Chapter 2662: A Virtuous Woman Fears A Persistent Suitor

The courtyard at the peak of Mount Yuquan was tranquil. The lotus pond in the courtyard blossomed all year round, and the red koi swimming in it were as good as spirit pets. Anyone who came here would be awed by the sight.

But the picturesque scenery paled in comparison to the beautiful figure standing in it. She had long, fluttery hair, brows reminiscent of the distant mountains, and a pair of bright eyes. Her fair neck resembled that of a graceful crane, and she wore a white robe resembling snow. Her very presence formed the most picturesque painting.

Moonlight shone on her, and she naturally commanded the limelight.

“Big sister Yan!”

Zu An was overjoyed to see the other party. He hadn’t expected to reunite with her here. She felt familiar to him because he thought about her frequently, but upon further thought, it had been a long time since they last met.

“It was a wonderful lecture. Even I benefited greatly from it. I was your elder, but you can become my master now.” Yan Xuehen had a pleasant voice, but her tone was colder than the night wind.

Even so, Zu An didn’t think too much of it. Her character archetype was that of a snow immortal; he would be more surprised if her personality suddenly changed.

“I dare not be your master. You are my master.” Zu An walked over with a grin.

But Yan Xuehen subtly side-stepped to maintain her distance from him. “The world of cultivation has never been about age or seniority. It’s about how far you have advanced. Your cultivation far surpasses that of the past Zhao Han and the Fiend Emperor. You are qualified to be the master of all experts in this world, including me.”

Sensing her distance, Zu An frowned. He flitted forth and embraced her. “It’s been a while, but you’ve changed quite a bit.”

Yan Xuehen wanted to dodge, but it was beyond her means to avoid him. His warm embrace brought a frown to her face. “You’re using your skills to deal with me now?”

“You wanted to dodge,” Zu An replied brazenly.

“You have reached the peak of humankind, so why are you still acting like a thug?” Yan Xuehen’s voice quivered. She tried to struggle free but to no avail. In the end, she coldly said, “Regent, please have some self-respect. I am Chuyan’s master, and this is the academy’s sacred land...”

𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

Whoosh!

She was kissed before she could finish speaking. To make things worse, the other party made a loud smooching sound, as if pulling a prank on her.

Her fair skin was swiftly dyed red. “You!”

The White Jade Sect’s disciples admired Yan Xuehen’s beauty, but they found her too cold. She never showed any expression. Many had fantasized about how mesmerizing she would be if she smiled, but no one had ever seen her smile, let alone blush.

Yet in front of Zu An, she always showed sides unknown to others.

Looking at her angry yet embarrassed expression, Zu An thought to himself that this was probably the peak of beauty. He couldn’t take it anymore and stole yet another kiss from her.

Yan Xuehen couldn’t struggle free of him, so she put on a stern face and said, “I’m indeed no match for you now, but are you the type of person to take advantage of women like this?”

Zu An chuckled. “Of course I am. For many years now, I’ve dreamt of going onto the streets and teasing fair maidens!”

Yan Xuehen was left speechless, utterly shocked by his shamelessness.

She helplessly replied, “Ah Zu, didn’t we agree to forget about the past and remain as normal friends?”

“This is normal for me.” Zu An was unfazed.

Yan Xuehen was starting to get frustrated. “Do you hug normal friends like that too?”

You have successfully trolled Yan Xuehan for +22... +22... +22...

Zu An wouldn’t hug male friends like that, but he had no qualms with hugging female friends in such a manner. That said, he wouldn’t dare say those words aloud.

Yan Xuehan sighed yet again. “Ah Zu, I am Chuyan’s master.”

“So what?”

Chuyan knows about us, but I promised her that I’d keep it from Yan Xuehen. I shouldn’t backstab her now.

“Stop messing around.” Yan Xuehen glared at him.

“If I remember correctly, you promised me a hundred times. Surely a sect master like you won’t renege on your promise, right?” Zu An was helping jog her memory of their previous meeting.

“A hundred times? I only promised thrice...” Yan Xuehen blurted out, only to realize right away she had fallen for Zu An’s scheme. She angrily pummeled her fist on his chest.

Seeing that she had returned to normal, Zu An burst into laughter.

After the two bickered a little more, Yan Xuehen said while gasping for air, “Can’t you release me first? I have something to say.”

She had already glanced outside a couple times, worried that others would request an audience with their libationer.

“Do you still acknowledge the three times?” Zu An took the chance to ask.

Yan Xuehen gritted her teeth. Seeing how he refused to let go, she had no choice but to reply with a “Mm”.

Her embarrassed response further stoked Zu An’s fondness. Yan Xuehen had become colder after several years of absence, but that was due to the advancement of her cultivation rather than their relationship.

She cultivated the Unshakable Daoist Manual, which required one to cast away their feelings. If he’d let her have her way earlier, their relationship could have had to stop here.

Fortunately, the old idiom rang true—even the most virtuous woman feared a persistent suitor.

Yan Xuehen eyed the man beside her with conflicted eyes. A long time later, she asked, “Have you found a way to save Chu Chuyan?”

“I’ve found Chuyan and stabilized her condition for the time being, but it would be a stretch to say she’s living.” When he talked about Chuyan, Zu An’s smile vanished.

“What happened?” Yan Xuehan anxiously grabbed his hand.

“You don’t need to be so nervous. Chuyan currently exists as a soul, and her condition isn’t as bad as you imagine. For the time being, the situation is under control...” Zu An moved to explain about the Naihe Bridge and the Oblivion River.

Even though she was supposed to have cast away her emotions, tears glimmered in Yan Xuehen’s eyes. “Chuyan is suffering there alone. She is too pitiful.”

She suddenly raised her head and declared, “I want to meet her.” She was worried about Chu Chuyan and wanted to see how she was faring.

“That’s the Netherworld. The living can’t get there.”

“Aren’t you the master of this world and the Netherworld? You must have a way!” Yan Xuehen looked at him with hopeful eyes.

Zu An pondered for a while. “There is a way—soul projection—but it’s fraught with dangers...”

Yan Xuehen firmly replied, “I’ll do it!”