Chapter 63: The Lakeside Cottage and the Orchid Demon Sect

“How could I ever forget? You will always be here with me, unable to escape for a lifetime.” Leng Huaiyi suddenly took Xun Mishuang’s hand and placed it against his chest, gazing deeply into her eyes as he spoke slowly and with heartfelt sincerity. In that moment, he wished to set aside the constraints of seniority and status, yearning only for this rare warmth to linger. Here, there were no formalities between master and disciple; only the love between Leng Huaiyi and Xun Mishuang, and the affection that had endured despite years of separation, never fading with the passage of time.

“I will engrave this feeling deep within my mind. If, one day, I grow old and forget the way home, please do not abandon me again. Remember to bring me back to your heart, for only here can truly be called home,” Xun Mishuang choked out, her voice trembling. It was enough—his words alone were enough. Even if they must part again in the future, she would never resent it, for their hearts remained intertwined, inseparable by any force.

“I imagine that by then, my hair will have turned white as well. But it matters not—the path to my heart will never vanish. No matter how foolish or lost we become, we will always find our way. Only this time, promise me you won’t leave before I do, for I still owe you an eternity.” If they could not be together during the brightest moments of life, then let them meet again when age has taken its toll. Even if only a single day remains, it would justify a lifetime of waiting.

“This is your promise; you mustn’t break your word again.” Unable to hold back any longer, Xun Mishuang threw herself into Leng Huaiyi’s arms and wept bitterly. What could be more precious than such a vow? Even if he was merely comforting her, it was worth it. She believed this promise would accompany her through the rest of her days, and she would cherish it, living joyfully in the days to come. She didn’t want him to return to find a woman consumed by sorrow; she wanted him to know that for the sake of their long-awaited reunion, she had truly endured.

“If the happiness of your past was for me, then let the joy of your future be for yourself.” This was the message Leng Huaiyi earnestly conveyed to her. She understood, and would do as he wished, but she wished he would see that he was her happiness.

“How touching! I’m nearly moved to tears. Suddenly, I feel nothing is more important than spending a lifetime with the one you love most!” With that, Meng Youyuan tightened her hold on Lan Bingxian’s hand, fearful he might leave her the next moment. Compared to them, perhaps she was the happiest of all, always accompanied by someone so much more outstanding than herself, who cherished her deeply. He had never resented her for her plain appearance, and most precious of all, he had willingly given up a brilliant future to follow her to a foreign land, content to live a simple, humble life. What had she done to deserve this?

“Silly girl, I will always stay by your side, unless you choose to leave me first. Otherwise, I will never take a single step away from you!” Lan Bingxian smiled, wrapping his arm around her fragrant shoulders, gazing into her eyes with all the tenderness of a lifetime. He would give her warmth and trust, never letting go, even if one of them departed first—the love that lingered in her palm would never fade.

“When did you become as eloquent as they are? How could I bear to leave you alone?” Meng Youyuan rested her head on Lan Bingxian’s shoulder and spoke softly, the sweetness in her voice unmistakable. She would never be foolish enough to abandon him; she had chosen him, entwined herself with him, and he could never shake her off!

“These are words from the heart, not mere flattery. But if you like hearing them, I can say them every day until you tire of it.” Lan Bingxian affectionately tapped her nose, then simply gazed at her in silence.

Seeing the couples so deeply in love, Xiao Yin didn’t wish to neglect the lady beside him, who was already moved to tears. He gently wrapped his arm around her waist, holding her close, then leaned to her ear and whispered intimately, “Why are your eyes so tearful? It pains me to see you like this. Is my little wife envious of them, secretly blaming her husband for neglecting her?” As he spoke, his hands roamed mischievously, and his eyes gleamed with playful intent—no guessing needed to know he was scheming something.

“You’re so wicked, behaving so improperly in public!” Lan Wu blushed with shyness, though it seemed she didn’t truly mind Xiao Yin’s flirtatious antics.

“I’m only comforting my little wife so she remembers there’s a husband beside her who cherishes her in every way!” Xiao Yin, acting like a pampered kitten, nuzzled Lan Wu’s neck. She wished to escape, but realized she was already trapped in his embrace and could not move. Helpless, she settled quietly against him, enjoying his affection as a gentle, obedient woman.

“You’re always taking advantage of me. We haven’t even formally wed yet. If you don’t treat me well, I’ll choose someone else!” Lan Wu pouted, feigning annoyance.

“If that’s the case, I’d be threatened! No, I’d better make you my wife soon so you can never escape!” Xiao Yin moved in as if to kiss her, but she quickly blocked him, sparing them from a public spectacle.

“Look at them, so inseparable. They’ve surely forgotten anyone else is here!” Yan Xue Su laughed, linking arms with Yu Xiaoran. Compared to the other couples, theirs was more subdued, yet the warmth and sweetness between them were not lacking.

“Should I take your words to mean that this blockhead is hopelessly unromantic? Look at how proactive the others are—why are you just standing there?” Yu Xiaoran mimicked Yan Xue Su’s tone with a mischievous smile, making his beloved laugh so hard she could barely contain herself.

“Haha, not at all! I know you’re very romantic, which is why I treasure these moments when you face me sincerely. After all, those sweet words you’ve said to countless women before—I don’t want to hear any empty flattery! Instead, I much prefer your silence now, because I know you’re expressing your love with genuine feeling.” Yan Xue Su gazed tenderly at her lover, unable to hide her shyness.

“So I don’t need to speak anymore? Just meet your gaze?” Yu Xiaoran grinned, knowing how well she understood him.

“That won’t do! If I’m unhappy, you still have to make me laugh. If you’re always silent, that would be dull!” Yan Xue Su teased him, enjoying making things difficult for him, loving that he could easily win but chose to let her win to cheer her up. It made her feel his love more deeply, so unlike his casual treatment of ordinary women—she had truly won his heart.

“You are really hard to please, little one!” Yu Xiaoran pinched her delicate cheek with affection, unable to let go. He admitted he’d been with many women, but only she made him devoted.

“If I were too obedient, you wouldn’t know how to cherish me!” Yan Xue Su laughed playfully.

“Looks like I’ll have trouble in the future—my woman is so good at keeping her man in line!” Yu Xiaoran smiled, not minding at all, loving the feeling of being under her sway.

“Cough, cough! This is not the time for romance. Don’t forget we have more important matters at hand!” Yin Boxuan deliberately raised his voice, unable to stand the couples’ excessive intimacy any longer. If they didn’t restrain themselves, he’d be tempted to leave—after all, wasn’t this just making a lonely bachelor feel even more desolate?

“Brother Yin, you’re spoiling the mood. With such beautiful surroundings, no wonder they can’t help but talk of love. If I had such a stunning companion, I’d be tempted to whisper sweet words myself!” Yu Shang’s remark, whether helping or mocking them, made everyone blush.

“Come, follow me inside!” Xun Mishuang waved her hand, and the white lotus blossoms on the lake parted to reveal a narrow path. She stepped onto it, and beneath her feet formed a transparent bridge, allowing her to cross the water without getting wet. The others followed, appearing like immortals walking upon the lake, chatting and strolling at ease. The women, especially, looked like lotus fairies descended to earth—truly a breathtaking sight.

Once inside the small cabin, everyone was astonished—it was a sanctuary amidst the chaos of the world. The air was filled with a refreshing fragrance, which they traced to the twin lotuses floating in a porcelain basin. The entire space was adorned in white, pure and immaculate, as if they had entered a fairyland. Even the tiny teacups were intricately carved in the shape of flowers—the owner had clearly poured heart and soul into its creation.

“By the way, little one, you haven’t told us why you brought us here!” Xiao Yin, caught up in the cabin’s atmosphere, suddenly remembered and asked hurriedly.

“In truth, once you know the incantation, you can summon the entrance to the treasury from anywhere. However, the academy is filled with malicious people, so I brought you here to avoid them. The barrier surrounding my cabin was set jointly by several elders; unless someone of very high cultivation breaks it, it cannot be breached. After much thought, I realized this was the safest place,” Xun Mishuang explained gently. Her lively mind and meticulous planning impressed everyone even more.

“I think Sister Shuang brought us here not just for safety, but so someone could see all she has arranged for him,” Lan Wu, ever the mischievous spirit, deliberately spoke loudly beside Leng Huaiyi, hoping he would finally understand.

“Lan, you’re teasing me. I never thought about all that. This cabin was decorated for my own comfort, not for anyone else,” Xun Mishuang replied softly, feeling shy, and her cheeks bloomed with a rosy blush as she glanced bashfully at her beloved—utterly adorable.

“Let’s stop teasing her—aren’t we here to attend to serious matters?” Leng Huaiyi interjected to rescue the flustered little lady.