57: Junior Uncle thinks, is Fairy Luo better, or Xiao Xi better?

Mu Lingxi's beautiful apricot eyes stared unblinkingly at Lu Yu, so close that Lu Yu could count her curled eyelashes.

The Immortal Cave was so quiet that only their faint breathing remained, along with the lingering sweet scent of the Warm Jade Hundred Flower Dew floating in the air.

“Was it a man or a woman? Was she prettier than Xiao Xi, gentler, or did she care more about Junior Martial Uncle?”

Mu Lingxi at this moment was practically like a yandere girlfriend, needing to know every detail about everything. This question was practically a death trap.

Lu Yu felt the soft pressure of his Martial Niece on his arm, and the unique scent of orchid around his nose. His brain started running at hyper-speed.

Admit it?

Then this Martial Niece, who had been quite possessive since childhood and was especially prone to causing trouble, might do anything unpredictable.

Deny it?

That would be too fake, and the subsequent questions would be even more troublesome.

“The Canglan Sacred Sect has many Disciples, naturally including both men and women.”

Lu Yu chose the safest, most evasive opening, struggling to maintain the composure of a senior on his face, although this seniority was only based on lineage.

“As for caring... when traveling outside, fellow practitioners simply look out for each other. How could that compare to the thoughtful spiritual dew you specially prepared, Xiao Xi?”

He shook the half-empty cup in his hand, attempting to change the subject.

Mu Lingxi was clearly not that easy to fool.

She tilted her head slightly. The scrutiny and tension in her eyes did not dissipate; instead, Lu Yu's vague statements overlaid them with a faint, almost imperceptible layer of grievance.

“Just looking out for each other?”

Her voice lowered, but the hand linked with Lu Yu's arm did not loosen, her fingertips unconsciously rubbing the fabric of his sleeve.

“But I heard... that Saintess Luo Qingxue of the Canglan Region seems to have a close relationship with Junior Martial Uncle. Everyone in the Sect is spreading the rumor that the Divine Son of the Heavenly Evolution Immortal Sect and the Canglan Saintess are a match made in heaven.”

Here it comes. Lu Yu sighed internally, knowing this matter couldn't be hidden.

There were too many idle people in the Sect; news traveled faster than a Flying Sword.

“That was an arrangement set by my Revered Master years ago.”

Lu Yu offered an explanation, then said seriously.

“However, Fairy Luo and I truly came to understand and appreciate each other while facing difficulties together. This matter... we will let nature take its course.”

His words were ambiguous, neither denying nor confirming anything definitively.

But to Mu Lingxi, this was tantamount to admitting that he and Luo Qingxue indeed had a relationship beyond ordinary friendship.

The smile on her face faded slightly. She lowered her head, her long eyelashes concealing the emotions in her eyes, but the hand linked around his arm tightened slightly.

After a few seconds of silence, she looked up again, a smile blossoming on her face, even brighter and more radiant than before. However, deep in her eyes, there was an added hint of stubbornness and determination.

“Is that so? Well, with Junior Martial Uncle's talent, having several Dao Companions in the future is only natural. But... Junior Martial Uncle, who do you think is better, that Fairy Luo or Xiao Xi?”

She asked directly, even carrying a sense of burning bridges.

Lu Yu felt his scalp tingle.

This girl was determined to get a clear answer today!

“Xiao Xi, this is different...”

He tried to reason, but there was no reasoning with a girl!

“How is it different?”

Mu Lingxi interrupted him, her gaze burning.

“She is a Saintess, and I am a Sect Master's Direct Disciple. Furthermore, my current cultivation is slightly higher than hers. As far as I know, this Canglan Saintess's cultivation has been stagnant for unknown reasons for five years now, remaining at the Nascent Soul Fifth Stage for that time.”

“Moreover, Xiao Xi believes her beauty and figure are top-tier within the Sect; I'm even ranked fifty-first on the beautiful women ranking! If she is gentle, Xiao Xi can be very gentle too! If she cares about you, Xiao Xi has cared about Junior Martial Uncle since childhood! She...”

The faster she spoke, the redder her eyes became, and her voice carried a slight sob, but she quickly suppressed it, staring at Lu Yu stubbornly.

“Junior Martial Uncle, tell me, where am I inferior to her? Is it just because of the marriage arrangement set by your Revered Master? We are the ones who grew up together as childhood sweethearts, so why don't you like me?!”

Seeing her look so wronged yet trying hard to hold back, Lu Yu felt uncomfortable.

He was not entirely unaware of Mu Lingxi's feelings for him.

Having grown up together, the way this girl looked at him had long surpassed the scope of a Martial Niece looking at her Junior Martial Uncle.

Naturally, he was happy to be admired by such a favored daughter of heaven, a woman known as a Fairy within the Sect. He had never intended to reject her, preferring to let the relationship between them take its natural course.

But now it seemed Xiao Xi was determined to fixate on the matter of Luo Qingxue!

Lu Yu sighed, raised his hand, hesitated for a moment, and then gently rubbed the crown of her head, his movement soothing.

“Xiao Xi, you are excellent. There is no need to compare yourself to anyone. Matters of affection are not a competition of superiority; they also depend on fate. I have romantic feelings for Qingxue, and for you... I naturally have feelings in my heart too. You both have your own merits and advantages, there is no need to compare yourselves like this.”

“Furthermore, I never said I didn't like you. We grew up together, how could I not understand your feelings for me? You are so good to me, how could I not like you in my heart? However, matters of affection are not achieved overnight; they must develop slowly.”

Mu Lingxi suddenly looked up, grabbed the hand he had placed on her head, gripping it tightly. A mischievous, triumphant smile appeared on her lips, and the pitiful expression of grievance and forced composure instantly vanished.

“Then, Junior Martial Uncle, does that mean you also like Xiao Xi in your heart?”

Lu Yu stared at the expression on her face, momentarily stunned. Had he just been tricked by Mu Lingxi?

“Xiao Xi, were you trying to trick me into saying that?”

Mu Lingxi smiled, leaned close to Lu Yu, and hugged his arm. Her magnificent chest pressed tightly against Lu Yu's arm, making Lu Yu's thoughts wander.

“Hmph! Who told you not to express yourself earlier? If I hadn't tricked you into saying it, I still wouldn't know Junior Martial Uncle's true feelings for me!”

Lu Yu was speechless. How could he not be moved when a young Fairy as beautiful as a Heavenly Immortal constantly lingered around him, showing such thoughtfulness and care?

Having obtained the answer she wanted, Mu Lingxi was overjoyed. Taking advantage of Lu Yu's distraction, she kissed him on the cheek, then stood up, preparing to leave.

“The spiritual dew works best when drunk while warm. Junior Martial Uncle, take your time enjoying it. Rest well if you get tired from practicing the sword. I've been practicing a musical piece with Second Senior Martial Uncle these past few days. I'll play it for you alone in a few days!”

After speaking, she gave Lu Yu no chance to reply. She turned and swiftly left the Immortal Cave, her goose-yellow skirt disappearing outside the door, leaving behind only a trace of orchid fragrance.

Lu Yu sighed helplessly. This little girl really was an actress. He hadn't even realized that her previous expression of grievance, forcing herself not to cry, was a complete act intended to trick him!

However, having Xiao Xi as a Dao Companion in the future was something he was certainly happy about. Who wouldn't want such a stunning, graceful, and tall Dao Companion?

...