The Art of Subduing Dragons

Chapter 21

Luo Qingci had been paying attention to the sounds outside, so she noticed immediately when Ruan Li and Su Yu returned.

Finally, they're back, she could be at ease for the time being.

She had been sitting upright with her legs crossed, but now she reclined comfortably on the couch, stretching her legs slightly and propping her head up for a short rest.

Soon, footsteps echoed from outside the courtyard, but Luo Qingci didn't pay much attention. She remembered asking Su Yu to bring some fruit over.

Her thoughts drifted lazily before she pulled them back, continuing to clear her mind. The plot of the book had already begun, and she had been genuinely exhausted by it these past few days.

As the footsteps drew nearer, Luo Qingci didn't want to deal with Su Yu's usual greetings, so before the person could speak, she flicked her fingers, and the door opened with a sound.

Without opening her eyes, she said casually, "Just put it on the table. I'm a bit tired."

When she didn't hear Su Yu's usual reply, Luo Qingci began to feel slightly puzzled. Gathering her senses, she immediately realized it wasn't Su Yu who had arrived.

At that moment, the person standing at the doorway cautiously and quietly responded, "Yes, Master."

As soon as Ruan Li spoke, Luo Qingci's eyes snapped open, and she sent a blast of spiritual power in her direction.

The spiritual energy shot past Ruan Li's ear like a sharp sword, even slicing off a few strands of her hair. Yet, Ruan Li didn't retreat; she simply turned her head slightly.

Luo Qingci glanced at Ruan Li and then at the area behind her, showing no concern for her near-fatal action. Instead, she frowned and asked, "Why is it you?"

Ruan Li's lips tightened, turning pale as she respectfully bowed, lowering her head. "Senior Sister had something urgent to attend to and feared it would delay delivering the fruit to you, so I came instead. I apologize for disturbing you, Master."

Luo Qingci's eyes flashed with a cold look as she glanced outside, giving a warning glance before nodding.

Seeing that Ruan Li's expression remained unchanged and her voice was calm, Luo Qingci couldn't help but silently admire her. This little dragon cub was impressive, not even flinching under such circumstances.

She observed Ruan Li, who had clearly bathed and changed into clean clothes. Unlike the martial uniform she wore before, Ruan Li was now dressed in the simple and plain robe of a Zeyuan disciple.

Since Zeyuan was home to someone as aloof and ascetic as Luo Qingci, the disciples' attire was equally plain. The only decoration was the cloud pattern totem of the Tianyan Sect on the shoulder.

Luo Qingci had heard more than once other disciples complaining that Zeyuan's uniforms were too dull, not as elegant and graceful as the white-robed disciples' outfits.

Yet, this loose, plain, and shapeless robe was worn by Ruan Li in a way that made it look graceful and dignified. Her long hair was tied up, the sash fluttering, her waist slender, and her legs long. Even Luo Qingci, who usually had little sense of aesthetics, had to admit that as the heroine, Ruan Li could make even a burlap sack look good.

Perhaps she had been staring too intently and remained silent for too long, making Ruan Li uncomfortable. Carefully, Ruan Li approached the table, placed the fruit down, and prepared to leave.

But Luo Qingci suddenly asked, "What happened to your hand?"

Ruan Li instinctively retracted her right hand, glancing at Luo Qingci, "It was dark, and I accidentally fell, cutting my hand. It's no big deal."