Chapter 107: Setting Out Early in the Morning

He pondered for a moment, as if lost in thought, then shook his head and said, "I don't believe it."

“Huh?” Hearing this, my heart sank instantly, and I looked at him with a pitiful gaze.

"I don’t believe that the demon and spirit realms would send a spy like you," he said, then turned and flicked his sleeve to brighten the candlelight on the table. He continued, "Tomorrow morning, gather outside the palace gates—you won’t need to go. These next few days, rest well inside the Clear Water Pavilion. And remember, do not let anyone discover you are a woman."

“Yes, Master. Little Fish understands.” I smiled obediently and nodded.

Time flew by, and three days later, that mysterious herb truly worked wonders. Since taking it, my chest no longer felt tight, my headaches vanished, and even my elbow, which had been immobile, could now move freely.

One morning, as I was outside the Clear Water Pavilion, swinging my arms and twisting my waist, someone suddenly grabbed my sleeve.

Turning around, I saw it was Pinky. This time, seeing him didn’t surprise me at all. I smiled and asked, “So early in the morning, why have you come to me? Where is your master? Why aren’t you with him?”

I had assumed that Big Sleeve and Little Sleeve would always be together.

Pinky tilted his head back, wearing a solemn expression as he said, “My master got up at the hour of the Tiger and went to the Infinite Palace. All the disciples at the palace gates have already departed. The sect leader’s uncle commanded Pinky to come to the Clear Water Pavilion to wake you, little junior uncle, and bring you to the Infinite Palace.”

“Oh my! Why didn’t you say so earlier?”

Hearing this, my heart raced.

This was my first formal meeting with senior brothers, sisters, and junior disciples from the various palace gates since arriving at Spirit Cloud Mountain. No matter what, I had to prepare myself properly. More importantly, I needed to arrive at the Infinite Palace before them to greet everyone. Only then could I show my deep respect as a newly initiated junior disciple.

That Purple Lotus, that wicked Purple Lotus—how could such an important matter not be told to me sooner so I could prepare? And then sending someone to inform me at the Clear Water Pavilion—couldn’t they have sent someone a bit more agile? Instead, they sent Pinky, who waddled as if he might topple over at any moment.

Annoying, annoying, truly annoying.

I grumbled inwardly while hastily tidying the strands of hair by my temples. Early morning and I hadn’t had time to freshen up properly. I planned to return to my room to groom myself, but looking at the blazing sun, it was truly getting late. I couldn’t waste any more time. I would have to make do by washing my face with the water from the basin.

Pinky stood beside me, frowning and urging, “Little junior uncle, let’s hurry! The other uncles have long been gathered at the Infinite Palace. If we keep delaying, when we arrive, others will look down on you.”

His words made me move even faster. Turning to him, I saw his chubby face puffed up, wearing a sorrowful expression. I glared at him unhappily and said, “If I show up at the Infinite Palace with messy hair and untidy clothes, that would truly be a laughingstock. Washing up by this pond won’t take long, and it’s also to save face for my master, so he won’t be embarrassed. Pinky, stop rushing me. Wait a bit longer—I’ll be ready soon.”

I had to admit, what Pinky said did matter to me. Grooming myself was not just for my own dignity but also for Purple Lotus’s. Being late and ridiculed would be a disgrace to both me and Purple Lotus.

I stood up, smoothed my slightly wrinkled clothes, then dashed forward and scooped Pinky into my arms, heading toward the palace gates.

Pinky shouted loudly, complaining that I was holding him too tightly, squeezing his little arms and legs painfully. “Ouch, ouch, ouch—ouch! My master, it hurts!” I bit his chubby cheek and said, “Keep shouting, and I’ll throw you into the river to feed the fish.”

“Hmph!” He turned his little head away, twisted his neck, and refused to talk to me.