Dao Companion Crippled, Coveters Move

Chapter 81 - 80: Senior Sister, How Dare You Stay Out All Night with Master

The master and his disciple sat in a crater of the chilly "false moon," watching the real moon in the sky.

It was a rare chance for Qing Yueqiu to be alone with her master. She rested her cheek on her arm, a serene smile gracing her lips as she watched him recount the old days, back when he had first brought her to the Sect.

Before they knew it, a sliver of dawn broke over the dark horizon. As the real moon set, the false moon beneath them began to dim, its own Moonlight gradually depleting.

"Master, the sun is rising... The last time we watched the sunrise was right after Junior Sister arrived. In the blink of an eye, it's been over a decade since I've seen a sunrise over the Dao Sect. It's so beautiful."

"It is... The vibrant clouds of a Dao Sect sunrise are truly a sight to behold, unparalleled in this world. Many Cultivators toil through the night just for a chance to see the sun rise at four in the morning."

As Pei Yuhang watched the magnificent light gradually crest the horizon, he couldn't help but feel a pang of regret.

'I promised I'd bring Liyuan to watch the sunrise...'

For some reason, whenever Pei Yuhang thought of Liyuan, Qing Yueqiu always seemed to sense it with keen perception. This time was no different.

"Are you thinking about Mistress, Master?"

"I am. I promised your mistress I'd bring her to watch the sunrise once she's recovered from her injuries."

Hearing this, a worried expression suddenly appeared on Qing Yueqiu's pretty face.

"If Mistress finds out you brought me to watch the sunrise, will she be angry?"

She knew that as a responsible Dao Companion, her master must have already informed his wife that he was staying out all night with his female disciple.

'In other words, Mistress knows I was out with Master all night...'

Even though all she had done was sit on the "moon" chatting and stargazing with her master, Qing Yueqiu felt an inexplicable unease, like a thief who'd been found out by the rightful owner.

Pei Yuhang was a little puzzled by Qing Yueqiu's concern. He chuckled and said:

"What's there to be angry about?"

"No matter how much your mistress loves me, she wouldn't get jealous of you, hahaha~"

At his words, Qing Yueqiu's fingers tightened slightly.

'A wave of relief washed over her, mixed with a hint of dissatisfaction.'

'She was relieved that her mistress still saw her as a child and wouldn't be on guard against her. She could continue "stealing."'

'The dissatisfaction was... the very person she was trying to "steal" didn't even see her as a "thief." He hadn't realized she was all grown up...'

...

Daylight had completely replaced the night.

After watching the sunrise, the master and disciple returned to the Cold Palace Sword Mansion via Sword Control.

From a distance, Pei Yuhang spotted a petite figure waiting by the gate.

'Is that my junior disciple, or my *little* junior disciple?'

Qing Yueqiu also saw the petite, nimble figure, and for some reason, she found herself inexplicably unable to meet her gaze.

Before their Flying Swords had even touched down, the figure lunged toward them.

"Master~ You're finally back! Honestly! You spent all night out having fun with Senior Sister, so why couldn't you have taken me too? You play favorites!"

It was the familiar voice of Yu Xiaoyan.

Pei Yuhang caught her 'rocket-powered headbutt' with his chest, spinning in a circle with her in his arms to dissipate the force. He didn't want the little rascal to hurt herself by ramming into his Nascent Soul-level body.

"Why do you play favorites, Master! How could you take only Senior Sister out and not me!"

Yu Xiaoyan pouted in Pei Yuhang's arms, playfully pummeling his chest with her little fists.

"Xiaoxiao, I went out with your senior sister on official business yesterday. I couldn't bring you along... Besides, you just completed your Divine Soul Fusion. You need time to rest and recuperate."

"What kind of business requires staying out all night! I don't care! Next time, you have to take me with you, Master."

"Alright, I'll take you out next time I have a moment."

"And you can't bring Senior Sister. Only me!"

"Okay."

Pei Yuhang ruffled her incredibly soft hair and agreed casually, like a parent promising to buy a child a toy next time.

'Xiaoxiao is still so naive. It's up to me to decide when "next time" is, isn't it? Hahaha...'

Having casually placated her, Pei Yuhang brushed Yu Xiaoyan off and strode into the mansion. He was going to prepare some rejuvenating Spirit Porridge for Liyuan.

After a night of clearing his head, he had gathered his thoughts. He knew he couldn't avoid Liyuan forever.

He had made up his mind.

'Since what's done cannot be undone, I have to do everything I can to make up for my mistake from now on.'

'I will compensate Liyuan for my transgression and my guilt with even more tenderness, patience, and love.'

'I'm so sorry, Liyuan... I still don't have the courage to confess everything to you.'

'I can't reveal my true, sullied self to you.'

'From now on, I'll work even harder to protect you, to make it up to you.'

A determined glint flashed in Pei Yuhang's eyes. He swore he would give Liyuan happiness, even if that happiness was a gilded, hollow facade.

...

As her master's figure disappeared from view, the smile vanished from Yu Xiaoyan's face.

"Senior Sister, what were you and Master up to last night?"

"Watching the moon."

"Just watching the moon? Nothing else? It was a rare opportunity, you know. A whole night alone with Master."

"What else would I do with Master besides... watch the moon? Don't let your imagination run wild, Junior Sister."

A smile returned to Yu Xiaoyan's face as she pounced into Qing Yueqiu's arms, nuzzling against her like a kitten.

"Oh, don't be angry, Senior Sister~ Xiaoxiao was just a little curious, that's all."

"I'm just so curious about how you and Master watched the moon. Did you use a Memory Stone to record it last night, Senior Sister? I'd love to see it."

Qing Yueqiu's face flushed slightly as she mumbled, "I'm not angry... Besides, we left in such a hurry last night, it never occurred to me to use a Memory Stone."

Feeling a little uncomfortable, she gently pushed Yu Xiaoyan's face away from where it was pressed against her.

"Sorry, Junior Sister, I'm a bit tired. I'm going back to my room to rest."

"Of course, you must be exhausted after such a long night~ Go on and get some rest. Do you need me to prepare a hot bath for you, Senior Sister?"

"That won't be necessary. Thank you for the offer, Junior Sister."

With that, Qing Yueqiu also turned and walked into the mansion. For some reason... she didn't want to share the details of her moon-gazing with her master with her junior sister.

'That was a memory she shared with her master. How could she let a third party intrude?'

Yu Xiaoyan watched her senior sister's mature, graceful figure walk away. She closed her eyes, recalling the scent she had just caught from her.

'Mm, still has the scent of a maiden. It seems nothing happened with Master... Hmph. I guess she doesn't have the courage yet. All desire and no nerve, that one.'

'Still, I underestimated her. To think she'd dare to keep Master out all night.'

Yu Xiaoyan thought, gritting her teeth.

Done stewing over her senior sister, she started her tirade against Yu Gu Nan.

"Yu Gu Nan! Why didn't you follow them when Master left with Senior Sister yesterday?"

[What kind of sister calls her own sibling by their full name? Besides, why should I help you with this foolish romantic rivalry?]

[Our priority right now should be preparing to overcome the Golden Core Celestial Tribulation!]

Now that the Divine Soul Fusion was complete and she had successfully gained control of the body, Yu Gu Nan had no reason to hold back. She spoke to her sister with newfound confidence.

Besides, whenever Yu Gu Nan thought of Pei Yuhang now, she felt a strange stirring and would subconsciously recall the curious sensation of his large hand stroking her stomach...

This infuriated Yu Gu Nan. She was convinced that these strange new feelings were all the fault of this body and its extreme attachment to Pei Yuhang—an attachment that was entirely Yu Xiaoyan's doing!