8: The Sect Mistress's Private Summons
Chapter 8: The Sect Mistress's Private Summons
A Private Invitation
Lin Tian grinned to himself as he followed the elder toward the Sect Mistress's private courtyard.
💭 "A private meeting, huh? Sect Mistress Yue Qingyan is finally acknowledging me properly."
The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm golden glow over the Azure Moon Sect. As Lin Tian walked through the grand corridors, disciples and elders alike stole glances at him, whispering amongst themselves.
💬 "Did you hear? He made Luo Qingcheng surrender in battle!"
💬 "That's insane! Even core disciples struggle against her!"
💬 "Now the Sect Mistress has summoned him privately? Just what is going on?"
Lin Tian smirked.
💭 "If they only knew…"
Reaching the private courtyard, the elder bowed slightly and gestured for him to enter.
"The Sect Mistress is waiting inside. Do not disrespect her."
Lin Tian chuckled inwardly but kept his face neutral.
"I wouldn't dream of it."
He stepped forward, pushing open the intricately carved wooden doors.
A Rare Sight: Yue Qingyan Without Her Ice Mask
Inside, the atmosphere was completely different from the sect's formal halls.
A beautiful moonlit garden stretched before him, with an elegant stone pavilion in the center. A small tea table was set up, a warm pot of spirit tea steaming lightly.
And there, sitting gracefully on a silk cushion, was Yue Qingyan.
Her long silver hair cascaded freely down her back, a rare sight, as she was usually seen with it neatly tied up.
She had changed from her usual majestic sect robes into something… lighter, a silken blue gown that was more suited for relaxation. It wasn't revealing, but the way it clung softly to her mature, graceful figure made it even more dangerous.
Lin Tian took a deep breath, forcing himself to focus.
💭 "Damn… the Sect Mistress is too enchanting like this."
Yue Qingyan's violet eyes glanced at him, her expression as unreadable as ever.
"Sit."
Lin Tian smiled casually and lowered himself onto the cushion across from her.
"You wanted to see me, Sect Mistress?"
She poured a cup of tea and pushed it toward him.
"Drink."
Lin Tian raised an eyebrow.
💭 "Is this a test?"
Without hesitation, he picked up the cup and drank it in one motion. The taste was cool and refreshing, with a faint spiritual energy coursing through his body.
Yue Qingyan watched him closely, then nodded slightly.
"You truly are different from before."
Lin Tian leaned forward slightly, resting his elbow on the table.
"Is that a compliment?" he teased.
Her lips parted slightly, as if she wanted to say something—but then she stopped.
Instead, she sighed softly, a rare expression of contemplation crossing her usually cold features.
"Lin Tian… What exactly are you planning?"
The Sect Mistress's Concerns
Lin Tian blinked. "Planning?"
Yue Qingyan's gaze hardened.
"You went from a cripple to a rising star in a matter of days. You humiliated Bai Feng, impressed Luo Qingcheng, and now even Elder Su Meiyu has taken an interest in you."
She placed her tea down and locked eyes with him.
"I don't believe in coincidences."
Lin Tian grinned inwardly.
💭 "She's sharp. But let's see how she reacts to a little… boldness."
He smirked and leaned forward, lowering his voice slightly.
"Maybe I just have a special talent for… impressing older women."
[Ding! Silver Tongue Effect Activated!]
For a split second—just a brief moment—Yue Qingyan's composure broke.
Her eyes widened slightly, and the faintest hint of pink dusted her otherwise flawless, pale cheeks.
But like a seasoned expert, she quickly regained control, her voice cool once more.
"You are shameless."
Lin Tian grinned wider. "I take that as a compliment."
Yue Qingyan sighed, rubbing her temple. "I don't have time for your nonsense, Lin Tian."
She stood up, her silken gown flowing around her, and turned toward the moonlit pond at the center of the garden.
Lin Tian couldn't help but admire the sight—the way the moonlight reflected off her silver hair, the way her graceful curves moved effortlessly.
💭 "No wonder the sect calls her the Ice Phoenix."
After a long pause, she spoke again.
"I have decided to grant you an opportunity."
Lin Tian's eyes narrowed slightly. "Oh?"
She turned back toward him, her violet eyes serious.
"In three days, the Azure Moon Sect will host a tournament. It will determine which disciples qualify to enter the Forbidden Moon Ruins—a hidden ancient site filled with cultivation treasures."
She folded her arms.
"I want to see if you are truly worthy of this sect."
Lin Tian felt a rush of excitement.
💭 "A tournament, huh? Perfect. Another chance to show off."
But before he could respond, Yue Qingyan took a step closer.
Her violet eyes studied him carefully.
"I will personally oversee your battle."
Her voice dropped slightly, almost too soft for others to hear.
"And if you impress me…"
She hesitated for a brief moment before continuing.
"I may reconsider how I see you."
Lin Tian froze.
💭 "Wait… is she saying what I THINK she's saying?"
He slowly smirked, taking a deliberate step forward.
"Well then… Sect Mistress," he murmured, his voice low and teasing, "should I consider this a challenge or an invitation?"
Her cheeks tinged with the faintest pink once again.
She quickly turned away. "Leave."
Lin Tian grinned.
[Ding! Yue Qingyan's composure wavers! Favorability +4!]
💭 "That's two times in one night. Not bad."
As he exited the pavilion, he couldn't help but feel… excited.
💭 "A tournament, a new secret ruin, AND the Sect Mistress finally showing cracks in her cold exterior?"
He grinned wider.
"Things are about to get very interesting."
Meanwhile… A Fox Milf's Secret Plan
In another part of the sect, Su Meiyu sat inside her private chamber, her legs crossed, her golden fox eyes gleaming.
A small smile played on her lips.
💭 "So… Yue Qingyan is finally paying attention to him?"
She took a slow sip of wine, her nine fluffy tails flicking lazily.
💭 "This boy is more amusing than I thought."
She licked her lips slightly.
💭 "Perhaps it's time I tested him myself."
End of Chapter 8