Fairy, Don’t Be Afraid, I’m Blind

Chapter 97: Don’t

The road ahead was long and arduous. The moment Ji Lingruo set foot on the Central Realm Continent, her heart wavered, and she felt the urge to retreat. However, without a demon core or the Divine Mountain’s documentation, she couldn’t board a ship back home.

Thus, the young girl resigned herself to fate, using it as motivation to bravely venture inland.

If Ji Lingruo was going to learn, she would naturally aim for the most supreme techniques from the Divine Mountain—sects like the Mystic Firmament Sect, the Spiritual Treasure Sect, and the Heavenly Star Sect. Only such renowned sects across the five continents were worthy of her future status as the Serpent Empress’s younger sister.

Yet, endless troubles and obstacles made her journey nearly impossible. Without her demon core, her talent was considered mediocre even among humans. Her profound energy was chaotic and uncontrollable, unlike others who could manipulate theirs with ease.

Even after lowering her standards and seeking out lesser-known sects along the way, she still found no success. Though some showed interest in recruiting her, she quickly realized they were only after her beauty. Time and again, she narrowly escaped danger using the treasures she had brought from her clan. The number of bad people she encountered far outweighed the good, making her wary of strangers.

When her money ran out and her treasures were nearly depleted, she arrived at Chuyun City. Here, she had to find a place to stay, or she would be forced to transform and be sent back to the Eastern Cascade Continent by the Central Realm cultivators.

After some inquiries, she headed straight for the Mandarin Duck Sword Sect. It was the worst sect in the city, and even in the surrounding hundred miles. The master had fled, leaving only a blind disciple behind. It was the most likely place to take her in.

She was determined to join this sect. Returning home in disgrace would mean she could never hold her head high among the Serpent Clan again. However, she didn’t make this decision blindly. She had already scouted the sect.

Fortunately, she had seen the blind disciple hunting in the mountains from afar. His swordsmanship was impressive, suggesting the sect still had some hidden depth.

Even more fortunate was that the blind disciple was incredibly handsome…

Unfortunately, the blind youth was too stubborn and rigid. She, a young lady of high status, was willing to lower herself to become his junior sister, yet he kept refusing. Was this some ancient sect with strict rules against accepting disciples?

Thankfully, persistence paid off. The blind disciple’s master’s wife intervened and accepted her. This was the only time Ji Lingruo saw the Master’s Wife, but her beauty was so stunning that Ji Lingruo no longer dared to call herself the most beautiful woman in the world.

Once she was officially recognized as his junior sister, the blind disciple’s attitude changed completely. From being cold and dismissive, he became a gentle and caring senior brother. He looked after her in daily life and taught her everything he knew in their studies. This warmth gradually melted Ji Lingruo’s wariness and defenses.

Through their daily interactions, she even began to develop feelings for him that she shouldn’t have. Perhaps that was why she chose to stay even after learning the full name of this rundown sect…

If not for the hatred she carried, she thought it wouldn’t be so bad to stay here forever as a carefree junior sister, even if she achieved nothing.

The real story was rather cliché, but the version Ji Lingruo told You Su was naturally embellished.

For example, her journey of seeking enlightenment was no longer so tragic, and the status of the Serpent Clan among the demon clans was portrayed as higher than it actually was…

“So, you see, it’s an honor for your pathetic sect to have someone like me grace it with my presence,” Ji Lingruo said, nudging You Su’s side with her elbow.

“If you say so, then I must be truly fortunate,” You Su nodded gently, choosing not to point out the obvious holes in her story.

“Good that you know,” Ji Lingruo replied, satisfied.

“But what does this have to do with you leaving? Now that your demon core is repaired, we can…”

“We can what?” Ji Lingruo’s clear, beautiful eyes shifted, filled with confusion.

“We… can continue to cultivate the sect’s more advanced techniques together…”

You Su tried to be as tactful as possible. Now that the barrier between them had been broken, both emotionally and physically, they could delve into the true essence of the “Heaven and Earth Yin-Yang Harmonious Cultivation Technique.”

Even Ji Lingruo, as naive as she was, could grasp the deeper meaning behind his words. Her face turned crimson, and she quickly pulled away from You Su’s shoulder, flustered.

“W-who said I would cultivate that evil technique with you?”

“How could it be evil?” You Su immediately straightened his expression. He didn’t care if others misunderstood the sect, but his junior sister must not have such misconceptions. “The art of Yin and Yang is the supreme principle of the heavens. By mastering it, one can transcend life and death. It’s only the ignorance of the world that leads to such misunderstandings. Junior Sister, you must not think like them.”

Though Tai Sui had done a great service in repairing her meridians, hadn’t the treasure You Su had saved for eighteen years also contributed?

“Y-you’re just full of nonsense! It’s clearly an evil technique!”

Ji Lingruo was so embarrassed that she stuttered, trying to pull her arm away from You Su’s grasp.

But You Su wasn’t about to let her escape so easily. He tightened his grip and smiled. “If it’s an evil technique, why did you secretly learn it?”

“?”

Ji Lingruo was momentarily speechless. After thinking for a while, she retorted, “How is it sneaking? I found it in the library myself. I thought you were hiding it from me, but who knew it was such a despicable evil technique? And now that I’ve learned it, it’s like ink spilled in clear water—I can’t forget it even if I want to!”

You Su found her flustered explanation amusing. Seeing his mischievous expression, Ji Lingruo grew even more annoyed. “I say it’s evil, so it’s evil!”

You Su had no choice but to console her. “Even if it’s evil, so what? Both you and I are half-evil cultivators now. Isn’t it only natural for us to learn evil techniques?”

Ji Lingruo was at a loss for words. She knew she couldn’t win this argument. This seemingly upright senior brother had finally revealed his true colors. After their first encounter, all he could think about was making her accept reality.

“But… I still have to leave…” Ji Lingruo’s expression suddenly darkened.

You Su quietly tightened his grip on her hand, urging her to continue.

“The Serpent Clan’s way of determining adulthood is different from humans. When a serpent demon reaches adulthood, they shed their skin once, emerging reborn and transformed. Not long ago, I also shed my skin.”

You Su quickly understood the implications. His junior sister had never fought with Tai Sui over the so-called body. The heart-wrenching screams that night were actually part of the Serpent Clan’s shedding ritual. He sighed inwardly, realizing how many misunderstandings in the world stemmed from coincidences.

“No wonder…” You Su muttered to himself.

“No wonder what?” Ji Lingruo caught his whisper and, thinking of something, her face turned red again. “No wonder I’ve gained weight, right?!”

You Su didn’t dare respond, only saying, “I didn’t say that. Please continue, Junior Sister.”

Ji Lingruo glared at him before continuing. “Adult serpent demons must return to the Serpent Clan’s ancestral temple to undergo a baptism, officially becoming a member of the clan. For a demon, this is a very important ceremony. My sister can sense that I’ve shed my skin. She won’t allow me to linger outside any longer, and I must return…”

Hearing this, You Su let out a sigh of relief. “From the way you spoke, I thought it would be a long separation. Then I’ll accompany you to the Eastern Cascade Continent. After your baptism, we can return to Chuyun City together. How about that?”

“No… The animosity between humans and demons has existed for a long time. Because of my mother and that man, the Serpent Clan especially despises human men. If they find out about us… you would have to pay with your life.”

As soon as she finished speaking, a surge of heroic determination rose in You Su’s heart. He felt like the protagonists in the stories he had told Ji Lingruo, where nothing could stand in the way of undying love.

But Ji Lingruo immediately doused his enthusiasm. “Don’t say things like ‘I’ll definitely change their minds.’ After everything that’s happened this month, I’ve realized that we’re still too weak. When you’re weak, you don’t have the right to choose.”

“Most of my clan members have never left the Eastern Cascade Continent. They don’t know that just as there are good and bad demons, there are also good and bad humans. Moreover, the relationship between humans and demons is inherently taboo. But if we can become as strong as Void Realm experts, we can be together openly!”

You Su lowered his head in silence, feeling ashamed. He only knew that after all the trials they had endured, they had finally understood each other’s feelings. Now, at the peak of their intimacy, the usually carefree girl had far more foresight than he did. The path of human-demon love was fraught with difficulties, especially given the precedents. Rushing forward with passion and disregarding the consequences might not lead to a happy ending.

Seeing him silent, Ji Lingruo also felt uneasy. She, too, wished she could stay with You Su forever. So she comforted him:

“Don’t be too sad… It’s not like I’ll never come back. After I return home and complete the baptism, I’ll come back to the sect as soon as possible to find you. After all… I haven’t finished learning all the techniques of your sect yet…”

You Su naturally understood what she meant by “unfinished techniques.” Feeling her heartfelt comfort, he grew even more remorseful and pained. Yet, compared to her clear goals, he suddenly felt lost. With everything settled, where should he go? Should he continue to stay in Chuyun City and cultivate in solitude?

“Junior Sister…” You Su’s voice trembled slightly, his grip on her hand softening. “If strength is what we need, then I’ll cultivate harder than ever. I won’t let you face this alone.”

Ji Lingruo’s eyes widened, a flicker of hope igniting within her. She turned to face him fully, her voice barely above a whisper. “You mean it, Senior Brother?”

“Of course,” You Su said, his resolve firming. “I’ve lost too much already. I won’t lose you too.”

For a moment, they sat in silence, the weight of their shared promise settling between them. Ji Lingruo’s heart raced, her earlier frustration melting into something softer. She looked at You Su—his earnest face, still pale from his injuries, yet glowing with determination—and felt an overwhelming urge she couldn’t suppress.

“Senior Brother…” she murmured, leaning closer. Before You Su could react, she pressed her lips gently against his, a fleeting, tender kiss that carried all the words she couldn’t say.

You Su froze, his breath catching as warmth flooded his senses. The kiss was brief, but it lingered in the air between them, a quiet vow amidst their uncertain future. Ji Lingruo pulled back, her face flushed crimson, her eyes darting away in embarrassment.

“That… that was just to make sure you don’t forget me,” she stammered, trying to regain her composure. “Don’t get any funny ideas!”

You Su blinked, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “I wouldn’t dare, Junior Sister.”

Ji Lingruo suddenly clenched her delicate fist and said, “No! I won’t come back here to find you!”

“Not at the sect? Then where?” You Su looked at Ji Lingruo, puzzled.

“The Mystic Firmament Sect! Have you forgotten? Don’t you still have that study opportunity? Even if that Master Gu is dead, you can still go to the Divine Mountain on your own.”

“But if you’re not under any curse, why would I go to the Mystic Firmament Sect?”

“What’s your current cultivation level?” Ji Lingruo suddenly asked.

You Su checked his Spirit Platform, which was now full and robust, even more elevated than before. He replied with joy, “Mid-stage Spirit Platform!”

“By human standards, I’m already at the early stage of Spirit Platform! You’re about to be overtaken by me. When that happens, I’ll make you do whatever I want, and you won’t be able to refuse.”

“Level doesn’t equal strength,” You Su reminded her.

“You Su! Don’t you have any ambition? Do you plan to guard this broken house for the rest of your life? I know you’re talented, but if you just keep cultivating here in isolation, it’ll take forever to reach the Void Realm. Even the spiritual energy in my Demon Clan’s ancestral grounds is far denser than here. If you plan to grow old here, I won’t wait for you.”

You Su knew that Ji Lingruo’s threat of surpassing him in cultivation was just a pretense. What she truly wanted was to give him a goal to focus on and ease the sadness of their impending separation. Thinking of this, warmth flowed through his heart.

“But Junior Sister, you’re a demon. How can you go to the Mystic Firmament Sect?”

“The Mystic Firmament Sect is one of the top sects across the five continents. They’re not so narrow-minded as to exclude others. Back then, they even sent someone to our Serpent Clan to invite my sister to join their sect, though she refused.”

“Alright! Then I’ll go to the Divine Mountain first and scout the way. I’ll also buy a house with a courtyard in a quieter part of Eternal Height City. We’ll cultivate on the Divine Mountain together in the future!” You Su’s spirits lifted.

Ji Lingruo recalled the night when You Su had asked her if she wanted to go to the Divine Mountain. She couldn’t help but find it amusing how You Su seemed to have an unusual obsession with buying a house.

“Then it’s settled!” Ji Lingruo said excitedly.

“Mm.” You Su nodded firmly.

The joy of their promise to meet again seemed to dilute the sorrow of their impending separation.

The young man and woman, having laid everything bare, leaned against each other. Even without words, the deep affection between them flowed through their intertwined hands.

“Junior Sister, the back of my neck hurts. Can you check if there’s a wound?”

As soon as he finished speaking, You Su turned his head, exposing the back of his neck to her.

Hearing this, Ji Lingruo’s face filled with concern. She immediately leaned over to take a look, but just as she did, You Su suddenly turned his head—

In an instant, You Su’s handsome face was right in front of her. Ji Lingruo immediately realized what he was up to.

Instinctively, she wanted to purse her lips and turn her head away, but at this point, there was no need for pretense between them. After all they had been through, the emotions in their hearts had reached a boiling point. Simply leaning against each other no longer seemed enough.

Fine, fine. Who knows when we’ll see each other again? Consider this a little treat for him, something to remember me by…

Having made up her mind, she closed her eyes and didn’t shy away. However, after a long moment, she still didn’t feel the touch of his lips on hers.

“Junior Sister, you…”

Ji Lingruo opened her eyes and glared at You Su, who was still inches away. She no longer cared about how he might tease her and resolutely leaned forward.

Her vermilion lips were soft and tender, like the sweetest pastry in the world. Just a light touch was enough to make one crave more. This time, You Su didn’t freeze. He leaned into the kiss, his hand gently cradling her cheek, deepening the moment with a quiet intensity that spoke of their shared longing.

When they finally parted, Ji Lingruo’s cheeks were flushed, her breath uneven. She averted her gaze, muttering, “That… that’s the last one you’re getting until we meet again.”

You Su smiled softly, his voice low. “Then I’ll hold you to that promise, Junior Sister.”

Outside You Su’s room, by the small hole in the window that Ji Lingruo often used to peek at him while he slept, a girl wearing a jade rabbit mask stood silently. She slowly straightened up, supporting her chin with her hand, and thought to herself:

So this is how Senior Brother and Junior Sister interact…