TheLazyDreamer
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45 Zhu Zhihao
🕑 Added 2025-04-24 18:12:00 +0000 UTC"Yes, I felt a connection with him. Perhaps it's because of my bloodline reacting to his presence. It might not be my physique," Yue Mei replied softly.
Her aunt's voice grew gentler. "Yue Mei, if it was only due to your bloodline, you would’ve felt something similar with Su Kang or other members of his family. But you didn’t, did you?"
Yue Mei lowered her eyes and nodded.
"Stay close to Su Ting for a little longer. Maybe you'll discover something."
"I don’t think the Su family truly intends to punish him. If that were the case, they would’ve contacted you directly. Su Kang might’ve been testing you or simply lying."
"But Aunt—"
"No buts. This situation can still be resolved peacefully. If not, I’ll intervene personally."
Yue Mei’s heart tightened. She didn’t want her aunt to step in—if she tried to take Su Ting by force, it would only make things worse.
Reluctantly, Yue Mei nodded. She chose to act sincerely this time.
For the next two days, she waited, hoping Su Ting would visit her again.
But he never came.
Perhaps he didn’t want to see her.
Perhaps her betrayal had already severed the fragile thread of their bond.
She couldn’t monitor him through her spiritual mirror constantly; her cultivation level was too low to maintain the artifact's connection for long.
With a heavy heart, she decided to leave.
She didn’t know whether Su Kang had spoken the truth or if it had just been a warning.
She had wanted to apologize to the Su family—to ask for forgiveness on Su Ting's behalf—but now it felt like she was no longer welcome.
Why would anyone help me if there’s a risk involved?
Does Su Ting owe me anything?
Has he taken any responsibility for my curse?
No...
Then why am I expecting anything at all?
I shouldn’t have come here.
With quiet resolve, Yue Mei made her way to Su Kang’s residence. She soon stood before him in the main hall, her posture composed but her eyes dim with weariness.
"Young Master Su," she began, her voice calm but laced with a trace of sorrow.
"I apologize for any trouble I’ve caused your family. I’ll be leaving now." She bowed low, a gesture of sincerity.
"Please... don’t let Su Ting suffer because of me. If needed, I’ll face your entire family and offer my apology."
Su Kang studied her in silence, his expression unreadable.
He hadn't expected this.
So, she’s really leaving… just like that.
"Your departure is... rather sudden," he said at last, his tone neutral.
Yue Mei met his gaze. A faint, bitter smile tugged at her lips.
"I came here for personal reasons, that I can't explain." Her voice dropped to a murmur.
Silence stretched between them, heavy and unresolved.
But in that moment, Su Kang understood something—whatever her purpose was, it hadn’t been rooted in malice.
"I’d like to apologize to Su Ting," she added softly. "May I see him?"
Su Kang gave a short nod and turned to leave. Not long after, Su Ting entered the hall.
"Su Ting," Yue Mei said gently. "I’m leaving."
"I’m sorry... for everything. For the deception and the trouble. I never wanted you to get hurt because of me."
"It’s fine," he said, voice low. "Brother told me... the punishment was just a lie."
"Thank heavens," she breathed, smiling weakly. "Otherwise, you wouldn’t have looked so noble in front of the kids."
"You want to eat something? I can make it right now," he offered, his voice thick with emotion.
"No, it’s fine. I think I’ll try new foods from now on... try to enjoy life more." She smiled, the curve of her lips tinged with sadness.
"You’ll probably reach the peak of culinary arts one day, if you keep doing this "
"Then, I will try harder," he muttered. "Maybe one day you’ll come back... just to taste my food."
His shoulders slumped, and his hands curled into fists.
There was silence.
"Why do I feel... so at ease around you?" he asked, voice hoarse. "It’s like... you’re part of famiy."
Yue Mei’s breath hitched.
She hadn’t expected him to feel it too—that inexplicable sense of closeness.
"I don’t know," she whispered, her voice shaking.
Could he be the key to unlocking her cursed fate? She didn’t let the hope linger.
Her heart trembled as she turned away. She walked away.
"Will we ever see each other again?" Su Ting’s voice rang out behind her, desperate and trembling.
Yue Mei froze for a heartbeat but didn’t turn around. Her fist clenched at her side as she forced herself to keep walking.
From a distance, Su Kang watched it all in silence.
So it was not an act... she’s genuinely gentle with Su Ting.
He let out a quiet sigh, eyes narrowing slightly.
Since my brother desires her, I should at least try to bring her back.
As Yue Mei was leaving, exiting the manor, “Miss Yue,” Su Kang called, his voice firm and clear. “Please, wait.”
“Don’t leave just yet,” he continued, stepping forward. “I had to test whether you could be trusted. That’s all.”
He couldn’t bear to let her slip away—not after that farewell.
Yue Mei turned her head slightly, just enough to meet his gaze.
"My presence might bring danger to your family," she said, her voice heavy with the weight of guilt. "I don’t want that."
Su Kang met her eyes, unwavering. In them, he saw fear, pain and the firm decision to walk away.
“If there’s a threat, then tell me what it is. Let me be the judge of what risks I can take,” he said quietly. “I want to help you.”
He took a step closer, his tone low and solemn.
“Tell me the truth, Miss Yue. I swear on my heart demons oath—I won’t hurt you. And I’ll keep your secret safe.”
He looked at her, not as a cultivator or a strategist, but as someone who genuinely wanted to understand.
"How about this?" he offered gently. "Can we talk now?"
Yue Mei hesitated, her crimson eyes flickering with uncertainty.
"Young Master Su, you don’t understand," she said, her voice low and heavy. "There are people searching for me... people who can erase your entire family as if they never existed."
Su Kang’s brows drew together, but he remained calm. He had already prepared himself for something like this.
Nascent Soul cultivators from the Xuantian Empire? Once I join the Heavenly Sword Sect, even they won’t be able to touch me.
"Then let me understand," Su Kang said gently. "Tell me what you can. Leave out what you must. But let me decide for myself after hearing your story."
Yue Mei looked at him, and for a moment, something shifted in her gaze. She saw the sincerity there—steady, unwavering.
"Very well," she murmured. "Let’s speak somewhere else."
She took out a jade slip and sent a brief message to someone. Since she had decided to leave without notifying her aunt, she would at least tell her everything now.
Su Kang exhaled quietly and gestured for her to follow. He didn’t ask whom she messaged. He would find out soon enough.
They arrived at the Golden Carp, a quiet teahouse nestled in one of Liyun City’s more secluded alleys. Known for its serene setting and private rooms, it was a favorite of those seeking discreet conversation.
Su Kang chose a room that overlooked a tranquil courtyard where cherry blossoms drifted lazily in the breeze. The atmosphere was peaceful—calculated to soothe.
Yue Mei sat across from him, her slender fingers absently tracing the rim of her teacup. She didn’t speak. She was waiting.
Then, the air shifted.
A ripple brushed against Su Kang’s spiritual sense, light, but unmistakable. The door to the room opened, and a woman stepped inside.
Her black hair flowed like ink, cascading over her shoulders and down her back. Her skin was flawless, porcelain-like under the lantern light. A pair of deep violet eyes locked onto Su Kang, studying him without a word.
She wore a crimson robe, tailored close to her body, its silver sash hugging her waist. The robe accentuated her mature figure that exuded both authority and allure.
"Aunt," Yue Mei said softly, her voice a mixture of guilt and relief.
The woman turned to her, her features softening with a tender smile.
"Yue Mei," she replied, her voice melodious, resonant. "You didn’t listen to me."
Then her eyes turned to Su Kang. He felt her gaze pierce through him, peeling back layers he’d hidden.
"And you must be Young Master Su," she said, her voice both curious and firm. “I am Zhu Zhihao—Yue Mei’s aunt.”
Su Kang quickly rose, bowing deeply. “It’s an honor to meet you, Senior Zhu.”
So this is the Nascent Soul expert.
“The honor is mine,” Zhu Zhihao replied with a faint smile, though something sharp lingered behind it.
“It seems Mei'er has entangled herself in something interesting. Perhaps you can clarify it for me?”
Su Kang’s throat tightened. Yue Mei was from the Xuantian Empire and if people were after her yet she remained unharmed, it could only mean one thing: someone powerful was protecting her.
He had suspected a Nascent Soul cultivator might be backing her, but he hadn’t expected to encounter one so soon.
