167: Chapter 167 Isn't that the name of the Confucian Sword Immortal?

"For the sake of Heaven Beyond Heaven."

She answered firmly.

"But isn't Heaven Beyond Heaven safe and sound now?" Li Hanyi couldn't help but interject.

"Heaven Beyond Heaven is more than just the people before us; there are still many remnants of Beique wandering outside.

For their safety, no matter how turbulent the situation becomes, we must hold on. Only by doing so can we ensure that outsiders dare not act rashly!"

Yue Yao spoke with a resolute tone.

"Rise first."

Su Rui nodded slightly, and with a light flick of his sleeve, a gentle force lifted her up.

Looking at the graceful figure of Yue Yao standing so close, Su Rui felt a slight stir in his heart.

This temperament of hers really hasn't changed a bit.

"After the defeat in this great war, Heaven Beyond Heaven's Origin Qi has been severely damaged, and the sect is nearly empty.

If Mr. Su doesn't mind... it would be fine even if it's just me alone," she said, her gaze lowered, her cheek quietly pressing toward her chest as if afraid her inner thoughts would be seen through.

"From this day forward, I shall follow Mr. Su's every lead."

She finally spoke the words from the bottom of her heart.

"You want to hand Heaven Beyond Heaven over to me?" Su Rui's eyes flickered, his voice calm yet not to be underestimated.

"Yes... the position of Sect Master, if you are willing..."

"That position, I have no intention of touching."

Before his voice could fade, he suddenly reached out and grasped her soft hand hanging by her side. His thumb slowly brushed over the back of her hand, his movement as light as a breeze.

Seeing this, Li Hanyi's expression instantly darkened.

"Husband!"

"Ahem..." Su Rui snapped back to his senses at the sound, coughed lightly, and released her hand.

His composure lately was indeed not what it used to be.

But with a beauty before him, who wouldn't be moved?

He was never one to practice asceticism, and moreover, at his Realm, he no longer needed to worry about the depletion of his energy.

He took the opportunity to pull Li Hanyi over, gently leading her to sit on his lap. His lips drew close to her ear as he whispered a few words.

Li Hanyi's face turned crimson instantly, her fingers twisting helplessly together, even her breathing losing its rhythm.

Meanwhile, Yue Yao had already made up her mind.

Su Rui's appearance and strength far exceeded all her previous imaginings of a partner. To be able to entrust her life to him now was no grievance.

The moment her hand was held just now, though she was incredibly shy, she felt an inexplicable sense of peace—as if the thousand-pound burden on her shoulders had vanished in an instant.

So this was what it felt like to rely on a powerful man.

Li Hanyi hurriedly stood up, stole a glance at Yue Yao with a complex expression, and then looked at the maidservant standing behind her.

"Prepare a room for me."

The maidservant looked at Yue Yao, and seeing her nod, led Li Hanyi away.

Su Rui then pulled Yue Yao in front of him, the faint fragrance from her hair swirling around his nose.

Facing his burning gaze, Yue Yao's heart rate accelerated, and her body couldn't help but heat up.

"Have you thought it through?" he asked in a low voice.

"Mm." She nodded lightly, her voice as faint as a mosquito's buzz.

"Good, I accept."

"Thank you, Mr. Su..."

"When no one else is around, just call me husband."

He held her shoulder with one hand, his tone gentle yet brook no refusal.

Yue Yao suddenly looked up, a flash of pleasant surprise in her eyes.

"The matter of status will have to wait until Hanyi is eighteen and I marry her."

His fingertips lightly brushed across her cheek, leaving a slightly hot sensation.

"I... I don't ask for those things..." she murmured.

"My promise naturally holds true. As for you joining the martial arts hall, I grant that as well."

"Thank..."

"Hmm?"

"Thank you... husband."

As those two words left her mouth, her entire being trembled slightly.

"I will take husband to the prepared room."

"No need, I'll stay at your place."

Su Rui stood up and whispered in her ear.

"Yes..." Yue Yao's heart tightened, and she forced herself to stay calm, but as she stepped forward to lead the way, her legs actually felt a bit weak.

That night, Su Rui truly understood that the term 'jade-like beauty' was not a literary exaggeration but something seen with one's own eyes—skin like fat, warm to the touch, and smooth as jade.

Once Yue Yao had fallen into a deep sleep, Su Rui closed his eyes and focused, his state of mind returning to clarity.

Actually, his staying was not entirely because of Yue Yao.

Although she did indeed satisfy him.

But the deeper reason lay in the fact that the situation in the Upper Realm was not yet stable, and he needed to forge alliances and lay out his pieces across the world.

However, allies were ultimately not as reliable as trusted subordinates.

Heaven Beyond Heaven was a touchstone.

The Sword Heart Tomb was the same.

Even before leaving, ordering Yue Qing to go back and reveal the news of the Dark River's internal strife to Mu Liangyue and the other two was all to pave the way for this grand plan.

The next morning, sensing the restless hand of the person beside her, Yue Yao slowly opened her eyes. Her eyes were filled with shyness, yet she didn't know how to refuse.

Fortunately, Su Rui noticed she was still uncomfortable and did not overstep further.

...

Not long after, all the high-ranking members of Heaven Beyond Heaven gathered, and Yue Yao publicly announced that she had joined the martial arts hall.

The White-Haired Immortal, Marquis Ziyi, and the others were all shocked upon hearing this, finding it hard to believe.

She was the Acting Sect Master, with a status of high honor.

Now she was willing to place herself under someone else's gate; what did this signify?

The answer was self-evident.

"Sect Master, since our allegiance is decided, can we use that person's name to deter all sides?"

The White-Haired Immortal understood the potential consequences of this move and immediately cupped his hands to ask.

On such an occasion, calling her 'Young Miss' was clearly no longer appropriate.

"You may, but if anyone uses the Hall Master's name to commit unrighteous acts, the sect rules will punish them without mercy!"

Yue Yao was dressed in plain clothes, her skirts as white as snow, and she was full of spirit. The determination revealed in her words now far surpassed her past self.

This Aura caused the hearts of the high-ranking members of Heaven Beyond Heaven to tremble slightly.

But this was indeed a good thing.

Su Rui's strength had long been spreading like wildfire outside the borders.

Compared to the Central Plains dynasties like Northern Li where culture and education flourished,

people outside the borders believed more in tales of gods and ghosts.

And the Thunder God Dharma Idol that Su Rui had displayed, once the word spread, everyone was convinced he was the Thunder God descended to earth.

Mo Qixuan, however, knew clearly that the sky-covering sea of lightning and the giant thunderous shadow he had seen with his own eyes were not inferior to the legendary Thunder God in the slightest.

"May I ask, Sect Master, what is your connection with that person?"

A strangely-faced fat man cupped his fists and inquired.

Yue Yao was momentarily stunned. Just as she was thinking of how to answer, Su Rui's figure quietly appeared on the high platform beside her.

Seeing him appear so suddenly, everyone was astonished.

He sat directly on the jade couch where Yue Yao usually sat and reached out to pull her gently into his arms.

"Now, do you understand?"

His tone was mild, yet it carried its own pressure.

The fat man who had just spoken immediately prostrated himself on the ground.

"This lowly one misspoke, please forgive me!"

Yue Yao's cheeks turned slightly red. Although she had already given herself to him,

being so intimate under the watchful eyes of everyone

still made her feel shy.

But a hint of sweetness also rose in her heart.

She knew he was using his own way to back her up.

"I will not interfere in any of Heaven Beyond Heaven's affairs."

Su Rui said indifferently.

"You only need to follow Yue Yao's orders."

"Yes!" everyone responded in unison.

"Dismissed. Go and do what needs to be done," Yue Yao ordered softly.

Once everyone had left and only the two of them remained in the room, she turned to look at Su Rui.

"The way you spoke just now was really imposing."

"As long as you like it," he chuckled.

"I plan to set out and leave in the next few days."

Upon hearing this, the smile on Yue Yao's face instantly froze.

"You're leaving? Why not stay for a few more days?"

Her voice carried a hint of panic.

"This time I'm accompanying Hanyi out for experience.

The matters of Heaven Beyond Heaven are settled, so naturally, it's time to set off."

Yue Yao's gaze dimmed, full of reluctance.

"I... I want to go with you too!"

She suddenly looked up, her tone firm.

"Then what about this place?" Su Rui was slightly stunned, a bit confused.

"With husband's prestigious name guarding us, the greatest hidden danger has been removed. The rest of the affairs can proceed according to routine," she said seriously.

"Can you really let it go?" Su Rui's tone was suspicious.

Even if the various divisions were independent, Heaven Beyond Heaven was still a colossus. With so many daily chores, how could it be cleared up with just a phrase like 'according to routine'?

"Yes." She nodded vigorously.

Since she had already given herself to him, how could she be willing to stay behind alone?

Su Rui pondered for a moment.

"If that's the case, it's not impossible."

"Thank you, husband!" A smile rippled in her eyes.

When Li Hanyi learned that Su Rui was bringing Yue Yao along, she sighed secretly in her heart.

Good grief!

She had originally intended to keep him away from women with ulterior motives like Zhu Yuyan,

but now another one had been added at Heaven Beyond Heaven.

However, Yue Yao knew that she and Su Rui were about to be betrothed, so she was always modest and polite when they were together, her words soft.

She knew her place.

As long as she could stay by his side, she was satisfied.

"Where to next?" Seeing her sincere attitude, Li Hanyi didn't say much.

"Where do you want to go?" Su Rui asked Li Hanyi back.

"How about... another trip to the Sword Heart Tomb?" she suggested.

"Alright." Su Rui agreed, then turned to look at Yue Yao.

"Can you wait two days? I need to properly hand over the sect's affairs."

She was slightly cramped.

"Everything is according to husband's arrangement." Her tone was obedient.

Li Hanyi nodded slightly.

"Then we'll stay for two more days."

Late at night, in Yue Yao's room.

Su Rui found a book in her dressing table drawer. Just as he was about to open it, she pushed the door open and came in. Seeing it at a glance, she rushed forward and snatched it back.

The book was held tightly against her chest, her face showing some embarrassment.

But Su Rui had already seen the title and the author.

Late Coming Snow

Author's signature: Xie Feixuan.

"I didn't expect you to read this kind of book?"

He couldn't help but shake his head and laugh.

This was most likely a romantic novel in the ancient style.

As for the author of that book, while nominally said to be the Jiangnan talented woman Xie Feixuan, in reality, it was simply a pseudonym used by Xie Xuan.

In other words, this romantic ancient-style novel was actually quietly written by the Confucian Sword Immortal.

"I... I'm just reading it casually!"

Hearing Su Rui's teasing words, a blush instantly appeared on Yue Yao's face as she stammered her defense.

"No need to be shy; affairs of the heart are common in the human world."

Su Rui chuckled and pulled her into his arms, his tone gentle.

"However... are there any plots in the book similar to what's between us?"

This question made even the tips of Yue Yao's ears burn. After a long silence, she finally nodded her head gently.

Su Rui raised an eyebrow and smiled, casually pulling out the book and flipping through a few pages. His expression suddenly froze.

This content was a bit too explicit.

Seeing that he was actually reading the book, Yue Yao was so ashamed that even her neck turned red. She suddenly dove into the bedding, wrapping her head tightly.

"If Xie Xuan knew this book was being read, he'd probably want to crawl into a crack in the ground on the spot."

Xie Xuan?

Yue Yao's heart jolted.

Isn't that the name of the Confucian Sword Immortal?