77: Disobedient Master and Rebellious Disciple

After reading these three pieces of information, Lu Yuan's gaze lingered on the last one for a long time.

"Xueyao..."

He sighed softly, his expression somewhat complex.

He had always treated this Disciple as his own, even raising her as a future inheritor of his legacy.

But he was also a man, not a block of wood, so how could he be completely unaware of the undisguised reverence and affection in Lu Xueyao's eyes when she looked at him?

Due to his status and his constant preoccupation with planning and schemes, he had intentionally or unintentionally ignored these feelings.

He never expected that this suppressed emotion would become her Heart Demon.

"So be it. Since it has come to this, let nature take its course."

Lu Yuan was not an old-fashioned person. In this Immortal Cultivation World, while it was rare for Revered Master and Disciple to become Dao Companions, it was not unheard of.

Moreover, he wasn't entirely without feelings for Lu Xueyao.

Thinking of this, Lu Yuan's figure flickered and disappeared from the spot... Tingjian Pavilion, located on a cliff of Longevity Peak, was shrouded in clouds and mist all year round, making it an excellent place for comprehending the Dao of the Sword.

At this moment, the atmosphere within the pavilion was unusually oppressive.

Lu Xueyao was meditating on a Cold Jade Bed, Sword Qi surging around her, but it was extremely chaotic, sometimes sharp as fire, sometimes cold as ice, shattering the surrounding furnishings.

Today, she wasn't wearing her usual training attire, but a simple white nightgown. Its thin material outlined her exquisite figure, which, though not yet fully mature, already showed graceful curves.

Her ink-black hair was scattered over her shoulders, already soaked with cold sweat, with a few strands clinging to her pale cheeks, making her appear pitifully delicate.

"Revered Master..."

"Don't go... don't leave Xueyao..."

She was murmuring, her brows tightly furrowed, seemingly trapped in an extremely painful nightmare.

Deep within her Sea of Consciousness.

Lu Xueyao found herself in an boundless darkness.

She saw Revered Master Lu Yuan standing on high clouds, radiating dazzling divine light, slowly moving further and further away from her.

She desperately chased after him, wanting to grab the corner of his robe, but no matter how hard she tried, that figure remained out of reach.

"You are too weak."

"You are not worthy to stand by his side."

The voice of the Heart Demon echoed in her ears, gnawing at her Dao Heart like a venomous snake.

"You are a burden; you will only drag Revered Master down..."

"No! I'm not!" Lu Xueyao screamed in agony, "I will become stronger! I will catch up to Revered Master's footsteps!"

Just as she was on the verge of collapse.

A familiar and warm aura suddenly intruded into this dark space.

In reality.

Lu Yuan silently appeared before the Cold Jade Bed.

Looking at the pale-faced, trembling girl before him, a trace of pity rose in his heart.

"Foolish child."

He sighed softly, extended his hand, and gently stroked Lu Xueyao's sweat-drenched forehead.

A gentle and pure Chaos spiritual energy slowly infused into her body from his palm, helping her to sort out the chaotic and rampant Sword Qi.

"Mm..."

Feeling this familiar aura, Lu Xueyao's tightly furrowed brows slightly relaxed.

She slowly opened her eyes, her gaze hazy, seemingly still unable to distinguish between reality and dream.

When she saw the figure she longed for day and night standing before her, the confusion in her eyes instantly transformed into endless attachment.

"Revered Master?"

"Is it another illusion...?"

She murmured to herself, a desolate smile appearing on her lips, "Even if it's an illusion... at least I can see Revered Master one more time..."

This time, she no longer suppressed herself.

Lu Xueyao stretched out her arms and, heedless of everything, threw herself into Lu Yuan's embrace, clinging tightly to his waist, as if letting go would make the person before her disappear just like in her dream.

"Revered Master, don't abandon Xueyao..."

"Xueyao is so scared, scared that I won't even be worthy of seeing your back in the future..."

The girl's warm, soft body pressed against him, and her tearful plea made Lu Yuan's heart tremble fiercely.

"Silly girl."

Lu Yuan embraced her in return, gently patting her back, and softly said, "This is not an illusion; your Revered Master is right here."

"Not going anywhere."

The real touch, the warm body temperature, and that familiar faint fragrance.

Lu Xueyao stiffened abruptly.

She instantly sobered up.

This... this is real?!

Revered Master really came? And she was currently... wearing a nightgown, tightly hugging Revered Master?

"Ah!"

Lu Xueyao exclaimed, wanting to push Lu Yuan away as if she had been electrocuted. Her pretty face instantly turned crimson to her earlobes, even her neck tinged with pink.

"Ma-Revered Master! Disciple... Disciple has offended..."

She stammered incoherently, mortified to death, wishing she could find a hole to crawl into.

However.

She had only retreated half a step when a pair of hands pulled her back.

Lu Yuan looked down at her, his eyes devoid of blame, only a never-before-seen depth and tenderness.

"What if your Revered Master says he doesn't mind your offense?"

Lu Xueyao was stunned.

She stared blankly at Lu Yuan, her mind a blank, her heart pounding so fast it felt like it would leap out of her chest.

"Revered Master... you..."

"Since a Heart Demon has arisen, the one who tied the bell must untie it."

Lu Yuan chuckled softly, leaned down, and gently kissed her smooth forehead.

This kiss, like the final straw that broke the camel's back, completely shattered all of Lu Xueyao's defenses and reservations.

"Revered Master!"

She could no longer hold back, stood on her tiptoes, and clumsily but passionately offered her red lips.

Outside the window, the moonlight was just right. Inside Tingjian Pavilion, candlelight flickered... After a period of cultivation, everything fell into place naturally.

After a period of cultivation, everything fell into place naturally.

Under the nourishment of Lu Yuan's Fourth Transformation Chaos Law and Pure Yang power, the Sword Qi accumulated within Lu Xueyao's body was not only completely suppressed, but due to the harmonization of Yin and Yang, it underwent a qualitative transformation.

Her aura soared, directly breaking through the Bottleneck.

Foundation Establishment Late Stage!

Moreover, her Foundation was incredibly solid, and her Nine Aperture Exquisite Sword Heart completely illuminated at this moment, emitting joyful sword cries.

A long time later.

The clouds dispersed and the rain ceased.

Lu Xueyao curled up in Lu Yuan's arms like a kitten, her face still flushed with lingering satisfaction.

"Husband..."

She called out tentatively, her voice as soft as a mosquito's hum, yet filled with an indescribable sweetness.

Lu Yuan chuckled in response, then flipped his palm and took out the broken sword he had obtained from the Hundred Forging Workshop.

"This sword contains an extremely pure ancient Geng Metal essence."

"Now that your Sword Heart is enlightened, if you can refine it, your Nine Aperture Exquisite Sword Heart will surely advance further, and you might even Awaken your own Natal Sword Divine Ability."

Lu Yuan handed her the broken sword.

He had now cultivated the Fourth Transformation Chaos Law; although this Geng Metal essence was precious, for him it was merely icing on the cake. Giving it to Lu Xueyao, however, would maximize its value.

"Thank you, Husband!"

Lu Xueyao's beautiful eyes lit up. She took the broken sword and felt the sharp aura within it, her adoration and love for Lu Yuan deepening even further.