Chapter 59: A Quiet and Unwavering Love
Luo Qiaoqiao’s figure disappeared through the doorway. Chen Yin remained rooted to the spot, still processing what had just happened.
…Did she just…forcefully kiss me again?
Although being forcefully kissed by a cute girl seemed like a blissful experience, it felt a little strange.
Luo Luo, still seated at the table, giggled mischievously.
“Wow~ Young Master, that expression… are you blushing?”
“Ahem, don’t be ridiculous.”
Chen Yin coughed loudly, then casually blocked Luo Luo’s view, saying nonchalantly,
“Little children shouldn’t watch inappropriate things. It’ll stunt your growth, you know?”
“…That’s not true.”
Luo Luo pouted, feeling wronged.
Chen Yin lightly flicked her forehead, then started packing their belongings.
“Alright, it’s time for us to go.”
“Go? Where to?”
“The demonic sect’s main altar, of course.” Chen Yin’s gaze drifted towards the window.
Luo Luo fell silent and began to pack her things as well.
After a moment of silence, Chen Yin said softly, “Don’t overthink it. Just follow me.”
“Okay.” She replied quietly.
“Think about what you want to eat. I’ll buy it for you on our way out.”
“Really? Then… Steamed buns!”
***
Xianyun Province.
A vast and sparsely populated region, Xianyun Province had scarce spiritual energy. Only a few areas with concentrated spiritual energy had human settlements. Most of the province was a desolate wasteland, ravaged by ferocious beasts.
Five days had passed since Shen Shuanglian received her mission.
She had traveled tirelessly to Xianyun Province, but she hadn’t seen a single demonic cultivator. So she could only wander aimlessly through the nearby towns.
Of course, she had another purpose.
As she neared the border of Xianyun Province, Shen Shuanglian discreetly slowed down and whispered to the System:
“System, any information about the person following me?”
“…Unfortunately, no.” The System’s aged voice replied. “She hasn’t appeared in the plot records.”
“But that also means she’s probably not a threat to you.”
Shen Shuanglian didn’t answer, only blinking subtly.
“You figured out her identity?” the System asked.
She nodded slowly. “I have an idea.”
…Right after she had accessed the information about Changli Palace, she was hastily sent away on a mission by the sect, with someone assigned to follow her.
The connection was obvious.
“I heard there’s a secret division within the sect, directly under the Sect Master’s control.”
“That person… is most likely from that division. Sent to monitor me.” She said, glancing around discreetly.
The System chuckled. “It seems the matter of Changli Palace is a sore spot for your sect.”
“System, are you sure there’s no mention of Changli Palace in the records?”
“At least not in your records.”
The System said slowly, “But I don’t know about other Chosen Ones.”
Shen Shuanglian knew who it was referring to.
The woman with the opposite script, Chen Yin’s Junior Sister.
“Do you think… if I told him the truth, would it be good or bad for him?”
The System was silent for a long time before replying, “I don’t know.”
“Since you’ve decided to deviate from the plot, every step forward is unknown.”
“It’s even possible that things will end up worse.”
“It all depends on your choices. I’m just a System, I can’t help you.”
Shen Shuanglian lowered her eyes and nodded slowly after a long silence.
“I… understand.”
Sensing her thoughts, the System said softly, “If you’re truly worried, there’s another way.”
“Leave everything to that man. See what he chooses.”
“Perhaps someone who’s not bound by the plot, a non-Chosen One, is better suited for this path.”
Shen Shuanglian hesitated, then shook her head resolutely.
“No… It’s too dangerous.”
“He’s not a Chosen One. If he actively goes against the System’s plot, it’ll be too dangerous.”
“He can’t get hurt.” Shen Shuanglian said firmly.
The System sighed. “Well, in that case, stop overthinking it. Just take things one step at a time.”
Shen Shuanglian nodded, took a deep breath, and was about to continue her journey when she suddenly froze at a turn in the road.
Chen Yin, walking towards her, also froze.
They stared at each other for a while, then Chen Yin awkwardly raised his hand in greeting:
“Yo, Senior Sister, what a coincidence.”
Shen Shuanglian glanced at the young fox-eared girl he was holding hands with, her eyes filled with unspoken words.
“…Can I still explain?”
“I’m listening.”
***
“…That’s what happened.”
Chen Yin finished explaining his relationship with Luo Luo. “She’s just a little fox demon servant I picked up, that’s all.”
“It’s not what you think. You don’t need to report me to the authorities. I’m not a lolicon.”
…Wait, haven’t I said this before?
Shen Shuanglian was silent for a moment, then nodded slowly, her bright eyes fixed on Chen Yin’s face.
“Okay. I believe you.”
Chen Yin was so touched that he almost cried.
…Wuu, wuu, Senior Sister is an angel. At least my face is safe this time.
“What about you?” Chen Yin asked. “What are you doing in such a remote place, Senior Sister?”
Shen Shuanglian hesitated for a moment, then told Chen Yin about everything that had happened at the sect.
After listening to her story, Chen Yin pondered. “…It seems we’ve gathered all the information we can find on the surface.”
“After reading those materials, I also felt something was amiss. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to investigate further.”
Shen Shuanglian said softly, “I’m sorry, I couldn’t be of much help… You probably already knew all this, right?”
Seeing her dejected expression, Chen Yin suddenly reached out and placed his hand on her head, gently stroking her hair.
“Don’t say that. You’ve helped me a lot.”
“Thank you,” he said softly.
Shen Shuanglian didn’t resist, closing one eye and enjoying his touch, the other eye peeking at him shyly.
“This is enough. Don’t investigate any further.”
Chen Yin said softly, “Just focus on being the chief disciple of your sect. Don’t get into trouble because of me.”
“It’s okay, I don’t mind.” Shen Shuanglian was about to speak, but Chen Yin gently placed a finger on her lips, silencing her.
“I know.”
“…But I do.” He said seriously.
Shen Shuanglian froze.
“Leave the rest to me. You just focus on being your beautiful self.” Chen Yin said in a gentle voice.
Shen Shuanglian’s star-like eyes seemed to dim for a moment, then she lowered her head and nodded almost imperceptibly.
“It’s getting late. Let’s find a place to stay.”
With that, Chen Yin turned and walked ahead.
Shen Shuanglian followed behind, her steps matching his rhythm.
Sometimes close, sometimes further away, but always following his shadow.
…Quiet and unwavering.
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