“Disciple is deeply grateful, thank you, Master, for bestowing this treasure!”
Gazing at the Love Thread Sword handed over by Lu Li, Gu Qingying took it with trembling hands, along with the stack of talismans.
She gently caressed the spirit sword, feeling the silver patterns coiling around the scabbard like threads of affection, her eyes brimming with indescribable joy.
There was no doubt—the spirit sword in her hand was the very same Love Thread Sword that her senior sister Feng Lingshuang had treasured with her life in her past life!
In her previous life, Gu Qingying had watched Feng Lingshuang countless times as she polished this sword, listening to her speak in a slightly boastful tone about how this sword was a gift from Master, a symbol of his recognition and expectations.
But now… it was in her own hands!
As she stroked the spirit sword, a dizzying surge of overwhelming joy instantly shattered the dam of her reason.
She feared that everything that had just happened was nothing but a dream.
Her heart pounded wildly in her chest, rattling her eardrums.
Ah!
Senior sister’s Love Thread Sword!
Master… he actually gave the Love Thread Sword to me!
Yes… yes!
It should be this way!
In this life, I, Gu Qingying, am the senior sister of Broken Affection Peak!
Heh heh… If senior sister knew that the so-called token of affection she cherished like treasure was casually given to me by Master in this life… she’d probably choke on her anger right on the spot.
What a pity… the senior sister who has already joined the Heavenly Sword Sect this life will never know about this!
Even if she did, nothing could be changed!
At this thought, a twisted, intensely vengeful and possessive pleasure immediately spread deep within Gu Qingying’s heart.
In her previous life, senior sister had often suppressed those of them junior sisters—sometimes openly, sometimes covertly—relying on the advantage of joining the sect earlier.
Especially her nearly obsessive possessiveness toward Master, which had made Gu Qingying harbor deep resentment.
But now… the wheel of fortune has turned!
This time, it’s Gu Qingying’s turn to be the senior sister!
Suppressing the triumphant smile nearly escaping her lips, Gu Qingying forced her facial muscles steady and raised her head to look at Lu Li again.
Then, in a tone mixed with awe and a hint of unease, she spoke to Lu Li.
“Master… this… this is far too precious!”
“My cultivation is low; I’m afraid I don’t deserve this sword…”
Lu Li looked at her ‘timid and respectful’ demeanor and waved his hand dismissively.
“You have reached the seventh layer of Qi Refining; it’s time you find a suitable magical weapon for yourself.”
“This spirit sword’s nature is gentle and harmonizes with your cultivation method. Take it back and refine it carefully.”
“Also, keep these talismans well. When in danger, just activate them without hesitation.”
“The disciple will not disappoint Master’s expectations, and will diligently cultivate so this sword will never gather dust!”
Gu Qingying bowed deeply, clutching the sword with a solemn tone, as if what she had received was not just a sword but a precious heirloom.
Her lowered eyes glittered with extreme excitement and a sharp determination to possess it.
She carefully attached the Love Thread Sword to her waist and meticulously stored the protective and offensive talismans close to her.
Feeling the cool touch of the spirit sword, Gu Qingying’s anticipation for the upcoming “date journey” instantly soared to its peak.
With her heart pounding in excitement, Gu Qingying followed Lu Li to pack their travel belongings.
A few minutes later, after finishing packing, Gu Qingying looked up at Lu Li, her face showing the eagerness of one ready to share the burden of her Master and practice her skills.
“Master, disciple is ready!”
“Hm, then let’s depart.”
Lu Li nodded in satisfaction and threw out the magical treasure spirit boat, carrying Gu Qingying as they sped toward Yangzhou.
…
The moon was bright, stars sparse, clouds scattered, and the wind swift.
Lu Li steered the spirit boat through the clouds, rushing toward Yangzhou.
Two hours had passed since Lu Li and his disciple left the Xuling Sect.
The night deepened, and countless stars scattered across the dark blue sky like shattered diamonds.
Around them, only the howling wind from the spirit boat and the faint hum of the magic formation could be heard.
Lu Li stood at the bow, controlling the boat’s direction.
The night breeze brushed his robes, bringing a chill that made him instinctively pull his collar tighter.
He felt the evening wind tonight was colder than usual.
Noticing this, Lu Li turned to the disciple trembling not far behind him, his voice filled with sincere concern.
“Qingkong, it’s late. You should return to the cabin and meditate to rest.”
“Here, Master is watching over you.”
“Yes, Master.”
Although Gu Qingying was reluctant, she feigned obedience, responding softly before turning toward the cramped cabin.
But as soon as the cabin door closed, a sly glint flashed across her eyes.
She silently activated her system and decisively altered how the outside world perceived her.
Immediately, Gu Qingying’s aura became vague and hard to detect, as if she had merged into the shadows inside the cabin.
Then she tiptoed to the door, slipped out silently, and returned to the deck.
Lu Li still stood tall at the bow, focused on steering the spirit boat.
Gu Qingying looked at his slightly slender back and recalled the sweet scent of Duan Xueyan lingering on his robes from earlier that day.
The jealousy and possessiveness she had temporarily suppressed surged back.
He’s mine!
Master is mine!
And mine alone!
Those disgusting smells shouldn’t exist…
Gu Qingying pursed her lips, her eyes flashing with resolute determination.
She quietly approached Lu Li.
Thanks to the powerful effects of her system, her footsteps left no trace, no sound, and her aura perfectly hidden within the night breeze.
Arriving behind Lu Li, she looked at her unguarded Master so close at hand.
Her heart raced with excitement over her bold action.
She slowly spread her arms, then with a stubborn determination, wrapped them around Lu Li’s waist from behind, pressing her body gently against his back.
As she embraced him, a deep satisfaction, as if completely claiming Lu Li into her own domain, made Gu Qingying close her eyes in comfort.
She pressed her cheek to Lu Li’s back, sniffing deeply at his originally fresh scent, trying to overpower the lingering sweet aroma left by Duan Xueyan with her own presence.
Ah!
My scent… on Master, there should only be my scent.
Gu Qingying held Lu Li tightly, almost intoxicated as she absorbed his aura.
She even subconsciously activated a faint spiritual force, summoning a subtle cool breeze.
The breeze gently brushed Lu Li’s robe sleeves, as if trying to disperse the remnants of the foreign scent completely.
Affected by the cognitive alteration, Lu Li was completely unaware, only sensing the night wind behind him had suddenly softened, no longer as biting as before.
Instead, it brought an indescribable, faint warmth that made him feel unexpectedly at ease.
His nose seemed to detect a fleeting, faint cold fragrance, now present, now gone.
Yet when he sniffed carefully, there was nothing—only the slightly cool air of the high sky.
Though Lu Li did not notice the sudden addition of a “human-shaped pendant” behind him, he instinctively relaxed the slight tension in his shoulders and back, feeling the night voyage was no longer as lonely or cold as before.
Gu Qingying closed her eyes, savoring the subtle changes in her Master’s body, a sweet, conspiratorial smile tugging at her lips.
Under the moonlight, Gu Qingying hugged Lu Li tightly, resting her head quietly against his back as if guarding a priceless treasure, both bathed beneath the dazzling stars above.
And Lu Li remained completely unaware, only feeling that tonight’s wind seemed exceptionally gentle.