Although Ah Jian’s understanding of Mi Lu and HuLü Yan was limited to the fragments Yang Rong had mentioned and the rumors circulating in Qi City, he’d lived several decades longer than her—long enough to notice subtle signs in how Mi Lu and HuLü Yan interacted. Still, he had no intention of digging into what HuLü Yan’s feelings for Mi Lu were. He simply wanted HuLü Yan to realize that Yang Rong also valued Mi Lu greatly.

If HuLü Yan truly cared about Mi Lu, he shouldn’t mind others’ concern for him.

However, worried about any possible misunderstandings, Ah Jian explained, “My lady and Young Master Mi grew up together. She’s served Young Master Mi for over ten years and has always seen him as her own brother.”

After a brief pause, Ah Jian added solemnly, “I hope Young Master HuLü can understand this.”

But as soon as he finished speaking, HuLü Yan’s initially impassive face grew taut, and his pitch-black eyes filled with a chilling intensity, staring fixedly at Ah Jian from close range, making him feel unnerved.

Ah Jian quickly steadied himself.

“Maid?” HuLü Yan opened his thin lips, his tone soft yet eerie, “So, she’s the maid who’s served Mi Lu the longest?”

Ah Jian found this question strange but couldn’t immediately pinpoint why.

Perhaps Mi Lu had mentioned Yang Rong to HuLü Yan?

“You could say that,” Ah Jian replied hesitantly. “My lady served Young Master Mi for fourteen years, so she’s probably the one who’s served him the longest.”

Typically, maids were replaced every ten years, and older maids had to avoid any appearance of impropriety. Yang Rong once mentioned that Mi He Feng and Lady Gu Qiu even intended to pair her with Mi Lu, which was why she hadn’t been replaced. But there was no need to go into those details.

After recalling his own words, Ah Jian felt he’d explained things clearly enough, so he asked HuLü Yan, “Is there anything else Young Master HuLü would like to know?”

HuLü Yan remained silent for a moment before flashing a sudden grin. “No, that’s all.”

Ah Jian looked into HuLü Yan’s eyes and noticed that, despite the clear smile on his face, his eyes were void of warmth, like a layer of ice that even sunlight couldn’t melt. That stiff, false smile made Ah Jian inexplicably uneasy.

HuLü Yan used a magical item to alter his appearance, making people think he was a decent-looking but reserved young man. Due to his youth, he seemed harmless. But when he smiled like that, Ah Jian belatedly recalled who he was dealing with—someone who had single-handedly destroyed the entire Medical Hall and slain Lin Ji, Qi Wangtian, and others along the way!

And here he was, attempting to rely on his position in Star-Moon Pavilion to exert some form of control over HuLü Yan.

This realization made Ah Jian’s heart race with panic, but he managed to suppress his emotions.

“I’ll leave you to rest now. After such a long journey, you and Young Master Mi must be tired,” Ah Jian said, turning away when HuLü Yan made no further response.

As he left, Ah Jian never heard HuLü Yan’s footsteps entering the room.

He hesitated, discreetly extending his spiritual sense. HuLü Yan remained rooted in place, holding the sound-transmitting talisman Ah Jian had given him and staring intently at his retreating figure.

Ah Jian: “…”

It was as if HuLü Yan had sensed his sneaky observation. Without warning, HuLü Yan raised his eyes and looked straight at the back of Ah Jian’s head, making him feel as if they were looking at each other from afar. He felt like a thief caught in the act, his heart skipping a beat as he instinctively held his breath.

Forcing himself to stay calm, he pretended as if nothing had happened and walked ahead, quietly withdrawing his spiritual sense. Only after he exited the courtyard did he quicken his pace. When he finally let out a long-held breath, a thin layer of sweat had already appeared on his forehead, his skin tingling with goosebumps. He’d never felt so out of character before…

Just who was HuLü Yan, anyway?

Why couldn’t he detect HuLü Yan’s cultivation level?

And how could HuLü Yan sense his spiritual probing so effortlessly?

On the other side, after watching Ah Jian leave, HuLü Yan also vanished into thin air.

Yang Rong wasn’t just some pampered young lady at Star-Moon Pavilion. As the adoptive daughter and half-disciple of Yan Fu, she had many responsibilities on his behalf.

Whenever Yan Fu wasn’t around, Yang Rong managed Star-Moon Pavilion’s affairs. This time, she left Qi City at Yan Fu’s request to search for White Stones near Drunken City.

Though not as rare as Kunlun Stones, White Stones were precious materials, and Yan Fu had been searching for them for years. If he hadn’t been heading to the capital to see the Seven Star Kunlun Sword, he would’ve gone to Drunken City himself.

But Yang Rong didn’t disappoint him, staying near Drunken City for half a month and, after almost digging down to bedrock, managed to gather four small White Stones.

As soon as she returned, she hurried to deliver the White Stones to the Deputy Pavilion Master.

He’d heard about Yang Rong picking up Mi Lu and HuLü Yan outside the city gates and guessed their identities. However, he simply asked her about Mi Lu and HuLü Yan’s purpose in the Demon Realm.

Yang Rong told him truthfully that they were heading to Drunken City and looking for Zhai Feng.

“Zhai Feng?”

Sensing something in his reaction, Yang Rong immediately asked, “Deputy Pavilion Master, do you know something?”

“They’re not wrong. Zhai Feng couldn’t stay in the righteous sects, so he came to the Demon Realm. But that’s not the whole story,” the Deputy Pavilion Master explained. “It involves someone’s private affairs, and it’s not my place to comment.”

After pondering a moment, he suggested, “How about this—if they really want to find Zhai Feng, have them wait until your adoptive father returns. They can ask him then.”

Yang Rong asked in surprise, “My adoptive father knows where Zhai Feng is?”

“He’s one of the few people who stayed in contact with Zhai Feng, so he should know where to find him.”

“I understand!” Overjoyed, Yang Rong sprang to her feet and bowed respectfully. “Thank you, Deputy Pavilion Master! You’re so kind!”

“Oh, you little rascal…” he shook his head with a wry smile. “Alright, I have nothing else for you. Go on and find them.”

“Got it!”

Yang Rong lifted her skirt and sped away. Instead of seeking Mi Lu and HuLü Yan right away, she wanted to change clothes first, so she headed to her Lotus Courtyard.

Her Lotus Courtyard was not far from where Mi Lu and HuLü Yan were staying. Surrounded by lotus ponds, it was like a secluded island unto itself.

Through a teleportation array, she returned to her courtyard, where the maids greeted her with delighted smiles.

“Miss is back!”

“Keep at it. I need to change clothes and head out again,” Yang Rong said brightly. “I’ve brought two guests. We’ll be having dinner together later.”

Hearing this, the maids became even more eager, swarming her with questions about the guests.

Yang Rong had once been a maid herself, and she’d quickly formed close bonds with them after arriving at Star-Moon Pavilion. She hadn’t hidden her past from them.

“They’re my former young master and his friend.” Yang Rong’s cheeks flushed with excitement, unable to conceal her joy. “I never thought I’d meet him here. It’s truly a blessing after all these years of waiting.”

“Oh~” The maids all laughed knowingly. “So, it’s that young master.”

Seeing their mischief, Yang Rong quickly explained, “Don’t overthink it! He and his family raised me. I’m grateful to him and see him as an older brother. There’s nothing romantic there!”

“Sure, sure,” one maid replied, winking at her. “But if it’s just a brotherly thing, why are you blushing?”

Other maids chimed in.

“Miss, your face is all red!”

“Is he really just like a brother? Or maybe a bit more?”

“Alright, stop teasing the miss—she’s going to get mad!”

Embarrassed and annoyed, Yang Rong stomped her foot, “You’re all so annoying! I’m not telling you anything!”

With that, she rushed inside, shutting the door firmly behind her.

The courtyard fell silent.

Yang Rong leaned against the door, taking a moment to calm her racing heart.

It wasn’t that she had feelings for Mi Lu. At twenty-something, she’d never been in a relationship. Being teased about it naturally left her flustered, regardless of who it involved.

But speaking of Mi Lu…

She recalled a time when she’d harbored a vague fondness for him, especially when Mi He Feng and Lady Gu Qiu had subtly hinted at pairing her with him. That had given her some thoughts.

Yet, after everything that had happened, her feelings had faded over the years.

Now, as they unexpectedly reunited, she wondered what he thought. Mi Lu probably hadn’t given it a single thought.

Yang Rong sighed inwardly.

Just as she started feeling down, an image flashed in her mind—a pair of cold, emotionless eyes. Eyes that stared at her unrelentingly, as if peering into her very soul.

A shiver ran down her spine.

Those eyes belonged to HuLü Yan.

Remembering his possessiveness toward Mi Lu and his blatant hostility toward her, she instantly pushed all thoughts aside.

She was just an innocent bystander, nothing more!

Yang Rong quickly pulled herself together, giving her cheeks a quick pat, and walked towards her inner chamber.

But the next moment, she found herself face-to-face with the very eyes she’d just pictured.

“…”

The owner of those eyes was seated at her table, watching her with a neutral expression.

Her legs suddenly went weak. She held onto the doorframe to keep from collapsing.

“Young Master HuLü, why are you here?”

Seeing her forced, awkward smile, HuLü Yan unexpectedly smiled, a slight amusement flitting across his face.

He walked up to her.

Yang Rong had to look up at him, the height difference forcing her to crane her neck.

HuLü Yan’s eyes traveled over her face, from her forehead to her eyes, her nose, her mouth, her chin…

His gaze moved slowly down, as if he were searching for something.

Her neck ached from looking up, but she didn’t dare move, keeping a strained, polite smile on her face.

From a young age, she’d learned to survive by sensing danger.

The man before her appeared reserved and unremarkable, his cultivation level impossible to gauge. Yet her years of reading people told her HuLü Yan was anything but ordinary.

After all, who could wipe out an entire Medical Hall singlehandedly?

Steeling herself, she spoke up weakly, “Did you come here for something?”

HuLü Yan paused before answering, his response seemingly out of place, “Average.”

“…?” She was momentarily thrown off. “Huh?”

Instead of explaining, he asked, “Do you like Mi Lu?”

“…?” The question struck her like a direct blow, leaving her stunned. She struggled to find her voice. “W-why do you ask that?”

“Answer me,” HuLü Yan said, his tone firm. “Yes or no.”

In that moment, how could she dare admit anything?

She quickly shook her head. “No, no! I don’t like the young master that way. I only see him as a brother, with no romantic feelings whatsoever!”

To make her point, she raised three fingers next to her ear and swore, “I swear, what I just said is completely true!”

HuLü Yan tilted his head, his gaze never wavering from her face.

For good measure, she continued, “If I’m lying, may the heavens strike me down, and may I never overcome another tribulation!”

That was quite a severe oath…

“I believe you.” HuLü Yan’s eyes seemed to glimmer faintly. “You didn’t have to swear so harshly, though.”

Yang Rong: …You could have said that sooner.

Without realizing her thoughts, HuLü Yan suddenly changed the topic. “I actually came to tell you something.”

“What is it?”

“I like Mi Lu.”

“…”

“He doesn’t know yet, and I don’t intend for him to find out right away, but I’ll show him over time so he can gradually accept it.” HuLü Yan softened his tone, almost pleading as he looked at her, “Dear sister, you’ll help me, won’t you?”

Yang Rong: …

Mi Lu waited for a while, but HuLü Yan didn’t show up, so he decided to look for him.

Just as he stepped downstairs, he saw HuLü Yan and Yang Rong entering together.

HuLü Yan appeared in high spirits, smiling slightly, while Yang Rong’s smile seemed a bit forced.

When Yang Rong noticed him, she visibly relaxed and greeted him eagerly.

Mi Lu walked over, nodded at her, then turned to HuLü Yan. “Where did you go? And why are you with Yang Rong?”

“I was curious about the place, so I went for a walk and happened to run into Sister Yang Rong, who showed me around,” HuLü Yan explained, surprisingly talkative.

Yang Rong nodded in agreement. “Yes, yes, we just went for a stroll.”

Mi Lu looked at them curiously.

He distinctly remembered that HuLü Yan hadn’t seemed too fond of Yang Rong not too long ago. How could he have changed his mind so quickly?

If they could get along, though, that’d be a relief.

To catch up with Mi Lu, Yang Rong asked the maids to prepare a meal for them in the small kitchen. When they arrived, the maids followed shortly with a variety of delicious dishes.

Yang Rong ushered Mi Lu and HuLü Yan to sit close together while she took a seat across from them, far on the other side of the round table.

Mi Lu blinked in confusion.

Yang Rong smiled and explained, “This way, I can talk to you face-to-face, young master.”

Mi Lu: “…”

He was about to suggest she sit on his other side to be closer, but then thought she might want to avoid any appearance of impropriety, so he let it go.

The maids who brought the food exchanged amused glances, their gazes darting back and forth between Mi Lu and HuLü Yan.

As they left, one maid giggled, “Miss, which of these gentlemen is the young master you’re so fond of?”

Yang Rong’s face immediately reddened, and she shot up. “Stop with the nonsense! I’m not pining for anyone!”

The maid, startled by her fierce reaction, figured Yang Rong was simply shy. She tried to help her out, “Oh, come on, miss. You used to mention the young master all the time…”

Before she could finish, Yang Rong cut in with conviction, “We cultivators are dedicated to the path of cultivation! Love is an illusion; only cultivation is real. Sweet words are empty; true power is tangible. No man can love you for a hundred years, but cultivation can let you live a hundred years!”

Maid: “…?”

Yang Rong turned to Mi Lu with a bright smile, “Young Master, don’t you agree?”

Mi Lu hesitated for a moment, then gave her a round of applause.

After dinner, Yang Rong hurriedly left with the maids, leaving Mi Lu and HuLü Yan at the table.

Remembering Yang Rong’s words, Mi Lu asked, “What do you think? Should we go to Drunken City first, or wait for the Pavilion Master to return?”

In the past, Mi Lu would ask HuLü Yan such questions but rarely got a clear answer. HuLü Yan usually had no set plan and seemed to go wherever he pleased. But this time, HuLü Yan answered directly, “I’d rather wait for him to return.”

“Alright,” Mi Lu said. “Let’s turn in early tonight, then. We can decide on the next steps tomorrow.”

HuLü Yan nodded obediently.

Mi Lu started up the stairs, but halfway up, he turned back. “Oh, right—”

HuLü Yan looked up, waiting.

Feeling slightly awkward, Mi Lu walked down a few steps to be closer before asking, “What do you think of Yang Rong?”

HuLü Yan’s expression instantly darkened.

“What do you mean?”

“Do you think she’s pretty?”

HuLü Yan replied immediately, “Just average.”

“…Really?” Mi Lu was incredulous. “You think she’s only average?”

“I’ve looked closely,” HuLü Yan replied calmly. “She’s average.”

Mi Lu felt incredulous. They’d just gone out together before dinner, and HuLü Yan was already dismissing her looks?

He’s so contrary!

Mi Lu dropped any pretense and got straight to the point. “I think Yang Rong’s a good person. She’s a few years older than you, but I grew up with her and know her well. If you’re interested in trying something with someone, why not consider her? I think she might…”

HuLü Yan abruptly stood up, the screech of his chair cutting him off.

Mi Lu fell silent, surprised to see HuLü Yan’s cold, stiff expression as he turned and walked away.

“HuLü Yan?” Mi Lu hurried after him, reaching out to grab his hand, only for HuLü Yan to yank it away.

“HuLü Yan!” Mi Lu shouted, “What’s your problem now?”

HuLü Yan’s voice was as icy as frost. “I won’t try anything with her. Even if I wanted to try with someone, it wouldn’t be her.”

Sensing something was up, Mi Lu pressed, “Then who? Tell me; maybe I can help.”

With his countless admirers, maybe Mi Lu could easily set something up.

To his surprise, HuLü Yan halted, turned back to face him, and said, “I want to try with…”

Mi Lu leaned in, looking eager.

“With…”

With you! Only you! It can only be you!

The words echoed in HuLü Yan’s mind, but he found himself unable to utter a single word.

From Mi Lu’s face, he saw no hint of the desire he so desperately wished for…

It was like a cold bucket of water dousing the flames in his heart.

His body stiffened, and his expression grew numb.

After a long pause, he heard himself murmur, “Never mind. It’s no one.”

Just wait a little longer.

Soon enough, he wouldn’t have to keep his feelings hidden any longer.