Plans

The moonlight spilled through the window of Li Qingyue's room, casting a soft, silvery glow over the space. She lay in her bed, staring at the ceiling, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts. The events of the day replayed in her head like a vivid dream—the way Zhuan Ming had held her hand, the teasing glint in his eyes, the way he'd made her laugh. She couldn't deny it anymore; she was falling for him. But there was always that lingering unease, that nagging doubt that whispered in the back of her mind.

"Who is he, really?" she wondered, her fingers tracing the delicate silver bracelet he'd bought her. It was beautiful, yes, but it felt like more than just an artifact. It felt like a promise, or maybe a chain. She thought about the way he sometimes looked at her—cold, detached, like that day she saw him kill, as if he were weighing her worth. It was a stark contrast to the warmth he showed her during their date. Was she falling for the real him, or just the mask he wore?

She sighed, turning onto her side. "I'll figure him out in time," she told herself, though the uncertainty gnawed at her. For now, she decided to trust him. After all, he'd done nothing but help her so far. But deep down, she knew there was more to him than he let on.

Across the sect grounds, Zhuan Ming sat cross-legged in his room, a faint glow of spiritual energy surrounding him. His mind was a storm of plans and calculations, each thought meticulously organized.

First, he turned his attention to Li Qingyue's cultivation. She was ready to start merging with rule path artifacts, and he needed to ensure she had the right tools. In his mind, he compiled a list of artifacts:

Ruleweave Amulet: Boosts rule path abilities, making the deployment speed slightly faster and more efficient.

Rulebound Circlet: Grants minor rule path marks and helps improve focus during cultivation.

Ethereal Chain: A defensive artifact that creates weak barriers using rule path energy.

Each artifact had its uses. He didn't want to give her offensive power, as that would make her even more of a danger—she was already stronger than him, and that was a risk he wasn't willing to take. But improving her rule path marks was essential, and a defensive artifact was acceptable since it wouldn't protect her from poisons or other subtle threats. He made a mental note to acquire them as soon as possible.

But his thoughts didn't stop there. He knew the sect would soon send disciples to investigate the Beast Mountain Range again, and he needed to get there first. The death energy talismans he'd collected would be key; the monsters avoided areas saturated with death energy, giving him the perfect opportunity to explore the mountain's secrets without interference.

As he thought about the mission, his mind drifted to Li Qingyue. Her limitless physique was a rare treasure, and he couldn't help but consider the possibilities. Dual cultivation with her would be incredibly beneficial, but he needed to tread carefully. Today's date had been a test to see how close their relationship had become, and it had gone well. She was clearly growing attached to him, which would make it easier to guide her toward his goals.

After carefully analyzing everything, Zhuan Ming decided to wind down for the night. He engaged in some light training, ate a simple meal, and then retired to bed. As he lay there, his mind was already planning for the next day. He would give Li Qingyue the list of artifacts she needed to buy, ensuring her cultivation progressed as he intended. Sleep came quickly, his thoughts now a calm sea.