Their gazes met.
The woman in the red dress made no further excuses.
"No."
Ling Yuan placed her palm against Long Tian's chest.
"I watched you rise from level thirty to level ninety-five."
"At first, I only wanted to take in a disciple who could inherit my legacy."
"Later, I began looking forward to every time you returned to Spirit City."
"When you were at Skywater Academy, I worried that you might encounter danger."
"When you took part in the tournament, I always sat among the elders and watched."
"After you became a Titled Douluo, I realized that I could no longer see you as only my disciple."
Long Tian raised his hand and clasped the jade-like hand against his chest.
"Have you thought it through, Teacher?"
"I have thought about it for many years."
Ling Yuan lifted her eyes.
In the past, when facing countless powerful figures, her strikingly beautiful face had always remained composed.
Yet now, as she met Long Tian's gaze, her fair cheeks gradually flushed crimson.
"Long Tian."
"Stay with your teacher tonight."
Long Tian did not release her hand.
"Qian Renxue is still waiting for me at the Worship Hall."
"I know."
Ling Yuan gently withdrew her hand.
"So I will not force you."
The figure in red turned around, preparing to walk deeper into the courtyard.
An arm reached out from behind her.
Long Tian wrapped his hand around her slender waist and pulled her back into his embrace.
Ling Yuan stopped walking.
Her back pressed against his warm chest.
The arm around her waist steadily supported her body.
"I'll have someone inform Qian Renxue."
Long Tian lowered his head near her ear.
"Tonight, I'm staying here."
Ling Yuan turned around.
Her fiery red hair fell between Long Tian's arms.
"You won't regret it?"