#109 · 109 of 191
Chapter 109: Gentle Night, Hidden Moves in the Game
The night wind swept through the ruins of the mine, carrying an air of desolation.
Su Yun walked in front, with seven figures following behind him.
Hu Meiniang stayed close to him, her green dress glowing faintly under the moonlight, her figure swaying, her eyes brimming with allure.
She stole glances at Su Yun from time to time, her eyes filled with curiosity, obedience, and a hint of irrepressible anticipation.
The male cultivator named Zhao Han walked at the very back, his face still somewhat pale.
Although the large hole in his chest had been repaired with Qi, his internal injuries still needed time to heal.
He looked at the black-robed figure in front, his eyes complex.
Even now, he couldn't understand why his Junior Sister had suddenly betrayed them.
No, it wasn't betrayal.
It was that she had been controlled by that young man using some kind of method.
He looked at his Junior Sister, the cold and proud Junior Sister he had grown up with, now acting like an obedient little wife, desperate to press herself against that man.
A chill surged in his heart.
Fortunately, he was now also under the Enslavement of that man.
Although his loyalty was only 58, the suppression coming from the depths of his Divine Soul made him unable to harbor even the slightest thought of resistance.
By the time the group returned to Qinghe City, it was already late at night.
The streets were empty, with only a few taverns still lit.
Su Yun pushed open the courtyard gate, and it was brightly lit inside.
Shen Ying stood in the courtyard, and seeing the seven people behind Su Yun, she was taken aback for a moment.
"Young Master, this is…"
Su Yun waved his hand.
"Newly acquired. Arrange some accommodations."
Shen Ying nodded, her gaze lingering on Hu Meiniang for a moment.
This woman was too alluring.
The seductiveness that seeped from her very bones made even her, a woman, feel her heart race.
Hu Meiniang noticed her gaze and smiled at her.
That smile was charming and moving, yet carried a hint of inexplicable closeness.
Shen Ying was stunned for a moment and quickly looked away.
"Please follow me."
She led the seven people to the backyard to arrange their lodgings.
Hu Meiniang, however, did not move.
She stood beside Su Yun, her eyes sparkling.
Su Yun looked at her.
"You're not going?"
Hu Meiniang shook her head, smiling meaningfully.
"Didn't Master say to let his subordinate accompany him?"
Su Yun raised an eyebrow.
This woman remembered clearly.
He smiled and turned to walk toward the main room.
"Follow."
In the main room, the candlelight flickered.
Su Yun sat down on the couch; Hu Meiniang walked to his side naturally, but instead of sitting in his lap, she knelt before him.
She raised her head, her eyes watery, filled with allure and obedience.
"Master, this subordinate has something to report."
Su Yun looked at her.
"Speak."
Hu Meiniang said softly:
"Those who came to hunt Master down this time, besides the seven of us, there is another team."
Su Yun narrowed his eyes.
"There's more?"
Hu Meiniang nodded.
"That team did not act with us. They are elites from Yuxu Palace, led by an Elder at the Early Nascent Soul Stage, secretly infiltrating the Central Region with the goal of finding Master's lair."
Su Yun frowned slightly.
Early Nascent Soul Stage?
"Where are they now?"
Hu Meiniang shook her head.
"This subordinate does not know. They act independently; even Senior Brother Zhao Han does not know their specific location. This subordinate only knows that they will likely arrive in the Southern Region in about half a month."
Su Yun was silent for a moment.
Half a month.
From Qinghe City to the Southern Region, flying by sword takes a month. Taking a spirit boat takes twenty days.
If that team arrives in the Southern Region in half a month, it means they set off long ago.
Perhaps they have already entered the Southern Region territory.
He suddenly laughed.
"That's perfect."
Hu Meiniang was stunned.
"Master?"
Su Yun looked at her, his gaze calm.
"Let them go to the Southern Region to search. What they will find will only be an empty valley."
Hu Meiniang blinked, not quite understanding.
Su Yun did not explain.
He reached out, pinched her chin, and forced her to look up.
"You said just now that you are from the Hehuan Sect?"
Hu Meiniang nodded.
Su Yun looked into her eyes.
In those eyes, there was allure, obedience, and a hint of deeply hidden… ambition?
He laughed.
"The Cultivation Technique of the Hehuan Sect is related to Dual Cultivation?"
Hu Meiniang's face blushed slightly.
"Replying to Master, yes. The Hehuan Sect has an equal number of male and female Disciples, specializing in the path of Yin and Yang harmony. Dual Cultivation can increase cultivation, and can also…"
She paused, her voice lowering.
"It can also make the other party drown in it, unable to extricate themselves."
Su Yun raised an eyebrow.
"Have you used it on me?"
Hu Meiniang quickly shook her head.
"This subordinate wouldn't dare! Master is too strong; this subordinate's meager methods couldn't even get close."
She said, looking up with watery eyes.
"And now, this subordinate is Master's person. Those methods can only be used to serve Master."
Su Yun looked at her.
This woman certainly knew how to talk.
He released her and leaned back on the couch.
"Then let me see just how powerful your Hehuan Sect's Cultivation Technique really is."
Hu Meiniang's eyes lit up.
She stood up and gently untied her sash.
The green dress slipped off, revealing snow-white skin.
Moonlight spilled in from outside the window, falling on her and outlining her perfect curves.
She walked to Su Yun and leaned down.
The candlelight flickered, casting two intertwined shadows.
The night was still long.
The next morning.
Su Yun opened his eyes, feeling refreshed all over.
In his arms, Hu Meiniang was curled up, sleeping soundly.
On that alluring face, there was still a flush from the aftermath, and the corners of her mouth were slightly upturned, like a satisfied cat.
Su Yun gently withdrew his arm and got out of bed.
Dressed neatly, he pushed the door open and went out.
In the courtyard, Shen Ying was already waiting.
Seeing Su Yun come out, her face flushed slightly, and she lowered her head.
She had heard the commotion last night clearly.
Su Yun didn't pay it any mind and sat down by the stone table.
"Are those people from last night settled?"
Shen Ying nodded.
"They are all arranged in the backyard. The one named Zhao Han is still injured and is recuperating in his room. The other three are also staying put."
Su Yun gave a grunt of acknowledgment.
"Let Hu Meiniang sleep a bit longer. She was quite exhausted last night."
Shen Ying's face turned even redder, but she nodded in agreement.
Su Yun leaned back in his chair, looking at the sky.
The Yuxu Palace's Nascent Soul Elder, with elite Disciples, had gone to the Southern Region.
They wouldn't find Qingyou Valley, but they would definitely ask around.
Elder Han Yue and the others should be able to handle it.
But he couldn't let his guard down.
He thought for a moment and said to Shen Ying:
"Send a message to Qingyou Valley. Tell Elder Han Yue and the others not to leave the valley recently and to activate all Formations. If anyone asks, say they don't know."
Shen Ying nodded.
"Yes, Young Master."
She turned to leave, but Su Yun suddenly called her back.
"Also, have Zhou Ruoyun come over."
Shen Ying agreed and left quickly.
Not long after, Zhou Ruoyun arrived.
She was wearing a pale pink dress today, her hair tied up with a jade hairpin, revealing her slender, fair neck. On her youthful face was the flush unique to a young girl.
Seeing Su Yun, her eyes lit up, and she trotted over.
"Brother Su!"
She threw herself into his arms and rubbed against him like a little cat.
Su Yun reached out and wrapped his arms around her.
"Did you sleep well last night?"
Zhou Ruoyun nodded.
"Ruoyun slept very soundly. I dreamed of Brother Su."
Su Yun smiled.
"What did you dream about me?"
Zhou Ruoyun blushed, buried her face in his chest, and refused to say.
Su Yun didn't press her and gently patted her back.
After a while, Zhou Ruoyun raised her head.
"Brother Su, Ruoyun has to go to the Zhou Family to handle some affairs today. Father said that a few clan Elders are dissatisfied and want to cause trouble."
Su Yun raised an eyebrow.
"Do you need me to accompany you?"
Zhou Ruoyun shook her head.
"Ruoyun can handle it myself."
She said, clenching her small fist.
"Ruoyun wants to show them that even though Ruoyun is a girl, I can still be a good family head."
Su Yun looked at her serious little face and couldn't help but laugh.
He lowered his head and kissed her forehead.
"Alright. Go ahead."
Zhou Ruoyun blushed, stood on tiptoe to kiss his cheek, and then ran away quickly.
Running to the door, she looked back at him, her eyes curving into crescents.
Su Yun watched her back, the corners of his mouth slightly upturned.
This girl was becoming more and more interesting.
In the afternoon.
Hu Meiniang woke up.
She was wearing a newly changed red dress, walked into the courtyard, and sat down beside Su Yun.
"Master."
Her voice carried the laziness of just waking up, soft and alluring.
Su Yun glanced at her.
"Recovered well."
Hu Meiniang blushed slightly.
"The Cultivation Technique this subordinate Cultivates is special, so recovery is fast."
She paused and added:
"Master, this subordinate wants to return to the Hehuan Sect."
Su Yun raised an eyebrow.
"What are you going back for?"
Hu Meiniang lowered her voice:
"This subordinate's Master is an Elder of the Hehuan Sect. She has a lot of intelligence on the Immortal Alliance. This subordinate can go back and help Master keep an eye on things there."
Su Yun looked at her.
This woman was certainly thoughtful.
"Aren't you afraid of being found out?"
Hu Meiniang shook her head.
"People from the Hehuan Sect are naturally mysterious. If this subordinate goes back and says the mission failed and I escaped, no one will suspect anything."
She said, holding Su Yun's hand.
"Master can rest assured, this subordinate is forever Master's person."
Su Yun was silent for a moment.
Then, he nodded.
"Go. Be careful."
Hu Meiniang's eyes lit up.
"Thank you, Master!"
She leaned over and kissed his cheek.
"This subordinate will return soon."
After saying this, she stood up and walked out of the courtyard.
Walking to the door, she suddenly turned back.
"Master, before this subordinate leaves, there is one more thing I want to tell you."
Su Yun looked at her.
Hu Meiniang smiled meaningfully.
"That Senior Brother Zhao Han has actually always had feelings for this subordinate. If Master is worried, you can let him keep me company more."
Su Yun was stunned for a moment, then laughed.
This woman.
Hu Meiniang left with a smile.
In the courtyard, Su Yun was alone again.
He leaned back in his chair, looking at the sky.
The Yuxu Palace's Nascent Soul, the Hehuan Sect's hidden moves, and that Immortal Alliance headquarters that had never shown its face.
The water in the Central Region was deeper than he had imagined.
But he wasn't afraid.
The deeper the water, the bigger the fish it could raise.
In the evening.
Zhou Ruoyun returned.
As soon as she entered the door, she threw herself into Su Yun's arms.
"Brother Su! Ruoyun was so amazing today!"
Su Yun looked at her with a smile.
"How were you amazing?"
Zhou Ruoyun raised her head, her eyes sparkling.
"Those clan Elders were rendered speechless by Ruoyun! They even said they would support Ruoyun and listen to Ruoyun in the future!"
Su Yun ruffled her hair.
"My Ruoyun is truly amazing."
Zhou Ruoyun smiled like a flower.
She suddenly remembered something and took a small box from her bosom.
"Brother Su, this is something Ruoyun brought for you. The osmanthus cake from the pastry shop in the east of the city is delicious."
Su Yun took the box and opened it to look.
Inside were eight pieces of osmanthus cake neatly arranged, golden and soft, emitting a faint scent of osmanthus.
He picked up a piece and took a bite.
Sweet but not greasy, it was indeed delicious.
"Is it good?" Zhou Ruoyun looked at him eagerly.
Su Yun nodded.
Zhou Ruoyun smiled until her eyes narrowed.
That night.
Su Yun was reading intelligence in the study, and Zhou Ruoyun sat beside him, quietly embroidering a handkerchief.
The candlelight flickered, casting two dependent figures.
Shen Ying stood at the door, watching this scene, a feeling she couldn't explain surging in her heart.
She suddenly envied Zhou Ruoyun a little.
To be able to stay by Master's side so quietly.
Unlike her, who could only stand in the shadows, watching all of this.
She shook her head and turned to leave.
The night grew deeper.
Qinghe City was immersed in silence.
Su Yun put down the intelligence and looked at Zhou Ruoyun beside him.
She had fallen asleep on the table, still holding the unfinished handkerchief in her hand.
Her little face was pillowed on her arm, her eyelashes trembling slightly, and a smile on the corners of her mouth.
Su Yun reached out and gently picked her up.
Zhou Ruoyun opened her eyes groggily, looked at him, then closed them again, snuggling into his arms.
Su Yun carried her into the bedroom.
He placed her on the bed and covered her with a thin quilt.
He sat down by the bed, watching her quiet sleeping face.
Moonlight spilled in from outside the window, falling on her face.
A delicate little face, innocent features, and that little bit of reliance.
He suddenly remembered the first time he saw her.
That young girl who stood behind the screen, secretly watching him.
At that time, she was a pawn he used to balance the Zhou Family.
But now…
He smiled.
Pawn or player, it didn't matter.
As long as she was by his side, it was enough.
He leaned down and kissed her forehead gently.
Then he got up and walked out of the bedroom.
In the study, Shen Ying had returned at some point and was standing at the door.
"Young Master."
Su Yun nodded.
"Is something the matter?"
Shen Ying handed over a piece of intelligence.
"A reply came from Qingyou Valley. Elder Han Yue said that all is well and to let Young Master rest assured."
Su Yun took the intelligence and glanced at it.
Elder Han Yue's handwriting was cold and concise, just like the person herself.
He put away the intelligence.
"Is there anything else?"
Shen Ying hesitated for a moment.
"That Zhao Han wants to see Young Master."
Su Yun raised an eyebrow.
"What does he want to do?"
Shen Ying shook her head.
"He didn't say. Just that he had an important matter to report."
Su Yun thought for a moment.
"Let him come over."
A moment later, Zhao Han walked into the study.
He had changed into a clean robe, and his complexion was better than yesterday.
Seeing Su Yun, he lowered his head and knelt on one knee.
"Master."
Su Yun looked at him.
"What is the matter, speak."
Zhao Han raised his head, his gaze complex.
"Master, this subordinate wants to ask a favor of you."
Su Yun didn't speak.
Zhao Han gritted his teeth.
"This subordinate wants to beg you to treat Junior Sister better."
Su Yun raised an eyebrow.
"Your Junior Sister? Hu Meiniang?"
Zhao Han nodded.
"This subordinate and Junior Sister grew up together. Junior Sister has a strong personality and never submits to anyone. But last night, I saw her…"
He paused, his voice lowering.
"Seeing her willingly follow Master, this subordinate knew that she had truly found her home."
He looked up at Su Yun.
"This subordinate dares not ask Master to dote on Junior Sister exclusively, only that Master does not let her be sad."
Su Yun looked at him and was silent for a moment.
Then, he laughed.
"You are certainly loyal."
Zhao Han lowered his head.
"This subordinate is just…"
"That's enough." Su Yun waved his hand. "I will treat Hu Meiniang well. You may go back."
Zhao Han was stunned for a moment, then kowtowed deeply.
"Thank you, Master."
He got up and exited the study.
Shen Ying stood to the side, watching this scene, and couldn't help but ask:
"Young Master, this Zhao Han…"
Su Yun smiled.
"Is a person who can be used."
He stood up and walked to the window.
Outside, the moonlight was like water.
In the distance, a few dog barks could be faintly heard.
Everything was very calm.
But he knew this was just the calm before the storm.
A new storm was about to arrive soon.
He turned around and looked at Shen Ying.
"Tomorrow, call over the few Golden Core cultivators Hu Meiniang left behind. I have tasks for them."
Shen Ying nodded.
"Yes, Young Master."
Su Yun looked out the window.
Under the moonlight, his shadow was stretched very long.
The night in Qinghe City was still long.
But the sky would brighten soon.
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