The Journey to the Far North has come to a successful conclusion.
Lin Ciyan bid farewell to the Ice Jade Scorpion Clan, spread his Ice Jade Snow Phoenix Wings, and sped off towards the south.
Both the Ice Empress and the Snow Empress have returned to the Five Elements Divine Light Inner World...
The newly joined Ice Empress needed to familiarize themselves with the environment, while Snow Empress took the initiative to act as their "guide."
"This flight speed... is at least three times that of an ordinary Soul Saint."
Lin Ciyan felt satisfied as he experienced the amazing propulsion from the wings behind him.
However, he did not return to Shrek immediately.
If you calculate the time, there are still about two weeks left until the end of the holiday.
It's convenient to stop by Star Luo City on the way...
Thinking of that elegant and intelligent princess, Lin Ciyan's lips curled into a slight smile.
Three days later, at the Star Luo City.
As the capital of the Star Luo Empire, this city is completely different from the bustling Shrek City.
The towering city walls, the endless stream of people, and the vendors hawking their wares along the streets create a lively scene.
Lin Ciyan composed himself and strolled along the street.
He was dressed in a simple gold and white outfit today, but his outstanding demeanor still attracted a lot of attention...
At sixteen or seventeen years old, he had a tall and straight figure, handsome features, and especially a pair of deep eyes that occasionally flashed with Five Elements light, making it impossible to look away.
After walking just two streets, the jade pendant in his arms suddenly felt warm.
"Hmm?" Lin Ciyan took out the jade pendant and found that it was emitting a soft white halo.
This is Xu Jiujiu specially made jade pendant that Xu Jiujiu gave him last time. It is said that as long as he is within the Star Luo City area, she can sense his location.
"Very efficient." Lin Ciyan chuckled, put away the jade pendant, and continued on his way.
They hadn't gone far when a commotion suddenly arose from the crowd ahead.
A squad of royal guards quickly cleared a path, and then a beautiful figure leaped down from the carriage and walked briskly toward him.
It was indeed Xu Jiujiu.
Today she wore a light gold palace dress, the hem of which was embroidered with delicate star and moon patterns, swaying gently with her steps.
Her hair was styled into an elegant updo, revealing a section of her fair and slender neck.
Her stunningly beautiful face beamed with undisguised joy, and her bright eyes lit up the moment she saw him.
" Ci Yan!" Xu Jiujiu ignored the stares of passersby and jogged over.
She stopped three steps away, seemingly realizing her lapse in composure, her cheeks flushing slightly.
But the next second, she mustered her courage, stepped forward, and gently hugged him.
A warm, fragrant, and soft body embraces you.
Lin Ciyan could clearly feel the softness of her body and the exquisite curves beneath her palace attire.
A faint royal incense scent mingled with her own natural fragrance, lingering around her nose.
" Princess Jiujiu, so many people are watching," Lin Ciyan whispered in her ear.
"I don't care." Xu Jiujiu's voice carried a hint of coquetry. "You came to Star Luo City without telling me beforehand. If it weren't for the jade pendant sensing it, were you planning to come and go quietly?"
These words contained a hint of complaint, but mostly joy.
She hugged him for a few seconds before reluctantly letting go, but her hand naturally took his arm.
"Come on, I'll take you somewhere." Xu Jiujiu pulled him away, completely ignoring the stunned passersby and guards around them.
"Your Highness, what is this...?"
"Who is that young man? How could he have caused Her Highness the Princess to lose her composure like this?"
"Could he be the future prince consort?"
The murmurs were left behind.
Xu Jiujiu, they led Lin Ciyan through several streets and arrived at a magnificent building.
The building is seven stories high, with an overall moon-white color and star-like gemstones inlaid on its eaves, which sparkle in the sunlight.
The signboard reads four large characters: Star Moon Teahouse.
She pulled him into the teahouse, where waiters bowed respectfully along the way, their eyes filled with awe and curiosity.
Top floor.
Pushing open the door, even the well-traveled Lin Ciyan couldn't help but raise an eyebrow slightly.
This place is less of a tea room and more of a small palace.
The entire space is decorated in blue and gold tones, with luminous pearls embedded in the walls, emitting a soft glow even during the day.
The floor was covered with a thick Swan carpet, making no sound when you stepped on it.
In the very center was a huge, round, soft couch, big enough for five or six people to lie down on.
Beside the soft couch stood an exquisite sandalwood stand, its faint, calming fragrance filling the air.
The most eye-catching feature is the floor-to-ceiling window that covers the entire wall...
From this vantage point, one can see most of Star Luo City in its entirety.
"How was it?" Xu Jiujiu, she let go of his hand, turned to face him, and looked at him expectantly.
"Luxurious," Lin Ciyan said honestly. "No wonder it's the work of Her Highness the Princess."
"If you like, this place will be open to you anytime." Xu Jiujiu walked to the soft couch, sat down, and patted the spot next to him.
"Sit."
Lin Ciyan readily agreed and sat down.
The chaise lounge is made of an exceptionally soft material, and when you sit down, you sink in slightly.
The distance between the two was thus shortened, and they could almost feel each other's body temperature.
Xu Jiujiu, she turned to the side, propped her chin up with one hand, and carefully examined him.
"You've changed," she suddenly said. "Even though it's only been a few months, you seem... stronger and more attractive."
This is not just polite talk.
With his cultivation level of 68 Soul Emperor, coupled with the support of Twin Martial Souls and two great Soul Spirit, Lin Ciyan's temperament has indeed undergone a qualitative change.
That natural composure and strength that flows in every gesture has a fatal attraction for women.
"I made some gains in the Far North," Lin Ciyan said casually.
"Just 'a little'?" Xu Jiujiu raised an eyebrow.
"Although my cultivation level is inferior to yours, I still have good judgment. The feeling you give me right now is no weaker than some Soul Douluo- level powerhouses."
She paused, her voice suddenly softening. "This time... how many days can I stay?"
"Two or three days," Lin Ciyan said. "After that, I have to go back to Shrek; the new semester is about to start."
A hint of disappointment flashed in Xu Jiujiu's eyes, but she quickly concealed it.
"Then... spend these next two or three days with me." She said, moving even closer.
The neckline of the palace dress was designed to be slightly loose, and from this angle, Lin Ciyan could catch a glimpse of fair skin and delicate collarbone.
The royal incense mingled with her natural feminine scent was even more alluring in the enclosed space.
"Oh, right." Xu Jiujiu, he remembered something and took out a pot of wine and two jade cups from his Soul Tool.
"This is the royal family's treasured ' Star Moon Drunk,' which is said to be beneficial for cultivating Soul Power. I brought it here specifically."
She poured the wine herself, gently raising the glass to him.
The touch of my fingertips was unexpected; it was warm, soft, and smooth.
Lin Ciyan took the wine glass and drank it all in one gulp.
As the wine entered his throat, it transformed into a warm current that flowed through his limbs and bones, and his Soul Power actually increased slightly.
"Good wine," he exclaimed.
Xu Jiujiu also drank a cup, and a faint blush quickly rose on her fair cheeks, her eyes glistening with tears.
" Ci Yan," she called softly, "You know, lately, I've often thought about that time at the auction. You helped me out of that predicament and even gave me that piece of Whale Rubber..."
As she spoke, she poured herself another glass of wine, but instead of drinking it, she played with the glass.
"Later, you wrote to me, and every time I received a letter, I would be happy for days." Xu Jiujiu looked up at him, her eyes filled with complex emotions. "Sometimes I wonder, if you weren't a genius from Shrek Academy, and I weren't a princess from the Star Luo Empire Academy, would we...?"
The words weren't finished, but the meaning was already clear.
Lin Ciyan looked at her without saying anything, but simply drank another glass of wine.
The atmosphere became ambiguous.
Xu Jiujiu, he suddenly put down his wine glass, stood up, and walked to the French windows.
Golden sunlight streamed through the window, bathing her in its glow; her palace dress accentuated the graceful curves of her silhouette...
A slender waist, a pert bottom, and long, shapely legs.
" Ci Yan," she said, her back to him, her voice slightly unsteady, "If I said... I don't want to just be your 'friend,' what would you think?"
That's a very straightforward statement.
Lin Ciyan put down his wine glass, stood up, and walked behind her.
" Jiujiu," he called out.
Xu Jiujiu, she turned around and looked up at him.
The two were very close, close enough to feel each other's breath.
Her eyes shone with anticipation, nervousness, and a hint of vulnerability that was barely perceptible.
Lin Ciyan reached out and gently stroked her cheek.
The skin feels smooth and supple, with an excellent tactile experience.
"I'm not good at making promises," he said slowly, "But we can try if you'd like."
Xu Jiujiu's eyes lit up instantly.
She tiptoed and pressed her red lips to his.
The kiss started lightly but quickly became passionate.
Xu Jiujiu, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed herself against him, her soft body beneath her palace attire pressed tightly together.
Lin Ciyan wrapped his arms around her waist and returned the kiss.
After a long while, their lips parted.
She leaned on his shoulder, panting for Xu Jiujiu, her face flushed even more.
"Does this mean... we're officially a couple?" she asked softly.
"What do you think?" Lin Ciyan chuckled.
Xu Jiujiu, she smiled too, a smile as bright as the sunshine.
She pulled him back to the soft couch, and the two sat down side by side.
"Oh, right, there's something I need to tell you." Xu Jiujiu leaned on his shoulder, tracing circles on his palm with her fingers. "There's a big auction at the Star Luo Auction House in a few months, and I hear there will be a lot of good stuff. If you're interested, I can reserve the best spot for you."
Lin Ciyan's heart stirred.
The Star Luo Empire Auction during the Soul Master Competition... Snow Empress couldn't possibly be there.
There might be other opportunities.
"Okay, I'll come." He nodded.
She smiled contentedly Xu Jiujiu and snuggled closer to him.
Outside the window, the setting sun casts its golden rays throughout the room.
The two sat quietly, the woman stroking the man's chest, enjoying this rare and tender moment.