Chapter 147: No! I Must Not Falter!

Jiang Qing

For some reason, Sikong Wangxing felt that this name was very familiar.

It wasn’t just because it differed from Sister Qingshang’s name by only one character, but rather, it seemed she had seen or heard it somewhere before.

But at the time, it was probably just a passing glance or a casual mention she hadn’t paid attention to, so naturally, she couldn’t recall it now.

Or was it just her own illusion?

“My wife’s name is Jiang Qing.”

Lin Xun continued, not noticing the slight furrow of contemplation on Sikong Wangxing’s brow.

“Actually, to tell the truth, my wife has some connection with Jiang Qingshang.”

“Sister Qingshang?” Sikong Wangxing lifted her gaze.

“Mhm.”

Being looked at by Sikong Wangxing’s clear, unblemished Star Eyes, Lin Xun instinctively averted his gaze.

“Qinger was a childhood playmate of the Empress of Qian Kingdom and Jiang Qingshang, the Saintess of Zilin Holy Land; they are distant relatives. However, compared to the Empress and Jiang Qingshang, Qinger cannot cultivate.”

Whether one cultivates or not isn’t a big deal, but Miss Sikong, as you know, I am a Cultivator, and Qinger is a Mortal. A single short season for me might be her entire lifetime.

It’s not that I haven’t thought about destroying my own Spiritual Root and crippling my cultivation. But I have too many enemies. If I crippled my Spiritual Root and cultivation, anyone could divine my location.

At that point, forget about protecting Qinger, I wouldn’t even be able to protect myself.”

“So, Young Master plans to help Miss Qinger establish a Spiritual Root, embark on the path of cultivation, and extend her lifespan.” Sikong Wangxing blinked her eyes.

“Mhm.” Lin Xun nodded, “Indeed.”

“Then, I will also pretend I can cultivate, and together we will join the Zilin Holy Land.

I will secretly protect Qinger and guard her Dao.

When Qinger’s cultivation is sufficient, or she becomes familiar with the cultivation path, I will gradually reveal my identity bit by bit, letting her accept it slowly.”

Sikong Wangxing curved her eyes into a smile: “With Young Master Lin’s protection, I’m sure there will be no problems. Moreover, Young Master is such a good person. Even if Miss Qinger learns of your identity, she will certainly accept it.”

“I am not a good person.” Lin Xun refused the ‘good person card’, “Actually, coming to this Secret Realm this time, I simply wanted to rescue Jiang Qingshang, so that Qinger wouldn’t be saddened by the death of her good sister.”

“Eh? Young Master Lin came to the Heiwu Secret Realm to…”

“That’s right, I came to save Jiang Qingshang.”

Lin Xun said with a laugh.

“So, saying I would harm Jiang Qingshang is completely baseless. Not only Jiang Qingshang, but for you, Miss Sikong, I will also find a way. At least in the year you turn eighteen, I will…”

“Eighteen? What will happen to Wang Xing in the year she turns eighteen?” Sikong Wangxing looked at Lin Xun with puzzled eyes.

“In the year you turn eighteen…”

Suddenly, Lin Xun’s voice cut off.

Lin Xun originally wanted to say, “I will stay by your side and use every means to help you through that tribulation at eighteen.”

But looking at Sikong Wangxing’s inquiring gaze, Lin Xun suddenly wondered: Could it be that Tianji City had hidden her condition from her?

That was indeed quite possible.

If this gentle girl knew that she suffers a serious illness every six years,

and that each time it becomes more painful and difficult to endure, wouldn’t that be an immense psychological burden for her?

“It’s nothing. When Miss Sikong has her Coming-of-age Ceremony in the year she turns eighteen, I will definitely bring double gifts to congratulate you.”

In this world, a woman performs her Coming-of-age Ceremony after being betrothed (promised in marriage) and before the wedding, usually at fifteen. If she remains unmarried and unbetrothed, the ceremony is held at eighteen.

Although Sikong Wangxing had an engagement with Lin Xun before, it couldn’t be revealed.

Moreover, Lin Xun was missing at the time, so she didn’t have the ceremony at fifteen.

But in the year she turns eighteen, she must definitely have the ceremony.

Furthermore, according to custom, on the day a woman has her Coming-of-age Ceremony at eighteen, if she is not yet engaged or married, suitors can propose to her on that very day.

Therefore, guests need to prepare double gifts.

One is to congratulate the girl on becoming an adult woman.

The other is just in case, in the event she actually accepts a proposal, to conveniently offer a congratulatory gift.

“Double gifts?”

The properly seated girl gently smoothed her skirt, a kind, understanding smile still on her lips.

“That’s not necessary, Young Master Lin. If you come, bringing one gift is enough. Wang Xing does not plan to marry yet.”

Actually, Wang Xing wanted to say she would never marry again in this lifetime, but fearing her words might burden Lin Xun, she slightly rephrased it.

“I see… that’s fine too. We Cultivators indeed don’t need to rush. A girl as outstanding as Miss Wangxing, whoever marries her would be blessed with fortune accumulated over several lifetimes.”

Feeling the atmosphere might be turning a bit awkward, Lin Xun changed the subject.

Wang Xing didn’t say anything more, just smiled.

But as the girl’s gaze wandered, she accidentally noticed a tear in Lin Xun’s blue robe.

“If Young Master doesn’t mind, let Wang Xing mend it for you.” As she spoke, Wang Xing had already taken out needle and thread from her Storage Pouch.

This left Lin Xun with no time to refuse.

“Then I’ll trouble you, Miss Sikong.” Lin Xun felt somewhat embarrassed, but he simply couldn’t bring himself to refuse her. It felt like refusing this gentle, sickly girl would make him explode with guilt.

Finally, Lin Xun took off his blue robe.

Even though he wore an inner garment, taking off his robe in front of a young girl felt strange to Lin Xun.

In fact, Sikong Wangxing, having realized the situation, also blushed slightly, not daring to look up.

Taking Lin Xun’s blue robe, Sikong Wangxing held it in her arms and began to mend it.

Lin Xun truly hadn’t expected this girl to carry needle and thread with her at all times.

And as a Saintess of Tianji City, she actually knew this kind of needlework?

Back then, Qinger, clumsy as she was, spent many days learning embroidery, and then many more days making a garment for him.

Miss Sikong’s background is far more noble than Qinger’s, but it seems her embroidery skills are much more proficient.

Could it be that Tianji City trained this girl to be a master of all domestic arts?

That doesn’t make sense. Why would Tianji City have nothing better to do than teach their Saintess embroidery?

But regardless, watching this delicate girl kneeling before him, holding his clothes, her fair, slender fingers pinching the needle and thread, meticulously mending for him stitch by stitch, Lin Xun felt a warm sense of domesticity, like a couple.

As if time stood still… What the hell am I thinking!

Chop! Chop! Chop! Chop!

Lin Xun chopped down his Heart Demon for who knows how many times!

No! I must not falter!

She and I are connected by the Qingtian Xuannü Technique. If even a sliver of affection stirs, it will become uncontrollable!

Taking a deep breath, Lin Xun tried to forcibly calm his emotions.

But at that very moment, the cave violently shook!

A massive black hole appeared in the sky!