Tender Affection at Silent Ring: Two Women's Warmth

As the snowflakes swirled and spacetime collapsed, at the Nether Firmament Underworld Sect in the Spirit Firmament Great Realm, dark clouds surged in the sky, and a beam of azure light Realm Splitting and returned.

Qin Yu and Qian Ruishan stood in the Returning Formation, but they were not Emptiness, as they were followed closely behind.

On Qian Ruishan's shoulders, the Myriad-Colored Ice Butterfly and the Silent Spirit Snow Fox floated lightly to the left and right, their Wancai wings intertwining with the flowing light of the Nine-Tailed Ice Soul, resembling an ice rainbow between heaven and earth.

Her figure stood in the radiance, no longer the aloof woman of the past, but the leader of the Myriad Beast Soul Pact Clan who had returned with the resonance of two divine beasts. Her aura was pure and cold, and wherever her soul pressure touched, no cultivator dared to underestimate her.

While everyone was still captivated by Qian Ruishan's stunning twin Soul Pact beasts, their gazes shifted to Qin Yu's side—

A mysterious young girl stood beside him.

She looked no more than sixteen or seventeen years old, with skin as white as snow, lips as white as frost, and exquisite, flawless features. Yet, she was shrouded in a layer of black mist, as if anyone who tried to peer into her eyes could only see a chaotic and mysterious mass.

Her eyes were extremely calm, but within that tranquility lay a nobility and indifference born from an ancient abyss.

Ming Kong, Ming Ye, Ming Zhen, and the others all felt a tremor in their souls.

"Who... is this?"

"She's not human..."

"She... we can't see through her spirit form!"

Ming Ye frowned and whispered. As someone with extremely strong soul perception, this was the first time he had sensed a completely unfathomable presence beside Qin Yu.

"Is this the person you brought back?" Ming Kong's expression hardened slightly as he glanced sideways at Qin Yu.

Qin Yu smiled calmly and gently placed his hand on the girl's shoulder:

Her name is Youlong Yunyi.

"From this day forward, she will be one of my contracted divine beasts."

Before she finished speaking, Yunyi slowly raised her head, the coldness in her eyes still lingering, but she nodded gently:

"You... may call me 'Yunyi'."

Everyone was stunned, not only by the phrase "Soul-bound Divine Beast," but also because this woman could... speak? Her soul had taken form? Her expression was lifelike?

Qian Ruishan smiled and explained:

"She is a transcendent divine beast capable of transforming into human form."

"Indeed... it's the Soul-Binding Fruit we obtained during our journey to the Ming Yuan."

Everyone was stunned and speechless. For a moment, only the howling wind and snow could be heard on the main peak of Youqiong, but the sound of the waves shaking the depths of their souls could not be concealed.

On the high platform of the main hall of the Nether Firmament Underworld Sect.

Qin Yu stepped into the familiar main hall alone, where he saw the Grand Venerable Mingxu standing in front of the Star Shadow Diagram Wall, his hands behind his back, his figure solemn and profound. He turned his gaze to this young man who had fought his way up from the Realm Consciousness Realm to the point where he could destroy the Ancient Emperor Miyan Mystic Restriction, and a hint of respect appeared in his eyes.

"You've come about leaving, haven't you?"

Qin Yu nodded and said earnestly, "I need to leave the Spirit Firmament Great Realm for a while to go to the Divine Abyss and the Great Yan Continent to find out an unresolved matter, and also to bring my mother, Qin Yu, home."

The Grand Venerable Mingxu remained silent for a moment, then slowly nodded. "Go. The Spirit Firmament is no longer the chaotic world of the past. Every step you take will mark an era. Everything in my Underworld Sect will protect your return."

Their eyes met, and silence spoke volumes.

Afterwards, Qin Yu and Qian Ruishan returned to the Thousand Realms Sect together.

At the summit of the sect, Qian Xuancang stood quietly among the snow pines on the cold cliff. He smiled slightly when he saw Qian Ruishan return Anran, but when his gaze swept over the graceful, Myriad-Colored Ice Butterfly and the Silent Spirit Snow Fox on her shoulder, his eyes suddenly lit up and his expression became serious.

"This is what you've obtained—a transcendent divine beast?"

"My daughter has lived up to her mission."

Qin Yu then spoke, "Sect Master Qian, the reason I've come is to inform you that I'm taking Shanshan to the Divine Abyss and the Great Yan Continent to meet an important person."

Qian Xuancang gazed at the two before him, his eyes deep and compassionate. He could see the tacit understanding and unwavering resolve between Qin Yu and Qian Ruishan, and he knew that after this turmoil, there would be a longer journey ahead.

"Go," he said softly. "No need to ask for permission; the Thousand Realms Sect will always be your root."

The mountain wind whipped up Qin Yu's long, silken robes as he led Qian Ruishan down slowly from the summit of the Thousand Realms Sect.

Behind them, the Myriad-Colored Ice Butterfly and the Silent Spirit Snow Fox fluttered gently, while the dragon girl Youlong Yunyi, shrouded in black mist, followed quietly, everything serene and solemn.

Ahead lies the Divine Abyss and the Taiyan, the call of the mother, and the opening of a deeper door to destiny.

On the border of the Spirit Firmament Great Realm, above the Void Cliff Abyss.

Qin Yu stood quietly before the cliff, with Qian Ruishan in her white robes behind him and two divine beasts fluttering lightly beside him, while Youlong Yunyi stood to his left, her breathing steady and her expression solemn.

He slowly raised his right hand, a faint Azure Ring shimmering between his fingers. Circles of blue runes spread across his palm like a swirling galaxy. At that moment, it was as if a rift of light had been gently torn open in the entire void, revealing a distant "spatial dimension."

"The spirit of the realm shapes my form."

"--Use knowledge as a bridge, and boundaries as a path."

Qin Yu murmured aloud.

The next instant, the whole world seemed to be muted. The wind stopped abruptly, and all things in the world seemed to stand still. Qian Ruishan felt the light and shadow in front of her pause, and the next moment, the ground beneath her feet had completely changed.

They now stand atop the Great Yan Continent.

High in the sky and low in the clouds, the ancient Silent Ring Palace stands silently atop the floating snow-capped mountains. The heavy, icy blue dome reflects the cracks in the clouds, and the entire temple floats motionless like a crystallized divine soul, its cold light blazing. The palace gates are tightly closed, exuding an inviolable aura.

Qian Ruishan gazed at the temple that Qin Yu had mentioned countless times, a mixture of curiosity and gentle emotion welling up in her eyes.

"Is this where Sister Qingwan is?"

"Yes," Qin Yu nodded with a smile, "After I left the Divine Abyss, she single-handedly supported the Silent Ring Palace, and now she is the master of the Silent Ring Palace."

The two stepped into the clouds, where Myriad-Colored Ice Butterfly fluttered and transformed into a circle of Wancai spots that gently surrounded them. The Silent Spirit Snow Fox leaped onto Qian Ruishan's shoulder, its eyes slightly narrowed as if it were asleep, with only its nine tails gently swaying and emitting a divine aura like moonlight and snow. Meanwhile, Youlong Yunyi quietly withdrew her soul pressure, transforming into the appearance of a sixteen or seventeen-year-old girl, and followed closely behind Qin Yu, her steps silent.

As they approached the Silent Ring Palace, a divine seal of snowy light appeared on its own initiative. It was the sensing array pattern that Mu Qingwan had left on the palace gate. With a slight flash of the seal, the palace gate slowly opened, and the glazed ice steps gradually appeared.

Just as the palace gates swung open, the figure in white slowly turned around inside the hall—

It was Mu Qingwan.

She was draped in a deep blue robe, her hair was as white as silk, and her eyes were like autumn water. When she saw Qin Yu, she was slightly stunned, and then her eyes rippled like moonlight.

The moment Mu Qingwan looked at Qin Yu, her whole body trembled slightly.

Time seemed to rewind, those days and nights spent cultivating alone in the Silent Ring Palace, those moments gazing alone at the Divine Abyss's rift in the sky, those fragments of news about him... all collapsed at this moment.

She suddenly stepped forward, her fair face trembling slightly, and tears welling up in her eyes.

"Qin Yu..."

Her voice was as soft as the wind, but the moment she called out the name, tears streamed down her face uncontrollably.

"You're finally back..."

The next instant, she threw herself into Qin Yu, her slender arms tightly wrapped around his back, as if she never wanted to let go.

Qin Yu was slightly taken aback, but then he hugged her back, his palm resting on her shoulder, gentle yet firm. The woman in his arms trembled slightly, tears burning in her heart, but she didn't utter a word. She simply raised her head slowly, her eyes misty like an autumn lake under the moonlight.

Then, she tiptoed and gently—

I kissed him on the lips.

Just like the longing and yearning buried deep in my heart for many years, it has finally received a response.

Silence speaks louder than words; tenderness cannot be contained.

Qian Ruishan stood to the side, her eyes devoid of any jealousy. Instead, a slight smile curved her lips as she quietly pulled the Myriad-Colored Ice Butterfly on her shoulder closer together, whispering, "Sister has finally seen him."

Everything at this moment was gentle, peaceful, and serene, as beautiful as the moon.

Night falls upon the summit of the Divine Abyss, the crystal walls of the Silent Ring Palace like a mirror, reflecting the myriad stars of the sky. The clear light, like water, pours onto the jade balustrade before the steps. A gentle breeze caresses the ancient trees in the palace, which sway, adorned with shimmering blue fruits, like stars hanging from the branches, adding to the tranquility and peace of this sacred place.

Qin Yu on the high platform, dressed in a plain robe, Azure Ring quietly wrapped around his right wrist. Myriad Phenomena Return to Stillness, and his aura was restrained and ethereal. Mu Qingwan changed out of her battle robe and into a plain white moon dress, looking like a fairy. Qian Ruishan also wore a light robe and leaned against the palace steps. At her feet, Myriad-Colored Ice Butterfly fluttered slowly, while the silver-white nine-tailed Silent Spirit Snow Fox lay quietly beside her, its tail feathers swaying slightly, looking like a dream under the moonlight.

The three sat around the stone pavilion, the palace lanterns glowing softly, the fruit fragrance lingering gently.

Mu Qingwan gently poured a cup of tea and placed it in front of Qin Yu, her voice soft. "This cup contains Soul Dew Green Sprouts that I picked myself, which I have guarded for you for five years."

Qin Yu gently took the drink, but didn't drink it. Looking into her eyes, which were filled with both smiles and tears, he said in a low but sincere voice, "You've had a hard time all these years."

"Now that you're back, things won't be so hard anymore." Mu Qingwan.

Qian Ruishan rested her chin on her hands, blinking her bright eyes teasingly, "Sister's tone... it really is the Palace Master's trump card for coaxing people. Qin Yu, you'd better watch out, or she might snatch it away from you!"

Mu Qingwan glanced at her sideways, smiling shyly, "Then what did you say when you shielded him from the soul-breath storm in the Soulfall Ice Plain?"

Qian Ruishan was taken aback for a moment, then her face flushed slightly, and she whispered, "I... I did it willingly."

The two women exchanged a glance, smiled, and moved on.

Qin Yu sighed and looked at them gently, "You are all the most important people to me... No matter where the future leads, I will never let you fall behind."

As he finished speaking, Azure Ring trembled slightly, as if resonating with his promise.

At this moment, the lights of the Silent Ring Palace were soft, the wind was just right, and the three of them sat quietly in the pavilion, just like in their old dream.

Though heaven and earth are far apart, our hearts remain connected.

As night deepened, moonlight shone upon the snow-white nine tails of the Silent Spirit Snow Fox. Snowflakes drifted down lightly, and tiny rays of light fell upon her forehead, like starlight adorning her brows. She lay quietly beside Qian Ruishan, yet at this moment, her bright blue eyes secretly gazed at Mu Qingwan.

The Silent Spirit Snow Fox gently swayed its tail, its voice drifting through the soul's thoughts, soft and gentle yet undeniably playful. "Shanshan... is this my new master? She... is so beautiful..."

Qian Ruishan's lips curved into a smile as she gently stroked the soft fox's back, her smile tender, "Yes, Snow Fox, she is Mu Qingwan, Qin Ning's earliest... and also the gentlest one." As she spoke, she turned her head slightly and softly called out:

"Elder sister."

Mu Qingwan was sipping her tea when she heard the call. Turning around, she immediately saw the snow-white spirit fox staring at her with its large, deep blue eyes. She couldn't help but smile softly, "This is... the Silent Spirit Snow Fox?"

Qian Ruishan nodded. "Yes, it's a Fate Soul beast that Qin Ning personally selected for you. I heard it possesses the purest soul transformation power, nine-tailed divine breath, one phantom soul per tail, and one returning mirror per tail."

Upon hearing this, the Silent Spirit Snow Fox suddenly leaped up and landed in front of Mu Qingwan. Its tail feathers bloomed like flowers, radiating Spiritual Qi, and it softly spoke, "Master... I am the Silent Spirit Snow Fox... Will you accept me?"

Mu Qingwan was taken aback, gazing at the clarity and affection in those blue eyes, and felt a tremor in her heart. She slowly knelt down, gently stroking the cool, warm fox head, and softly said:

"Of course I would, Snow Fox. Welcome... home."

The Silent Spirit Snow Fox immediately wagged its tail happily, circled Mu Qingwan twice, and a faint moonlight fell. It then nimbly jumped back onto Qian Ruishan's shoulder, secretly winking at her.

"Sister Shanshan... her hands are so warm."

Qian Ruishan smiled without saying a word, quietly watching the handover of power between the old and the new, feeling a slight sense of emotion.

At this moment, the Myriad-Colored Ice Butterfly gently fluttered its wings on Qian Ruishan's shoulder, scattering specks of Wancai of light, which shone and reflected the snow blossoms at the end of the Silent Spirit Snow Fox's tail, as if scattering the first ray of colorful light for this destined fate.

The Silent Spirit Snow Fox looked down at Mu Qingwan, its blue eyes reflecting her soul patterns and intentions. Suddenly, it took a few light steps closer and slowly bowed its head before Mu Qingwan, its tail feathers swirling around her, signifying submission.

Mu Qingwan slowly extended her right hand, her fingertip touching the overlapping nine tails. In an instant, the Moon Extreme Soul Light soared into the sky, and the moonlight outside the entire Silent Ring Palace seemed to be instantly drawn in, converging into the Soul Seal.

"Our souls are in harmony... I wish to coexist with your spirit through my consciousness."

Suddenly, the Silent Spirit Snow Fox let out a soft cry, its voice clear and melodious, its nine tails rising simultaneously. The Mirror Soul Dream Domain quietly unfolded, enveloping Mu Qingwan's entire soul consciousness in a dreamlike illusion. The next instant, a silver-white soul mark flashed on Mu Qingwan's forehead, the main Soul Seal belonging to the Silent Spirit Snow Fox, already imprinted deep within her sea of consciousness.

An ancient yet gentle voice echoed in her ears, "Mu Qingwan... My name is Xueli. From this day forward, I am willing to follow you with my life."

The Soul Contract is complete.

As the silver light faded, Mu Qingwan slowly opened her eyes, her gaze filled with the aura of the Nine-Tailed Fox. She resembled a goddess of the moon, surrounded by snowy breath, her soul clear and her aura subtly transformed.

She gently stroked the head of the Silent Spirit Snow Fox, her eyes softening. "Thank you, Xueli."

Qin Yu and Qian Ruishan stood quietly outside the hall, watching without saying a word, only offering faint smiles.

At this moment, Mu Qingwan's path of Fate Soul finally truly began.

Just as the Silent Spirit Snow Fox joyfully jumped onto Mu Qingwan's shoulder, a wisp of black mist suddenly stirred outside the hall, as ethereal as smoke, and a graceful and aloof young woman slowly stepped into the stone pavilion.

She moved silently, her figure light and graceful, her long, dark hair flowing like silk, her skin as white as snow, her features exquisitely beautiful, and her eyes seemed to hold endless starry nights and the secrets of a thousand-year-old divine soul. The faint black mist surrounding her was dreamlike and ethereal, like an ice-cold empress who had emerged from the depths of the abyss.

--It was the dragon maiden transformed from the Black Mother Dragon of the Abyss. Youlong Yunyi

She moved gracefully to Qin Yu's side, her eyes calm and submissive, and whispered, "Qin Yu, should I address her as... Master?"

"..."

Mu Qingwan was interacting with the Silent Spirit Snow Fox when she suddenly heard a sound. She turned around and froze on the spot.

The next instant, she took a small step back, her beautiful eyes widened, and she blurted out instinctively:

"You... you're keeping a mistress?!"

"There's another... such a beautiful girl?"

His tone carried a hint of teasing, feigned jealousy, but his eyes darted back and forth between the girl and Qin Yu, clearly surprised yet unable to hide a hint of amusement.

Seeing this, Qian Ruishan couldn't help but chuckle and quickly explained, "Sister, don't misunderstand. She... she's not 'spoiled' in that sense."

Mu Qingwan blinked. "Which one is it?"

Qian Ruishan bit her lip, a slightly sly smile playing on her lips, "She... is the third divine beast Qin Yu contracted on the Ming Yuan Continent, the dragon girl in human form of the Nether Abyss Black Dragon."

The dragon maiden lowered her eyes and nodded politely. "Miss Mu, I am Dragon Clan, and I have now submitted to Qin Ning through a pact. I have taken human form only to protect my master's orders, and I dare not overstep my bounds."

Mu Qingwan had initially maintained a slightly teasing expression, sighed softly upon hearing these words and noticing the faint black aura emanating from the Dragon Girl, whose aura was restrained yet unfathomable.

"Okay... I understand now."

She looked at Qin Yu, her gaze complex yet tinged with amusement:

"You... you're becoming more and more unlike an ordinary person. You've even tamed a dragon, and you're so good-looking. How are others supposed to live?"

Qin Yu was extremely embarrassed and could only touch his nose and chuckle awkwardly, "I didn't expect her to take human form either..."

Mu Qingwan gave a soft snort, stopped asking, and pulled Qian Ruishan away, whispering to herself as they walked:

"Back then, he only ever bothered me... Now look at him, with a divine beast on one side, a dragon girl on the other, and you, the dual-soul saintess... I'd like to see how many more he plans to acquire next?"

Qian Ruishan laughed so hard her body trembled, and whispered something in her ear:

"Sister, you're the first, he'll never forget you."

Mu Qingwan paused slightly, a smile finally appearing on her lips, but she said nothing more.

Behind her, the Silent Spirit Snow Fox perched on her shoulder, winked at the Myriad-Colored Ice Butterfly, and whispered:

"They're both... so interesting."

The Myriad-Colored Ice Butterfly nodded, spread their wings, and scattered Wancai stars across the moonlit corridor.

--Inside the Silent Ring Palace, this night was filled with tenderness, and the moonlight was like a dream.