Chapter 12: The Maiden’s Secret

“Uh.”

Xian Yuan’s embarrassment deepened, her face flushed crimson as she stood rooted to the spot, head bowed, much like a child awaiting reprimand.

“There, there! There’s no need to be shy. Since I’ve chosen you as my husband, I will wholeheartedly cherish you, care for you, and protect you!”

Shen Xiulan gracefully approached Xian Yuan, cupped her delicate face, and gazed at her with profound affection, speaking each word with utmost sincerity: “So, from this day forward, I hope you can open your heart to me. I will bring you happiness! I will make you happy! I will ensure your happiness for a lifetime!”

Xian Yuan found herself lost in Shen Xiulan’s tender gaze, her heart quickening, her ears burning, and her breath coming in ragged gasps.

A faint, delicate fragrance emanated from Shen Xiulan, tormenting Xian Yuan like an aphrodisiac, setting her mind adrift with wild thoughts.

She was Xian Yuan, a noble, elegant, and dignified immortal maiden, a cunning young lady of an immortal family! Yet, to be gazed upon so tenderly by Shen Xiulan made Xian Yuan feel utterly captivated, even a little disoriented.

‘Ah, why am I not a man?’

Just as Xian Yuan was lost in her daze, Shen Xiulan’s lips pressed against hers.

“Mmph~”

Xian Yuan jolted awake, her eyes wide with bewildered surprise as she stared at the beautiful woman before her.

Shen Xiulan kissed Xian Yuan, savoring her fragrance, her heart swelling with sweetness.

After a long moment, Shen Xiulan finally pulled away from Xian Yuan’s lips, gently caressing her lovely face with a hand, her eyes brimming with affection.

“Will you be with me?”

Xian Yuan stared blankly at Shen Xiulan, utterly at a loss.

Shen Xiulan embraced Xian Yuan once more.

“Please don’t reject me, alright?”

Blushing deeply, Shen Xiulan nestled into Xian Yuan’s arms. This was her first time acting so unrestrained, her first time being so impulsive, and a sweet feeling settled in her heart, making her feel unlike herself today.

‘Oh no, oh no, what do I do now!’

Xian Yuan gave a wry, helpless smile. This was truly over. She didn’t want to come across as some scoundrel, but she wasn’t a man! How could she ‘take’ her? Would they be grinding tofu (TL Note: A Chinese slang term, ‘mó dòufu,’ referring to lesbian intimacy)?

Nevertheless, Xian Yuan embraced Shen Xiulan tightly, deciding it was best to confess.

“Xiulan, there’s something I need to tell you.”

Xian Yuan spoke slowly, holding Shen Xiulan close.

“Mhm, go ahead and tell me,” Shen Xiulan said softly.

Xian Yuan gathered her thoughts, then nervously stammered, “Well, um, actually, I’m… I’m a girl!”

“Xian Yuan, stop joking. Am I really that easy to fool?”

Shen Xiulan’s tone carried a hint of resentment, her thoughts drifting to, [Is she really that unwilling to share a room with me?]

Uh oh, Xian Yuan panicked. She was a beautiful maiden in the prime of her youth; how could she be mistaken for a ‘dog man’ like that?!

“Xiulan, I truly am a girl! If you don’t believe me, just use your Kuiyin Qi to check. This young lady is a real girl, not some stinky man!”

Xian Yuan spoke urgently, her face etched with anxiety as she watched Shen Xiulan, wondering if she believed her.

‘I really am a girl!’

“Kuiyin Qi?”

Shen Xiulan released Xian Yuan, puzzled as to why she suddenly mentioned Kuiyin Qi. Given their relationship, Xian Yuan shouldn’t have any reason to lie to her!

‘Could Xian Yuan really be a girl?’

Shen Xiulan found it hard to believe. How could such pure Yang energy belong to a woman? And why would Xian Yuan suggest using Kuiyin Qi? That energy was only suitable for girls; if it entered a man’s body, it would cause severe injury!

“Xiulan, I have no reason to lie to you. Just try it yourself, and you’ll know.”

“Alright then, close your eyes. I’ll give it a try,” Shen Xiulan said.

Xian Yuan listened, closed her eyes, and waited silently. Shen Xiulan’s slender, jade-like hand rested on Xian Yuan’s waist, then slowly moved downwards.

A stream of Kuiyin Qi immediately flowed into her body, making Xian Yuan feel warm all over, utterly comfortable!

Shen Xiulan felt the strange sensation emanating from her hand, and her expression instantly became bewildered. Xian Yuan really hadn’t lied to her; the person before her was truly a girl.

“Xian Yuan, you’re really a girl?!” Shen Xiulan stared at Xian Yuan in astonishment.

Xian Yuan opened her eyes, sighed softly, and replied, “Yes, I am indeed a girl.”

Upon receiving the definitive answer, Shen Xiulan sighed faintly, “I suppose I’ve truly fallen for you.”

GazING at Xian Yuan, Shen Xiulan found it incredible, not because she was falling for another girl, but because her feelings hadn’t diminished in the slightest. Even though Xian Yuan was a girl, her affection remained unchanged.

A moment of silence fell between them.

After the confession, neither of them truly knew how to proceed.

After an unknown period, Xian Yuan shattered the awkward silence with a burst of childish bravado.

“It’s fine! I, Young Miss Xian Yuan, am the greatest person of all eternity, hahaha!”

“Pfft.”

Shen Xiulan was amused by Xian Yuan, covering her mouth with a laugh, all traces of awkwardness gone from her heart.

The two continued to chat.

Xian Yuan recounted her past experiences, becoming somewhat nonsensical by the end.

Perhaps due to her identity, Xian Yuan’s experiences always teetered on the brink of disaster, and she was, of course, utterly shameless. If the people of Crow Feather Region knew of their Young Miss’s true demeanor, they would likely be dumbfounded.

“Xian Yuan, little sister, we are sisters now. You can’t call me Xiulan anymore. We are sisters,” Shen Xiulan said gently, patting Xian Yuan.