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Just as Xuan Ming began to seriously plan how to 'gather' spirit rings, abandon the so-called Seagod Nine Trials, and directly break through to level 100—
Under the moonlight, a silver figure silently appeared in front of the Sea God Temple.
Gu Yuena looked at the tightly shut temple door, a hint of helplessness and determination flashing in her silver-purple eyes.
During the previous tests, she was mostly in a supportive role, and the first test was entirely left for Xuan Ming to handle himself.
But this fourth test... counting on that guy, who was almost 'a block of wood' when it came to emotions, to solve Bo Saixi's problem himself? He'd probably still be clueless even after failing the test.
Xuan Ming was very smart; he actually understood everything. If he were an outsider, that guy could probably come up with better solutions than her, but once he was involved, he was helpless.
It was both a case of being too concerned to think straight, and because Xuan Ming always found it hard to be ruthless in these matters.
Since he couldn't do it, then she, the 'legitimate wife,' would handle it personally.
She raised her hand and gently pressed it against the soft golden halo.
"Grand Priestess, I wish to speak with you."
The moonlight was like water, flowing silently within the Sea God Temple.
The golden halo set up by Bo Saixi did not block Gu Yuena; the moment her hand touched the halo, the barrier dispersed like ripples, revealing the slightly haggard yet still graceful figure behind it.
Bo Saixi looked at the uninvited Gu Yuena, a flicker of panic in her eyes, but she quickly suppressed it, regaining the dignified composure of a Grand Priestess: "Your Excellency Gu Yuena, visiting late at night, may I ask what is the urgent matter?"
Gu Yuena had no intention of beating around the bush. Her silver-purple eyes calmly met Bo Saixi's, and she spoke directly: "I came for Xuan Ming, and also for you."
She paused, "I can see your feelings for Xuan Ming."
Bo Saixi's delicate body trembled violently, her fingers gripping the scepter instantly tightened, knuckles turning white. She subconsciously wanted to deny it, to escape, her cheeks uncontrollably flushing a light red. "I... I don't know what you're talking about..."
"No need to deny it." Gu Yuena interrupted her, her tone brooking no argument, "During my time on Sea God Island, I have seen enough. The way you look at him has long surpassed the concern of a Grand Priestess for a test-taker."
Her gaze swept over Bo Saixi's slightly relaxed brows, and she continued: "As for Tang Chen... I have no intention of delving into your past obsession. But I can feel that after his complete demise, there wasn't much sadness in your heart; instead... you felt quite a bit of relief, didn't you?"
These words were like a sharp sword, precisely piercing the most secret and most shameful corner of Bo Saixi's heart.
She staggered back half a step, her sea-blue eyes filled with the embarrassment of being seen through and self-struggle.
Yes, she did feel liberated, liberated from that long and hopeless wait, and this sense of liberation stemmed from the young man's appearance, and... Tang Chen's end.
"I..." Bo Saixi opened her mouth but found herself speechless.
Gu Yuena did not give her a chance to breathe or make excuses. She took a step forward, an invisible aura making it impossible for Bo Saixi to look away.
"I came today not to question you, nor to contend with you for anything. I have long been mentally prepared for these matters concerning Xuan Ming; you are not the first."
Her words were so blunt they startled Bo Saixi: "I can tell you clearly, if Xuan Ming has feelings for you and is willing to accept you, I will not object."
Bo Saixi suddenly looked up, her eyes filled with disbelief.
She hadn't expected Gu Yuena to be so... generous?
However, Gu Yuena's next words were like a basin of cold water, instantly making the faint glimmer of hope she had just felt turn realistic and stark.
"However, the problem is, Xuan Ming, at least so far, has no such intention towards you." Gu Yuena's tone carried a hint of helpless analysis, "He is not a promiscuous person, nor is he one to fall in love with everyone he meets. His thoughts are deep, his emotions restrained, especially when it comes to matters of men and women, he is almost... oblivious.
You two have spent two years on Sea God Island; he respects you, holds you in high regard, and perhaps appreciates your care, but as for romantic feelings... at least on his part, they have not yet blossomed."
The light in Bo Saixi's eyes dimmed, and she lowered her head bitterly.
Gu Yuena was right; Xuan Ming had always maintained a polite distance with her. His concern stemmed more from gratitude towards an elder or a friend, and he had never made any inappropriate gestures.
Seeing Bo Saixi's crestfallen expression, Gu Yuena changed the subject:
"So, for this matter, you need to be more proactive."
"Proactive?" Bo Saixi was stunned. Given her status and personality, to actively express her feelings to a man much younger than herself? This was simply... "Exactly, proactive." Gu Yuena affirmed, "I know him too well. He can face a mountain of corpses without batting an eye, and he can fight to the death under the pressure of a God King, but when it comes to emotions, he worries too much and isn't hard-hearted enough. If you keep holding back, he will keep pretending not to know, maintaining that damned, annoying balance."
She looked at Bo Saixi and made her assessment: "But if you take that step, break through that window of unspoken understanding, with the bond you two have built over these two years on Sea God Island... in my opinion, your chances of success are at least fifty percent."
Fifty percent!
Bo Saixi was dumbfounded, her cheeks flushed. Actively approach? Clearly express her feelings? This... this simply overturned the etiquette and modesty she had upheld for nearly a century!
"I... how can I..." Bo Saixi's voice was as soft as a mosquito's buzz, filled with shyness and hesitation.
"For the Sea God's inheritance qualification, and for yourself." Gu Yuena looked at her, pointing out the most crucial point, "Are you content to always be just a waiting woman, a Grand Priestess confined to this island? Don't you want to seize this opportunity, break free from fate, and become the true Sea God?"
The six words "Sea God's inheritance qualification" struck Bo Saixi's heart like a heavy hammer. She recalled the content of the hidden God Test, and her inner yearning for freedom and aspiration for a higher realm.
Gu Yuena's words were like a key, unlocking a long-imprisoned shackle in her heart.
Yes, she had waited too long, and suppressed too much.
For Tang Chen, she had guarded Sea God Island for decades, only to end up with nothing.
Now, should she, because of so-called modesty and shyness, miss another opportunity that could change her destiny?
Watching the gradually ignited light of determination in Bo Saixi's eyes, Gu Yuena knew her words had worked.
"The choice is yours." Gu Yuena said finally, "I've shown you the opportunity; whether you can seize it depends on your courage."
With that, she said no more, turned, and left the sleeping quarters, leaving Bo Saixi alone, standing rooted to the spot, her heart surging, unable to calm down for a long time.
Proactive... really?
Bo Saixi looked at the bright moonlight outside the window. In her sea-blue eyes, hesitation, shyness, and struggle were finally replaced by a desperate determination.
Perhaps... she should be brave for herself, just this once