High-Risk Master - Chapter 91: Thank You, My Disciple.

The next morning, Shen Gurong rubbed his head and got up as if he had a hangover. It took him a while to become slightly more awake.

"My head hurts." Shen Gurong frowned and rubbed his head, fumbling on the small table beside the bed. He quickly found the neatly folded ice silk.

Shen Gurong felt something was off, but with his terrible headache, he didn't think much of it. He tied the ice silk over his eyes, and after taking in his surroundings, he realized with a blank expression.

This… seemed to be Fanjiang Residence.

The bed beneath him, the bookshelves beside him—everything was exactly the same as in Fanjiang Residence. Even the bamboo and peach blossoms in the courtyard outside the window were identical.

Shen Gurong was finally confused.

He clutched his head, his mind wandering aimlessly.

"Could it be that I never even came to Gu Hong City? All that talk about meeting Jing Zhuchen and being caught in bed with someone by Mu Zhe was just a dream?

Pah, pah! Your 'caught in bed with someone' thing? That never happened!

Shen Gurong thought about it more and more, and it seemed plausible. But then he remembered that before he lost consciousness last night, he seemed to dream that Mu Zhe was holding his hands down, his calloused right hand reaching inside his clothes…

Shen Gurong: "Ahhh!"

What on earth did he dream about last night?!

It was so shameless!

Shen Gurong buried his head in the covers, beginning to reflect on why he had such a shameless erotic dream.

Just then, footsteps sounded outside.

At this hour, it was probably Xi Guxing who would come looking for him.

Shen Gurong remained huddled in the covers, still pondering why last night's dream felt so real, as if he had actually experienced it all.

There was a light knock on the door.

Shen Gurong mumbled, "Come in."

But as soon as he finished speaking, he realized something was wrong. Xi Guxing was already being lenient by not kicking the door when he came looking for him; why would he knock?

Shen Gurong had a sudden, inexplicable bad feeling and sat up abruptly.

His gaze fell upon Mu Zhe, dressed in blue, who pushed open the door and entered.

Shen Gurong: "..."

Shen Gurong: "!!!"

He screamed inwardly, 'This isn't a dream!!!'

Mu Zhe: "?"

Four years had passed, and Mu Zhe's appearance had become even more handsome. Perhaps due to his cultivation, a faint red mark appeared in his eyes, and when he slightly raised his gaze, his aura became even more intimidating.

The only thing that remained unchanged was that he was still as gentle as water in front of his master, completely concealing all his sharpness.

"Master." Mu Zhe approached, bowed respectfully, and presented clean clothes in his hands. "The Gu Hong Secret Realm is about to open; we should set off."

Shen Gurong's lips moved slightly, as if he wanted to say something, but his voice seemed to be stolen away, and he remained silent for a long time.

Mu Zhe stood there quietly, waiting for Shen Gurong to speak, as if the rebellious act of yesterday hadn't happened, acting as if nothing had happened.

Knowing that last night wasn't a dream, Shen Gurong's face grew increasingly red, and his anger slowly accumulated.

How...how could he do such a thing to him?

Rebellious!

Deceiving his master and betraying his ancestors!

Mu Zhe's actions were too outrageous; Shen Gurong struggled for a long time, unable to find the words to curse him.

He didn't know how long he had been building up his anger, but finally, it reached its peak.

Shen Gurong roared, "You..."

Mu Zhe interrupted him, asking, "Does Master already have a Daoist partner?"

Shen Gurong was stunned. The accusations and angry outbursts that had been building up for so long were abruptly cut off by this question. He stammered, "Wh-what?"

This question had tormented Mu Zhe all night. He gripped his sword hilt tightly, trying to maintain a gentle smile, and repeated himself.

Shen Gurong was still furious, blurting out, "None of your business!"

"I haven't even settled accounts with you for last night, and you're already questioning Master?! Have you forgotten after all this time out there?"

Shen Gurong was angry, Shen Gurong was heartbroken.

He had always treated Mu Zhe as a half-disciple, but four years later, his disciple dared to accuse him first.

Mu Zhe had been determined to find out if Shen Gurong had a Daoist partner, but upon hearing this, he fell silent.

Mu Zhe stepped forward, wanting to speak properly with his master, but Shen Gurong still seemed to harbor some lingering fear of him. The moment Mu Zhe's tall figure cast its shadow upon him, Shen Gurong instinctively shrank back.

Mu Zhe knew this posture well; it was his master's way of expressing rejection and disgust.

Mu Zhe paused for a moment before kneeling on one knee before Shen Gurong, trying to lessen the oppressive feeling. He looked up slightly at Shen Gurong with unusual humility, saying, "Master."

Shen Gurong's tense body relaxed slightly. He turned his head and gave Mu Zhe a cold look, harshly rebuking him, "Insolence! You still remember I'm your master?"

Mu Zhe, appearing submissive, said softly, "Last night, Mu Zhe offended Master. I accept Master's punishment."

Shen Gurong choked.

If Mu Zhe had stubbornly denied it, Shen Gurong could have scolded him, but Mu Zhe clearly didn't play by the rules. He immediately admitted his mistake and acted as if he could be beaten or scolded at will.

Shen Gurong… how could Shen Gurong bring himself to do it?

Mu Zhe was certain that Shen Gurong wouldn't be ruthless. Seeing that Shen Gurong was clearly moved, he pressed his advantage, saying softly, "Yesterday, Fourth Martial Uncle had to leave on important business, so he asked me to help Master detoxify."

Shen Gurong sneered, "What important business could your Fourth Martial Uncle have? He must have been rolling around in bed with another man again."

Mu Zhe: "…"

Shen Gurong immediately realized he was in trouble. He had only known Jing Zhuchen for a day; how could he have so easily uttered such lewd words?

As Shen Gurong was reflecting on his actions, he heard Mu Zhe say somewhat embarrassedly, "But… this disciple's skills are insufficient; I don't know how to cure that love poison, so… I had no choice but to offend Master…"

Shen Gurong was stunned.

"You don't know how to counteract that drug?"

Thinking about it carefully, it makes sense. That drug was an aphrodisiac incense that Jing Zhuchen had been burning for many years; it shouldn't be easily countered. Mu Zhe isn't a professional healer, so it's normal that he wouldn't know how to counteract it.

Shen Gurong wavered, frowning, "Really?"

Mu Zhe: "Absolutely."

Shen Gurong had been a pampered young master since childhood. After arriving in this book, aside from some bad luck, he hadn't experienced many major events that would shake him. His mind was exceptionally naive; how could he be a match for Mu Zhe, who had been struggling in the Three Realms for so many years?

Upon hearing Mu Zhe's words, Shen Gurong believed him in a daze.

Finally, Shen Gurong said dryly, "Don't do it again next time."

Mu Zhe thought to himself, 'There's going to be a next time?'

But he still obediently said, "Yes."

Seeing that Shen Gurong seemed to have lowered his guard and no longer doubted his rebellious behavior, Mu Zhe was momentarily clear-headed, then somewhat disappointed.

'Take it slow,' Mu Zhe thought.

He didn't want to see Shen Gurong's repulsive and disgusted attitude towards him again.

Shen Gurong coughed lightly, quickly putting aside this matter that made him feel utterly ashamed and indignant. He changed into the clothes Mu Zhe had placed aside, only then belatedly realizing the question Mu Zhe had just asked.

'Does Master already have a Daoist partner?'

'How did Mu Zhe know about this?'

Mu Zhe, who was holding the waist seal and waiting for Shen Gurong, suddenly trembled and stared blankly at Shen Gurong.

Shen Gurong, while tying his belt, thought with distress, 'How am I supposed to tell Mu Zhe about this? It's a headache.'

Mu Zhe's face was ashen, but his heart was in turmoil.

How did he know about this…?

Does that mean it's true?

He'd only been gone for four years, and Master actually… really had a Daoist partner?

The spiritual energy in Mu Zhe's palm nearly exploded uncontrollably, but he forcibly withdrew it at the last second, only causing the tassel on his waist sash to sway slightly.

In the four years Mu Zhe had been away, Shen Gurong had learned to take care of himself, skillfully putting on his elaborate robes. Ignoring the strange expression on Mu Zhe's face, he took the waist sash from his palm and tied it around his waist.

Shen Gurong casually said, "What did you just say, I..."

The Gu Hong Secret Realm is about to open?

Still preoccupied with his Daoist partner, Mu Zhe interjected, "I just asked Master, is it true that you have a Daoist partner?"

Shen Gurong: "..."

Shen Gurong's ears instantly turned bright red. He inwardly screamed, 'Will this ever end?! Asking, asking, asking! Never-ending questions!'

To Mu Zhe, Shen Gurong's reaction was simply shyness at the mention of his beloved. His eyes turned cold, and he became even more eager to know who Shen Gurong's damned Daoist partner was.

He was only gone for four years...

Just four years.

If he had known this would happen, he shouldn't have gone out to train, allowing someone to take advantage of his vulnerability and get there first.

Mu Zhe, whether filled with regret or anger, showed no emotion on his face, even tilting his head in feigned confusion: "If master really has a wife, I should meet her."

Shen Gurong: "Ahhh!"

Mu Zhe: "?"

After that, no matter what question Mu Zhe asked about a Daoist partner, Shen Gurong only responded with "Ahhh!"

Mu Zhe's ears ached after a while, and fearing Shen Gurong might faint, he reluctantly stopped the topic.

There's plenty of time later; asking now wouldn't change anything anyway.

Besides, judging from Shen Gurong's reaction, it seemed... he wasn't very satisfied with his Daoist partner?

Otherwise, why would he scream so much at the mention of it?

After this, Mu Zhe finally felt a little relieved.

The Gu Hong Secret Realm was about to open. Mu Zhe led Shen Gurong out of the mustard seed house. A crowd had already gathered outside, all heading towards the distant iceberg.

Mu Zhe packed away the mustard seed hut and held a bamboo umbrella over Shen Gurong's head.

Shen Gurong turned to look at him: "It's not raining, why are you using an umbrella?"

Mu Zhe explained, "The snow on the mountain is too bright; it will hurt Master's eyes."

Shen Gurong hadn't noticed this, nodding in appreciation of his disciple's thoughtfulness, without giving it any further thought.

The bamboo umbrella not only provided shade but also acted as a barrier to prevent others from peeping. Walking together under the umbrella, no one recognized Shen Gurong.

Although they had moved on and let bygones be bygones, every time Shen Gurong approached Mu Zhe, the familiar yet aggressive aura emanating from him made Shen Gurong feel extremely uncomfortable, as if he were back that night, being forcibly restrained and forced to do as he pleased.

Shen Gurong blushed and thought for a moment. Although it was comfortable, the master-disciple relationship was still highly inappropriate, especially since they were both men…

Jing Zhuchen's voice suddenly echoed in his mind: “Master-disciple, men, isn't that even more exciting?”

Shen Gurong exclaimed “Ah!” and almost jumped out from under the umbrella to flee.

He was truly under Jing Zhuchen's spell.

Knowing Shen Gurong's embarrassment, Mu Zhe simply handed the umbrella to him and stepped out, following closely beside him.

Shen Gurong finally felt much more at ease.

Mu Zhe silently noted: His master didn't like him getting too close.

Shen Gurong's instincts were rejecting him, indicating that he was taking Mu Zhe's actions to heart, unlike before when Mu Zhe's elaborate attempts to please him were seen by Shen Gurong as a disciple showing filial piety to his master—utterly heartless.

This was good.

Just as Shen Gurong's eyes were set on him, things started off well.

Mu Zhe proceeded cautiously, like a vast net silently spreading around Shen Gurong.

The prey in the center of the net was completely unaware, still secretly plotting how to tell Mu Zhe about the Daoist Couple Contract.

Each with their own thoughts, the two soon arrived at the entrance to the Gu Hong Secret Realm.

The entrance to the secret realm resembled a ferocious beast with gaping fangs; the door looked like a gaping maw, extremely unsettling to behold.

The Gu Hong Secret Realm wasn't fully open yet; the surrounding icebergs hadn't melted, but the surrounding cultivators were all impatient, eager to be the first to rush in and seize the best opportunities.

The sect members nearby were masters leading their disciples.

The master, dressed in a Taoist robe exuding an air of otherworldly elegance, instructed the disciples who had just arrived at the Gu Hong Secret Realm: "Upon entering the Gu Hong Secret Realm, you will be in a chaotic realm. Remember not to lose yourself within it. Silently recite the Tranquility Mantra as you proceed, and you will break through to the next realm."

Disciples: "Yes."

Shen Gurong thought to himself, 'I see.'

Mu Zhe: "?"

His master… had never been to the Gu Hong Secret Realm before? And how did he obtain all those opportunities?

There were simply too many mysteries surrounding Shen Gurong. Mu Zhe had long since learned to accept it without surprise. After all, all he ever wanted was his seemingly cold but actually cheerful master. As for the rest, whoever he was, Mu Zhe didn't care.

Even if it was possession…

Mu Zhe's eyes suddenly trembled. A shocking idea abruptly surfaced in his mind.

If the master who forced him into the Dao back then was truly Shen Feng Xue, then could the master who had since neglected cultivation and only knew how to enjoy himself really have been possessed?

But something's not right.

Shen Feng Xue's cultivation has reached its peak; how could anyone in the Three Realms possibly possess his body?

Moreover, would someone as lazy as Shen Gurong really have the energy to expend the effort to possess a Mahayana cultivator?

It was precisely for these two reasons that Mu Zhe had never considered possession.

But in the current situation, only possession could explain everything.

Mu Zhe's mind was in turmoil. Seeing that the Gu Hong Secret Realm had opened, he had no choice but to forcibly suppress all his speculations and concentrate on finding an opportunity to break through to the Mahayana stage.

Shen Gurong was completely unaware, still relying on his cultivation level to listen to his master and disciples' constant instructions not far away.

The master said, "After entering the Gu Hong Secret Realm, we may emerge from various locations within the Chaos Realm. If you are alone, do not act rashly. Stay where you are; your master will come to find you."

The disciple replied, "Okay, thank you, Master!"

Mu Zhe said from the side, "Master, if you become separated from me after entering the Gu Hong Secret Realm, do not wander around. Stay where you are; I will come to find you."

Shen Gurong nodded.

'Okay, thank you, disciple!'

Mu Zhe: "..."

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