Chapter 084: Why Is He Blushing Again??

Soon, news of the stunningly beautiful young woman who had slain the Poison Sage and ascended to the position of Sect Master of the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect spread like wildfire throughout the martial world, swiftly sweeping across the entire Five Spirits Continent. In no time, everywhere was abuzz with talk of the mysterious new leader, and the branch halls of the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect in the three other kingdoms received word almost immediately.

Thus, the branch masters and vice-masters under the sway of the Life-Draining Powder wasted no time, hurrying straight to the sect’s main headquarters.

In the great hall where the Poison Sage had often held feasts or discussed matters, Jin’er sat regally at the head seat, with Qingyue standing by her side. The other three branch masters, several inner disciples, and a few stewards who had once served the Poison Sage were all seated in order below them.

“From today onwards, we are all one family. Come, let me propose a toast to you all.” With that, Jin’er raised her cup, smiled at everyone, and drained it in one gulp.

“Well done! Who would have thought our new Sect Master, so young, would possess such exceptional martial skill, wisdom, and a forthright character? I am truly impressed!” Branch Master Hong laughed as he spoke, raising his own cup and drinking it down.

The others followed suit, smiling as they joined in the toast.

“Sect Master, about the antidote for the Life-Draining Powder…” Branch Master Bai put down his cup, unable to contain his hesitant inquiry.

Jin’er turned to the three of them and replied, “For now, I only have the antidote left by the Poison Sage, the one you each take daily. As for the complete cure, I will need more time to concoct it. Some of the main ingredients are rather hard to come by.

But rest assured, I believe it will take no more than two years at the most. And once I manage to make some of the antidote, you three will have priority.”

Her earnest words moved them, and the three branch masters nodded in gratitude. “We are much obliged, Sect Master.”

Although “two years” did sound long at first, they had already served the Poison Sage for far longer. If there was truly hope of ridding themselves of the Life-Draining Powder’s yoke, they were more than willing to wait.

Jin’er nodded, then turned to the others, having each introduce themselves before assigning various positions.

The stewards who had served the Poison Sage kept their posts, while Vice Steward Wang Sheng was promoted to Chief Steward, and Qingyue became the new Vice Steward.

Moreover, since Jin’er had other matters to attend to and would not remain at Emerald Screen Mountain long, she appointed the steady and reserved Branch Master Bai as the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect’s Commander, granting him authority over the thirteen branch halls.

After these appointments, both factions gained much, and the previously tense and awkward atmosphere eased considerably.

After lunch, everyone dispersed. Jin’er and Qingyue made their way to their new chambers.

“Jin’er, why did you make me Vice Steward?” Qingyue asked in confusion.

“Once things here settle, I have to return for the antidote. When that time comes, you’ll need to stay here for me, and watch over everyone as well. How could I not grant you some authority?” Jin’er replied with a gentle smile.

“You’re leaving? Then I’ll go with you!” Qingyue said anxiously.

“No, I’m going somewhere outsiders are strictly forbidden. Besides, with you here, I’ll feel at ease.”

Qingyue opened his mouth to protest but sighed in resignation. “All right. But promise you’ll come back.”

“I will. Isn’t it to fetch your antidote?” Jin’er laughed, grabbing his arm and pulling him along. “Come, I want to hear you play the flute.”

“The flute? How did you know? Wait… were you the one playing yesterday afternoon?” Qingyue asked in surprise.

“That’s right.” Jin’er nodded in triumph.

“Wonderful! Let’s play together again then.”

As they chatted, their voices were bright and lively, and they walked off together.

Behind a cluster of bamboo, Chief Steward Wang Sheng watched their retreating figures, his brow furrowing.

She was leaving? And she said outsiders were not allowed where she was going? Just who was she?

At that moment, a man in blue hurried over and whispered, “Second Brother, I asked around—her wine was indeed laced with Deadly Diarrhea Powder.”

Wang Sheng’s eyebrows shot up in astonishment. “It was? Then… how is she perfectly fine?”

That powder was a truly potent poison. In fact, it was a deadly toxin—once poisoned, symptoms would appear instantly, and without an antidote, an ordinary person would be drained to death from diarrhea within an hour. No physician could save the victim.

The man beside him frowned, then reluctantly said, “Looks like we have no choice but to submit. If she’s truly immune to all poisons, she must have noticed, and perhaps she’s letting it pass as a gesture of goodwill.

Honestly, her temperament is far better than Master’s. We won’t have to suffer such baseless torments in the future, don’t you think?”

Wang Sheng sighed helplessly, frowning as he nodded. His junior was right—since everything remained as before, and he had even been promoted to Chief Steward, what was the point in risking his life? Better to let things take their course.

—

“Thank you, Sect Master!”

“Thank you, Sect Master! Oh, thank you…”

In the rear courtyard, countless women—some haggard, some frail—gathered with excitement, each clutching a bundle with clothes and silver. As they tearfully expressed their gratitude to Jin’er, they could barely contain their joy.

They had thought they would never leave, yet the new Sect Master not only freed them but also provided travel funds. It was simply too wonderful.

Of course, among them were a few who had once held favor, now muttering curses under their breath, having lost their patron.

Jin’er looked at the nearly full courtyard of women, her eye twitching involuntarily.

That wretched old lecher had preyed on so many women! He died far too easily; he deserved much worse!

When the women had all departed, peace returned to the courtyard. Jin’er sat at a stone bench, massaging her temples, feeling fatigued.

Just then, someone approached—warm hands gently pressed to her temples, massaging them with a steady, soothing rhythm.

Jin’er’s body tensed, about to turn, but a soft, melodious voice came from behind. “You must be exhausted these past two days.”

Now she didn’t even need to look to know who it was.

“All right,” Jin’er muttered awkwardly.

He was massaging her? This… felt oddly intimate, and she grew a little embarrassed.

“Relax. Close your eyes and rest.” Qingyue drew her head to rest against him, gently kneading her temples.

Seeing him act so naturally, so insistently, Jin’er could only take a deep breath, close her eyes, and gradually allow herself to unwind.

These last two days had indeed been wearying—she had to familiarize herself with the sect’s structure and environment, clean up the Poison Sage’s many lingering messes, pacify and absorb the branch masters and vice-masters returning from afar, and begin cultivating once again…

Lost in thought, she drifted off to sleep against Qingyue’s shoulder.

After a while, once he was sure she was sound asleep, Qingyue carefully scooped her into his arms and carried her to her bedchamber.

He laid her gently on the bed, covered her with a quilt, and then sat quietly at her side, gazing at her.

Without makeup, her face was as flawless as jade—pure and radiant. Her delicate brows and high-bridged nose were exquisitely beautiful, her thick lashes like tiny fans, her cherry lips soft and dewy, and her smooth, fine chin utterly enchanting…

So beautiful…

Qingyue was nearly entranced.

Though everyone claimed he was stunning beyond compare, in his eyes, she was even more beautiful. There was something inexplicably magnetic about her that drew him in, made him nervous, made him worry for her, made him reluctant to look away, made him want to stay by her side always…

Why was this? He had never felt this way about any woman before.

Could it be… could this be love?

A sudden pang seized his heart, and he recalled his father’s words from long ago.

“Son, when you meet a woman who makes you nervous for no reason, who makes you worry, whom you can’t bear to part from, whom you think of each night and in every idle moment, then you are in love.

Remember, my boy, it is a rare blessing to find someone you truly love. And once you have loved, you will never again be able to offer your heart to another. If you must spend your life with someone you do not love, dreaming each night of the woman you have lost, you will be in utter agony, do you understand?

So when you find your beloved, you must learn to strive for her, to make sacrifices if need be. Otherwise, you will regret it for the rest of your life, just as I do.”

His father had died when he was still very young, weakened by worry and illness. At the time, he had not understood love, but those words had stayed with him ever since.

In the years that followed, he often reminded himself—it was better never to fall in love than to suffer like his father. One could live well enough alone.

But now, after only a few days with Jin’er, how had he…

His mind in turmoil, Qingyue gazed at the sleeping Jin’er for a long moment, then rose and left, crestfallen.

He did not know how long he had slept when Jin’er finally stirred, stretching luxuriously and blinking herself awake.

Wait—how did she end up in bed?

She sat up abruptly and checked under the quilt—she was still fully dressed. Recalling leaning against Qingyue and letting him massage her, she exhaled in relief.

She must have fallen asleep because it was too comfortable…

Her stomach rumbled, reminding her of her hunger. She hurriedly got up and left the room.

Stepping outside, she found Qingyue sitting in the courtyard, lost in thought as if troubled.

Jin’er approached and waved a hand before his face. “What are you thinking about so hard?”

His reverie shattered, Qingyue startled, shook his head, and stammered, “N-nothing.”

His nervousness amused Jin’er. “Look at you—why are you blushing like a girl?”

“I am not!” he protested, but his flushed cheeks betrayed him.

Seeing his embarrassment and confusion, Jin’er suddenly felt like a rakish young man flirting with a proper lady, her heart filling with guilt.

“All right, I was just teasing. Come, let’s have dinner.” She took his hand, leading the crimson-cheeked Qingyue toward the dining hall.

How awkward, she thought. She felt like a big boy holding hands with a shy neighbor girl…

Even though his beauty was somewhat androgynous, it never made her mistake him for a woman. It was just that, when he grew nervous and bashful, she felt something indescribable. Not discomfort—rather, as if some heroic instinct in her was awakened, filling her with the urge to protect and cherish him.

What a mess of feelings… Jin’er shook her head, deciding not to think about it.

—

That night, under the bright moon and gentle breeze, Jin’er and Qingyue played a duet—one on the flute, one on a leaf—producing a melody both beautiful and tranquil.

The servants nearby were entranced, listening quietly.

Since the new Sect Master had taken over, the very atmosphere of the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect had changed. Though music had been played before, it always conjured images of decadence and depravity, never the serene feeling of tonight. Thanks to the new Sect Master, life had become much easier for them all.

After a while, Jin’er stopped, turned to Qingyue, and said, “I want to see you dance. Will you dance for me?”

Qingyue paused, but seeing her earnest expression, he smiled, nodded, and walked to the flowering trees.

Jin’er smiled sweetly, brought the leaf back to her lips, and sent a pure melody into the night.

In the next instant, the man who seemed a celestial being began to dance—a flutter of robes, a cascade of black hair, his graceful figure rising and falling, now swift, now slow, his enchanting eyes aglow with gentle light, mesmerizing and intoxicating.

Jin’er forgot everything—her identity, the cold poison in her veins, her quest to break the seal, her entanglement with Liuye…

She simply played, her spirit lost to the dance, perhaps falling into the depths of his gentle gaze, or tangled in the swirl of his bewitching sleeves.

Time seemed to stop; they were swept away for what felt like an eternity. Only when Jin’er’s arms and lips grew tired did she reluctantly stop.

Watching him dance was truly entrancing. No wonder the Poison Sage had gone to such lengths, using his precious Life-Draining Powder and enlisting three branch masters just to bring Qingyue here.

As these thoughts spun, Qingyue had already returned and sat by her side.

“Jin’er, did you know? From the day I began to dance until now, this was the first time I have truly enjoyed it, danced from the heart.” Qingyue gazed into her eyes, his voice earnest.

In his eyes was a flicker of excitement, a trace of joy, and, faintly, a hint of resolve. If he had been lost in confusion the night before, tonight he was prepared to follow his heart.

“Really? I was completely captivated by your dance. You’re the most beautiful, the finest dancer I’ve ever seen,” Jin’er replied sincerely.

Though she had not seen many dancers in this world, she believed he was the best.

“Really?” Qingyue asked, unable to hide his delight. Though he had always been confident in his dancing, hearing her personally praise him filled him with happiness and contentment.

“Of course. Watching you dance makes me forget all worries and cares—my heart feels so light and free. I almost wish you would never dance for others again, but only for me.” Jin’er tilted her head, giving him a teasing, possessive smile.

Qingyue’s smile faded, his brow furrowing.

Once, someone else had said something similar, and it had brought him to where he was now.

But… Jin’er was Jin’er. She was different.

“Do you really mean that?” After a long pause, Qingyue looked up at Jin’er, a hint of nervousness in his eyes.

Her sudden seriousness startled Jin’er. Embarrassed, she stammered, “I—I do, but I was just saying. Don’t worry, I won’t force—”

“I’m willing.” Before she could finish, Qingyue replied with solemn earnestness.

“Ah?” Jin’er was stunned.

Why did this feel like a marriage proposal in the modern world? And the way he said it, as if he had made a momentous decision…

Then again, for someone like him, choosing not to dance for others anymore was indeed a significant decision…

“From now on, I… I’ll stay by your side,” Qingyue said, biting his lip, cheeks tinged with pink.

“What?” Jin’er’s mouth fell open in shock.

No, something was off—seriously off.

If he just meant following her around, that was fine, but… why was he blushing again? Did he realize how much he looked like he was pledging himself to her?

“What? Are you going back on your word? As Sect Master, you must keep your promises,” Qingyue said plaintively, though a sly glimmer flashed in his eyes.

“No, I mean, when you said ‘from now on I’ll stay by your side,’ what exactly… did you mean?” Jin’er asked with a nervous, hopeful smile.