He waved a hand, relief mingling with his weariness. "Go. The talisman script on the Bronze Casket must be dissolved slowly with true qi. Do not tear it off by force, or the scroll within will destroy itself. I won't see you out."
Lu Changfeng nodded, put away the Bronze Casket, and turned to leave with Li Lingyue.
Behind them, the old man with graying hair and beard stood quietly at the window.
He watched their retreating figures, remaining motionless for a long time.
A small black-canopied boat lay quietly moored beside the landing.
Zhao Lanjun stood at the bow. Seeing the two approach from afar, she gave a slight nod.
Li Lingyue held Lu Changfeng's arm, her steps light and a rather smug smile on her face.
"I really wouldn't have guessed," she said, tilting her head toward Lu Changfeng, mischief filling her eyes. "Pavilion Commander Lu actually persuaded Mr. Su, who bears the White Marsh bloodline, without resorting to weapons. A spear for a tongue and swords for words-quite impressive."
Lu Changfeng raised an eyebrow. "Naturally."
"Too bad you don't put them to proper use." Li Lingyue abruptly changed tack.
Lu Changfeng blinked. "What proper use?"
Li Lingyue suddenly stopped, hooked her arms around his neck, and kissed him deeply.
The kiss was long and passionate.
After a long while, their lips parted.
Li Lingyue's gaze was silkily seductive, her cheeks faintly flushed. "That's what I call proper use," she murmured.
Lu Changfeng stared at her speechlessly.
Damn it, you're getting dirty again!
The problem is, you're not even any good at it.
Showing off to a body cultivator like me?
It's barely been any time, and you're already panting, aren't you? Qi cultivators really can't keep up!
He sighed and shook his head. "You've gotten worse."