"Aren't you afraid this will blow up in your face?" Su Yingxue's delicate brows furrowed tightly. "That thing isn't something an ordinary person can withstand."
"If word of this gets out, Qu girl's reputation will be completely ruined," Su Yingxue said, her brow heavy with worry. "Especially now, with all the various factions gathered inside the Sect for the Dao Discussion Assembly. If anyone finds out…"
Qing Kui raised a hand to cut her off. "Naturally, this must be handled covertly. We must ensure that no one notices a thing. You don't want Qu girl to actually end up marrying some Fifth-Order, do you? You should have seen Master's intentions —
Su Yingxue wrinkled her nose in disgust. "You really do have a filthy mouth."
Qing Kui said, "Yang Kai's side is already prepared. As for Qu girl, that's up to you. Don't let a moment of soft-heartedness ruin her whole life!"
Su Yingxue fell silent, her expression conflicted — clearly, she was struggling with the decision.
If she did nothing and let things play out as they were, the entire Dao Discussion Assembly would be a joke. Setting aside the shame it would bring Yin-Yang Heaven, Qu Huashang would certainly never find happiness. But to secretly meddle on her behalf — while it wouldn't cause her any harm whatsoever — was still a hard thing to commit to.
"Let me think… I need to think carefully…" Su Yingxue murmured softly.
Qing Kui nodded and did not press her.
Three days later, Yang Kai was meditating in cultivation when a knock came at his door, followed by the voice of a serving maid: "Lord Yang, Elder Qing has arrived."
Yang Kai rose at once and pushed the door open. Sure enough, Qing Kui was standing right outside.
"Brother Qing!" Yang Kai clasped his fists in greeting.
Qing Kui looked him up and down with an expression that was somewhat displeased. "Follow me."
Yang Kai had no idea what he had in mind but could only fall into step behind him. They left Wangchuan Tower and flew forward at a brisk pace. After a good while, Yang Kai finally spoke up. "Brother Qing, where are we going?"
Without looking back, Qing Kui replied, "Didn't you say you wanted to see Qu girl? I'm taking you to her now."
Yang Kai brightened at once. "Thank you, Brother Qing, for making this possible!"
Qing Kui let out a cold snort. Yang Kai, realizing he'd said the wrong thing, promptly shut his mouth and followed obediently at Qing Kui's heels.
Before long, the two arrived at a spirit peak. The summit had sunken inward to form a massive hollow, creating a valley-like expanse. Within it, lush canopies of green spread across the slopes, flowers and grasses grew in clusters, each vying to outbloom the others, making for a breathtaking scene.
At the center of the valley stood a cluster of buildings, and the two landed directly before a grand palace.
Qing Kui turned around. "This is Qu girl's residence. Go in yourself — she's inside."
Yang Kair clasped his fists in thanks once more before stepping through the entrance.
Inside the palace, in one of the side chambers, Su Yingxue was holding Qu Huashang's hand, speaking softly to her. The two looked remarkably intimate — like sisters, or perhaps like mother and daughter.
"Senior Sister, you seem a bit tired? Why does your complexion look so drawn?" Qu Huashang reached up to touch Su Yingxue's forehead.
Su Yingxue smiled somewhat unnaturally. "Perhaps it's from all the traveling these past few days. Nothing serious."
Qu Huashang said, "If Senior Sister is tired, you should go rest properly. I'm perfectly fine here. Why are you looking at me like that?"
Su Yingxue reached out and tapped her on the tip of the nose. "I'm looking at you because you've grown up, and it makes me happy. Before I knew it, you've already broken through to Open Heaven and reached the same level as me."
Qu Huashang giggled, then dove headfirst into Su Yingxue's embrace, nuzzling around until she found a comfortable position. "I've only just broken through — I'm still far behind Senior Sister."
"That's different." Su Yingxue shook her head slowly. "When I broke through, it was to the Fifth Order, and I gradually cultivated my way up to Sixth. In terms of future potential, I can't compare to yours."
Qu Huashang looked up at her. "Then once I've made real progress in my cultivation, I'll definitely protect Senior Sister well. I won't let you suffer the slightest wrong."
Su Yingxue smiled gently. "Then I'll be looking forward to that."
As they spoke, the sound of footsteps came from behind. Su Yingxue's body stiffened, but Qu Huashang, nestled in her arms, looked up — and her face lit up with surprise. "Junior Brother Yang?"
"Oh…" Yang Kai stood in the doorway, taking in the intimate scene between the two women. An awkward expression crept across his face. "The door was open, so I just walked right in. Sorry to intrude!"
He hastily retreated two steps and pulled the door shut behind him.
Qu Huashang blinked, exchanged a glance with Su Yingxue, and burst out laughing. "I think he misunderstood something."
Su Yingxue poked her forehead. "You can still laugh about this! All right, I'm leaving now. You two talk properly." With that, she stood and walked toward the door.
Pushing it open, she found Yang Kai standing outside with an innocent look on his face. Staring at that expression and thinking about what was about to happen, Su Yingxue's chest burned with irritation. She growled, "If you dare bully Qu girl, I will never let you get away with it."
"I wouldn't dream of it, I wouldn't dream of it." Yang Kai bowed to see her off.