Freedom

"Then why didn't you explain it clearly?" Ling Lanxiu was visibly growing anxious and indignant. If something like this had happened to her, she would surely have leapt up in grievance.

Thinking of everything that had happened during the day.

Ling Lanxiu added, "Fine, maybe you couldn't explain it, but why did you admit it in front of everyone today? That's far too unfair to you."

Chen Chuanling smiled bitterly. "Given the circumstances today, it certainly wasn't suitable to explain. Admitting it instead could shut Che Peining's mouth."

Ling Lanxiu sprang impatiently to her feet. "Instructor, don't worry. I'll go find Master right now and clear this up for you."

Now that the misunderstanding had been explained, Ling Lanxiu no longer felt so resistant toward Chen Chuanling as her instructor. Knowing that she and Su Chen were bound by mutual affection even gave Ling Lanxiu a faint additional sense of approval and closeness.

She understood that Chen Chuanling had revealed such a secret in order to ease their relationship;

But now that she had heard it, she absolutely could not let it end there. She had to do something, or she would never feel at ease.

Seeing that the time was ripe, Chen Chuanling said, "Don't go. Su Chen had already left Spirit Prison before I came to find you."

Ling Lanxiu's steps halted. She turned back in astonishment, her face full of disappointment.

Chen Chuanling urged, "Don't call him Master anymore. Before leaving, he still had no intention of accepting you."

Seeing Ling Lanxiu's face turn pale.

Chen Chuanling promptly took out the long Brocade Box.

"This is what he left behind before he went," Chen Chuanling said, placing the Brocade Box on the table before Ling Lanxiu. Solemnly, she added, "It is compensation he left for you, to