Fairy, Don’t Be Afraid, I’m Blind

Chapter 140: The Holy Maiden Wants to Do Mischievous Things Together

Midday, Second Day

“Master You, the Holy Maiden invites you to share a midday feast.”

Yu Meng curtsied gracefully, her voice as sweet and sticky as honey.

You Su shook his head as he opened his eyes, recalling everything that had happened before he passed out from drinking. Thankfully, he had good alcohol tolerance and hadn’t done anything inappropriate.

That floral wine truly was an exquisite brew. Even after a night of heavy drinking, it didn’t leave him with a headache or grogginess; instead, he felt clear-headed and refreshed.

“I got drunk last night. Who brought me back?”

“My sister and I,” Yu Meng replied respectfully.

You Su stood up. His black silk robe, made of luxurious fabric, flowed smoothly like water but now hung askew, exposing much of his firm chest. Yu Meng stole a glance, blushed, and quickly lowered her head to avoid looking further.

At that moment, You Su’s stomach growled uncomfortably. Having slept until noon, he was quite hungry.

“What if I said I wasn’t feeling well and wanted to eat alone in my chambers?”

“The Holy Maiden would likely blame herself for a long time.”

You Su sighed softly. “Then please lead the way, Miss Yu Meng.”

Yu Meng raised her head and smiled sweetly. “Master You, don’t rush. You haven’t freshened up yet. Yu Long has already prepared everything—please follow me.”

After washing up and tidying his clothes, You Su quickly left his room, not wanting to keep the host waiting too long.

Ji Xueruo, dressed in a similar black brocade gown, stood outside her own quarters. She watched the hurried figure of the young man from afar, a faint question forming in her mind.

But she didn’t go to interrogate You Su about anything because she also had an urgent appointment to attend.

Today, Ji Xueruo, who usually avoided makeup, applied a light touch of cosmetics, making her stunning beauty even more radiant.

This was because the one inviting her to dine was none other than Yu Mingzhen, the only son of Jade Ring Pool’s Great Master, whose intentions she couldn’t yet discern.

…

When You Su arrived at Little Pond Palace once again, he learned that this palace belonged exclusively to the Holy Maiden—a sacred place within Jade Ring Pool where entry without permission was strictly forbidden.

It was the same reception hall from the previous night. Yu Die had been waiting for some time, her eyes brightening like blossoms on a branch as she saw the dark-robed visitor approach.

“Holy Maiden, you’ve waited long.” You Su bowed respectfully.

“Master You, please take your seat. It’s my fault for indulging in drinks last night, causing you to sleep late. Waiting a little longer is only fair.”

You Su sat down awkwardly and chuckled. “I tried to advise you to drink less, yet I ended up being the first to get drunk. I must have embarrassed myself.”

Yu Die covered her mouth and giggled. “Master You simply fell into my trap. Drinking two full flasks of Flower Immortal Brew on your first try is impressive.”

“A trap?”

Could it be that Yu Die hadn’t been drinking actual alcohol last night? Yet when they clinked glasses later, You Su distinctly smelled the scent of wine on her.

“To call it immortal nectar is just a fancy term—it’s still wine. Although Master You possesses cultivation, this is your first time tasting it. Meanwhile, though I am mortal, I’ve spent countless nights relying on it for company. Very few in Jade Ring Pool can outdrink me when it comes to Flower Immortal Brew. So, it’s no shame for Master You to lose to me.”

You Su finally understood. Last night’s wine had been exceptionally smooth, easy for even mortals to consume, so developing a tolerance over time wasn’t unusual. What surprised him was that an eighteen-year-old girl without cultivation had practically grown up immersed in alcohol.

“Cutting water with a blade only makes it flow faster; drowning sorrows in wine only deepens sorrow. Holy Maiden, you’re still young—it’s best to avoid excessive drinking.”

“Master You sounds just like other men who love to lecture,” Yu Die teased.

You Su felt somewhat embarrassed. As the sages say, men have two favorite hobbies—one of which is advising prostitutes to reform. Though spoken jokingly, it reflects how men often think highly of themselves and enjoy critiquing others’ choices.

“It was just idle talk. Please consider it nonsense, Holy Maiden.”

Far from embarrassing You Su, Yu Die laughed again. “No, while I never listen to the masters’ lectures, Master You is different. Your words resonate with me.”

You Su was puzzled by her statement but suppressed his slight surprise, waiting for her to continue.

“Because their lectures help me far less than a single cup of wine. But Master You—you’ve helped me far more than any drink ever could. Last night’s story was thrilling, and I loved it, as if I’d experienced it firsthand. Though I kept my wits last night, I was intoxicated by its spirit rather than the wine alone. To express my gratitude, I’ll toast to you.”

With that, she pushed aside her delicate jade goblet and called out, “Since Master You advised me to drink less, let’s remove our wine and replace it with silver pulp fruit juice.”

The surrounding maids acknowledged her order and promptly replaced their cups.

You Su was momentarily stunned. He hadn’t expected a simple story to captivate the Holy Maiden so deeply. “Holy Maiden, there’s no need for such gestures.”

“Master You isn’t a fish in the water—how could you understand a fish’s joy?” Yu Die gazed at the spiritual fish laid out on the plate, her expression wistful.

“Holy Maiden, this is merely a transaction,” You Su reminded her seriously.

Given his nature, last night’s events shouldn’t have unfolded as they did. Even reflecting on it now, he found it hard to believe.

“That’s right—it’s a transaction.” Yu Die lifted her gaze, her eyes clear and bright. She seemed completely unfazed by You Su’s deliberate attempt to draw boundaries. “It’s time for me to repay you. Ask whatever you wish, Master You.”

Hearing this, You Su fell silent, deep in thought. He had countless questions about the mysterious Jade Ring Pool, but when it came to actually asking them, he suddenly didn’t know where to start.

“May I ask, Holy Maiden… why does Jade Ring Pool isolate itself from the world?”

“Master You cares most about this question, doesn’t he?” Yu Die picked up her chopsticks and gestured warmly. “Master You, today we’re having grilled fish for lunch. Jade Ring Pool isn’t limited to White Dragon Carp—there are many other types of fish with unique flavors. Eat while I tell you.”

You Su nodded and began sampling the half-crisp, half-tender roasted spiritual fish. Its outer layer was crispy, while the inner flesh remained tender and flavorful.

Though he hadn’t seen Jade Ring Pool’s beauty with his own eyes, its cuisine certainly suited his tastes.

“What people assume about us isn’t far from the truth,” Yu Die suddenly spoke. “Jade Ring Pool has always appeared pristine, and even we who live here believed it would remain so forever. But in reality, Jade Ring Pool has long been overwhelmed. Excessive, unrestrained consumption, combined with our hospitality, has caused the roots of Jade Ring Pool to begin dying. Everyone was deceived by its beautiful facade, reveling in its splendor without noticing. Only the Holy Maiden, the earthly projection of Jade Ring Pool, sensed something amiss.”

“The problems of Jade Ring Pool manifested in her body. Her health deteriorated, and her cultivation plummeted uncontrollably. To die honorably, she sacrificed her life to forcefully activate the protective array around the pool and halted all extraction activities. When the masters ventured to the lake’s center, they confirmed the truth and began isolating themselves from the world. However, after over fifty years of recovery, Jade Ring Pool is gradually improving. It won’t be long before it reopens its gates.”

As Yu Die recounted this history, her tone turned melancholic when discussing the future.

You Su, perceptive as ever, remarked, “So, because of Jade Ring Pool’s depleted core… the Holy Maiden is a mortal unable to cultivate?”

Yu Die smiled brightly. “Master You is sharp. Not only am I mortal, but the previous Holy Maiden was as well.”

You Su nodded slightly. That explained why Yu Die occasionally showed sadness. Other Holy Maidens at least had cultivation to rely on, but she was born during an unfortunate time—trapped here, unable to leave, and condemned to live as an ordinary mortal.

“How many generations of Holy Maidens have there been in these fifty-four years?”

“She was the seventy-ninth generation; I am the eighty-first.” Yu Die answered lightly, without a trace of sorrow.

You Su was secretly shocked. If only one generation separated them, didn’t that mean Holy Maidens without cultivation rarely lived past their thirties?

“Holy Maidens symbolize Jade Ring Pool’s cycles of renewal, so their lifespans are short. When a Holy Maiden’s beauty begins to fade, it’s time for her to pass away.” Yu Die seemed to sense You Su’s thoughts and clarified further.

If they possessed cultivation, aging would slow significantly. Though their lives were relatively short, they lasted longer compared to ordinary mortals like Yu Die, whose beauty started fading in her thirties.

“Everyone has their own destiny, Holy Maiden. There’s no need to lament.”

“That’s true. Though my life is brief, I should seek brilliance.” Yu Die set down her chopsticks and gazed steadily at You Su.

At that moment, the maid who had gone to fetch the drinks returned, holding a jar of silvery fruit wine. She poured a glass for both of them, the fruity aroma sweet and refreshing.

“Enough of these heavy topics, Master You. Enjoying the present meal is what matters most, isn’t it?”

Yu Die raised her goblet, and You Su followed suit, clinking his glass against hers in a virtual toast.

“You’re right.”

…

Little Pond Palace earned its name due to a small pond specially sectioned off from Jade Ring Pool within its grounds.

Having exclusive access to part of Jade Ring Pool was a privilege reserved solely for the Holy Maiden. No one else—not even the three Great Masters—had authority to claim even an inch of Jade Ring Pool.

You Su stood honestly on the rock slab beside the pool, while Yu Die sat casually at the edge, kicking her feet playfully in the water, creating ripples.

Her arches were graceful, her toes pink and white, glistening under the water. Colorful fish swam toward her, attracted by her beautiful feet, circling around her submerged ankles like a flower blooming underwater.

The tickling sensation of fish nibbling at her soles made Yu Die giggle uncontrollably. Using this sacred Jade Ring Pool to “wash” her feet—only Yu Die dared to do such a thing.

“Master You, aren’t you coming down? Believe me, I won’t tell anyone,” Yu Die teased.

The usually refined Holy Maiden, craving a moment of ordinary joy, revealed a playful side in her private domain.

“You Su carries worldly impurities—I wouldn’t want to taint Jade Ring Pool.”

He imagined himself—a man who practiced swordsmanship daily—and thought it fortunate his feet didn’t stink. Washing his feet in the lake upon which thousands depended would indeed be immoral.

“Are you saying I’m clean enough that it doesn’t matter, Master You?”

Yu Die kicked again, sending a perfect arc of water into the air.

“Holy Maiden, you and Jade Ring Pool are one. Naturally, you needn’t avoid such things.”

The maiden withdrew her foot, standing barefoot. Smiling, she responded, “Where did you hear that? I may be mortal, but I still need to cleanse impurities. Sometimes, after eating too much grilled fish…”

She trailed off, suddenly remembering what she intended to say, and lowered her head, too shy to continue.

You Su immediately understood her meaning. Even the most beautiful beings, if mortal, couldn’t produce fragrant waste…

You Su stifled a laugh. This Holy Maiden was endearingly sincere, speaking without restraint and seemingly devoid of self-awareness as a Holy Maiden, carelessly dismantling the image others held of her.

“Holy Maiden, what task do you need my help with this time?”

You Su hadn’t forgotten the deal.

“Mischievous deeds require accomplices, Master You. Since you refuse to wash your feet in the pond, assist me with another task instead.”

“Mischievous?” You Su hesitated.

“Don’t worry, Master You. The masters tacitly approve—it’s not truly mischievous.” Yu Die took a stack of fish food from a maid. “White Dragon Carp are unique to Jade Ring Pool, roaming its waters for generations like the Holy Maidens who guard this vast lake. But in truth, White Dragon Carp are brave and extraordinary creatures—otherwise, they wouldn’t bear such a name. They yearn for the world beyond the pool. When I was younger, I thought, though I can’t leave, I can let the fish go. So, I had the maids catch a White Dragon Carp and release it. Watching it swim eagerly into Jade Ring Lake, I felt as if my body followed it out of Jade Ring Pool. I was happy, but White Dragon Carp are precious to Jade Ring Pool. I couldn’t afford to be reckless, so every five years, I release just one. The three masters know and tolerate my whims.”

“And today is the day I save my fourth White Dragon Carp!” Yu Die scattered specially-made fish food near the edge of the pond, excitement blazing in her eyes. “This is their favorite food—they’ll swarm here soon! Master You, with your martial prowess, I want you to catch the largest White Dragon Carp for me. Let it see the vast world outside!”

You Su was momentarily stunned. True to her words, loud splashes erupted from the pond. Nearly a hundred hidden white fish surged through the waves, racing toward the small pond.

“Holy Maiden, does Jade Ring Pool connect to Jade Ring Lake through underwater passages?”

This question didn’t seem particularly secret, so Yu Die answered honestly. “There used to be passages, but fifty-four years ago, to prevent water loss, the masters sealed them. Now, they’re two separate, independent lakes. Why do you ask, Master You?”

Sealed?

But today was the day the Holy Maiden released the White Dragon Carp…

Then what about the White Dragon Carp with a divine soul he had encountered in the depths of Jade Ring Lake before arriving here? Did it grow legs and cross the surrounding mountains, or had someone else released it?

You Su sensed that this question wasn’t simple. Beneath Jade Ring Pool’s serene surface lay unseen, turbulent undercurrents.

“Master You! They’re here! I’ve answered one of your questions for free—now help me catch the biggest!”