**Chapter 15: My Tsundere Master Is a Bit of a Jerk**
At Wangsheng Hall, Cloud Retainer had assumed human form.
Her black ponytail, paired with red-rimmed glasses and a flowing azure robe, radiated an otherworldly aura.
Beside her, Hu Tao's eyes were bloodshot, brimming with tears.
Recalling how Jingchen had fiercely protected her during her argument with Columbine that morning, her tears threatened to spill over at any moment.
Cloud Retainer stood behind Hu Tao, offering constant comfort.
"Hu Tao, it'll be alright. Everything will get better."
"Immortal... Is there truly no chance for me at all?!"
"Huh?!"
Cloud Retainer faltered slightly. Comforting others had never been her forte, especially someone as heartbroken as Hu Tao.
*Sigh... Sometimes I have to admit, even I have my imperfections.*
Cloud Retainer cleared her throat, feigning composure.
"Ahem, Hu Tao, would you like to hear the legend of the Coconut Goat's past?"
Hu Tao looked up, her plum blossom eyes filled with confusion.
"Coconut Goat?! Immortal, you're embarrassing me. I have absolutely no interest in mythical beasts like the Coconut Goat right now."
Cloud Retainer felt a pang of awkwardness. It seemed Hu Tao had no interest whatsoever in the Coconut Goat or Wang Xiaomei's story.
"Then would you like to hear about the Goddess's tumultuous past?"
Hu Tao shook her head again.
*Isn't my own life tumultuous enough?! Why would I want to hear about someone else's?*
Cloud Retainer lowered her gaze, feeling both amused and exasperated. It seemed she had no choice but to unleash her ultimate weapon: revealing a sliver of her most beloved disciple's past.
"Hu Tao, would you like to hear about Jingchen's past?"
The gloomy expression on Hu Tao's face vanished instantly, replaced by pure delight. Her lips curved into a slight smile, brimming with anticipation.
"Immortal, please tell me! I want to hear it, I really want to hear it, I *really, really* want to hear it!"
Hearing Hu Tao repeat "want to hear it" so many times filled Cloud Retainer's heart with joy. *As expected, it's only Jingchen's story that this Hu Girl is willing to listen to.*
"That Jingchen... despite his aloof, Immortal-like demeanor, he once yearned for a family more than anyone else."
"Ah?! Why?"
"He likely crossed over from another world. He also has a sister. Once, in his sleep, he mumbled something about promising his sister that in a world free from Demonic Shadows, he would find his other half, build a family, and live a good life."
*Demonic Shadows? Another world?! A sister?!*
It was only through Cloud Retainer that Hu Tao learned about Jingchen's past.
*Hmph, that Jingchen! Why does he always keep secrets?!*
"What kind of world did he come from?"
"Alas, I don't know. He has no memories of it. But judging by his demeanor, he must have traveled to countless worlds."
"Then what's this 'Demonic Shadow'? And who was his sister?!"
Cloud Retainer couldn't help but twitch. *Why does Hu Tao always dig so deep?!*
*Demonic Shadow? Jingchen's sister?! I—no, this Immortal doesn't know either...*
Though clueless, Cloud Retainer maintained a facade of composure.
"The Demonic Shadow is likely some kind of adverse physical reaction. As for Jingchen's sister, perhaps her surname was also Jing."
Hu Tao stared at Cloud Retainer with skepticism, her eyes seeming to say:
*Immortal! You know nothing and yet you try to deceive this Hall Master?!*
*Do you think I'm here on a Children's Day holiday?!*
Seeing Hu Tao's skeptical expression, Cloud Retainer turned away with a haughty air.
"Hu Girl, this Immortal has told you everything I know. If you wish to learn more about Jingchen, seek out his two senior sisters. I have nothing further to add."
Hu Tao hurried forward and skillfully began massaging Cloud Retainer's back, a technique she had learned from Zhongli. Whenever she faced a dilemma or an insurmountable task, she would massage Zhongli's back, and the old fossil would invariably help her resolve the issue.
Cloud Retainer opened one eye to observe Hu Tao. The Hu family girl's technique was surprisingly refined. *Not bad at all,* she thought. *My disciple's wife has been here for so long, yet she's never given this Immortal a proper back massage.*
*A teacher for a day is a parent for life.* Cloud Retainer considered herself Jingchen's half-mother, even more so than Shenhe or Ganyu. She had wholeheartedly imparted all her immortal arts to him, without reservation. When Jingchen first arrived in Liyue, she had personally arranged every aspect of his life, from food and clothing to housing and transportation. (She had even specifically assigned Ganyu to oversee everything, the meddling Cloud Retainer.)
Whenever Jingchen's confessions of love were rejected, she would immediately contact Ganyu, urging her to comfort her junior brother. Meanwhile, Cloud Retainer would observe Jingchen's emotional fluctuations from afar, a vigil that lasted for months, fearing he might become despondent during this vulnerable period.
"Hu Girl, you can stop now."
"Ah!? Immortal, this Hall Master isn't tired."
"Alright, alright, Hu Girl. I'll tell you about Jingchen's past."
Hu Tao stood obediently beside Cloud Retainer.
"Once, Jingchen and I were refining an Immortal Pill. He..."
Meanwhile, Jingchen, who was observing Qiqi brewing medicine with Columbine, suddenly sneezed violently.
Columbine immediately stood up and patted his back. "Jingchen, are you alright?"
"I feel like someone's gossiping about me behind my back."
"Could it be our subordinates?"
"Sigh, it's probably my Master."
Qiqi placed the brewed herbs into the designated medicine basket, then turned to stare at Jingchen and Columbine with a puzzled expression.
"Who are you?!"
*Oh dear... It seems Qiqi has forgotten them again.*
Jingchen pulled out Qiqi's notebook.
After carefully reviewing it, Qiqi nodded slightly.
A'Gui rushed into the pharmacy, carrying a letter from Baizhu, and found Jingchen.
"Brother Jingchen, this is a letter from Doctor Baizhu. Please read it first."
"Oh."
Jingchen took the envelope from A'Gui, opened it, and began reading.
Brother Jingchen, long time no see. I've heard about your request to care for Qiqi for a while.
Qiqi has deep ties to the Immortal Sect, and you, Jingchen, being a disciple of the sect, have been entrusted with her care for some time.
I have already agreed to your request.
However, Jingchen, please do not allow Hu Tao to take Qiqi out alone.
While I merely disagree with Hall Master Hu's methods and harbor no ill will toward her personally, she occasionally comes to Bubu Pharmacy to promote her business—and then steals Qiqi away. Each time, I must go to great lengths, asking the General Affairs Commission to search for her, which is quite exhausting.
Therefore, Jingchen, let me emphasize this three times:
Do not let Hu Tao take Qiqi out. Do not let Hu Tao take Qiqi out alone. Do not let Hu Tao take Qiqi out alone.
Additionally, this is what Changsheng wishes to discuss with you:
"Hey Jingchen, long time no see! Miss me?!
If you don't, I won't hold it against you—you're always so busy and preoccupied.
But here's the most important thing:
If you haven't found a partner yet, why not settle for my sister?
She recently completed her millennium of cultivation and can now assume human form at any time.
You remember that little green snake you rescued on Mt. Aocang? She said she's willing to entrust herself to you."
The letter ended abruptly.
Jingchen could sense the intense jealousy mixed with fiery anger burning behind him.
...
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(End of Chapter)