Chapter 132: Cheng Lingyu’s Gift
Chapter 132: Cheng Lingyu’s Gift
“Alright, we’ll depart tomorrow at noon. If Qu Wei returns, I wish to bid her farewell before leaving.”
Uncertain when he’d return, Cheng Lingyu held few attachments to Yunyang City, wanting only to say goodbye to his handful of friends.
That night, Lan Xiaozhu stayed at the chess academy, remaining in Cheng Lingyu’s chamber.
Caiyun packed lightly, her heart tinged with nostalgia after nearly three years here.
Cheng Lingyu’s room brimmed with temptation, while Lan Xiaozhu’s tenderness left him utterly entranced.
Bodies intertwined like stormy clouds, fleeting as dreams—their passion forged a connection of hearts.
On this final night in Yunyang City, Lan Xiaozhu sought to etch herself into his memory through every caress and whispered devotion.
Cheng Lingyu savored it all. Compared to Guishun Valley’s harsh conditions, this new environment heightened every sensation.
After the wind and rain subsided, he gazed at Lan Xiaozhu’s sleeping form, a contented smile gracing his lips.
Rising quietly, he wandered to the garden pavilion.
Caiyun stood alone beneath the moon, her eyes tracing its glow as memories unfolded.
Cheng Lingyu embraced her slender waist from behind, breathing in her floral scent.
“Senior Sister, never leave me.”
She stiffened briefly before relaxing into his hold.
Caiyun turned to stroke his cheek, chiding softly, “Foolish junior, your path is yours alone—I mustn’t hinder it.”
His arms tightened around her as he pressed a kiss to her ear.
“I speak not of paths.”
She shivered, recognizing his unspoken desire yet resisting it.
“So easily ensnared by first love?” She broke free to meet his gaze. “Is this your limit?”
Eyes blazing, he declared, “Stay with me always. Since losing Ruo Xue, you’re my most cherished.”
“Prove it through deeds, not words!” Her voice sharpened. “Excel in cultivation. Gain renown. Only then—”
“I’ll surpass your expectations.” His grip on her hand tightened with resolve.
Caiyun pecked his cheek, amusement dancing in her eyes. “A reward for obedience. You’ve much to learn about romance.”
“Teach me, Senior Sister.”
“Our bond permits no lessons. Lan Xiaozhu offers tenderness and pleasure, but beware women who feign indifference while scheming—their honeyed traps destroy men.”
“True danger lies in those who lower all defenses,” he mused.
“Precisely.”
Moonlight bathed the pavilion as they lingered in each other’s arms, murmuring secrets only lovers share.
…
The joyful time passed in a blink. Early next morning, Cheng Lingyu changed his clothes and went out to inquire about Qu Wei’s news.
Jin Miaoyi had arrived at the North Gate before dawn. Since Guishun Valley lay north of Yunyang City, Qu Wei would likely return from that direction.
“You’re here. Where’s the Fatty and Slim Bamboo?” Cheng Lingyu landed beside Jin Miaoyi and asked casually.
“They haven’t come yet, but should be here soon.” Jin Miaoyi answered with visible excitement, having genuinely missed Qu Wei during their long separation.
Half an hour later, Miao Sanxu and Fang Zhuqing arrived together. The four chatted while waiting, until a familiar figure appeared in the distance – Qu Wei herself.
Jin Miaoyi immediately let out a whoop and flew towards her.
Cheng Lingyu observed Qu Wei with delight, noticing her transformed aura. She looked more radiant than ever, with astonishing improvements in both beauty and cultivation level.
“Soul Martial Fourth Realm… She actually opened eight cave heavens!” Cheng Lingyu marveled. Lan Xiaozhu had told him that only the greatest talents could achieve eight cave heavens, far surpassing ordinary cultivators.
Qu Wei had entered Guishun Valley at Soul Martial Second Realm. Now she’d soared directly to the late stage of Soul Martial Fourth Realm – an unbelievable leap!
Hearing Jin Miaoyi’s call, Qu Wei’s lovely face lit up as she quickened her approach.
Cheng Lingyu, Miao Sanxu and Fang Zhuqing moved forward to greet her, maintaining polite distance from the overjoyed Jin Miaoyi.
“That aura… Could it be… Immortal Soul?” Cheng Lingyu’s spirit trembled as he sensed the distinctive presence emanating from Qu Wei.
“Hidden Soul Flower.” The thought emerged spontaneously from his memories of the mystery grass and Dreamy Thousand Tear Bamboo.
“Is this the eighth Immortal Soul from Guishun Valley?” Cheng Lingyu wondered in shock. He never imagined the final Immortal Soul would be obtained by Qu Wei herself.
Jin Miaoyi led Qu Wei back to the group, his face beaming. After greeting Miao Sanxu and Fang Zhuqing, Qu Wei fixed her gaze on Cheng Lingyu, surprise coloring her features.
“Soul Martial Third Realm? Your advancement speed is astonishing. And you carry a familiar aura… That…”
Cheng Lingyu laughed. “I just returned from Guishun Valley yesterday. Happened to arrive before you.”
Understanding dawned on Qu Wei’s face as she smiled.
“We haven’t gathered in ages. Let’s have a proper celebration at noon,” Fang Zhuqing suggested. The group readily agreed to share a feast.
In a tranquil small courtyard, the five companions sat around a table discussing recent events.
“I’ll be leaving Yunyang City this afternoon, and likely won’t return for some time. Take care of yourselves,” Cheng Lingyu announced, startling everyone. He’d only returned yesterday!
“Why the hurry? The Fatty and I planned to leave in few days. Why not travel together?” Fang Zhuqing proposed.
Cheng Lingyu shook his head. “I must leave before sunset. With a formidable enemy still here, you should lay low after I’m gone. Don’t mention any connection to me.”
Jin Miaoyi asked, “Where will you go after leaving Yunyang City?”
“Lou Ri City.”
Miao Sanxu gasped. “The selection matches at Lou Ri City? I heard countless geniuses and greatest talents from Tianyang Empire are rushing there to become disciples!”
Qu Wei nodded. “It’s worth trying. Though low-profile, Lou Ri City belongs to the Three Saints and Four Peerless factions with profound heritage. I need to visit Shenhuo Sect this afternoon. If possible, I might head to Lou Ri City too.”
“You’re going too?” Jin Miaoyi blinked in surprise.
Qu Wei gazed at him with mesmerizing eyes. “I’ve eighty percent confidence to reach Blood Martial Realm. Staying at Shenhuo Sect would hinder my progress.”
Jin Miaoyi’s initial joy faded into bitterness. “The gap between us keeps widening. I must train harder.”
Cheng Lingyu warned, “Remember this – Mingyue Gate will conquer Yunyang City eventually. Prepare thoroughly.”
“Stay cautious,” Jin Miaoyi replied. “Safe journey.”
During farewells, Cheng Lingyu handed Qu Wei a storage ring. “A gift you’ll appreciate.” With a smile, he departed like drifting smoke.
Qu Wei examined the ring curiously. Jin Miaoyi laughed. “Check what’s inside!”
A medicinal cauldron flew out when opened, emitting the aura of a high-quality treasure artifact. Miao Sanxu gaped. “That’s priceless!”
Fang Zhuqing remarked, “Little Yuzi knew your Shenhuo Sect background in alchemy. Perfect gift.”
Qu Wei’s eyes shimmered as she detected peculiar fluctuations within. “The real treasure isn’t the cauldron…”
Her companions exchanged puzzled looks. “What then?” Miao Sanxu pressed.
The opened cauldron released mesmerizing herbal fragrance. “Spiritual herbs!” three voices chorused.
“A mid-grade spiritual herb,” Qu Wei revealed calmly.
Shocked gasps erupted. Qu Wei sighed, “He remembers our trip to Green Island where his journey began. His gifts outweigh mine tenfold.”
“A loyal soul indeed,” Jin Miaoyi murmured. Miao Sanxu and Fang Zhuqing nodded vigorously, praising Cheng Lingyu’s brotherly devotion.
The storage ring also contained a spirit beast manual detailing Lightning Weasel traits – prepared long ago but delivered now.
Returning to chess academy, Cheng Lingyu found Caiyun and Lan Xiaozhu waiting. “Let’s go.”
Caiyun’s teleportation array whisked them beyond city walls. Gazing back at Yunyang City, Cheng Lingyu smiled wistfully, clasping both women’s hands.