Chapter Forty: Return Once More

Yinyao, accompanied by a man, walked beneath an ancient locust tree. In his hand was a piece of crimson jade, which he embedded into a square hollow in the tree. A burst of spiritual light flared, dazzling the crowd.

Above them, a translucent, glass-like natural barrier unfolded slowly. The long-missed fragrance swept into Yinyao’s nostrils; she inhaled deeply, greedily, savoring air she had not breathed for three whole years.

Behind them, a group of people clad in simple or azure garments stared, mesmerized, at the world beyond. It was their first glimpse outside; this natural barrier was never opened by the Master of the Manor. But today, not only would it open, Yinyao was returning, and even the young master would accompany her to witness the outside world.

An elder with a bright, clear aura stroked his snowy white beard and approached Yinyao with deliberate slowness. Yet in the next instant, he was before her. “Yinyao, Sui insists on following you out. I hope you’ll forgive him, and please, take good care of this child,” he said.

Yinyao cast a meaningful glance at the man beside her, whose innocent smile betrayed nothing of his true nature. His beauty was so striking it was almost a calamity—more alluring than any woman. Yinyao felt an urge to tear away his mask.

To others, this man always appeared carefree, cheerful. At their first meeting, Yinyao had found him adorable, childlike—a trait she had envied. But after living together for three years, adorable was the last word she’d use; he was infuriating.

Retracting her gaze, Yinyao bowed respectfully to the white-haired elder. “Yes, Master Li, rest assured. I will do my utmost to protect him. Thank you for your shelter and kindness these past three years.”

“Father, I don’t need Yinyao’s protection. I’m stronger than her; my martial arts surpass hers!” the man declared, ignoring Yinyao’s murderous glare, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

“Very well,” Old Master Li smiled affectionately at his son.

Yinyao looked at the second man in this world to call her “Yinyao,” mostly speechless, yet resigned. Others might not see his true nature, but after nearly three years together, Yinyao knew him well—a wolf in sheep’s clothing, a sly predator. Hearing him poke at her sore spot, she glared at him, deeply annoyed.

Yes, the one daring to call her “Yinyao” without permission, with a harmless face, was none other than Li Sui—the young master of this hidden manor. Despite possessing no mystical powers, his strength exceeded hers.

Unseen by Yinyao, Li Sui gazed thoughtfully at the opening barrier, then at Yinyao, still sulking. A faint smile curved his lips.

Yinyao, do you know? To leave openly, without sneaking away, has always been my dream. I could leave by my own power, easily, but I wanted to depart in front of everyone, unashamed. Your arrival made everything simpler.

I wonder why you appeared—was it fate? Such coincidence! Perhaps before, I only wanted to leave for selfish reasons, but now, I feel I’ve found something more meaningful. Do you know?

Looking at the manor’s people, Yinyao felt reluctant. In these three years, every one of them had given her warmth, help, and selfless devotion.

“Old Master Li, Yinyao takes her leave!” She seized Li Sui, who was about to squeeze out a few tears, gathered her energy, and soared upward with her lightness skill.

In a blink, the two were standing atop an ancient tree on the barrier. Li Sui’s dramatic farewell was interrupted; he shot Yinyao a resentful look—his big moment, tearful departure, cut short!

Yet where Yinyao could not see, he smiled gently. Yinyao, I know you’re afraid—afraid that if you linger, you’ll break down and cry. You!

“Stop pretending in front of me!” Yinyao glared at Li Sui, watching the barrier slowly close, seeing the people wave, tears already streaming down many faces.

When the barrier sealed completely and the manor’s people could no longer see them, Yinyao turned away, silent.

Li Sui placed a hand on her shoulder and gently drew her into his arms. “Yinyao, it’s all right. We can come back someday. You know I have a way.”

Yinyao said nothing, but faint sobs soon escaped her.

Yinyao, only in moments like this do you accept my embrace.

Li Sui shook his head and chuckled softly.

When Yinyao composed herself, she withdrew from his arms. Li Sui said nothing, only took out a handkerchief to wipe her tears.

“Are you ready? Then let’s go.”

“Yes.”

Their figures leapt one after the other up the steep mountainside. If you watched closely, you’d notice the man always followed the woman, always behind her, silently protecting.

Reaching the summit swiftly, Yinyao took a long look at the abyss below.

The memories you’ve given me, I will never forget. You gave me the chance to be reborn.

Li Sui stared at Yinyao’s back, eyes resolute. Yinyao, rest assured, from now on, you’ll have my companionship. I won’t leave you. I’ll always stand behind you, your strongest support.

“Yinyao, where shall we go now?” Li Sui flashed a wicked smile, his feelings already settled.

“Aren’t you the proud leader of your sect? Don’t tell me you have nowhere to go!” Yinyao looked at Li Sui with disdain. This guy—his true colors show so quickly!

“No, I want to follow you. Wherever Yinyao goes, I’ll go! I’ll never abandon you!” Li Sui followed behind, chattering endlessly.

Yinyao looked at him, exasperated. “Just follow me, why all the fuss?”

“Yinyao, tell me what the outside world is like!” Li Sui’s eyes sparkled with hearts, gazing at her pitifully.

Seeing his expression, a memory flashed in Yinyao’s mind: she had once looked at Chu Su Yi—no, Ji Xuan Yu—just like this.

Li Sui, noticing her reaction, realized he’d made a mistake.

“Yinyao, Yinyao, tell me, please!”

Dragged back into memories by Li Sui, Yinyao glared at him in annoyance. “As if you don’t know! Stop joking. With all your spies outside, how could you not know?”

“Oh, but I want to hear it from you!” Li Sui tugged at Yinyao’s sleeve, refusing to give up, sending her flirtatious glances.

“No!”

“Come on, tell me!”

“Ask your subordinates!”

“Yinyao~”

…

Watching Li Sui refuse to yield, Yinyao’s thoughts drifted far away.