When Murong Xiao saw who it was, his breath hitched, and his hands instinctively tried to hide the newly wrapped red silk binding rope behind his back.
But clearly, it was too late.
Tu Shanche's clear amber eyes were fixed precisely on the rope that looked rather "improper," and on his younger brother's obviously guilty expression.
The silver-haired nine-tailed fox's pupils trembled almost imperceptibly. That red rope adorned with bells... didn't look like a magical artifact used in proper cultivation at all.
He forced himself to calm down, trying to look away from the rope and pretend nothing was wrong.
But when she spoke, her clear and gentle voice still trembled slightly with helplessness: "Xiao... Xiao'er... you... prepared this Immortal Binding Rope, are you planning to cultivate some... strange technique?"
Murong Xiao did not answer his question.
The little brat's gaze seemed glued to Tu Shanche; his brother was as handsome as ever, making it impossible to look away.
Her silver hair, flowing like moonlight, cascaded down smoothly, making her exquisitely beautiful face appear even whiter and more translucent.
Those eyes, which always held a gentle, watery light, were now slightly darting away because of the "improper" thing in front of them, their long eyelashes fluttering frantically like the wings of a startled butterfly.
Murong Xiao's Adam's apple bobbed.
He knew his brother doted on him to the point of almost no principle.
It was this indulgence that gradually fostered the increasingly lawless thoughts in his heart.
The little boy's eyes suddenly dimmed, as if he were shrouded in immense grievance. He took a step closer, his voice tinged with a sob: "Brother... why haven't you come to see me for so long? Did you go back and get bothered by the fairy sisters every day, and forget about me?"
Upon hearing his younger brother's aggrieved tone, Tu Shanche felt so heartbroken that he forgot everything else.
He frantically tried to comfort her, quickly explaining softly, "No, Xiao'er, don't think too much. It's just... Father has some miscellaneous matters that require my attention, and besides, the Immortal Venerable—"
Unfortunately, he didn't finish his sentence.
Just as he raised his hand slightly in his haste to explain, completely unprepared, a glint of triumph flashed in Murong Xiao's eyes!
The meticulously modified Immortal-Binding Rope, like a living serpent, wrapped around Tu Shanche's wrist, which was slender and fair.
"jingle--"
The crisp sound of golden bells rang out as Tu Shanche's wrists swayed slightly after being bound. It was particularly clear in the quiet room, carrying a strange and seductive meaning.
The ringing of the bell was like a seductive tolling bell, striking Murong Xiao's already dwindling rationality with each strike.
Tu Shanche was completely stunned. His amber eyes were filled with confusion and astonishment. He subconsciously tried to break free, but found that the rope, which seemed soft, was actually unusually strong.
"Xiao'er?"
Tu Shanche's voice carried a hint of helpless reproach, but not much real anger; rather, it was more of a sense of helplessness at his younger brother's sudden and strange behavior.
He even felt a little embarrassed because his wrists were bound and the bells jingled softly, and his cheeks turned even redder.
This alluring yet oblivious appearance completely ignited the suppressed fire in Murong Xiao's eyes.
The cub's breathing suddenly became heavy, his eyes reddening, as if he could no longer suppress the wild beast roaring within him, and was about to pounce on the large fox that was completely unguarded in front of him—
But, at this critical moment—
"Buzz".
A clear, bright light suddenly shot out from a jade bottle hidden in Tu Shanche's wide sleeve.
When the light faded, it revealed a figure about the size of a palm, petite in stature, yet with clear features and an invisible chill emanating from him—Xie Linyuan.
A miniature version of the Immortal Venerable Mo Yuan floated in the air, his black robe with dark patterns was impeccable, his black hair was half-tied up with a jade hairpin, and his face was incomparably handsome. Even though he was several times smaller, the aloofness and majesty contained in his slightly furrowed peach blossom eyes could still make people feel a chill.
Murong Xiao's determined pounce was abruptly halted in mid-air.
He stared at the tiny Venerable One who had suddenly appeared and ruined his plans, his mind went blank, and he almost went berserk on the spot!
What the hell is this?!
Where did this thing come from?!
How did it just pop up like that?!
It's made him so weak!
Damn it!!!
That damned Xie Linyuan!!!
Even after shrinking, it doesn't behave like a human being!
Murong Xiao roared inwardly, his expression contorted, wishing he could smash this tiny thing on the spot!
The miniature version of Xie Linyuan seemed completely oblivious to the eerie and tense atmosphere, and even less concerned about Murong Xiao's murderous gaze.
He raised his hand with remarkable ease and gently straightened a non-existent crease in his clothes, his movements reserved and elegant.
He then glanced indifferently at the scene before him—Murong Xiao's precarious posture, Tu Shanche's bound wrists and flushed cheeks, and the clearly impure Immortal Binding Rope adorned with golden bells.
Xiao Xie Linyuan's brows furrowed almost imperceptibly, and a very slight hint of disapproval, akin to "immorality," flashed across his eyes.
But he seemed to have no intention of interfering in other people's "private affairs," and quickly looked away, as if looking at him for even a second would offend his eyes.
"Young Master Tushan".
His voice was clear and calm, without a trace of emotion, yet it carried an undeniable sense of pressure: "It's best not to be too lenient with him."
Murong Xiao: "?!"
no? !
What happened?!
Your Excellency, I offered you advice, and you turn around and sabotage me?!
My brother opened his heart to me, and you try to play tricks on him?!
The little brat watched helplessly as his brother, because of Xie Linyuan's seemingly casual remark, panicked and immediately knelt down, bowing and agreeing.
Without hesitation, Tu Shanche unleashed a burst of pure and blazing Samadhi True Fire from his fingertips, instantly burning the Immortal Binding Rope that he had painstakingly prepared for so long to ashes.
Only two lonely little golden bells remained, falling to the ground with a "clink," looking utterly pitiful.
"..."
Murong Xiao gritted his teeth so hard they almost broke, his molars grinding together with a rattling sound—Xie Linyuan, you bastard!
He was indeed afraid of Xie Linyuan before, but at this moment, the overwhelming anger of not being able to "bully" his brother had completely burned away the little brat's already limited sense of reason.
Murong Xiao glared angrily at the miniature Xie Linyuan floating in mid-air. Although unwilling, he had no choice but to maintain the last bit of respect and squeeze out a question through gritted teeth.
"Your Excellency, didn't you tell Senior Sister Zhao Zhao last time that you would be leaving for a while?"
"Why are you back so soon, after only two days?"
"Still this tiny little thing?"
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