The Sect Master in the Gift Box - Chapter 2

Xiaoyu of the Shanhai Sect munched on melon as we chatted. “Have you heard of the Wuliang Sect?”

“Of course.” I tossed a sunflower seed into my mouth. “All that nonsense about severing love and desire. I can’t stand that sect.”

Xiaoyu clicked her tongue. “Their sect master is incredibly powerful. He was undergoing a trial recently, just one step away from ascending to immortality. Guess what happened?”

“Don’t tell me he failed?”

“Exactly!” Her face shone with excitement. “The great master of the Wuliang Sect got himself defiled during his trial. Someone made him break his vow of chastity!”

My sunflower seed fell to the ground. “Good heavens! Which immortal lady had the nerve to pounce on the Wuliang Sect’s master? What an inspiration to us all!”

Xiaoyu sighed. She looked solemn, though there was more than a hint of glee underneath.

“He’s practically mad with rage. Today he went straight to Mount Jiumeng to demand they hand someone over. I don’t fancy that woman’s chances.”

Mount Jiumeng? Mount Jiumeng!

Wasn’t that where my sect was?

Just then, someone grabbed my sleeve.

Startled, I turned to find my senior sister.

“Meiruo, I’ve been looking everywhere for you. Something’s happened at the sect. Come back with me, quickly!”

I followed her toward Mount Jiumeng, finding a chance along the way to ask where the young man had gone.

She frowned at me. “What young man?”

“Didn’t you send me a beautiful young man because you thought I’d be bored in seclusion?”

“I sent you a pheasant! Something for you to play with!”

We stared at each other for a long time. Then I heard myself ask, my voice trembling, “Then… where did that young man come from?”

Her voice trembled, too. “The Wuliang Sect’s master came up the mountain today, saying someone in our sect made him fail his ascension. Master swore it was impossible.”

“He told Master to summon every disciple. Said he’d recognize the culprit on sight.”

My palms were sweating.

Surely that beautiful, simpleminded young man couldn’t be Weixi, master of the Wuliang Sect?

Mount Jiumeng was already close. I heard Master’s voice.

“Our disciples have always been pure of heart and free of desire. They would never do anything so filthy. Sect Master, look—they’re all here. Surely none is the person who wronged you?”

Weixi’s voice answered, exactly as I remembered it from Cold Valley: low and slightly husky, enough to send my thoughts wandering.

“Isn’t one missing?”

Unlike the Wuliang Sect, ours was a small sect. Master could only treat Weixi with the utmost deference.

“Yes. Meiruo hasn’t returned. I’ve already sent someone to find her.”

I clutched my senior sister’s sleeve, clinging to one last shred of hope. “Is there any chance he’s looking for you…?”

She shook her head firmly. “He’s already seen me. He said it wasn’t me.”

“Give it up. You’re the one he wants.”

My heart plunged into an icy abyss.

Master was still defending me. “Meiruo is even less likely! She devotes herself to medicine. She wouldn’t spare the handsomest man on the road a second glance. How could she possibly have laid a finger on you?”

Ashamed, I lowered my head.

It wasn’t that I never looked. I’d simply never encountered anyone that handsome.

“Who knows?” Weixi’s tone was cold, faintly mocking. “Best if it wasn’t her. But if it was…”

Master trusted me far too much. Stiffening his neck, he declared, “It absolutely wasn’t Meiruo! If it was, you may kill her or cut her to pieces as you please.”

“S-Senior Sister,” I faltered. “I don’t think I’ll be going back… I’m rather attached to being alive…”

How had a little dual cultivation with a beautiful young man caused this much trouble?

I turned to flee. Just then, as though sensing something, Weixi looked up from Mount Jiumeng in my direction.

His chin lifted slightly. His features were sharply defined without being harsh. Even with that cold expression, his long, clear brows and eyes gave him an unmistakably youthful air.

I dared not look again. I was afraid that, if I did, my mind would start undressing him automatically.

After all, I knew exactly what lay beneath those blue robes: broad, powerful shoulders, firm, taut muscles…

“Meiruo, why is your face so red?”

I cleared my throat twice. Staying alive was the priority. How could I be entertaining such indecent thoughts?

“Senior Sister, I’m off! May we meet again!”