“Refusing me this quickly? Won’t you reconsider?”

Murong Qiuhan stepped forward and casually settled into the seat of honor.

Her visit wasn’t solely due to Yang Lingrui’s striking looks.

What truly drew her was the extraordinary talent he’d revealed during his enlightenment.

Had he not been born into a low-tier Gathering Qi family like the Yangs, his current cultivation level would likely rival hers and He Shenglai’s.

“No. Your Highness could afford any price, but Yang Lingrui’s worth now transcends mere numbers.”

“Oh?”

Murong Qiuhan flicked her wrist, summoning a crimson feather between her fingers.

“What if I petitioned the Emperor himself?”

He Shenglai smiled. “Princess, such threats might sway others, but they’re wasted on me.”

“Truly impossible?”

“Truly.”

When He Shenglai remained unmoved, Murong Qiuhan abandoned her efforts, though disappointment lingered in her gaze.

She’d genuinely hoped to bring Yang Lingrui to the palace.

His exceptional talent, insight, and appearance made him ideal.

Better to choose someone she fancied now than endure the elders’ arranged marriages later.

But He Shenglai guarded Yang Lingrui as a crucial asset for future ambitions, refusing to yield.

Given the century-old alliance between the He Family and Tiger-Chasing sect, she couldn’t openly poach his protege.

As their discussion concluded, another began elsewhere.

Yang Lingrui ushered Shen Yue into his cavern dwelling. After exchanging pleasantries, Shen Yue cut to the chase.

“Friend Lingrui, I’ll speak plainly. I came to verify something.”

“Speak freely, Friend Shen.”

“Have you shared any past… closeness with Junior Sister Li?”

Shen Yue’s gaze remained fixed on Yang Lingrui’s face, seeking truth.

“A misunderstanding, Friend Shen.”

Yang Lingrui shook his head. “Our families were once acquainted. I’ve only met Miss Qingwan once. While I respect her, romantic feelings would be unfounded.”

“Then is there another woman?”

“None.”

Yang Lingrui’s voice hardened. “My path is the Dao, my shoulders bear heavy duties. Romance holds no place in my past, present, or future.”

After awakening from enlightenment in the painting realm, he’d seen Feng Linghua’s tear-reddened eyes and felt Li Qingwan’s accusatory stare.

Though regretful, he offered no explanations.

Due to his position and circumstances at the time, disguise and deception had been nothing but necessary survival tactics.

The disparity between the strong and weak was vast as heaven and earth – the Yang Family couldn’t compare to the Feng Family in any way.

For the Feng Family, losing four sixth-level Gathering Qi guardians in the treasure land meant little.

But for the Yang Family, any misstep from him would bring catastrophic consequences.

This was why he acted with extreme caution, simply seeking multiple safety nets.

Hearing this answer, Shen Yue paused briefly before bowing slightly. “I understand now. My earlier approach was improper. Please forgive this oversight, Fellow Daoist.”

“You flatter me, Friend Shen.”

Shen Yue could confirm Yang Lingrui spoke truthfully.

Though Yang Lingrui lacked access to advanced techniques as the ChengTian Academy Master’s direct disciple, Shen Yue had trained in such methods since beginning his Path of Cultivation.

ChengTian Academy possessed three technique Inheritances – held by the Academy Master, Mountain Master Wei Kangping, and a reclusive Confucian cultivator.

Shen Yue practiced the Academy Master’s technique: “Clarity of Mind and Truth Discernment.”

This method granted constant mental clarity and the ability to detect falsehoods in those with weaker divine awareness than himself.

Shen Yue’s fondness for Li Qingwan stemmed largely from her authenticity.

Since their first meeting, she’d never spoken falsely to him – her gratitude genuine, her rejections sincere.

Similarly, Yang Lingrui’s words today held complete truth. Regardless of Li Qingwan’s feelings, Yang Lingrui had never considered romantic involvement.

Realization brought bitter amusement. Shen Yue had thought to only lose once to Yang Lingrui in appearance.

Now even his cherished “dedication to cultivation” paled in comparison.

“Friend Lingrui truly embodies both talent and refinement. I’ve witnessed this today.”

Shen Yue rose with ceremonial clasped hands. “After today, let’s abandon formal titles between us.”

When such a top-tier genius extended friendship, Yang Lingrui eagerly accepted.

“Nothing would please me more. You honor me, Brother Shen.”

With matters settled, Shen Yue departed after informing Yang Lingrui about the cloud ship journey to Daoyuanshan in five days for the Dual Sect Competition.

Following regulations, the event alternated between sects – this year hosted by Daoyuanshan.

The intervening days passed quietly. Shen Yue stationed guards at Yang Lingrui’s cave to prevent disturbances.

On departure day, Yang Lingrui found all familiar faces at ChengTian Academy’s gates except Li Qingwan’s.

“Lingrui’s here.”

Shen Yue approached as Yang Lingrui boarded the cloud ship.

“Brother Shen.” Their cave discussion had fostered camaraderie.

Xiao Man pretended casualness while edging near Shen Yue, hoping for attention Yang Lingrui never gave.

“Ahem! Greetings, Friend Yang. I’m Xiao Man!”

Yang Lingrui politely clasped hands. “Greetings, Friend Lian.”

“Private matters with Lingrui.” Shen Yue dismissed others, guiding Yang Lingrui to a secluded corner.

“Seeking Junior Sister Li?”

“Why isn’t she aboard? Can’t observe the competition?”

“Newcomers mightn’t know – the West Concubine summons her monthly to the palace.” Shen Yue explained. “This summons coincided with our event. Royal commands take precedence.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep