Around noon, Shen Shuanglian arrived at Chen Yin’s cultivation cave.
Knowing he was meditating, she didn’t disturb him but waited patiently outside. She knew he would sense her presence when he finished.
Fifteen minutes later, Chen Yin emerged from the cave and ruffled her hair gently.
“What are you doing here?”
“I…” Shen Shuanglian hesitated, then lowered her head, fidgeting with her robe. “I missed you.”
Chen Yin realized it had been a while. “I’m sorry,” he murmured.
“You don’t have to apologize. I know you’ve been busy.” Then, she looked up at him seriously. “I killed the Divine Son.”
She blinked expectantly, like a student waiting for praise.
Chen Yin chuckled, amused. “I know. Master told me. Our little Shuang’er has become a true Sect Master.”
Shen Shuanglian blushed and nodded happily.
“It’s almost time for dinner.” Chen Yin took her hand. “What do you want to eat?”
“Fish soup.”
“Anything you want.”
They walked away, Shen Shuanglian leaning against his arm.
She never saw the inside of the cave.
If she had, she would have seen the bloodstains, the scattered flesh, and the shattered stones. A gruesome scene.
The fish soup tasted just as she remembered.
Shen Shuanglian finished a bowl contentedly. “Delicious?”
“Yes.”
Chen Yin smiled and started clearing the table.
Shen Shuanglian sat quietly.
“How are things at the Mist Spirit Sect?”
“Now that I’ve reached Grand Clarity, the sect has regained its prestige. Even Ju Canghe had to come apologize.”
“Even that old dog submitted?” Chen Yin scoffed. “What did you do?”
“I fought him,” she said seriously. “It was a private duel. I almost killed him.”
Chen Yin: “…” He could imagine Ju Canghe submitting after seeing her power.
“The Mist Spirit Sect hasn’t fully recovered its strength yet,” Shen Shuanglian said softly, “but our prestige is even greater than before.”
It was true. A twenty-year-old Grand Clarity Realm expert who had comprehended the Dao… her potential was limitless.
“Our Sect Master Shen is becoming more and more impressive,” Chen Yin chuckled.
“Are you making fun of me?” she asked softly.
“No, I’m happy for you. You’ve fulfilled your promise.”
Chen Yin’s smile held a hidden meaning.
Shen Shuanglian sensed his unusual mood. “Are you… unhappy?” she asked hesitantly.
Chen Yin shook his head. “No. I’m happy for you.”
“Really?”
Seeing her doubt, Chen Yin put down the dishes, wiped his hands, and lifted her into his arms.
“Whoa!” She blushed and wrapped her arms around his neck. “What are you doing?”
“I’ve always had a dream,” he grinned, “to be the protagonist. Consider this a reward.”
Later, Chen Yin sat on the bed, reading, while Shen Shuanglian lay beside him.
“Are you sure you’re not unhappy?” she asked, glancing at him.
“Is it that obvious?”
“No, but I can tell. Your smile is different.”
Chen Yin touched his face and chuckled wryly. “I didn’t even realize.”
“That’s because you bottle everything up,” she said with a hint of reproach. “We get worried.”
“We? Xiang’er and the others? Did she send you?”
Shen Shuanglian didn’t answer.
Chen Yin gently pinched her cheek. “You’re just as stubborn as I am. You wouldn’t tell me about the problems at the Mist Spirit Sect.” He pulled her close.
“But I did ask for your help in the end,” she said.
“Will you ask for our help this time?”
Chen Yin kissed her gently on the corner of her eye.
“I will.”