Du Huang's eyes flashed with displeasure.
While she could sense her sister's excitement, she was, after all, the Sect Master of Hundred Flowers Valley. And for her and Chen Nan to be embracing in mid-air in front of so many disciples – what kind of precedent did that set? How would she maintain her authority among them in the future?
Although Du Yuan had lost her composure, Chen Nan did not take advantage of the situation. He merely kissed her lightly, then brought her back down to the ground.
By then, Du Yuan had snapped back to her senses from her exhilaration. She cupped her hands towards Yu Bo, "Thank you, Pavilion Master Yu, for your timely intervention. If not for you, our Hundred Flowers Valley would have been overrun by the Three Sects!"
Yu Bo replied, "Sect Master Du is too kind. While I did help Hundred Flowers Valley, I also helped our Heavenly Net Pavilion!" He understood the principle that when the nest is overturned, no egg remains intact. If Hundred Flowers Valley were to fall, Heavenly Net Pavilion would surely be swallowed by the Three Sects. It was precisely for this reason that he had intervened.
Du Yuan then asked, "Pavilion Master Yu, you mentioned earlier that Heavenly Net Pavilion disciples had gone to the Three Sects? Is that true?"
Yu Bo responded, "Naturally, it was a bluff to intimidate them and make them retreat."
Du Yuan nodded slightly, a hint of regret in her eyes. If only it had been true.
"Since Hundred Flowers Valley is safe this time, I shall take my leave!" Yu Bo cupped his hands towards Chen Nan and then ascended into the night sky, disappearing into the darkness. He had indeed threatened the leaders of the Three Sects by claiming his disciples were attacking them. Now that the leaders were dead, his earlier boast could potentially become a reality.
After Yu Bo departed, Du Yuan affectionately linked arms with Chen Nan, "Chen Nan, let me introduce you. This is our Hundred Flowers Valley's Grand Elder, my sister Du Huang!"
Chen Nan bowed, "Greetings, Grand Elder!"
Du Huang smiled faintly, "Calling me Elder sounds too distant. You may call me Sister as well!"
Chen Nan felt as though fate had a peculiar sense of humor. Coming to the underworld, he had gained so many sisters, and all of them were stunning beauties. Was this truly the underworld? It felt more like paradise. Nevertheless, he still called out, "Sister."
Du Yuan continued, "And this is our Hundred Flowers Valley's Second Elder, Hong Lian."
Chen Nan greeted her obediently, "Hello, Sister Hong Lian."
Hong Lian disliked men, but upon seeing Chen Nan's exceptional handsomeness and imposing demeanor, coupled with his capabilities, she merely nodded in acknowledgment of him as a younger brother.
"Let's go, into the valley!" Du Yuan was in high spirits. Not only had she survived, but more importantly, Chen Nan had arrived. She had already planned what she intended to do later... How exciting! How nerve-wracking! How frightening! And how bashful! (*////▽////*)q
"Big Brother, wait for us~~~"
Under the cloak of night, Guo Yu came sprinting, carrying a white dog in his arms, his face a picture of humiliation. He could have held Di Ting or even carried it on his back, but Di Ting had refused. Di Ting had stated that even though they were both males, it was important to maintain a degree of propriety... The moment Di Ting said that, Guo Yu knew he had been targeted. If Di Ting didn't have ulterior motives, why would it even think about propriety?
"I'm so scared! What if it forcefully tries something? If it forcefully tries something and then reverts to its original form, wouldn't I be finished?" wΑp.kanshu伍.net
------
Although the disciples of Hundred Flowers Valley had been poisoned, Xiang Tian She's storage artifact contained detoxification pills. After taking them, all the disciples' conditions improved. Consequently, the once somber atmosphere of Hundred Flowers Valley became lively. Lanterns were hung, and a large group of people busied themselves in the kitchen, preparing a sumptuous feast and drinks.
Chen Nan also experienced a treat fit for royalty. Beauties toasted him one after another, their admiration and affection for him undisguised. This was a world of the strong preying on the weak, where the victor reigned supreme. What's more, Chen Nan possessed such a handsome face.
"Come, Sister, I'll toast you!" In a corner, Guo Yu felt his presence was rather insignificant and found a young woman to toast.
The young woman chuckled, then her face immediately turned stern, "You are not worthy!"
???
Guo Yu was utterly bewildered. He glanced at Chen Nan, who was surrounded by admirers as if he were the moon among stars, and a bitter feeling welled up within him. "Alas! In this day and age, is being plain-looking so unwelcome? And I'm not even ugly! I'm just a little less dazzling compared to Big Brother!"
------
After several rounds of drinks, Du Yuan helped Chen Nan towards her chambers. Chen Nan was not drunk, yet he felt he was! He simply didn't know how to handle his feelings for Du Yuan. He loved her, undoubtedly. It was precisely because of this love that he had risked everything to find a way to treat her. But... love was a complicated matter. He couldn't give Du Yuan the kind of love she desired. After all, he was from the mortal world and would be leaving soon. At that time, someone in the underworld would surely be left heartbroken...
As Du Yuan helped him to his bedroom and laid him on the bed, her gentle voice echoed, "You little rascal, stop pretending."
"I know you're not drunk."
How awkward! Chen Nan chuckled wryly and opened his eyes, "I thought you would take advantage of my drunken state to do something untoward!"
A blush crept onto Du Yuan's face, "Since this is our first time, we should both be in our best condition to welcome it." She continued, her voice tinged with a hint of melancholy, "I don't want either of us to be unprepared." The moment Chen Nan pretended to be drunk, she had a bad premonition.
Hearing her words, Chen Nan sighed, "Yes, I don't deny our mutual attraction."
"But..."
"We can also cut ties."
"It's still not too late to stop losses now." After saying this, he saw, not surprisingly, tears welling up in Du Yuan's eyes.
He continued, "I have a secret!"
"A secret so unbelievable, you wouldn't dare to believe it!"
Du Yuan listened quietly. Chen Nan activated his domain, enveloping the room. He walked to the window, gazed up at the bright moon, and said, "I was not born in the underworld."
"Yes, in simple terms, I am from the mortal world."
"I am merely a transient in the underworld."
"I will return to the mortal world before long."
"Because of this, I have been controlling my emotions."
"I don't want to leave behind any emotional debts."
"Because then, we will be separated by life and death."
Du Yuan asked nervously, "Is it because of this that you are resisting being with me?"
Chen Nan quickly shook his head, "No, no, no, this isn't resistance."
"I want to be with you too."
"But I fear that after I leave."
"Your remaining years will be filled only with loneliness and longing."
"That is not what I wish to see."
"Can you understand what I mean?"
"True love is not just about gaining."
"Love is about considering each other."
"There is a kind of love called letting go."
Du Yuan replied, "If that is the case, you have no need for such worries." kan Shu Wu. ξà
"Because you might not have realized it, your thoughts have entered a dead end."
Chen Nan looked utterly confused, "My thoughts have entered a dead end? What dead end?"