In Heaven Dou City, at the Frost Restaurant.
Inside an elegant private room, Gai Yue sat rather nervously. Since becoming the Grand Elder of the Sword Sect, he had not felt this kind of nervousness in a long time.
Ever since Flender and Liu Erlong had helped arrange a match for him, Gai Yue and Xue Qingluan had been corresponding by letter.
At first, they were both somewhat reserved, but writing letters without seeing each other's faces made it easier to relax. With a "let's just see how it goes" attitude, their conversations grew more frequent.
Now, a little over half a month later, Xue Qingluan happened to be visiting Heaven Dou City for some matters, and they agreed to meet in person.
Before long, there was a knock at the door. Gai Yue rose to open it.
As the door opened, the first thing that entered his view was an exquisite face. Just one glance made his heart beat faster.
The two were meeting for the first time after being introduced for marriage, so naturally, there was a sense of mutual evaluation.
Their letters had gone well,otherwise they wouldn't have met in person,and at first sight, Gai Yue found her stunning.
Xue Qingluan's face was beautiful, showing no trace of age, looking like a woman of twenty-seven or twenty-eight.
Fortunately, Gai Yue was not impulsive. After one look, he smiled and said, "Please, come in."
Xue Qingluan politely smiled back. "Sorry to keep you waiting."
After they sat down, Gai Yue handed her the menu. "You mentioned before that you like wild rice shoots and bamboo shoots. I've ordered some of those. See if there's anything else you'd like."
Xue Qingluan took the menu, ordered two more dishes, and after calling for the waiter, they began to chat casually like friends.
Seeing Gai Yue's slightly nervous look, Xue Qingluan couldn't help but laugh. "Before coming, I thought that someone who could become the Grand Elder of a great sect would surely be very stern."
Gai Yue chuckled. "I've only recently taken the position. I don't have much of that kind of presence yet."
"You, on the other hand," he continued, "are even more stunning than Erlong and the others described. No wonder I'm nervous."
Xue Qingluan smiled charmingly. "You really know how to flatter a woman. It's hard to believe you've never married."
Gai Yue smiled wryly. "When I was young, I put all my focus on cultivation. If it weren't for that rascal Xiao Ao constantly pushing me, I'd probably still think living alone and dedicating my life to the sect wasn't such a bad thing."
Xue Qingluan looked surprised. "No wonder you could take on such a position at your age. Compared to you, what I've done is nothing."
Gai Yue poured her a cup of water. "Running an academy isn't easy either. You've reached this level yourself,that's no small achievement."
…
The two continued chatting casually, just like old friends catching up.
After a while, the food and wine were served. They ate and talked, mainly trying to gauge each other's feelings.
Gai Yue was quite satisfied with Xue Qingluan, and to her surprise, she also found herself genuinely interested in him.
Though nearly sixty, Gai Yue looked no older than thirty thanks to his cultivation,about the same age as her.
He wasn't especially handsome, but his calm demeanor and engaging conversation deeply appealed to Xue Qingluan. His status and background only added to his charm.
An hour passed quickly. They had finished eating, but their conversation still flowed naturally.
When the red glow of sunset poured through the window, they finally realized how late it had become.
After some hesitation, Gai Yue gathered his courage and said, "Actually... I'd like to give this a try. Even though this is our first meeting and we haven't known each other long, I don't know why,but I really have feelings for you."
Xue Qingluan was surprised by his straightforwardness. Gai Yue seemed like a blunt man, but his timing was just right,honest without being crude.
It was what she wanted to say herself, though as a woman, she couldn't bring it up first.
Still, she had her concerns.
"Honestly, I enjoy talking with you too. Maybe it's too soon to call it love, but I do want to spend more time with you. However, I have some worries."
"Go ahead," Gai Yue said.
"My situation is a bit complicated. If I marry you, I'll have to come to the Sword Sect, but the power behind me might not agree to let me go. Still, you're a Titled Douluo backed by the Sword Sect. If you speak up personally, they won't dare refuse."
"If we do end up together, I have a small request. I hope you can agree."
Gai Yue smiled. "As long as it's within my ability, I won't refuse. Tell me."
Xue Qingluan sighed. "The power behind me is a hidden sect. Tianshui Academy was actually founded with their support. Our mission is to train talented young women and send them into the sect later."
"But most of those women end up as sacrifices. The direct bloodlines within the sect must fuse with these women to fully awaken their martial spirits. Afterward, those women usually lose their ability to cultivate."
"Though the sect treats them well as wives and mistresses, there are always exceptions."
"I graduated from Tianshui Academy myself. I also have an elder sister. Her talent was similar to mine, and she became the wife of the sect's Grand Elder."
"At first, he treated her well and they had two sons, but neither of them was as talented as the main bloodline's heirs. So the Grand Elder placed his hopes on his grandsons."
"Recently, two of the three grandsons failed to awaken their bloodline, leaving only one with potential. He's their last hope."
"This has always been the sect's way, so I didn't complain. After all, the women who marry in live comfortably."
"But that third grandson is a despicable brat. The sect rules say the awakening ceremony happens at fifteen, yet at twelve, he used his family's power to assault several female disciples."
"The Sect Master punished him lightly out of respect for the Grand Elder, but the boy only grew worse. His talent is actually good,and now he's set his sights on my disciple, Shui Bing'er."
Gai Yue frowned. "He assaulted girls at twelve? Wouldn't that ruin his talent?"
Xue Qingluan sighed. "If only it did. He found... another way to preserve it." She clearly didn't want to elaborate. "Anyway, he's turning fifteen soon, and he told the Grand Elder he wants Bing'er. But her talent is the best in Tianshui Academy's history,she's destined to reach Titled Douluo level. How could I let her be ruined by him?"
Gai Yue raised an eyebrow. "So that brat's talent is said to be the strongest in the sect's history, even before his awakening? Once awakened, he could become immensely powerful, right?"
Xue Qingluan was shocked. "How did you know?"
Gai Yue smiled. "From what you've said, your sect must have strict rules. If such a sinner was barely punished, there must be a reason,it's not hard to guess."
Xue Qingluan sighed helplessly. "Exactly. To make matters worse, my sister sides with that brat. Because I refuse to give in, she's even trying to remove me as headmistress."
Gai Yue nodded. "He's her grandson, after all. And from what you're describing, that Grand Elder's faction likely still wants to challenge the Sect Master's authority."
Xue Qingluan gave a weary smile. "Yes. The Grand Elder once vied for the sect leadership but narrowly lost. Now that his line has produced such a genius, he's grown ambitious again."
"I know this puts you in a difficult position. But I only have this one disciple. I treat her like my own daughter. I don't want her to become an ordinary woman or be forced into such a fate."
Gai Yue nodded slowly. "I understand. As a friend, it's not really my place to interfere, especially with a hidden sect. I can't just walk in uninvited."
He paused, then poured her more water. "But if I come forward as your husband, then I'd have every right to get involved. With me supporting you, this matter shouldn't be hard to resolve."
Xue Qingluan blushed slightly. "Then... thank you."
Gai Yue scratched his head awkwardly. "No need to thank me. I really do like you. How about this,we start as a couple for now. If things go well, I'll formally propose marriage and help you solve your disciple's problem."
Her cheeks turned pink. "Actually, I already like you too... but there's no time."
"How about this,you send a betrothal gift first. Once Bing'er's problem is solved, I won't run away."
Gai Yue swallowed nervously. So, feelings after action... well, it wasn't exactly that. They had written for half a month, after all.
He smiled. "All right."
Xue Qingluan sighed with relief. "I really didn't know who else to turn to. Thank you."
Gai Yue waved his hand. "It's no trouble. I'm willing."
Her face turned crimson at his honest words, needing no further explanation.
Meanwhile, Oscar still had no idea that his teacher's love life had progressed so quickly.
In the depths of Star Dou Forest, Tang San had just awakened. After confirming that Xiao Wu was safe, the two embraced tightly.
On a cliff not far away, Da Ming, Er Ming, and Oscar watched quietly.
The two beasts felt a pang of discomfort seeing Xiao Wu in a human's arms. How could she fall for a human?
After a long while, Tang San finally asked, "Xiao Wu... are you truly a soul beast in human form?"
Xiao Wu nodded, not daring to look him in the eye. "I never meant to deceive you. I'm almost at maturity,once I reach it, I'll be no different from a human."
Tang San was overwhelmed. He never imagined the woman he loved was a transformed soul beast.
It was hard to accept, but when Xiao Wu had been in danger, his concern for her had been utterly sincere.
Seeing their heavy silence, Oscar finally couldn't take it anymore and flew over on his sword.
When Tang San saw him, he immediately bowed. "Senior, thank you for saving me today. Without you, I'd be dead."
Oscar waved him off. He figured Xiao Wu had already explained everything.
"Xiao San, you already know what Xiao Wu really is, right?"
Tang San nodded. "Senior, you knew all along, didn't you?"
Oscar nodded. "Yes. I knew from the moment she entered the academy. I've been helping her hide it ever since."
Tang San looked at him in newfound respect. Without any selfish motives, Oscar had long ago chosen to give up on the chance to obtain a ready-made hundred-thousand-year soul ring and soul bone, treating Xiao Wu purely as a person.
Realizing this, Tang San's admiration deepened. What kind of heart must one have to treat such temptation as nothing?
"Senior, I understand," Tang San said.
Then he turned to Xiao Wu. "No matter who you were before, you are my Xiao Wu,the one I love most."
"Do you remember what I once told you?"
Xiao Wu nodded. "If someone tries to hurt me, but they're stronger than you..."
Tang San finished the line softly. "Then they'll have to step over my corpse first. I meant it then, and I mean it now."
Xiao Wu burst into tears and threw herself into his arms.
Oscar shook his head helplessly at the sight. He was about to leave when Tang San called out, "Senior, thank you for taking care of Xiao Wu. I'll never forget your kindness. Whatever you need in the future, I'll do it without hesitation."
Oscar waved a hand. "That's for later. You two enjoy your reunion. I'll go prepare something to eat. There are things we need to discuss afterward."
Tang San and Xiao Wu smiled awkwardly. "Sorry to trouble you, Senior."
Oscar grinned. "If you train diligently, that's the best thanks. I'll be testing you later,if you pass, you won't need to leave."
Tang San and Xiao Wu exchanged helpless glances. Their senior was still the same,kind, but strict.
After Oscar left, Xiao Wu happily showed Tang San around Star Moon Lake, where she had grown up.
Though Tang San was still processing her identity, his feelings for her had long transcended species. To him, she was simply Xiao Wu,a living, breathing girl.
Having learned much from Oscar over the years, Tang San also knew that once a transformed soul beast reached level sixty, it would permanently become human.
As Xiao Wu described the lake, Da Ming and Er Ming stayed hidden, clearly unwilling to meet Tang San.
She felt helpless but didn't want to force them,or risk frightening Tang San, since not everyone viewed soul beasts as Oscar did.
Now, aside from Xiao Wu, Oscar was the only human those two beasts would tolerate.
Unbeknownst to Xiao Wu, the two beasts had already met many humans. Some Sword Sect disciples had even entered Star Dou Forest in search of soul spirits,with the beasts' help.
They avoided Tang San only because they were afraid they couldn't resist the urge to crush him.
Their beloved Xiao Wu, whom they'd protected for ten thousand years, had been claimed by a human.
Soul beasts could accept multiple partners,but humans? Hardly. Neither side was likely to share her.
Oscar knew this all too well, but he had no interest in meddling. To him, Xiao Wu was just like a younger sister, and her love life was none of his business.
In Heaven Dou City, at the Frost Restaurant.
Inside an elegant private room, Gai Yue sat rather nervously. Since becoming the Grand Elder of the Sword Sect, he had not felt this kind of nervousness in a long time.
Ever since Flender and Liu Erlong had helped arrange a match for him, Gai Yue and Xue Qingluan had been corresponding by letter.
At first, they were both somewhat reserved, but writing letters without seeing each other's faces made it easier to relax. With a "let's just see how it goes" attitude, their conversations grew more frequent.
Now, a little over half a month later, Xue Qingluan happened to be visiting Heaven Dou City for some matters, and they agreed to meet in person.
Before long, there was a knock at the door. Gai Yue rose to open it.
As the door opened, the first thing that entered his view was an exquisite face. Just one glance made his heart beat faster.
The two were meeting for the first time after being introduced for marriage, so naturally, there was a sense of mutual evaluation.
Their letters had gone well,otherwise they wouldn't have met in person,and at first sight, Gai Yue found her stunning.
Xue Qingluan's face was beautiful, showing no trace of age, looking like a woman of twenty-seven or twenty-eight.
Fortunately, Gai Yue was not impulsive. After one look, he smiled and said, "Please, come in."
Xue Qingluan politely smiled back. "Sorry to keep you waiting."
After they sat down, Gai Yue handed her the menu. "You mentioned before that you like wild rice shoots and bamboo shoots. I've ordered some of those. See if there's anything else you'd like."
Xue Qingluan took the menu, ordered two more dishes, and after calling for the waiter, they began to chat casually like friends.
Seeing Gai Yue's slightly nervous look, Xue Qingluan couldn't help but laugh. "Before coming, I thought that someone who could become the Grand Elder of a great sect would surely be very stern."
Gai Yue chuckled. "I've only recently taken the position. I don't have much of that kind of presence yet."
"You, on the other hand," he continued, "are even more stunning than Erlong and the others described. No wonder I'm nervous."
Xue Qingluan smiled charmingly. "You really know how to flatter a woman. It's hard to believe you've never married."
Gai Yue smiled wryly. "When I was young, I put all my focus on cultivation. If it weren't for that rascal Xiao Ao constantly pushing me, I'd probably still think living alone and dedicating my life to the sect wasn't such a bad thing."
Xue Qingluan looked surprised. "No wonder you could take on such a position at your age. Compared to you, what I've done is nothing."
Gai Yue poured her a cup of water. "Running an academy isn't easy either. You've reached this level yourself,that's no small achievement."
…
The two continued chatting casually, just like old friends catching up.
After a while, the food and wine were served. They ate and talked, mainly trying to gauge each other's feelings.
Gai Yue was quite satisfied with Xue Qingluan, and to her surprise, she also found herself genuinely interested in him.
Though nearly sixty, Gai Yue looked no older than thirty thanks to his cultivation,about the same age as her.
He wasn't especially handsome, but his calm demeanor and engaging conversation deeply appealed to Xue Qingluan. His status and background only added to his charm.
An hour passed quickly. They had finished eating, but their conversation still flowed naturally.
When the red glow of sunset poured through the window, they finally realized how late it had become.
After some hesitation, Gai Yue gathered his courage and said, "Actually... I'd like to give this a try. Even though this is our first meeting and we haven't known each other long, I don't know why,but I really have feelings for you."
Xue Qingluan was surprised by his straightforwardness. Gai Yue seemed like a blunt man, but his timing was just right,honest without being crude.
It was what she wanted to say herself, though as a woman, she couldn't bring it up first.
Still, she had her concerns.
"Honestly, I enjoy talking with you too. Maybe it's too soon to call it love, but I do want to spend more time with you. However, I have some worries."
"Go ahead," Gai Yue said.
"My situation is a bit complicated. If I marry you, I'll have to come to the Sword Sect, but the power behind me might not agree to let me go. Still, you're a Titled Douluo backed by the Sword Sect. If you speak up personally, they won't dare refuse."
"If we do end up together, I have a small request. I hope you can agree."
Gai Yue smiled. "As long as it's within my ability, I won't refuse. Tell me."
Xue Qingluan sighed. "The power behind me is a hidden sect. Tianshui Academy was actually founded with their support. Our mission is to train talented young women and send them into the sect later."
"But most of those women end up as sacrifices. The direct bloodlines within the sect must fuse with these women to fully awaken their martial spirits. Afterward, those women usually lose their ability to cultivate."
"Though the sect treats them well as wives and mistresses, there are always exceptions."
"I graduated from Tianshui Academy myself. I also have an elder sister. Her talent was similar to mine, and she became the wife of the sect's Grand Elder."
"At first, he treated her well and they had two sons, but neither of them was as talented as the main bloodline's heirs. So the Grand Elder placed his hopes on his grandsons."
"Recently, two of the three grandsons failed to awaken their bloodline, leaving only one with potential. He's their last hope."
"This has always been the sect's way, so I didn't complain. After all, the women who marry in live comfortably."
"But that third grandson is a despicable brat. The sect rules say the awakening ceremony happens at fifteen, yet at twelve, he used his family's power to assault several female disciples."
"The Sect Master punished him lightly out of respect for the Grand Elder, but the boy only grew worse. His talent is actually good,and now he's set his sights on my disciple, Shui Bing'er."
Gai Yue frowned. "He assaulted girls at twelve? Wouldn't that ruin his talent?"
Xue Qingluan sighed. "If only it did. He found... another way to preserve it." She clearly didn't want to elaborate. "Anyway, he's turning fifteen soon, and he told the Grand Elder he wants Bing'er. But her talent is the best in Tianshui Academy's history,she's destined to reach Titled Douluo level. How could I let her be ruined by him?"
Gai Yue raised an eyebrow. "So that brat's talent is said to be the strongest in the sect's history, even before his awakening? Once awakened, he could become immensely powerful, right?"
Xue Qingluan was shocked. "How did you know?"
Gai Yue smiled. "From what you've said, your sect must have strict rules. If such a sinner was barely punished, there must be a reason,it's not hard to guess."
Xue Qingluan sighed helplessly. "Exactly. To make matters worse, my sister sides with that brat. Because I refuse to give in, she's even trying to remove me as headmistress."
Gai Yue nodded. "He's her grandson, after all. And from what you're describing, that Grand Elder's faction likely still wants to challenge the Sect Master's authority."
Xue Qingluan gave a weary smile. "Yes. The Grand Elder once vied for the sect leadership but narrowly lost. Now that his line has produced such a genius, he's grown ambitious again."
"I know this puts you in a difficult position. But I only have this one disciple. I treat her like my own daughter. I don't want her to become an ordinary woman or be forced into such a fate."
Gai Yue nodded slowly. "I understand. As a friend, it's not really my place to interfere, especially with a hidden sect. I can't just walk in uninvited."
He paused, then poured her more water. "But if I come forward as your husband, then I'd have every right to get involved. With me supporting you, this matter shouldn't be hard to resolve."
Xue Qingluan blushed slightly. "Then... thank you."
Gai Yue scratched his head awkwardly. "No need to thank me. I really do like you. How about this,we start as a couple for now. If things go well, I'll formally propose marriage and help you solve your disciple's problem."
Her cheeks turned pink. "Actually, I already like you too... but there's no time."
"How about this,you send a betrothal gift first. Once Bing'er's problem is solved, I won't run away."
Gai Yue swallowed nervously. So, feelings after action... well, it wasn't exactly that. They had written for half a month, after all.
He smiled. "All right."
Xue Qingluan sighed with relief. "I really didn't know who else to turn to. Thank you."
Gai Yue waved his hand. "It's no trouble. I'm willing."
Her face turned crimson at his honest words, needing no further explanation.
Meanwhile, Oscar still had no idea that his teacher's love life had progressed so quickly.
In the depths of Star Dou Forest, Tang San had just awakened. After confirming that Xiao Wu was safe, the two embraced tightly.
On a cliff not far away, Da Ming, Er Ming, and Oscar watched quietly.
The two beasts felt a pang of discomfort seeing Xiao Wu in a human's arms. How could she fall for a human?
After a long while, Tang San finally asked, "Xiao Wu... are you truly a soul beast in human form?"
Xiao Wu nodded, not daring to look him in the eye. "I never meant to deceive you. I'm almost at maturity,once I reach it, I'll be no different from a human."
Tang San was overwhelmed. He never imagined the woman he loved was a transformed soul beast.
It was hard to accept, but when Xiao Wu had been in danger, his concern for her had been utterly sincere.
Seeing their heavy silence, Oscar finally couldn't take it anymore and flew over on his sword.
When Tang San saw him, he immediately bowed. "Senior, thank you for saving me today. Without you, I'd be dead."
Oscar waved him off. He figured Xiao Wu had already explained everything.
"Xiao San, you already know what Xiao Wu really is, right?"
Tang San nodded. "Senior, you knew all along, didn't you?"
Oscar nodded. "Yes. I knew from the moment she entered the academy. I've been helping her hide it ever since."
Tang San looked at him in newfound respect. Without any selfish motives, Oscar had long ago chosen to give up on the chance to obtain a ready-made hundred-thousand-year soul ring and soul bone, treating Xiao Wu purely as a person.
Realizing this, Tang San's admiration deepened. What kind of heart must one have to treat such temptation as nothing?
"Senior, I understand," Tang San said.
Then he turned to Xiao Wu. "No matter who you were before, you are my Xiao Wu,the one I love most."
"Do you remember what I once told you?"
Xiao Wu nodded. "If someone tries to hurt me, but they're stronger than you..."
Tang San finished the line softly. "Then they'll have to step over my corpse first. I meant it then, and I mean it now."
Xiao Wu burst into tears and threw herself into his arms.
Oscar shook his head helplessly at the sight. He was about to leave when Tang San called out, "Senior, thank you for taking care of Xiao Wu. I'll never forget your kindness. Whatever you need in the future, I'll do it without hesitation."
Oscar waved a hand. "That's for later. You two enjoy your reunion. I'll go prepare something to eat. There are things we need to discuss afterward."
Tang San and Xiao Wu smiled awkwardly. "Sorry to trouble you, Senior."
Oscar grinned. "If you train diligently, that's the best thanks. I'll be testing you later,if you pass, you won't need to leave."
Tang San and Xiao Wu exchanged helpless glances. Their senior was still the same,kind, but strict.
After Oscar left, Xiao Wu happily showed Tang San around Star Moon Lake, where she had grown up.
Though Tang San was still processing her identity, his feelings for her had long transcended species. To him, she was simply Xiao Wu,a living, breathing girl.
Having learned much from Oscar over the years, Tang San also knew that once a transformed soul beast reached level sixty, it would permanently become human.
As Xiao Wu described the lake, Da Ming and Er Ming stayed hidden, clearly unwilling to meet Tang San.
She felt helpless but didn't want to force them,or risk frightening Tang San, since not everyone viewed soul beasts as Oscar did.
Now, aside from Xiao Wu, Oscar was the only human those two beasts would tolerate.
Unbeknownst to Xiao Wu, the two beasts had already met many humans. Some Sword Sect disciples had even entered Star Dou Forest in search of soul spirits,with the beasts' help.
They avoided Tang San only because they were afraid they couldn't resist the urge to crush him.
Their beloved Xiao Wu, whom they'd protected for ten thousand years, had been claimed by a human.
Soul beasts could accept multiple partners,but humans? Hardly. Neither side was likely to share her.
Oscar knew this all too well, but he had no interest in meddling. To him, Xiao Wu was just like a younger sister, and her love life was none of his business.
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