As the red light faded, a bewitching woman in a crimson dress drifted down beside Li Huayuan.
Her skirt fluttered lightly, carrying a fragrant breeze that seeped into the heart. Her glancing eyes flowed with utterly tantalizing charm.
"Oh my, isn't this Great Sword Immortal Li? What wind has blown you all the way to my Red Luan Immortal Sect?" Her voice was soft as honey, her gaze half-reproachful and half-delighted. The slight upward lilt at the end of her words inexplicably stirred Li Huayuan's heart.
"Miaoyin, it's been a long time..."
Li Huayuan rubbed his hands together, a faint flush rising to his old face as he became somewhat awkward.
He and Nangong Miaoyin had known each other for over a thousand years, and feelings had long existed between them. Yet the Red Luan Immortal Sect's cultivation art was unusual, requiring its female practitioners to preserve their virginity for cultivation. Thus, the two had ultimately been unable to become Dao companions.
Over all these years, that affection had remained suspended in midair, carrying a subtle, ambiguous air.
"Hmph!" Nangong Miaoyin curled her lips, her tone tinged with mockery. "Li Huayuan, one look at that face of yours tells me you're up to no good!"
"Miaoyin, how are you still this crude?"
Li Huayuan gave an embarrassed laugh and hurriedly explained, "I've been in seclusion these past years, striving to reach the eighth level of the Spirit Transformation Realm. I truly couldn't spare the time to come to Red Luan Province and see you."
"Heh heh, is that so?"
Nangong Miaoyin scrutinized Li Huayuan suspiciously, then snorted coldly. "Great Sword Immortal Li has broken through to the eighth level of the Spirit Transformation Realm. How truly congratulatory."
As she spoke, she turned and flew toward the mountain gate, tossing back,