Chapter Three: Peerless Beauty

A month later, Su Xue'er had recovered from her injuries. Yu Shi had finished his business in the city and was now traveling with Su Xue'er toward Qingyun City. During this month, Yu Shi had been busy investigating various matters, so he hadn't spoken much with Su Xue'er.

When Yu Shi had arrived in Xilu City, he had kept a low profile, using a small carriage. However, to accommodate Su Xue'er, he had ordered a larger carriage with a bed to be made in the city. Throughout the journey, Yu Shi took great care of Su Xue'er, though she remained indifferent, her expression unchanged as if it all didn't matter to her.

Fortunately, Xilu City was not far from Qingyun City, and it took them less than a month to reach their destination. From a distance, Qingyun City was worlds apart from Xilu City, its bustling prosperity unmatched. The streets were lively, filled with people coming and going. Merchants were busy bringing goods into the city, while children played in the alleys. The air was filled with the pleasant aroma of a contented populace.

Yu Shi chose not to enter through the north gate, wanting Su Xue'er to witness the city's bustling vibrancy. The townsfolk greeted Yu Shi with smiles and respectful bows, a testament to his esteemed reputation in the city.

By the time they reached the Spirit Master Mansion, it was already evening. The mansion's walls were even taller than those of Qingyun City, and its foundation stood several feet higher. The gates were grand, with a plaque bearing the large characters "Spirit Master Mansion."

As they arrived at the gatehouse, Yu Shi stepped out of the carriage, gently helping Su Xue'er down. She gazed up at the towering structure before her, eyes wide with astonishment.

Seeing her amazement, Yu Shi reminded her, "This is the Spirit Master Mansion, my domain. Come, let me show you inside."

Yu Shi led Su Xue'er inside. The staircase alone was enough to exhaust her. Noticing her shortness of breath and the sweat beading on her delicate face, Yu Shi felt a pang of sympathy, aware that her lack of spiritual power made her much weaker.

"Are you tired?" Yu Shi asked with concern.

"Yes," she replied.

Without hesitation, Yu Shi gently lifted Su Xue'er into his arms.

Surprised, Su Xue'er looked at his face. "I'll carry you inside," he said firmly, leaving her no room to refuse.

As Yu Shi carried Su Xue'er through the mansion, disciples who saw them were astounded. The man known as the bane of spirit beasts, ruthless and domineering, who kept away from worldly distractions, was now acting so tenderly?

Upon seeing Su Xue'er's face, their initial shock gave way to understanding. She was indeed a peerless beauty, unmatched even by the noble ladies within the Spirit Master Mansion!

In less than an hour, news of Yu Shi carrying a stunning beauty spread throughout Qingyun City.

Yu Shi carried Su Xue'er to his residence—the Grandmaster's Residence. Unlike many noble estates, it lacked ostentatious grandeur and was rather simple.

Upon entering, they were greeted by a large pond. In the post-spring season, lotus buds stood proudly on the water's surface, forming a continuous expanse.

After entering, Yu Shi gently set Su Xue'er down. She stared at the beautiful scenery in a daze.

"What's wrong?" Yu Shi asked, noticing her distraction.

"It's so beautiful here," she said softly.

Just those five simple words brightened Yu Shi's mood.

"Do you like it?" he asked.

Su Xue'er turned to him, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Yes, I like it."

Yu Shi's heart was moved simply because she smiled. From the beginning until now, he had never seen Su Xue'er smile, not even once.

"You have a beautiful smile," he remarked, causing Su Xue'er to blush slightly.

"Come, I've prepared a special room for you," he said.

Su Xue'er's room was not far from Yu Shi's, very close in fact. It was simple yet not simplistic, spacious with a blue and white color scheme. The first thing that caught the eye was a blue jade and white plum bed.

Sitting on the bed, Yu Shi asked Su Xue'er if she liked the room.

"Yes, I like it," she replied.

"Xue'er, didn't you say before that you would go wherever I asked you to? Is that still true?" Yu Shi asked seriously.

"Yes," she answered quietly.

"Then can I ask you a few questions?" Yu Shi's demeanor was very earnest.

"Yes," Su Xue'er replied softly.

"Why haven't you shown any other emotions toward me during this journey?" Yu Shi asked, looking intently at her.

Lowering her head, Su Xue'er responded, "Do you want the truth?"

"Yes, I want the truth," he confirmed.

Slowly raising her head, Su Xue'er looked at Yu Shi, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Stunned, Yu Shi watched as she tearfully said, "I don't know how to repay your kindness. You've been so good to me."

"Don't cry, you don't need to repay me," Yu Shi said gently, wiping away her tears. "I'm afraid you'll kill me," she sobbed.

Her words left Yu Shi speechless.

"Who said I'd kill you?"

"I... I..."

Placing his hands on her shoulders, Yu Shi softly asked, "Why would you think that?"

Choking back tears, Su Xue'er explained, "I don't know if I'm a failed assassin sent to kill you. If I am, you wouldn't let me live because, as a leader, you wouldn't allow a threat to remain by your side."

"People change. An assassin or not, it doesn't matter. Besides, you have no spiritual power, so you pose little threat to me," Yu Shi reassured her.

With that, he took out a ring from his spatial ring. It was adorned with a central snowflake and inscribed with snowflake runes. He placed it on Su Xue'er's left middle finger.

She looked at him in surprise, about to speak, but he spoke first.

"This ring will protect you unless someone with a higher cultivation than me or if I die."

"But... this..."

"You said you feared I'd kill you. This is my way of showing you that I won't."

Hesitant, Su Xue'er asked, "If I don't accept this, will you..."

Before she could finish, Yu Shi silenced her with his hand.

"What's on your mind?" he asked with concern.

"I'm thinking, if I were once your enemy, would you still make this decision?" she asked.

Yu Shi chuckled softly, "I have no enemies. If I do, they are the spirit beasts."

Taking a deep breath, Su Xue'er replied, "I agree. I've said before, I'll go wherever you ask me to. You saved my life, and I owe you everything."

"Good," Yu Shi said, feeling a profound sense of happiness despite her simple affirmation.