The morning sun bathed the Silver Rain Sect in gold, but in Jiang Yuefeng's courtyard, the warmth was subtle, calculated—just like the man himself.
Mu Shilan sat by the window, dressed in a snow-white robe, hair cascading down her back like silk. Her face was calm, yet her eyes occasionally drifted to Yuefeng, who was sipping spirit tea across from her.
Their night together had changed something. She no longer looked at him as just an outer disciple—but as someone worthy of attention. Perhaps even… trust?
"You're not like the others," she said at last, her voice quieter than usual.
"I'm not," Yuefeng replied. "Because I see this world for what it is—brutal, greedy, and filled with false smiles."
Her fingers tightened around her teacup.
"And you?" she asked. "Are you false too?"
He chuckled softly. "I wear masks like everyone else. But with you, I remove a few."
It was a lie. A perfect one. He'd spent days carefully crafting this moment—pacing his words, actions, and even silence. Now, she was beginning to lower her guard.
He stood and approached her from behind, gently placing his hands on her shoulders. She didn't resist.
Instead, she leaned back into his touch.
"You've been carrying your sect's expectations for too long," he whispered. "Let someone else carry you for a night."
She turned to look at him, eyes shimmering with something dangerously close to affection. And then, without words, she leaned in.
Their lips met—slower this time, less hunger, more depth. Yuefeng's hands roamed her sides, fingers sliding beneath her robe with practiced ease. He lifted her into his arms and laid her on the soft meditation mat, not the bed.
"I want to feel you where you meditate," he whispered. "So I can stay in your thoughts every time you cultivate."
A blush crossed her pale cheeks. She didn't stop him.
Her robe slipped away, and he began with kisses along her neck and down to her chest, his hands cupping her full curves. She gasped when he entered her, this time with a slow rhythm, locking eyes with her, giving the illusion of intimacy.
She clung to him tightly, breath shaky, moaning his name softly as their bodies moved in perfect unison.
System Notification:
[Mu Shilan – Beauty Score: 85]
[Dual Harmony Achieved – Intimacy Rank: Deepening]
+1 Cultivation Level Gained (Qi Refining 5)
+5% Talent Enhancement
+15 Charm Points
Emotion Detected: Building Loyalty + Protective Instinct
She is starting to see you as someone to protect…
Yuefeng's heart remained untouched.
She's useful, powerful, respected—and now emotionally tethered. But loyalty is only leverage.
As they lay together, she resting against him, her fingers tracing circles on his chest, he stared at the ceiling with a calm, almost bored expression.
"You won't leave, will you?" she asked, half-asleep.
He kissed her forehead. "Never."
Lie #13.
Later, Mu Shilan met with her personal elder and requested Jiang Yuefeng be evaluated for the upcoming Core Trial early.
"He's no ordinary outer disciple," she said, her voice filled with conviction.
That evening, Jiang Yuefeng stood atop the courtyard roof, looking down at the glowing sect buildings.
One puppet secured.
Now for the next piece.
He smiled coldly.
End of Chapter 11