Chapter 48: An Unexpected Proposal

Senior Brother Ouyang was, indeed, a good man, full of ambition.

However, my mind could not entertain anything beyond cultivation.

Should he ever choose to articulate his feelings, I would then make my refusal unequivocally clear.

Visiting Huaxi down the mountain offered a measure of relaxation, but romantic entanglements with anyone else would be nothing more than a distraction.

At least, that was Lian Yueying’s firm belief.

Having bid her farewell, she promptly made her way back to her residence.

The internal hall competitions were organized in the sequence of Peak, Bamboo, and Lake.

With the Peak Hall’s semi-finals scheduled for the following day, the duels were bound to be nothing short of spectacular.

Lian Yueying knew she absolutely could not miss them, as it would offer a prime opportunity to scout the formidable contenders for the upcoming sect-wide grand competition.

The adage about relaxing appropriately during competitions was not merely a platitude for Ouyang Xiu; it was a principle Lian Yueying meticulously adhered to.

Throughout this period, she limited her regimen solely to body-tempering exercises, dedicating her remaining hours to quiet study or occasional visits to the medical hall for conversation with Yun Meng.

Today, for example, Lian Yueying, her body-tempering exercises finished and her breath finally even, set off towards the medical hall.

As she walked, a disciple approached her from the opposite direction, their chest emblazoned with the distinctive insignia of Peak Hall.

“Are you Junior Sister Lian, fellow disciple?”

As Lian Yueying was the sole individual bearing the surname Lian within the entire Tuoshan Sect, she naturally affirmed his inquiry with a nod.

The Peak Hall disciple then elaborated, “I’ve watched Junior Sister Lian traverse this path up and down at least seven or eight times.

While I understand it’s impolite to probe into the exact nature of your cultivation method, I must inquire if Junior Sister Lian is indeed practicing some sort of technique.”

‘I could certainly tell him that, yet the true renown of the ‘Buried Qi and Rebirth Method’ remains an unknown.

Perhaps a smokescreen would be prudent for now.’

“As Senior Brother has no doubt discerned, that is indeed the case.

My meridians are naturally discordant; thus, circulating a qi-regulating cultivation method during my ascent allows them to function normally.”

This carefully crafted explanation was one Lian Yueying had prepared after a similar inquiry the previous day, and it proved perfectly apt for the present situation.

The Peak Hall disciple nodded thoughtfully upon hearing her words, then cupped his fists and departed.

Yet, after she had taken but a few steps, Lian Yueying distinctly sensed the approach of several Lake Hall disciples from behind, though none of them ventured to step forward.

Such occurrences had become commonplace.

In the past, onlookers would gather even then as she ascended the mountain; it was simply that their numbers had swelled considerably after she publicly displayed her formidable strength.

“When Senior Sister Lian ascends the mountain, she doesn’t keep her hands clasped behind her back as those practicing outer sect body tempering do.

It must be some unique footwork.”

‘Surely, body tempering in the outer sect manner is what’s truly unusual; I am merely undertaking an ordinary mountain ascent.’

“Junior Sister Lian’s physique has visibly strengthened over the past year.

Could it be that she hadn’t tempered her body before?”

“How could that be?

Are you suggesting she forcefully introduced qi into her body, skipped the body-tempering step, and is now trying to compensate?”

“True, I’ve never heard of anyone compensating for skipped body tempering after reaching the Qi Refining stage.”

‘Could it be, perhaps, exactly as you’ve described?’

Numerous comments of this nature had circulated throughout the past year.

Yet, their tone had now shifted, carrying less overt disdain and more thoughtful consideration—a palpable testament to the respect her burgeoning strength had garnered.

Possessing the capability to subdue all of them, even my most unconventional actions would inevitably be scrutinized for hidden, deeper meanings.

Though her body tempering regimen was far from its conclusion, she had already savored the initial fruits of her labor.

The knowledge that her relentless, self-sacrificing efforts had not been in vain greatly lifted Lian Yueying’s spirits.

However, just as she was proceeding with a light step towards the medical hall, a distinct voice reached her ears from behind.

“If you ask me,” a voice drawled, “the mountain climbing is nothing but a facade.

She’s clearly receiving special favors at the medical hall.

I’ve heard her connection with Senior Yun Meng from there is unusually deep; some even claim to have seen Senior Yun Meng carrying her through the sect skies.”

‘A gossiping, long-tongued man, how utterly infuriating!’ she thought.

‘If you could afford those six hundred-plus spirit stones, you too could indulge in medicinal baths!

And as for ‘special treatment,’ my master did grant me that privilege once.’

Lian Yueying understood profoundly that her current meridian strength was not solely the product of her own endeavors; she would never, for the sake of mere vanity, negate the invaluable assistance rendered by her master.

Nevertheless, in all fairness, the lion’s share of her progress stemmed from her own relentless efforts.

‘Enough,’ she mused.

‘Why should I contend with such a person?

Let him believe whatever he pleases.

I am destined to achieve Foundation Establishment, Core Formation, and ascend even higher.

He can simply drown in his own petty, narrow-minded thoughts!’

Dismissing the lingering unpleasantness from her mind, Lian Yueying distanced herself from the throng, entering the medical hall.

After a quick change of clothes, she approached the counter and fixed her gaze upon Yun Meng.

At such moments, Yun Meng unfailingly recognized Lian Yueying’s desire for conversation.

She thus brought her current tasks to a temporary halt, stretched languidly, and remarked, “Well, speak your mind.

What is it you wish to discuss?”

“I merely wished to inquire about something, a casual chat, if you will.”

As Lian Yueying spoke, she paused, waiting for Yun Meng’s nod before continuing, “I’ve been meaning to ask for some time: my master, that esteemed elder, is perpetually absent from the sect.

What exactly occupies her time?”

Only after Lian Yueying had finished speaking did Yun Meng gently tap her forehead, remarking with a tsk, “I feel compelled to remind you, the last individual to refer to her as ‘old’ had their Golden Core shattered by her, their remains scattered ‘everywhere.'”

“How could I ever imply she was old, Senior?

This was merely an expression of profound respect.”

Lian Yueying’s cheekiness was not without precedent.

She recalled a time when Yun Meng had complained vociferously upon hearing Junior Uncle Yue’s plans to depart, labeling her an ‘old woman who never returned home.’

Junior Uncle Yue, for her part, had clearly remained unbothered by the remark.

After all, lies rarely wound; it is the truth that often cuts deepest.

Junior Uncle Yue possessed a refined, delicate visage and a petite build; one might even struggle to determine whether she or Lian Yueying appeared more mature.

The descriptor ‘old’ simply did not align with her in any conceivable way.

Pleased to observe Lian Yueying shedding her former reserve, Yun Meng offered a gentle smile.

“Your master simply cannot remain idle.

Furthermore, the cultivation of a Nascent Soul demands an abundance of heavenly materials and earthly treasures.

She is bound to encounter far more of them by venturing outside than by remaining secluded within the sect.

Moreover…”

Her words trailed off as Yun Meng sighed, her gaze softening as she observed Lian Yueying’s increasingly mature and lovely face.

She couldn’t resist reaching out to gently caress the tender skin, remarking, “You are only in the Qi Refining stage, yet you constantly venture out, only to return laden with injuries.

You and your master are truly indistinguishable.”

A healer’s heart, much like a parent’s, feels deeply.

Yun Meng, with a century of medical practice, possessed vast knowledge and experience, yet she remained anything but jaded.

She harbored a profound aversion to seeing those close to her come to harm.

“I’ve caused Senior Chen to worry.

I will protect myself well.”

“Heh heh,” Yun Meng chuckled, “in that particular aspect, you and your master diverge considerably.

She would only declare with audacious confidence, ‘The world is boundless, and I, Han Xue, am free to go anywhere!’ or perhaps, ‘Rest easy; no one possesses the power to harm me!'”

Yun Meng mimicked Junior Uncle Yue with uncanny precision.

Having shared more than a century together, their profound friendship genuinely stirred a deep sense of envy within Lian Yueying.

‘Huaxi and I will be like this someday too, won’t we?’

With a considerable amount of time remaining until the Peak Hall semi-finals, Lian Yueying had intended to simply let the conversation flow.

However, the usually tranquil medical hall was suddenly disturbed by an arrival.

The sheer weight of the footsteps alone betrayed the presence of a tall, imposing figure.

Lian Yueying turned her head, only to discover, to her surprise, that it was Ouyang Xiu.

The moment Ouyang Xiu stepped through the doorway, his eyes landed on Lian Yueying.

The delicate girl, leaning casually on the counter, turned her head to meet his gaze.

Her lingering smile, paired with those sparkling, peach-blossom eyes, struck directly at his heart, igniting a familiar, profound悸动 within him.

Uncertain of this burgeoning emotion, he instinctively clutched his chest and hastened towards the counter.

After offering a subtle nod to Lian Yueying, he respectfully bowed to Yun Meng, addressing her, “Greetings, Senior Yun Meng.”

“Where do you feel unwell?”

“Right here.”

Clutching his chest, Ouyang Xiu’s eyes were clouded with profound confusion.

“This affliction of mine should bear no relation to Junior Sister Lian, yet the sensation intensified considerably upon seeing her just now.

My heart feels an odd, persistent ache.

When Junior Sister Lian is not in my sight, a profound emptiness settles within me, and even with my eyes closed, it feels as though she stands directly before me.

This disciple suspects…”

Midway through his bewildered explanation, Yun Meng cast a quick glance at the somewhat discomfited Lian Yueying, instantly grasping the true nature of the situation.

She gently prompted, “Suspect what, exactly?”

“I suspect… I suspect that perhaps during our sparring match, I was somehow affected by the burst of spiritual energy Junior Sister Lian unleashed, leaving too profound an impression upon my heart.”

The answer was glaringly obvious, yet Ouyang Xiu, utterly engrossed in his cultivation, remained woefully oblivious to matters of the heart.

Nonetheless, Yun Meng, adhering to her professional routine, thoroughly examined him before stating, “Physically, you are perfectly sound.

However, regarding your current state, I harbor a different hypothesis.”

Yun Meng’s pronouncement caused Lian Yueying to instinctively retreat a few steps, a strained smile playing on her lips as she declared, “I shan’t intrude any further.

I’ll take my leave now.”

“There’s no need to feel awkward.”

Yun Meng’s words seemed less intended for Ouyang Xiu than for Lian Yueying, leaving her no choice but to halt her retreat.

On one hand, she genuinely felt an acute sense of embarrassment, unsure how to navigate the situation, though it was not born of a desire to evade the matter itself.

On the other, Ouyang Xiu’s upcoming competition loomed large, and Lian Yueying truly feared that this unexpected development might unsettle his mental fortitude.

Having witnessed countless similar scenarios, Yun Meng understood Lian Yueying’s internal struggle perfectly.

She stated, “You must comprehend that if one’s Dao heart can be swayed by such trivialities, it merely signifies an inherent lack of unwavering conviction within that very Dao heart.”

Ouyang Xiu, completely lost in the swirling currents of their conversation, then heard Yun Meng turn to him, her voice gentle yet firm.

“Experiencing the first stirrings of love and not fully comprehending romantic affections is entirely normal.

I suggest you take some time to reflect upon this yourself.”

“The first stirrings of love…”

Yet, Ouyang Xiu did not appear as bewildered as Lian Yueying had anticipated.

Instead, he turned to her and declared, “Though I harbored suspicions before, I genuinely did not comprehend what ‘love’ entailed.

Now, upon reflection, it is undeniably clear.

Junior Sister Lian, would you be willing to become my Dao companion?”

Upon hearing this, Lian Yueying felt utterly paralyzed with awkwardness.

The term ‘Dao companion’ was the equivalent of a marriage proposal among cultivators, and Ouyang Xiu, clearly at a loss for how to express himself, had simply repeated a phrase he’d likely overheard.

Truth be told, even Yun Meng, with all her experience, had never encountered such bluntness, and she watched the pair, a smile playing on her lips.

Ouyang Xiu, radiating righteous energy, uttered words of proposal, yet his demeanor suggested he was inviting a sparring match.

Lian Yueying, for her part, had never experienced such a situation either; her pretty face held three parts disbelief and seven parts helplessness.

“No.”

Lian Yueying had sensed Ouyang Xiu’s feelings the night before, but she hadn’t expected such a swift declaration.

For a moment, all the preliminary responses she had mentally prepared vanished, and after these two words escaped her lips, she turned and left.

‘Though I’ve never experienced such a thing, nor do I understand romantic feelings, Senior Brother Ouyang is truly… well, he probably meant no harm.’

Indeed, this proved to be the case.

After Lian Yueying left, Ouyang Xiu merely stood there, dumbfounded.

His emotions, still in their nascent stages, did not yet register the pain of rejection.

He simply felt an emptiness in his heart as he watched Lian Yueying’s retreating figure.

Yun Meng, having observed the entire exchange, remarked, “Young one, the term ‘Dao companion’ is equivalent to marriage among mortals.

One cannot confess their feelings in such a manner.”

Even if Ouyang Xiu was oblivious, he understood the meaning of marriage.

He immediately chased after her.

Outside the gate, Lian Yueying had taken but a few steps when she heard heavy footsteps behind her.

Turning around, she saw Ouyang Xiu quickly approach her and say, “I apologize, Junior Sister Lian, I misunderstood.

I meant to say…”

With internal hall competitions happening frequently, the plaza was bustling with people.

Lian Yueying quickly cut Ouyang Xiu off.

“Please, don’t say any more.

I understand what Senior Brother means, but I have already refused you.

Senior Brother has just broken through to the ninth level; it would be best to focus on this afternoon’s competition and achieve a good ranking.”

With that, Ouyang Xiu halted, watching Lian Yueying turn and walk away with a look of profound loss.

He stood rooted to the spot until a passing Peak Hall disciple greeted him, finally snapping him back to reality.

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