Chapter 56: Three Rules

Master Qingxu nearly wept upon hearing this, his heart sighing in secret. “Realm—this is what they call realm: with my late-stage Tribulation Crossing cultivation, entering the Valley of Certain Death is as difficult as ascending to heaven; but the Nine Heavens Fairy, whose cultivation as a wandering immortal is only one step above mine, can come and go from the valley as she pleases… No wonder she’s always so proud—she truly has every reason to be.”

While Qingxu was immersed in his own lament, the Nine Heavens Fairy continued, her voice icy and detached, “As the saying goes, if you’re saving someone, see it through to the end. Qingxu, since you lack the ability to obtain the Heartfruit and the Resurrection Stone, I may as well lend you a hand: I can send Mei’er to the Valley of Certain Death to fetch those two crucial ingredients for your alchemy.”

Yan Chixia, Bai Xiaoyue, Bunny Xiaomeng, and Pinecone, upon hearing this, were all elated.

“Ah! Immortal, you’re truly magnificent!” Bunny Xiaomeng couldn’t help but beam at the Nine Heavens Fairy.

Qingxu was deeply moved, gazing at the peerless, cold beauty of the Nine Heavens Fairy with boundless gratitude in his heart. “Such insignificant virtue as mine, how could I possibly deserve the Immortal’s generous aid? Words cannot express my gratitude; your kindness will forever be engraved in my heart!”

He then shifted his gaze to She Mei’er, whose smile bloomed like a flower, his face tinged with guilt. “She Mei’er, I am incapable and must trouble you with this arduous task… Truly, I am deeply ashamed!”

“Hehehe…” She Mei’er laughed delightedly, “Master, you’re too modest! It’s nothing, hardly worth mentioning. Please rest assured—both the Heartfruit and Resurrection Stone are within my grasp. Once I reach the Valley of Certain Death, I’ll retrieve them with ease! However…” As she spoke, her peach-blushed cheeks and almond eyes shyly glanced at Yan Chixia. “Master Qingxu, before I depart, I have a small request. I hope you’ll grant it!”

Yan Chixia, hearing this, sensed She Mei’er’s intentions and grew anxious.

Qingxu responded without hesitation, “No problem. She Mei’er, whatever you ask, just say the word!”

“Good!” She Mei’er’s heart soared. “With my current skills, a round trip to the Valley of Certain Death will take about five days… Truly a long and lonely journey. So, I’d like Yan Chixia to accompany me, for company and to watch out for any unexpected dangers in such desolate wilderness. Besides, having someone to talk to will ease the dullness along the way!”

No sooner had she finished speaking than Bunny Xiaomeng blurted out, “Hmph, shameless!”

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“Xiaomeng, mind your tongue!” Bai Xiaoyue quickly intervened.

She Mei’er, feeling guilty, blushed at Bunny Xiaomeng’s words and promptly turned the tables, “Oh! Lucky someone reminded me—otherwise, I’d really be a shameless person! Ah, it’s so hard to be a good person in this world. Since that’s the case, never mind, I won’t go to the Valley of Certain Death after all, for fear I’ll end up shameless!”

Bunny Xiaomeng was startled, thinking, “Oh no, I’ve ruined everything! Master Qingxu’s life hangs in the balance; only She Mei’er can pull him back from disaster. At this critical moment, I must not act on impulse—I have to adapt and persuade her to go quickly…”

Thinking swiftly, Bunny Xiaomeng put on a smile for She Mei’er, “Hehehe, Mei’er sister, I was just joking! The Valley of Certain Death is a place where heroes can truly shine. You’re a heroine—how could you miss such a chance? Hehehe, Mei’er sister, you’re my idol, the greatest heroine of all. Don’t you agree?”

Her words, sweet and flattering, though She Mei’er knew they were empty praise, were still pleasing to hear. She smiled at Bunny Xiaomeng, “Oh! You clever little sprite, who knew you’d be so good at flattery! I’m just a delicate girl, hardly a heroine. But since you insist, I’ll go to the Valley of Certain Death after all!”

“Ha, She Mei’er truly deserves to be called a disciple of the Palace of Purple Clouds—such righteousness!” Qingxu smiled broadly. “Since that’s decided, Yan, you’ll accompany She Mei’er to the Valley of Certain Death.”

“Yes!” Yan Chixia answered loudly.

Though he disliked She Mei’er, and even resented her, not wanting to spend a single moment with her, this journey was for his master’s medicine. Thus, Yan Chixia could only obey. Reluctant as he was, out of courtesy, he stepped up to She Mei’er and thanked her, “She Mei’er, you’re braving hardships to seek medicine for my master from afar—I am truly grateful! Thank you!”

She Mei’er replied with a coy laugh, “Oh! We’re all family, handsome boy—no need for formalities!”

Her words, coquettish and syrupy, made the Nine Heavens Fairy uncomfortable. Her expression darkened and she warned coldly, “Mei’er, mind your manners!”

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“Yes!” She Mei’er answered, quickly composed herself, and stood properly before the Nine Heavens Fairy, asking earnestly, “Master, when shall we depart?”

“Time is short—leave now,” the Nine Heavens Fairy ordered, gazing at the lovely She Mei’er with deep affection. She suddenly took She Mei’er’s slender hand, her voice softening, “Mei’er, the journey to the Valley of Certain Death is long—be cautious and return swiftly. You and Yan Chixia will travel together; restrain yourself and mind your conduct at all times!”

She Mei’er understood the hidden admonition: her master was warning her not to lose herself in romance and compromise her virtue while alone with Yan Chixia. Her cheeks flushed as she playfully protested, “Master, really? I know!”

Yan Chixia, seeing She Mei’er and the Nine Heavens Fairy bid each other farewell, hurried to say goodbye to Master Qingxu. Then he turned to Bai Xiaoyue, Bunny Xiaomeng, and Pinecone, instructing, “Sister, Xiaomeng, Pinecone, I’m leaving soon. Please stay here and look after Master—I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

Bunny Xiaomeng and Pinecone replied in unison, “Alright! Brother Yan, go ahead—we’ll take good care of your master!”

Bai Xiaoyue nodded, gazing at Yan Chixia with reluctant affection. “Brother, be careful on the road!”

“Don’t worry, sister, everything will be fine!” Yan Chixia reassured her, then strode into his room, fetched his Red Hero Sword, and returned to She Mei’er, full of vigor. “She Mei’er, I’m ready. Shall we go?”

“Of course!” She Mei’er looked at Yan Chixia’s strikingly handsome face with delight, then, suddenly solemn, declared, “But Yan Chixia, before we depart, I want to set three rules in front of everyone: First, during this trip to the Valley of Certain Death, you will follow me—I am the leader, you are the attendant, so you must obey my commands; second, since I’m the leader, you must change how you address me—don’t call me ‘She Mei’er,’ but ‘sister’; third, as one of the world’s few great beauties, as we travel together, you must not entertain any inappropriate thoughts about me…”