Master has always been so kind to me, and I've taken advantage of his gentleness by throwing tantrums at him time and again?
I'd already run off, but my pride prevented me from turning back. I didn't even know where I should run, so I just ended up at the dilapidated pigsty I had burned down.
She leaned against an apricot tree, staring blankly.
In this life, it seems that since my reincarnation, I've never really done anything for Master.
On the contrary, Master has guided me time and time again, shielding me from wind and rain.
A relationship is never a one-sided affair. What right do I have to expect Master to always come after me? He's innocent in this life; he knows nothing...
The feelings between Master and me have always been one-sided—mine. So, what exactly do I feel for him?
If all I do is passively let myself be pursued, complacently accepting others' kindness, then it's only to be expected that this affection could be carelessly discarded.
And then, to play the victim, lamenting the unfairness of fate and blaming the other for not cherishing me—what kind of behavior is that?
Since I've vaguely sensed that Master is different now—at least, the present Master is very gentle—shouldn't I also do more for him? Even if I don't do anything grand, I should at least be a disciple he finds considerate!
Feeling the opportunity within me, a gift from a Tribulation-Crossing Cultivator, I can't help but ask myself: Why do I keep testing his limits?
This time, even someone as gentle as him might not come after me. He might even be inwardly cursing me for being inconsiderate...
As these thoughts ran through her mind, tears began to flow. A few drops splashed onto the snowy ground, spreading out like faint ripples.
Suddenly, she felt the sunlight dim as if blocked by a shadow.
Xiao Ruoching instinctively lifted her head and saw the Azure Crown, his white attire under the Snow Fox Cloak, his handsome eyebrows, and Master's eyes, which held a hint of anxiety.
She could see her own tear-streaked face reflected in his pupils.
She hastily wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes.
Yet, that indescribable feeling in her heart spread throughout her body in an instant.
They both spoke at the same time, looking at each other.
It was a little awkward for a moment.
Xiao Ruoching's cheeks tinted red. She buried her head between her bent knees, then took a deep breath and lifted her head.
This time, her eyes, full of earnestness, were fixed on Su Bei as she said,
"Master, I was wrong!"
"I shouldn't always make Master worry about me, nor should I throw tantrums in front of him. And I definitely shouldn't have made Master lose face in public!"
"You've always been so gentle to me, never stinting when giving me resources. You've truly treated me well!"
"But I never considered any of this. Instead, I've repeatedly caused trouble for you!"
"I'm not a good disciple, but you've always been a good Master."
"This is the last time I'll be so willful. After this... it will never happen again."
Su Bei looked at his disciple, a flicker of unexpected surprise in his eyes, unsure what to say for a moment.
The wind picked up, carrying a chill.
It blew through Su Bei's hair and ruffled Xiao Ruoching's dark locks, which were already tousled from her hurried run.
As Xiao Ruoching watched in disbelief, Su Bei slowly approached. He removed his Snow Fox Cloak and gently draped it over her, his gaze falling on his wayward disciple's clear eyes.
In the wind and snow, his gaze was calm, as if precisely focused on a single, delicate snowflake.
He paused for a moment.
Xiao Ruoching looked at her Master through misty eyes. She blinked away a teardrop, her cheeks growing warm, as Su Bei's voice, gentle as a spring breeze, echoed in her ears,
"The wind and snow are harsh. You're still in the Foundation Establishment Realm, so wear more. Don't catch a cold..."