Qingyun Sect.
Green Bamboo Peak.
Zhou Yi's figure appeared as he made his usual visit to Tian Ling'er. Before even stepping through the door, he suddenly raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement curving his lips.
"Interesting."
Inside the room, Tian Ling'er, upon seeing him, leaped up with joy and excitement, like a swallow returning to its nest.
"Brother Zhou Yi!"
"Were you eagerly waiting for me?"
Zhou Yi teased as he effortlessly lifted her into his arms, twirling her around. A soft fragrance lingered around her, making him chuckle.
"You're so annoying… mmph—"
Before Tian Ling'er could respond, her words were swallowed by Zhou Yi's actions.
Meanwhile, behind the wardrobe…
Su Ru, hidden from sight, watched in shock and disbelief. She had originally planned to step out and confront Zhou Yi, yet an unseen force had frozen her in place, making it impossible to move or even speak.
"This… how is this possible?!"
Her heart pounded as she struggled to comprehend what was happening. Zhou Yi had clearly not made any overt moves against her, yet she was utterly immobilized. What kind of mystical power was this?
Even the most formidable figures within Qingyun Sect, including Dao Xuan himself, could not suppress her so effortlessly.
"Who exactly is this man?"
Su Ru's gaze involuntarily lingered on Zhou Yi. She didn't like him—yet she had to admit, his presence was extraordinary. His striking appearance and air of confidence made him unlike any man she had ever encountered.
At that moment, Zhou Yi and Tian Ling'er were entirely absorbed in each other, unaware of the secret observer.
Su Ru clenched her teeth in frustration.
As time passed, the silver moon cast its glow over the silent night.
Suddenly, a knock echoed at the door.
Outside, bathed in moonlight, stood a short, stocky man with dark features—Tian Buyi, the current head of Dazhufeng.
"Ling'er, are you asleep?"
Tian Buyi's voice carried a hint of concern.
Tian Ling'er tensed, taking a deep breath before replying as calmly as possible.
"Father, I'm already asleep."
Tian Buyi frowned. "Where is your mother? She said she was coming to see you."
Tian Ling'er's heart skipped a beat. Mother?!
She had not seen Su Ru at all! Did that mean her mother had been outside, watching everything unfold?
Had she been discovered?
Tian Buyi waited for an answer. "Ling'er?"
Tian Ling'er quickly steadied herself. "I… I didn't see her, Father."
Tian Buyi's brows furrowed. If Su Ru wasn't here, then where did she go?
"Could she have gone to Xiaozhu Peak to find Shui Yue?" he muttered.
Shui Yue had always been against his relationship with Su Ru, so it wasn't impossible that his wife had gone to speak with her.
Deciding that Su Ru wouldn't be in any danger within Qingyun Sect, Tian Buyi eventually turned to leave.
Inside, Tian Ling'er let out a long sigh of relief.
However, the mention of her mother left her restless.
Meanwhile, Su Ru—who had remained trapped in silence—felt time stretch endlessly, each second a torment.
Her emotions were in turmoil, though she herself couldn't tell whether it was due to anger or something else entirely.
Finally, the night deepened.
Zhou Yi carefully tucked Tian Ling'er in, making sure she was resting soundly. Then, with a wave of his hand, he cast a silent barrier over the room before turning toward Su Ru.
Su Ru's heart pounded as he approached, his composed and confident demeanor making her even more uneasy.
"Madam, I never expected you to have such an interest in observing others," Zhou Yi mused, his tone carrying a trace of amusement.
Now free to move, Su Ru found herself filled with both frustration and disbelief. She wanted to confront him, yet words failed her.
"You—who are you? What do you want?" she demanded, forcing herself to maintain composure.
Zhou Yi smiled. "As I said, I am merely Zhou Yi."
Su Ru narrowed her eyes. "Are you from the demonic sect?"
Zhou Yi sighed dramatically. "Ah, why does everyone assume that talent must belong to the demonic path?"
Though still on guard, Su Ru couldn't deny the power he exuded.
His eyes held a knowing glint as he took a step closer, his presence overwhelming. Su Ru stiffened, her heartbeat accelerating.
Before she could react, he leaned in slightly, whispering something near her ear that made her entire body tremble.
At that moment—
Knock, knock, knock.
The knocking at the door resumed, louder this time.
Tian Buyi had returned.
"Ling'er, are you awake? Su Ru, are you in there?"
His voice was tinged with irritation. He had gone to Xiaozhu Peak and returned empty-handed, even getting scolded by Shui Yue. Now, he was certain his wife had to be here.
Su Ru gasped softly, her body tense.
"Madam," Zhou Yi murmured in a voice only she could hear, "you wouldn't want Tian Buyi to see this… would you?"
Her breath hitched.
She couldn't allow Tian Buyi to come inside. If he did, everything would spiral out of control.
"Ah… I—I'm here. Ling'er wasn't feeling well, so I decided to stay with her tonight. It's already late, you should go back first."
Su Ru suppressed the tremor in her voice as she spoke.
She had already made up her mind—if she let Tian Buyi inside, there would be no avoiding a confrontation. And with Zhou Yi's strength, Tian Buyi wouldn't stand a chance.
"Hmph!"
Tian Buyi snorted coldly at her words, his face dark with displeasure. Without another word, he turned and left.
As Su Ru sensed his departure, a single tear slipped down her cheek. She raised her trembling hand and bit down on the back of it, trying to suppress the storm of emotions within her...
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