Chapter 13: A Fickle Heart Restrained

Perhaps due to her profound concern for Ye Cha, Lülüo, typically effortless in her flirtations, found herself forcefully restraining her true nature on their journey back.

Her utterly proper demeanor left every outer sect disciple they encountered along the path gaping in astonishment, utterly bewildered by the day’s events.

First, the Sect Master had penalized Li Ge with a decade at Repentance Cliff. Now, Senior Sister Lülüo was acting prim and proper. Under ordinary circumstances, any male cultivator she encountered would undoubtedly be subjected to her playful teasing, leaving them with fluttering hearts and a fervent desire to become her cultivation partner, to explore the Heavenly Dao alongside her!

After all, Senior Sister Lülüo possessed both captivating beauty and exceptional talent. Her figure was remarkably alluring, and her wit made her conversations endlessly delightful.

To forge a partnership with such a captivating female cultivator would undoubtedly transform the arduous journey of cultivation into a vibrant and exciting adventure.

Alas, Senior Sister Lülüo was flawless in every aspect, save for her notoriously fickle heart.

Despite her reputation, numerous male cultivators within the outer sect had openly declared their eagerness to become her cultivation partner, even going so far as to say that a dowry was entirely irrelevant.

Their affection was for Senior Sister Lülüo herself; cultivation resources were merely an afterthought!

There were even affluent male cultivators who boldly proclaimed their readiness to offer lavish betrothal gifts, should Senior Sister Lülüo ever consent to their hand in marriage.

Regrettably, it was a classic tale of unrequited affection: the falling blossoms yearning, while the flowing stream remained indifferent.

In Lülüo’s estimation, lighthearted dalliances with male cultivators were perfectly acceptable. However, should genuine emotions ever surface, she would promptly dismiss the notion.

Sacrificing an entire forest for the sake of a single tree? Lülüo would never commit such a folly!

Were there truly so few male cultivators in the cultivation world, or too scant a number of senior and junior brothers within the Lingtian Sect? To foolishly commit oneself to a single tree was simply not her style.

For Lülüo, the essence of life lay in embracing each day with unbridled joy, a philosophy she pursued wholeheartedly within her finite existence.

As for the inevitable end of her lifespan?

She would simply ‘deal with it’!

Death was merely death. At most, she would strive to live even better in her next reincarnation.

While she felt a certain reluctance to abandon the male cultivators of the cultivation world, Lülüo perceived herself as merely one among countless beings, possessing no extraordinary qualities. She knew that no matter how diligently she cultivated, she would ultimately vanish from this world.

It was merely a distinction between an early demise and a later one!

Although others praised her dual spirit root aptitude, she often reflected on the Sect Master’s mutated single spirit root and incredibly rare Sword Spirit Physique. *That* was the true favored daughter of heaven.

As for her? She was merely there to fill a quota, so why bother taking things so seriously?

“Senior Sister Lülüo is truly a gentle soul. Everyone who passed by just now feigned ignorance, yet only you, Senior Sister, stepped forward to aid Ye Cha. This has certainly led Ye Cha to view you in a new light.”

Yet, even as Lülüo maintained her facade of propriety, Ye Cha suddenly broke the silence.

His voice was soft, imbued with an inexplicable allure that compelled one to lean in and listen intently.

Instantly, upon hearing Ye Cha’s words, a wave of delight surged through Lülüo’s heart.

Yet, the smile that had just begun to grace her lips abruptly froze at the corners the moment she heard the phrase ‘new light.’

While Lülüo outwardly feigned indifference to others’ opinions of her, she was acutely aware of the outer sect disciples’ true perceptions.

In short, they were hardly flattering.

Consequently, upon hearing Ye Cha’s remark, Lülüo felt a burning desire to thoroughly thrash those gossiping female cultivators, to silence their malicious whispers and prevent them from further tarnishing her reputation!

“Junior Brother Ye Cha, there’s no need to heed the idle chatter of others. One must engage with a person directly to truly discern their character.”

Naturally, Lülüo felt compelled to offer a rebuttal.

She declared, with righteous indignation, that she would never concede to what she considered to be others’ ‘slander’ against her.

Hearing her words, Ye Cha’s eyes softened with amusement, and his gaze upon Lülüo grew notably gentler, shedding some of his initial wariness.

For someone already so inherently handsome, this gentle, harmless demeanor proved to be utterly devastating to Lülüo.

‘This is it!’

‘Her heart was thudding wildly, utterly beyond her control!’

“However, the outer sect is unlikely to remain peaceful lately, Junior Brother Ye Cha. It would be best if you avoided venturing out. Alternatively, you could send me a flying message; your Senior Sister will personally escort you, ensuring no other male cultivators dare to bully you.”

Dazzled by Ye Cha’s striking good looks, Lülüo, as she spoke, nearly pounded her ample chest to emphasize her guarantee.

A seemingly harmless male cultivator like Junior Brother Ye Cha would undoubtedly face harassment within the outer sect. Her previous ignorance of him was likely due to a deliberate suppression of information, which explained why even she, a renowned ‘male cultivator harvester,’ had never heard of him.

Now, having finally met him, Lülüo was consumed by regret, lamenting why she hadn’t encountered Ye Cha much earlier!

Reflecting on the news she’d heard from a friend today regarding Ye Cha and the Sect Master… Alas, a fated connection had been missed, leaving her with profound, unavailing regret!

Lülüo possessed a clear sense of self-awareness, recognizing that no matter how ardently she strove, she could never rival a celestial talent like the Sect Master.

Indeed, if she were a man, her first choice would undoubtedly be a legendary female cultivator like the Sect Master.

Moreover, a man of Junior Brother Ye Cha’s remarkable looks and pleasant disposition would likely have no other viable options anyway.

At this thought, an expression of helpless regret involuntarily crossed Lülüo’s face. She secretly chastised herself for having squandered so much time on other male cultivators.

‘If only she had met Ye Cha sooner…’

“Thank you for your concern, Senior Sister Lülüo, but I am quite alright. The path of the Heavenly Dao is inherently arduous. Since I have chosen this road, I shall bravely tread it. The hardships and perils I encounter along the way will only serve to temper my will and foster my growth.”

Ye Cha offered Lülüo a gentle smile. Then, as he spoke, his expression turned earnest, leaving Lülüo utterly captivated.

This was the first time she had ever encountered a male cultivator as self-reliant and determined as Ye Cha.

Throughout her life, the male cultivators Lülüo had encountered were predominantly those who vied fiercely for cultivation resources, treating female cultivators as mere banks or storehouses. They would not cease until every last shred of utility had been completely exploited.

They were terrifying leeches.

Lülüo’s unrestrained demeanor was not an inherent trait. Instead, it blossomed from countless encounters and observations, leading her to abandon all expectations regarding matters of the heart.

Yet, after meeting Ye Cha, she suddenly realized how narrow-minded her previous assumptions had been.

Not all male cultivators were cut from the same cloth.

Indeed, Ye Cha was a stark exception.

‘Ahhhhh!’

After encountering such an exceptional male cultivator as Junior Brother Ye Cha, all other male cultivators suddenly became utterly bland in Lülüo’s eyes, losing every trace of their former appeal.

“Junior Brother truly possesses a remarkable mindset! Compared to you, this Senior Sister feels utterly inadequate!”

Then, gazing at Ye Cha’s handsome profile, Lülüo candidly voiced her innermost thoughts.

Concurrently with the rumors linking him to the Sect Master, news of Ye Cha’s ‘trash’ five spirit root aptitude had also circulated. Yet, despite this, Ye Cha had not resigned himself to his fate and given up. Instead, his diligent efforts were so profound they stirred a pang of sympathy.

In stark contrast, she, blessed with dual spirit root aptitude, had merely squandered her days.

In this very moment, Lülüo abruptly comprehended the extent to which she had squandered her inherent talents.

“I merely wish to grow stronger.”

As Ye Cha spoke, his gaze subtly flickered to his left wrist, where a faint red thread peeked out, appearing and disappearing with the gentle sway of his sleeve.