Chapter 48: Letting Go of Pride

“Ling’er, quickly thank the Young Sect Leader!”

“For this entire month, you must serve the Young Sect Leader well. Don’t cause me any more trouble!”

“Young Sect Leader, I will take my leave now. Ling’er is in your hands.”

With that, Chu Zhongtian left the Lingxiao Sect in high spirits.

He hadn’t held much hope at first, especially since Ye Fan had been so unfriendly toward them before.

Yet, unexpectedly, Ye Fan agreed so readily.

As expected, men are the same everywhere—no one can resist a beauty.

Ye Fan’s willingness to make such a request clearly showed that Chu Ling’er still held a place in his heart.

Previously blinded by hatred, now that the hatred had lifted, he gradually began to accept Chu Ling’er again.

The more Chu Zhongtian thought about it, the happier he became. If Chu Ling’er could serve Ye Fan well this month, perhaps they could truly reconcile.

Then, the sect’s grand competition would be a mere formality.

Linghan Sect would not only avoid expulsion from the Northwest Territory but would soar to become a top-tier force there.

“Ling’er, the future of Linghan Sect rests on you!”

…

Night had fallen in Ye Fan’s room.

“You were once the esteemed daughter of the sect, so I imagine this servant role feels unfamiliar?”

“Don’t worry, I won’t make things too difficult for you. Just follow my orders obediently.”

“For now, start by bringing me the foot-washing water.”

Chu Ling’er had thought Ye Fan might demand she sleep with him, but she never expected such a ridiculous request.

What a joke! As the second young miss of Linghan Sect, when had she ever been asked to fetch foot-washing water?

That was the lowest task reserved for servants.

“Ye Fan, don’t go too far!”

Chu Ling’er immediately showed displeasure.

“Oh? Can’t handle that?”

“In that case, fine. You can go back to Linghan Sect and be your proud second young miss.”

“As for the sect’s grand competition…”

Before Ye Fan could finish, Chu Ling’er softened: “Young Master Ye, I was wrong.”

“It’s just foot-washing water; I’ll go right now!”

A few minutes later, Chu Ling’er entered, wobbling as she carried a wooden bucket.

Having never done such menial tasks before, she clumsily handled the water.

What was once a nearly full bucket was half spilled by the time she reached Ye Fan.

Ye Fan didn’t mind though, only a teasing smile played on his lips.

Without a word, he lifted one foot and extended it toward Chu Ling’er.

She froze at first, then immediately understood his meaning but hesitated before acting.

“What? Don’t know what to do?”

“Need me to teach you?”

Chu Ling’er trembled, struggling inside but ultimately set aside her pride.

With great effort, she slipped off his boot and then removed his sock.

Ye Fan casually extended his other foot, and Chu Ling’er, head lowered, reluctantly repeated the motions.

“What are you waiting for?”

“Get down on your knees and wash my feet!”

Tears welled in Chu Ling’er’s eyes as she placed Ye Fan’s foot into the water.

But Ye Fan suddenly kicked her, knocking her to the ground.

“Are you trying to scald me to death?”

“Didn’t you test the water temperature before pouring it?”

“Go add some cold water!”

Chu Ling’er clenched her fists tightly inside her sleeves, nails digging into her palms.

She wanted to lash out verbally but lacked the courage.

Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she added a ladle of cold water as instructed.

“Young Master Ye, is the water temperature suitable now?”

“Fine, it’s barely acceptable. Leave it like this.”

Only then did Chu Ling’er immerse Ye Fan’s feet and begin to massage them.

From the instep to the soles and between the toes, she worked for a full ten minutes.

For Ye Fan, it was a pleasure; for Chu Ling’er, a torment.

Thinking she had to serve Ye Fan like this for a whole month filled her with despair.

The following days were a living hell.

Aside from sleeping, she was at Ye Fan’s beck and call from dawn till dusk.

Washing feet was nothing; she even had to carry his chamber pot.

On the first day, unfamiliarity caused her to spill it all over herself, making her sickened.

But after several days, she gradually grew accustomed to these servant duties.

Yet the resentment in her heart only grew heavier.

…

“Today, your task is to accompany me to borrow resources from the major sects.”

“You’ve done well these past few days, so consider this a day off.”

“I think you have quite the talent for being a servant. You’re worth cultivating!”

No matter what Ye Fan said now, Chu Ling’er dared not retort.

If she could just endure this month, she could return to the sect as his young lady.

That was her only hope and the sole motivation to persevere.

With preparations complete, Ye Fan set off with Chu Ling’er toward their first destination: the Divine Blade Sect.

During this time, he had yet to secure any effective resources for himself.

Thus, borrowing resources was a reluctant necessity.

Ye Fan never imagined that as the Young Sect Leader of the Northwest Territory’s top sect, he would one day stoop to borrowing resources from others.

But it wasn’t his fault; his Devouring Heaven body was exceedingly picky.

Common heavenly materials and treasures simply wouldn’t do. Only supreme-grade items sufficed.

“Unaware of the arrival of Young Sect Leader Ye, I offer my humble greetings.”

“Please, Young Sect Leader Ye, come inside!”

Ye Fan’s arrival stirred the entire Divine Blade Sect.

Sect Master Bai Qingsong personally led the elders to receive him.

Throughout the Northwest Territory, only Ye Fan could command such grand reception.

“No need for formalities!”

“Sect Master Bai, I’m here simply to borrow something from Divine Blade Sect.”

Ye Fan cut straight to the point.

Bai Qingsong responded, “Young Sect Leader, you flatter me. Divine Blade Sect has always enjoyed the protection of Lingxiao Sect. Whatever you need, just ask!”

Though he said this, Bai Qingsong felt some reluctance inwardly.

Given Ye Fan’s status, what could he not request?

When it came to borrowing, it certainly wouldn’t be ordinary items.

“Sect Master Bai, I wish to borrow some heavenly materials and treasures, but not the common kind.”

“Rest assured, it’s a loan, not a gift.”

Fearing they might withhold, Ye Fan emphasized this.

Bai Qingsong replied, “Divine Blade Sect isn’t as wealthy as Lingxiao Sect.”

“To be frank, we do have one supreme heavenly treasure, a precious sect relic.”

“But since it’s Young Sect Leader’s request, I’m willing to offer it!”