Chapter Seventy-Two: So Senior Sister Is Actually a Tsundere

Failing to act cute left Bai Zhi feeling indignant and a bit embarrassed. Still, since the person before her was the little gentleman’s sister, no matter how vexed she was, she couldn’t just run over and bite her. Feeling the unfriendly gaze, she quickly hid behind Liu Ping.

“Brother, I’ll go fetch some hot water for you to wash up,” Liu Yue said, seeing the little fox retreat behind her brother. She no longer pressed the issue. Thinking back, the creature had indeed looked rather cute just now—but cute or not, having it eat the meal she’d prepared for her brother was out of the question.

“I can manage myself, or perhaps let Nurse Wu handle it…” Liu Ping hadn’t finished his sentence before Liu Yue darted off, leaving him to smile helplessly.

Once Liu Yue exited, Bai Zhi leapt from behind Liu Ping right into his arms, looking up as she said, “Little husband, your sister is quite scary!”

Liu Ping was puzzled. “Where is she scary?”

Bai Zhi replied, “She doesn’t seem to like me at all.”

“That’s because you started eating without a word. Of course she’d be a little upset,” Liu Ping explained.

Bai Zhi blinked, then said, “Is that so? So she was angry about that.”

Liu Ping nodded. Soon, after finishing their meal and washing up, he undressed and went to bed.

As the bed curtains were drawn, Bai Zhi was already inside, having stripped down to her thin little undergarment, exposing a stretch of snowy, flawless skin. Her petite form radiated innocence, with a slight swell on her chest hinting at budding curves. At that moment, she peered out shyly from behind the curtain, her enchanting eyes blinking alluringly.

“You little vixen,” Liu Ping muttered, lightly pinching Bai Zhi’s delicate nose, which made her pout in displeasure. “Little husband, do you still find me beautiful?”

Her tiny body was tender and soft, not yet fully grown, but the effect was no less devastating.

Swallowing, Liu Ping replied, “Beautiful—indeed, very beautiful.”

Bai Zhi mused, “If I become a true fox spirit, I suppose I’ll grow a bit more. I should be even prettier then.” Clearly aware of her childish form, she grinned mischievously and continued, “By then, I could be with you and—mmph.”

Such words from a cherubic little girl sounded utterly strange, leaving Liu Ping helpless. He covered her small mouth, saying, “You must be more reserved and dignified. That’s how you’ll truly be ladylike, understand?”

Bai Zhi nodded vaguely, then pried his hand away and said, “Little husband, come to bed.”

Climbing onto the soft couch, Liu Ping embraced the warm, plush Bai Zhi. The sensation was truly delightful.

Yet this little fox was somehow even bolder than Meng Shang, squirming restlessly as she asked, “Little husband, why aren’t you making a move?”

The soft jade in his arms made his heart, which he had worked so hard to keep calm, ripple with desire. Though she was small, her charm was anything but. Hurriedly, he recited a calming chant to quell his rising passion.

“You’re just a child. I have no interest at all,” Liu Ping replied, finally breathing easier, though his words belied his true feelings.

Hearing this, Bai Zhi instantly wilted, swearing silently to grow up as soon as possible. She nestled quietly in Liu Ping’s embrace, closing her eyes to sleep. In truth, she only knew a few provocative phrases and had no idea how to actually tease him; her earlier restlessness had been entirely accidental. If she’d known how potent her actions were, she certainly wouldn’t have lain so demurely.

Whether that was fortune or misfortune, Liu Ping couldn’t say. Not yet a true immortal, he knew he must maintain his discipline.

He lingered at home for three days before boarding an ox-cart back to the academy.

The journey was somewhat lonely. Bai Zhi had left early, so he traveled alone. Reclining in the carriage, gazing at the distant scenery, he yawned. The ox-cart was slow and steady—quite suited for sleeping.

These past few days at home, he hadn’t been idle. Aside from reviewing his books and spending time with his sister and Bai Zhi, most of his time was devoted to cultivation. Though he hadn’t yet found the Seed of the Human Flower, he now had some leads. He felt that the day of his ascension was drawing near.

All that cultivation naturally brought fatigue. Feeling drowsy, he offered no resistance and soon drifted to sleep.

The next afternoon, he finally arrived in the city. Instead of returning to the academy immediately, he went straight to his senior sister’s residence. He’d been thinking about the grand plan for writing a book all this time.

At dusk, he stood before the temple gate and knocked. After a quarter of an hour, two little girls peeked through a crack in the door. Spotting him, they brightened. “It’s Uncle!”

They quickly swung the door open, beaming. “Uncle, you’re here!”

Liu Ping nodded, asking, “Tell me, has your master finished her retreat? Is she in a good mood? Is she still angry with me?”

“So many questions! That’s hardly just asking. One at a time, Uncle!” Hua’er protested, thinking for a moment before replying, “Master’s out of seclusion, but I don’t know her mood. She’s not angry with you.”

Liu Ping smiled. “That’s good. May I come in?”

“Of course,” Hua’er replied.

Inside, he was about to exchange pleasantries with his senior sister when Drunken Dust cut him off, her tone indifferent. “Speak. What brings you here?”

“Is it not possible to visit you without an agenda?” Liu Ping countered.

“Of course not. Hua’er, Ye’er, see our guest out,” Drunken Dust replied with a cold snort.

Startled, Liu Ping quickly said, “Wait, senior sister, I do have something to discuss!”

Drunken Dust nodded. “What is it?”

Her frosty demeanor left Liu Ping quite helpless; apparently, his last episode of teasing had left a poor impression. He took a few steps and gathered his thoughts. “I’d like to recall certain memories—things I’ve seen or heard but now can’t quite remember. Is there a spell for that?”

Drunken Dust pondered briefly and replied coolly, “There are three: ‘True Heart Record,’ ‘Seeking Thought,’ and ‘Reminiscence.’ Their effects are similar. ‘True Heart Record’ is the most complex, but also the most comprehensive. ‘Seeking Thought’ and ‘Reminiscence’ are simpler, but not as effective—they only retrieve memories in written form.”

After a moment’s thought, Liu Ping said, “Then I’ll learn ‘Seeking Thought.’ Could you teach me, senior sister?”

Drunken Dust nodded. “I can.” With that, she produced a small jade pendant, closed her eyes for a moment, then tossed it to Liu Ping. “The spell you want is within. Channel your mind into it and you’ll understand. Anything else?”

Though he’d obtained what he wanted, her attitude left Liu Ping strangely disappointed. Suddenly recalling Hua’er’s words, he realized: she truly wasn’t angry—he hadn’t even earned that much weight in her heart.

But then, was it any wonder? Such a peerless beauty, with talent unmatched—what right did he have to occupy a place in her affections? At their parting long ago, his foolish teasing had clearly left her vexed. Good rapport, squandered in an instant, perhaps even flipped to the negative.

He looked down at the jade pendant in his hand, feeling a trace of bitterness. It seemed this token had consumed the last of their goodwill. The thought weighed on him, but after a moment’s hesitation, he tucked it away.

He wanted to stay and talk with his senior sister a while longer, but the words caught in his throat. In the end, he simply bowed respectfully. “Thank you, senior sister. In that case, I’ll take my leave.”

His tone, just as before, was respectful yet distant, prompting Drunken Dust to frown slightly in discomfort. Had her coldness just now wounded him? She opened her mouth to speak, but had nothing to say, and could only sigh softly, her heart inexplicably unsettled.

Passing a screen, Liu Ping glanced at the tulips nearby and suddenly felt a sense of familiarity. Delighted, he realized: weren’t these the flowers he’d given her?

But what did that really prove?

He paused briefly, then continued toward the door. Just as he reached it, he turned back, grinning cheekily. “Senior sister, do the flowers I gave you smell nice?”

Seeing Liu Ping return, Drunken Dust couldn’t help but smile, nodding unconsciously. “Mm.”

Her smile was dazzling, and though it vanished quickly, it told Liu Ping all he needed to know. He couldn’t help but laugh, suddenly enlightened: had he been blind all this time? His senior sister—was she actually tsundere?

Their exchange ended with a single question and answer, leaving a touch of awkwardness. Drunken Dust, troubled, thought for a moment, then asked, “By the way, junior, what does ‘tsundere’ mean?”