novelzi Chapter 11 - The Innocent Little Lotus of the Demon Sect
Chapter 11 - The Innocent Little Lotus of the Demon Sect
Chapter 11: The Innocent Little Lotus of the Demon Sect
In theory, falling off a cliff should result in a rapid descent, but after the initial drop, An Ran noticed that the speed had significantly slowed down. It didn’t make sense. Given how high the cliff was and the combined weight of two people, the speed should have continued to increase. Yet, the sound of wind rushing past her ears was noticeably softer now.
An Ran, full of curiosity, dared not open her eyes or move. She clung tightly to Shen Yu, listening to his heartbeat to reassure herself that she was still alive.
After what felt like a long time, she suddenly felt a pull, as though something was causing her to lean forward.
“Shen Yu, what’s happening? Why am I tilting towards you?” An Ran asked, her voice trembling with uncertainty.
“Maybe the wind is blowing you in my direction. Just hold on tighter, so you don’t get blown away,” Shen Yu answered, lying through his teeth.
“Oh, okay, I’ll hold on even tighter. I don’t want to be separated from you,” An Ran replied, nodding obediently.
Since their fall had slowed, An Ran figured Shen Yu had done something to control their descent. She tightened her grip and buried her head further into his chest, seeking comfort.
Shen Yu couldn’t help but smile widely at An Ran’s trusting gesture.
After a while, An Ran began to notice that the wind sounded different. It was no longer rushing past her, and she realized something was under her feet.
I’m standing... How am I standing? Shouldn’t I have crashed and become a pile of mush by now? An Ran thought, still in shock.
“Did you want to become a pile of mush? I’m sorry to disappoint you, but it seems you won’t get your wish. Should we jump again and try harder this time?” Shen Yu suggested mischievously.Nôv(el)B\\jnn
“Jump again? Become a pile of mush!” An Ran absentmindedly repeated, the words swirling around in her head.
“No, no, I don’t want to be a pile of mush! I’m still young, with so much life ahead of me. There are so many delicious things I haven’t even tried yet! I think it’s better to stay alive,” she suddenly blurted out, realizing that they had survived the fall.
“Good to hear. Staying alive is definitely the better option, Ran Ran,” Shen Yu said, laughing softly as he watched her shake her head against his chest.
“Ran Ran, would you mind letting go of me now? You’ve messed up my clothes,” Shen Yu teased, noticing that An Ran hadn’t released him yet.
Startled, An Ran looked up to see Shen Yu’s playful smile, and she immediately stepped back, retreating two big steps.
“I’m sorry, Shen Yu, I didn’t mean to!” She apologized quickly, embarrassed.
What is happening? This is so humiliating! And why does he act like I violated him? His shirt is messy because of me, and yet he acts like he’s the one being wronged. Does he not realize I’m the one embarrassed here? An Ran fumed silently. How dare he!
“If you wanted to do something to me, Ran Ran, we should find a safer place to do it. Let’s leave here first,” Shen Yu suggested with a smirk.
Do something to you? As if! Who would want to do anything to you? An Ran mentally cursed, wishing she could slap some sense into him. The only reason I’m even dealing with you is because of the mission. Otherwise, I wouldn’t even look your way!
“Slow down, Ran Ran. Don’t rush, or you’ll trip. Besides, people are watching. Let’s keep a low profile,” Shen Yu said, allowing her to pull him along while still cautioning her.
An Ran’s excitement dimmed slightly at his words. Ever since last night, whenever Shen Yu spoke, it always seemed to carry a hidden meaning that made her think twice. His playful comments from before had left a lasting impression.
“Okay, low profile it is. Whatever you say, Shen Yu,” An Ran replied, agreeing out loud while mentally blaming Shen Yu for corrupting her innocent thoughts.
I’m still young! My mind is pure! She reminded herself.
Ran Ran really understands what I’m saying. She’s always so sharp, Shen Yu thought, secretly praising her for catching on. Even though they seemed to be thinking on different wavelengths, they somehow managed to be in sync on the key points.
Hand in hand, the two made their way towards the main road. Once they were on the road, there weren’t many people around, just a few farmers heading to town to sell eggs or vegetables.
“Shen Yu, I’m exhausted. Can we flag down a cart?” An Ran asked, her tone filled with fatigue. After all the ordeals of the previous day—getting injured, jumping off a cliff, and walking non-stop for hours—she couldn’t take much more.
“I know you’re tired, Ran Ran, but we can’t take one of their carts. It would only put them in danger. We’ll be in town soon. Just hold on a little longer,” Shen Yu said sympathetically, knowing how hard it was for her, but unwilling to risk getting innocent people involved.
“Why can’t we take a cart? I can’t go on anymore. This is too much...” An Ran whined, tears welling up in her eyes as exhaustion and frustration overwhelmed her.
I should’ve stayed at Jianhai Manor. There was food, drinks, and servants to take care of me. What am I even doing out here?
Before Shen Yu could scold her for being difficult, he saw her starting to cry and immediately swallowed his words. Instead, he walked over and scooped her up into his arms.
“Ah! Put me down! I can walk, I swear!” An Ran protested, embarrassed.
“Ran Ran, you’d better stay still, or you’ll end up getting hurt even more. If you wanted me to carry you, you could’ve just said so. I don’t mind carrying you the whole way,” Shen Yu teased, though he tightened his hold on her to make sure she didn’t slip.
An Ran wanted to retort, Who asked you to carry me? but her body betrayed her, and her hands instinctively wrapped around his neck to steady herself.
Seeing her cling to him, Shen Yu’s mood instantly brightened. Look at her—she’s clearly enjoying this more than she’s letting on.
So adorable, he thought, feeling pleased.
They continued walking for another half-hour before finally reaching the town.
“Okay, we’re here now. You can put me down, Shen Yu,” An Ran said, her face burning with embarrassment. They were already standing outside a tavern, and she desperately wanted to get down.
Earlier, when they had reached the town’s gates, An Ran had asked him to set her down, but Shen Yu refused, saying they were almost there. Now, standing at the entrance to the tavern, she couldn’t believe how much attention they had drawn. People must be gossiping about her by now.
Shen Yu, on the other hand, seemed entirely unfazed, as if carrying her the whole way had been no big deal.
He’s too much! An Ran fumed, wondering what rumors were already spreading about them.