The conversation that followed always revolved around the National Preceptor.
Through his deliberate and unintentional repeated tests, Yan Shouyi confirmed that whenever he mentioned the National Preceptor, a trace of malice would surface deep within Yu Luming's heart.
Yan Shouyi observed meticulously.
He saw that as soon as Yu Luming's malice began to sprout, it was met with fierce suppression from himself.
But malice was like a seed, only able to be suppressed, not killed, and it constantly probed Yu Luming's limits.
Having experienced so many life-and-death situations, Yan Shouyi had become exceptionally mature and steady.
He didn't immediately inquire about Yu Luming's situation but kept it in mind, intending to ask indirectly later from others in Longhu Mountain to understand what had truly happened to Yu Luming.
As their conversation progressed, Yu Luming proposed inviting the sect leaders of several other top sects to Longhu Mountain to jointly discuss countermeasures.
Yan Shouyi had no objections to this. Discussing face-to-face was far more efficient than talking over the phone remotely. Moreover, only Yu Luming possessed such influence. Missing this opportunity might mean waiting until the next Luo Tian Da Jiao to meet so many high-ranking officials from top sects at once.
By the time the two finished discussing the details, it was already late at night.
Yan Shouyi bid farewell to Yu Luming, first returned to his residence, then called Yuan Jianxin, and prepared to go out again.
Luo Ning asked suspiciously, "You just got back, where are you going again? I'm telling you, don't even think about going to see your little lover. I am Zi Tong's eyes, I'm watching you!"
The Zanpakutō flew out of the room, and the shadow of Long Feicheng emerged, scolding, "When we men are doing things, when is it your turn, a woman, to point fingers? Stay put!"
"Oh, really?" Luo Ning was so angered that she summoned two zombies, who held Long Feicheng to her left and right: "Say that again."
"I was wrong, big sister!" Long Feicheng immediately conceded.
Yan Shouyi helplessly explained, "It's true that I'm going to see Liu Yiren, but my real purpose is to see the child. I brought Yuan Jianxin along to avoid suspicion."
Yuan Jianxin: "Huh?"
So I'm just a spare lightbulb? Huh?
Hearing Yan Shouyi say this, Luo Ning finally let them go.
However, she insisted on keeping Long Feicheng with her to talk, otherwise, being unfamiliar with Longhu Mountain, she would only be able to talk to zombies, which would be too boring.
Imagine, in this desolate mountain temple, a young woman talking to two decaying corpses... Hiss, goosebumps!
Yan Shouyi and Yuan Jianxin decisively abandoned Long Feicheng.
Long Feicheng also felt a bit unnerved, but after thinking carefully: Damn it, I'm a ghost, what am I afraid of from zombies!
Yan Shouyi and Yuan Jianxin left their residence and headed straight for the back mountain where Liu Yiren resided. Along the way, they encountered disciples on patrol from the Heavenly Master's Mansion. They recognized Yan Shouyi and not only did they not stop them but also enthusiastically guided them for a portion of the way.
However, Liu Yiren's residence was not a place any disciple could enter, so the guiding disciple stopped far away, pointed to the small courtyard at the end of the small path, and left.
Yan Shouyi went over, knocked on the door, and after a while, Liu Yiren came to open it.
"Here to see the child? Come in." Liu Yiren directly opened the courtyard gate. Yuan Jianxin thought for a moment and said, "How about I keep watch outside for you?"
Yan Shouyi and Liu Yiren coughed twice: "If you can't speak properly, don't speak. Come in together!"
"Oh..."
Originally, the two were acting openly, but Yuan Jianxin's words made it seem a bit clandestine.
The three entered the house. Yan Shouyi found that Liu Yiren had specially dug a small lotus pond in the courtyard. His son's soul was placed in the center of the lotus pond, enveloped by a pure white lotus.
The child's physical body was slowly developing in Lin Zitong's womb, and his soul correspondingly grew as well.
Now that Lin Zitong was nine months pregnant, the child's soul already had discernible features, occasionally stirring restlessly within the lotus.
Sometimes, the child would even open its eyes to observe the outside world.
Liu Yiren often amused Yan Shouyi's son, making the little one giggle.
However, the child's soul was too fragile. After they were born, these memories would likely be difficult to retain. This meant that Liu Yiren would have to get to know this "unfeeling and ungrateful" little fellow all over again in the future.
"Son! I'm Daddy!"
Yan Shouyi leaned close to the lotus, instantly transforming from the killing god Yan Shouyi into a doting father, beaming and speaking in a gentle tone to amuse the child.
Unexpectedly, the child was startled by Yan Shouyi, looking at Liu Yiren with teary eyes.
Liu Yiren immediately pushed Yan Shouyi away and said grumpily, "You scared him!"
"Nani?" Yan Shouyi was speechless. "I'm his father."
"How old is the child now? How could he remember who you are? And keep your voice down!" Liu Yiren gently swayed the lotus, quickly soothing the child.
Seeing this, Yan Shouyi felt quite dejected but also understood.
Liu Yiren had been taking care of the child during this time, and their relationship might even be closer.
It seemed his son was determined to recognize Liu Yiren as his godmother...
Yuan Jianxin leaned against the door, holding the Peach Heart Sword, and couldn't help but shake his head, clicking his tongue.
Yan Shouyi said angrily, "Are you mocking me?"
Yuan Jianxin said solemnly, "I have received rigorous training; no matter how funny it is, I will not laugh."
"...Get aside."
Yan Shouyi shifted his attention back to the child, carefully coaxing him. Soon, the child's soul fell asleep.
Looking at the child sleeping peacefully, Liu Yiren also revealed a bright smile.
She casually asked, "How are Zi Tong and little sister doing?"
"Yes, they are both doing well. I plan to stay by their side until I return. When the children are born, you must remember to come for the full moon banquet," Yan Shouyi said with a smile.
"Okay, I'll prepare big red envelopes and big gold locks for them. It's getting cold lately, so I'll also knit a small sweater for the elder brother."
"Ahem, please take the trouble to knit one for the younger sister too. If the elder brother has one to wear and the younger sister doesn't, how pitiful would she be."
"Hmph, she's not my goddaughter," Liu Yiren said stubbornly, but in the end, both the brother and sister would undoubtedly receive gifts.
The two chatted for a few more sentences, mainly about the child.
However, later, Yan Shouyi suddenly asked, "Yiren, have you been with Yu Luming recently?"
Liu Yiren froze and looked deeply at Yan Shouyi: "Does it have anything to do with you?"
Huh?
Why did she suddenly get angry for no reason?
Yan Shouyi thought carefully, wondering if Liu Yiren thought he was jealous of the two of them.
He quickly explained, "No... I that... Alas, I found Yu Luming a bit strange today."
"Strange? What do you mean?" Liu Yiren's expression did not soften, as she seemed to have heard news that was even more concerning to her than Yan Shouyi being jealous.
"I haven't been able to confirm the specifics yet, so I can only ask you," Yan Shouyi inquired, "Since you've been with Yu Luming all this time, have you noticed any strange behavior from him recently? Well... when I say recently, I mean the past seven days."