That morning, Su Qingyue walked toward the training grounds with her face burning red. Her heart pounded furiously, for throughout the night she had resolved to finally confess her feelings to Lingxuan. When her eyes caught sight of Lingxuan training alone at the mountain peak, she gathered her courage and quickened her steps.
"Lingxuan…" Qingyue called softly, her cheeks flushing even deeper as she ran toward him.
But before she could reach him, Tianyun suddenly appeared out of nowhere and pulled Lingxuan aside. Qingyue froze, her heart jolting in surprise, then instinctively followed them from a distance, curiosity and unease gnawing at her.
From behind a cluster of trees, Qingyue saw something that made her chest tighten—Tianyun embraced Lingxuan tightly. Her eyes widened in shock, her heart stirred violently, and her face turned crimson, not from shyness this time, but from the flames of jealousy.
She couldn't hear everything clearly, but faintly she caught Tianyun's trembling voice:"I'm sorry… for making Su Qingyue ignore you…"
Lingxuan only gave a faint smile, patting Tianyun's head gently, ruffling his hair like one would to a younger sibling."It's fine. I'm not angry."
The sight stabbed at Qingyue's heart. She clenched her fists, whispering to herself, Why… why does it hurt so much to see this?
Her face burned hotter, not from the innocent blush of wanting to confess, but from the deep sting of jealousy. She couldn't tear her gaze away from Lingxuan standing so close to Tianyun.
Lingxuan finished adjusting Tianyun's collar when the faintest shift in the air caught his attention. His spiritual sense stirred, brushing against a familiar aura lingering nearby. Slowly, his eyes turned toward the trees on the edge of the courtyard.
"Qingyue," he called calmly, his deep voice carrying across the still morning air. "Why are you standing there?"
Su Qingyue's body stiffened as though she'd been caught red-handed. Her breath hitched, her heart beating furiously in her chest. She had followed without meaning to reveal herself, yet now his gaze was upon her—clear, steady, and direct.
"I…" She bit her lip, forcing down the storm inside her chest. Her fingers trembled slightly as she stepped out from the shadows, her face glowing crimson. "It's nothing… I just happened to pass by."
Her voice was soft, but the underlying tension couldn't be hidden. Lingxuan's brows drew together slightly, sensing that something was off. Still, he chose not to press her.
Qingyue, meanwhile, kept her gaze low, unwilling to meet his eyes. Her heart swirled with emotions she couldn't voice. What burned most was the image that refused to leave her mind: Tianyun's arms wrapped around Lingxuan.
Almost instinctively, her eyes darted toward Tianyun.
The moment their gazes met, her expression sharpened—no longer the gentle, composed Qingyue everyone knew, but a young woman caught in the throes of jealousy. Her rosy lips tightened, her bright eyes narrowed, and a fiery glare settled on Tianyun like a blade pressing against his throat.
Tianyun froze.
For a heartbeat, he didn't understand why Su Qingyue was looking at him like that. Then the realization hit—her expression wasn't just cold; it was laced with something else. Jealousy. Anger. Possessiveness.
Wait… why is she glaring at me like I stole something from her?
A chill ran down Tianyun's spine. He straightened immediately, his arms falling stiffly to his sides, and took a small step backward as if retreating from invisible danger.
"I-I… it's not what it looks like," Tianyun stammered quickly, though neither Lingxuan nor Qingyue had accused him of anything. His words only tumbled out because he could no longer bear the intensity of her gaze.
Qingyue's eyes narrowed further, and her cheeks flushed with a mix of shame and irritation. She hadn't intended to reveal her emotions so openly, but her heart betrayed her. Each time she thought of Tianyun clinging to Lingxuan, her chest tightened, as though a hand was squeezing her heart.
Lingxuan, confused by the sudden tension, looked between the two of them. "What's going on?"
Qingyue turned her head abruptly, feigning calm, though her clenched fists betrayed her true feelings. "Nothing," she replied flatly, her voice lacking the warmth it usually carried when speaking to Lingxuan.
That single word—"nothing"—hung in the air, thick with unspoken meaning.
Lingxuan studied her carefully. Her expression was composed on the surface, but her slightly quickened breath, her reddened eyes, and the way she refused to look directly at him told a different story. Something was wrong.
Tianyun felt his stomach churn with unease. Cold sweat gathered on his back. For the first time, Tianyun truly regretted speaking carelessly about the brothel that morning.
Su Qingyue's silence, however, only grew heavier. Inside her mind, emotions raged like a storm.
Why am I acting like this? Why does it hurt so much just seeing Lingxuan close to him? Is this… what it means to truly like someone?
She had thought herself calm, rational, and controlled. But jealousy stripped away that composure, leaving behind only raw, vulnerable emotion.
Her gaze returned to Lingxuan, softer now, almost pleading, though she couldn't bring herself to speak. She wanted to shout the truth—that she liked him, that the sight of him with someone else tore her apart. But fear bound her tongue.
Lingxuan tilted his head slightly. "Qingyue… are you sure it's nothing?" His voice was patient, but his sharp eyes probed deeper, searching for the truth she refused to say.
"I'm sure," Qingyue replied quickly, too quickly.
Lingxuan didn't push further, though his instincts told him she was hiding something. He sighed softly, choosing to respect her silence for now.
But Qingyue couldn't calm her heart. Each second that passed only deepened her frustration. Her jealousy had already betrayed her once—through her glare at Tianyun—and now she was left with the aftermath.
Tianyun, sensing the storm in her silence, lowered his head like a guilty child. He dared not say a word, yet the guilt clawed at his chest. If she told Lingxuan about his lie, it would be over.
The weight of three different emotions—Qingyue's jealousy, Lingxuan's confusion, Tianyun's fear—hung in the air like a suffocating mist.
Finally, Qingyue broke the silence. Her voice trembled, barely above a whisper. "Lingxuan… don't get too close to him."
Both Lingxuan and Tianyun froze.
The words slipped out before she could stop herself. Her face turned crimson, her breath catching as she realized what she'd just said. It wasn't an explanation—it was a demand. A plea. A confession hidden in the folds of jealousy.
Lingxuan blinked, his calm expression faltering for the first time. He looked at her in astonishment, trying to process the meaning behind her words.
Tianyun's jaw nearly dropped. She really is jealous!
Lingxuan's lips parted slightly, but no words came. For once, the usually composed young man was caught off guard. Qingyue's expression—vulnerable, trembling, yet filled with fierce determination—was unlike anything he had seen before.
Realizing what she had done, Qingyue quickly turned away, hiding her face. "Forget I said anything…"
But Lingxuan couldn't forget. Those words echoed in his mind, stirring emotions he had long tried to suppress.
Meanwhile, Tianyun's heart raced wildly. He knew he was standing in the middle of something dangerous, something delicate, and something he had no right to interrupt. He lowered his head further, wishing desperately to vanish into thin air.
The silence stretched once more, but this time it was different. Lingxuan's eyes softened as they lingered on Qingyue's trembling back. Slowly, almost unconsciously, he reached out a hand.
"Qingyue…" he murmured, his voice low and gentle, though filled with unspoken weight.
But Qingyue didn't turn. She kept her back to him, her fists clenched tightly at her sides, her heart screaming with emotions too heavy to voice.
Tianyun finally took the chance to escape, bowing awkwardly. "I'll… leave you two alone." And before either of them could respond, he bolted away, as though fleeing from the suffocating pressure.
Lingxuan barely noticed his departure. His gaze remained fixed on Qingyue.
In that quiet moment, beneath the morning light, the unspoken emotions between them became heavier than any words.
The training grounds were quiet after the morning practice, the other disciples already dismissed. Only Su Qingyue and Lingxuan remained, bathed in the soft golden light of the late afternoon sun.
Qingyue's breath was still uneven from the drills, her hands trembling slightly from overexertion. She lowered her sword, biting her lip in frustration. "I… I can't keep up…"
Lingxuan, who had been watching her closely, stepped forward. His voice was low, patient, and steady, carrying the warmth of someone who noticed every detail.
"You're pushing yourself too hard."
Before Qingyue could argue, Lingxuan gently took her wrist, steadying her trembling hand. The sudden contact made her entire body freeze. His touch was firm yet careful, as though he feared he might hurt her if he wasn't gentle enough.
Her heart pounded violently. Why is he so close?
Lingxuan's gaze softened as he adjusted her grip, his fingers brushing lightly against hers. "Like this. You need to balance your energy flow, not just force it out."
Qingyue's cheeks grew hot. She nodded quickly, unable to find her voice. She wasn't even paying attention to the sword technique anymore—her entire focus was on Lingxuan's hand enveloping hers, on the low timbre of his voice, on the warmth in his eyes when he looked at her.
When he finally released her hand, she felt both relieved and disappointed.
"Don't rush yourself," Lingxuan continued, brushing a strand of her silver hair behind her ear without thinking. "You're progressing faster than you realize. Trust me, Qingyue—you're doing well."
The gesture was so natural, so intimate, that Qingyue's entire face turned crimson. Her chest tightened, her heart fluttering wildly. He… he only treats me like this. Only me.
Her lips curled into the faintest smile, though she quickly hid it by lowering her gaze.
Lingxuan is… pampering me. Only me…
The thought echoed in her heart, warm and intoxicating. She wanted to preserve this moment forever, this rare tenderness he showed only to her.
But just as her emotions swelled to the brim—
"Lingxuan!"
A loud, familiar voice shattered the delicate atmosphere.
Both of them turned to see Tianyun striding into the training grounds with a grin on his face, his usual carefree energy radiating like sunlight.
Qingyue's heart instantly plummeted. Her smile vanished, replaced by irritation.
Tianyun threw an arm casually around Lingxuan's shoulder the moment he reached him, as though oblivious to the fact that he had just interrupted something precious. "It's been forever since we've gone out together! Why don't we take a walk in the city? You've been stuck in the sect too long. Come on, what do you say?"
Lingxuan blinked at his friend's sudden enthusiasm. He hesitated only for a moment before nodding. "Alright. It has been a while since I went outside."
Qingyue's heart clenched painfully.
He… agreed? Just like that?
Her chest tightened with a mix of jealousy and frustration. She had just convinced herself that Lingxuan's gentle care was something special, something meant only for her. But now Tianyun appeared, and Lingxuan accepted without hesitation.
Her blue eyes narrowed dangerously as she glared at Tianyun, her face betraying none of the softness she had shown earlier. Her gaze was sharp, cold, and brimming with murderous intent.
If looks could kill, Tianyun would have dropped dead on the spot.
A shiver ran down his spine as he suddenly felt an icy chill crawl across his back. Slowly, he turned his head and met Qingyue's piercing glare. His throat went dry.
Wh-what's with that look?! Why does it feel like she wants to kill me?
He gulped, stepping half a pace back instinctively, though his arm still rested on Lingxuan's shoulder.
Meanwhile, Lingxuan hadn't noticed the dangerous undercurrent. He only looked at Qingyue with mild surprise, curious about her sudden silence.
Qingyue forced herself to calm down, though her face was already betraying her emotions—her cheeks flushed pink, her lips trembling slightly, her hands clenched tightly at her sides. She couldn't hold it in anymore.
"I'm coming too."
Her voice was firm, her tone leaving no room for argument.
Both Lingxuan and Tianyun blinked at her.
"You?" Lingxuan asked, a hint of surprise flickering across his usually composed face.
"Yes," Qingyue said, her blue eyes fixed unwaveringly on him. "If you're going to the city… then I'll come with you."
Lingxuan tilted his head slightly, studying her expression. Something about the way she said it, the faint redness on her cheeks, the determination in her eyes—it all spoke of emotions deeper than her words. But he didn't press her. He only gave a small nod. "Alright."
Qingyue's heart leapt. Though her face remained serious, inside she was nearly trembling with relief.
But Tianyun, on the other hand, felt like he had just stepped into a battlefield.
Why do I feel like she's going to murder me the moment Lingxuan isn't looking?
He forced a laugh, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "Uh, sure! The more the merrier, right?"
Qingyue's gaze snapped back to him, sharp and cold. The unspoken message in her eyes was clear: Stay away from him.
Tianyun swallowed hard, looking away immediately. He had faced countless enemies on the battlefield before, but somehow, Qingyue's glare terrified him more than any of them.
Lingxuan, oblivious to the silent war waged between the two, simply said, "Let's go, then."
As he turned toward the gates, Qingyue quickly walked to his side, standing just a little closer than necessary. Her shoulder almost brushed against his, her heart racing wildly.
She didn't say anything more, but her actions spoke volumes. She wasn't going to let Tianyun steal this moment from her. Not again.
And as the three of them headed toward the city, the tension in the air only grew heavier.
Chapter 22 – Part 4: A Whisper of Fate
The heavy gates of the Azure Cloud Sect slowly opened, revealing the three figures who stepped out together.
Mo Lingxuan walked at the center, his calm presence radiating dignity that made even passersby straighten their backs unconsciously. Qingyue was beside him, her silver hair shimmering under the sunlight like a river of starlight. Behind them, Tianyun followed with restless steps, his eyes flicking left and right as though worried about being left behind.
The moment they entered the streets of the nearby city, the atmosphere shifted. People turned their heads, conversations stopped mid-sentence, and all eyes landed on Lingxuan.
"It's him… Lingxuan!" someone whispered in awe.
"Look, the protector of our valley!"
Voices of admiration rose like waves. Farmers paused their work to bow, merchants pressed their palms together in respect, and children shouted Lingxuan's name with uncontained joy. The crowd parted as if a king himself had descended, but Lingxuan remained composed, only nodding gently to acknowledge their respect.
Beside him, Qingyue's heart swelled. She had known Lingxuan was strong, but seeing how the common people revered him… it only deepened the feelings she had kept buried inside. Yet at the same time, a small knot of unease tugged at her heart when she noticed the gazes of young women.
Several girls—daughters of merchants, maidens of noble families, even common village girls—gathered shyly at the side of the road, whispering to each other. Their eyes sparkled as they looked at Lingxuan, their courage wavering between admiration and infatuation.
"Should we go greet him…?" one whispered, clutching the sleeve of her friend.
"I-I don't know… He looks so distant… but so handsome…"
Just as a few of them began to step forward, their eyes landed on Qingyue, walking confidently at Lingxuan's side. Her silver hair fluttered, her posture was graceful yet firm, and her expression—though calm—carried a faint warning. It was enough to make the maidens freeze in their steps, their courage evaporating.
"Tch… forget it," one muttered, tugging her friend back. "We'd only embarrass ourselves. That girl beside him… she looks like she belongs there."
Qingyue noticed all of this out of the corner of her eye. A small, satisfied smile played on her lips. She said nothing, but her heart whispered, Yes. Stay back. He's mine to protect.
As the three of them continued down the road, an elderly man stepped forward. His beard was long and white, his clothes plain but neat, and his eyes carried both wisdom and warmth. He clasped his hands together and bowed deeply.
"Oh, Lingxuan!" the old man greeted with a booming voice. "It has been far too long since I last saw you walking among the people. Truly, your presence brightens the city itself."
Lingxuan's expression softened. "Uncle Zhou," he greeted respectfully, inclining his head. "It has indeed been some time. I trust your family is well?"
The old man chuckled. "Well enough, thanks to the peace you've helped bring. But…" His sharp eyes shifted to Qingyue, standing silently beside Lingxuan. "Tell me, young man. This maiden beside you… is she perhaps your lover?"
The words dropped like thunder.
Qingyue's face flushed crimson instantly, her heart leaping into her throat. She gripped her sleeves tightly, eyes darting to Lingxuan, waiting, hoping—please, say yes…
But Lingxuan's voice was calm, steady, almost indifferent.
"No."
The single word struck Qingyue like a blade. Her chest tightened, disappointment flooding her heart. She looked down, her lips pressing together to keep her emotions from spilling out.
But before sorrow could drown her, Lingxuan continued.
"…Not yet."
Qingyue's head snapped up, her wide eyes locking onto him.
Lingxuan's gaze was distant, yet his voice carried a quiet strength. "Perhaps… in the future, she may become my lover—if fate allows it."
Uncle Zhou's eyes twinkled with amusement. "Hoho! Truly enjoying the days of youth, are you, Lingxuan? Very well, I shall not pry further. May fate smile kindly upon you both."
Qingyue's face burned hotter, her breath caught between disbelief and overwhelming joy. Her heart hammered wildly, and for a moment, the bustling city faded away—only Lingxuan's words echoed in her mind.
In the future… I may become his…
Her hands trembled slightly, but her lips curved into a radiant, shy smile.
Even Tianyun was struck silent for a long moment. Then, as though awakening from a dream, he frowned deeply. "Lingxuan," he said, his tone sharp, "what nonsense is this? Are you straying from the martial path Master entrusted to us? To speak of love, of fate—aren't you avoiding the way of cultivation?"
The words pierced the moment like a dagger.
Qingyue's joy twisted instantly into fury. Her silver eyes sharpened, and she turned toward Tianyun with a glare so cold and venomous it sent shivers down his spine. Her expression was no longer the gentle, quiet Qingyue—she looked like a goddess of wrath, ready to strike him down where he stood.
Her gaze screamed one clear message: How dare you?
Tianyun felt his blood run cold. He raised his hands defensively, laughing nervously. "W-wait! I—I didn't mean it like that! Haha, I only… only meant to tease! Yes, just teasing, don't glare at me like that, Qingyue!"
Lingxuan glanced at him calmly. "I am not straying from the martial path," he said evenly. "I merely paused for a moment to breathe. Even a sword must rest in its sheath before it can strike sharper blows. Soon, I will return to my training."
His words were calm, but they carried an undeniable weight. Tianyun's protests withered in his throat. He lowered his gaze, nodding quickly. "Y-yes… of course. I understand."
Meanwhile, Qingyue's heart was still pounding. Lingxuan's response hadn't only protected his honor as a cultivator—it also carried a deeper meaning, one she couldn't ignore.
He had not rejected the possibility of her feelings. In fact, he had left the door open, waiting for fate to decide.
Her cheeks flushed once more, her heart whispering, If fate is all it takes… then I will make fate itself bend.
Lingxuan, Qingyue, and Tianyun walked side by side down the bustling streets of the city. Merchants bowed respectfully as they passed, common folk greeted Lingxuan with awe, and even the young girls of the city could only admire him from a distance. Their courage to approach was smothered the moment they noticed Qingyue at his side. Her presence radiated a silent warning: He's mine—don't even think about it.
But the ones who greeted Lingxuan most warmly weren't merchants or noble families.
"Brother Lingxuan!!!"
The cheerful voices of children rang out like bells. A group of youngsters ran toward him, their faces shining with excitement. Some clutched wooden toys, some carried kites, while others dragged makeshift balls woven from rags. They surrounded Lingxuan in a heartbeat, tugging on his sleeves.
"It's been so long since you played with us!" one boy said."We waited for you every evening, but you were always gone!""Lingxuan-ge, today you'll play with us, right?"
Qingyue blinked, stunned. She had always imagined Lingxuan as a stern, commanding figure, untouchable in his strength. Yet here he was, smiling softly, his sharp aura melting into warmth at the sight of these children.
"Forgive me," Lingxuan said gently, crouching to meet their eyes. "I've been busy training and taking care of the sect. But don't worry—when I have time, I'll play with you all again."
"Really?!" the children cheered."Promise us you won't forget!"
Lingxuan chuckled and nodded, patting one boy's head. "I promise."
It was as if that simple vow was treasure beyond gold. Their eyes sparkled with joy, and laughter filled the street. A little girl, cheeks flushed from excitement, suddenly darted away. She returned moments later, clutching a handful of wildflowers she had just picked from a nearby garden.
"This is for you, Brother Lingxuan!" she said, offering the flowers with both hands.
The other children followed her lead. Some gave flowers, others pressed small coins into Lingxuan's palms, and one even drew a heart in the dust with a stick, grinning proudly.
Lingxuan accepted every gift patiently, his lips curved in a warm smile.
From the side, Qingyue's chest tightened. Watching a little girl hand flowers to Lingxuan made a flicker of jealousy stir within her. Even children want his attention… she thought bitterly. But when she saw his gentle smile, the kind light in his eyes, her heart softened at once.
"Thank you," Lingxuan said, tucking one flower behind his sash. The children erupted into cheers again, as though he had just crowned them heroes.
After parting with the children, Lingxuan turned down a quieter street and entered a modest shop. The air smelled of fresh bread and smoked meat, and shelves were stacked high with vegetables and rice.
The shopkeeper, a middle-aged woman, gasped in surprise and immediately bowed. "Lingxuan-sama! It's an honor beyond words to welcome you here. Please—what do you need?"
Lingxuan scanned the goods calmly, then pointed toward sacks of rice, baskets of fruit, and dried meats. "Prepare these in bulk. The disciples of the sect train hard every day. I don't want any of them to go hungry."
Qingyue's eyes widened, her breath caught in her throat. He came here… just to buy food for the sect disciples?
The shopkeeper hurried her assistants into action, and in no time several baskets were filled to the brim. Lingxuan paid without hesitation and lifted two baskets at once, as if their weight meant nothing to him.
Qingyue's heart trembled. She always knew Lingxuan was strong. She always knew he was disciplined. But seeing him care for the disciples, thinking of their meals while carrying such loads himself, filled her chest with warmth.
He isn't just strong… he's compassionate. How could I not fall for him?
Her cheeks heated, and she pressed her fingers together nervously. I have to… I have to tell him how I feel.
Outside the shop, whispers spread through the crowd as Lingxuan walked past, food baskets balanced effortlessly in his hands.
"Look at that, even after reaching such heights, he still thinks of his disciples.""That's a true leader, one who doesn't forget those who follow him."
Qingyue heard every word, and pride welled up inside her. For the first time, she didn't just admire Lingxuan as the man she loved—she was proud that the world recognized his worth too.
But alongside that pride was a desperate feeling rising inside her.
An urge that whispered louder with each heartbeat.
The urge to tell him… everything.