"Indeed, this is true," Dao Yu Yue nodded calmly. There was nothing to hide about it.
"Then, your feelings for her?" The Emperor was also conflicted, but seeing the National Master so candid, it seemed there wouldn't be any major issues.
"It's like your feelings for Consort Ling," Dao Yu Yue replied with her usual composure, completely unaware of the immense shock her words had delivered to the Emperor.
He truly loved Consort Ling. Did the National Master mean that he also truly loved that rumored little fox?
No, it wasn't even considered a rumor anymore.
The Emperor coughed violently, his gaze filled with bewilderment. He had never imagined that the esteemed National Master had such a peculiar preference.
"What's wrong?" Dao Yu Yue gave the Emperor a look of utter confusion.
"N-nothing," the Emperor coughed softly a couple more times, finally saying, "As long as the National Master likes it."
"Yes! Of course, I like it." Dao Yu Yue's eyes were filled with immense tenderness as she said this.
Love, from where did it arise? It deepened with every passing moment.
Its very existence was strange, intangible, and elusive. When it descended, a voice would inexplicably appear in everyone's heart, telling them, "Yes! It is him (her)."
The Emperor looked at the smile on Dao Yu Yue's face, and only one phrase could describe his feelings.
Holy crap! She's fallen in love.
The National Master, who once exuded an aura of coldness and treated everyone with indifference, had suddenly descended to the mortal realm, becoming a mortal capable of experiencing emotions. The change was undeniably significant.
"Perhaps, National Master should return first? I can invite you in again when someone from the temple arrives?" the Emperor tentatively suggested.
Dao Yu Yue did not refuse and rose to leave immediately.
Heaven knew how much she longed to return. In the past, when bored, she might have been willing to play a few games of chess with the Emperor and casually discuss her views. But now, the mere thought of someone waiting for her at home made her eager to leave.
"Wait! Isn't the National Master in too much of a hurry? It's been a while since I've played chess with you. Let's finish this game before you go!" the Emperor suddenly insisted.
Dao Yu Yue's brow twitched, a hint of impatience in her eyes. Her previously relaxed chess style instantly became decisive and aggressive, forcing the Emperor to retreat with every move.
Only then did the Emperor realize that during their previous games, she had been holding back. Perhaps it was out of respect for her status, or perhaps she simply couldn't be bothered to win. Regardless, the Emperor's competitive spirit was ignited.
However, after half an hour, the Emperor still couldn't escape his losing position and was ultimately defeated.
"Another game!" the Emperor roared, his eyes filled with defiance.
Dao Yu Yue, however, had no desire to continue this game with the Emperor. She cupped her hands slightly and said, "Your Majesty, I must return."
"Ah? So soon?" The Emperor was still somewhat unsatisfied and tried his best to persuade her, "Are you in such a hurry?"
"Yes, I must return." Dao Yu Yue reiterated, her eyes full of seriousness.
Despite his disappointment, the Emperor was unwilling to damage their scarce friendship, especially since he still relied on her. He waved his hand and said, "Very well! National Master, you may return."
Dao Yu Yue nodded gently and left with light steps.
Xing Yuan saw her from afar and, out of reflex, transformed back into her fox form before leaping into Dao Yu Yue's arms.
"Miss me?" Dao Yu Yue gently stroked the cute fox's head.
The fox stuck out its tongue and licked her palm, its voice soft and sweet, "I missed sister! Did sister miss me?"
Dao Yu Yue chuckled, then sensed the aura of others on Xing Yuan. "You went out?"
Her tone was slightly low, with a clear hint of displeasure.
Xing Yuan froze, seemingly surprised that Dao Yu Yue had detected the issue.
However, discretion was the better part of valor. She had understood the principle of clinging to powerful figures since childhood, and now she was even more adept.
She hopped onto the ground, rolled around, exposing her soft belly, and looked up at Dao Yu Yue pleadingly.
Dao Yu Yue raised an eyebrow slightly, crouched down, and gently traced the fox's soft belly with her fingertip, causing her to tremble. Her voice was clear and elegant as she said, "Good fox~ Tell sister, where did you go?"
Xing Yuan gritted her teeth and endured for a while, refusing to speak. But soon, Dao Yu Yue found her ticklish spot and began to scratch.
"Haha, sister, it tickles! Don't scratch." Xing Yuan laughed until tears welled up in her eyes.
She wanted to cover her belly again, but Dao Yu Yue, as if anticipating this, restrained her, preventing her from changing position.
Sorrow filled Xing Yuan's eyes. Why did it feel like sister understood her so well! She had her completely in her grasp.
Finally, she spoke with a sob, "I just went to see Xiao Jing. I didn't do anything else."
Dao Yu Yue bared her teeth slightly, looking at Xing Yuan with a gentle smile, her voice tinged with jealousy, "What? Going to see your good friend?"
"What's there to hide? Is it something shameful? Would I get angry about it?"
Xing Yuan thought to herself, *I didn't have that intention originally, but listen to what you're saying now. Of course, you'd be angry!*
Though she thought this, she dared not say it. She smiled placatingly, "I just went out to take a look, and then it was a chance encounter! Yes, it was a chance encounter. Didn't I come back soon after?"
Dao Yu Yue eventually let her go, not because her explanation was valid, but because she felt she shouldn't go too far. After all, there was always tomorrow.
Dao Yu Yue picked Xing Yuan up by the scruff of her neck and brought her into the room, then dropped her on the floor. She said slowly, "I'll let it slide this time. Next time, if Xiao Yuan wants to see her friends, she must bring sister along, otherwise, sister will be very angry."
"Mmm-hmm." Xing Yuan nodded, then, forgetting her lesson, pounced into her arms.
"But there probably won't be a next time! She said she's leaving the capital in a few days. Who knows when we'll meet again!" Xing Yuan explained softly.
She yawned lazily, feeling sleepy.
It wasn't that she wanted to be delicate; foxes were naturally delicate and easily overwhelmed. She could have previously replenished some strength through dual cultivation with humans, but because Dao Yu Yue's cultivation was too profound, she couldn't gain any advantage at all.
Therefore, she could only expend her own energy.
However, Dao Yu Yue often fed Xing Yuan spiritual energy, which now allowed her to gain strength just by lying there and being petted like a fox.
"Sleepy?" Dao Yu Yue's eyes held a smile as she gently tugged on Xing Yuan's tail.
If another fox wanted to leave, good riddance. She didn't want it to stay.
After all, one fox was constantly drawing her little fox's attention. Even if she might not have intended it, it didn't bring her joy.
"Mmm, I'll play with sister after I wake up." Xing Yuan yawned lazily and snuggled closer into Dao Yu Yue's embrace.
Half-asleep, she murmured softly, "Sister is so good~"