Fairy, Don’t Be Afraid, I’m Blind

Chapter 137: The Brother-in-Law’s Peculiar Preferences

“Master Yu, I am used to fending for myself. I really am not accustomed to being served by others… so perhaps this isn’t necessary,” You Su hastily declined. Though he couldn’t see the two maidens whose figures were partially concealed, his instincts still compelled him to refuse.

“I didn’t expect Master You to be not only humble but also simple and unpretentious. However, given your current esteemed position, if you were to personally handle every matter during your visit to Jade Ring Pool, it would reflect poorly on us. People would say we failed to treat our guest with proper hospitality, and it wouldn’t align with your status,” Yu Zhen said with a slight bow. 

“In my view, Master You is destined to reach the pinnacle. It’s important for you to embrace the demeanor of someone in a high position.”

You Su furrowed his brows at Yu Zhen’s words, inwardly acknowledging his sharp insight. Back in Divine Mountain, he had been mostly secluded on the peaks. Now that he had stepped outside, he was beginning to realize the weight of his identity as the true disciple of the Lotus Sword Venerable. 

It was as if he had suddenly struck fortune overnight, and he was still adjusting to the reverence others showed him because of his title. Deep down, he still saw himself as the blind youth who once lived in the old house in Chuyun City, striving to survive on his own.

Refusing every act of kindness might make him seem cold and unapproachable, which wasn’t ideal for someone like You Su, who often needed assistance from others. After Yu Zhen’s gentle reminder, he reluctantly conceded.

“Master Yu exaggerates. I’ve merely been fortunate enough to bask in my master’s glory. There’s no need for the two fairies to serve me directly; they may simply wait outside the door.”

“Does Master You find Yu Meng and Yu Long unsuitable? If that’s the case, then it’s truly difficult. Among all the maids in Jade Ring Pool, none surpass their beauty,” Yu Zhen replied.

You Su didn’t understand why Yu Zhen insisted on having him enjoy the service of others. In a serious tone, he responded, “Master Yu knows who I am. Do you not realize I’m blind? I cannot distinguish beauty from ugliness, nor would I ever criticize the two fairies. Please stop speaking like this.”

Yu Zhen immediately apologized, saying, “Master You, you are a sword cultivator of refined elegance, standing apart from the world. It was presumptuous of me to impose such expectations upon you. But let me assure you, I meant no harm. The bath you’re about to take is quite intricate. Without the presence of the maids, you won’t be able to fully experience the wonders of Jade Ring Pool’s waters.”

“Is this bath absolutely necessary?”

“Don’t you wish to meet the masters of the household? Tonight, they’ve prepared a small banquet for the two distinguished guests. This pre-banquet bath is part of Jade Ring Pool’s customary courtesies. If you’re uncomfortable with strangers, don’t worry—Yu Meng and Yu Long will only wait outside the screen and enter when needed.”

Yu Zhen maintained a humble posture, his tone respectful. You Su turned his gaze toward Yu Zhen, aware that he had only revealed half of his intentions. Bathing and changing before meeting the masters was also part of the protocol he was expected to follow.

“I understand.”

Yu Zhen smiled lightly and said, “Master You, please enjoy the beauty of Jade Ring Pool to its fullest.”

…

You Su lay naked in a bath carved from black stone. The pool was designed for the owner of this chamber, and its size left little room once he settled in. The spiritual water drawn from Jade Ring Pool reached up to his chest, while beneath the stone basin, an unseen source of heat warmed the water to a perfect temperature. The steam enveloped him, and though his skin wasn’t particularly fair, it now glowed faintly red under the influence of the bath. His blood flowed richly throughout his body.

“Master You, the first stage of the bathing sequence is complete. We’ll need to enter to prepare for the second stage.”

Yu Meng, dressed in a blue gown, reminded You Su from behind the screen.

You Su had already learned from them that this was Jade Ring Pool’s highest-ranking bath ritual, known as the Pure Harmony Bath. Not only did it cleanse toxins and replenish vitality, but it also subtly offered opportunities for enlightenment. The process was divided into three stages:

The first involved soaking in pure Jade Ring Pool water.

The second added various precious medicinal herbs to the water.

The third infused dried petals from Jade Ring Pool’s sacred lotus flowers.

You Su silently shifted the floating tea tray in the water, positioning it to cover his lower body, before awkwardly responding, “Mm.”

With his permission, the two young women entered gracefully, each carrying a tray made of lotus leaves filled with an array of rare medicinal herbs. They knelt beside the bath, bending their slender waists to carefully place the ingredients into the water. As they moved, glimpses of their delicate forms became visible. Despite not being in the hot spring themselves, their faces flushed pink, as if intoxicated or shy.

“Master You, for the second stage, we’ve added nine-colored lilies, pearl eyes, powdered bones of white dragon carp, golden calamus, and other valuable herbs. These will invigorate your qi, strengthen your spirit, and sharpen your mind. Compared to the first stage, you’ll notice the water becoming denser and the fragrance growing richer.”

Yu Meng softly explained the differences in the bathwater.

You Su’s expression remained composed. “Thank you, fairies. Please leave now.”

The two maidens bit their lips, stealing curious and admiring glances at You Su. Normally, as servants, they wouldn’t dare look directly at their master. However, knowing that this peerless nobleman was blind, they felt emboldened to overstep slightly.

They understood what it meant to be sent here to serve this talented young man of high status. Though Yu Zhen hadn’t explicitly stated anything, everything was implied, and their desperation to seize this rare chance began to outweigh their usual restraint. 

Servants held low status, possessed poor talent, and relied on powerful patrons or families for cultivation resources. Some were even born into servitude, like the maids of Jade Ring Pool, seemingly unable to escape their fate—even the sisters Yu Meng and Yu Long, who had reached the middle stage of Meridian Opening at the age of seventeen, considered somewhat gifted.

Aware of their own beauty, the sisters often lamented their situation. They had been raised in seclusion, groomed as ‘precious gifts’ to entice outsiders. Their initial apprehension melted away upon seeing You Su.

Exchanging a glance, the twins seemed to silently agree: this young man was their hope for escaping their gilded cage.

With renewed determination, Yu Long, the younger sister in a green skirt, spoke boldly, her cheeks flushed. “Master You has traveled far and must be weary. I know a massaging technique that can relieve fatigue and stimulate circulation. If you’d allow me…”

Without waiting for his response, she leaned against the edge of the pool, dipping her slender hand into the water and pouring it over her arm. The flowing water shimmered beautifully as it cascaded back into the pool.

You Su raised an eyebrow, clearly displeased. “Miss Yu Long, I have a phobia of touch. Please refrain from doing that.”

Startled, Yu Long hesitated but didn’t withdraw her hand. She assumed You Su was merely being reserved and chuckled nervously. “Master, please don’t worry. My sister and I have grown up drinking the water of Jade Ring Pool. We burn incense daily and bathe meticulously. We are anything but unclean.”

Yu Meng, more resolute than her sister, pressed her body against the edge of the pool, her voice sultry. “Yu Long is right, Master. While I don’t know a massaging technique, I do have some skill in music. I could play a flute piece for you, if you’d permit me…”

Before she could finish, You Su sighed, grabbed her wrist from underwater, and forcefully pushed her away. His voice was icy. “Enough, ladies. I’ve already told you there’s no need for service. Wait outside the curtain. Are you treating my words as a joke?”

Yu Long was startled by You Su’s sudden change in demeanor. She quickly knelt, bowing deeply. “Please forgive us, Master You. We meant no disrespect!”

Yu Meng, though the same age, carried herself with greater maturity due to her role as the elder sister. Lowering her head to hide her expression, she apologized, “We only saw how tired you looked and wanted to offer our help.”

“Don’t misunderstand. I don’t need your help. Just follow my instructions. If this happens again, I’ll ask Master Yu to send someone else.”

You Su kept his distance, not wanting these women to harbor any unrealistic fantasies about him. Though he felt a flicker of frustration, he was no frivolous man.

Hearing his cold rebuke, Yu Long clenched her fists, tears welling up in her eyes. Thinking of her inevitable fate as an object to be traded, she burst into quiet sobs. “You’re not a real man! Waaah…”

Yu Meng, seeing her sister cry, glared angrily and pulled her close. Through gritted teeth, she said, “Master You is a flawless immortal, or so he thinks. We were foolish to assume otherwise. Please forgive us. We won’t make the same mistake again.”

You Su closed his eyes, feeling a pang of sympathy for their plight but harboring no intention of saving them. His heart was small, and the number of people he could protect and care for was limited.

“No more excuses. Leave quickly.” His tone was dismissive.

But Yu Long, seeing her sister’s submissive posture met with even more indifference from You Su, wiped away her tears and snapped, “You’re not a man at all! Hmph…”

At that moment, a loud crash echoed through the chamber as the door was kicked open.

Before You Su could react, Ji Xueruo appeared outside the bathing screen, dressed in an elegant black gown.

Her stunning face was now as cold as frost. Her gaze swept over the barely clothed, tearful sisters, and her jet-black hair billowed—not from wind, but from the raging fire within her.

“You Su! You’re not a real man!”

The kneeling sisters, clinging to each other, were awestruck by the beauty of this woman, unable to believe another could rival their mistress’s allure.

“Miss Ji?! Please hear me out!” You Su instinctively pressed the floating tray deeper into the water, completely covering himself.

“A dead man doesn’t need explanations!”

Ji Xueruo’s hands danced, unleashing a fierce blast of energy aimed straight at You Su.

Forgetting modesty, You Su grabbed his sword, which rested beside the pool, and swiftly unsheathed it.

The clash between sword and energy unleashed a violent gust of wind, scattering the bathwater like rain throughout the room.

Meanwhile, the drenched sisters stood exposed, their figures rendered ethereal by the water clinging to their skin.

Ji Xueruo, however, remained dry. Observing the sisters’ seductive postures, her eyes narrowed further as she prepared another lethal attack.

“Miss Ji, calm down!” You Su clutched his legs together, equal parts embarrassed and panicked.

Calm down?! How can I possibly calm down?! My brother-in-law, promised to my sister, was caught fooling around with twin sisters, and now I discover he has such peculiar tastes?! You beast, targeting pairs of siblings, huh?!

Ji Xueruo snorted, her aura burning like a volcano ready to erupt.

“Master You is quite the expert among flowers, isn’t he? Such refined taste!”

With those words, she unleashed dozens of spectral white snakes!

You Su tensed, sensing the formidable power behind this attack. So Miss Ji was truly prepared to kill him.

He spun his sword rapidly, executing a technique from the Yuan Sword manual: “Crane Shatters Clear Waves.” The blade shredded the snakes into pieces.

But instead of dissipating, the fragments transformed into even more frenzied, smaller snakes. Lacking focus, they no longer targeted You Su exclusively—some charged wildly toward Yu Meng and Yu Long!

Realizing the unintended consequences of her spellcraft, Ji Xueruo regretted her hasty mistake and quickly attempted to remedy it. Unfortunately, nothing could match the speed of the white snakes.

Just as the terrified sisters were about to be struck, several incoming snakes were sliced cleanly in half. Even the airborne droplets of water were severed, exploding into mist.

Ji Xueruo stared incredulously at You Su, biting her lip in silence. She had only intended to vent her anger on him, not harm the twin sisters who were like hers.

Protected by You Su, Yu Meng and Yu Long gazed at his bare back, recalling how he had earlier rejected their advances yet still saved them. A profound sense of security washed over them.

“Miss Ji, you’ve gone too far.”

You Su glared at Ji Xueruo, his Black Pine Sword skillfully shielding his vital areas.

Ji Xueruo grew angrier. “Even without my interference, you rushed to protect them? Truly, Master You is a hopeless romantic!”

You Su exhaled deeply and sighed, “Miss Ji, please calm down and listen to my explanation.”

“You tried to take advantage of two maids, who resisted fiercely and scolded you for not being a man. I witnessed it all! What else is there to explain?!”

Yu Meng and Yu Long glanced at the tense standoff between the two. This icy, beautiful girl’s accusations sounded like catching someone in adultery. Suddenly, they understood why You Su had shown no interest in their advances.

“Miss Fairy!”

Yu Meng stood up, awkwardly covering her exposed skin. “Fairy, you’ve misunderstood. It wasn’t Master You trying to take advantage of us—it was… us trying to take advantage of him, but he refused. My sister, in her shame, shouted that insult…”

From the sisters’ perspective, men should succumb to beauty, hence their accusation. To Ji Xueruo, however, You Su should have remained chaste and loyal to his fiancée, thus her anger.

Ji Xueruo frowned, realizing the phrase “you’re not a man” carried two meanings. “Don’t try to defend him. With me here, he wouldn’t dare harm either of you.”

She addressed the sisters with a natural warmth despite her sternness.

Yu Long also stood, stealing a glance at You Su’s naked form. Her heart raced as she defended him. “Miss Fairy, you’ve misunderstood. Master You remained steadfast despite temptation— he’s a true gentleman. It was my fault for offending him. If you wish to punish anyone, direct your wrath at Yu Long.”

She cautiously stepped forward, placing herself between You Su and her sister.

Yu Meng joined her, standing shoulder to shoulder. “I participated as well, Fairy. Punish me alongside her!”

Ji Xueruo raised an eyebrow, leaning back slightly. Observing the righteous demeanor of the sisters, she almost felt like the unreasonable villain disrupting true love.

Her gaze shifted to You Su, whose physique, enhanced by the bath, displayed clear muscle definition glistening with water droplets. He looked every bit the epitome of masculine beauty emerging from a bath.

Her eyes drifted lower, catching sight of You Su’s unmistakable second sword. Ji Xueruo’s cheeks flushed red as she turned away, snapping, “Shameless! Hurry and get dressed!”

Turning her back, she strode outside the screen. You Su, equally mortified, awkwardly shielded himself.

Yu Long stifled a laugh. The bathwater, already scattered by the earlier clash, had now spilled entirely during the commotion, making further soaking impossible. She hurried to fetch a towel for You Su, while Yu Meng draped a luxurious black-and-gold robe on the nearby rack.

“Master You, the towel is on your left, and the robe specially prepared for you by the master is on your right. Your old clothes are here as well.”

Before You Su could nod and dismiss them, a sharp voice cut through from beyond the screen: “Both of you, come out! Let him dress himself!”

The sisters exchanged a glance and reluctantly withdrew. They hadn’t intended to assist You Su in dressing—not out of fear of the irate mistress outside, but to avoid displeasing him further.

You Su shook his head in resignation, thinking, What kind of mess is this?

After tidying up briefly, he attempted to put on his old robe, only to find it soaked from the earlier splash. Left with no choice, he donned the new robe and stepped out.

Clothes make the man, and the opulent black-and-gold attire elevated You Su’s appearance and bearing to new heights.

Yu Meng and Yu Long watched him, enraptured.

Ji Xueruo snorted in disdain, feeling strange when she thought that she had seen the whole body of her sister’s lover. The thought left her with mixed feelings. Thankfully, You Su wasn’t a woman; otherwise, wouldn’t she have to take responsibility for seeing him naked?

“You two, leave.” Ji Xueruo tapped the table lightly, rousing the entranced pair. “And change into something decent! Honestly, what kind of female cultivators dress like that?”

Yu Meng lowered her head apologetically. “Forgive us, Fairy. My sister and I have always lived in this empty hall, accustomed to dressing freely and comfortably. We’re rarely seen by others. Master You is the first guest in decades, and since he’s blind, it shouldn’t matter…”

“Who knows if he’s truly blind or just pretending.”

“Please don’t speak ill of Master You,” Yu Long interjected bravely.

“Are the maids of Jade Ring Pool so disrespectful?”

Ji Xueruo scrutinized the delicate Yu Long, surprised that a mere servant dared to challenge her.

“Each palace in Jade Ring Pool has its dedicated servants, who are loyal only to their respective masters, even temporary ones. The four male servants in your chambers are the same.”

Yu Meng maintained a humble stance but spoke without apology. This was how she had been raised. Even if Miss Ji blamed her, the master of the household would shield her.

Turning to You Su, she bowed deeply. “Master You, Yu Meng and Yu Long take our leave.”

With that, she led her sister confidently out of the chamber.

Once they were far enough away, Yu Long whispered, “Sister, with Miss Ji here, don’t we stand no chance?”

“If we work together, we might still surpass her. Men aren’t capable of loving just one woman…”

Yu Meng glanced through the window lattice at a standalone pavilion on the lake, her voice soft. “Besides, there’s still Young Miss. No one can resist her charm…”