208 - Destroyer of Ice and Fire

Ning Songwu quickly nodded, lifting her face slightly to gaze at Ran Fanyin's enticing white skin and the contour of her neck. Her heart raced wildly at the sight. She longed so much to steal a kiss. But... Would her master get angry? ...No, her master pampered her so, surely she wouldn't mind such a trivial thing... But her master always seemed so cold and unapproachable... After much hesitation, Ning Songwu finally steeled her heart. Turning her face, she lightly planted a butterfly-like kiss on Ran Fanyin's earlobe, before burying her face into her shoulder like a guilty child. Ran Fanyin was walking upright when she suddenly felt a slight warm and moist touch on her earlobe paired with a soft sensation. Her sensitive ear instantly turned a deep red, the flush spreading to that side of her face and neck. This little imp... In all the world, only she would dare treat Ran Fanyin so brazenly. Ran Fanyin frowned, about to scold her, but Ning Songwu, in a sweet, apologetic voice, pre-empted her: "Master... Disciple was wrong..." At that moment, Ran Fanyin found that she couldn't bring herself to scold her anymore, despite the blush covering half of her face. After a brief pause, Ran Fanyin's cold voice sounded in her ear: "Tonight, bring the ruler and come to my chamber." Chapter 79: Presumptuous It had been half a month since Cheng Yunhuan and Ran Fanyin had left the mountain. That day was a clear one, with the sun shining brightly at noon, a rare sight in Beifa. The sunlight looked warm and comforting, casting a golden glow over the snowy landscape. Peng Zilai, in high spirits, personally led a group of young disciples to the library for some leisure time. Among the group were the new disciples Ning Songwu and Helan Mianmian. On the way to the library, Helan Mianmian noticed Ning Songwu staring absentmindedly at the snowy landscape around them, her face devoid of any emotion. Helan Mianmian ran up to her and tugged at her sleeve: "Ning Songwu, what are you thinking about? You usually stay holed up in Hongfei Pavilion. Aren't you happy to be going to the library together today?" Ning Songwu hesitated: "Nothing... Just thinking about a sword technique that I can never seem to get right." Helan Mianmian patted her on the shoulder: "You've been working so hard, practicing during the day and staying up late into the night to do so many things: sword practice, reading, painting... Speaking of which, how many paintings have you done?" Ning Songwu patted the cloth bag she carried: "I've done quite a few, but there never seems to be enough time. So today, since I had some rare free time, I brought them along to continue working once we’re in the library." "By the way, how old is your master exactly?" "Well, I've asked. Master said she is over a hundred and ten years old. When I asked for a more precise age, master said she couldn't remember, as she'd lived long enough to no longer keep track." Helan Mianmian touched her chin thoughtfully: "Really... But surely she remembers her birthday, right? Why don't you give one of your paintings to her as a birthday gift?" Ning Songwu frowned and shook her head: "I asked about that too. Master said she doesn't remember her birthday either. She said cultivators don’t value such things." Helan Mianmian smirked: "The Master really is... living like a deity already..." As they spoke, the group arrived at the library. The Beifa library housed an extensive collection of books. The entire seven-story building was constructed to resemble a pagoda, unlike the other palace structures. The library was painted a dark, solemn brown, giving it an air of gravitas and solidity. Peng Zilai escorted the young disciples inside and said: "You may browse freely on the first and second floors. Remember to return the books to their original places. All books are meticulously categorized, and chaos is not allowed. The books on the third and fourth floors are too advanced for you; there’s no need to check those. The fifth floor and above are restricted areas. Violation of this rule will result in expulsion from Beifa Palace. Now, off you go." "Expulsion from Beifa Palace... It must be serious. I wonder what kind of books are kept on the upper floors. I bet it's some incredibly powerful but dangerous sword technique manuals," Helan Mianmian chatted aside with Ning Songwu. "Maybe... I'm going to find a quiet spot; you go ahead and read," Ning Songwu waved her off, showing no interest in the so-called restricted books. "Each floor has designated rest areas with desks and tools for writing; go there to work on your painting. It'll also be easier for me to find you later." Ning Songwu nodded and followed the direction Helan Mianmian indicated. She found a quiet corner in the rest area, spread out her painting, and paused to gather her thoughts before picking up a brush with her right hand to continue her meticulous work. Before long, she heard the sound of boisterous chatter growing closer. Soon, Lan Ze entered with a book in hand, followed by a group of giggling disciples. From feeling quite pleased, Lan Ze’s expression quickly turned to one of disdain upon seeing Ning Songwu. She snorted derisively. "Little cripple, what monstrosity are you making with those crippled hands of yours?" Ning Songwu gritted her teeth hard, forcing herself to focus on her painting and ignore Lan Ze's venomous words. Seeing Ning Songwu staying silent, Lan Ze felt bored and muttered, "Playing high and mighty for a discarded disciple," and proceeded to find a place to sit. Her followers also found seats around her, continuing to chatter away, making the once quiet rest area noisy. Ning Songwu sat alone in a corner, overshadowed by the dust as if the very light could not reach her. Not long after, her painting was interrupted again. Helan Mianmian suddenly came running in, face beaming with excitement. She unceremoniously grabbed Ning Songwu's arm, pulling her up and dragging her outside: "Come with me. I found something interesting..." Ning Songwu struggled for a bit but found Helan Mianmian's strength far superior, rendering her attempts futile: "Hey! What's the big hurry? My painting is still..." "Shh! Keep it down. I'll explain when we get there. This is way better than your painting." Helan Mianmian shushed her, dragging Ning Songwu at a brisk pace, maneuvering through the maze-like shelves and heading up the stairs. Ning Songwu sighed, thinking about her unattended painting, but had no choice but to follow Helan Mianmian.