Yun Yun sat quietly in the pavilion, her long sleeves resting on the stone table. Her eyes fell once more on the two disciples kneeling before her.
Her voice was calm, but her heart wasn't.
"Indulging too much in romantic matters… especially at your age… can hurt your cultivation and self-control," she said slowly, choosing her words carefully.
She looked at Ye Chen with a complicated expression.
"Ye Chen, you're not just any disciple. You're the future I've chosen for the Yunlan Sect. I hope you understand how important that is."
Her words weren't harsh, but they were heavy. The quiet disappointment made Ye Chen's heart sink.
He bowed deeply.
"Yes, Master. I was careless. I'll reflect on my actions."
Yun Yun looked away, unsure of how strict she should be. She wanted to scold them more but wasn't that going too far? Love between a man and a woman was personal, after all. As a teacher, how much should she really interfere?
Besides, it was already done.
She sighed softly.
Nalan Yanran, standing nearby, looked at Ye Chen with shining eyes. When he took all the blame, her heart filled with emotion.
Senior Brother… I really chose the right person.
Her cheeks were still red, but she felt no regret. Even if she could go back in time, she would still choose him.
No she'd be even braver about it.
Yun Yun finally broke the silence again.
"Are you better now?" she asked, looking at Ye Chen.
He nodded respectfully.
"Thanks to Junior Sister's… careful care, I've almost fully recovered."
As soon as he said that, Yun Yun's eyes moved to Nalan Yanran. Her gaze stayed there a moment too long.
"She really took good care of you, didn't she?"
Her voice was calm, but the hidden meaning was clear.
She even cared for you… in bed. How thoughtful.
Nalan Yanran's face turned bright red. She lowered her head in embarrassment, her hands gripping her robe tightly.
That was my first time… and Master saw through it!
If she could disappear into the ground, she would've.
After a moment, Yun Yun turned back to Ye Chen.
"Since you've recovered, resume training tomorrow. You're still practicing the Thunderbolt Spear Technique, right? I'll personally test you at the back mountain."
Her voice now had the firmness of a leader.
Ye Chen let out a breath of relief.
"Yes, Master. I didn't slack off during my rest. My spear skills have improved."
"Good." Yun Yun nodded. Even though she was upset earlier, she was still pleased with his progress.
As she stood to leave, Ye Chen glanced at her. A strange thought passed through his mind.
Master is still so beautiful… and she's not married…
He quickly shook the thought away.
No! I can't even think that. If I said it out loud, I'd be kicked out for sure!
He pressed his hands together and bowed.
"Thank you, Master, for your understanding."
Yun Yun turned to leave.
"Take care, both of you. Don't let this happen again."
But just as she reached the edge of the pavilion, she paused and looked back.
Her eyes narrowed slightly as she looked at Nalan Yanran.
"Yanran…"
Nalan Yanran flinched and looked up nervously.
"Yes, Master?"
"You still have an engagement, don't you? With that boy from the Xiao family… Xiao Yan?"
Her calm voice hit like thunder.
Yanran froze. Her face turned pale. She glanced at Ye Chen, panicked.
Ye Chen gave her a small smile and shook his head gently.
Don't worry. I already knew, his eyes said.
Yanran bit her lip and lowered her head.
"Yes… Master."
Yun Yun's expression softened a little.
"Since you and Ye Chen are already this close, there's no point in keeping that engagement."
"We'll cancel the marriage with the Xiao family. I'll personally arrange your wedding in the Yunlan Sect."
Her tone was firm. She wasn't just allowing it she was making it official.
Yanran's eyes widened in shock, then filled with joy.
"Thank you, Master!" she said, her voice trembling. She bowed deeply.
It feels like a dream… Master truly supports us!
Ye Chen also bowed again, this time even more respectfully.
"Your disciple will never forget your kindness."
Yun Yun nodded faintly, then turned and walked away. Her white robes fluttered in the wind.
But inside, her heart was still uneasy.
Ye Chen…
What am I going to do with you?
Brother… I'm sorry," Nalan Yanran said softly.
She lowered her head, her eyes filled with guilt, like she had done something terribly wrong.
Less than six months after becoming Yun Yun's disciple, she had already fallen in love with her senior brother.
In her heart, she had long made a silent vow
she would never marry anyone but him.
But the engagement that still bound her to someone else made things complicated.
Compared to her talented, handsome senior brother…
Her useless fiancé from the Xiao family was simply unbearable.
Any woman with eyes would choose someone like Ye Chen.
Nalan Yanran was no different.
Because she feared Ye Chen might mind, she had never dared to mention the engagement.
She had even thought about secretly asking Master to cancel it quietly.
But now… Master had brought it up right in front of him.
Thankfully, it looked like Ye Chen didn't care at all.
...
Enjoying the story? Your comments and feedback mean the world to me
they'll help inspire the next chapter!"
or