After hearing Li Ling's account, Yellow Cloud True Person said noncommittally, "You were fortunate to win an expert's favor. That must count as a fortuitous encounter."
The more Li Ling listened, the more something felt off about her words. He hurriedly said, "Not at all! That senior and I have no ties whatsoever. You treat me far better, Old Ancestor. Old Ancestor, you are loving and mighty, may you enjoy immortal blessings forever and live as long as the heavens..."
Yellow Cloud True Person found it unbearably syrupy and scolded him with a laugh. "Enough! Why are you being so ridiculous again?"
Some people said "enough" on the surface, while their unspoken meaning might be "keep praising me."
Li Ling unleashed another barrage of lavish flattery, throwing out Heavenly Cloud Grandmother, favored by the Heavenly Dao, Nascent Soul within reach, and anything else he could think of as though the words cost nothing.
The Ninth Princess was already shaking with laughter like blossoms trembling on their branches. She leaned toward his ear and said, "Of all Old Ancestor's disciples and descendants, you are the best at flattery, husband. I really don't know where you learned so many phrases. They give me goose bumps."
Li Ling whispered, "Isn't it all for our little family?
"Over several thousand years, who knows how many descendants Old Ancestor has had? How many of them truly carry any weight? You were born adorable and have always been doted on, but you've been married to me for years now, and you're no longer a little girl. While Old Ancestor still favors and trusts us, it's more practical to secure as many benefits as we can."
The Ninth Princess giggled. "Yes, yes, you're absolutely right, husband."
Seeing that she still had not grasped his deeper meaning, Li