Chapter 174

Chapter 174

Windstill Snow never expected his youngest junior sister to suddenly appear here, nor did he anticipate that she would witness such a scene.

Without a moment's hesitation, almost instinctively, he pushed Lin Qingshuang away from his embrace and nervously called out to the departing figure, "Yanyan!"

Lin Qingshuang, who had held onto some hope, stumbled from the push. Her eyes instantly teared up, and upon hearing the name he called, a wave of bitterness and pain inevitably washed over her heart.

She cast aside her remaining dignity and pride. Watching Senior Brother Windturn around to chase after the departing figure, an impulse surged within her. Without thinking, she rushed forward and embraced him from behind.

Feng Jixue stumbled forward a few steps before barely regaining his balance. He frowned and looked down to see Lin Junior Sister's arms wrapped tightly around his waist, her fingers digging into his chest from the force.

The impact disrupted Feng Jixue's composure, intensifying his inner turmoil.

Behind him, he heard her voice, hoarse and quivering, "Senior Brother, I know you feel guilty about her, but it wasn't your fault. Those under the influence of a love charm have no control over themselves. It's only natural that you'd want to remove it. Can you just answer my question? Have you ever cared for me, even a little? Just let me know the truth, please?"

"Senior Brother, I can put the past behind us, forget about your history with Little Junior Sister. All I need is the truth. Do you... have any feelings for me at all?"

She was even willing to overlook events from their past lives. She had died because of him. If everything had been a misunderstanding, hadn't they tragically missed their chance at a lifetime together?

Yet, before she could finish her sentence, someone roughly pulled away the hand on her waist. "No."

Due to the abrupt and rough movement, the golden button on his waist accidentally scratched her finger, causing a faint sting.

Feng Jixue finally regained her composure. Turning around, he pushed the person behind him away coldly and distantly. A hint of impatience flickered in his eyes. "I have no affection for you."

"Junior Sister Lin, I believe you've misunderstood. After lifting the Love Poison that day, I merely recalled past events, which left me momentarily dazed. That's why I instinctively looked your way—it wasn't what you imagined."

"And," Feng Jixue frowned slightly, focusing her gaze on Lin Qingshuang beside her. Her tone was calm and sincere, "Though I haven't formed a bond with Little Junior Sister, it's true that I've wronged her. I will never be involved with any other woman for the rest of my life. Even if Little Junior Sister never forgives me, I'll dedicate myself to her alone, forever. The rest is none of my concern."

With this remark left hanging in the air, Feng Jixue could no longer spare a thought for Lin Qingshuang's reaction behind him, or perhaps he had never concerned himself with it to begin with. All his attention was now fixated on the figure that had just departed.

He immediately turned around and pursued in the direction of his junior sister.

Lin Qingshuang, remaining in place, could no longer hold back her tears. She hadn't expected that after casting aside her dignity, she would still end up with such an outcome. Why? Why, in this life anew, was she still living in such unbearable agony? Why did it seem everyone was against her, why did everyone care so much about the junior sister?

On the other side, Feng Jixue, following the traces, eventually found her way to Junior Sister's courtyard, where she discovered the young Junior Sister sitting calmly on a stone bench, engrossed in drawing runes on paper.

Her expression appeared calm and unperturbed, as if she had not taken the previous incident to heart.

Feeling a slight relief in his heart, Feng Jiexue stepped into Little Junior Sister's courtyard. In truth, it had been a long time since they had spent time together in such tranquility.

Ever since the hurried conclusion of their bond ceremony that day, Little Junior Sister had consistently avoided being in the same place as him.

Though he was determined to mend their relationship, her deep-seated aversion toward him forbade even an apology from being accepted.

He had initially believed that with time, their rapport would gradually improve. Yet, as days passed, her attitude grew colder, and his guilt intensified.

He couldn't understand what was happening to him. After the love charm was removed, all previous influences should have vanished, and indeed, he no longer felt any romantic affection for Little Junior Sister. Nevertheless, memories of their past would involuntarily surface in his mind, sometimes distracting him even during sword practice.

With this thought, Feng Jixue expelled a sigh, pushing the chaotic jumble of emotions deep into his heart. He then strode directly towards his junior sister.

He noticed that she was struggling to draw the Lihuo Talisman, so he approached her and discovered that once again, she had unintentionally drawn a tiny turtle instead.

The senior brother's expression paused for a moment before he pressed his lips together. A subtle hint of relaxation flashed in his eyes, accompanied by a faint smile. Memories of when his junior sister used to follow him and learn how to draw talismans flooded his mind.

The girl had a laid-back nature. At first, she found the Lihuo Talisman too complicated and would secretly skip steps. When caught, she would boldly argue that she was conserving time and energy. Indeed, it saved time and effort, but inevitably, mistakes occurred during the process.

Seeing another piece of bright yellow talisman paper wasted, a barely noticeable curve formed at the corner of Feng Jixue's mouth. Reaching out, he picked up a discarded paper in front of her, intending to give her a demonstration.

"Yanyan, it's not done like that. You can't be careless or cut corners when drawing talismans. Didn't I teach you this before...?"

Unfortunately, she was interrupted as the talisman was snatched from her hand.

Feng Jixue paused in her motion, then slowly turned to look at her junior sister.

The young junior sister slightly turned away, her usually adoring and reliant eyes now clearly cold and disdainful. Her tone was calm and unruffled as she said, "Don't touch my things. Your fingers have just held another woman, they're too filthy for me."

It was as if a bucket of ice water had been poured over him.

The expression on Eldest Senior Brother's face changed instantly.

Hurt by those words, he subconsciously clenched his fists, a tinge of embarrassment flickering across his face. Nevertheless, he made an effort to calm the turmoil in his chest and explained to her,

"Yan Yan, it's not what you think. Nothing happened between Lin Junior Sister and me. I had no idea she would suddenly come looking for me or that she would rush over. That's why I didn't have time to push her away..."

Before he could finish, Nanyan interrupted him impatiently. Raising her gaze, a mocking glint suddenly appeared in her eyes, accompanied by a sarcastic smile. "Do you think I'm blind, Senior Brother? Can't I see your intimate embraces?"

Of course, she was well aware that there was no relationship between the two. However, since she had witnessed it with her own eyes, she would definitely hold him accountable for it – an opportunity to torment him.

She laughed again, but the mirth didn't reach her eyes; instead, there was a chill in her gaze. Her lips curled into a charming curve as she gazed at him coldly.

"But Senior Brother has always been quite fortunate with women. You declared your love for me just a few days ago, yet today you have another beauty in your arms. In the past, you cunningly deceived me, making me dance to your tune. If we were truly together, I couldn't guarantee that you wouldn't fall for someone else behind my back. Thankfully, our bond wasn't sealed that day."

Upon hearing this, Feng Jixue's complexion paled, and anxiety flickered across his face.

He instinctively took a step forward, his eyes locked onto Nan Yan, his tone becoming more earnest. "Yanyan, things aren't how you imagine them. Please let me explain, alright? I truly have no other intentions towards Junior Sister Lin. I've already made it clear to her just now. I've said it before, I'll only cherish you for my entire life. Whether in the past or the future, I will keep my promises. Please believe me, Yanyan?"

"I don't believe you," Nan Yan replied without hesitation.

She lifted her gaze to meet his, her tone laced with disdain and mockery. "Even when under the influence of the Love Hex, Senior Apprentice Brother managed to keep his distance from me and restrain himself from seeking me out. How could he possibly be genuinely sincere towards me now that the hex is gone? For all I know, this could be another one of your tricks, waiting for me to fall into your trap, only to deceive me time and again."

South Yan chuckled softly, her gaze turning even colder. The estrangement and loathing in her eyes were palpable.

It was like a sharp dagger piercing his heart, stirring intense pain within him, a torment he found hard to endure under her relentless stare.

Perhaps it was the icy glare that pierced him, or maybe it was the harshness of her words. A shadow of darkness inevitably crept into Senior Apprentice Brother's heart. He clenched his fists tightly, involuntarily recalling recent rumors circulating within the sect about her and Mirror Yuan, as well as the incident that occurred downhill the other day...

A chaotic collage of images and emotions flooded his mind in an instant, weighing down on his chest like a massive boulder, leaving him momentarily breathless.

Wind Silent Snow felt an exceedingly peculiar sensation well up within her, unsure what exactly was driving it.

Was it jealousy or anger? His gaze darkened slightly as he instinctively retorted, "And you? How do you account for your intimacy with that male cultivator?"

As he finished speaking, he lifted his head slowly, fixing his eyes directly on her face. He attempted to discern a hint of remorse or guilt on her countenance, but there was none. She paid no attention to his words, nor did she care about his current perspective.

Nan Yan pursed her lips and suddenly let out a soft laugh. As she laughed, her eyes grew slightly moist, yet she managed to maintain her composure and sneered, "So what if that's the case? Does that mean Senior Apprentice Brother doesn't like me and forbids me from being with others?"

Her eyes flashed with irritation as their gazes met, devoid of any trace of emotion. "There's no such logic in this world. You're not anyone to me, so why do you have the right to meddle in my affairs?"

With those words, Nanyan turned around and left without hesitation.

But her wrist was suddenly seized by someone.

Feng Jixue pressed his lips together, his face slightly pale. He didn't mean it that way, yet he couldn't explain why he had said those words. Anxiety welled up within him, making him appear even more awkward.

"I didn't mean it like that," he corrected himself hastily.

The senior disciple held her wrist, gradually increasing his grip, afraid that if he loosened his hold even slightly, she would turn and leave.

"Yan Yan, don't be angry yet. I just want you to refrain from acting impulsively. Emotions aren't a game, nor should they be used as a tool to hurt others. If you hate me, you can hit me, scold me, even slash at me with your sword – it's fine. Just don't do something like this, Yan Yan. I don't want you to get hurt again."

For a moment, Nan Yan was silent before she relentlessly shot back, "Isn't the one who hurt me the most you? What right do you have now to say such things?"

Feng Jixue's lips turned pale, and his body stiffened.

Nan Yan had no intention of considering his feelings. Seizing the opportunity when he was distracted, she struggled with all her might to free herself from his grasp. However, he held on tightly, and she found herself unable to break free.

A distinct expression of resistance and impatience now flickered in Nan Yan's eyes. Her cheeks flushed slightly from anger, but the more she struggled, the tighter the person across from her held on.

This irritation was reflected in her gaze.

"Let go of me. Don't touch me."

Feng Jixue finally came back to his senses. Seeing her strong resistance, it felt as if countless threads were entwining around his heart, tugging at it with force, instantly filling him with an unbearable ache.

He looked at the delicate, soft wrist in his palm. In that moment, he couldn't tell if he had lost his mind in panic or if his heart was simply preoccupied; either way, he pulled her into his embrace.

"I'm sorry..."

"Yan Yan, don't be like this. Can we talk it out properly? I really didn't expect to hurt you so deeply."

His voice held a hint of raspiness as he placed his hand on the small of Nanyan's back. As he drew her close into an embrace, his heart seemed to quiver ever so slightly.

He never imagined that this scene, one that only occasionally visited him in the stillness of midnight, would actually unfold before him in reality.

An indescribable surge of uncontrollable emotion welled up within him, compelling him to hold her even tighter.

"Yan Yan, listen to my explanation first. There's truly no relationship between me and Junior Sister Lin."

"I've already said it, I will only protect you for this lifetime. I won't go against the vows I once made. Yan Yan, give me a chance. Let's reforge our bond, alright?"

Nan Yan was initially in a daze, but upon hearing those words, she suddenly struggled fiercely.

Tears welled up in her eyes, and with reddened rims, she pushed the person away forcefully. Raising her hand, she slapped the other person's face without any hesitation or mercy.

She was quite adept at slapping someone in the face.

Wind Traces Snow's face turned slightly away from the impact.

A crimson mark swiftly appeared on his porcelain-white complexion.

Looking at him, Nan Yan, despite being the one who struck, couldn't control her tears as they fell, "I've told you before, I don't need your charity or sympathy. Nor do I need you to fulfill that insincere promise and take responsibility for me."

The more she spoke, the more intensely her tears flowed, "I hate it the most when you talk about responsibility like this. I'm not your burden."

Wind Traces Snow pressed his lips together, the bloodline in the crease appearing exceptionally pale. His fingers curled, wanting to reach out to wipe her tears but hesitating to touch her.

Nan Yan's emotions seemed to be spiraling out of control. Her face contorted with pain and disgrace, her eyes glaring at him with resentment and frustration.

"What do you think I am? Do you believe I'm just a little pet you can dote on when you please and discard when you're done? How dare you come and go as you please, claiming affection when it suits you? I don't care about your entanglements with anyone else right now, nor do I wish to ever see you again. Stay away from me!"

With that said, Nan Yan turned her back on him without hesitation, rushing out of the courtyard.

Feng Jixue was left standing there, frozen in place. As he watched her figure fade into the distance, he felt an inexplicable tightness in his chest, an unbearable sense of suffocation that made it hard to breathe.

He clenched his fists tightly. A faint sense of panic crept into his heart, his thoughts jumbled and chaotic. Yet, he was too afraid to delve deeper into these feelings. He was scared and uneasy, but he didn't even understand why.

Was it guilt? Because he had made decisions without revealing the truth to her beforehand.

On what should have been a joyous day, he had ruined her happiness, leaving her humiliated and criticized in public, turning all her previous affection into a futile longing... Surely, it was guilt, wasn't it?

But... why did guilt have to hurt so much?

Wind Silent Snow stood for so long that his body grew stiff. Any slight movement nearly caused his knees to buckle, almost making him fall.

He leaned on the edge of the table, gazing at the bright yellow talisman paper beside it. His throat felt slightly constricted and dry. He slightly moved his fingers, yearning to touch it, but quickly withdrew them as if burnt, retreating them back into his sleeve.

Until the very end, he never fully deciphered the answer within him: was his unease rooted in guilt, or was it the faint yet persistent regret and dissatisfaction in his heart?

On the other side, Nan Yan was heartbroken and in need of comfort. Without a second thought, she turned and rushed towards Jin Wuyan's courtyard.

In recent times, while she was avoiding Feng Jixue, she also managed to gain considerable favor in Jin Wuyan's eyes.

At the very least, she wouldn't be scolded for her irrational behavior in front of him. He had the patience to endure her nonsense, though what annoyed her most was his daily reminder to focus on her cultivation, albeit with good intentions.

But was Nanyan the type to be controlled by others? Irritated, she argued with him, spouting some harsh words that led to another days-long silent treatment between them.

Perhaps he was still upset by her nonsense last time.

This time, Jing Wuyan was also somewhat angry, so he had held back and not sought her out these past few days.

When Nan Yan rushed into Jing Wuyan's courtyard, the person inside was holding a book and seemed to be reading something.

When the door was pushed open, the person instinctively hid the book in their sleeve. They were just about to frown when they saw that it was that audacious brat who had kicked the door open. Jing Wuyan's expression paused for a moment but quickly returned to normal. He felt a faint irritation in his heart. Didn't this stinky girl dislike his shamelessness?

Then why did she come running over now?

Jing Wuyan was initially hesitating about whether he should initiate conversation, but before he could, that pesky girl threw herself into his arms without any warning, completely disregarding conventional norms.

Her sudden action shattered the pent-up frustration and melancholy he had prepared to express. He promptly forgot their recent argument and drew her into his embrace.

After the embrace, a hint of rationality returned to his mind. He held her with a measured yet firm grip and hummed, "What's going on? Didn't you say my meddling is inferior to your senior brother's tenderness? Why are you seeking me out now? And hugging so tightly?"

Such words were akin to those exchanged between quarreling lovers. If a girlfriend were to angrily claim that her current boyfriend isn't as caring as her ex, it would be like poking a hornet's nest. That day, Jing Wuyan's face darkened at her words. He retorted, asking why she would seek his affection in his arms if she cherished her senior brother so much.

But the audacious girl dared to shoot back, calling him shameless and a toad aspiring for the swan's meat, insisting that he was the one who stubbornly clung to her. This infuriated Jing Wuyan to the point that he nearly grabbed her to give her a good scolding.

Yet, he couldn't bear to part with her, leaving him utterly powerless against her. Eventually, he ended up angering himself significantly.

It was his own choice to pursue her after all.

Thus, they entered a silent war. Jin Wuyan was indeed principled during this period; he didn't come to find her as he had promised.

After all, when he made mistakes, he could humble himself to apologize. But when he was innocent, she treated him like a punching bag, summoning him at will and dismissing him just as easily. How could he tolerate that?

Nan Yan remained silent with her head buried in his embrace.

She also recalled their last argument. Anyway, she tended to make others miserable when she was in a foul mood.

Silent, she clung to his waist, tears continuously spilling from her eyes, a picture of immense wronged innocence.

Jing Wuyan wasn't an idiot. Hearing the soft sobs and feeling the dampness on his chest, he knew this pesky girl was mourning over someone else's pain again. A faint irritation tinged his handsome features.

He abruptly tightened his embrace, lifting her onto the cushion behind them as they sat down together.

Jing Wuyan loosened his hold slightly, and sure enough, he saw that face silently weeping. A chill deepened in his heart, tinged with a subtle anger.

He reached out directly, grasping her chin and lifting her face, his dark gaze piercing into hers. "Why, are you grieving for your beloved senior disciple again? Every time you're bullied, you come crying to my arms seeking comfort. Do you really think I'm just a lifeless object?"

It might have been tolerable once or twice, but this damned girl always acted this way. After using him, she discarded him without a second thought. He had once thought that if she were to exploit him, it would be fine as long as she gave him a chance. He didn't mind such matters.

But he had underestimated her. This wicked girl was a shameless ingrate, mastering the art of discarding those no longer useful and turning cold at a whim.

Jing Wuyan couldn't help but feel anger rising within him when he thought of this, yet he was still utterly captivated by her.

He held her chin, applying slight pressure. "Do I really look like a naturally kind-hearted person, giving you the audacity to repeatedly take advantage of me as a fool?"

Nan Yan pressed her lips together, a deeply wronged expression on her face. Just as she was about to speak, a tear fell before she could finish.

"I...," she started.

"What 'I'?" he scoffed coldly.

Jing Wuyan's expression was grim as he gazed sternly at the person in his arms. Seeing that the pesky girl was once again trying to play the pitiful card with teary eyes, his gaze darkened slightly. He immediately exclaimed, "Don't you dare cry! Stupid girl, do you take me for a pushover? Do you think my tolerance and indulgence towards you are acts of kindness?"

He knew all too well the tricks this pesky girl had up her sleeve.

Each time he comes, it's the same routine; he charms you with honeyed words, making you feel as if you've been enveloped in a pool of sweetness. But when he turns cold, it's enough to make one's teeth itch with frustration.

Mirroring Yan spoke with a composed yet stern expression, his tone neither hurried nor slow. "Don't mistake my intentions. Let me make it clear to you: if you're annoyed by my persistent clinginess, then here's the truth - I do have ulterior motives where you're concerned."

"However, I don't intend to drag this out with you like this anymore. If in the future, you feel wronged and seek comfort in my arms, wanting to continue crying in my embrace, you'll have to pay a price. You little rascal, I'm not someone who does good deeds without expecting anything in return. Do you understand?"

As he spoke, Jing Wuyan narrowed his eyes again, adopting a sinister expression. "I won't force you. If you're unwilling, leave now and seek comfort from your dear senior brother. Don't call out another man's name in my embrace."

"But if you agree and still dare to utter those hurtful words in the future, I won't just confine you. I'll tie you to the bed and show you just how effective my methods can be."

Nanyan's attention was piqued, and her curiosity was aroused despite the tears still clinging to her eyelashes. She timidly lifted her head and asked, "What kind of methods?"

Jing Wuyan paused, looking at her expressionlessly, "Until you're wailing in agony and your legs can't close."

Nanyan's face flushed instantly. Her gaze drifted down to his waist, and her expression turned even more aggrieved. Tears swirled in her eyes as she instinctively retreated backward.

"In that case, I wouldn't have survived long ago..."

She jumped off the cushion, biting her lip, and turned to slip away. Suddenly, her arm was tightly grabbed, pulling her backward, and she collided into his embrace.

Nanyan attempted to withdraw her hand, but he refused to let go.

She shot him a disgruntled glance, her eyes shimmering with moisture as tears brimmed in her rosy cheeks. "Didn't you say you don't like forcing people? You gave me two options, and I chose the first one. Can't I just promise not to come looking for you again?"

Jing Wuyan gazed at her calmly, his expression unchanged. "I did say that, but if you don't respond within three sentences, it's assumed you've chosen the first option. Are you trying to back out now?"

Hearing this, Nanyan was taken aback.

She looked up at this shameless man, wondering how he could so boldly speak such audacious words.

The other person was also looking at her, observing her cowering appearance, like a timid quail. His anger that had initially filled his heart vanished in an instant. This stinky girl was still the same as before, cowardly and fearful, only behaving when intimidated.

Nan Yan pressed her lips together, her cheeks flushed slightly from anger. "You didn't say anything beforehand. You can't treat me like this..."

Jing Wuyan chuckled softly, pinching her face while gently rubbing away the tears on her cheeks with his fingertips. His tone was matter-of-fact. "Why can't I? You're not anyone special to me. Naturally, I can bully you however I please. However, if you were willing to be my cultivation partner, perhaps I might treat you more gently."

Nan Yan bit her lip, leaving a crimson mark. "At your age, you still have the audacity to dream of having a young and beautiful girl like me as your cultivation partner. Don't you feel ashamed deep down?"

"Shame or not, you'll know once you touch it."

Upon hearing this, Nanyan misunderstood completely. Her cheeks flushed red, filled with embarrassment. Yet, she couldn't resist glancing down and then asked shyly, "Which part? If it's too small, I'm not interested in touching it."

Jing Wuyan's face darkened; he couldn't help but tap her head twice. She truly spoke nonsense fearlessly.

"What rubbish are you, you little brat, spouting? You spend your days idling away without learning anything. You haven't picked up a single good habit from your senior brother, but only indulge in all sorts of nonsense. Stay here obediently and focus on cultivation, do you hear me?"

Nanyan looked a bit disappointed, reluctant to let go. "Can't I touch it then?"

Jing Wuyan gazed at her through his dark eyes, pausing for a moment. After a while, he pretended to turn his face away and coughed dryly, "If you really want to that badly, it's not entirely impossible."