Chapter 118: Unspoken Truth, A Dream Unbreakable
Yun Yue’s hand remained frozen, her hesitation lingering.
She hadn’t told Mao Ruoyu the whole truth.
She was aware of the turmoil in Jianggai County.
Because the Netherworld wouldn’t randomly drag a mortal in.
Someone from the Lingluo lineage must be using a secret technique to forcefully open the Netherworld.
All for the sake of…
Delivering a suitable ‘vessel.’
The Netherworld’s seal was incredibly strong, unyielding for a thousand years, but it wasn’t truly flawless.
Back then, despite her extraordinary talent and being trapped in this place, Yun Yue had planned ahead, passing down her incomplete Netherworld Secret Art, hoping that one day it would be used to break the seal and set her free.
Now, all she had to do was devour this perfectly compatible body with its exceptional talent, overpower its soul, and use a secret technique to swap places, slipping through the cracks in the seal and escaping this prison that had held her captive for almost a thousand years. She would be reborn, free to roam the world.
With this new body, she could rebuild her path to power.
But…
Yun Yue couldn’t bring herself to do it.
Unlike her past self, consumed by rage and violence, Mao Ruoyu was truly kind and gentle.
Even after just a brief encounter, Yun Yue had grown fond of her, seeing her as a sweet and lovable daughter.
To erase her mind and turn her into a tool for her escape…
She couldn’t bear it.
If she hadn’t sensed the Moon Shadow Saint energy within Mao Ruoyu, her pure Yin constitution and naturally seductive nature, she wouldn’t even have considered it.
Yun Yue gritted her teeth, her expression darkening, her fox tails thrashing restlessly behind her.
“Ugh…!”
But at that moment, Mao Ruoyu, trapped within the water sphere, frowned as if troubled. The surrounding miasma seemed to solidify into invisible chains, piercing through the water and slowly approaching her body.
Yun Yue’s eyes widened in alarm, and her hand trembled as she reached out again.
No!
This girl was too weak. If she hesitated any longer, once those chains completely bound her, there would be no escape!
“Young lady, I… I’m sorry!”
Guilt gnawed at her heart as she forced her hand through the water sphere, her fingertips gently touching Mao Ruoyu’s forehead.
With a quick scan, she discovered that not only was Mao Ruoyu’s body naturally seductive and perfectly compatible, but she also possessed innate Yang energy, her Yin and Yang perfectly balanced.
There was even a trace of ‘Jade Soul Crimson Marrow’ in her abdomen, constantly nourishing her body.
Such a constitution was rare, even among powerful demons and ghosts who had reached the Savage Realm. If she had appeared a thousand years ago, countless factions would have fought over her, treating her as a priceless treasure.
But now, faced with this perfect vessel, a gift from heaven, Yun Yue felt no joy.
She lowered her head, her expression complex, unable to bear looking at Mao Ruoyu’s innocent face.
Even when she had killed countless enemies in the past, facing terrifying foes, she had never hesitated.
But now, her hand was trembling.
Her ruthlessness and ambition had long faded. Centuries of solitude and cultivation had turned her into the very thing she had once despised.
Taking a deep breath, she finally spoke, her voice soft.
“Young lady, I won’t erase your consciousness. I’ll do my best to preserve your soul.”
“But your memories… will be gone.”
“I’ll give you a beautiful dream, a sweet and illusory dream of happiness. Just sleep, and all your worries, sorrows, regrets, and frustrations will fade away.”
Yun Yue’s voice was gentle, like a soothing whisper.
“Don’t resist, don’t fight back. I mean you no harm. I just want to… make amends.”
“…”
Mao Ruoyu’s brows furrowed, and she moaned softly.
As the chilling lake water seeped into her body, her clothes completely dissolved, revealing her flawless figure. But the stinging pain that spread throughout her body made her muscles spasm, as if every inch of her skin was being eroded by the intense Yin energy, a unnatural flush spreading across her skin.
Yun Yue stepped into the water and gently embraced her.
A calming aura enveloped Mao Ruoyu, a warm and gentle embrace like that of a mother, soothing the pain and discomfort. “Sleep, Ruoyu. Relax your mind, let me take care of your body. You’ll like this dream…”
…
Ding—
A soft chime, like a tiny bell, startled Mao Ruoyu awake.
She raised her hand to shield her eyes from the warm sunlight streaming through the window and smiled unconsciously. Holding a box of freshly baked pastries, she walked gracefully towards the familiar pavilion, her eyes filled with curiosity.
“Sir, are you painting again?”
“Yes.”
Lin Tianlu rubbed his wrist, a gentle smile on his face. “The flowers and plants you’ve been growing in the courtyard have grown quite a bit, Madam. I thought I’d try to capture them in a painting.”
Mao Ruoyu smiled sweetly, setting the pastries on the table. “Your paintings are amazing, Sir. But take a break and try the pastries I made.”
“Thank you, Madam.”
Seeing Lin Tianlu enjoying the pastries, she turned to look at the side.
A seductive figure in a thin silk robe was leaning against a pillar, her eyes closed.
“Sister Yun, would you like to try some too?”
“Since you made them, sister, I naturally have to try them.”
Yun Yue smiled indulgently, stood up gracefully, and picked up a pastry, savoring the flavor.
—It had been almost two months since she had entered the dream realm.
She hadn’t interfered with the dream. The scenery, the characters, the events, they were all constructed from Mao Ruoyu’s deepest memories.
She was just an observer, silently watching over this innocent and pure couple.
But during these two months, she had witnessed everything.
Yun Yue now understood why Mao Ruoyu cherished this relationship so much.
“He truly is a devilishly handsome man. Even as a reflection in a dream, I can’t help but be captivated.”
After Mao Ruoyu happily carried the empty box back to the kitchen, Yun Yue turned to Lin Tianlu.
The man in the dream was unaware of her presence.
He shook his head with a chuckle, picked up his brush, dipped it in ink, and continued painting, his mind as calm and serene as a master artist.
“…”
Looking at his handsome and focused face, Yun Yue’s eyes flickered, and she looked away.
Two months had passed, longer than she had expected.
…
Several months passed in a blink of an eye.
It was a warm winter afternoon, the sun shining brightly.
Yun Yue was lounging lazily on the corridor, her dress draped over her shoulders, her fox tail swaying gently behind her. She watched with amusement as Lin Tianlu and Hua Shuya practiced swordsmanship in the courtyard.
During these past few months, she had met many people.
Hua Shuya, a well-educated, innocent, and adorable girl, was not only cherished by Mao Ruoyu, but also adored by Yun Yue.
Now, watching her clumsily learning swordsmanship from Lin Tianlu, her face sometimes contorting in frustration, her awkward stances occasionally eliciting laughter, it was an amusing sight.
“But he’s truly a dedicated teacher.”
Seeing Lin Tianlu patiently guiding and instructing Hua Shuya, Yun Yue rested her chin on her hand, a smile unconsciously appearing on her lips.
“Really… Miss Cheng, you’re sneaking around again!”
“Is Madam Mao forbidding me?”
At that moment, bickering voices came from the corner of the corridor.
Yun Yue tilted her head, watching with amusement as the two women emerged, glaring at each other playfully.
Although Cheng Yishi’s words were sharp, she was actually kind and considerate.
“Sister Yun! You have to stand up for me!”
“Alright, alright~”
Mao Ruoyu threw herself into Yun Yue’s arms, and Yun Yue chuckled, patting her head. “But you’re the eldest here. You can’t let Miss Cheng bully and tease you like this.”
“W-who’s being bullied?!”
Mao Ruoyu’s face flushed red as she broke free from her embrace. “I was the one teaching Miss Cheng a lesson!”
“Hoo~ Madam Mao, you’re talking nonsense again.” Cheng Yishi leaned in with a smile. “You were clearly about to cry just now.”
“Y-you girl! You deserve a beating!”
“If you can catch me, Madam, I’ll let you hit me~”
“Stop right there!”
Watching the two of them running away like playful children, Yun Yue’s smile widened.
Perhaps they could be considered friends, in a way?
“Aren’t you joining us for some exercise, Miss Yun?”
Lin Tianlu walked over, leaning against a pillar, his wooden sword resting on his shoulder. He tapped it lightly. “The weather is warm and pleasant today.”
“I’m used to being lazy. I don’t like to move around too much.”
Yun Yue smiled gently. “Besides, as long as everyone is happy and safe, that’s all that matters.”
Lin Tianlu looked at her intently for a moment, then suddenly realized something. “I almost forgot, the New Year is just a few days away. If you need anything, Miss Yun, let Madam Mao and me know in advance so we can prepare.”
“New Year?”
Yun Yue was stunned for a moment, then chuckled softly. “Being able to sit down and enjoy a reunion dinner is all I need.”
…
The streets were decorated with lanterns and bustling with activity, families gathering for the New Year’s Eve reunion dinner.
Inside the mansion, Lin Tianlu and the others were sitting around the table, setting the tableware, their faces lit up with smiles.
“Sister Yun, why are you being shy?”
Mao Ruoyu was playfully pushing a reluctant Yun Yue into the dining hall, forcing her to sit down. “It’s New Year’s Eve, how can you sit outside alone in the cold?”
“I…” Yun Yue stammered.
“Madam Mao and I made a lot of dishes today. Just relax and enjoy the food, Miss Yun.” Lin Tianlu placed a porcelain wine cup in front of her and said gently, “Have some wine to warm yourself up.”
“You’re all so silly.” Yun Yue sighed helplessly.
These four were so affectionate and close, what was she doing intruding on their happy family?
She had deliberately given them space to be alone, but this girl had dragged her back…
Yun Yue glanced at Mao Ruoyu, who was sitting beside her, and said playfully, “You should learn from Miss Cheng. You’re too pure!”
“Sister, stop teasing me!”
Mao Ruoyu chuckled, also raising her small wine cup. “I’ve been busy all day, so let me propose a toast to everyone.”
Seeing everyone raising their glasses, Yun Yue hesitated for a moment, then lifted her cup with an indulgent smile. “Don’t drink too much, it’s bad for your health.”
“While the food is still hot, let’s eat!”
A simple and warm reunion dinner unfolded, just like in countless other households in Changling.
…
Two months later…
A chilling wind howled outside the window.
A candle flickered inside the room, casting dancing shadows. Although it was almost spring, the weather was still cold and bleak.
Yun Yue was still dressed in her seductive, thin silk robe, her beauty captivating. But now, she was looking at Mao Ruoyu, who was lying in bed, her face filled with worry.
She hadn’t expected Mao Ruoyu to catch a cold in this dream realm. Seeing her pale face covered in cold sweat, she couldn’t help but feel a pang of heartache.
“Don’t worry, Miss Yun. Madam Mao will recover soon.”
A warm robe was draped over her shoulders.
She turned around and saw Lin Tianlu standing behind her with a smile. “She just has a slight cold. She’s already had some medicine. She should be back to her usual self tomorrow.”
“…Mm.”
Yun Yue responded softly, her gaze softening.
She wrapped the robe around herself and sat down beside the bed, gently brushing Mao Ruoyu’s hair from her forehead.
Sensing her unprecedented weakness and fatigue, Yun Yue felt a pang of sadness.
She hoped that everything would be alright tomorrow morning.
But at that moment, Mao Ruoyu unconsciously grabbed her wrist and murmured, “I… don’t want to be apart…”
Yun Yue froze, her pupils constricting, her hand flying to her forehead as she fell silent.
—Wait!
Whose dream was this, really…
Mao Ruoyu’s, or hers?
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