Chapter 32: The Gluttonous Heart

Although Ji Tianxin’s voice was always calm and gentle, hearing these words made Bai Shu’s heart feel sweet, as if honey had been poured into it.

“When do you plan to leave, Xin’er?” Bai Shu asked again.

Suddenly, Bai Shu noticed that the jade tassel at Tianxin’s waist was out of place. He habitually reached out to tidy her clothing, carefully rearranging the tassel. Ji Tianxin always wore wide-sleeved, cross-collared dresses with a cinched waist. They were somewhat loose, which made her figure appear even more delicate and petite. The garments were always predominantly white, accented with other colors and embroidery. Such attire was rare, but since arriving in this world, Ji Tianxin had always worn these dresses, and it had become her habit.

Especially in places where martial arts were valued, wide sleeves were uncommon; most people wore narrow sleeves. Tianxin’s style made her look like a noble lady raised in a secluded courtyard at first glance. Yet her attire was so beautiful that Su Qing made many more dresses for her. Even the fabric was personally selected by Bai Shu, a rare treasure across the entire Tianwu Continent.

As he tidied her clothes, Bai Shu continued, “If you ever want to leave, remember to let your teacher know… Although, I may be away for a while myself.”

Ji Tianxin glanced down at the neatly arranged jade tassel. Instead of answering Bai Shu’s question directly, she asked, “Are you returning to the Bai family?”

Bai Shu was taken aback for a moment, then smiled. “How did you know, Xin’er?”

Over the years, Bai Shu had never told Ji Tianxin his true identity. But he had inadvertently hinted that there was a great family behind him, and that someone was searching for him. Among the four great martial families on the Tianwu Continent, one was the Bai family. As she understood it, on the Tianwu Continent, martial families and sects held similar positions. The difference was that families passed down their legacy through generations, while sects were founded on the establishment of a school. Though they were separate powers, their status was nearly equivalent.

“I just guessed,” Ji Tianxin replied, her lips curving slightly.

Bai Shu only smiled, saying nothing more. He took out a small package wrapped in paper from his waist.

“When I arrived, I saw these sweets for sale. They seemed interesting, and I thought you might like them. So I brought you some.”

Ji Tianxin’s eyes brightened noticeably at the sight of the treat, shining in the darkness as if they could glow. She reached out her small hand to accept it. “Thank you, Master.”

Seeing her delight, Bai Shu couldn’t help but smile indulgently.

“If you miss your master, you can send a letter by spirit pigeon. No matter where I am, I’ll come to you at once. While I’m away, make sure you don’t let yourself be taken advantage of... Well, actually, you never are.”

“And remember, there are many bad people in the world. My little foodie, don’t let anyone lure you away with food…”

Ji Tianxin didn’t pay much attention to Bai Shu’s words, chewing the candy in her mouth, surprised by how pleasant the taste was.

“Is there any more?” she looked up, blinking at Bai Shu, her candy wrapper already empty.

Bai Shu was silent for a moment. Although her expression remained calm, the light in her eyes sparkled, and Bai Shu’s heart softened instantly.

This was why, if his disciple stayed by his side, he’d be at ease. If not, he always worried someone would lure her away with food. It was something he fretted over every day.

So, Ji Tianxin watched as Bai Shu suddenly flew off.

Not long after, he returned, this time carrying a large bag of treats in his hand.