The night was tranquil, save for the gentle rustle of leaves and the soft lapping of water against the rocks. A beautiful girl sat cross-legged in the elegant pavilion that crowned a small hill nestled within the West Lake.
The pavilion, though old, retained its grace, a fitting reflection of the Majestic Tang Clan's prestige. The pavilion, adorned with intricate carvings and aged by time, held a quiet beauty that mirrored its occupant. This 'Tang Obsidian Pavilion', a testament to the Tang Clan's centuries-old legacy, blended seamlessly with its natural surroundings, exuding timeless charm.
Tang Yue was a vision to behold. Her long, jet-black hair cascaded down her back like a silken waterfall, glinting with subtle red hues that caught the moonlight. Her face was a masterpiece of delicate oriental beauty, with high cheekbones, a slender nose, and full inviting lips that carried an innate grace. Her porcelain skin gleamed softly under the moonlight, and her simple silk robe, though modest, accentuated her ethereal presence.
Despite her youth—barely twenty years old—her figure exuded a mature allure. Her enticing curves, balanced by her poised structure, made her seem like an unyielding Goddess of Fire who had descended to the mortal world.
A swirling red and black aura enveloped her, flickering and dancing in a mesmerizing display as she cultivated her dual Fire and Shadow elements. Her two cerulean-glowing intricate earrings illuminating the night softly.
These weren't just any ornaments—they were cultivation tools of Soul Grade, crafted exclusively for Super Level Mages. Priceless treasures of immense power, they amplified her energy while enabling her to refine both her Fire and Shadow elements simultaneously.
Such priceless artifacts were coveted by countless mages, their existence more fantasy than reality for most. Yet, here they were, adorning the ears of the Tang Clan's proud princess as if they were mere trinkets. Tang Yue, with her effortless elegance, made even the extraordinary seem almost casual.
But despite her otherworldly allure and treasures, a hint of vulnerability lingered on her delicate features.
Sigh.
A faint red and black aura swirling around her, dissipated gradually as she exhaled...
She opened her ruby-red eyes, her gaze fell to the tranquil waters of West Lake.
Sigh...
Tang Yue sighed, casually playing with her hair as she hugged her knees to her chest.
_Why can't I stop thinking about it?_ She thought, biting her lip. For the past few days, her mind had been a chaotic mess, replaying the events of that mortifying yet oddly intimate night.
The memory of being drugged by that vile and detestable criminal Chao He still sent shivers down her spine. But... her pathetic confession to her student, Mo Fan, and the intimate kiss and make-out session they shared in that taxi—was what truly unsettled her.
Her cheeks burned as the scene unfolded again in her mind, unbidden.
"Ugh!" Unable to bear it, she groaned softly and quickly slapped her hot, flushed cheeks in an attempt to snap herself out of it.
"Stop it, stop it, stop it!" she muttered under her breath, waving her hand as if shooing away the embarrassing memory. The imagined scene dissipated in a flurry, leaving her staring at the lake with a mixture of shame and exasperation.
"Argh!" Tang Yue groaned, burying her face in her hands. The memory alone was enough to make her want to disappear. "What was I thinking? No… I wasn't thinking at all!"
Her voice was muffled, but the frustration was evident. She lifted her head and stared at the sky, her cheeks flushed. "I'm supposed to be his teacher. Not some… shameless, woman in heat..."
The scene replayed over and over in her mind for the past few days—her confession, her actions in the taxi... How could she have let herself go so far? She had kissed him, confessed her feelings in a haze of desperation and desire.
Yet it wasn't her reaction that tormented her, but his level of self restraint...
Mo Fan, despite being taken by surprise, had shown a level of maturity and respect for her that made her heart ache even more. He hadn't taken advantage of her vulnerable state, and he also hadn't dismissed her feelings outright either, but instead gently assured her they would talk when she was sober and in control of her emotions.
Her heart ached at the thought. Gratitude and guilt warred within her, but there was another emotion she couldn't ignore—doubt.
"Am I... Am I not charming enough? Is that the reason why he could control himself when I was forcing myself upon him?" Tang Yue said while wincing.
Mo Fan's action had deeply hurt her pride as a woman. She even doubted herself because of this...
"No, stop! I'm the one at fault here. I'm the one who should've been more responsible. I can't blame him." She sighed again, resting her chin on her knees. "But now, I can't even face him. What kind of person does that make me?"
Hiss!
A soft hiss broke her thoughts. Emerging from the lake was the massive head of the Black Totem Snake, its bright golden intellectual eyes watching her intently. Despite its intimidating size, there was a gentleness in its gaze, almost as if it were concerned for her.
Tang Yue smiled faintly, she walked up to the edge and reached out to stroke its smooth, dark scales.
"Don't worry, big guy. I'm fine," she said, though her tone lacked conviction. "I just needed some space to think."
Hiss~
The snake tilted its head slightly, its tongue flicking out as if urging her to continue.
"Hehe," Tang Yue chuckled softly, finding comfort in its presence. The Black Totem Snake had always been like a guardian to her, a silent confidant who listened without judgment.
Sliding off the pavilion's steps, Tang Yue walked to the water's edge and sat on a large, smooth rock. She dipped her feet into the cool lake, the ripples spreading out gently. "You know," she began, her voice soft, "I've always thought of myself as someone strong, someone who could handle anything. But these past few days… I don't know. I feel so… lost."
She looked down at her reflection in the water, her usually confident eyes now filled with doubt. "I did something I shouldn't have. I let my guard down, and now I don't even have the courage to apologize. What kind of teacher—no, what kind of person—does that make me?"
Hiss...
The snake hissed softly, leaning closer. Its massive presence was oddly comforting, like a protective elder offering silent reassurance.
Tang Yue reached out to pat its beautiful obsidian scales, her smile tinged with self mocking. "You're right. Avoiding it won't solve anything. But still…"
She trailed off, her fingers brushing the intricate ruby ring on her left hand. The artifact, a high-level soul container, had been a gift from Mo Fan that day. A bitter but sweet reminder of everything that had happened.
Her lips curled into a rueful smile. "He probably thinks I'm a shameless woman. And honestly, he's not wrong. I mean, who confesses their feelings like that? In a taxi, no less! I'm surprised he didn't run away right then and there."
The memory brought a blush to her cheeks, and she buried her face in her hands again. "I'm hopeless. Absolutely hopeless."
But then, a softer thought emerged, one she couldn't ignore. Despite her embarrassment, Mo Fan hadn't treated her with disdain or pity. He'd shown her respect, understanding, and even a hint of care. That alone gave her a sliver of hope.
"Maybe… maybe he doesn't hate me," she said aloud, as if voicing the thought would make it more real. "Maybe he's just waiting for me to say something. To clear the air."
Hiss~
The snake's golden eyes seemed to gleam with agreement, and it nudged her gently with its tongue. Tang Yue laughed softly, stroking its scales again. "You're really the best listener, you know that? I don't know what I'd do without you."
The lake's surface reflected the moonlight, casting a serene glow over the scene. Tang Yue took a deep breath, feeling a small weight lift from her chest. "Alright," she said, standing up. Her figure was graceful, her silk robe fluttering gently in the breeze. "I'll find him tomorrow. Apologize properly. Even if he laughs at me, or... w-worse, forgives me too easily… I'll face it."
She glanced at the snake one last time, her smile more genuine now. "Thank you, Big guy!"
As she walked back toward the pavilion, her steps felt lighter. The Black Totem Snake watched her go, its golden eyes filled with quiet approval.
Despite her internal struggles, Tang Yue's resolve had been rekindled after coming to terms with her feelings. Perhaps, she thought, facing her feelings wasn't as terrifying as she'd imagined.