an intense emotional or physical experience), where such gains were likely to multiply.

He reasoned that since his early obsequiousness hadn’t earned him Yu Qiuqiao’s clemency, he might as well try a more flamboyant approach, adopting the persona of a standard, righteous disciple.

Perhaps then, when he eventually capitulated, Young Miss Yu’s sense of accomplishment would be so profound that the novelty of the situation would fade into insignificance.

“What is this? Have you… found a master, that you now dare to snarl at me?”

“Fairy Yu’s words are rather unpleasant,” Gu Bei stated, his brow furrowing slightly in displeasure. “I merely agreed to serve under Fairy Ning for three years; there is no mention of a ‘master’ in that arrangement.”

“Even if such a term were applicable, my true Master is my own teacher.” His tone once again became flat.

Yu Qiuqiao propped her chin on her hand, her smile unwavering, yet the warmth in her eyes steadily diminished.

“Young Master Gu, can you guess what might be in this cup of tea that Qiuqiao has offered you?”

“Oh? I am eager to hear the details.” A disquieting premonition stirred within Gu Bei.

“Fire Plume Yang Grass,” Yu Qiuqiao drawled, “a heavenly material and earthly treasure exclusively for male cultivators, ranked four hundred thirty-first on the List of Wonders. It is remarkably efficacious in fortifying one’s foundation and elevating the quality of internal spiritual energy. Should it be consumed before Core Formation, a wisp of Phoenix Fire will manifest within the core upon its completion, proving superior for both defensive maneuvers and alchemical pursuits.”

“Many thanks, Fairy Yu, for your generous gift,” Gu Bei uttered, yet the unsettling premonition within him intensified.

“Hehe, Young Master Gu, do not be so hasty; this humble one has not yet concluded,” Yu Qiuqiao said, covering her mouth with a light, tinkling laugh. “These benefits alone would hardly secure the Fire Plume Yang Grass a place on the List of Wonders.”

“Oh? And what, then, is the reason?” Gu Bei played along.

“While this Fire Plume Yang Grass boasts numerous advantages, its most pivotal attribute lies in its side effect,” Yu Qiuqiao explained, her smile unwavering. “Regardless of whether you are a worldly prodigy on the Latent Dragon Rankings or a mortal utterly devoid of cultivation, without the requisite cultivation techniques or neutralizing medicinal ingredients, your kidney essence will desiccate, your five organs will boil, and should you lack a trusted companion to help you release the intense heat… well, you will suffer immensely.”

She seemed utterly unconcerned that Gu Bei merely held the cup, not having taken a single sip.

Her ink-red eyes, unfocused, simply rested upon Gu Bei.

Gu Bei, in turn, gazed at the teacup in his hands, his expression a shifting landscape of uncertainty.

This, precisely, was why he had not immediately consumed the tea.

Knowing the demoness’s temperament, and having already incurred her displeasure, how could he possibly drink the tea she offered without a shred of caution?

Yet, having refrained from drinking it earlier, it now appeared he had no choice but to proceed.

He fell silent for a moment, then, adopting a tone of vulnerability, inquired, “Is there, then, another method to alleviate its effects?”

“Hmm… who can say?” Yu Qiuqiao mused, her eyes narrowing as she smiled sweetly. “But Young Master Gu, rest assured, at most there will be a touch of discomfort; there’s certainly no threat to life. I wouldn’t dare allow Fairy Ning’s associate to come to harm in my presence…”

Gu Bei’s limited knowledge meant he had never even heard of Fire Plume Yang Grass.

Yet, among numerous male cultivators, particularly the prodigies of various clans, the name Fire Plume Yang Grass resonated like thunder.

Countless young talents had tragically fallen prey to its effects, leading to premature marriages in their prime.

“Alternatively, Young Master Gu, if your will proves sufficiently resolute… perhaps you might simply weather the storm?”

“Fairy Yu jests,” Gu Bei replied with a faint smile, shaking his head. He then took a small, deliberate sip of the medicated tea.

Setting down the teacup, he sighed inwardly.

‘I always maintained that male cultivators must exercise caution when venturing out alone. Now, despite knowing it’s drugged, I’m compelled to drink it…’

As he pondered this, he felt a flicker of curiosity about what would happen if a female cultivator consumed Fire Plume Yang Grass.

However, he did not voice the question.

Truth be told, his curiosity was purely academic, but to ask aloud would alter the entire dynamic.

It would border on harassment.

“Fairy Yu, did you invite me here today solely for tea?” Gu Bei asked.

“Drink more, won’t you? Drinking so little means the effects won’t manifest quickly.” Yu Qiuqiao extended her palm, gently nudging Gu Bei’s teacup closer.

Gu Bei instinctively fixated on Yu Qiuqiao’s hand.

Her skin was like congealed cream, tender as a soft bud, slender and long, with a rosy translucence.

But that wasn’t the crucial point.

He feared the demoness might add something else as she pushed the cup.

Good news: it appeared nothing was added.

Bad news: even if a Nascent Soul cultivator had tampered with it, he wouldn’t be able to tell.

At worst, it would merely be embarrassing.

There were no other options.

He slowly raised the teacup and took another sip.

“Fairy Yu, I have a friend who is exceptionally fond of tea. Although I don’t claim to be a connoisseur, I find this tea’s fragrance deeply refreshing. I humbly wish to inquire if I might purchase some from you.”

“Young Master Gu cannot afford this tea… However, since Young Master Gu has made a rare request of Qiuqiao, I can certainly send some to you.” The demoness’s smile remained unchanged, but the warmth in her eyes had subtly increased.

Gu Bei perceived this clearly.

He felt as if he were playing a dating simulation game.

‘The affection level is visible, isn’t it?’

Her eyes darkened to an inky hue when displeased, and brightened to a reddish tint when happy…

But what options increased her affection?

Dating sims came in many varieties.

Such as ‘OO’s Harem King.’

One wrong choice meant death.

If Yu Qiuqiao were a character in a dating sim, Gu Bei would likely be more than willing to spend time completing her route.

Yet, with the mad demoness sitting opposite him, smiling sweetly, he merely felt that he was already on the path to his demise.

“Then I thank Fairy Yu for her generosity.”

As Gu Bei spoke, he lowered his head and took another sip of tea.

An abnormal heat began to gather in his lower abdomen, emanating from his five organs.