Yun Wu’s master was, naturally, Yun Qingzi.
Her invitation for Wei Yunshu to visit Cloud City wasn’t just a simple sightseeing trip; there would surely be a more significant reward. Although each sect’s Daoist arts were different, all variations stemmed from the “Dao.” To receive guidance from a great power like Yun Qingzi would undoubtedly be a huge gain for Wei Yunshu. Lingfeng had no intention of hindering Wei Yunshu’s pursuit of the Dao, but the thought of her accepting the invitation still left a bitter taste in her mouth.
“Thank you, True Monarch and Fellow Daoist, for your kind intentions, but I have already promised Lingfeng to be a guest at Luoshui Divine Palace,” Wei Yunshu replied without hesitation.
Yun Wu looked at her earnestly, a hint of regret on her face. She didn’t press the matter and simply smiled. “Alright then. When Fellow Daoist Wei has free time in the future, you are welcome to visit my Cloud City.” Wei Yunshu responded with a few polite remarks, then said her farewells and left with Lingfeng.
“Why didn’t you go to Cloud City to listen to the True Monarch’s teachings?” Lingfeng nudged Wei Yunshu and asked in a low voice.
“I already promised you I would stay at Luoshui Divine Palace,” Wei Yunshu said with a blink.
Lingfeng pondered for a moment, then glanced at her and said with a smile, “So if you hadn’t promised me, you would have gone to Cloud City with Fellow Daoist Yun?”
“Well…” Wei Yunshu hesitated. Pursuing the Dao was indeed her life’s ambition, but Lingfeng was also very important to her. During her days at Buzhou, she thought of her day and night. Sometimes, when she found practicing the sword and cultivating to be arduous, the thought of seeing Lingfeng in the future was what got her through it. “Right now, I’d rather be with you,” Wei Yunshu’s voice became very soft. After saying it, she felt a little embarrassed, a blush creeping up her face. She didn’t dare to look up and meet Lingfeng’s gaze.
Lingfeng stared at Wei Yunshu intently. She raised her hand and stroked Wei Yunshu’s cheek, saying softly, “Listening to a True Monarch’s teachings is a form of tempering, but so is sparring with an opponent. Now that things in the Sunset Burial Mounds have come to an end, you won’t find any demonic cultivators to fight. Why not spar with me? My A’shu is so dedicated to her cultivation; I can’t be a stumbling block in her path.”
Wei Yunshu had heard this phrase many times, and her face grew even hotter. She looked up and met Lingfeng’s clear, bright gaze, feeling a little dizzy. “Alright,” she agreed.
Luoshui Divine Palace cultivated water techniques, and what Lingfeng practiced was the supreme water art. The water of the cavernous abyss was sometimes like a roaring waterfall, sometimes endlessly gentle, and sword energy could hardly sever it. The two were evenly matched in cultivation, and it was difficult to determine a winner in their fights. During her days at Luoshui Divine Palace, Wei Yunshu followed Lingfeng everywhere, while also finding and correcting her own shortcomings through their spars.
After another day of dueling, Wei Yunshu lay on a rock, resting with her eyes closed. Her left hand was pillowed behind her head, while her right gently brushed away the flower petals that had fallen beside her.
Lingfeng approached Wei Yunshu and used her wide sleeve to shield her from the glaring sunlight. She looked down at Wei Yunshu and said in a slow, soft voice, “Something happened in Cloud City.”
“Hm?” Wei Yunshu opened her eyes and looked at Lingfeng in confusion.
“My mother said that Yun Qingzi has given up on climbing higher. After she returned to Cloud City, she thoroughly investigated everyone who had dealings with demonic cultivators and killed them all.” After a pause, she added, “That includes her only son, Yun Dansu.” Cultivators sometimes cooperated with demonic cultivators, but the True Monarchs often turned a blind eye to things they considered harmless. This time, Yun Qingzi’s thorough investigation of Cloud City was perhaps not just to seek justice for Yun Wu, but to make an example of the noble families.
“Executing a relative for the sake of righteousness,” Wei Yunshu sighed, then said, “These demons and demonic cultivators are truly annoying. Is there no way to completely eradicate them?” The battle three thousand years ago had resulted in heavy losses, but it had only managed to suppress the primordial demons. She sat up abruptly, her forehead bumping against Lingfeng’s wrist. After a soft “ouch,” she took Lingfeng’s hand and asked, “Does it hurt?”
Lingfeng smiled. “This is nothing.” After a pause, she continued the previous topic. “Just because there was no way in the past, doesn’t mean there won’t be a way in the future.”
“You’re right,” Wei Yunshu said optimistically. She held Lingfeng’s hand. As the wind blew, the light, water-blue sleeve, as thin as shark silk, brushed against her face with a faint fragrance. After a moment of distraction, Wei Yunshu coughed to cover it up. She still didn’t let go of her hand. Lingfeng gazed at her for a moment, then sat down beside her. Neither of them spoke. Only the watery wind blew, and flowers fell like rain.
“I—” In the silence, Wei Yunshu turned to look at Lingfeng, but as she fell into the other’s deep, star-like gaze, her mind went blank.
“You what?” Lingfeng squeezed Wei Yunshu’s hand back, her thumb stroking the soft flesh between her thumb and forefinger. She lowered her lashes and asked softly.
“I… I don’t know.” Her mind in a jumble, Wei Yunshu was still very honest. The sounds of the wind, water, and falling flowers all faded away, leaving only the sound of her own breathing, which went from shallow to rapid, echoing in her ears. A hazy, dreamlike light floated before her eyes. After a long moment, she finally said, “Can I hug you?”
“Of course,” Lingfeng smiled, her lips curving. She let go of Wei Yunshu, leaned closer, and whispered in her ear, “Is there a shortage of times you’ve hugged me?”
The warm breath was like a spark setting a wildfire in a barren field, instantly becoming uncontrollable. Wei Yunshu looked up. The person before her was gazing at her with affection, her eyes like a turn of autumn waves, captivatingly beautiful. She raised her arms and pulled Lingfeng into an embrace, her arms tightening more and more. Her cheek pressed against Lingfeng’s shoulder and neck, and a thin layer of light rippled in her watery eyes. She tilted her head slightly, and her lips accidentally brushed against Lingfeng’s skin, which was as smooth as congealed fat.
A strange tremor, like a jolt of electricity, shot through her body. Lingfeng shivered. A blush spread from her earlobes upwards, quickly covering her entire face. Lingfeng struggled out of Wei Yunshu’s embrace, glared at her, and said, “What are you doing?” But Wei Yunshu’s gaze was full of confusion and bewilderment, and for a moment, her scolding words were like clouds in a strong wind, dissipating in an instant.
“Lingfeng,” Wei Yunshu was still in a daze. She called out the name of the person before her, her voice strangely low and hoarse.
Hearing her voice, Lingfeng’s heart trembled. She stood up to leave, but her sleeve was suddenly caught by Wei Yunshu. She sat back down on the rock, bit her lip, and asked Wei Yunshu, “What’s wrong?”
Wei Yunshu finally regained a sliver of clarity. Covering her face with her hands, she stammered, “I… I think I might be possessed.”
“What nonsense are you talking about?” Lingfeng pulled Wei Yunshu’s hands away, looked at her flushed cheeks, and asked, “Am I some kind of spirit that’s luring you into evil?”
“No,” Wei Yunshu answered quickly. When she looked up and saw the lingering shyness on Lingfeng’s face, she couldn’t help but feel her heart stir again. The time that had separated them had vanished, and their childhood intimacy had been restored. Wei Yunshu dared to push her luck. So, she said in a hoarse voice, “I still want to hold you.”
“Just hold?” Lingfeng looked at Wei Yunshu suspiciously. Now, no matter how she looked at her, she felt that her intentions were not good.
Wei Yunshu looked at her with confusion, as if asking, “Besides that, what else is there?”
Lingfeng was speechless. Well, it’s just a hug. She didn’t say how. She decided to take the initiative and pulled Wei Yunshu into her own embrace. But the sensation from before still lingered on her neck, as if an indelible mark had been left. She was also afraid that Wei Yunshu would do it again, so she pressed down on the back of her head, forcing her lower. But soon, Lingfeng realized her mistake; this action had clearly put her in another dangerous situation!
“It’s stuffy,” Wei Yunshu’s voice was muffled. Not wanting to let go of Lingfeng, she could only find a comfortable angle. Her head moved around restlessly, but Lingfeng was in agony. She endured it again and again, and finally, unable to bear it any longer, she pushed Wei Yunshu away. Wei Yunshu looked up. The person before her had her hair in disarray, her collar loosened, creating a kind of messy beauty.
At this point, Lingfeng had no intention of indulging Wei Yunshu any longer. Facing those bewildered eyes, she couldn’t even get angry. She simply pushed her aside and quickly walked away from the rock that had a strange magic, which made her heart flutter in panic. Straightening her clothes, she said, “I have things to do.” With that, she turned and left without waiting for Wei Yunshu’s reply, her figure looking flustered.
Wei Yunshu sat cross-legged on the rock, stunned for a long time. She raised her hand and patted her cheek, then smiled inexplicably.
But her happiness was short-lived, and the next few days were filled with distress. Lingfeng, uncharacteristically, didn’t come to see her every day. She asked a Luoshui Divine Palace disciple, who told her that Lingfeng had gone into seclusion. This news was like a bolt from the blue, leaving Wei Yunshu dizzy. Why didn’t she even say goodbye? A strange unease grew in Wei Yunshu’s heart. At this very moment, an envoy from the Dustless Sea appeared, led by “Young Master Xiang,” and became an honored guest of Luoshui Divine Palace. With a little inquiry, Wei Yunshu learned their purpose—to arrange a marriage.
Luoshui Divine Palace and the Dustless Sea had a long-standing friendship, and marriage alliances were not uncommon. This Lord Xiang was the son of the Dragon Lord, the young master of the Dustless Sea. If the two families were to unite in marriage, it would be equivalent to forging an alliance. This news was a huge blow to Wei Yunshu. The thought that Luoshui Divine Palace was very likely to agree made her feel unwell and flustered. Sometimes, a heart demon would rise, and she would wish she could just kill Lord Xiang.
Is Lingfeng in seclusion? Or was she ordered to entertain Lord Xiang? Once this thought appeared, it spread like a wildfire, instantly consuming all other thoughts. Wei Yunshu stood on the cliff’s edge, like cold ashes from a blazing fire.
Unfortunately, Wei Yunshu ran into the envoy from the Dustless Sea on the road.
Born of a different kind of spirit, their demonic nature had not yet been shed. Their behavior was boorish, and their personalities were arrogant and domineering. They discussed Lingfeng and Luoshui Divine Palace as if no one else was around. Not only the guiding disciple, but even Wei Yunshu was burning with anger. After a few words, a conflict erupted. With Wei Yunshu’s cultivation, she easily took care of the loose-tongued envoy, but soon after, the noble-looking Lord Xiang appeared. He didn’t say who was right or wrong, but simply invited Wei Yunshu to a spar with graceful manners.
Wei Yunshu had no reason to refuse.
This demon cultivator before her was not worthy of Lingfeng in any way.
How dare he come to Luoshui Divine Palace to propose marriage? Just because he’s the Dragon Lord’s son? But the Dragon Lord has so many children. Today he’s the young master of the Dustless Sea, but tomorrow it could be someone else. If we’re really comparing status, my position as a true disciple of Buzhou is not the least bit inferior to Lord Xiang’s!
With some emotion, Wei Yunshu didn’t hold back at all. Lord Xiang, confident in his true dragon bloodline and indestructible demonic body, had just wanted to teach Wei Yunshu a lesson, but his protective demonic aura was shattered by the sharp sword intent. He dodged left and right, cutting a pathetic figure.
Finally, amid a clamor, the battle ended with Lord Xiang “begging for mercy.”
Wei Yunshu stood with her sword, her gaze cold and stern.
What Young Master Xiang, she thought. He’s nothing special.
“Is this how Luoshui Divine Palace treats its guests?” a demon cultivator glared at Wei Yunshu, speaking up for Lord Xiang.
“Wasn’t it Lord Xiang who proposed the spar? Or is it that your Dustless Sea can only win and never lose?” Before Wei Yunshu could speak, a gentle voice was heard. She turned her head and saw Lingfeng, who had been missing for several days, slowly approaching, surrounded by Luoshui Divine Palace disciples.
Wei Yunshu sheathed her sword, her eyes fixed on Lingfeng, a mixture of feelings in her heart that she couldn’t quite decipher.
“So it is Fairy Luo,” Lord Xiang bowed to Lingfeng, but his current state was truly pathetic, with several sword marks on his Daoist robe. He had no face to stay any longer, so he apologized and left with the other demon cultivators.
Lingfeng glanced at Lord Xiang calmly, her response indifferent and distant. She walked straight to Wei Yunshu’s side and whispered, “Why did you come here?”
Wei Yunshu stammered, “I… I was just taking a walk, getting some fresh air.”
Lingfeng didn’t press further. She pulled Wei Yunshu over as if no one else was around and looked her up and down. “Are you hurt?”
“No,” Wei Yunshu raised an eyebrow and smiled with a hint of pride. “How could he be my opponent? Even if he were a real dragon, I could slay him with one sword! Let alone a mere descendant.”
Lingfeng agreed with her words, nodding. “Yes, yes, our A’shu is the number one sword immortal.”
“Why did you come over? Weren’t you in seclusion?” Wei Yunshu looked at her, her voice tinged with grievance.
“I came out,” Lingfeng said lightly. If she had really been cultivating in her cave, it would be a wonder if she hadn’t gone into qi deviation. She had just been trying to sort out her chaotic thoughts.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Wei Yunshu asked again.
Lingfeng was speechless. Whether she had forgotten or done it on purpose, she couldn’t say.
Wei Yunshu’s eyes lit up, and she came up with an excuse for Lingfeng herself. “The Daoist boy must have forgotten to deliver the message.”
Lingfeng nodded against her conscience, and Wei Yunshu’s questions continued.
“What are the people from the Dustless Sea here for? A sword fight?”
Lingfeng stared at Wei Yunshu intently.
The person before her was smiling obediently and harmlessly, as if she were genuinely confused. But that was impossible. That bunch of demon cultivators from the Dustless Sea couldn’t keep their mouths shut. Wei Yunshu’s question was clearly intentional. Steeling herself, she lowered her eyes and said, “This is not the place to talk.”
“Then where is?” Wei Yunshu asked.
Lingfeng shot Wei Yunshu a glare and pulled her away quickly.
In the crystal hall, the beaded curtains swayed with a soft rustle.
It wasn’t Wei Yunshu’s first visit.
“Why did the Dustless Sea suddenly make a move?” Wei Yunshu turned to look at Lingfeng, who was a few steps away, and asked abruptly.
“Didn’t you know what they came for?” Lingfeng scoffed.
Wei Yunshu’s eyes darted around, avoiding Lingfeng’s face. But she didn’t speak, and Lingfeng didn’t speak either, just gazing at her quietly. In the end, it was Wei Yunshu who broke first. She wanted to pretend she didn’t care, but the slight tremor in her voice betrayed her nervousness. “What do you think?”
Lingfeng had no feelings for Lord Xiang, but she knew that apart from Buzhou, the other three major sects all had a tradition of marriage alliances. What if… what if it’s for the prosperity of the sect? Just the thought of this possibility made her heart pound with panic. She had been separated from Lingfeng for so long, and they had only just reunited. She had her own selfish desires; she didn’t want another person to come between them.
“What do you think I should do?” Lingfeng didn’t answer directly, smiling as she threw the question back.
“Well…” Wei Yunshu thought for a moment and said, “Demonic nature is fickle. The descendants of the Dragon Lord are very cold-blooded, and their fickle nature makes them unreliable.”
Lingfeng chuckled at Wei Yunshu’s anxious face. She took a few steps forward, closing the distance between them. She raised her hand to Wei Yunshu’s cheek, gently tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, and said, “Cloud City is undergoing a major reform, turning the blade inward. The Dustless Sea, fearing that once Cloud City is in order, they will be next, wants to strengthen its relationship with Luoshui Divine Palace again.”
Wei Yunshu frowned. “What does Cloud City’s reform have to do with the Dustless Sea? Did they do something to feel guilty about?”
“Perhaps,” Lingfeng smiled slightly and then promised softly, “I will not marry Lord Xiang. You can rest assured.”
Wei Yunshu immediately asked, “Just not Lord Xiang?”
Lingfeng glanced at her, the smile on her face growing wider. “Then what else do you want? Don’t tell me you don’t want me to find a Dao companion at all?”
A “yes” almost escaped her lips. Wei Yunshu struggled to hold it back. Avoiding Lingfeng’s probing gaze, she restrained her emotions and said, “A Dao companion, a Dao companion, a companion on the same path. Can’t I be that?” Her hands by her sides were clenched into tight fists, her heart beating so fast it felt like it would jump out of her throat. Wei Yunshu held her breath, her eyes fixed on the tips of her shoes.
“A’shu, we’re talking about different things,” Lingfeng said softly.
Wei Yunshu shuffled her feet and said in a low voice, “What’s the difference?”
“You’re pretending not to know again,” Lingfeng said with a helpless sigh. Her fingertips slid down to Wei Yunshu’s chin, and with a gentle lift, she forced the person who had been looking down to reveal her flushed face.
“I’m not,” Wei Yunshu retorted, feeling guilty and short of breath.
Lingfeng didn’t reply. The pad of her thumb brushed against the corner of Wei Yunshu’s lips, then slowly moved to her rosy lips, stroking them gently.
Wei Yunshu shivered, but her feet were planted on the ground. She straightened her back, letting Lingfeng’s thumb brush over her lower lip again and again.
Seeing Wei Yunshu’s panicked yet determined posture, Lingfeng couldn’t help but chuckle. She withdrew her hand and turned her back to Wei Yunshu. “A Dao companion who just walks the same path, can they let me do whatever I want?”
Wei Yunshu was not satisfied with just looking at Lingfeng’s back. She quickly circled around to face her, suppressing the heat in her body, and answered, “You can.” After a pause, she added, “My life is yours. You can do whatever you want.”
“Including—” Lingfeng raised her hand and pointed at Wei Yunshu’s heart, a careless smile on her face. “Including taking your heart?”
Wei Yunshu tensed up. She seemed to understand the meaning of these words, but when she looked again, a hazy mist seemed to float before her eyes. “And you?” she asked, following her instinct, not hiding her intention to ask for something in return.
“Forget it,” Lingfeng said. Those two light words shattered all the illusions. Wei Yunshu wanted to say something, but her mind was in a mess, and a buzzing sound filled her ears. It took her a long time to recover, and she stared blankly at the person before her.
“Lingfeng,” she called softly.
A hint of helplessness and tolerance appeared in Lingfeng’s eyes. She pulled Wei Yunshu into her arms and whispered in her ear, “I know, you want a hug, right?”
“Mmm,” Wei Yunshu hummed, then thought in a daze, Maybe I want more.
