536: Chapter 536 A Sentimental Affair in the North Courtyard

Meanwhile, at the peak of the Imperial City, the Star Observation Platform.

Mysterious Clarity Master, dressed in a plain Daoist robe, stood alone upon the high platform, gazing into the distance where the lights of the Imperial Study flickered; his brow was deeply furrowed, and his expression was as grave as frost.

He had learned the news of the Immortal Realm passage through the Imperial Dynasty's secret messages half a month ago, and had immediately communicated with Situ Jun via a sound transmission jade talisman.

And over these past two days, hidden guards had been frequently entering and leaving the Imperial Study, and messengers were coming and going like a revolving lantern; one did not even need to think to know that Li Xuan was certainly plotting something in the shadows.

"People's hearts are wavering, imperial power is coveted, a chaotic world is about to arise..."

Mysterious Clarity Master sighed softly and turned to walk to the center of the Star Observation Platform.

Upon the platform lay a Black Tortoise Spiritual Shell; ancient runes faintly flickered and flowed upon the tortoise shell, but the spiritual light was already dim and weak.

He raised his hand to form a hand seal, invoking the power of the stars in an attempt to deduce the future fortunes and variables of the Northern Border and the Tianqi Dynasty.

But as soon as the spiritual power was injected, the tortoise shell suddenly cracked, the runes shattered inch by inch, revealing a scene of Chaos and blurred confusion.

"The heavenly secrets have been forcibly obscured, and cannot be deduced..."

Mysterious Clarity Master withdrew his hand, a trace of wariness flashing in his eyes.

"It seems the portal to the Ascension Realm (Otherworldly Space) is about to open, the order of the Heavenly Dao is already in Chaos; if I force a divination again, I will surely suffer a backlash."

He looked toward the northern horizon, the direction of the Northern Border, and after a long silence, finally gave a soft sigh.

"May Master enjoy fortune as vast as the heavens and secure a place in the Ascension Realm."

...

In the North Courtyard of the City Lord's Manor, dense bamboo surrounded the house.

The fine bamboo leaves cut the sunlight into mottled shadows, falling upon the bluestone slabs and swaying gently with the wind, as quiet as a painting.

Ever since Lady Xiangyu agreed to stay in the City Lord's Manor, this normally cold and quiet courtyard had quietly gained a bit of indescribable warmth and softness.

Even the spiritual aura flowing in the air seemed to be mixed with a faint, indiscernible scent of rouge, intertwining with the crisp Spiritual Qi, permeating the air without dissipating.

Situ Jun had been in seclusion for several days, concentrating on repairing the Spirit Bead Restrictions; when he stepped out of the secret room, the horizon was already stained with dusk, and the twilight washed over the eaves, slowly spreading across the city.

He pushed open the inner door and at once saw Lady Xiangyu sitting by the window.

Her delicate hands held a needle, and she was looking down, carefully embroidering a piece of plain silk; her posture was quiet and gentle, like a banished immortal from a painting.

The afterglow of the setting sun spilled over her, making her coarse cloth garments look warm; a simple wooden hairpin was pinned in her hair, and though she wore no makeup, she could not hide the natural charm between her brows.

After this month of recuperation, she had long since shed her former exhaustion from the mundane world; her skin was as lustrous as jade, and her eyes had gained a bit of soft radiance, no longer haggard as before.

Hearing the sound of footsteps, Lady Xiangyu slowly raised her eyes.

Seeing that the newcomer was Situ Jun, a faint blush instantly rose to her cheeks; her fingertips paused slightly, and the silk handkerchief in her hand nearly slipped.

"You have come out of seclusion."

Her voice was soft, carrying a hint of undetectable joy; as she rose, her skirt brushed against the stool leg, making a slight sound.

Situ Jun closed the door behind him, his black robes cutting a sharp arc in the air.

He stepped closer, his gaze falling upon the silk handkerchief in Wan Xiangyu's hand; he saw two mandarin ducks with their necks entwined embroidered upon it, the stitching fine and lifelike, with hidden affection.

"It is embroidered exceptionally well."

His voice was low and gentle, with a faint smile.

His fingertips lightly brushed over the embroidered pattern on the silk, his finger pads inadvertently grazing her fingertips; Lady Xiangyu's fingertips trembled slightly, and her heart softened along with them.

She hurriedly pulled the silk handkerchief into her arms, her cheeks turning redder as she lowered her gaze to avoid his, not daring to meet his eyes.

"I had nothing to do, so I just embroidered it casually; it is not worthy of praise."

Although she had decided to stay in the manor and slowly accept Situ Jun's feelings, the daylight had not yet faded, and she was ultimately mindful of the servants' gazes.

She had a past, and such affection with him could not yet be made public.

Every time they were close, her heart was a tangle of secret shyness and unease, yet there was also a trace of heartbeat that she could not let go of.

Situ Jun did not pull away, but instead gently took her wrist, his strength gentle as he slowly drew her into his arms.

The familiar warmth entered his embrace, and the faint scent of soapberry from her hair and the light, cool fragrance of Spiritual Tea lingered around his nose.

The fatigue and mental exhaustion from several days of seclusion actually vanished completely in this instant.

"Embroidered casually, yet it is so lifelike."

Situ Jun lowered his head slightly, his voice deep and burning.

"Were you thinking of me?"

The warm breath brushed past her ear, making Lady Xiangyu go weak all over, nearly collapsing into his arms.

She could feel the firmness of his chest and the steady heartbeat coming from within him; that power that made her feel at ease left her with no way to resist.

"Don't..."

She murmured softly, her voice trembling slightly, yet she did not struggle in the least; she only tilted her head back slightly, exposing her neck, full of trust as if she were surrendering herself completely.

This subtle posture, falling into Situ Jun's eyes, only caused a surge of pity and tenderness in his heart.

He gently lowered his head, his kiss falling upon the side of her delicate neck, pecking and touching lightly, gentle and cherished, as if branding a mark that belonged solely to him.

Lady Xiangyu's breathing became slightly hurried, and her hands unconsciously gripped his lapels, her fingertips exerting a bit of force, creating a few shallow wrinkles in the black fabric.

The light in the inner room gradually dimmed, and the bamboo forest outside the window was shrouded in twilight, leaving only vague outlines.

Situ Jun leaned down and gently picked her up horizontally, walking toward the bed; his movements were gentle, yet carried an undeniable certainty and protection.

Lady Xiangyu curled up in his arms, her cheek pressed against his chest, listening to his powerful heartbeat; the shame in her heart was gradually filled with tenderness.

That fiery tenderness had long since given her a taste of bliss that was hard to give up.

Placing her gently on the bed, Situ Jun leaned over to gaze at her; the Dragon-Phoenix Spiritual Power around him flowed slowly, as gentle as moonlight, softly enveloping the two of them and cutting off all sounds and gazes from the outside world.

Lady Xiangyu closed her eyes, allowing his kisses to fall lightly from her neck to her lips.

The crisp spiritual power merged with her feminine aura, and a familiar warmth spread through her limbs and bones. She no longer suppressed or dodged, but raised her hands to gently encircle his neck, responding quietly.

Garments slipped off one by one, scattering at the edge of the bed like shed shackles.

The moment their skin touched, a tingly, numbing sensation like an electric current spread through both their bodies; the Dragon-Phoenix Spiritual Power and the feminine spiritual power perfectly blended once again, forming a faint halo around the bed, keeping this small world quiet and peaceful.

Situ Jun's movements were slow and gentle, his eyes full of treasure; there was no trace of frivolity, only deeply hidden care and longing.

He could feel Lady Xiangyu's response; her body was no longer stiff but met him softly, with a bit of unconscious charm; every subtle movement tugged at his heartstrings.

"Yu'er..."

He instinctively called out in a low voice; the moment the words fell, both of them stiffened slightly.

Lady Xiangyu slowly opened her eyes, a shallow light of water in them.

With just this one call, she understood that the person before her truly cared for her and truly cherished her.

A surge of shyness rose in her heart, adding a deeper blush to her fair cheeks.

Situ Jun's heart warmed, and he leaned down to kiss her lips.

"I'm sorry, I was too impatient."

He apologized softly, his voice carrying a bit of guilt.

"It's just that I haven't seen you for several days, and I missed you terribly. Being with you allows me to forget all troubles, leaving only peace and relaxation."

His words were like a warm current, flowing into Lady Xiangyu's heart and dispelling the shyness within her.

Wan Xiangyu looked at the undisguised sincerity in his eyes, and the unease in her heart gradually dissipated; she closed her eyes again and buried her face in his chest.

"I know... I'm just not used to it yet, and I'm afraid of being seen by the servants, which would lead to gossip, affect the elder sisters, and tarnish your reputation."

"With me here, there's no need to fear..."

Situ Jun gently patted her back, his voice gentle and firm.

"This room has long since been placed under a Restriction, so outsiders have no way to pry. Moreover, Yun Niang and the others have already accepted you. In my, Situ Jun's, heart, you have long been my rightful wife, worthy of my protection for a lifetime."

Having said that, he once again approached gently, his kiss falling soft and long.

The room was filled with a warm haze, spiritual breaths merged, and heartbeats and breathing harmonized softly; all worries, unease, and shyness were smoothed over by tenderness at this moment.