Appreciating New Tea with an Inkstone - Chapter 34

Ye Qinming let out a soft sigh and reached out to gently grasp Gu Xiyan’s left hand, carefully examining the area wrapped in white cloth. “This wrist of yours is truly prone to misfortune. Does it hurt?”

To bestow a puppet with its master’s life, blood must serve as the medium to infuse the soul. From now on, though that Gu Xiyan would be a fake, every movement and expression would resemble the real Gu Xiyan. As long as the spellcaster remained alive, the puppet would not perish.

Gu Xiyan had already shed a significant amount of blood last night, but unwilling to let Ye Qinming expend more energy healing her, she simply applied medicine and wrapped the wound.

Gu Xiyan’s fingers curled slightly. For some reason, though Ye Qinming’s fingers were clearly cool, when they touched her hand, they felt inexplicably hot, and a strange sensation spread through her body.

She tried to maintain her composure. “It’s nothing. It doesn’t hurt anymore.”

Ye Qinming frowned, rubbing the bandage lightly. Looking up at the woman before her, who had buried all her emotions deep inside, she sighed helplessly. “You seem gentle and obedient, but in truth, you’re stubborn and reserved. Young women all care about their beauty—I can heal this without leaving a scar, yet you refuse.”

“It’s just a small wound, there’s no need to waste your spiritual energy. It doesn’t hurt—” Before she could finish, she let out a muffled groan, her face paling slightly as she instinctively looked up, her eyes shimmering with the pain. Her confused, upturned gaze was filled with grievance, making her appear pitiful.

Ye Qinming snorted and quickly withdrew her fingers. “Didn’t you say it didn’t hurt?”

Gu Xiyan pressed her lips together, lowered her gaze, and said blandly, “Well, no one was deliberately pinching it before.”

Hmm, there was a faint note of accusation in her tone. Amused, Ye Qinming chuckled, then reached out to unwrap the bandages. Her fingers hovered lightly around the wound. “Let’s go.”

A soft glow swirled beneath their draped sleeves. A gentle warmth seeped into the wound, flowing continuously with spiritual energy, bringing an itch as new flesh grew. The tight sensation in her wrist gradually faded.

The next moment, Ye Qinming released her wrist, and with a smooth motion, slid her fingers down to grasp Gu Xiyan’s hand instead. “Don’t overthink things. You’ve arranged a path for your parents—now you need to continue walking your own.”

Gu Xiyan swallowed back a lump in her throat. She suddenly wanted to look at Ye Qinming. The person holding her hand at this moment must be the most beautiful sight in the world.

In her imagination, Ye Qinming must be exceptionally good-looking—when she smiled, it would be like the warm sun in spring, proud but not arrogant, dazzling yet never gaudy. She often heard Ye Qinming laugh, sometimes mocking, sometimes cold, but most often bold and spirited. Unfortunately, she could not see it for herself.

Lost in thought, Gu Xiyan didn’t notice Ye Qinming glancing back at her, though she didn’t interrupt. Instead, she simply led her forward along the official road.

“We’re heading to Dongzhou?” Gu Xiyan sensed the quiet surroundings and asked.

“That’s right. Cultivators seek tranquility and place great importance on spiritual energy. That’s why sects are built in secluded immortal mountains, close to the Immortal Realm. There, they can isolate themselves from the human world and even receive divine guidance. If you want to cultivate, it’s the best place for you. Moreover, ordinary demons rarely dare to approach, so you’ll be much safer there.” Ye Qinming had thought about this for a long time. She planned to bring Gu Xiyan into a sect, settle her down, and then return to the Demon Realm.

Gu Xiyan’s throat moved slightly. “Thank you, Qinming.” They were neither family nor old friends. When they first met, she had been nothing more than a tool for Ye Qinming’s cultivation. And yet, Ye Qinming had been far too kind to her.

Ye Qinming only smiled at her words. She simply knew that she could not bring herself to abandon Gu Xiyan and leave.

When they reached a remote area with no signs of human presence, Ye Qinming took Gu Xiyan with her and soared into the sky. 

Dongzhou was a great distance away, completely inaccessible to ordinary people. Considering that Gu Xiyan was merely a mortal, Ye Qinming had already chosen a gentler method, refraining from tearing through space directly. Even so, at her speed, they arrived at the boundary between the human world and Dongzhou within a day.

This place was deserted, with towering mountains stretching for hundreds of miles, covered in dense forests and vibrant clusters of flowers. Thick mist lingered all year round, giving it an ethereal beauty, like a land of immortals.

But despite its beauty, the dangers within kept most people at bay. Here stood a grand altar built by the cultivation world, containing three teleportation formations. To enter or leave Dongzhou, one had to use these formations to bypass the treacherous lands filled with roaming demons and savage beasts.

Ye Qinming gazed into the vast mountain range, her eyes narrowing slightly as she peered into the abyss on the other side, where another world lay hidden behind the thick mist.

After a moment of contemplation, she spoke. “To enter a sect, you’ll need some skills. With the spiritual energy and immortal aura hidden within you, if you lack the ability to protect yourself, you’ll be nothing more than an enticing target. I can’t let you go in unprepared. So for now, we’ll stay here. I’ll teach you the basics, and once you’ve made some progress, I’ll show you how to conceal yourself.”

She had planned every step meticulously for Gu Xiyan’s sake.

Gu Xiyan’s expression grew complicated. She opened her mouth, tempted to ask why Ye Qinming was treating her so well. But in the end, the words never left her lips.

She was stunned. What was she thinking again? No matter the reason, Ye Qinming was the Demon Emperor—sooner or later, she would leave. And this vague, indescribable feeling she had developed over time should never have appeared in the first place, nor should it disturb Ye Qinming.

“What’s wrong?” Ye Qinming thought she had a question.

“Nothing, I’ll do as you say,” she answered with perfect obedience. 

At eighteen, Gu Xiyan was remarkably perceptive, born with a mind as keen as a seven-orifice exquisite heart. There was no trace of youthful immaturity in her; she had an innate grace and brilliance. Someone like her, placing absolute trust in Ye Qinming, made the latter feel an inexplicable sense of joy.

“You’ve barely asked me anything along the way. Aren’t you afraid I might sell you off?”

Gu Xiyan’s expression remained warm and gentle, though inside, she felt a resigned kind of indulgence—Ye Qinming was teasing her again. She curved her lips into a smile, her gaze innocent yet earnest. “Would you bear to?” Ye Qinming was momentarily taken aback by the question, then, strangely, felt a bit embarrassed. Before she could respond, Gu Xiyan chuckled lightly and added, “I’m your personal walking elixir—you definitely wouldn’t sell me.”

Ye Qinming cleared her throat, feeling oddly defeated for breaking her thousand-year composure in front of a young girl. Still, she maintained a casual tone. “You sure remember my words well.”

Gu Xiyan simply smiled. It seemed Ye Qinming had just realized that, after spending so much time together, this girl—normally so serene and unassuming—actually had a hidden streak of playfulness.

“Hmph, so you know how to tease me now. Getting bold, aren’t you?” Ye Qinming scoffed, then narrowed her eyes at the forest ahead. “Time to get to work.”

Gu Xiyan was puzzled. “Work?”

“We’re staying here for now. I can bury myself in the earth like any old tea tree, no fear of wind or rain, but you can’t.” As she spoke, she led Gu Xiyan in search of a good spot to build a bamboo house.

Gu Xiyan felt a little guilty. “I’m troubling you.”

Ye Qinming ignored her and, once they found a suitable place, gestured for Gu Xiyan to step back.

With a wave of her hand, a surge of spiritual energy leveled the small hill before them. The location was ideal—high ground, well-structured surroundings, and a broad clearing. Not far away, a waterfall cascaded down the mountainside into a deep pool, with lush greenery and abundant spiritual energy. It was a perfect spot.

Ye Qinming seemed skilled at this kind of work. Gu Xiyan sat quietly nearby, listening to the sharp cracks of bamboo splitting. It was clear Ye Qinming was using spiritual power—her speed was astonishing, whipping up gusts of wind that blended with the distant roar of the waterfall, creating an oddly pleasant harmony.

Sitting there, Gu Xiyan found it hard to imagine Ye Qinming doing such tasks. Wasn’t she the Demon Emperor? Why was she personally constructing a bamboo house? Judging by the sounds, she was making full use of every piece of bamboo—staking, splitting, reinforcing.

Gu Xiyan couldn’t help much and could only listen as Ye Qinming worked efficiently. But for Ye Qinming, it was all effortless. Whenever she needed bamboo, she simply flicked her wrist, and various sizes appeared at her fingertips. With a single palm strike, uniform bamboo slats were split perfectly. As for nails? No need for a hammer—she simply pressed them into place with sheer force.

Imagining the scene in her mind, Gu Xiyan’s mouth opened slightly in awe. A Demon Emperor who could build a bamboo house by hand—it was a little… odd.

The bamboo pieces seemed almost alive, embedding themselves into the ground, weaving together into sturdy walls.

Gu Xiyan waited patiently, unbothered by her inability to see. She simply tilted her head, always listening toward Ye Qinming’s direction.

An hour passed, and the framework was nearly complete. Suddenly, Ye Qinming teleported right in front of Gu Xiyan, startling her so much she almost fell backward.

Ye Qinming quickly wrapped an arm around her back, pulling her upright, and laughed heartily. “I thought you were always so perceptive—didn’t expect me to startle you.”

Gu Xiyan sighed helplessly. “No matter how perceptive I am, I’m still just an ordinary person. You, on the other hand, are beyond my reach.”

Ye Qinming looked satisfied. Honestly, Gu Xiyan had surprised her several times before, and she needed to regain some ground. Holding Gu Xiyan’s hand, she helped her to her feet and clasped her hands behind her back. “Are you hungry?”

Gu Xiyan touched her stomach, then obediently nodded.

Ye Qinming pondered for a moment. “Go sit and rest in the bamboo house. I’ll go hunt. Can you eat meat now?”

Ever since that incident, Gu Xiyan hadn’t touched meat again. Ye Qinming wasn’t sure if it had left a lingering shadow in her heart.

Gu Xiyan pressed her lips together briefly before nodding. “I can.”

Ye Qinming led her to sit inside the bamboo house. It was built in a loft style, with wooden planks laid across the floor. Though there was no furniture yet, the fresh bamboo was clean enough that sitting on the ground was not an issue.

After making sure Gu Xiyan was settled, Ye Qinming set up an array around the bamboo house before leaving.

Gu Xiyan stood up and slowly walked around, exploring the space. She removed her shoes, leaving only her silk stockings on, and could clearly feel the cool sensation of the bamboo beneath her feet.

In this unfamiliar place, she moved cautiously, hands outstretched to feel her way. When her fingers brushed against a bamboo door inside, she realized that the bamboo house, built in just an hour, actually had separate sections—a bedroom and a front hall.

She walked forward step by step, tracing the walls as she moved. When she reached a window, she paused. Suddenly, she had a strange intuition that Ye Qinming would have left a window here.

The thought was odd, but when her fingers brushed forward, they indeed met empty space. Extending her hand further, she felt a bamboo ledge built just outside the window. A wave of familiarity surged within her—it was as if she had seen a house like this before.

For a moment, she was dazed, then shook her head. She had never lived in a bamboo house before. This feeling was inexplicable.

After circling the house once, she had memorized the layout and could walk steadily without fumbling. Standing inside, she began considering what else was needed. A bamboo bed could be placed in the room, a rug spread across the floor, a table set up. A bookshelf could go in the corner, though she quickly dismissed the thought—what use was a bookshelf when she couldn’t see?

The front hall faced the door—perhaps a bamboo table and chairs could be placed there. It would be nice to have a place to drink tea and play chess with Ye Qinming during idle moments. She imagined it naturally, without even considering whether Ye Qinming knew how to play chess. It simply felt like it should be that way.

She stood there in thought, lost in her own world, until she heard the sound of something splashing into water. Though muffled by the roar of the waterfall, the closer proximity made it distinct enough for her sharp senses to pick up on. She stood and turned toward the sound, looking out the window.

A moment later, she smiled slightly. “Back so soon?”

Ye Qinming stood barefoot, damp with lingering moisture, holding two fish in her hands. Her long hair was left unbound, cascading freely, exuding a wild and untamed air. With her already striking beauty, the sight of her now was even more captivating.

“Didn’t want you to starve.” Ye Qinming had long since stopped being surprised by Gu Xiyan’s sharp senses. She held up the fish and raised an eyebrow. “We’re having grilled fish today.”

Just as she finished speaking, the two fish suddenly flailed violently, their tails splashing water everywhere. Caught off guard, Gu Xiyan was hit directly.

Laughter rang in her ears—Ye Qinming’s, unrestrained and slightly mischievous. Gu Xiyan was utterly helpless, but she didn’t get upset. Instead, she calmly reached for a handkerchief to wipe herself off. Before she could, Ye Qinming tugged her back.

Confused, Gu Xiyan turned toward her, only for Ye Qinming—still outside the window—to lean in and gently brush the droplets off her with a sleeve.

“These fish must have sensed their impending doom,” Ye Qinming said with a chuckle. “That’s why they got so lively when they saw you.”

Her clothes were soft, carrying a cool sensation as they brushed against Gu Xiyan’s skin. A subtle tea fragrance clung to the fabric—an intimate scent that had long absorbed its owner’s essence, pleasant and familiar.

Gu Xiyan’s fingers curled slightly. “You’re the one who caught them.” With that, she turned to leave, knowing that Ye Qinming wasn’t someone who cooked.

However, just as she took a step, she suddenly felt a tightness around her waist. Before she could react, Ye Qinming flicked a strand of spiritual energy, looping it around her and lifting her straight out through the window.

Author’s Note:

How sweet these daily moments are. The Divine Lord isn’t weak—just soft, especially when facing this tsundere Green Tea. So soft, it’s completely hopeless. After all, she’s still just a mortal.

Green Tea: Among all the ink and inkstones, you’re the softest and cutest. Won’t you end up being pinned down by me, unable to get out of bed?

White Lotus: Pinned down, maybe. But as for who won’t be able to get out of bed… that’s another story.

Green Tea: Insolent!

(Years later—)

Green Tea: You’re not allowed to move.

White Lotus: Alright, I won’t move.

Green Tea: Mm… you… you’re not allowed… to move… (whimper)

White Lotus: Be good, Ming’er. I won’t move.