Under Si Yan’s hands-on guidance for nearly three days, Su Tao’er finally became proficient at washing clothes. Consequently, Si Yan had no choice but to stop for the time being, feeling a deep sense of regret in his heart.
However, at the very least, Si Yan had nearly familiarized himself with all of Su Tao’er’s personal undergarments. From the colors to the styles of her bodices and inner linings, Si Yan had basically committed them all to memory.
Furthermore, although this girl was somewhat naive, she was also very clever. Not long after he gave her that Taoist Uniform, she learned to wear it very carefully. It wasn’t just during meditation; even during sword practice, she skillfully avoided the various classic somersault movements Si Yan had specially designed. She exercised such precise control that her skirt would not flare up significantly, ensuring almost perfect coverage. Si Yan could not catch even a glimpse of an accidental exposure and could only stare blankly from the side.
Fortunately, however, he could still see his disciple’s long legs. The young girl wore over-the-knee socks for him every day, which was already a form of happiness for him.
Speaking of which, Si Yan wondered if Su Tao’er had noticed something. Before she bathed and changed every night, she would first observe her surroundings. Even after confirming no one was there, she would still set up a screen inside her private room.
Nevertheless, Si Yan was in no hurry. Since the girl was in his hands, he would have plenty of time in the future. As long as his true nature was not exposed, wouldn’t there be plenty of opportunities? Plus, Su Tao’er’s personality in this regard was quite simple, so she wouldn’t harbor too many suspicions. Si Yan still had many schemes brewing.
That being said, Su Tao’er’s talent was indeed exceptional. In terms of comprehension and attainment as a sword cultivator alone, she was nearly equal to that First Senior Brother who acted profound and unpredictable every day.
She was actually able to perform the first three styles of the sword technique Si Yan created, the Thirty-Six Styles of Azure Stars, by relying on her cultivation in the Xiantian Realm. Even if the power was not great, it was still stunning.
As expected, the disciples chosen by the Destiny Pavilion were selected by the Laws of Heaven and Earth themselves. In terms of cultivation, they would never disappoint Si Yan, their Honored Master.
Including the others, everyone gave their affirmation to Su Tao’er’s diligence.
After less than half a month, Si Yan was willing to take Su Tao’er into one of the most core areas of the Destiny Pavilion. That was, his private room.
Entering a man’s bedroom for the first time, Su Tao’er was naturally a bit flustered and apprehensive. Si Yan had seen her passing by and called her in, leading her inside with a composed manner under the pretext of a heart-to-heart conversation between master and disciple.
But in reality, Si Yan simply felt a sense of accomplishment knowing a girl could step into his room.
However, Su Tao’er was quickly distracted by other things, especially the various paintings hanging on the walls.
“Master, your paintings are all so unique!”
Si Yan was pleased and said, “Of course. Although your master’s talent for painting is not high, it became easy after I studied it with my heart.”
These paintings depicted landscapes, scenery, and some bizarre things that Su Tao’er did not understand. Inadvertently, Su Tao’er suddenly noticed one of the paintings. It featured a somewhat scribbled depiction of a small, fiery-red bird. The bird was perched in the front courtyard of the Destiny Pavilion, and its wing seemed to be slightly injured.
“This little bird is so cute!”
Hearing this, Si Yan smiled faintly and explained, “She was injured back then and happened to land in my Destiny Pavilion by chance. She is your Senior Female Disciple.”
“Senior Female Disciple?” Su Tao’er did not immediately react.
“Look, this is what she looked like after she transformed into a human. I also kept a painting to record it.”
Behind the painting of the injured red bird, Su Tao’er saw another painting. On it was a young girl around her age with exquisite features. Her waist-length hair was fiery red, and she had a pair of proud phoenix eyes. Atop her head was a Seven-Colored Phoenix feather. Even at such a young age, Su Tao’er could seemingly feel the awe-inspiring temperament this girl projected.
Looking further down, Su Tao’er discovered that this was actually a series of paintings, all of which featured this girl. These paintings seemed to record the young girl’s growth as she slowly matured. As the girl grew older, that sense of pride became even more apparent, as if she were a queen presiding over a realm, possessing a temperament that made it impossible for one to look at her directly.
And at that time, the woman also seemed to be staring at the person who was painting her. But for some reason… Su Tao’er felt that the woman’s gaze in the painting was one of extreme disdain, as if she were looking at a total scumbag?
“Her name is Yanyan. In terms of seniority, she is considered Junheng’s Senior Female Disciple,” Si Yan introduced. “She was once one of my most proud disciples. My relationship with Yanyan was also very deep. She and I were like blood siblings, and Yanyan relied on her master very much. However, due to many reasons, she has already gone to a very distant place. It is very difficult for us to meet again.”
As Si Yan spoke, his voice became a bit bitter. He said, “Yanyan used to protect me very much, liked me very much, and always supported me. When she left, she hugged me and cried until she was a mess. Tao’er, I hope you can also understand this kind of pure master-disciple affection. In the future, you will also be your master’s family. I will certainly be devoted to you, but I also hope you will cherish your master. Just treat me like your own father or brother. Do not be too embarrassed, and do not have too many reservations.”
Yes, the time he spent with Yanyan in the past was truly a beautiful memory!
He remembered the painting from her coming-of-age ceremony; the look in Yanyan’s eyes was like she was looking at trash. Even now, Si Yan felt deeply moved when he recalled it.
“Yanyan~ Yanyan~ Lift your skirt a little higher. Your master wants to see those fair legs; don’t cover them all up~”
Mhm, then Yanyan’s look of disdain had become a very important part of Si Yan’s life.
Hearing this, Su Tao’er was moved, seemingly touched by the beautiful story Si Yan had fabricated.
“Tao’er will definitely rely on Master as well! I hope Master does not dislike Tao’er!” The young girl clenched her fists and spoke earnestly.
“That is good,” Si Yan nodded with satisfaction. “I am relieved to hear those words.”
‘Yes, yes, I must build a good relationship with you, Tao’er!’
‘I definitely, definitely must!’
Finally, Su Tao’er sat in Si Yan’s room for a while. When it was time to leave, she felt a bit strange and confused.
This was because, at the end of the series of paintings recording Yanyan’s growth, the subject was no longer a person. Instead, it was a fiery bird burning with intense flames—a Seven-Colored Phoenix amidst the fire. Its body seemed larger than the Destiny Pavilion and larger than the surrounding mountains. That phoenix was leaving at dusk, flying toward the distance without once looking back.
And the dusk sunshine stretched the shadow of the man in the painting, who was shown only from behind, making it very, very long…