Time flies by swiftly, and another two years have passed.
During these two years, Chu Xuan's state of mind has further improved, finally resembling the serene and unperturbed demeanor of a Daoist.
The matter of Foundation Establishment has long been set aside—not forgotten, just not obsessively pursued.
Chu Xuan's daily life revolves around his master, except for occasionally learning miscellaneous tasks like amulet crafting, artifact refining, and alchemy.
The relationship between the two grows closer, most importantly manifested in:
Chu Xuan occasionally dares to boldly, proactively, perform intimate gestures like hand-holding, no longer passively waiting for Ming Yu to tease him.
Chu Xuan considers this a crucial point, blurring the hierarchical relationship between teacher and student, for true lovers cannot possibly have such rigid hierarchies.
Initially, Chu Xuan was genuinely afraid, fearing his rash actions would incur his master's displeasure and even get him banished.
But Ji Mingyu's unique gentleness towards him gave him immense courage.
The eventual result was quite fortunate and splendid. Although it started with just the touch of one or two fingers, "accidentally" at first, Ji Mingyu did not reprimand Chu Xuan.
With her tacit approval, Chu Xuan gradually "pressed his luck," eventually successfully holding his master's small hand.
That whole day, Chu Xuan's excitement was beyond words!
He had no one to confide in, so he once again caught the Ice Spirit Snow Mink, telling it how incredibly happy he was.
The little mink seemed a bit speechless, just patted his hand with its paw, signaling him to calm down a bit.
In short, after six years together, Chu Xuan believes he and Ming Yu are indeed walking the path of knowing, acquainting, and loving each other.
Even though there's still a considerable distance left, his master has never acknowledged their romance, yet Chu Xuan remains confident—with faith in happiness, it will be happy.
He's even thought of names for their children—if it's a boy, he'll be called "Chu Mingyun," and if it's a girl, "Chu Yu."
In this way, regardless of the name, both contain elements of himself and his master's names—they should like it.
...
Tonight, under the beautiful moonlight, his master, in high spirits, suddenly expressed a desire to drink wine.
Truthfully, Chu Xuan cannot hold his liquor at all, but at times like this, backing down is not an option.
Thus, in the center of the valley, by the meandering stream and small bridge, at a refined spot suitable for moon gazing, Chu Xuan arranged table and chairs and snacks to invite Ming Yu over.
He breathed a sigh of relief when his master brought out a few jars of fruit wine, seemingly gifted by Lady Baihua before, with clearly low alcohol content.
The evening breeze was gentle as the two walked hand in hand, chatting and laughing under the moonlight. Anyone who saw them would think they are a perfect couple.
Though calling it moon watching, Ji Mingyu, once seated, was in no hurry, merely opening the seals, pouring them each a cup of clear fruit wine. The brew was so exquisite that as soon as it was unsealed, a sweet fragrance wafted through the air.
Though neither had yet drunk, for some reason, Ming Yu's slender eyelashes fluttered shyly, her gaze a bit lowered, her flawless pale cheeks already tinged with blush.
Chu Xuan's heart was moved as he watched, feeling both excitement and nervosity—what was his master planning?
"Come."
The two raised their cups to lightly toast and took their first sips.
Ming Yu seemed not very adept at drinking either, yet she drank decisively in one gulp, whereas Chu Xuan savored the taste; the alcohol content was acceptable, and the flavor quite smooth.
Thus, one cup after another, throughout which his master barely lifted her eyes to the moon.
Chu Xuan grew a bit nervous, "Master, don't get drunk."
Ji Mingyu raised her head slightly, looking brightly at her disciple, her charming face made even more alluring under the moonlight by the slight hint of intoxication.
"Xuan'er, in the future, we may have to face certain difficult choices."
"During those fragile moments, I hope you always stand by my side. You will, right?"
For some reason, these words made Chu Xuan feel a certain weight... perhaps just an illusion?
He nodded solemnly, "No matter what choice we face, I will steadfastly stand by Master."
Ming Yu smiled, her eyes crescent-shaped, indescribably beautiful.
"Also, don't get close to other girls or have ambiguous behaviors in the future."
Chu Xuan nodded again; oddly, he suddenly recalled when Lady Baihua gifted him a bracelet, and his master was genuinely jealous, right? Right?
Ji Mingyu stood up, as if satisfied with her disciple's answers, as if wanting to reward him.
As Chu Xuan held his breath, she lowered her head, her full, soft, slightly warm lips kissing his forehead.
Chu Xuan's face grew even redder, his heart pounding so quickly, his body tensed nervously until his master's lips departed, regretting not holding her at the time...
Subsequently, Ji Mingyu did not sit back down. Her mood seemed excellent as she gracefully unfolded her sleeves, twirled around, dancing delightfully under the moon.
Her dance was elegant, reminiscent of a startled swan or a wandering dragon, resembling light clouds obscuring the moon, floating like wind-flung snow returning.
Radiant as the midday sun shining upon the beams, bright as the moon gradually revealing its glow.
In an instant, beauty surged forth, dazzling like brilliance, warm as light~
Chu Xuan watched, feeling his soul intoxicated, Ming Yu was dancing for him—his unique breathtaking scene.
Near the end of the dance, Ji Mingyu seemed truly drunk. She seized a jug of wine from afar, raised it high, drinking eagerly despite her clothes becoming wet with the wine, as though entirely imperceptive.
"Master!" Chu Xuan hurried forward, worried she might fall drunkenly to the ground.
Ming Yu casually tossed the jug aside, swaying as she collapsed into her disciple's arms, her eyes already closed, though still muttering something unclear.
Chu Xuan carefully held her, feeling a bit at a loss at what to do next.
Should he take his master back to rest, let today end like this?
But clearly, his master invited him to moon-gaze and drink, obviously with a purpose, right?
Looking at the soft, lustrous lips of the beauty in his arms, Chu Xuan's heart raced to the point it nearly leapt from his throat; he gently lowered his head, longing for a taste of her sweetness.
Just once, only once—nothing more, he dared not do.
Unexpectedly, at the very moment their lips were about to touch, two slender jade fingers blocked Chu Xuan's mouth, Ming Yu's eyes opened teasingly with mischievous glimmer.
Chu Xuan froze entirely, wishing he could find a crack to crawl into.
"Little rascal, dare such disrespect again, and there will be no forgiveness~"
Ji Mingyu chuckled, "scolding" softly before lifting her head, playfully nibbling on his earlobe, watching his face blush deep crimson, even to the roots of his neck.
"Mas-Master." Chu Xuan protested feebly.
Ming Yu laughed gently, "Sorry, my little disciple is too adorable—I couldn't help myself."
Then, she closed her eyes again, breathing evenly as though truly asleep.
This time, Chu Xuan wouldn't easily fall for it, gazing at his master with loving eyes, carrying her back to the cave dwelling for rest obediently.
On the way back, Chu Xuan silently vowed to protect his master for a lifetime.