Bai Tu blinked in confusion. Half-awake and groggy, he noticed that Yun Ye had already sat up straight, his ears betraying him with a faint blush that he desperately tried to conceal.

“What were you doing just now?” Bai Tu asked, his tone filled with curiosity.

“N-Nothing…” Yun Ye stammered, his gaze darting away as he shifted awkwardly to the side. “I was just checking if you were feeling better.”

Bai Tu didn’t dwell on it and replied casually. “I’m feeling much better.”

“That’s good.” Yun Ye nodded. “Tomorrow, we should be able to make it back to camp. As long as we safely get through the next few days, we’ll finally be able to leave.”

Bai Tu remained silent, his clear, striking eyes fixated on Yun Ye. There was a hint of confusion in his gaze that made Yun Ye uneasy.

“Why are you staring at me like that?” Yun Ye asked, trying to mask his discomfort.

“I’m just wondering why you’ve suddenly had a change of heart,” Bai Tu said matter-of-factly. “You never used to talk to me in this tone before.”

A flicker of guilt flashed through Yun Ye’s eyes. “And what tone did I use before?”

“You were harsh, always blaming me for holding you back,” Bai Tu said, frowning slightly. He imitated Yun Ye’s gruff tone, lowering his voice dramatically. “‘It’s all your fault, you little fool! Now I have to suffer out here with you, eating cold meals under the open sky. Useless weakling…’ Like that.”

Bai Tu’s exaggerated mimicry, coupled with his naturally adorable face, was almost too much to handle. Yun Ye couldn’t help but chuckle.

“What are you laughing at? Did I say something wrong?” Bai Tu demanded, narrowing his eyes.

“No, you were absolutely right,” Yun Ye replied, suppressing his laughter. Turning to Bai Tu, he softened his voice. “You’re not foolish. I am. I’m sorry.”

The sudden gentleness in Yun Ye’s tone made Bai Tu feel strangely uncomfortable. He frowned slightly, then said earnestly. “You should just talk to me like you used to. I can’t get used to you being like this.”

Yun Ye cleared his throat and turned his head away, avoiding Bai Tu’s gaze.

After a brief silence, Yun Ye spoke again. “Earlier, you asked me what I planned to do about the jade flute. I’ve thought about it. Once we’re out of here, I’ll hand it over to my master and let him decide its fate. As for the two who used the demonic artifact, I’ll bring them before my master and the sect leader to face judgment.”

“…Do you think that will work?” Bai Tu asked hesitantly.

“Mm, that way, I’ll have peace of mind.” Yun Ye nodded firmly.

Without thinking, Bai Tu replied. “Well, if it puts your mind at ease, then—” He stopped himself mid-sentence, realizing something was off. Quickly, he corrected. “But what I say doesn’t count. I’m not Immortal Lord Zhaohua…”

Yun Ye’s lips curled into a slight smile as he teased. “That’s true. You’re not. You’re just a little white rabbit.”

The way Yun Ye looked at him sent a shiver down Bai Tu’s spine. Feeling increasingly flustered, he blurted out. “I’m going to sleep!” He turned his back to Yun Ye in a huff, pulling his robes tightly around himself like a protective cocoon.

Yun Ye tilted his head, quietly watching the boy who had wrapped himself tightly in his robes, leaving only half of his face visible. In a low voice, he replied. “Alright.”

Goodnight, Master.

The next day, the two of them safely returned to camp.

Their disappearance for an entire day had nearly thrown the camp into chaos. Fortunately, they made it back just in time to prevent things from spiraling into disorder.

Over the following days, the group encountered several dangerous situations. However, thanks to their collective efforts, they managed to navigate them with minimal harm.

Then came the final day—at sunrise.

As the sun broke the horizon, every disciple within the Primordial Secret Realm felt a surge of immense spiritual energy.

The exit of the mystic realm had opened.

The barrier marking the exit appeared at the peak of a cliff, not too far from their location. The path up the mountain, however, was teeming with demons and fiends. Battling their way upward, they reached the exit by dusk.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, signaling the closing of the mystic realm’s exit, demons continued to surge up from the foot of the mountain, inching ever closer.

One by one, the disciples passed through the barrier of the exit. Bai Tu, walking at the rear of the group, turned to Yun Ye and said. “You go on ahead with them. I’ll cover the rear.”

He had made it this far; it was time to find a way to leave.

“I’ll stay with you.” Yun Ye said firmly.

“But…” Bai Tu opened his mouth to protest, but Yun Ye ignored him.

Drawing the folding fan from his waist, Yun Ye snapped it open. The fan transformed into a long sword, and with one swift motion, he plunged the blade into the forehead of a demon beast lunging at Bai Tu.

Yun Ye tilted his head and flashed Bai Tu a smile. “When you’re fighting, you need to focus.”

The sky was ablaze with crimson clouds as the sun was about to set. Most of the disciples had already passed through the barrier, leaving only Yun Ye and Bai Tu at the cliff’s edge.

Bai Tu slashed at another demon beast approaching him, driving it back. “Hurry up and go! If you don’t leave now, it’ll be too late!” he urged.

Yun Ye sheathed his sword, Taichu, at his waist.

He knew Bai Tu wouldn’t leave the mystic realm with him. Bai Tu intended to feign failure in the trial, using it as an excuse to disappear from Yun Ye’s life.

Just like in their previous life.

Yun Ye sighed quietly in his heart. As he walked toward the exit of the mystic realm, he couldn’t help but turn back for a final, lingering look at the boy.

Of course, he understood—he hadn’t truly lost this person. Once they were outside, he would soon meet the real version of his master. But in the outside world, their relationship would revert to what it once was.

That person would return to being lofty and untouchable, no longer able to stand beside him as an equal, fighting together like friends.

“Xiao Bai.” Yun Ye suddenly called softly.

Bai Tu turned to look at him. “What is it?”

Yun Ye shook his head. “It’s nothing. I’ll go first. You follow quickly.”

Bai Tu hesitated for a moment before forcing a small smile. “Alright, I will.”

He watched as Yun Ye stepped into the barrier of the exit and let out a gentle breath.

At last, it was over.

Bai Tu closed his eyes lightly. In the blink of an eye, dozens of demon beasts leapt onto the cliff, lunging toward him. But just as they were about to reach him, the boy’s figure dissolved into a faint glimmer of light, vanishing without a trace.

Bai Tu opened his eyes and found himself back in the training arena.

In the center of the arena, radiant light shimmered as the Primordial Secret Realm slowly closed. The disciples who had just emerged from the realm stood in the middle of the plaza, their faces alight with joy and relief.

Bai Tu’s gaze swept across the crowd for a moment before landing on a familiar figure.

Yun Ye stood calmly at the back of the group. As if sensing someone watching him, he raised his head and met Bai Tu’s eyes.

Yun Ye’s dark eyes lit up slightly, and a faint smile curved his strikingly handsome face.

In that instant, the surrounding noise seemed to fade into nothingness. Across the crowd, their gazes locked, and Bai Tu felt a subtle yet inexplicable flutter in his chest, like a gentle knock stirring a tingling sensation deep within him.

Flustered, Bai Tu quickly averted his gaze. Just then, Ling Weijun, standing beside him, softly called out. “Immortal Lord.”

Snapping out of his thoughts, Bai Tu turned to him and asked. “What is it?”

Ling Weijun hesitated briefly before speaking. “About Taichu…”

The flow of time in the mystic realm differed from the outside world. Seven days had passed within the realm, but outside, less than four hours had elapsed. During that time, everything that happened inside the realm had been clearly visible to those outside.

While the ordinary disciples might have been unaware, the sect leader and the elders present knew very well: Taichu had recognized Yun Ye as its master.

As soon as Ling Weijun mentioned it, Bai Tu immediately understood what he was trying to say. Shaking his head lightly, he replied. “Let’s head back first.”

In the Tianyan Sect’s council hall, the elders of the sect had already gathered, their expressions grave as they awaited the discussion ahead.

“How can Taichu be handed over to a mere child? He hasn’t even reached the Golden Core stage! This is utterly absurd!” an irate middle-aged man bellowed.

The speaker was the Discipline Elder, who had overseen the Discipline Hall for many years. Known for his strictness, he also had the most fiery temper among the elders.

A tall, thin man with a scholarly air and a head of white hair chimed in with a calm voice. “Indeed. Taichu is the sacred treasure left behind by the sect’s founder. To hand it over so hastily feels far too rash.”

This was the Teaching Elder, a figure of dignity and wisdom, often regarded as a paragon of the sect’s ideals.

“That’s not entirely fair,” a gentle voice interjected. It came from a strikingly beautiful woman who exuded grace. “If the boy managed to earn Taichu’s recognition, he must possess qualities that are beyond our judgment. It’s not for us to criticize so easily.”

This was the Alchemy Elder, known for her calm demeanor and exceptional medical skills, earning her the title of Healing Immortal in the cultivation world.

“Sister, that’s not what we mean,” the Teaching Elder replied, stroking his beard with an air of righteousness. “The current state of the cultivation world is in decline. More than ever, we need a celestial artifact like Taichu to bolster us. But now, Taichu has chosen someone so… unremarkable—cough, I mean, someone who lacks the qualifications to command respect.”

“…In my opinion, since Taichu has now reappeared, its future should be determined based on cultivation strength,” he concluded, his tone resolute.

The elders continued their debate, each voicing their opinions. Bai Tu, seated in the main chair, sipped his tea calmly, unbothered by the commotion.

Finally, Ling Weijun, his brow deeply furrowed, could no longer tolerate the bickering. He slammed his hand on the table and roared. “Enough! Stop arguing!”

The council hall fell silent instantly. Ling Weijun turned to Bai Tu and asked. “Yun Ye is Immortal Lord’s direct disciple. May I ask what Immortal Lord intends to do?”

Bai Tu sipped his tea leisurely before replying. “Since Taichu has recognized him as its master, why shouldn’t it be his?”

“This…”

The elders exchanged uneasy glances. The Discipline Elder snorted coldly. “Immortal Lord, I hope you’re not prioritizing your personal disciple over the interests of Tianyan Sect and the entire cultivation world.”

Bai Tu raised his eyes to meet the elder’s gaze, his tone unhurried. “The founder left clear rules: whoever earns Taichu’s recognition shall become its rightful master. If someone in the sect can make Taichu switch allegiance, I will personally ensure Yun Ye hands it over. But…”

He paused, taking another sip of tea, his gaze briefly laced with faint derision.

“To my knowledge, many of you have entered the Taichu Mystic Realm before. Yet, the Primordial Beast never once appeared to you.” Bai Tu remarked, his tone cold and measured. “What makes you so confident that you can take Taichu away now?”

As night fell, Bai Tu returned to Luoxia Peak, pressing his fingers lightly to his temple in exhaustion.

The reactions of the Tianyan Sect elders hadn’t surprised him in the slightest. On the contrary, he had gone through this very scenario in his previous life.

Now, it all depended on how Yun Ye would wield Taichu to win their approval.

With that thought, Bai Tu entered his quarters, sat down, and began his meditation.

After the journey through the Primordial Secret Realm, Bai Tu couldn’t help but notice that his body felt unusually strange, far beyond what could be explained by simple overexertion of spiritual energy. Just as he was about to investigate further, a soft knock came at the door.

Bai Tu opened his eyes and said. “Come in.”

It was Yun Ye.

He entered the room slowly, carrying a small bowl in his hands. “Master, this is a medicinal congee I just learned to make from the sisters in the Alchemy Pavilion. Please try it and tell me how it tastes.”

As he spoke, Yun Ye placed the bowl on the low table beside Bai Tu.

When the lid was lifted, a faint herbal fragrance mixed with the rich aroma of congee wafted through the air.

Bai Tu asked. “What made you suddenly want to learn something like this?”

Yun Ye’s gaze shifted slightly, betraying a hint of nervousness. “Last time, when the Alchemy Pavilion sent over this medicinal congee, I noticed Master seemed to enjoy it. I thought it’d be good to learn how to make it myself.”

“You’re thoughtful,” Bai Tu said, picking up the bowl. He scooped a spoonful, but immediately noticed something unusual. “This congee is made with extremely rare and precious spiritual ingredients. Who would use such treasures just for a bowl of congee?”

Yun Ye stammered, unable to form a coherent reply, and finally muttered. “Master, just try it first.”

Bai Tu gave Yun Ye a suspicious glance but said nothing more. He lowered his head and took a sip of the medicinal congee.

The congee was perfectly soft and cooked just right. After a few mouthfuls, Bai Tu felt warmth spread from his chest to his stomach, and the discomfort that had been bothering him began to fade away.

Yun Ye, standing beside Bai Tu, suddenly spoke up. “Master, did you know? I met a friend in the Primordial Secret Realm.”

Bai Tu’s hand trembled slightly, and the porcelain spoon made a crisp sound as it tapped the side of the bowl.

He took another sip of the congee before calmly replying. “Is that so? What kind of friend?”

Yun Ye leaned his chin in his hand, his voice soft and low. “He’s small and frail, his health isn’t great, and his personality is simple to the point of being a little naïve… But he’s a really good person.”

He paused for a moment, then looked up at Bai Tu with earnest eyes. “I feel at ease around him. If I could, I’d want to stay with him all the time.”

Bai Tu’s heart involuntarily quickened. He took a deep breath to steady himself, then quietly said. “That… really sounds wonderful.”

“But I can’t find him anymore.”

Yun Ye, adopting a theatrical air, lowered his eyes and feigned disappointment. “When we left the Primordial Secret Realm, he promised he would follow me, but ever since we left, he’s disappeared.”

Bai Tu fell silent.

He finally spoke. “He might have left the mountain. Disciples who don’t pass the trial are often sent down.”

“I know.” Yun Ye replied, kneeling in front of Bai Tu. He gently took Bai Tu’s hand, burying his face in the palm, his voice muffled. “Master, do you think I’ll ever see him again?”

The warmth of Yun Ye’s breath against Bai Tu’s palm sent a soft shiver through him. Half of his body went weak, and he instinctively tried to pull his hand away.

But the little wolf pup held on tightly, looking as though he was deeply distressed.

Bai Tu felt an ache in his chest, a mix of tenderness and guilt. He exhaled softly, his fingers grazing Yun Ye’s cheek as he gently reassured him. “You will.”

“You two will meet again.”

=^_^=

Author has something to say: Our little wolf cub is about to stary pursuing his master!

Yun Ye: Little fool, let me show you what real acting looks like.

Bai Tu: …get lost