60: Matchmaking Liu Xuan'er

High noon, the golden sunlight slanted through the carved window lattices, tinting the incense-filled room into flowing amber.

Su Yunniang stood up to adjust her skirt; the silver-threaded embroidery hidden beneath the cloud-patterned brocade shimmered with flecks of light as she moved.

"Younger Sister, since Steward Situ's matter cannot be changed, I have things to attend to and must take my leave."

Liu Xuaner was lost in thought and was startled by the words. She hurriedly stood up to urge her to stay:

"Sister has only just arrived; what is the hurry to leave?"

When she looked up, the rouge at the corners of her eyes was slightly smudged, her eyes filled with reluctance as she reached out to grab Su Yunniang's sleeve.

Su Yunniang smiled gently, her gaze full of concern as she reached out to lightly pat the back of Liu Xuaner's hand:

"I see that Younger Sister's complexion isn't very good today, so I won't disturb you further. You should rest more and worry less. If anything is on your mind, you can always tell me."

Her voice was soft, like a spring breeze, carrying an indescribable sense of comfort.

Upon hearing this, Liu Xuaner stole a glance at Situ Jun standing nearby. Her expression was somewhat unnatural as she whispered:

"Thank you for your concern, Sister. I understand."

She lowered her head, the pearl hairpins in her hair swaying gently with her movements, scattering light across the floor.

Su Yunniang patted her hand lightly and then turned to leave with grace.

Seeing this, Situ Jun also cupped his hands to bid farewell to Liu Xuaner before quickly following Su Yunniang.

Watching their departing figures, Liu Xuaner sat on the soft couch with a dazed look, staring at the empty courtyard, lost in thought... "Madam, about the Mine Tunnel..."

Situ Jun quickly caught up to Su Yunniang from behind. As soon as he spoke, he was silenced by Su Yunniang's slender hand.

"Whatever it is, we'll talk once we're back at the courtyard."

Su Yunniang's eyes flickered, and her red-painted nails shimmered under the sunlight. She looked around with a vigilant expression.

The two returned to the Yunxiang Courtyard together. After the maid Qiu Lan served fragrant tea, she obediently withdrew.

Only the two of them remained in the room. Su Yunniang sat elegantly on the soft couch, worry clouding her brow:

"This matter of guarding the Mine Tunnel is likely a trap targeting you. Do you have any plan to keep yourself safe?"

Her voice carried a hint of worry, and her beautiful eyes were fixed on Situ Jun.

Situ Jun reached out to hold her jade-like hand and smiled slightly:

"Don't worry, Madam. Others think I'm just a Qi Refining Cultivator. Even if it's a death trap aimed at me, it won't be effective in the face of absolute strength. I am now a Cultivator at the Half-step Golden Core Stage."

His tone was confident and steady.

After speaking, to put Su Yunniang at ease, Situ Jun slightly released his Breath Concealment Technique. A golden halo immediately rose around him, his sleeves fluttering without wind. The pressure of a Half-step Golden Core washed over the entire room like a tide, causing the tables and chairs to tremble slightly.

"This... when did you..."

Su Yunniang's eyes widened and her red lips parted slightly in shock. It took her a while to recover before she hurriedly asked:

"You've Cultivated so quickly; is there no problem with your Foundation?"

She looked nervous, reaching out to pull Situ Jun's sleeve.

Situ Jun withdrew the pressure, took her hand, and placed it over his heart, saying tenderly:

"Didn't I mention it to you, Madam? I Cultivate a special Cultivation Technique called the Dragon-Phoenix Grand Derivation True Scripture. This technique allows one to increase their Cultivation through spiritual energy resonance, especially when practicing with a compatible partner; the effect is even better."

Su Yunniang was startled for a moment, then said seriously:

"Since you're now at the Half-step Golden Core, I'll find a way to buy a 'gold condensing pill' for you from the Royal City to help you Breakthrough to the Golden Core Realm. That way, I can feel at ease while you're away."

Her eyes were firm, full of consideration for Situ Jun.

Situ Jun was deeply moved and gently pulled her into his arms:

"I have a gold condensing pill. However, the key to breaking through with this technique lies in spiritual energy compatibility. My previous attempts at resonance with Xue'er and Aunt Xu weren't ideal. The Golden Core Stage is a major Realm; I probably need to consolidate for a while. It can't be rushed."

Hearing Situ Jun say this, Su Yunniang felt slightly more at ease. After thinking for a moment, she said:

"Does this technique's requirement for spiritual energy compatibility mean it's easier to succeed if the other person's Cultivation is higher?"

She looked at Situ Jun intently, seemingly deep in thought.

Situ Jun frowned slightly, and after some thought, he said:

"In principle, that's correct. What is it, Yun Niang?"

He looked at Su Yunniang, a hint of doubt rising in his heart.

Su Yunniang hesitated for a moment and said softly, "What do you think of Younger Sister Liu?" Her voice was very light, yet it sent a shock through Situ Jun's heart.

Hearing this, Situ Jun's eyes widened, and he looked at Su Yunniang in shock:

"Yun Niang, you..."

Su Yunniang gave his waist a playful pinch:

"Younger Sister Liu has outstanding talent and pure spiritual energy, yet she has been neglected in the manor for years. I was thinking that if you two could bond over martial arts and validate each other's techniques, you might achieve twice the result with half the effort."

As she spoke, she watched Situ Jun's face closely, her eyes full of inquiry.

Situ Jun stared at Su Yunniang in surprise for a long time before gently pulling her into his arms, stroking her hair, and saying tenderly:

"You've really gone to great lengths for my sake. I do appreciate Liu Xuaner's Aptitude, but let's just let nature take its course. I wouldn't want to strain the relationship between you sisters."

Su Yunniang didn't speak, quietly resting her head on Situ Jun's chest with a sweet smile on her face.

After a long while, she lifted her exquisite face and said seriously:

"If Younger Sister Liu can spar with you on techniques, it would be her Opportunity and also help you Breakthrough, but you must not fail her."

Her voice was muffled, yet it carried an unquestionable firmness.

Situ Jun was moved; with a wife like this, what more could a husband ask for?

He gently embraced Su Yunniang, and both were immersed in love, pouring out the longing in their hearts.

In the evening, the afterglow of the setting sun painted the sky a deep orange.

Situ Jun returned to his small courtyard.

The small courtyard was quiet and peaceful, with only a few plants swaying gently in the breeze.

He sat cross-legged on a prayer mat, closing his eyes to concentrate. In his mind, the Medicinal Pills and treasures rewarded by the System appeared one by one, and he began to consider which resources to choose to consolidate his Foundation.

While he was thinking, a light sound of footsteps came from outside the door.

"Young Master, are you busy?"

A sweet voice sounded, carrying a hint of caution.

Situ Jun slowly opened his eyes and saw Cherry pushing the door open.

She was dressed in a pink maid's gauze dress, which was light and airy, making her look even more small and cute.

A small hairpin was tucked into her hair, swaying gently with her movements; she looked as lively as a spring elf.

She carried an exquisite food box in her hand and walked into the room with brisk steps, placing it gently on the table:

"Young Master, I thought you wouldn't be back for dinner again tonight, so I didn't cook. I brought this food for you from the West Courtyard dining hall. Please eat while it's hot."

Her voice was soft, and her eyes were full of concern.

A warm current surged through Situ Jun's heart. He stood up, walked to her side, and gently patted her shoulder:

"Cherry is still the most thoughtful."

Cherry's cheeks instantly flushed red, and she lowered her head, fidgeting with the corner of her clothes: "Young Master, you haven't been back for dinner for several days, I..."

Her voice grew smaller, carrying a hint of grievance.

"Young Master isn't leaving tonight; I'll stay and talk with you."

Situ Jun smiled warmly, his fingers brushing against the swaying hairpin in her hair.

"Mm!"

Cherry's face was flushed, and her eyes seemed to hold a pool of spring water as she responded shyly.

"Then Young Master, you eat first; I'll go tidy up the kitchen." After speaking, she turned and ran out.

Her skirt fluttered, leaving behind a faint fragrance. As she crossed the threshold, the hem of her skirt brushed off a begonia petal.