19.1 - Crazy! Criticizing the Prime Minister for Being a Servant

### Chapter 11: Teasing Ran Fan Yin originally did not want to intervene. If her disciple became overly afraid of her junior sister over time, it could lead to inner demons, which would be detrimental to her cultivation. Not only would it hinder her progress, but it could also result in her death due to the inner demons. Allowing the little one to handle this negotiation by herself was also a form of training. However, watching the little one choose the easiest target to start with was too amusing. Yet, she couldn't burst out laughing for no reason. By stepping in and resolving the matter for the little one, she was, in a way, paying for the joke that it was. Hopefully, her disciple will have similar amusing lines; it’s genuinely entertaining. Facing Ning Song Wu, Lin Yu Xue could still muster some courage, but the sudden intervention by Ran Fan Yin left her speechless. She looked at that smile, feeling no warmth but rather a cold chill in her palm repeatedly reminding her of the coldness beneath that smile. “No, nothing’s wrong.” “If nothing’s wrong, then take your leave, junior niece. I...” The woman coughed lightly a few times before she could speak, a heavy cloak dropped on her shoulders, the fur brushing against her cheek causing a ticklish sensation. She turned to see her disciple standing on tiptoe, putting the cloak over her with a stern face. [She's not fully recovered yet, what if she gets worse?] [Why does she have no self-awareness? Oh dear.] This little mute gourd, why can't she speak her thoughts? Ran Fan Yin held the cloak, her eyes lowered as she spoke softly, "I’ve been unwell recently and have no hospitality to offer. Junior niece, take the technique and leave." "Senior Elder Ran, I..." Lin Yu Xue hesitated for a moment, then said, "I still want to recommend myself to you, I..." "Junior niece, by seniority, you should address me as Martial Uncle." She really didn't want to deal with this incredibly foolish young lady any longer. Over the years, this was the only person who had constantly gone against her wishes. Ran Fan Yin was not a person of good temper. Her eyes slightly lowered, a coldness rising within her. "Did you come back from the foot of the mountain? You should have gone to Luo Yun Hall to seek out the head first.” The woman chuckled lightly and swung a folding fan, “Next time, don't come to the wrong place." [Isn't she cold waving a fan while sick? How can I snatch that fan away...] Senior Elder Ran discreetly put away her fan, only staring at the arrogant young lady with a cold smile. "Senior Elder, I have already reached the middle stage of Qi Refining in just four months. Why won't you look at me, instead of wasting time with this one who doesn't even know to change clothes while receiving a guest..." [Oh dear, how can she be so foolish, sister? Weren't you quite cunning later on? How come you’re acting so idiotic now?] [Does’t the author feel uncomfortable writing such a character?] It was truly unbearable to watch. She heard the woman’s light hum, a sudden fear in her heart, [The protagonist's aura is so strong, is she guiding the plot back? Am I going to die?] Ran Fan Yin felt helpless. She just felt that her disciple was right; how should she tell her? The haughty young lady heard that hum, regaining strength, “So, Senior Elder you…” “I just find you too dull; teasing you is pointless. Don’t overthink it.” [Am I entertaining to tease?] “Senior Elder, but, if I win in the secret realm test in half a year, would you reconsider?” Lin Yu Xue still wanted to speak, but suddenly, her limbs were tightly wrapped in a soft wind, and in the next instant, she was thrown out past the barrier, with only a drifting remark left in her ear— "So noisy." * [Fortunately, I don't like to talk.] Ning Song Wu thought with relief. Ran Fan Yin: … Ning Song Wu stood with her head down, not daring to make a sound, feeling the icy gaze of her master sweep over, she held her breath even more. [Master doesn’t seem to be in a good mood. What if I get punished for stepping with my left foot first?] "Do you find her good looking?" came an unexpected question from above. Ning Song Wu responded with a light squeak, stiffly raising her head. Her forehead was suddenly tapped twice with the tip of a fan, and her beautiful master smiled slightly and said, “You are not allowed to find her good looking.” Ning Song Wu was utterly frozen, until a burning sensation on her wrist brought her back to her senses. The woman, unaware of her own immense charm, had already left, draped in her cloak. When Ning Song Wu moved, the woman’s leisurely voice reached her, “Extra practice for one more hour today. Afterwards, come back in.” Ning Song Wu: ? Hearing her disciple's anguished cries in her heart, the culprit sipped her hot tea, feeling rather pleased. Indeed, it was very amusing to tease her little disciple. * Ning Song Wu dragged her sore, trembling legs into the room and before she could speak, she met a pair of smiling phoenix eyes. [Master’s smile usually means no good…] A cold shiver ran down her spine as she watched the woman gradually withdraw her smile, feeling even more dismayed. [Master doesn’t even want to smile anymore, it’s over.] This little mute gourd, smiling or not smiling, it’s still not right. Senior Elder Ran inwardly rolled her eyes and said flatly, “There are nearly eight months left until the assessment, you…” “I will follow master’s arrangements.” [Can I not go? Can I not go? Can I not go?] Ran Fan Yin: Sometimes holding back laughter is really painful. “Do not interrupt me.” “Yes.” “Stop using that word.” “…” Ning Song Wu opened her mouth, then chose to close it again, nodding. “Little mute.” Ran Fan Yin pointed at her head from a distance, leaning back in her chair, her expression softened, and a smile reappeared. “Though the competition can be entered solo, it is best to have teammates. After discussing with the other elders, you, Luo Sheng, and Liu Ruo Ying will participate together. Is that okay?” Ning Song Wu nodded. [Red-haired nine-tailed fox, fox, hehe…] Luo Sheng, who was meditating, sneezed. Senior Elder Ran glanced at her, seemingly unintentionally saying, “I wonder who that young girl will be with.” “I will keep an eye on it.” [I remember in the original story, Lin Yu Xue didn’t want to make friends as Senior Elder Ran’s disciple, and ended up going into the secret realm alone. I wonder if it will be the same this time.] Alone. Ran Fan Yin lightly tapped her finger, contemplating. Is it that she doesn’t want to or can’t make friends? Ning Song Wu rested for a while longer before standing up, “Master, I’ll return to my room first.” “Wait.” Ran Fan Yin took out a jade pendant and handed it to her, “From tomorrow onwards, after finishing your practice on the peak, also go find the other two and practice well.” “This jade pendant can contact me anytime, and Zhu Que will accompany you.” Ning Song Wu’s refusal was on the tip of her tongue but swallowed back, she nodded, “Alright, master, I will go.” [Ugh, more practice. So tired. Can I slack off? Can't I not go?] [Want to be a salted fish just lying around.] This kid, why is she so unambitious? Frowning slightly, Ran Fan Yin lazily said, “If you actually lose to the person just now, disrespecting me, then…” The prolonging note vaguely hinted at some unspoken consequence. Ning Song Wu cried loudly in her heart. * The next day, after Ning Song Wu finished practicing, she sat cross-legged on Zhu Que’s back with her sword on her back. The group practice location was arranged on Huan Xi Peak, which is on the peak of Elder He Lan Mian Mian. Huan Xi Peak is to the south of Zhao Mu Peak. Standing on the mountain top and looking into the distance, it seems close, but in fact, flying through the air makes one realize the actual distance. Seeing Elder He Lan, dressed in her usual youthful pink robe from afar, Ning Song Wu suddenly remembered she had forgotten something in her haste to leave. She pressed on the jade pendant and softly said, "Master, don't forget to take your medicine." [Though the illness is almost gone, taking medicine properly will ensure a speedy recovery.] Ran Fan Yin was enjoying the warmth in the courtyard since her little nagging disciple wasn’t on the peak, granting her a half-day of peace. The mild heat of the sun made it perfect for a rest. The jade pendant on her waist vibrated, sending her disciple’s voice and thoughts simultaneously. But just this one time, after the jade pendant went silent, her disciple’s thoughts also faded due to the growing distance. Senior Elder Ran half-closed her eyes, her fingers tapping the jade pendant, lazily replying with a “Got it.” Indeed, while the spiritual power flowed through the pendant, she caught more of her little mute gourd’s thoughts. [Luo Sheng has grown quite a bit, still so…] The spiritual connection broke, and the voice was cut off. So, it could work like this? If she maintained the flow of spiritual power continuously, she could keep hearing her disciple’s thoughts? Hmm, this could be handy. If there were any expeditions in the future, she wouldn't miss any critical information her disciple knew. But, at this moment… Holding the dangling jade pendant in hand, Ran Fan Yin squinted momentarily before putting it back. She should enjoy the quiet for now. The little mute gourd’s thoughts were not unpleasant, but occasionally, it felt nostalgic to live quietly alone. Closing her eyes, she let the sunlight pour over her, lying for a while, gradually feeling an unease rise in her heart. The first thing her disciple said with the jade pendant was to remind her to take medicine? No other words? This little mute gourd, if she could just speak half of what’s in her mind, how many people could she make happy? * Luo Sheng had finally worn a black robe, standing silently by the cliff with Elder He Lan, waiting for the other two to arrive. ### A Dash of Red on a White Background A splash of red with a hint of white appeared on the horizon. Luo Sheng discreetly flexed her stiff ankle, while Elder He Lan voiced her concerns worriedly: "Senior Sister says Ning Song Wu is also a mute gourd, and you don't like talking either. What are we going to do with the three of you grouped together?" "No worries, Master. Liu Ruo Ying tends to be quite talkative." Elder He Lan rolled her eyes, exasperated. It's often said that fox demons are enchanting, full of feminine charm and ultimate allure. Yet, her household’s fox was a cold-faced block of wood. If she introduced her as a fox to others, people might suspect she'd brought out a husky to trick them. She herself was almost doubtful. However, if Luo Sheng were really a dog, she wouldn't be without feelings; at least her feline traits would make her sense danger from a dog. Ning Song Wu and Liu Ruo Ying arrived almost simultaneously; Liu Ruo Ying was brought by her senior sister, while Ning Song Wu patted Zhu Que, who had brought her. The large bird affectionately rubbed against her before silently hanging upside down by the cliff's edge. Sister, why do you look like a giant bat? Ning Song Wu's mouth twitched but said nothing more, joining the group and waiting for instructions from the Sixth Elder. He Lan looked at the three lined up from tallest to shortest. Her disciple, though still the shortest, had grown quite a bit — not too bad. She clapped her hands lightly to get them to relax and spoke in a gentle tone, "Do you know why you are training for team battles on my peak?" The three little ones shook their heads in unison. "Then, follow me~" (This site does not have pop-up ads. Permanent domain: xbanxia.com)