Chapter 2: I Have Been Blinded by Women!

Luo Jiuyan's gaze darkened as she sat in her grand chamber, bathed in the flickering glow of the lanterns. Her voice carried an icy edge.

"It's late. Why aren't you resting? What are you doing here?"

She had planned to summon him in the morning to reprimand him for his recent transgressions. But since he had appeared of his own accord, she would use the opportunity to set things straight.

"Come in!"

As she spoke, a face naturally surfaced in her mind—handsome, confident, and infuriatingly charming.

Even she had to admit, Ye Shu was dangerously likable.

The tall doors creaked open, and a figure stepped in, striding effortlessly across the chamber. His robes billowed as he passed through the vermilion pillars, stopping just before Luo Jiuyan.

He hesitated.

Every time he saw her, he was left momentarily breathless. Luo Jiuyan was beyond stunning—her delicate features framed by cascading black hair, her crimson lips gleaming under the dim light. Wrapped in her signature purple-black robe, her curves were accentuated to perfection, exuding both grace and authority.

She was the embodiment of power and beauty, a woman untouched by worldly desires.

But tonight, Ye Shu had no time to admire her.

He had three days left. If he didn't find love before then, he would die!

With a thud, he dropped to his knees.

"Master, I have a request. I beg for your help!"

Luo Jiuyan's brows knitted together. She had heard enough complaints from his senior sisters over the past few days. Her expression turned cold.

"If this is about romance, do not speak another word. If you persist, do not blame me for being merciless!"

Ye Shu's heart sank.

Damn. Had his senior sisters ratted him out?

Still, he was undeterred. His voice remained steady.

"Master, I have come to ask you to expel me from the sect."

Silence.

Luo Jiuyan's beautiful eyes widened, her composure breaking for just a moment.

"What did you say?"

She took a deep breath, collecting herself. Then, narrowing her gaze, she let out a scoff.

"You've finally realized your mistakes? And now you've come to repent?"

He was straightforward, she had to give him that.

She, more than anyone, understood the iron laws of Tiansha Palace.

Love was forbidden.

It was a rule set in stone—second only to betraying the sect. The punishments were severe:

For lesser offenses, disciples were subjected to three years of regret torture—chained under the scorching sun, their bodies pecked by eagles until they were barely recognizable.

For greater offenses? Cultivation abolished, status revoked, and exile to the mortal world.

None dared challenge these rules.

Yet Ye Shu—her most cherished disciple—had done exactly that.

This idiot had boldly confessed to seven senior sisters!

She ought to have him executed on the spot and his body displayed atop Jiuxiao Mountain as a warning.

But…

He was different.

Ye Shu wasn't just any disciple.

He was her favorite.

In talent, intelligence, and charisma, he surpassed all others. She had never pampered anyone like she did him, even bestowing upon him the prestigious title of Demon Child—her heir.

For the first time in her life, Luo Jiuyan hesitated.

With a sigh, she spoke softly, "At least you recognize your mistakes. Your sisters, thankfully, did not fall into temptation. That alone spares you the worst punishment."

Ye Shu blinked.

Why did that sound like… forgiveness?

No, that wouldn't do.

He hardened his expression.

"Master, I was too reckless. I harassed my senior sisters and violated the sect's principles. According to the laws, I must be punished severely. Please, expel me from the sect!"

Luo Jiuyan sighed, shaking her head. "Your intentions were impure, but no real harm was done. You are guilty, but your willingness to repent is an act of atonement."

She waved her hand.

"Three months of spirit stone offerings. That is your punishment."

Ye Shu's lips twitched.

Spirit stone offerings? That's nothing!

This wasn't about punishment; he needed freedom.

Realizing she wasn't taking him seriously, he hardened his resolve.

"No!"

He placed a hand over his chest, his voice filled with anguish.

"Master, you don't understand. I have been blinded by women! I can no longer focus on my cultivation. My mind is filled with thoughts of love—of desire! I am lost!"

Luo Jiuyan's expression froze.

"You… You disgraceful wretch!"

Her cheeks flushed, her body stiffening in shock.

Did he really just say that to her face?!

If anyone else had uttered such blasphemy in front of her, she would have killed them on the spot.

But Ye Shu…

She felt betrayed.

Her chest heaved in frustration, her robes shifting ever so slightly. Ye Shu, despite the danger, couldn't help but admire the sight.

Cold air filled the room. Luo Jiuyan's gaze became piercing.

"So your mind is tainted with nothing but filth?"

Ye Shu felt the temperature drop. If he answered incorrectly, he'd be dead in seconds.

He softened his tone.

"Master, I don't want this! I swear! But I'm at an age where these… urges consume me. It's beyond my control. I am weak!"

He let out a small sniffle, subtly rubbing his eyes to appear distressed.

Luo Jiuyan's expression eased.

"Ah… puberty."

She nodded, her voice laced with reluctant understanding.

Indeed, as one grew, desires could become overwhelming. It was a natural struggle.

Ye Shu quickly pressed on.

"Master, this is my inner demon. I must face it! If I suppress it, it will grow stronger. Only by experiencing love firsthand can I hope to overcome it!"

Tears glistened in his eyes.

Luo Jiuyan hesitated.

She had heard of such methods before. To break a demon, one must first experience it.

Was this foolish disciple truly that wise?

Still, the sect's rules were absolute.

She bit her lip, torn between her affection for Ye Shu and her duty as the Palace Master.

"I understand your reasoning," she admitted, "but the laws of Tiansha Palace cannot be ignored."

Ye Shu clenched his fists.

"Master, I realized my mistake. That is why I must leave. Only when I have conquered this demon can I return, stronger than before!"

Luo Jiuyan fell silent.

She had never encountered such a dilemma.

The disciple she cherished most was asking to leave.

For the first time, she didn't know what to do.

She sighed, rubbing her temple.

"Love between a man and a woman… Is it truly that powerful?"

She murmured to herself, lost in thought.

Ye Shu, seizing the moment, gave a determined nod.

"It is, Master. And I must face it head-on."

Would she let him go?

Or would her heart falter?

Ye Shu held his breath, awaiting her verdict.