230 - Destroyer of Ice and Fire

So she decided to come in the middle of the night, planning to leave whatever she brought in Ning Songwu’s room and be done with it. It took her a while to find the place, but eventually, she saw Ning Songwu’s name on a wooden plaque outside a brightly lit room. “And where is Ning Songwu?” Cen Ran asked again. He Lan Mian Mian approached Cen Ran with a gentle smile, her head barely reaching Cen Ran's chest. Cen Ran couldn’t help but involuntarily step back, entranced by He Lan Mian Mian's beautiful long eyelashes and eyes. “Master Ran Fanyin was here earlier, and he took Ning Songwu with him.” Master? Master actually came? Cen Ran was puzzled but had no time to dwell on it as her attention was captured by the little girl before her. He Lan Mian Mian continued to move closer. “Sister, you just came in from outside; the cold is heavy around you. Are your hands cold?” As she spoke, He Lan Mian Mian’s small, warm hand suddenly grasped Cen Ran’s icy fingers, startling her into pulling her hand away as if she had been shocked. “I'm fine…” Cen Ran stammered, feeling that He Lan Mian Mian was too close, though she couldn’t understand why she felt so subdued by such a small child. Cen Ran retreated from He Lan Mian Mian until her back hit the windowsill, leaving her with nowhere to go. “You should rest early. Please deliver this to Ning Songwu for me. I’ll head back…” Cen Ran spoke awkwardly. “Sister Cen Ran, you are really beautiful,” He Lan Mian Mian’s crisp voice sounded exceptionally melodious in the night. Cen Ran could hardly look at He Lan Mian Mian’s mesmerizing eyes, which seemed like whirlpools. “You are beautiful too,” she responded politely while evading her gaze. “Really? But it seems Sister Cen Ran is quite afraid of me.” He Lan Mian Mian tilted her head playfully. “No, I’m not…” “I really like Sister Cen Ran. Can you be my master?” Cen Ran blushed at the first half of the statement, her heartbeat inexplicably quickening. Realizing the little girl was flattering her, hoping to become her disciple, Cen Ran immediately grew wary. All the ordinary disciples of Beifa wished to be disciples of the Supreme Lord. Naturally, many eyed his personal disciples as well. Being a disciple directly taught by the Supreme Lord was undoubtedly the best option next to being taught by the Supreme Lord himself. He Lan Mian Mian cleverly targeted Cen Ran, who came to visit Ning Songwu. Cen Ran felt a surge of annoyance. She stiffly pushed He Lan Mian Mian away, speaking sternly, “I cannot, without the Supreme Lord’s permission, take disciples on my own.” “I see…” He Lan Mian Mian nodded, her pretty eyes flickering, “That’s fine. Honestly, I didn’t really want to be your disciple.” “That’s even better.” Cen Ran’s tone grew cold upon hearing He Lan Mian Mian’s response. This brat, unable to become her disciple was one thing, but did she disdain the idea too? How dare she, the personal disciple of the Supreme Lord and once the distinguished student of Hongfei Pavilion, be looked down upon by a little girl? He Lan Mian Mian's eyes twinkled mischievously, her tone now teasing, “I’d much rather have you as my sister, or maybe...my bride.” The air grew tense with awkwardness. “What… what?!” Cen Ran could hardly believe her ears. Did she hear right? This little brat, almost as tall as Ning Songwu, barely reaching her chest, said she wanted her as a bride?! “I read in books that gentle and virtuous women like you are best suited to be brides.” He Lan Mian Mian nodded seriously, picturing Cen Ran in men's attire, her elegant demeanor—she would make a fine consort, perfect for her. Father and brother would surely approve of such a refined and cultured person as her consort. “That’s for men. You’re just a little girl…” He Lan Mian Mian’s eyes sparkled like shattered starlight, dazzling and surreal. Cen Ran’s breath caught, “Does it matter? My father told me that anything I desire in this world is mine for the taking, whatever I wish for, will be in my palm.” Cen Ran was taken aback, her heart racing. How could He Lan Mian Mian say something so outrageous? Such rebellious thoughts were unconceivable! Cen Ran shook her head, trying to calm her mind. This isn’t right. After so many years of cultivation, how could she be frightened by a child and take her words seriously? Cen Ran felt as if she had seen a ghost tonight, her usually courteous demeanor crumbling repeatedly. Yet, He Lan Mian Mian’s intelligence and keen insights were undeniable. Though her origins were unclear, she exhibited an exceptional aptitude worthy of teaching. Alright then, since she would continue to visit Ning Songwu, she might as well impart some knowledge to this girl, treating it as an act of kindness. “Stop talking nonsense. You’re He Lan Mian Mian, correct? From now on, when I have time, I’ll teach you some things. Is that satisfactory?” “Yes! Thank you, Master!” He Lan Mian Mian beamed, looking as cute as a porcelain doll. “Don’t call me Master. I haven’t accepted you as a disciple.” He Lan Mian Mian’s smile widened, “Thank you, Sister.” Cen Ran shook her head, feeling utterly defeated by the girl, “Remember, don’t mention this to anyone, not even Ning Songwu. I must leave now.” It would be troublesome if she ran into her master. “Of course, I promise!” He Lan Mian Mian’s eyes curved into happy crescents. She wanted to give Sister Cen Ran a big hug, but Cen Ran moved fast, much faster than when she arrived, as if escaping from this place. Both the Supreme Lord and Sister Cen Ran were easily flustered. But the Supreme Lord was more aloof and distant, while Sister Cen Ran was gentle, blushing when teased. However, Cen Ran didn’t manage to leave smoothly. As soon as she climbed out the window, she saw Ran Fanyin standing calmly five steps away, looking at her with a serene expression. He stood gracefully in white robes, almost ethereal, and held the hand of a small Ning Songwu.