A Dilemma of Innocence and Immortal Texts

Having finally understood the implications of such physical intimacy, Yu Lian knew it would be exceedingly difficult to maintain her composure if she were to sleep with the Second Miss again—especially if they were both completely unclothed. Improper thoughts would undoubtedly surge from her heart, rushing straight to her head the moment their skin touched.

‘Should I refuse her request to sleep together for the sake of my own innocence?’ Yu Lian pondered, weighing her options. She felt like a gentle lamb, while Bai Muya was a hungry wolf. Though the Second Miss had promised not to touch her, there was no telling when she might change her mind and decide to prey upon her concubine.

‘But if I refuse, I’m afraid it will only arouse her suspicion. She won’t easily agree to my request anyway. I am, after all, her concubine. Whether she wants to sleep beside me or simply have me accompany her, both reasons are perfectly legitimate in her eyes.’

Yu Lian clutched her hair, her face etched with distress.

“Hey! I’ve already made myself clear. It’s time for you to answer me, too. Did anything actually happen between you two?”

Yixiya gently squeezed Yu Lian’s hand. The sudden pressure snapped Yu Lian’s wandering thoughts back to the present. Yixiya truly couldn’t wrap her head around Yu Lian; she couldn’t comprehend how this woman, who had previously dressed so provocatively, possessed a heart as unblemished as a sheet of white paper.

Though not widely discussed in polite society, the “intimate matters” between girls were certainly subjects one could find in certain books if they looked hard enough.

Yu Lian tugged at her hand, attempting to pull it free from Yixiya’s grasp, but she failed. Her strength was nonexistent compared to a cultivator’s. Her mouth puckered slightly as she mumbled, “Let go of me first, and then I’ll tell you.”

Yixiya released her. “Fine. Speak.”

“Ahem… she and I are still completely innocent,” Yu Lian stammered, her face flushing crimson. “She merely held me while we slept; she didn’t do anything at all. As for those… things you mentioned… that’s even more impossible. I would rather die than let her do such things to me!”

Yixiya breathed a sigh of relief, yet she was still filled with doubt. While “Ya’er” held a sacred place in her heart, she knew her friend was no saint. Would Bai Muya truly let such a captivating beauty off the hook without taking advantage? Yixiya couldn’t fathom it.

However, Yu Lian’s demeanor didn’t suggest she was lying. She had no reason to conceal the truth, especially now that they were allies. If Yixiya had suspected otherwise, she would have long since flown into a possessive frenzy instead of sitting calmly by Yu Lian’s side.

“I’m not lying, you know,” Yu Lian emphasized, seeing Yixiya’s skeptical look.

“I never said you were. Why are you so defensive?” Yixiya rolled her eyes.

“Because I’m afraid of you…” Yu Lian said weakly.

“Afraid of what? That I’ll eat you?” Yixiya retorted, annoyed. She looped an arm around Yu Lian’s shoulders, glancing around to ensure they were alone. “Yu Lian, today… ahem… we absolutely must simulate a romance. This is my chance to turn my fortunes around. There must be no mistakes, understand?”

“You still want to go through with that?”

“Yes! Why wouldn’t I?”

Yu Lian had thought that after Yixiya’s cold departure the other day, she had given up on the plan. Knowing that Yixiya still wanted to continue brought an inexplicable surge of joy to her heart.

“But the day before yesterday… you left so coldly. I thought you were angry with me.”

Yixiya paused for a moment, then burst into laughter. “I did that on purpose! You actually took it seriously? What, have you fallen in love with your Big Sister? Are you that concerned about my opinion? Sadly, even if you do like me, there’s no reward to be had. My heart belongs to Ya’er alone.”

“I would never like you,” Yu Lian shot back.

Yixiya immediately looked displeased. She pinched Yu Lian’s chin, tilting it upward. “Do I have no redeeming qualities? I’m beautiful, I have a great personality, and I’m kind to people!”

‘You were the one who just declared your undying loyalty to the Second Miss,’ Yu Lian thought, staring into Yixiya’s eyes. ‘And now that I say I don’t like you, you’re offended? Can’t I just stay out of the crossfire? Besides, “good personality”? Your jealousy is literally life-threatening. Only I’m kind enough to help you; anyone else would have run for the hills.’

“Of course you have good qualities,” Yu Lian lied through her teeth. “You’re beautiful, kind-hearted, and a wealthy lady—the dream of every maiden in the county. It’s only by the Second Miss’s grace that I can even sit this close to you. It’s truly my good fortune.”

“At least you have some taste,” Yixiya huffed, satisfied. “It’s good that you understand.”

Silence fell between them. Pressed close together, a strange, ambiguous atmosphere began to blossom, permeating the quiet room.

“Yixiya, aren’t immortal arts only found in the hidden scrolls of the great sects?” Yu Lian suddenly asked, breaking the intimacy. “How does your family have books like that?”

“Naturally, they were given to me by the Immortal Elder who wants to take me as her disciple. But even without her, my family has our own collections. The Yi Estate is one of the most prominent families in Bai County; having such texts isn’t unusual.” Yixiya paused, leaning closer. “Not just my family, but the Bai Estate has many as well. If you want to read them, just ask Ya’er. She could easily get a couple for you.”

The Bai Estate had them too! Yu Lian hadn’t considered that. She had assumed immortal texts were strictly guarded by the sects and kept away from commoners.

Her heart stirred. She wondered if she should try to coax a book out of Bai Muya tonight. Even if she couldn’t practice the techniques, just seeing an “immortal text” would fulfill a dream.

However, asking Yixiya seemed safer. Bai Muya was unpredictable and would likely demand some “troublesome” compensation. Yixiya was much more straightforward.

Yixiya noticed the gleam in Yu Lian’s eyes. “You want to read them?”

Yu Lian nodded eagerly. “Yes.”

“Then be a good girl and simulate a romance with me. If you can make Ya’er jealous—if I can see even a hint of envy on her face—I’ll bring you five… no, five immortal texts to read to your heart’s content. How does that sound?”

Yu Lian practically salivated. How could she refuse such a bribe? She nodded vigorously in agreement.

Just then, a maidservant delivered breakfast.

Yixiya proactively picked up the bowl and a small spoon, smiling mischievously. “Since Ya’er isn’t here, let’s practice first so we can get into character later.”

Yu Lian didn’t object. She opened her mouth, accepting the spoonful of warm porridge Yixiya offered.

At that exact moment, the door was thrown open.

Bai Muya stood in the doorway, her eyes wide as she took in the intimate scene. Her face clouded with rage as she roared, “What on earth do you two think you’re doing?!”