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Lin Yongming's parents, Lin Chong and Yinglan, dressed in new clothes they had brought back from Heaven Dou City.
After breakfast, they split up. Lin Chong took Lin Yongming to visit neighbors, while Yinglan went with Blue Silver Empress. They started from their own home and worked their way through the village.
"Oh, Brother Lin, I haven't seen those clothes before. They suit you well. So, Xiao Ming is back?"
Since it was still early in the morning, most villagers were at home, having breakfast.
"Yes, Xiao Ming came back last night. He returned from the imperial city of Heaven Dou Empire. What do you think? Don't I look handsome in these clothes?" Lin Chong greeted cheerfully.
"Uncle Wang, hello," Lin Yongming greeted politely.
"You do look more spirited than yesterday. The clothes look expensive too," Uncle Wang said with a hint of envy.
"Not at all. Xiao Ming brought back some local specialties to share with everyone. Here, these are for your family. We'll be visiting a few more homes," Lin Chong said, taking dried meat and nuts from Lin Yongming and handing them to Uncle Wang.
"Well, I won't refuse then. Thank you, Xiao Ming. You're very thoughtful," Uncle Wang said, accepting the gifts after some hesitation.
"You're welcome, Uncle Wang," Lin Yongming replied with a smile.
After finishing their visit, Lin Chong and Lin Yongming moved on to the next house. In no time, they had visited several families.
"Brother Lin, why are you giving out so many gifts? Tell me the truth. First, you built a new house, and now you're visiting with Xiao Ming. Did he get married?" Huang Zheng teased.
"Married! Uncle Huang, you've got it wrong. We just wanted to share some local specialties with everyone," Lin Yongming replied awkwardly.
"Exactly, Old Huang. You know Xiao Ming is not even 12 yet. How could he be married?" Lin Chong added with a helpless smile.
"Well, even if he's not married, he could at least get engaged. Look, the boy who's two years older than Xiao Ming already got married recently," Huang Zheng continued.
"And look at Xiao Ming. Since becoming a soul master, he's grown so much. He's taller than both of us now," Huang Zheng added.
"Hmm, you have a point. Even if he's not getting married yet, he's certainly old enough to get engaged," Lin Chong said, giving Lin Yongming a thoughtful look.
"Dad, what are you talking about?" Lin Yongming said, feeling exasperated.
"Xiao Ming, you've known Blue Silver for years now. She's followed you through thick and thin. Don't you think it's time to give her a proper status?" Lin Chong said earnestly.
"Miss Blue Silver is back with Xiao Ming? Xiao Ming, your father is right. You and Miss Blue Silver make a perfect match. She's gentle, kind, and has stayed by your side all these years. Even if you're not ready to marry, you should at least get engaged to give her a proper place in your life," Huang Zheng chimed in.
"Alright, I'll think about it. I'll need to discuss it with A-Yin," Lin Yongming replied, nodding reluctantly.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the village, Yinglan and Blue Silver Empress were also delivering gifts when someone brought up the topic of engagement.
"Yinglan, are you here to deliver gifts because Xiao Ming is back? And Miss Blue Silver too. Are these engagement gifts?" a woman around Yinglan's age asked.
"Engagement! Auntie, no… no, these are just some local specialties Xiao Ming and I brought back for everyone," Blue Silver Empress replied, her face turning red with embarrassment.
"Ahua, don't say such things. Look, you've made the poor girl blush," Yinglan said with an awkward smile.
Blue Silver Empress lowered her head even further.
They moved on to the next house, where the same topic came up again. Everyone seemed to think that Lin Yongming and Blue Silver Empress were getting engaged.
By noon, as they were heading back home, Yinglan turned to Blue Silver Empress and said, "A-Yin, I remember you told me you're an orphan, right?"
Blue Silver Empress nodded. "Yes, Auntie."
"What do you think? You're a few years older than Xiao Ming, and even though he's still young, if you're willing, we could arrange an engagement ceremony. A girl's reputation is important. What do you say?" Yinglan suggested gently.
"This…" Blue Silver Empress hesitated.
"Auntie, isn't it a bit too early?" she said, struggling to find the right words.
"A-Yin, you know how much Xiao Ming's father and I like you. We have no objections to you two being together. If Xiao Ming has any issues with it, I'll make sure he agrees," Yinglan assured her.
"Well, I'll need to discuss it with Xiao Ming first," Blue Silver Empress replied reluctantly.
"Engagement… What if Xiao Ming finds out about my true identity? Will he blame me for not telling him sooner?" Blue Silver Empress thought to herself, feeling conflicted.
When they returned home, Lin Chong and Lin Yongming were already in the yard.
"Yinglan, you're back. Come here, let's discuss something."
"Actually, I wanted to talk to you too."
"Engagement? That's exactly what I wanted to bring up," Lin Chong and Yinglan said, speaking over each other eagerly.
"Ahem! A-Yin, you've heard about it too, huh?" Lin Yongming said awkwardly to Blue Silver Empress.
"Yes, while we were delivering gifts, everyone thought we were getting engaged," Blue Silver Empress replied, her cheeks flushed.
"A-Yin, what do you think? I'm ready whenever you are," Lin Yongming said, taking her hand gently.
"I don't know. My mind is a mess right now," Blue Silver Empress said, nodding and then shaking her head.
"It's okay. Take your time. There's no rush," Lin Yongming reassured her, gently patting the back of her hand.
"Blue Silver, Xiao Ming has no objections. If you're willing, we can set a date for the engagement," Lin Chong said, approaching them.
"Uncle, Auntie, I…" Blue Silver Empress hesitated.
"It's alright. Take your time. Let us know when you've made up your mind," Yinglan said understandingly.
"Thank you, Uncle and Auntie," Blue Silver Empress nodded.
Lin Yongming had a feeling that Blue Silver Empress's hesitation was due to her true identity as a soul beast. He knew she loved him, so the only thing holding her back must be her secret.
Even during lunch, Blue Silver Empress seemed distracted.
Throughout the afternoon, she remained deep in thought. Lin Yongming didn't press her, knowing that quiet companionship was the best support he could offer.
After dinner, as the sky darkened, Blue Silver Empress sat in the yard, gazing at the gradually brightening stars.
"A-Yin, are you still thinking about it? I'm sorry for bringing up the engagement and causing you so much worry," Lin Yongming said softly as he sat beside her.
"Xiao Ming, it's not your fault. It's my own issue," Blue Silver Empress replied, shaking her head gently.
"You can tell me anything. I won't mind," Lin Yongming said reassuringly.
"The moon is so bright tonight, Xiao Ming. Stay with me and watch the stars," Blue Silver Empress said, looking up at the moon.
"Of course," Lin Yongming agreed immediately.
Lin Chong and Yinglan watched as the two walked out of the yard.
"See? The girl isn't ready yet," Yinglan said disapprovingly.
"No, I think she's just dealing with something. Remember, Blue Silver is an orphan. Xiao Ming will help her through it," Lin Chong said.
Lin Yongming and Blue Silver Empress walked to the back of the village, reaching the hill where Lin Yongming used to train.
The cool evening breeze brushed past them.
"It's so refreshing," Blue Silver Empress said, taking a deep breath as she stood at the hilltop.
"A-Yin, is the night beautiful?" Lin Yongming asked from behind.
"Yes, it's beautiful. The moon is big and bright, and the stars are shining without any clouds blocking them," Blue Silver Empress replied, turning to Lin Yongming with a smile.
"That's good. I'll stay here with you until dawn, and we can watch the sunrise together. It's been a while since we last saw one in Heaven Dou City," Lin Yongming said.
"Thank you, Xiao Ming," Blue Silver Empress said softly.
"A-Yin, you don't need to thank me. We've been through so much together over the years, both happy and sad times," Lin Yongming said, taking her hand.
"Yes, we've shared many unforgettable memories," Blue Silver Empress said, sitting down on the grass. Lin Yongming sat beside her.
"So, A-Yin, I won't mind anything about you," Lin Yongming said gently.
"Xiao Ming, I do have a secret. But I'm afraid that if I tell you, our relationship might change," Blue Silver Empress said, still looking at the sky.
"A-Yin, it's okay. You can tell me. I'll always be your closest family," Lin Yongming encouraged her, holding her hand tightly.
"Alright, Xiao Ming. I've lied to you. I'm not really an orphan."
"I'm not truly human either."
"I'm actually a hundred-thousand-year soul beast who reincarnated into human form."
Blue Silver Empress looked into Lin Yongming's face and finally revealed the secret she had kept hidden for so long.
"My true form is the Blue Silver Emperor, the ruler of all Blue Silver Grass. That's why I can control them," she added, watching Lin Yongming nervously.
"Xiao Ming, you can hate me. I've deceived you for so long," Blue Silver Empress said, her voice filled with regret.
"Silly girl! You have a human body, human warmth, and a human heart. You laugh and cry like any human. How could you be a soul beast?"
"Even if you were once a soul beast, that's in the past. Now, you're just a kind, gentle, and caring human girl," Lin Yongming said after a long pause, smiling warmly.
"Besides, you never minded that I'm blind. Why would I care about your identity? To me, you'll always be my dear A-Yin," he added.
"Xiao Ming, you really don't mind? Aren't you afraid that my identity might bring you danger?" Blue Silver Empress asked, her body trembling slightly.
"I'm not afraid. I promised to protect you for a lifetime," Lin Yongming said with a gentle smile.
"Xiao Ming!" Blue Silver Empress's eyes filled with tears as she threw herself into his arms.
"A-Yin, don't worry. I'll keep my promise. So, don't hold back anymore. Let's stay together forever. Will you get engaged to me?" Lin Yongming whispered, holding her tightly.
"Yes, Xiao Ming, I will!" Blue Silver Empress said, looking into his eyes with deep affection before leaning in to kiss him.
Lin Yongming responded to her passion, and under the moonlight, they only pulled apart when they were out of breath.
"A-Yin, I have a secret too," Lin Yongming said softly, holding her close.
"What is it?" Blue Silver Empress asked curiously.
"I've known about your identity for a long time. I realized it the first time we met by the river," Lin Yongming confessed.
"Impossible! You were only a Great Soul Master back then. How could you have known?" Blue Silver Empress said in disbelief.
"When my martial soul awakened, I gained a skill called 'Mind's Eye.' Even though I see everything in black, it's no different from having normal vision. It also allows me to see through illusions," Lin Yongming explained.
"You! You've been hiding this from me all this time! No wonder your blindness is so different from others. You act just like a sighted person most of the time. So that's why!" Blue Silver Empress said, playfully hitting his chest.
"Hehe, you're not mad at me, are you?" Lin Yongming asked with a smile.
"How can I be mad at you when we're about to get engaged?" Blue Silver Empress pouted.
"A-Yin, you're the best!"
After their heartfelt confessions, the next day, Lin Yongming and Blue Silver Empress informed Lin Chong and Yinglan about their decision.
The engagement was set for a month later, and the newly built house would serve as their new home.
Once the engagement was announced, the entire Thunderstorm Village came together to help prepare. They traveled to Wuerte Town to purchase supplies and decorated the new house. Within half a month, with the villagers' help, the house was fully furnished.
The decor was simple and warm, reflecting Blue Silver Empress's preferences. Although they could afford more luxurious furnishings, they chose to keep it modest to blend in with the village.
After the house was ready, they began arranging the furniture. In less than a month, their new home was complete.
A month later, everything was prepared, and the engagement ceremony took place.
On that day, Lin Yongming wore a brand-new black outfit, looking neat and tidy.
Blue Silver Empress donned a pure white dress, exuding elegance and grace, showcasing a side of her that was rarely seen.
"Come closer, you two," the painter instructed.
Lin Yongming and Blue Silver Empress smiled as they leaned against each other. They had hired a painter to capture their image on this special day.
Since it was an engagement, they didn't invite many people—only the villagers of Thunderstorm Village attended to witness the event.
"Congratulations to the happy couple!" the villagers cheered.
"Brother Lin, congratulations!" Even the village chief's grandson, Lei Ming, had returned for the occasion.
"Thank you, everyone," Lin Yongming responded gratefully.
"Xiao Ming, you must never let Blue Silver down. If you do, I'll whip you with a stick, understand?" Lin Chong said sternly.
"Blue Silver, if Xiao Ming ever mistreats you, let me know. I'll twist his ear off," Yinglan added.
"I promise I won't!" Lin Yongming said earnestly.
"Thank you, Mom and Dad. Xiao Ming would never dare to mistreat me!" Blue Silver Empress said, addressing them as her parents for the first time.
"Good, good. Now, exchange your engagement tokens," Lin Chong and Yinglan said with satisfied smiles.
"A-Yin, this blue gemstone necklace is for you. It symbolizes my unwavering love."
"A-Ming, I'll put this ring on your finger."
Lin Yongming and Blue Silver Empress exchanged their engagement tokens—a necklace and a ring.
The joyful day passed quickly, and by nine in the evening, most of the guests had left, leaving Lin Yongming and Blue Silver Empress alone in their new home.
"A-Yin, you must look even more beautiful than usual today. If only I could see you," Lin Yongming said, gently touching her cheek.
"A-Ming, you look very handsome today. I believe your eyes will heal one day," Blue Silver Empress replied, caressing his face.
She leaned in and kissed him softly before turning off the light. "It's late. Let's rest now."
"Alright, A-Yin," Lin Yongming nodded, his hands trembling slightly as he reached for her.
This time, Blue Silver Empress didn't stop him. Blushing, she allowed him to slowly undo her clothes.
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 210 on my patreon, go check it out and remember that if we reach the goal of 60 power stones I will publish the next chapter.