After a long day of exhausting lessons, the disciples of Silent Words Hall were packing up their calligraphy sheets, preparing to return and continue practicing.
"Mu Mu~ Let's go back together."
A female disciple dressed in a blue gauze robe approached Lin Yuyan and called out.
"Alright, wait for me a moment."
Lin Yuyan, who was tidying up her brush, looked up with a gentle smile.
"Ah~ I'm healed. Your smile truly is the reason I keep living."
"That's too much."
Lin Yuyan chuckled as she placed the brush into her Universe Ring and stood up.
"Alright, let's go."
Only after Lin Yuyan left the Tranquil Pavilion did the male disciples who had been watching their retreating figures reveal envious expressions.
"I wish I could walk back with her too..."
After leaving the Tranquil Pavilion, Lin Yuyan hadn't gone far when she saw a group of young girls running toward her.
"Senior Sister Lin!"
"It's you all. What's the matter?"
Lin Yuyan smiled as she looked at the approaching junior sisters. Meeting Lin Yuyan's direct gaze, the leading junior sister froze in nervousness, unable to utter a single word of the speech she had prepared earlier. The junior sisters behind her anxiously tugged at her sleeves.
Seemingly accustomed to such scenes, Lin Yuyan said gently, "No rush, take your time."
"Gulp..."
Swallowing hard, the junior sister mustered her courage and presented a brocade box.
"Senior Sister Lin, thank you so much for giving us full marks even though we've been holding you back... This is a small token of our appreciation. We hope you'll like it."
"I think you all performed wonderfully. You were much sharper than I was during my first trial mission down the mountain."
As she spoke, Lin Yuyan recalled her first descent from the mountain—how Senior Brother had guided her with perfect timing, offering subtle yet invaluable help that made her feel utterly secure. 'Ah~ Senior Brother...' The memory of Jiang Beiran's flawlessly chiseled profile sent Lin Yuyan into a daze.
The disciples who had stopped to sneak glances at her collectively took a deep breath.
"So beautiful... I wonder what she's thinking about to wear such an intoxicated expression. It must be something more dazzling than gemstones."
"Mu Mu, Mu Mu? She's calling you."
Seeing that Lin Yuyan remained unresponsive, the blue-robed disciple lightly tugged her sleeve.
"Ah, my apologies. I was lost in some wonderful memories."
Lin Yuyan accepted the brocade box and asked, "May I open it now?" The four junior sisters nodded eagerly. Click. Opening the box, Lin Yuyan discovered a golden Spirit Resonance Pearl inside.
"Wow..."
The blue-robed disciple beside her couldn't help but gasp, covering her mouth. The Spirit Resonance Pearl had the effect of refining the surrounding spiritual energy. Placing one in a room would instantly transform it into an ideal cultivation space—a truly rare treasure.
Closing the box, Lin Yuyan looked at the four junior sisters and said, "Actually, compared to cultivation items, I prefer homemade treats from my junior sisters. How about we trade this for some delicious snacks you make?" The four blinked in surprise before the leading junior sister quickly took back the brocade box.
"Alright! We'll make some right away and bring them to you tomorrow!"
"I'll look forward to it."
Lin Yuyan nodded with a smile.
"Thank you, Senior Sister! Goodbye!"
The junior sister then pulled her companions away.
"Wow, that was a Spirit Resonance Pearl! I wonder which noble family those junior sisters are from to be so generous."
Lin Yuyan merely smiled and continued walking, leaving the onlookers in awe.
"To remain so indifferent even in the face of a treasure like the Spirit Resonance Pearl... Only a true fairy could achieve such grace. It's truly admirable."
"Greetings, Senior Sister Lin!"
"Senior Sister Lin, you're amazing! Placing in such a prestigious martial tournament—I'll definitely strive to follow your example!"
"Senior Sister Lin, I believe you'll take first place next year! We'll always support you!" ...
All the way back to the Ink Fragrance Garden, nearly every Silent Words Hall disciple who spotted Lin Yuyan greeted or congratulated her, and she responded to each with a warm smile.
"Our Mu Mu is as popular as ever today," the blue-robed disciple said, linking arms with Lin Yuyan.
"I told you, it's just ordinary greetings."
Lin Yuyan poked the blue-robed disciple playfully.
"Go on back. I'll come find you at dinner."
"Alright~ See you later!"
Watching Lu Ningxin return to her room, Lin Yuyan didn't head to her own quarters. Instead, she quietly made her way to the back mountain.
As a disciple qualified to represent the Heart Returning Sect in the JB District Sect Martial Tournament, Lin Yuyan naturally had the privilege of a secluded cultivation spot in the back mountain—one with abundant spiritual energy. Passing through a grove of trees, Lin Yuyan eagerly entered a bamboo hut, her face brimming with anticipation.
"Haa..."
Standing before an ironwood chest, she took a deep breath before slowly crouching down to open it. Inside lay a straw hat and a pair of straw sandals. The sight nearly overwhelmed her with joy.
"Senior Brother really came!"
Carefully lifting the straw hat, she brought it close and inhaled deeply.
'Mmm...
It smells like Senior Brother.' Her face flushed as she savored the moment before turning her attention back to the chest. Beneath the hat were a piece of scorched cloth, a note, and a small blue pouch.
Placing the hat on her head, Lin Yuyan first picked up the note. 'Senior Brother's handwriting keeps getting more beautiful.' As a disciple of Silent Words Hall, she had seen many masterpieces of calligraphy, but none could compare to Senior Brother's writing.
[When we meet again, you may wear these.]
Reading the line, Lin Yuyan felt her breath hitch.
'Senior Brother... He...
He actually invited me himself!?
Does this...
Does this mean he's proposing a bond for three lifetimes!?
Ahh—!'
Overwhelmed, she raised her hand to slam the chest but stopped herself, remembering that Senior Brother had touched it. Instead, she rushed outside and struck a massive boulder, leaving a deep palm imprint. After venting, she returned to the hut and put on the scorched cloth and straw sandals.
Admiring her new look in the bronze mirror, she struck a few poses before smiling. 'So this is Senior Brother's preference.' PS: The third update is late, but it will come.
(End of Chapter)