Chapter Fourteen: Unveiling Her True Identity as a Daughter

Page 1/3

Ming Yue was lost in thought when a low, calm male voice softly spoke beside her: “Young brother, you saved my life. I can grant you one wish. Speak—how would you like to be repaid?”

Ming Yue turned around and saw Shui Yanxi, the young master of the Ximing Immortal Sect, standing quietly by her side. His enchanting peach blossom eyes were filled with a teasing smile as he looked at her. Shui Yanxi was tall, imposing, and exuded a dangerous, alluring aura. At thirteen, Ming Yue only reached his chest.

She stepped back politely and said, “If you truly wish to repay me, please settle the medicine fee—ten taels of silver in total.”

Shui Yanxi’s smile deepened, his peach blossom eyes narrowing as he gazed into her dark, gem-like eyes. “Do you think I acted too harshly? If the situation were reversed, and someone plotted against you like that, would you be pleased?” Ming Yue pondered and shook her head.

“If it were before, I would have taken her life already. Hmph!” Shui Yanxi snorted coldly. Even standing beside him, Ming Yue could feel the murderous intent radiating from him, causing her to shrink her neck.

He cupped his hands politely and asked, “I am Shui Yanxi. May I know your honorable name, young brother?”

Ming Yue returned the gesture. “I am Ming Yue.”

“Where will you stay tonight, Ming Yue brother? Shall I help book a room for you?”

Ming Yue shook her head quickly. “No need, Shui brother. I’ve already reserved a room here at this inn.”

Shui Yanxi sincerely invited, “May I invite Ming Yue brother to share a few drinks tonight as a token of gratitude?”

Ming Yue considered that she was alone in a strange place and it was better to avoid trouble, especially since she had already been involved in enough today. Moreover, Shui Yanxi’s seductive and dangerous demeanor made her wary of stirring up further trouble. She politely declined, “Thank you for your kindness, Shui brother, but I must set off early tomorrow. I won’t trouble you.”

After bowing slightly, she returned to her room upstairs.

Having washed up, Ming Yue intended to rest early for the journey ahead. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Assuming it was the innkeeper, she opened the door—and froze.

Outside stood a tall and strikingly handsome young man.

He appeared around seventeen or eighteen, with fair skin and jet-black hair. His sharp, elegant chin framed pink, sensuous lips, and his finely sculpted features were as perfect as if carved from marble. His dark red silk robe shimmered with a noble air, making him look like a precious jade—both refined and charming. Most captivating were his peach blossom eyes, brimming with affection and mischief, exuding countless charms that could ensnare one’s soul; a red vertical mark between his brows added an enigmatic allure. He stood there, eclipsing everything else, with an androgynous beauty as if a legendary demon king had appeared.

Ming Yue felt a strange familiarity, as if she had seen this handsome youth somewhere before.

Puzzled, she asked, “May I ask who you are?” Then it dawned on her—this was Shui Yanxi, the young master of the Ximing Immortal Sect who had saved her earlier, now dressed in male attire. No wonder he seemed familiar.

The handsome youth fixed his alluring peach blossom eyes on her and said in a tone that brooked no refusal, “Ming Yue brother, I am Shui Yanxi. Please come to my room for a drink to show my gratitude.”

Ming Yue’s heart skipped a beat under his affectionate gaze, and an inexplicable shyness surged within her. Gathering her composure, she reminded herself that she was dressed as a boy now—there was nothing to fear—and straightened her chest.

Seeing Ming Yue’s hesitation, Shui Yanxi earnestly said, “In this vast sea of people, once we part tomorrow, there may be no chance to meet again. Why be so coy, Ming Yue brother?”

Ming Yue thought it over. It was still early, and she wouldn’t fall asleep anytime soon. Repeatedly declining might seem petty. So she agreed generously, “Then I shall trouble you, Shui brother.”

He led her to a VIP room on the third floor—three to four times larger than an ordinary room, complete with bedroom and study, exquisitely furnished with luxurious elegance that dwarfed Ming Yue’s modest lodging.

The outer hall was already set with a full table of delicacies, the bright candlelight illuminating every corner. The dishes steamed fragrantly.

Upon entering, Ming Yue was greeted by a gentle breeze carrying sweet scents. On either side of the room stood four exquisite maidens dressed in white, varying from plump to slender, all radiating floral beauty. As Ming Yue and Shui Yanxi entered, they bowed respectfully—a grand and impressive scene.

Ming Yue had never witnessed such grandeur and was a bit dazed, thinking to herself how lavish the young master of Ximing really was.

Page 2/3

Shui Yanxi invited Ming Yue to sit, and immediately two beautiful maid servants approached to arrange their seats and assist them. Two more poured deep red wine into crystal cups, ready to feed them, while two others stood by to help serve dishes. The remaining two attended to bringing more food.

Surrounded by so many graceful attendants, Ming Yue felt uneasy despite being a girl herself. She cleared her throat and politely said, “Sisters, there’s no need to be so formal. I can do it myself.”

Seeing her discomfort, Shui Yanxi waved his hand, and the maidens bowed and quietly withdrew, leaving only the two of them in the room.

Ming Yue finally relaxed, wiping sweat from her brow and smiling awkwardly at Shui Yanxi.

His peach blossom eyes shone warmly as he said, “I toast Ming Yue brother with a modest cup, in thanks for saving my life today.”

Unfamiliar with the customs of the martial world, Ming Yue hesitated, unsure whether she should drink or not.

Seeing her hesitation, Shui Yanxi thought she might not be used to alcohol and explained, “This is grape wine, produced in the Western Wastelands. The flavor is light, sweet, and pleasant. You might like it.”

Ming Yue, half convinced, lifted the crystal cup. The dark red wine gleamed invitingly, releasing a fresh, sweet aroma that made her mouth water.

She sipped gently, finding it sweet, fragrant, and refreshing—a truly fine taste.

Unable to resist, she finished the cup in one go, looking adorably innocent and thoroughly enjoying it.

Shui Yanxi poured her another cup. “This grape wine is made from the finest purple jade grapes of the Western Wastelands. Its color is a rich purple-red, sweet with a hint of fragrance—the very finest among wines. Enjoy a few more cups, Ming Yue brother.”

Ming Yue bowed in thanks. The wine indeed tasted like fruit, pleasant and light.

Shui Yanxi smiled broadly, his sparkling peach blossom eyes fixed on her, making everything else seem dull by comparison. Ming Yue felt her heart flutter and lowered her gaze, unable to meet his eyes.

She took another sip, and for some reason, memories of a scarred boy she’d met in Peach Blossom Village as a child surfaced. He had a unique charm in his smile. She wondered if he was at the Shushan Immortal Sect.

Noticing her silence, Shui Yanxi asked, “Ming Yue brother, your medical skills are impressive. Who was your master?”

Ming Yue shook her head sadly. “I learned from my mother.”

He did not press further and changed the subject. “Where do you come from, and where are you headed?”

“From a small town. I want to visit the Shushan Immortal Sect,” she replied.

They chatted while eating, sharing stories and customs from their hometowns. Shui Yanxi was knowledgeable and eloquent, making the conversation lively and enjoyable.

Having rushed earlier to save someone, Ming Yue hadn’t eaten well. Surrounded by delicious dishes and fine wine, she ate and drank with ease, unknowingly consuming four or five cups of grape wine. Her face flushed deeply, her cheeks and ears burning hot.

In contrast, Shui Yanxi drank freely as if it were water, showing no signs of intoxication.

Ming Yue’s cheeks burned fiercely, and she felt dizzy.

Shui Yanxi studied the boy’s luminous eyes and the translucent earlobes with small piercings, his expression unreadable.

The skin on the boy’s neck and face was noticeably different in tone from the ears. With his many years in the martial world, Shui Yanxi was certain this “boy” was actually a girl in disguise.

Page 3/3

Looking into those captivating eyes, he grew curious about the girl’s true appearance.

Shui Yanxi kept helping Ming Yue with her food and refilling her wine, occasionally exchanging a few words.

Though Ming Yue hadn’t felt anything when drinking, now her head grew light and dizzy. She stood up, staggering slightly as a wave of dizziness overwhelmed her.

Realizing she was drunk, she rose and said, “Shui… Shui brother, I’m full. Thank you for your hospitality. I… I must take my leave…”

Shui Yanxi clapped his hands, and the maidens brought over a thick stack of silver notes. He handed them to Ming Yue, saying, “Take these as travel expenses.”

“No need, Shui brother. You’ve already treated me to a feast,” Ming Yue declined. It was her first time drinking, and she was indeed tipsy.

Seeing his handsome face and affectionate eyes, she grabbed his sleeve, shaking him playfully with an innocent smile. “I saved your life; why not pledge yourself to me and be my brother, hehe…”

Shui Yanxi was momentarily angered by her teasing. Glancing at the unremarkable, drunken little face, his eyes flickered. “Ming Yue brother, since you’re drunk, how about staying here with me for the night?”

She waved her hands frantically. “No, no… men and women should keep their distance…”

Closing her eyes, she leaned in. Her skin was pale, and her plain face bore no particular features.

Shui Yanxi frowned in distaste. When she suddenly stopped moving, he bent down and couldn’t help but laugh softly—she had fallen asleep on his shoulder.

He clapped his hands, and the maidens quickly cleared the wine and dishes, tidying the table. The lead maiden bowed and asked, “Young master, shall we escort this young sir back to his room?”

Looking at Ming Yue’s translucent earlobes, Shui Yanxi said sternly, “Everyone, withdraw. No need for your service tonight.” After tidying up, the maidens bowed and quietly left, closing the door behind them.

Shui Yanxi helped Ming Yue to the inner chamber bed. The little youth turned over on the lavish bed and soon fell into a deep, peaceful sleep.

His peach blossom eyes lingered on the sleeping youth, then he produced a small packet of brown powder, mixing it into a tea cup with warm water. After stirring, he dipped a pristine white cloth into the mixture and slowly wiped the sleeping youth’s grayish face.

As Shui Yanxi wiped, a translucent, exquisitely beautiful face gradually appeared before him.

When finished, he carefully examined the girl’s face. Her skin was translucent and radiant, with long lashes framing a small, delicate oval face. Her petite, upturned nose and flawless complexion resembled a blooming lotus flower—pure, graceful, and as fresh as morning dew. The youthful innocence and delicate beauty radiated a rare charm, truly a peerless earthly beauty.

His trembling hand continued wiping her neck and hands, revealing equally fair and radiant skin.

He scrutinized the sleeping, charming girl, feeling that all his previous concubines paled in comparison. Despite having many wives, he had never possessed such an extraordinary, refined beauty.

No words could describe the perfection before him. His head buzzed, and his heart pounded wildly, as if struck by lightning.

Touching his chest, his face showed a mixture of intoxication and confusion. He had never before felt such stirring for any woman—perhaps this was his first time.

He stared blankly at the incomparable beauty, reluctant to look away. Her exquisite face seemed as if he had waited lifetimes to find her.

After a long while, he came to his senses, recalling the girl’s drunken words about pledging herself to him, and chuckled softly. “If I agree to your vow, what then?”

I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.