Chapter 4.14

　　Xuan Ling and Sui Yuan's dual-cultivation ceremony shocks the entire cultivation world, causing countless jaws to drop to the ground. Firstly, it is because they are a male-male pair. Secondly, it is because the formidable Sword Cultivator, who practises a ruthless Sword Art and is in the late stage before Ascension, is actually getting married for love.

　　Not long ago, when he gave into fury and nearly decimated an entire Demonic sect, his blade didn't show mercy to even the Demon Ruler, gravely injuring him. This news has already spread far and wide. No matter if one reveres Xuan Ling for his good looks or are taken in by his prowess, they gather to give their blessings one after another. Suffice to say, everybody celebrated together as soon as the news went out. Even if someone is inwardly disdainful, none would dare expose their true feelings in a public place with countless people. They can only control themselves and sneer in private. As there are individuals jealous of Xuan Ling's incredible strength, there are also those envious of the little Core Formation Talisman Cultivator who is lucky enough to catch the eye of this Elder and climb this large tree.

　　And at this very moment, what is said lucky Core Formation cultivator who managed to hug a golden thigh doing?

　　……He is cornering the female lead.

　　5237: "……"

　　"Senior Martial Brother, don't say anymore!" Shen Jiayi yells as she retreats, tone full of suffering. In the next blink of an eye, however, she masks it all under a serene expression. "You are Master's partner, and my respected elder. No matter the past between us, we can only be senior and junior now!"

　　Sui Yuan gazes at her, then slowly closes his eyes in grief, complexion pale and unsightly.

　　"……I understand your misery." Shen Jiayi sighs, tone softening in pity and distress. "You agreed to be Master's companion for the sake of the sect, for that I am grateful and…sad. But Master loves you so much. He is willing to give anything up for you. I believe he will treat you very well and you…you will surely come to love him gradually too…"

　　"Love him? I clearly have another whom I love…" Sui Yuan murmurs softly, leaving the latter half unsaid as he chuckles bitterly. "Yes, you are correct. Since I have already made my decision for the benefit of the sect, I have to continue walking down this path. I should not attempt to do anything else in vain."

　　"Senior Martial Brother…" Struggling with herself for a while, she finally bows respectfully. "I wish you will always be hand in hand with Master and ascend together."

　　"……Many thanks." After a long silence, Sui Yuan chokes out these two words as he watches Shen Jiayi unhesitantly turns his back on him, walking briskly away as though trying to flee without looking like she is running away.

　　Staring at her retreating back, Sui Yuan covers his mouth with a hand, concealing his cheerful smile. Inwardly, he praises himself for displaying such a moving scene, conveying Liu Minghui's repressed feelings towards the female lead.

　　"I give you eight points," 5237 evaluates drily.

　　"What did you deduct two points for?" Sui Yuan is an individual willing to take criticism and learn from his mistakes, a student eager to study and increase his knowledge.

　　"Because this dialogue doesn't appear in the original script," 5237 replies blandly.

　　He abruptly staggers as though an arrow struck his knee. He nearly fell down on all fours before his system! Did it really have to keep reminding him of that?! Before his legs give out from under him in despair, an arm wraps around his waist to steady him.

　　"Minghui, are you all right?!" Shao Peiyuan asks anxiously. He was actually already here earlier, and heard the entire conversation between Shen Jiayi and Sui Yuan. His gaze never strayed from Sui Yuan, so he clearly witnessed the longing stare fixed on Shen Jiayi's retreating back. Seeing him stagger from heartbreak, Shao Peiyuan forgets to mask his discourteous action of eavesdropping and immediately darts forward, his own heart aching on Sui Yuan's behalf.

　　Ever since he heard about the dual-cultivation ceremony to be held for Elder Xuan Ling and Liu Minghui, Shao Peiyuan feels his emotions have all been kicked askew! Frustration and impatience burning through his veins, he impulsively wants to rush over to the Heavenly Cosmos sect and interrogate Minghui. However, he was obstructed by his cool-headed master, who proceeds to shake him from his daze.

　　But no matter how Shao Peiyuan tries to clear his head, he remains incapable of peaceful meditation. At last, he gives up and seized the first opportunity to get out of the Heavenly Element sect, heading straight here.

　　The dialogue he overheard between Shen Jiayi and Minghui allowed him to piece together the full story. Helplessness is instantly replaced by rage, and if he had been as impulsive as he was a couple of days ago, he would have recklessly challenged Xuan Ling and fight for Minghui's freedom.

　　Shao Peiyuan constantly tells himself that all he is doing is coming to the aid of a close friend suffering an injustice, his fury due to not wanting to see Minghui live in sorrow. Never has he pondered the deeper meanings behind his actions - or one would be more accurate to say that he dares not think too deeply.

　　The abrupt appearance of Shao Peiyuan causes Sui Yuan to stiffen. Fortunately, he retains his habit of keeping a façade up anytime and anywhere in order to prevent leaks. When he sees the distress on the other Head Disciple's face, sympathy surfaces in his heart and he grips Shao Peiyuan's hand in his.

　　Being so close to Sui Yuan, Shao Peiyuan's chest feels heavy, robbing him of the ability to think properly. Eyes fixed on those moving lips, he doesn't hear Sui Yuan's plea, but can only nod his head instinctively to ease his friend's grief.

　　Sui Yuan's expression relaxes a little as soon as Shao Peiyuan nods. "Junior Sister Shen…I will trouble you to take better care of her…"

　　Shao Peiyuan freezes. An automatic protest rises, but doesn't get past this throat as he recalls his nod just moments ago. He cannot go back on a promise. Even if his principles allow him to take his words back, he finds that he cannot when a gratified smile blooms on Sui Yuan's face. "Don't worry, I will definitely not renege on my promises to you."

　　Straightening with a soft laugh, Sui Yuan pushes Shao Peiyuan away gently. "Go on, then. Junior Sister Shen will…she will need someone to console her right now."

　　"But you…" Shao Peiyuan hesitates.

　　"He has me." A chilly voice interrupts. Clad in his usual snow white robes, Xuan Ling strolls over. The spiritual pressure bearing down on Shao Peiyuan almost sends him to his knees and causes him to pale drastically.

　　With a wave of his sleeve, he shoves Shao Peiyuan away from where he stands too close to Sui Yuan.

　　Shock running through his being, Shao Peiyuan forgets to give a respectful greeting. "Wh - when did you get here?!"

　　Sui Yuan and Shen Jiayi are both Core Formation stage cultivators, so they naturally couldn't sense the Nascent Soul Shao Peiyuan. Similarly, being an initial-level Nascent Soul cultivator means it is impossible for him to sense Xuan Ling, who is near Ascension. If the Elder knows Sui Yuan still harbours feelings for Shen Jiayi, and only agreed to be cultivation partners for the benefit of his sect, then… What will come next is something he doesn't wish to imagine.

　　Apparently not caring about Shao Peiyuan's fluctuating emotions, Xuan Ling glides over to Sui Yuan and places a possessive hand on the youth's shoulder. Only then does he focus all his attention on Shao Peiyuan. Under the razor-sharp stare, the Shao Peiyuan who has always patiently endured any animosity directed towards himself can feel the deep, unconcealed hostility emitting from the Elder.