Chapter 78: Chapter 78: Invitation from the Alchemy Conference (Part 2)
Wu Yu cleared his throat twice and continued, “My apprentice, this time I want you to be the dark horse in the competition, striking at the critical moment to scare those old fogeys to death.”
Seemingly recalling the stunned expression of those old fogeys, Wu Yu couldn’t help but burst into laughter. After all, why wouldn’t he when those darn old men from the Alchemy Conference so often boasted about their grandsons in front of him? Could their talent ever compare to his precious apprentice?
Mu Ruyue helplessly shook her head; having such a shamelessly childish master was indeed troublesome.
“Today,” he said. “I’ve calculated your journey, and it will take exactly one month to reach the Alchemy Conference. Hehe, apprentice, you must put in a lot of effort for the sake of your master’s pride.”
“Today?” Mu Ruyue clenched the invitation she held tight and nodded slightly. “Alright, I will say goodbye to Wuchen before I set off for the Alchemy Conference.”
Under the peach blossom tree, petals fell with the wind.
Ye Wuchen stood in the breeze, seemingly lost in thought, with pink petals resting on his shoulders, creating an ethereal and dreamlike vision, as if detached from reality.
A soft voice sounded behind him, prompting Ye Wuchen to slowly turn around. Upon seeing the girl, an enchanting smile spread across his handsome face.
“My lady, you’ve come.”
For some reason, Mu Ruyue found that his title for her had become commonplace, and she accepted his reliance on her without resistance. Nevertheless, ever since he found out she lived here, he had shamelessly decided to stay, willingly doing chores like serving tea, offering water, warming beds, and being bossed around like an idiot.
“Wuchen, I’ve come to bid you farewell.” Mu Ruyue lifted her head to look at the handsome face in front of her and realized for the first time just how good-looking Ye Wuchen was.
His skin was undoubtedly fair, but not an unhealthy pale; it was the color of milk. His eyes, clean and clear, brimmed with innocence, and combined with those beautiful eyes, appeared seductive. His eyelashes lowered slightly, and he looked at her with a pitiful expression, like an abandoned puppy.
“Will my lady be gone forever like the king and queen?”
Mu Ruyue’s heart softened. She never could be truly harsh with him.
“I’m just going away on business, I’ll be back soon.”
Hearing this, Ye Wuchen visibly relaxed. He slowly approached Mu Ruyue, making her heart skip a beat with the closeness that allowed her to feel his fiery breath.
Ye Wuchen’s visage was perfect, flawless even up close, with slightly pursed lips drawing soft lines.
Before she could finish, she was silenced by a pair of thin lips.
Unlike the light peck from before, Ye Wuchen, somewhat clumsily, kissed her. Mu Ruyue’s body tensed, and abruptly, she pushed Ye Wuchen away.
She narrowed her eyes slightly, observing the flushed-faced youth before her without a word, her expression revealing no emotion.
“My… my lady…” Ye Wuchen panicked, feeling like he always went too far in front of this woman. But how could he forget she wasn’t an ordinary woman—did she sense something just now?
“Last time in the imperial garden, I saw Prince Hua press a palace maid to the ground, and then… then he did this…”
Ye Wuchen hung his head, the image of remorse.