After obtaining Misty Hidden Flowers, Jiang Ye chatted briefly with Su Qingmeng in Peach Garden Grotto-heaven before taking his leave.
Although a new residence had been arranged for him, he couldn't be bothered with it.
The Dao Discussion Assembly had concluded.
The high platform pavilions had already been dismantled, but in the continuous stretch of palaces, the buildings still retained the lingering charm of immortal music.
Although the academy had specially prepared a new pavilion for him, Jiang Ye did not plan to stay there and went straight to Guan Yunyao's place.
Soon, he would have to return to the Jiang Clan.
Su Hongye said she was preparing a grand coming-of-age ceremony for him.
As for the details... his mother only mentioned two things: the ceremony must be grand, and there must be many daughters-in-law.
This left Jiang Ye feeling both amused and helpless.
The academy's cloud corridors wound around, imbued with misty immortal light, and nestled among the flowers and trees, Guan Yunyao's residence remained as tranquil as ever.
The door was unlocked, and he gently pushed it open.
He saw the familiar figure kneeling before a desk, wiping scrolls, her slender waist graceful, her black hair cascading down, resembling a still painting amidst mountains and rivers.
Jiang Ye found the most casual spot on the jade couch and sat down.
"Yao'er?"
Guan Yunyao was slightly startled to see Jiang Ye enter without any hesitation, and a blush rose to her face.
Jiang Ye leaned back against the brocade cushion, stretched, and said with a teasing tone, "Half a month unseen, I miss you dearly. How about Yao'er helps me loosen my muscles and bones? To alleviate the pain of longing?"
Guan Yunyao gave him a glance.
But her lips twitched, and in the end, she didn't retort, only softly agreed, and obediently moved behind him, raising her hands to massage his shoulders and back.
The strength was soft yet firm, and warm Spiritual Qi slowly infused along his meridians.
Jiang Ye let out a comfortable hum, a smile in his eyes, "Yao'er's technique, I'm afraid it's specially practiced for this Young Master, isn't it?"
Guan Yunyao did not answer directly, only saying:
"How were Young Master's gains from this trip?"
"Not bad. I obtained the Legacy of a Peak Great Emperor, a rather fruitful harvest!"
Jiang Ye had no intention of concealing it.
Guan Yunyao was incredibly surprised and, after a moment of thought, asked again, "How did Young Master know beforehand that Lin Chen would possess such a secret?"
"You only need to understand that in every Dao domain, there are always some extraordinary individuals who, even without background or resources, can stand out at a young age, and they must possess great Opportunity. This Young Master merely acted on the situation."
Upon hearing this, Guan Yunyao couldn't help but be stunned.
She was also a quick-witted person and quickly understood quite a lot.
Guan Yunyao was silent for a while, her eyes slightly downcast, gazing out at the sky through the window.
The night breeze gently wafted, and the thin gauze fluttered slightly.
"During the time I spent with Young Master, I've understood many things."
"The Heavenly Dao is ruthless, and worldly affairs are unpredictable. Not contending does not mean others won't contend; how can one truly remain aloof while in the Mortal World?"
"From people like Shen Lian, Chu Nan, and Lin Chen, one can see..."
"They didn't offend you, but Young Master discovered their unique qualities, and with a little strategizing, their Opportunities were all lost, and the benefits all fell to Young Master."
Guan Yunyao's brows relaxed, and in a trance, a hint of slyness appeared at the corner of her mouth.
"The key lies in this: the Heavenly Dao will not pity anyone. The victor is king, and the loser is a bandit."
"Speaking of which, this servant still has to thank Young Master."
Her tone remained gentle, her demeanor still obedient, but in that instant, Jiang Ye saw a clear, sharp glint in her eyes.
"Then... are you willing to return to the Jiang Clan with me?"
He raised an eyebrow lightly, asking suddenly.
Guan Yunyao slowly shook her head.
"I plan to return to the Guan Family. In the past, I feared trouble, the judgment of the world, and being drawn into power struggles..."
"But now I understand that the path of Dao is contention!"
"To reach the Peak, one must climb over countless bones, but I will never stop!"
"At the same time... I also want Young Master to reach the Peak together, and I cannot fall too far behind!"
Her tone was soft, yet every word was clear, as if deliberately wanting Jiang Ye to understand the deep-seated determination within.
Jiang Ye looked at her, her expression obedient yet stubborn, and his own expression subtly shifted.
This woman was indeed someone who refused to be defeated.
However, if she could become the Guan Family's Divine Maiden, she could also provide him with great assistance in the future.
So Jiang Ye said, "Yao'er, just go for it. No matter what happens, this Young Master will back you up!"
Guan Yunyao lowered her head slightly, her gaze filled with gratitude.
The two chatted casually again, their words occasionally hinting at teasing.
Not long after.
Hong Yan and Qing Xuan gracefully entered, carrying jade trays laden with spiritual fruits and immortal tea, their fragrance wafting, auspicious Qi flowing.
Their eyes smiling, they teasingly said, "Young Miss Guan isn't very skilled at serving people. Young Master, you should try the good tea we've prepared."
Jiang Ye leaned on the couch, casually picked up an immortal fruit, and took a bite indifferently.
"How could you two be as interesting as her in serving? Though her skill is unrefined, she excels in obedience."
Guan Yunyao lowered her head slightly, gently biting her lip, her expression docile as if she didn't know what to do.
But in that instant, she secretly glanced at Hong Yan from the corner of her eye, her gaze subtly shifting, carrying a hint of a smile that wasn't quite a smile.
Hong Yan said nothing, merely presented the tea tray, bowed, and offered the tea.
The tea's aroma wafted, carrying a hint of profound immortal charm.
Jiang Ye took it and sipped.
"Hmm, not bad..."
Just as he was about to say something, an indescribable dryness rose between his lips and teeth, as if a blazing fire was slowly igniting in his Dantian, Spiritual Qi surging, blood and Qi fluctuating.
He narrowed his eyes, his gaze sweeping over the cup:
"This tea..."
Hong Yan looked at Guan Yunyao with a smile.
Jiang Ye suddenly reacted, raising his eyes to look at Guan Yunyao.
The maiden still knelt beside him, her posture gentle, her eyes smiling, as if completely unaware.
"This pot of tea, I asked Hong Yan to brew it personally."
Guan Yunyao's tone was gentle, yet it hid a sly, soft charm, her shallow smile like a flower's shadow in the mist, both subtle and captivating.
Well done!
This little girl, she's turning the tables!
Jiang Ye blinked, a half-smile on his face, "Yao'er, are you... plotting this for a long time?"
She didn't answer, only her eyes curved into crescents.
Hong Yan and Qing Xuan exchanged glances, bowed, and with faint smiles, softly excused themselves, "It's late, we won't disturb Young Master's pleasure."
The room immediately fell silent.
Immortal lamps flickered, and mist swirled faintly.
A layer of illusory divine light permeated the room, as if the entire academy had fallen into an enchanting dream at this moment.
Jiang Ye's aura gradually became unstable, and a restless agitation began within his body.
"Yao'er... what is this?"
Guan Yunyao looked at him, her features as beautiful as a painting, but her voice was as soft as water: "Young Master's intentions, how could Yunyao not know? I only hope Young Master will remember me in the future..."
That night.
Shadows flickered on the couch, and a captivating fragrance filled the air.
Guan Yunyao's figure was as soft as smoke, carrying an obedient submission, yet subtly revealing an uncontainable assertiveness and boldness.
The spring light was tranquil, and the world was silent.
Only a wisp of soft, enchanting fragrance echoed endlessly in the night...