I was abused and you were treasured

I finally understood why Granny Lu wanted us to be careful when choosing whom to apprentice under.

She said our master would be like our second parent.

I don't have a good parent.

He's too strict.

I can't make a sound while he works or I'll get whipped.

I can't make mistakes when practising or I'll get whipped.

My injuries are my responsibilities even those I got when I was whipped.

But it's okay.

Cause today Xia Ling came looking for me!

She was injured.

A wound could be seen on her shoulder.

It looked like someone hacked at her with a sword.

I wish I could help protect her…

But I'll can do is treat those wounds afterwards.

The monsoon season was fairly harsh this year.

The constant hammering of the droplets on the ground was very calming.

I had no herbs to treat her with.

But my master did.

He would never give me any even I asked.

So I did what had to be done for Xia Ling.

I stole.

I stole some herbs,bandages and a needle and thread.

Xia Ling tore off her sleeve so I could treat her more efficiently.

Her pale skin, was perfect except for that wound.

I hope it doesn't scar too much.

As I applied the prepared medicine, I felt happy.

Even though life was terrible, at least she was happy.

I could see it on her face.

In her eyes.

The excitement.

She was truly happy.

She didn't miss any meals nor was she mistreated.

I'm happy.

I'm sad.

I'm envious.

Carefully I stitched her wound with utmost care.

And finally added one last layer of medicinal mush along with a bandages to keep it in place.

I advised her to wear it for at least a week.

Cultivators heal after after all.

Cultivators also grow younger and look better.

She still looks beautiful.

Her face still carried innocence yet her eyes did not.

Seeing her bandages arm, she smiled at me.

She also taught me a "Secret handshake".

She said it's for us alone.

That's nice.

It was weirdly complicated for a simple greeting but I like the uniqueness that it carries and the fact that only us two alone carry this secret.

She pinky promised again.

She told me she reached "Foundation Establishment" level and has a good master.

She got a master early cause she apparently has a very unique and powerful physique.

Wow.

That was all I replied with.

She made me promise that I would wait for her.

That I should wait for her to become very powerful and help me along the path to immortality.

She made me promise.

She promised.

She promised we could be together for eternity.

I was happy

She gave me a tight hug and a peck on the cheek and then she was gone.

As I washed my back with ordinary water and even as I awkwardly bandages my back with not a single herb to numb the pain, I was still smiling.

Caressing me cheek, I cried.