A love sweetened in secret

Early morning at the Cloud Deer Academy.

In the small courtyard where the Xu Household was staying, Xu Qi'an, pale-faced and leaning on a cane, stood in the room, looking at Xu Pingzhi, and said:

"Second Uncle, we don't need to go to Jianzhou. You should return to the manor after a while."

Now that the emperor is dead, the biggest threat to the capital has been eliminated. Other figures, including the crown prince, have no direct conflict of interest with him. In fact, the crown prince is now eager to send him a banner to express his gratitude.

Furthermore, with his fearsome reputation for beheading a tyrannical emperor, who would dare to provoke Xu Yinluo?

Therefore, my second uncle's family is very safe and does not need to seek refuge in Jianzhou.

Xu Pingzhi hummed in response, looked at him, and hesitated before speaking.

Xu Qi'an turned around, looked at his aunt, took out a stack of silver notes from his pocket, and said:

"Auntie, thank you for taking care of me all these years. I was immature and impulsive before, please don't take offense. The banknotes are part of my savings, please keep them safe. The family's food, clothing and daily necessities still depend on you."

"I'll be leaving Beijing for a while now, and I don't know when I'll be able to come back."

The aunt pursed her lips, took the silver note, and said softly, "I'll keep this silver note for you; you can use it to get married in the future."

"That's not enough, I have plenty of wives. "Xu Qi'an's lips curled up, and he turned to look at Xu Lingyue, smiling:

"Brother, this time you'll be away from the capital for a while, at least a year and a half, or even more than three years. I imagine by then, Lingyue will already be married. It's a pity I won't be able to attend your wedding."

Xu Lingyue bit her lip, her beautiful eyes brimming with tears.

An eighteen-year-old girl is like a lotus swaying in clear water in June—beautiful, pure, and spotless.

This delicate flower, nurtured in the secluded chambers of the Xu Household, was deeply saddened by the impending departure of her elder brother.

Then, Xu Qi'an reached out and gently rubbed the little boy's head, saying softly, "Let your big brother hold you. I've never held you properly before."

Xu Lingyin hugged her older brother's neck and announced loudly:

"Big brother, I'll hide the chicken leg and wait for you to come back."

Hidden in a shoe again? Is it still edible? Won't it kill you on the spot? Xu Qi'an, touched, gently rubbed his younger sister's head and laughed:

"Hide it in your shoe for a few days, then save it for your master to eat, understand?"

Xu Lingyin nodded vigorously. "Yes!"

After saying goodbye to his family, Xu Qi'an left the courtyard and descended the mountain alone along the steps.

"Big brother~"

Xu Lingyue's voice called from behind. The younger sister, panting, caught up and called out to his retreating figure:

"I want to go to Lingbao Temple to cultivate. I... I will wait for you to come back."

Xu Qi'an paused for a moment, but did not turn around, and continued down the mountain.

Inside the house, after Xu Qi'an left, the aunt looked at the silver notes in her hand and said softly:

"Master, I remember now. Dalang's birth mother passed away after giving birth to him. Before she left, she told me to raise him well. I remember my sister was a very good person, gentle, dignified, and easy to get along with."

"She held my hand that year and entrusted me with taking care of Dalang. She spoke so sincerely that I knew she had her reasons for abandoning Dalang back then."

The aunt raised her head, her face streaked with tears. "Master, I've raised him for so many years, he's like my son. Now that man has come back, wanting to take his life, I... I'm so heartbroken."

Second Uncle Xu was heartbroken.

Lingbao Temple.

Xu Qi'an, leaning on his cane, smiled at the young Daoist guarding the gate, "I wish to see the Imperial Preceptor."

Before coming, he inquired with the supervisor about the battle between the Imperial Preceptor and the leader of the Earth Sect.

The supervisor said it would be a lose-lose situation, then let out a "ha!"

"Burning from the flames of karma."

The young Daoist glanced at him and said, "The head Daoist instructed that if Young Master Xu comes looking for her, he should go straight inside."

Lingbao Temple has granted me unrestricted access, but what about Luo Yuheng?

Xu Qi'an muttered to himself as he entered Lingbao Temple, leaning on his cane.

Arriving at the secluded courtyard, I skillfully pushed open the door to the meditation room, where I saw a beautiful Daoist nun sitting cross-legged on a prayer mat.

Xu Qi'an was stunned for a moment. He saw in her a series of images, including his kind aunt, his mother's friend, and the older sister next door.

This surprised him, because Luo Yuheng seemed to be somewhat out of control, unable to restrain her "allure".

For a second-rank master, this is clearly not a good thing, as it means that the karmic fire burning him is very serious.

"As you can see, I'm in terrible shape."

Luo Yuheng parted her red lips slightly, her voice revealing the unique charm of a mature woman.

"I see."

Xu Qi'an sighed, "I took a shower before coming here."

Besides checking on Luo Yuheng's condition, he also had the idea of "bargaining" this time. He hoped that Luo Yuheng could give him a few more days to allow him to absorb the Seven Deadly Gu. If his physical condition improved, he would then fulfill his promise.

I've learned that Luo Yuheng's condition is this bad.

Luo Yuheng remained expressionless and continued, "You've misunderstood. I'm just an avatar; it will dissipate within three days. My main body has already gone into seclusion."

For a moment, Xu Qi'an couldn't tell whether he felt fortunate or disappointed.

Given his current physical condition, forcing him to engage in dual cultivation would only result in "Auntie, please take the initiative."

This is clearly inconsistent with his image of being invincible with his spear, and would make Luo Yuheng look down on him.

But, but... she's just too tempting.

Luo Yuheng's clone continued, "Dual cultivation requires a certain period, at least seven days at a time. After the battle with the leader of the Earth Sect, my main body could no longer suppress the karmic fire, and I don't know your exact condition. In order to save myself, I can only go into seclusion and forcibly extinguish the karmic fire."

"At least seven days at a time, at least seven days at a time." This was the only thought that filled Xu Qi'an's mind.

I was a little scared.

Luo Yuheng continued:

"After this, it will likely be difficult for her to actively suppress the karmic fire again. Therefore, dual cultivation is imperative. The karmic fire flares up once a month, and on this day next month, she will come looking for you."

As she spoke, she flicked her sleeve, and a yellow paper talisman folded into a triangle appeared on the table.

"This is a locator. Keep it safe. The main body will come to you in a month."

After saying that, the clone dissipated on its own.

Is she shy? Xu Qi'an picked up the triangular talisman and silently put it away.

It seems that after the regicide, Luo Yuheng completely accepted him and decided to become his dao companion.

Previously, Luo Yuheng hesitated about whether to cultivate with her partner because she hadn't fully accepted it yet. After all, dao companion is a lifelong commitment, and it's only natural for Luo Yuheng to be cautious.

Before he went to Shanhai Pass, his cultivation level was only fifth rank, which was indeed somewhat lacking for a second-rank expert.

Currently, Xu Qi'an is a third-rank martial artist, one of the few third-rank martial artists in the Great Feng, which is enough to match Luo Yuheng's status and position.

Very well, I'll be ready in a month. Xu Qi'an left Lingbao Temple and headed towards the palace.

Shaoyin Palace.

The boudoir was equipped with a charcoal-consuming floor heating system, making the room warm as spring in late autumn. The air was filled with the scents of sandalwood, rouge, and the woman's subtle body fragrance.

At one moment, the woman who had been curled up asleep on the brocade couch suddenly awoke with a start, sat up, and turned pale.

"Red, red sleeves."

She called softly, her voice weak and feeble.

The palace maid who was lying beside the bed immediately woke up and said softly, "Your Highness!"

Lin'an whispered, "Water, I want to drink water."

The palace maid immediately went to the table, gently swept aside the wine pots that were either overturned or straightened, and poured her a cup of warm tea.

Princess Lin'an drank heavily last night and got completely drunk. Even though she was drunk, she didn't act crazy; she just lay by the table, sobbing and crying.

The palace maids knew perfectly well that the princess was only trying to drown her sorrows in alcohol, which only made her more miserable.

Last night, His Highness the Crown Prince sent someone to inform His Highness Lin'an that the Witch God Cult had colluded with His Majesty's trusted Right Vice Censor-in-Chief Yuan Xiong and Vice Minister of War Qin Yuandao.

He used witchcraft to control His Majesty, cut off the army's food supplies, and caused the deaths of 80,000 soldiers and Wei Yuan in Jingshan City.

Enraged, Xu Yinluo beheaded the emperor outside the capital.

Upon hearing this, His Highness was stunned. His face turned pale as he went to the East Palace, seemingly to confront the Crown Prince.

She came home very late, and then started drinking endlessly. When she got drunk, she cried, and after crying, she continued drinking.

The palace maids witnessed this and felt their hearts breaking.

Having served Princess Lin'an for so many years, I have never seen her so heartbroken.

It's likely not only because her most beloved emperor had passed away, but also because the man who killed her father was that person.

Looking back now, Hongxiu is almost certain that His Highness was in love with Xu Yinluo.

What should we do? Your Highness is still unmarried and has already suffered such heartbreak. I'm afraid you'll be sad for a very long time.

As for persuading them, they wouldn't dare.

A servant is a servant; how dare I interfere in my masters' affairs?

"Your Highness, the tea is here. Please drink it slowly."

Hongxiu carefully held the tea and handed it to her.

Lin'an held the tea, sipping it absentmindedly. Her once bright and lively eyes were now dull and lifeless.

Just as she finished her tea, a palace maid came to the boudoir, knocked lightly on the door twice, and whispered:

"Your Highness, Xu Yinluo has arrived."

Hongxiu immediately looked towards Lin'an, only to see that His Highness's eyes suddenly shone with a dazzling light, but it slowly faded away the next second.

Lin'an whispered, "No, I won't see him!"

"Yes, I will go and reply immediately."

"Etc."

She suddenly called out to the palace maid, paused for a few seconds, and whispered, "That's fine."

The palace maid outside the door immediately left.

Outside Shaoyin Palace, the man leaning on a cane turned and left.

Hundreds of imperial guards, as if facing a formidable enemy, gripped their sword hilts and silently watched his retreating figure. No one dared to speak, much less try to stop him.

Xu Qi'an did not leave the palace, but went to Dexin Garden instead.

Early morning, Dexin Garden.

She washed up with the help of her personal maids; one maid held a spittoon, while another held a copper basin and a towel.

After brushing his teeth and rinsing his mouth, Huaiqing spat the water into the spittoon, then took the towel handed to him by the palace maid and carefully wiped his cool and delicate face.

At this moment, a young palace maid hurried in and said sweetly, "Your Highness, Xu Yinluo has arrived."

Princess Huaiqing, who loved cleanliness, immediately put down her handkerchief, her beautiful eyes sparkling, and said, "Lead the way. Please take him to the inner hall."

She suddenly changed her mind, picked up the handkerchief again, carefully wiped her face, looked at herself in the mirror, nodded slightly in satisfaction, and then left her boudoir with her maid.

She found Xu Qi'an, who was deathly pale, sitting at the table, squinting as he sipped his scalding hot tea.

The young palace maids of Dexinyuan stood tremblingly to one side.

"You may all leave."

Huaiqing waved.

The young palace maid breathed a sigh of relief, lowered her head, and left with small, quick steps.

After walking a few steps, he heard the great demon who had murdered the king laugh behind him, "This little palace maid is quite nice, Your Highness, please give her to me."

The young palace maid looked at Huaiqing with tears welling up in her eyes, her expression pitiful.

Huaiqing waved his hand expressionlessly.

After the palace maids withdrew, Huaiqing carefully examined Xu Qi'an and said:

"He even has the leisure to tease the palace maids; it seems his injuries aren't serious."

Xu Qi'an said with a wry smile, "This can't be measured by the severity of the injuries; I'm already crippled."

Huaiqing's expression immediately turned serious. "Even the Supervisor can't do anything?"

Xu Qi'an shook his head.

Huaiqing pursed his lips. "What exactly happened?"

Xu Qi'an then pulled open his shirt to show her the condition of his chest; the wound near his heart was gruesome, with a demon-sealing nail embedded in it.

For a martial artist below the third rank, such an injury would only lead to death.

Even fourth-rank military officers are no exception.

"There are nine of these nails in total, in different places on my body."

Xu Qi'an said with a bitter smile, "The supervisor of the Buddhist School said that if the Demon-Sealing Nails are forcibly removed, I will surely die. All my cultivation will be ruined."

"Buddhist School."

As Huaiqing murmured those two words, her pretty face turned ashen.

The eldest princess, known for her aloofness and indifference, suddenly felt a surge of intense anger.

Why is Buddhist School involved in this matter?

Huaiqing composed himself and asked.

Upon hearing this, Xu Qi'an sighed, "It's time to be frank with His Highness."

Huaiqing raised an eyebrow, straightened her delicate body slightly, and assumed a listening posture.

"Actually, the sealed artifact that escaped from the Sangbo case has always been inside me; it belonged to a traitor to Buddhist School."

Huaiqing's gaze froze, his mouth slightly agape, as if in disbelief.

Huaiqing's mind went blank as he was bombarded with such a massive amount of information; he was both shocked and confused.

Confusion and shock abound as people wonder why the sealed artifact beneath Sangbo is on Xu Qi'an.

The Demon Race went to great lengths to break the seal and release the sealed artifact; there's no reason for them to just hand it over. There must be a reason.

On the contrary, when he heard that the sealed object was a demonic monk from Buddhist School, Huaiqing was only slightly taken aback before quickly accepting it.

Because that makes sense.

The sealed artifact was originally related to Buddhist School, which was already established when the Sangbo case was investigated.

"As for why the demonic monk was inside me, that's a long story."

Xu Qi'an sighed again; some things, once spoken of, make one unable to help but sigh.

He recounted in detail how he was blessed with good fortune, possessed by a divine spirit, and that his father, who was not a human being, was the chief disciple of the Imperial Academy, and had stolen the nation's destiny, telling Huaiqing everything in detail.

Now that she had already confronted Xu Pingfeng, there was no need to keep her secrets anymore.

In particular, the members of the Heaven and Earth Society, having experienced the regicide, were essentially bound together and became true partners.

Huaiqing's expressions were fascinating, ranging from astonishment to shock, and from shock to disbelief, with his emotions building layer upon layer with each change in his expression.

However, upon hearing that Xu Qi'an was able to use the Zhenguo Sword and control the spirit dragon because he possessed a destiny, Huaiqing visibly breathed a sigh of relief, as if something he had been worried about had been answered.

And the answer was satisfactory.

"I see!"

Huaiqing sighed, "All of this is because of the struggle for destiny."

Xu Qi'an nodded. "Your Highness, please remember to keep this a secret. The Supervisor did not authorize me to reveal these matters."

Huaiqing hummed in agreement, and then heard Xu Qi'an say with a strange expression:

"That bastard said my birth mother was a member of Your Highness's clan."

Huaiqing was shocked, her pretty face changing slightly.

"It's the same lineage from five hundred years ago."

Five hundred years ago, that lineage... Huaiqing felt a great weight lifted from his shoulders once again.

"Therefore, I will be traveling for a period of time to collect the scattered dragon vein spirits for the Great Feng."

Xu Qi'an gazed at the woman, who was as aloof and noble as an iceberg snow lotus, and said softly, "Your Highness, please take care."

Huaiqing was slightly moved and said softly, "Take care, Young Master Xu."

She no longer addressed Xu Qi'an as "Master".

Xu Qi'an nodded, then suddenly hesitated and said:

"Your Highness seems to harbor resentment over my regicide. Could Your Highness please explain this to me?"

Huaiqing gave an "Oh," drawing out the last syllable, and said expressionlessly:

"Young Master Xu has already visited Shaoyin Palace. It seems that Lin'an is indeed the most important place in your heart."

Here it comes, are you going to say next: I was here first?

Xu Qi'an was unsure how to respond when he suddenly heard small footsteps approaching the inner hall. He and Huai Qing tacitly remained silent and said nothing more.

A moment later, a palace maid entered and said respectfully, "Your Highness, Prince Lin'an has arrived and wishes to see you."

I'll avoid this situation.

Xu Qi'an immediately got up and walked to the inner side of the hall.

After he hid, Huaiqing said, "Let her in."

"Yes!"

The palace maid withdrew.

Two or three minutes later, Lin'an, wearing a red dress, entered the inner hall alone.

She sat down by herself, looking haggard, with a deep-seated worry in her eyes.

He glanced at Huaiqing first, then looked away, gazing ahead, his voice soft yet hollow as he said:

"I heard from my elder brother, the Crown Prince, that Father Emperor, influenced by the Witch God Cult, cut off the army's supplies, leading to the deaths of Wei Yuan and 80,000 soldiers in the Northeast."

Huaiqing lowered his head and drank his tea, remaining silent.

"I know Wei Yuan has been incredibly kind to him, but... but my father is my father! How could he kill my father without saying a word?"

Tears streamed down Lin'an's face, like pear blossoms in the rain.

Did he go looking for you?

Huaiqing said.

How did you know?

Lin'an glanced at her, nodded, and cried, "He just came to see me, but I didn't dare to see him. I don't know how to face him."

As she spoke, she cried, "I want to see him, but I'm afraid to see him. Even though Father Emperor killed Wei Yuan, Father Emperor was also controlled by the Witch God Cult. What did Father Emperor do wrong? Father Emperor has always spoiled me since I was little."

"I dreamt of my father last night. He died so tragically, so tragically. Huaiqing, my heart aches so much. I... I have no one to talk to."

In the end, the person she could confide in and vent her grief and depression to was her older sister, with whom she had fought for more than a decade.

She was so lonely.

Huaiqing whispered, "You like him, don't you?"

Lin'an did not reply.

"And now, do you still like it?"

Lin'an seemed to collapse, and he wept bitterly at his desk.

Huaiqing understood; she still loved him, but she could no longer face the man who killed her father.

She lost not only her father, but also a secret, sweet love hidden in her heart.

"Well!"

Huaiqing sighed and said:

Whether you hate him or like him, whether you can face him again or not, that's your business. I don't care about your feelings.

"But there are some things, some truths, that I think you have the right to know."

P. S.: I feel relieved to have typed this out. I'll correct any typos tomorrow; this chapter counts as yesterday's.

As soon as I got off the plane, Zhouzi and the others pulled me aside to chat and have a meal, so I asked for leave. But then I thought about it and felt bad, since I had promised to do it and I couldn't go back on my word. So I stayed up all night to write this chapter.