Proud Sword Soaring Clouds

Chapter 365: Chapter 275: Spiritual Artifact 2

Song Mingyue was overjoyed. The moment Ling Xiao placed the hairpin in her hair, she felt an immediate urge to return to their room and look in a mirror. Everyone who looked at her, particularly at her upswept bun, had an expression of sheer astonishment.

Hearing the voice, Song Mingyue turned to look at Shangguan Yutong. A faint smile touched her lips. She linked her arm through Ling Xiao’s and said in a syrupy sweet voice, "Husband, let’s go."

Ling Xiao could only give Shangguan Yutong a composed glance, his face betraying no emotion. ’If we were alone,’ he thought, ’I would have surely acknowledged her.’ The problem was, the place was far too crowded, and who knew how many members of the Qin Family were in the vicinity. Both he and Song Mingyue had already sensed that since their disappearance, the Qin Family had been trying to track them down. Song Mingyue’s status was, after all, quite special. If the Qin Family lost her on their own turf, they would lose all face.

Shangguan Yutong frowned slightly, watching the backs of Ling Xiao and Song Mingyue. The middle-aged beauty beside her, Qiuyue Yao, asked softly, "Yutong? What’s wrong?"

Shangguan Yutong shook her head slightly. She touched her smooth forehead with a pale hand and chuckled. "It’s nothing. That man just looked familiar, but I can’t recall where I might have seen him."

"Oh, is that so? Was he someone important?" Qiuyue Yao asked with a teasing smile, then added, "Actually, I still think that little fellow is a better choice! You may be a few years older, but that’s nothing to worry about..."

"Master..." Shangguan Yutong whined playfully. "Why do you always tease me about him?"

Qiuyue Yao gently took Shangguan Yutong’s hand and sighed softly. "My cultivation doesn’t have much room to grow. Limited by my aptitude, reaching my father’s level will likely be my peak. My hopes for you, however, are very high. You’re only in your early twenties with a long life ahead of you. Listen to your master: that little fellow is truly out of the ordinary! My own power might be lacking, but my eye for people has never been mistaken!"

Shangguan Yutong grew a little shy, murmuring, "How could I? I’m his teacher, and besides, his sister and I..."

"What does that have to do with anything? Who says you can’t?" Qiuyue Yao arched a delicate brow and said nonchalantly, "We of Lengning Palace have never cared for such conventions. When you find someone you desire, you must not miss your chance." As she spoke, a hint of melancholy touched her features, as if she were remembering something sorrowful.

Shangguan Yutong knew a little about her master’s past and often felt a sense of regret on her behalf. But that was how things were. A missed opportunity was gone forever, with no chance to turn back time.

The memory of his handsome, refined face sent Shangguan Yutong’s heart into a flutter, and her cheeks began to burn. When she noticed her master watching her with an amused, knowing smile, Shangguan Yutong stomped her foot lightly. "You’re making fun of me, Master! Honestly!" With that, she turned and stormed away.

Qiuyue Yao followed at an unhurried pace, thinking, ’My foolish disciple. She obviously developed a soft spot for that boy long ago—she even gave him Slender Willow, the very first precious sword I gifted her. And yet, she insists on pretending to be indifferent. If this continues, by the time he’s surrounded by other women, it’ll be far too late for regrets!’

’It was the same for me back then,’ Qiuyue Yao mused. ’I was too proud, too afraid to speak up, and I let a wonderful match slip through my fingers. I can’t let my disciple repeat my mistake. It’s not so easy for a woman to find a man she truly desires. And when she does, what’s the harm in swallowing her pride and being the one to pursue him?’

Ling Xiao and Song Mingyue stopped wandering and returned to their lodging. The residences for the less-prominent families and sects had returned to normal that day. People from the Qin Family had gone around re-registering everyone, and the service was far more attentive than it had been before the previous day.

Ling Xiao and Song Mingyue exchanged a look, both understanding the likely reason behind the Qin Family’s actions. It was probably because of them. The Qin Family had watched them disembark from the ship, only to lose all trace of them immediately after. It would be strange if they weren’t furious. Adding to the tension, a powerful Demon Sword Master had vanished the previous night. Word of this was already beginning to spread. Though no one was openly discussing it yet, there was no need to rush. In a few days, everyone would surely know.

The first thing Song Mingyue did upon returning to their room was to stand before the mirror. She gazed at the bewitching, almost unfamiliar face staring back at her, then at the beautiful hairpin adorning her high bun, and couldn’t stop a radiant smile from spreading across her face.

Just then, Ling Xiao came up behind her. Song Mingyue didn’t turn, but watched his reflection in the mirror as she said softly, "You treat me so well. It makes me happy, but also a little afraid... Husband, we will be together forever, won’t we?"

She couldn’t help but laugh at herself as she said it. ’My thoughts are so foolish and girlish,’ she mused, ’so full of insecurity.’ The Song Mingyue of the past had been suave and carefree; she never would have imagined becoming so demure.

With a faint smile on his face, Ling Xiao walked over and gently wrapped his arms around Song Mingyue’s slender waist from behind. Then he said, "You’re thinking this hairpin wasn’t worth the price, aren’t you?"

Song Mingyue chuckled. "Of course not. Even if it were made from the bone of a Tier Nine Magical Beast, it wouldn’t be worth that price! So, Husband, while I am happy that you pamper me, I also hope you won’t favor one of us over the others. Please don’t do things like this again." Song Mingyue finished, then carefully watched Ling Xiao’s expression. Seeing he wasn’t angry, she went on, "After all, I am the one who came later. A part of me might wish for you to treat me the best, but if you really did... I would be unhappy."

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