Their Master's Wife, Yun Yan, and Adorable Little Yu'er

Yet just as he hurried to explain, he caught sight of Zhu Zhuqing in front of him out of the corner of his eye.

Seeing his flustered, awkward expression and bright red ears, her cool lips curved slightly, and she let out a very soft giggle.

That faint smile vanished in an instant, yet it was like the first thaw of ice and snow, like a spring breeze brushing the willows.

It instantly swept away her chilly aloofness, leaving her radiant and captivating, so stunning that Lin Chen's heart skipped another beat.

At the sight of Zhu Zhuqing's faint smile, Lin Chen's embarrassment instantly doubled.

The redness at his ears quickly spread down his neck, leaving him looking thoroughly youthful and flustered.

He was about to say something else to ease the subtly intimate atmosphere when Mo Yuan's steady, gentle voice suddenly came from inside the courtyard. "Come in."

That timely voice instantly rescued the deeply embarrassed Lin Chen.

Lin Chen drew a deep breath, forcibly suppressed the panic and unfamiliar feelings in his heart, and composed his expression, regaining his usual calm.

He reached out and gently pushed open the courtyard's wooden gate, then stepped inside with Zhu Zhuqing.

The small courtyard was tranquil and elegant, its plants flourishing beneath the morning sunlight, its surroundings peaceful and comfortable. A lavish breakfast had been laid out on the stone table, and Mo Yuan was not the only person sitting there.

Two unfamiliar figures sat on either side of the stone table, and their presence surprised Lin Chen slightly.

One was a breathtakingly beautiful woman who looked about thirty, dressed in a simple, elegant blue-green dress, with a gentle yet lively air and tender eyes.

Faint fluctuations of soul power surrounded her, her aura refined and soft. With her exquisite beauty and otherworldly grace, she was clearly no ordinary person.

Beside the beautiful woman sat a little girl of about five, her hair arranged in two adorable buns.

Her little face was round and rosy, her eyes lively and clear as water. Mischievous and brimming with energy, she stared at the two newcomers with wide eyes full of curiosity.

Mo Yuan sat at the head of the table. Looking at the two as they entered, he smiled warmly and raised a hand to beckon them over.

"Little Chen, Zhu Zhuqing, you're just in time. Breakfast is ready. You haven't eaten yet, have you? Come sit with us."

Lin Chen and Zhu Zhuqing walked over and spoke respectfully.

"Teacher, we wanted to visit you first thing this morning, so we haven't had time for breakfast yet."

After speaking, Lin Chen turned toward the courtyard kitchen without being prompted, deftly took out two clean sets of bowls and chopsticks, and placed them on either side of the stone table.

Then he gently tugged Zhu Zhuqing's sleeve to invite her to sit, and the two obediently took their seats.

As she sat down, the perceptive Zhu Zhuqing looked at the unfamiliar, gentle-looking woman beside the table and could not help asking in a soft, polite voice:

"Teacher, who is this beautiful lady?"

Her words surprised Lin Chen slightly.

In his recollection, and in the original novel, Zhu Zhuqing had always been cold, reserved, and poor at socializing.

Proud and withdrawn, she rarely initiated a conversation, much less offered a compliment and asked a question so gently. It was truly a far cry from the personality he remembered.

It seemed that entering Spirit Hall Academy early and escaping her original tragic fate had quietly brought subtle changes to her personality, lending her more of a young girl's liveliness and gentleness.

Mo Yuan laughed heartily at her words, his eyes full of tenderness, and began the introductions.

"What a sweet tongue you have, Zhu Zhuqing. Let me introduce you. This is my wife, Yun Yan."

"Her martial soul is the Azure Kite Bird, and she's a level fifty-five Power Attack System Soul King."

Mo Yuan then pointed to the little girl beside her, his smile growing even gentler.

"This little one is my daughter, Mo Yu. Her nickname is Yu'er. She's still young, but she'll be undergoing her martial soul awakening soon."

Having introduced his family, Mo Yuan then introduced the two to his wife and daughter.

"Yun Yan, Yu'er, this is my eldest disciple, Lin Chen. You've already heard all about him."

"And this is my new personal disciple, Zhu Zhuqing. Her talent is exceptional."

After hearing the introductions, Lin Chen and Zhu Zhuqing immediately stood together and bowed slightly to Yun Yan with respectful bearing, speaking in unison.

"Greetings, Master's wife."

Yun Yan's eyes crinkled with a smile. She rose gracefully and gently lifted a hand to gesture for them to straighten, her voice warm and friendly.

"No need to be so formal. Sit down and eat, and make yourselves comfortable. We're all family now. Cultivate diligently at the academy and look after each other."

Little Mo Yu could no longer contain her curiosity. She wriggled from side to side on her chair, eagerly raised her little hand, and piped up:

"My turn, my turn! Hello, big brother and big sister!"

Her sweet, clear little voice was utterly adorable, instantly dispelling everyone's reserve.

Looking at the mischievous little girl, Zhu Zhuqing's cool eyes instantly softened. She smiled gently and replied in a quiet voice:

"Hello, little sister Yu'er. You're so cute."

At the compliment, Little Mo Yu immediately beamed, lifting her little head high and rocking happily in her chair, looking playful and adorable.

With a helpless smile, Yun Yan gently patted her little head and murmured a few reminders before the little girl finally sat properly and ate quietly.

Everyone around the table enjoyed a warm, harmonious atmosphere, and breakfast passed pleasantly and at ease.

After the meal, Lin Chen and Zhu Zhuqing stood in perfect unspoken accord and volunteered to clear the bowls and chopsticks. They quickly washed everything and left the courtyard as neat as before, both considerate and diligent.

Once the two had finished tidying up, Mo Yuan began outlining the day's plans.

"You don't need to cultivate today. Rest well and take some time to adjust. Lin Chen, take Zhu Zhuqing out of the academy grounds later and visit the city market. Buy a full set of daily necessities, clothing, and other supplies. Make sure she has everything she needs and gets settled in."

Lin Chen immediately nodded. "Understood, Teacher."

He had barely finished speaking when Little Mo Yu's eyes lit up. She hurriedly hugged Yun Yan's arm and shook it pleadingly.

"Daddy, Daddy! I want to go too! I want to go out and play! I haven't gone shopping in the city for ages!"

Seeing the little girl's hopeful expression, Zhu Zhuqing gently offered:

"Teacher, Master's wife, you can rest at home. I'll take little sister Yu'er out with us today and keep her company while she plays. We'll be careful and come back on time."

Mo Yuan readily agreed, nodding with a smile.

"All right. The three of you can go together. Be sensible, don't go too far, and make sure you stay safe."

With permission granted, Little Mo Yu cheered and immediately ran up to the two of them. Lin Chen and Zhu Zhuqing each took one of her little hands and walked side by side out of the courtyard toward the academy gates.

The three made a particularly heartwarming sight as they walked together: a handsome young man and a beautiful young woman holding an adorable little girl's hands, a picture of harmony and warmth. Along the way, quite a few students who knew them could not resist teasing them.

One student they knew, Li Fei, deliberately raised his voice and said to his companion with a grin:

"Look, everyone! Don't those three look like a happy family walking together? They're such a perfect match!"

His words instantly set off a burst of laughter and teasing around them.

At that, a blush instantly spread across Zhu Zhuqing's fair cheeks, and her ears grew hot. She instinctively lowered her head and gaze as a strange shyness stirred in her heart.

Lin Chen's face filled with embarrassment. He gave Li Fei an exasperated glare and warned him:

"Li Fei, stop talking nonsense, or I'll come find you for a spar later."

Li Fei immediately raised his hands in surrender, waving them with a grin.

"All right, all right, I'll stop talking nonsense. My lips are sealed!" With that, he ran off laughing with his companion.

Lin Chen turned toward Zhu Zhuqing beside him and hurriedly reassured her in a soft voice.

"Don't take it to heart. They're only joking. They always like to tease people, but they don't mean any harm."

Zhu Zhuqing merely glanced at him without speaking. The blush had yet to fade from her ears as she silently tightened her hold on Little Yu'er's hand and quickened her pace, hurrying ahead.