Chapter 23: Nothing More Than Not Wanting to See Him Sad
Wanxiang Pavilion truly lived up to its reputation as the greatest trade guild in the cultivation world.
It had everything from clothes to cultivation techniques, weapons, and magical treasures. If you wanted to buy something, chances were you could find it here.
Last time, Luo Qiaoqiao had dragged him inside, but they had only explored a small corner of the main building. In truth, the Wanxiang Pavilion's main building was so vast that it would take days and nights to fully explore.
From the outside, it appeared to be a grand and lavish building, but inside, it was an entirely different world.
Chen Yin brought Xiang'er inside, and they were immediately greeted by a welcoming sales assistant. Learning that they were there to shop for clothes, the assistant enthusiastically led them to the clothing section.
As soon as they arrived and saw the dazzling array of beautiful dresses, Xiang'er's eyes lit up.
"Wow! Look at this dress!"
She ran to a blue and white cinched-waist dress, held it up to her body, and turned to ask in a playful voice:
"Senior Brother, how does it look?"
The dress had a unique style. Compared to traditional long gowns, its skirt was exceptionally short, with intricate patterns. To Chen Yin, it bore a striking resemblance to a pleated skirt.
Caught off guard, he shamelessly wiped his mouth and gave her a thumbs-up. "I like it!"
"But isn't the skirt a little too short?" Xiang'er hesitated, lowering her gaze. "It feels— kind of embarrassing."
"That's exactly the point. If it wasn't short, how could I admire your legs?"
Yu Xiang shot him a reproachful glare.
Chen Yin laughed awkwardly to cover it up.
After staring at the dress a bit longer, Xiang'er suddenly leaned in and whispered into Chen Yin's ear:
"But… if I wear it just for Senior Brother to see, that would be okay."
She then winked playfully.
Chen Yin's heart started racing.
"This one's nice too, and so is this one… which should I choose?"
After some deliberation, she finally picked a dress and went into the fitting room.
While Xiang'er was trying on clothes, Chen Yin idly looked around the area.
Suddenly, his gaze froze.
In the distance, an area seemed to be naturally isolated. The crowd unconsciously kept their distance.
A woman in a light blue outfit with a serene and ethereal aura browsed through the racks. Her presence was so striking that no one dared to approach her.
—Senior Sister? Chen Yin was instantly intrigued.
It seemed that even girls like his aloof and unapproachable Senior Sister, Shen Shuanglian, couldn't resist the allure of shopping.
Despite her usual cold demeanor, she was here, alone, picking out clothes.
But shopping alone… it looked a bit lonely.
Chen Yin hesitated for a moment before stepping forward and greeting her with a cupped fist. "Senior Sister."
"Chen— Chen Yin?"
Shen Shuanglian's expression faltered slightly when she saw him. After a moment of visible fluster, she softly asked, "What are you doing here?"
"I'm here with Junior Sister to shop for clothes."
Chen Yin replied casually, "But Senior Sister, are you shopping alone?"
A faint shadow passed over Shen Shuanglian's eyes as she stammered, "The other junior sisters— are busy preparing for the tournament, so I came out by myself."
—Lies.
It seemed that while Senior Sister was renowned and admired, her social relationships were somewhat lacking.
Unlike someone like Luo Qiaoqiao, who was not only famous but also popular among the sect's disciples, living a carefree and sociable life.
Shen Shuanglian discreetly glanced behind Chen Yin and asked, feigning nonchalance:
"Why… isn't your Junior Sister here?"
"She's in the fitting room trying on clothes. I'll bring her over to greet Senior Sister later."
"I see," she murmured, her clear eyes momentarily distant, lost in thought.
Sensing the conversation was about to stall, Chen Yin changed the topic. "Senior Sister, are you here to buy clothes? Have you found anything you like?"
"Not yet…"
She lowered her gaze in slight embarrassment. "I'm… not very good at picking clothes."
"I just wanted to relax a little and was planning to browse."
Chen Yin pondered for a moment, then picked up a deep blue palace-style dress. "What do you think about this one, Senior Sister?"
"It's elegant without being overly plain, and it exudes a subtle charm while maintaining sophistication. It would suit your temperament perfectly."
As he enthusiastically explained the dress, Chen Yin didn't notice Shen Shuanglian staring blankly at him.
"What do you think? Do you like it, Senior Sister?"
"....Would you like me to wear it?"
Chen Yin: "....?"
Shen Shuanglian seemed to realize the ambiguity of her words and quickly looked away, her face faintly red.
"N-no, that's not what I meant— I mean, thank you for recommending it. I— I think it's a lovely dress."
Seeing her shy and flustered expression, Chen Yin couldn't help but find it amusing.
—So, this icy Senior Sister of his wasn't as unapproachable as she seemed.
She was actually kind of endearing in her awkwardness.
"I'm glad Senior Sister likes it," Chen Yin said, scratching his head. "Honestly, I'm not very experienced at picking clothes for girls. My 'straight-man' taste might not be the best."
Shen Shuanglian shook her head. "Not at all. I— I really like this dress."
For some reason, after she said that, both of them looked down in awkward silence.
Chen Yin found it strange.
Was there something peculiar about his Senior Sister Shen Shuanglian's aura or presence? Why did conversations with her always seem to carry an inexplicable awkwardness and restraint?
It was especially baffling for someone like Chen Yin, who prided himself on being a seasoned smooth-talker and shameless flirt. Yet, in front of the refined Shen Shuanglian, he couldn't come up with even a single risque joke. Instead, he felt an absurd sense of nervousness, as if he were a clumsy teenager again.
No matter how much he mulled over it, Chen Yin couldn't figure out why. He should have long outgrown that youthful, innocent crush-like feeling. So why was he so self-conscious around this Senior Sister?
Clearing his throat to ease the tension, Chen Yin said softly, "I shouldn't disturb you any longer, Senior Sister. I'll just—"
"How are you disturbing me?"
Shen Shuanglian looked at him intently.
—Seriously? I was just trying to find an excuse to leave, and you couldn't pick up on that? Have you invested all your emotional intelligence into cultivating instead?
Chen Yin suddenly felt stuck, while Shen Shuanglian seemed determined to feign ignorance and keep him from leaving.
Just then, a cheerful voice called out from behind him:
"Senior Brother, what do you think? Does it look good?"
Chen Yin turned around to see Xiang'er, who had been beaming with excitement moments earlier. But her expression subtly shifted when she noticed Shen Shuanglian.
"Ah, Xiang'er, you're just in time," Chen Yin said, as if he'd been granted a pardon. He walked over and took Xiang'er's hand. "You haven't met her yet, have you? Let me introduce you."
"This is our sect's Senior Sister, the renowned Frost Moon Sword Immortal, Shen Shuanglian."
"And Senior Sister, this is my junior, Yu Xiang."
After the introductions, Chen Yin realized that neither of them was looking at him. Instead, they were silently observing each other.
The odd look in Xiang'er's eyes disappeared in a flash. She quickly extended her hand with a calm and confident smile.
"Pleasure to meet you, Senior Sister."
Shen Shuanglian hesitated for a moment before gently shaking her hand. "...Nice to meet you."
The handshake was peaceful and brief, as if nothing had happened.
Releasing her grip, Xiang'er turned back to Chen Yin with a bright smile. "Senior Brother, you still haven't said how this outfit looks on me."
"It's perfect."
Chen Yin affectionately ruffled her hair.
Shen Shuanglian remained silent for a moment, lightly biting her lip before softly saying:
"You two rarely get a chance to go out together. I won't intrude any longer."
She turned to the sales assistant and quietly instructed, "I'll take this dress."
The dress she chose was the one Chen Yin had recommended earlier.
After completing her purchase, Shen Shuanglian glanced back at Chen Yin one last time before leaving.
Her clear, luminous eyes seemed to carry countless unspoken thoughts.
Chen Yin didn't have time to decipher them before she turned and walked away.
"Hey, what are you staring at?"
Xiang'er's disgruntled voice broke his reverie. "She's already gone, and you're still drooling like an idiot over her back. Typical pig of a Senior Brother—always up to no good."
Chen Yin cleared his throat and solemnly explained, "Nonsense. I was just being polite, thinking it would be rude not to say hello. I had no improper intentions whatsoever."
"Not even a little?"
"Not. At. All."
Xiang'er pouted in disbelief, letting out a disdainful hum as she turned away.
"Men are all the same—useless pigs."
Chen Yin had no retort and could only remain silent.
<+>
Outside Wanxiang Pavilion, Shen Shuanglian paused and glanced back.
Her gaze was calm and serene, but she seemed lost in thought.
After a moment, she murmured, "That girl— is it her?"
In her mind, the system's voice echoed: [According to the storyline records, there's no doubt it's her.]
Shen Shuanglian said nothing, her brow furrowed with concern.
[You're still worried about that man's safety?]
"Yes…" Shen Shuanglian lowered her head. "That girl is still too dangerous."
"It's a pity he didn't accept my invitation. If he had come to the main sect, I wouldn't have to worry so much."
If only he had joined the main sect, she could keep him under her watchful eye. For the next five years, no matter what happened, she would be able to protect him.
The system sighed. [Why go to such lengths? Is that man really so important to you?]
[I've asked you several times, and you still won't say. What's the connection between you two?]
Shen Shuanglian stared blankly for a while before closing her eyes with a long sigh.
"...Don't ask."
"You promised me. As long as it doesn't affect the storyline records, I'll handle everything concerning him myself."
[The storyline isn't my concern,] the system said, shaking its head. [I'm just curious. You've gone to so much trouble for him, quietly sacrificing without saying a word. Is it really worth it?]
[I doubt he'll ever respond to you, let alone appreciate everything you've done.]
[Five years from now… he might not even remember that you were ever part of his life.]
Shen Shuanglian's lashes lowered as she whispered to herself:
"It doesn't matter."
"Whether it's worth it or not—what does it matter?"
After all—
She just couldn't bear to see him suffer.
<+>
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