71: Qin Ximeng fell in love

The night was as dark as ink, and the moonlight was like gauze, softly filtering through the half-closed window lattice and falling upon the cicada-wing-thin gauze curtains.

Inside the curtains, two figures sat leaning against each other. The moonlight silently reflected their tender affection onto the mottled walls, making the room quiet and warm; a thousand words were transformed into a silent tenderness.

The night breeze brushed gently and gradually subsided. The candlelight flickered as it burned its last glimmer of light, and the rich fragrance of flowers filled the room freely, as if adding a touch of romance to this deep and passionate union.

Qin Ximeng's face was as crimson as the sunset clouds, and a thin layer of sweat beaded on her forehead. A few strands of hair, dampened by the heat, hung down like black silk, adding a bit more moving charm to her already exquisite face.

In this quiet atmosphere, Situ Jun silently thought to himself:

"Open the System personal panel."

[Ding! Congratulations to the Host for successfully establishing a Dao Companion bond with Qin Ximeng. Reward: 15 years of Cultivation, allowing a promotion to the Early Golden Core Stage. Note: The Host can claim this within three days; after three days, the Host's Cultivation will automatically advance to the Golden Core Stage.]

[Ding! Congratulations to the Host for undermining the Luck of 'Xuan Yin Sect' Saint Jin Peng, obtaining 1000 heavenly luck value.]

[Ding! Congratulations to the Host for triggering a Physique resonance. The Initial Chaos Spirit Body has advanced to the Chaos Divine Body, and the Dragon-Phoenix Grand Derivation True Scripture has advanced to a Mystic Grade Cultivation Technique.]

[Ding! Congratulations to the Host for practicing together with Qin Ximeng, raising her favorability to 80. Reward: The complete Breath Concealment Technique; the Host can master it immediately upon claiming.]

[Ding! Congratulations to the Host for helping Qin Ximeng Breakthrough to the seventh level of Foundation Establishment. Reward: Five Intermediate lottery chances.]

Looking at the System prompts continuously appearing before him, the smile on Situ Jun's lips grew more intense, and he couldn't help but pull the nearby Qin Ximeng closer into his protection.

This sudden movement caused Qin Ximeng to let out a soft hum, and she raised her hand to gently push him.

The morning light was like gauze, filtering through the window lattice and softly falling upon the bed.

The leaning figures appeared exceptionally warm in this soft light.

Qin Ximeng slowly woke up. A tingling sensation surged through her body like a tide, instantly bringing back the scenes of their joint cultivation from last night, and her cheeks immediately flushed like burning clouds.

Beside her, Situ Jun was still fast asleep. His usually cold and handsome face had shed its sharp edges, carrying a bit of softness and peace. Qin Ximeng gazed at him quietly, her mind filled with a surge of thoughts—shyness, sweetness, and confusion intertwined, making it hard to distinguish.

She tried to get up cautiously, her movements gentle and slow, for fear of disturbing the person beside her.

However, her movements were still noticed by Situ Jun. He slowly opened his eyes, and in those deep pupils, there was still a bit of sleepiness that hadn't completely faded.

When he saw Qin Ximeng's confused and shy appearance, a gentle smile unconsciously curved on his lips.

He reached out and pulled Qin Ximeng back into his arms, his voice carrying a hint of laziness and intimacy:

"It's so early, where do you want to go?"

Qin Ximeng struggled for a moment, but her strength seemed so weak before Situ Jun; she was no match for his powerful arms.

She said softly:

"Hurry and go back, lest someone sees you."

As the words fell, her face flushed with shame again, as if it could drip blood.

Situ Jun chuckled, lifted her chin, and forced her to meet his gaze.

Those deep eyes were full of affection and doting:

"After last night, do you still want to be evasive with me?"

Qin Ximeng's cheeks grew even hotter, and she turned her head away, not daring to look at Situ Jun's burning gaze:

"Give me some time, okay? I haven't prepared myself mentally yet..."

Situ Jun's expression froze slightly, then he chuckled, nodded, and said gently:

"Okay."

Hearing that "Okay," Qin Ximeng's cheeks instantly flushed. She leaned gently in Situ Jun's arms, her gaze becoming a bit softer.

After a long time, her jade-like finger gently stroked Situ Jun's cheek, her tone carrying a slight hint of jealousy and seriousness:

"You helped me so meticulously last night; I suppose you've helped many beauties in the past? Don't be in a hurry to deny it. I don't care how many Dao Companions you have, but you must not betray me."

"I promise you."

Situ Jun's expression was complex. He kissed her forehead gently, but secretly sighed in his heart. His System and Cultivation Technique were destined to make him unable to act on his own will on this path of cultivation, but at this moment, his promise was incredibly sincere.

Qin Ximeng hugged Situ Jun's waist tightly and said slowly:

"I am a member of the Qin Family of the Heavenly Dragon Dynasty. The Qingyun Chamber of Commerce is composed of three major families, and the Qin Family is one of them. My father also has many wives and concubines, but ever since my mother failed her Golden Core Breakthrough, he has ignored her. I plan to leave Northern Border City this afternoon and return to the Heavenly Dragon Dynasty. I want to give the mysterious yin vermilion fruit you gave me to my mother so she can get out of bed and walk again soon."

Situ Jun was moved upon hearing this. He hadn't expected this woman, who had just fallen for him, to be able to go to such lengths for her mother. He couldn't help but feel more respect and pity for her.

"I'm sorry!"

Situ Jun said with a bitter smile, his eyes full of guilt.

Qin Ximeng smiled slightly, her smile carrying a hint of relief:

"You don't need to be like this. It wasn't a transaction between us, was it?"

Situ Jun stroked her hair and asked with concern in his eyes:

"Then when will you return?"

Hearing this, Qin Ximeng pondered for a moment and said:

"It will take about two months to return to the Heavenly Dragon Dynasty, and then I'll look after my mother for about a month. It will probably be half a year before we meet again."

Situ Jun was shocked, his eyes full of reluctance:

"That long? What should I do if I miss you?"

Qin Ximeng rolled her eyes at him and scolded playfully:

"You're so considerate, you'll miss me? We've only known each other for two days, and I've already been... By the time I come back, I don't know how many people you'll have 'helped.' Hmph!"

Situ Jun's face turned bright red. He wanted to argue, but his System and Cultivation Technique forced him to continue forging good relationships on this cultivation path.

Knowing he was in the wrong, Situ Jun pretended to grit his teeth and said:

"Since you're leaving, I must tell you all the feelings of longing I'll have for you in the future."

The two talked for a long time until the magpies on the eaves had made a fuss over and over again. Only then did Qin Ximeng get up with satisfaction and reluctance.

Situ Jun stood behind her, carefully tidying her collar and tying up her long hair.

Every movement of his was gentle and slow, filled with tenderness and love.

After a long time, Situ Jun said softly:

"Do you really not need me to see you off?"

Qin Ximeng rolled her eyes at him and scolded:

"Hurry and go back. It's not like we'll never see each other again. I'll leave by myself to save you from saying more nonsense when you see me off. Remember to leave from the backyard; I have things to do later."

Situ Jun smiled helplessly and kissed Qin Ximeng's forehead gently, his eyes full of worry and reluctance:

"Then you must be careful on the way. If there is any danger, contact me immediately using the Communication Jade Slip."

As he spoke, he took out a Jade Slip engraved with strange runes from his bosom and handed it to Qin Ximeng.

Qin Ximeng took the Jade Slip. Her fingertips touched Situ Jun's warm fingers, and a warm current welled up in her heart; it was a feeling of being cherished and cared for. She said softly:

"I know. You take care too. About that vermilion fruit..."

Her brow furrowed slightly, her eyes full of worry, fearing that the vermilion fruit would bring trouble to Situ Jun.

"Just give it to your mother secretly. Once she's better, if she or outsiders ask, just say you found some healing medicine outside and happened to nurse the injury back to health by chance."

Situ Jun smiled confidently and reached out to tuck a stray hair behind Qin Ximeng's ear. His movement was gentle and doting, as if he wanted to pour all his tenderness into this small gesture.

The two exhorted each other a few more times before Qin Ximeng reluctantly parted from Situ Jun.

Watching Situ Jun's figure as he climbed over the wall and left from the backyard, she sighed softly, her heart filled with a mixture of emotions.

That gradually receding back carried her thoughts and concerns, and also filled her with anticipation and unease for the future.

While packing her bags, she placed a Jade Pendant Situ Jun had left her into a brocade box close to her body for safekeeping. It was the most beautiful memory between them and a witness to their bond.

At this time, the morning light was dim, and the streets had gradually become lively. The shouts of vendors and the laughter of pedestrians intertwined into the unique atmosphere of Northern Border City.

Qin Ximeng looked at the lively scene outside the window, took a deep breath, stepped out of the room, and walked toward the Heavenly Dragon Dynasty. Meanwhile, Situ Jun also began to plan his next steps for cultivation and adventure. Though their destinies were temporarily separated at this moment, they were already deeply entwined.