Five days later, Wuhui Sect had largely returned to normal. The injured disciples were waking up one after another, and the sacrificial offering had come to a hasty conclusion. Whenever the elders inquired about the whereabouts of the Divine Soul Lamp, Luo Jinxiao managed to cover it up with claims that it had gotten lost.
It was entirely reasonable for an artifact to be misplaced in such chaotic circumstances. Besides expressing their regret, no one pressed the matter further.
With the sect temporarily safe, Luo Jinxiao and Qu Weiyin set out. As they left, many disciples came to see them off, including Elder He, who held Qu Weiyin’s hand with tears glistening in his eyes for quite a while, urging her to return safely to the sect.
“Senior Sister Luo, be careful on your journey!†Ke Tao called out, waving a handkerchief.
Luo Jinxiao felt helpless and waved her hand in return before following Qu Weiyin down the mountain. Once they were out of the crowd’s sight, she turned and smiled at Qu Weiyin. “Don’t you think that after this incident, Wuhui Sect seems to have become more united?â€
“It appears that goodwill can indeed exchange goodwill,†Qu Weiyin replied, stepping slightly into the shadow cast by Luo Jinxiao. Ever since entering the demon path, she had developed a sensitivity to light.
Luo Jinxiao instinctively held her hand up to shield her from the sunlight. “So, the place you mentioned—it’s in the Demon Realm?â€
“Yes, deep within Tianshan Mountain, there’s a clear pool said to be formed by the convergence of spiritual energy from heaven and earth. I hope it will be effective.â€
“Then we can enjoy the journey and explore the sights along the way!†Luo Jinxiao said, already lost in her daydreams.
Qu Weiyin was about to respond when another voice interrupted them. “The sun is particularly fierce today. Are you planning to walk all the way down the mountain?â€
“We can fly on our swords now,†Luo Jinxiao instinctively replied but quickly realized her slip. She turned to meet Yan Ying’s gaze, who was dressed in bright red and green, adorned with several golden hairpins, looking as if she were heading out for a spring outing.
“What are you doing here?†Luo Jinxiao exclaimed in surprise.
“I don’t want to walk with you guys. If it weren’t for your sister insisting on tagging along, I would be sound asleep in the guest quarters by now,†Yan Ying said, rolling her eyes as she strode past them confidently, taking the lead.
Beside them, Luo Ning walked with her eyes downcast, showing signs of guilt but not saying a word.
“Wait, you guys…†Luo Jinxiao began, but was interrupted as Qu Weiyin pulled her back, shaking her head silently.
“It’s nothing. There shouldn’t be any danger on this journey, so let them tag along,†Qu Weiyin said.
Since Qu Weiyin said so, Luo Jinxiao didn’t press the issue further. She pouted helplessly, realizing why she hadn’t seen them earlier—they had secretly followed.
The group traversed along the river, heading southwest, riding their swords. As summer approached, the rains increased, causing the currents to quicken. They occasionally saw white waves crashing against the bends of the river, with willows lining the banks, their lush greenery shrouded in mist, half hidden by smoke and rain.
As they descended downstream, the riverbed widened, revealing houses along the banks. There were white-walled, blue-tiled residences. In this Jiangnan region, people lived in proximity to nature, and Luo Jinxiao noticed the streets bustling with activity. Suggesting they explore, she felt compelled to see more.
This was a small town bustling with many faces. Outside the town lay expansive fields, while the interiors felt prosperous; there wasn’t a sign of the elderly or the ill, and occasionally, well-dressed women strolled by.
“What is this place?†Yan Ying asked, looking around curiously.
“Lakeside Town. It’s not far from Qingyan Palace, so it’s relatively peaceful here,†Qu Weiyin replied nonchalantly, slightly tilting her head toward Luo Jinxiao to avoid the gaze of passersby.
Seeing Qu Weiyin continually shrink away from the crowd left Luo Jinxiao feeling uneasy. Just then, she spotted a clothing shop on her right and suddenly had an idea. She dashed inside and requested a piece of red cloth from the shopkeeper.
“What are you doing?†Qu Weiyin asked, puzzled, as Luo Jinxiao pulled her into the shop. Grabbing the red cloth, Luo Jinxiao unsheathed her sword in a flash and cut off a strip, holding it up with both hands.
“Close your eyes,†Luo Jinxiao said, looking at Qu Weiyin with hopeful anticipation.
Qu Weiyin raised her delicate brows in amusement but shook her head helplessly. Still, she obediently closed her eyes as Luo Jinxiao leaned in close, her breath warm against Qu Weiyin’s ear while her nimble fingers deftly tied the cloth at the back of Qu Weiyin’s head.
The warmth from the sun enveloped them, and Qu Weiyin tilted her head slightly, her heart racing for a moment.
However, it wasn’t long before Luo Jinxiao straightened up, glancing side to side with a gleaming smile. “It suits you quite well.â€
Qu Weiyin felt even more helpless but didn’t want to dampen Luo Jinxiao’s enthusiasm, so she smiled softly in response.
Nearby, Yan Ying wandered around the shop, her expression a bit disdainful. As she approached Luo Jinxiao, she evaluated Qu Weiyin and remarked, “It only covers your eyes; your forehead is still red!â€
“Shut up,†Luo Jinxiao replied, grinning. She turned to survey the surroundings and snagged a scholar’s cap from the shelf, pressing it down to partially conceal the mark on Qu Weiyin’s forehead.
“You young ladies must be from out of town,†the shopkeeper said cheerfully. Her countenance appeared quite benevolent, prompting Luo Jinxiao to engage her in conversation, nodding with a smile. “You’ve arrived at a great time! Lakeside Town holds its annual fair today. It’ll be bustling with excitement, and even the cultivators from Qingyan Palace and visitors from afar come to enjoy it.†The shopkeeper’s gaze scanned Qu Weiyin, and though Luo Jinxiao instinctively tried to shield her, fortunately, mortals couldn’t distinguish between immortals and demons; they merely perceived them as ordinary cultivators.
“If this young lady wishes to wear the hairpin, she should really buy a set of clothing to match. It’ll look great,†the shopkeeper suggested, presenting a red robe with a smile.
Luo Jinxiao thought she made a valid point.
After about an incense stick’s time had passed, the group exited the shop. Qu Weiyin was now dressed in a boy’s outfit. Although she couldn’t see in front of her, she relied on her senses and walked steadily without issue.
As evening approached, the streets were lit with lanterns. Various stalls were lined up in an orderly fashion, and crowds surged, bustling with life. Fireworks were being set off at the roadside, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with color and joy.
Qu Weiyin understood that Luo Jinxiao rarely went out; while she wasn’t fond of such occasions, she intended to let her enjoy the experience. So, she followed quietly behind her.
Though amidst the throngs of people, Qu Weiyin moved gracefully, untouched by the chaos.
A young boy selling flowers squeezed his way to them, holding a bouquet of fresh blooms. He called out loudly, “Sister, is this person next to you your husband?â€
Luo Jinxiao paused for a moment, realizing that the “husband†the boy was referring to was Qu Weiyin. She couldn’t help but stifle a laugh before nodding, “Yep!â€
Qu Weiyin felt warmth flooding her cheeks as she heard Luo Jinxiao’s response.
The little boy held the flowers up to Qu Weiyin, cheerfully urging, “Young master, buy a flower for your sister! A flower as a gift symbolizes everlasting love, flying together through life!â€
Qu Weiyin coughed slightly, feeling uncomfortable, but she reached into her sleeve to pull out some coins, handing them to the boy before accepting a red peony from him.
The young boy hopped away towards another couple, and it was only then that Luo Jinxiao leaned down, whispering, “Husband, why don’t you put the flower in my hair?â€
Qu Weiyin’s foot unexpectedly stumbled, and she grabbed onto Luo Jinxiao’s arm to steady herself. “Don’t you dare tell anyone about this!†she exclaimed angrily.
“I understand, I understand!†Luo Jinxiao quickly nodded, her face lighting up with anticipation as she leaned closer.
Finally, Qu Weiyin fumbled to place the flower in Luo Jinxiao’s hair, warmth spreading through her heart.
Meanwhile, Yan Ying and Luo Ning had wandered off somewhere, but Luo Jinxiao was thrilled to be alone with Qu Weiyin. The time spent together felt joyful and blissful.
Unknowingly, Qu Weiyin’s hand slipped into Luo Jinxiao’s palm, their fingers intertwining tightly. Amidst the bustling music and merriment, their spirits began to soar, as if they had forgotten the purpose of their journey.
If happiness could last indefinitely, Luo Jinxiao thought, she would gladly remain here for countless years.
As the crowd gathered around the street corner, they discovered a towering tree that three people could barely encircle with their arms. Its crown soared high, shading the sun. At that moment, several red cloth strips were tossed over the sturdy branches, and the dim light beneath the tree attracted many people who closed their eyes in prayer.
Luo Jinxiao tugged Qu Weiyin into the crowd, looking up in awe and suddenly feeling inspired.
“Wait for me a moment,†she whispered in Qu Weiyin’s ear, and then, with a light push from her toes, she leaped up to the top of the tree.
Luo Jinxiao moved like a swallow, her white robes illuminated by the lantern light, turning a warm shade of yellow, resembling a dancing butterfly as she gracefully ascended to the tree’s top.
Fortunately, she had saved a few lengths of red cloth earlier, and with a smile, she fastened the strips around the highest branches, feeling quite satisfied with her work.
Below the tree, Qu Weiyin couldn’t see where Luo Jinxiao had gone. A sudden wave of anxiety washed over her, and she stood still, gripping the hem of her clothing tightly. The surrounding sounds seemed to amplify in her ears; in such a lively place, she found herself feeling frightened.
Fortunately, it wasn’t long before Luo Jinxiao returned, landing steadily beside her. Qu Weiyin felt immediate relief and reached out to grasp her hand.
“Why are you trembling?†Luo Jinxiao noticed something was off as she looked down at Qu Weiyin’s face, noticing her pursed lips and the tension in her body.
Worry filled Luo Jinxiao’s heart. She unconsciously leaned closer to Qu Weiyin, thinking about how much more precious a strong person becomes when they show vulnerability.
In the past, no one had stood by her side, so she feared nothing. But now, with Luo Jinxiao beside her, her fears felt magnified tenfold.
Qu Weiyin extended her hand, finding Luo Jinxiao’s arm, and cuddled up closer to her, slowly calming her racing heart.
“I hung two strips up there; we can pray together now,†Luo Jinxiao said cheerfully.
“I don’t believe in these things,†Qu Weiyin replied, frowning.
“Just give it a try. It might just come true,†Luo Jinxiao encouraged, shaking her sleeve.
“Fine, fine, fine,†Qu Weiyin relented, her cheeks slightly raised as she turned her attention to the treetop, her voice softening, “I hope Luo Jinxiao can have peace for a lifetime.â€
Luo Jinxiao gazed intently at her, suddenly realizing that even with half her face hidden, Qu Weiyin looked like a celestial being from a painting, especially with those red lips that could easily be described as the most beautiful flower of summer.
Delicate and full.
She slowly leaned closer to Qu Weiyin and said, “Then I hope that Qu Weiyin and Luo Jinxiao will have peace together in this lifetime.â€
Taking advantage of Qu Weiyin’s surprise, Luo Jinxiao gently kissed her lips.
In the darkness, Qu Weiyin felt the sudden contact and her heart jolted, overwhelmed by unexpected shock. Unable to contain her surprise, she instinctively grasped Luo Jinxiao’s shoulders.
It was her first experience of such a sensation. In the all-encompassing darkness, the only thing she could focus on was the woman in front of her, magnifying this sensation intensely.
The fragrance of the girl was sweet, her lips tasted similarly refreshing, reminiscent of dew, like the sweetness from an orchard.
Qu Weiyin’s heart raced wildly, and for a moment she forgot how to react, allowing Luo Jinxiao to be affectionate without resistance.
Luo Jinxiao, on the other hand, felt even more nervous as she embraced the soft figure of Qu Weiyin, her slender waist feeling wonderful in her arms. Qu Weiyin’s cool arms wrapped around her neck, compelling her to lean down closer.
When she lifted her head, the surrounding lights began to glow warmly. It was bright beneath the tree, and Qu Weiyin uncovered the cloth over her eyes. Her gaze was misty, a blend of confusion and emotion—uncertainty whether she felt joy or anger.
Raising her hand, Luo Jinxiao instinctively flinched, thinking she was about to be scolded. But instead, Qu Weiyin merely wiped away the thin sheen of sweat from her forehead, then placed her delicate hands on Luo Jinxiao’s shoulders, pressing her supple body closer.
“Can I make another wish?†Qu Weiyin asked, her voice slightly alluring, like a soft whisper.
“I wish to be with you, sharing a long-lasting bond, never to fade away.â€
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