“Second Senior Brother…” I called out hesitantly. He paused, his gaze shifting to me with a soft smile, the kind you’d give to a mischievous child. “Little one, it seems you’re not doing too well.”
He crouched slightly to pat my head and said kindly, “Alright, little one. I’ll get Second Senior Brother to take you down the mountain.”
At this point, I couldn’t hold back any longer. “Second Senior Brother,” I interrupted, “why does Master dislike me so much?”
The senior brothers exchanged awkward glances, unsure how to respond. As it turned out, Qing Chen rarely expressed his preferences, and most of the disciples had no idea where they stood with him. It wasn’t that he disliked anyone—it was more like he didn’t care about anyone at all.
The tension eased slightly as Qing Chen’s calm yet distant presence loomed nearby. Only the second senior brother’s expression remained polite yet wary, as though he were perpetually calculating how much longer they’d all have to endure my antics.
It seemed the second senior brother, as carefree as he usually appeared, was actually quite perceptive. He noticed my nervousness but chose not to press me further. Instead, he glanced at me briefly before walking away, his eyes flickering with something I couldn’t quite decipher.
He was an excellent cultivator, steady and calm. I couldn’t fault him, but I also couldn’t shake the feeling that he didn’t fully trust me. And so, I hurriedly followed him, peeking into his room whenever I had the chance.
When I arrived, I caught the second senior brother speaking to Qing Chen: “Master, she’s just like that!” His tone was neither flattering nor critical. Without warning, he reached out and lightly grabbed my wrist.
I gasped softly, my heart tightening instantly as a chill ran down my spine.
What was this? Was the second senior brother testing me now?
Qing Chen stood silently, a faint gleam in his eyes as he glanced over. He gestured lightly with his hand, brushing aside the second senior brother’s hold as though dismissing it completely.
The second senior brother looked at me again, but this time, his expression carried a hint of frustration, as though he had already anticipated my reaction. “You’re not as small as you think,” he said flatly. “This sect has rules, and you’d do well not to forget them.”
Although his words didn’t carry much weight, the atmosphere in the room felt heavy. He walked back and sat down silently, his face slightly flushed.
I watched him in confusion. What was going on?
The second senior brother, despite his seemingly indifferent demeanor, harbored a deep respect for Qing Chen. Yet Qing Chen, as always, remained unreadable, his thoughts concealed behind his calm exterior.
This dynamic… this entire sect… felt like a game I didn’t understand. It was clear that entering this place had thrust me into something much bigger than myself.
I tried to suppress my unease, forcing a faint smile as I fiddled with the edges of my robe. When the second senior brother noticed, he frowned and walked over. “What’s wrong now? Are you up to something again?” he asked.
“I… I’m fine,” I mumbled, lowering my head. “Thank you, Second Senior Brother.”
He sighed, patting his robes before standing. After a moment’s hesitation, he finally reached for my hand. “Come on, little one. I’ll take you back to rest.”
Later, when I passed by Qing Chen’s room again, I couldn’t help but glance inside. He sat quietly, his posture regal, the faint glow of his presence illuminating the space around him. I felt a pang of envy and awe as I gazed at him. He seemed to exist in a realm entirely apart from mine, as though we were separated by an unbridgeable distance.
He noticed me. His eyes met mine briefly, and though his expression didn’t change, his gaze held a fleeting warmth, or perhaps a moment of acknowledgment. He raised his hand slightly in a gesture of dismissal, as though telling me to leave.
I turned away quickly, my thoughts a jumble of emotions. Qing Chen’s presence was overwhelming, and I couldn’t decide if it was comforting or intimidating. But one thing was clear: he would not allow me to cross any boundaries. Not yet.
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