Chapter 28: Grasping the Ankle.

As soon as Sang Ying read this line, she was reminded of what had happened yesterday. All those blush-inducing, heart-pounding memories instantly flooded back.

Including his long, elegant hands, and the dragon tail. Even though she had only tasted a little, the sensation was still vivid—a warm, distinct texture different from fingers.

But yesterday, with the bed curtains drawn and the surroundings dark, and her mind hazy from being kissed senseless, she hadn’t seen anything clearly. She still didn’t know what the dragon tail actually looked like.

Thinking of this, Sang Ying suddenly covered her flushed face. What was she even thinking about? She really had been corrupted by that perverted dragon.

Truthfully, she still felt a bit uncomfortable. When she applied the ointment yesterday, she was too embarrassed and just dabbed it on carelessly, making it almost as if she hadn’t applied any at all.

But this was something Sang Ying absolutely would not admit to him. Just as she was hesitating about how to change the subject, a new message arrived from the other side.

【The Yaochi Secret Realm is sealed off, and communication is blocked. I’ll return in a few days.】

【If the injury hasn’t healed yet, I left some medicine in the study. On the way, I passed by Jinling’s Wufangzhai and bought some pastries you often eat, along with some new varieties. Not sure how they taste. They should arrive in about a quarter of an hour.】

Sang Ying’s ears flushed slightly. Jinling and Yaochi weren’t even in the same direction—what kind of “passing by” was that? Besides, Wufangzhai was a famous shop in the Cultivation World, with long queues every day.

She replied vaguely, 【What are you going to the Yaochi Secret Realm for?】

【To retrieve some things.】

Sang Ying didn’t pay much attention to this and was about to reply telling him to go ahead when a sudden pain shot through her head. Memories awakened earlier in Shuiyue Jinghua suddenly surfaced in her mind.

Before, she had only seen past experiences, while events that would happen in the future remained hazy, like viewing flowers through a fog. But now, the fog had cleared, revealing everything to Sang Ying.

She saw…

Xie Lingyu seemed to have been injured in the secret realm, with wounds on his body. And the person bandaging his injuries was… Shen Ying?

After the bandaging was done, the two exchanged a glance. Xie Lingyu reached out and pulled Shen Ying into his embrace. They held each other, looking utterly affectionate.

Sang Ying nearly crushed the Glazed Mirror.

Bastard Xie Lingyu! Just yesterday, he said he only liked her. Now, after entering a secret realm, he’s fallen for someone else?

Sang Ying typed furiously: 【Who else is going to the secret realm?】

Outside the Yaochi Secret Realm, countless cultivators waited in the designated area for the realm to open. Standing in a corner, Xie Lingyu was momentarily taken aback when he saw this message.

In the past, whenever he went out, Sang Ying never asked questions—she would only give a vague acknowledgment. This was the first time she had inquired about his situation while he was away.

He glanced around and gave a general overview.

【Many. The secret realm is mainly for training. There are young descendants from the four great families, as well as disciples from various sects and schools.】

Sang Ying pressed on: 【Specifically?】

Xie Lingyu frowned, carefully recalling, and sent over the names of those he remembered.

“We’re about to enter the realm, Fellow Daoist Xie. You keep checking the Glazed Mirror—is there something urgent?”

A gentle male voice sounded beside him. Hearing it, Xie Lingyu frowned in displeasure and glanced over. Sure enough, it was Xu Baishen.

Just like that rabbit demon last time, he kept trying to cling to his junior sister. Annoying.

Behind him was a female cultivator in pink robes, someone he didn’t recognize.

Xie Lingyu replied in a flat tone, “It’s nothing. Just that my Dao Companion at home is concerned since I’m traveling far, so she’s asking a few more questions. She’s always like this, never quite at ease.”

Xu Baishen was momentarily speechless: “…”

His gaze fell upon the young man’s neck, where a clear bite mark came into view, glaringly conspicuous.

He lowered his lashes, his knuckles tightening slightly.

Xu Xuan, standing behind Xu Baishen, had heard about the “white moonlight” these past few days. She had been somewhat downcast upon learning that Xie Lingyu already had someone in his heart, but she quickly rallied her spirits. Since Senior Brother Xie liked Shen Ying, she would simply find a way to help them be together.

However, before she could offer any assistance, Xie Lingyu had clarified the rumors today, presenting an image of a couple deeply in love.

Hearing Xie Lingyu’s words, Xu Xuan was taken aback, somewhat surprised. That sickly Sang Ying was actually this clingy?

Hmm, she glanced at the mark on the young man’s neck. She seemed quite proper in appearance, yet who would have thought she could be so bold.

Xu Xuan coughed lightly. “Sword Lord Xie, has Sang Ying fully recovered from her last injury? According to the people of Yaochi, the secret realm has been abundant with spiritual energy in recent years, giving rise to many immortal spirit hot springs. Why hasn’t the Sword Lord brought her here to soak? It would be beneficial for her health.”

Xie Lingyu had long been aware of this. One of the purposes of this trip was to relocate a hot spring back home. As the weather turned colder, he wanted her to soak in the hot springs more often at home.

Thinking of this, he recalled that hot springs imbued with different spiritual energies had varying effects. He lowered his gaze to the Glazed Mirror, intending to ask her which kind she preferred.

Xu Baishen spoke up. “Fellow Daoist Xie, Junior Sister Sang doesn’t seem to be that kind of person. Has something happened?”

Xie Lingyu glanced at him with indifferent dark eyes. “Do you know my wife well?”

Xu Baishen smiled gently. “It just seems a bit strange, that’s all. After all, during our last trip to the Demon Realm, I saw Junior Sister Sang politely addressing Fellow Daoist Xie as ‘Senior Brother,’ maintaining proper boundaries. Her behavior and demeanor were quite different from what you described.”

A flash of hostility rose in Xie Lingyu’s eyes. Just as he was about to speak, the Glazed Mirror in his hand suddenly vibrated. He immediately lowered his head to look.

Sang Ying had sent a message.

【Xie Lingyu, I suddenly have something urgent to attend to. I’m also heading to the Yaochi Secret Realm!】

After a few moments of silence, Xie Lingyu raised his eyes and smiled faintly.

“Your suspicions are indeed reasonable. Coincidentally, my wife is so concerned that she can’t rest easy and insists on coming over. Why not see for yourself?”

…

On the other end of the Glazed Mirror, Sang Ying was nearly poking her bowl to pieces with her spoon. She had checked the list of names Xie Lingyu sent her several times—even “Erdan” from the neighboring village was on it, but Shen Ying’s name was nowhere to be found.

Who was he trying to fool? She was the newly appointed Saintess of Yaochi; how could she not be there?

Thinking of the memories of him and Shen Ying, and recalling the words he spoke while holding her yesterday—that his heart belonged only to her—Sang Ying’s mind was in turmoil. She sent Xie Lingyu a message, stood up, and pushed the door open.

After their talk last night, she had felt uncomfortable while sleeping, so Xie Lingyu had removed the Golden Chain. Thus, her movement was not hindered.

As she pushed the door open, petals showered down upon her.

Two young men stood at the doorway, scattering flowers. One, dressed entirely in black with a cold expression, held a basket and scattered petals impassively.

The other, with a delicate and handsome face, beamed with a sunny smile and launched into a rapid stream of words as soon as he opened his mouth.

“Good morning, Young Miss! Happy newlywed life! Hehe, I rushed over from the branch as soon as I heard the news. Young Miss, how are things with the Sword Lord? What’s the progress? Young Miss, Young Miss, Young Miss…”

Laba, true to his name, was as loud as a trumpet.

Jingxi stood nearby holding a food box from Wufangzhai, her gentle eyes carrying a smile. “I was just about to bring this to your room, but I didn’t expect you to come out yourself, Young Mistress.”

Sang Ying calmly stuck a talisman over Laba’s mouth, took the food box, and placed it in her storage ring. “Lengmian, take me to the Yaochi Secret Realm.”

Without asking any questions, Lengmian summoned his sword. Just as Sang Ying was about to step onto it, Laba behind her made urgent muffled sounds and pulled out a somewhat tattered, aged-looking book from his robes.

Sang Ying removed the talisman.

Laba exhaled: “Young Mistress, I recently picked this up at the trading house. It looks like it might be the same as your book. Take a look.”

Sang Ying took it and was slightly stunned. It was the Zhi Qu Talisman, a keepsake left by her mother. According to her father, this book was personally written by her mother.

Opening it, the handwriting was the same—it was indeed her mother’s writing. She had thought it was the only copy; she never expected another one existed in the world.

Touched, Sang Ying thanked Laba.

Laba scratched the back of his head, grinning widely. “It’s nothing, Young Mistress. By the way, are you going to the Yaochi Secret Realm to find the Sword Lord? What’s the point of just taking Lengmian? He doesn’t even talk. You should take me instead, I can chat with you along the way… mmmph.”

Sang Ying expressionlessly stuck the talisman back over his mouth.

Lengmian’s sword flight was extremely fast, but by the time Sang Ying arrived, the Yaochi Secret Realm was already about to close.

Sang Ying hurriedly jumped down, but before she could steady herself, a hand suddenly steadied her. Looking up, she saw Xie Lingyu.

She was taken aback. “You haven’t gone in yet?”

The Yaochi Secret Realm had been open for a while. The waiting area was empty—treasures and legacies in the secret realm were first-come, first-served, and the other disciples had long since entered.

“I heard my junior sister was coming, so I waited here.”

Xie Lingyu glanced at Lengmian behind her. Lengmian, understanding the situation, immediately clasped his sword and turned to leave without hesitation.

After steadying her, the young man’s hand slid down and naturally took hers, leading her toward the stationed Yaochi Fairy to collect her jade token.

The Yaochi Secret Realm was managed by Yaochi. Everyone entering the secret realm had to register their identity and receive a jade token. This way, if anything happened inside the secret realm or if someone failed to come out, their identity could be quickly determined.

The steward fairy smiled as she observed their clasped hands, handing the jade token to Xie Lingyu. “My, the Sword Lord and his wife are truly affectionate.”

Sang Ying’s ears flushed red. In the past, when Xie Lingyu held her hand, he would always grasp her wrist. This time, when he took her hand, she hadn’t even reacted… he was far too smooth about it!

Feeling watched by outsiders, she instinctively tried to pull her hand back, but his grip was firm.

The young man beside her remained calm. “Thank you.”

He then took the jade token and led her away, still holding her hand. Sang Ying tried to break free with some effort, but the young man leaned down slightly, whispering near her ear, “Xu Baishen is waiting for us at the secret realm entrance.”

Sang Ying was confused. “Why is he waiting for us?”

Xie Lingyu replied calmly, “Because of recent rumors, he suspects we aren’t truly married and wants to investigate. Once he finds evidence, he’ll likely take the opportunity to target you to seize the sect leader position.”

Sang Ying gritted her teeth. “How treacherous!”

No wonder he had wanted to visit her while she was recovering in the Demon Realm last time—he had been scheming this all along.

Sang Ying understood Xie Lingyu’s meaning now: they had to act like a real couple in front of Xu Baishen.

Wait… weren’t they already a real couple?

Sang Ying pondered for quite a while on the question of how a real couple could pretend to be a real couple. By the time she snapped back to reality, they had already arrived at the entrance of the secret realm.

Sure enough, two people were standing at the entrance: Xu Baishen and Xu Xuan.

The moment Sang Ying saw Xu Xuan, she was reminded of the sword tassel incident. However, she had used a transformation talisman at the time, so Xu Xuan had no idea that the onlooker back then was her.

Seeing them approach, Xu Xuan spoke up, “I didn’t expect you to actually come.”

Xu Xuan couldn’t help but find it amusing. This frail little thing, who had been so imposing before, turned out to be so clingy—insisting on following her husband wherever he went.

Xu Baishen, on the other hand, stared at their clasped hands, a flicker of something dark passing through his eyes. After a pause, he spoke in a gentle tone, “Has Junior Sister Sang recovered?”

Sang Ying grew wary. So, he really was here to probe for information. She replied indifferently, “Much better, thank you for your concern.”

After a two-second delay, she stiffly wrapped her arms around Xie Lingyu’s arm and said in a soft voice, “Husband, let’s go in.”

All three people present were taken aback.

Especially the young man beside her, who had been about to speak but forgot his words, his dark eyes fixed intently on her.

Sang Ying, too caught up in her own embarrassment to notice, felt her face burning as she tugged Xie Lingyu into the secret realm.

A flash of white light later, they were teleported inside. She hastily let go of his hand, as if trying to cover her ears while stealing a bell, and exclaimed, “Xie Lingyu, my acting just now wasn’t bad, was it!”

After a few seconds of silence, Xie Lingyu replied, “If we ignore Junior Sister’s stiff posture and the way she was tightly clutching my arm.”

Sang Ying muttered, “I was trying my best, okay.”

Seeing Xie Lingyu take her hand again and lead her forward, Sang Ying asked curiously, “Do we still need to act now? They probably didn’t teleport to the same location as us, right?”

“When did I say holding hands was part of the act?”

The young man naturally tightened his grip on her fingers, his tone casual. “I just wanted to hold your hand.”

Sang Ying was stunned, her ears growing hot. Just as she was about to say something, he spoke again, “Danger can appear at any moment in the secret realm. Junior Sister, don’t stray more than three steps away from me.”

Sang Ying swallowed back the words “Who said you could hold my hand?” and obediently followed him.

“Junior Sister said there was something urgent. What was it?”

Sang Ying’s mind raced, and suddenly remembering something, she blurted out, “Didn’t the Yaochi Secret Realm give rise to many immortal spirit hot springs? I came to try them out.”

“…Is that urgent?”

Sang Ying put on a serious face and said earnestly, “Yes, very urgent. If you didn’t hurry, what if all the hot springs were taken by others?”

Xie Lingyu glanced at her but didn’t press further, continuing to lead her forward.

After walking for a while, Sang Ying’s steps began to falter. Her injury hadn’t fully healed, and the prolonged walking had started to aggravate the pain.

Xie Lingyu quickly noticed her uneven gait and stopped. “Has Junior Sister’s injury not healed yet?”

Sang Ying stubbornly insisted, “Of course it has. I’m just tired.”

Before she could finish speaking, she suddenly felt weightless as she was lifted into a bridal carry. Afraid of falling, she instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck. “Xie Lingyu, what are you doing!”

The scenery flew past her eyes. Sang Ying steadied her gaze and saw an immortal spirit hot spring under the dim moonlight, with intertwined vine branches and flowers. Bubbles of fire element floated in the spiritual energy, drifting around the hot spring.

After setting up a Restrictive Barrier, Xie Lingyu carried her over and placed her on a large rock by the hot spring.

Sang Ying raised her eyes, meeting the young man’s dark, deep gaze. Within those shadowy depths, a clear dissatisfaction floated, his thin lips pressed together in displeasure.

Just looking into those eyes was enough to make one’s heart tremble, the sense of oppression overwhelming, sending a chill down her spine.

He lowered his gaze, his voice sounding devoid of emotion.

“Junior Sister doesn’t even understand her own physical condition. It seems I’ll have to examine you myself.”

It was only then that Sang Ying belatedly realized—Xie Lingyu was no longer the Xie Lingyu of the past, the one who would always indulge her and let her take advantage of him.

It was just that whenever he put on the mask of the good senior brother, his gentle and indulgent demeanor made her, long accustomed to this way of interacting, forget that he was now a psychologically twisted control freak. Even if he had promised to take responsibility, his nature would not change.

Just yesterday, he had locked her up, gripping her waist and kissing her until she could hardly breathe.

Now, as his cool fingers slowly released her wrist, even before he did anything else, Sang Ying recalled yesterday’s memories—dizzying, heart-pounding.

And tinged with a strange sense of pleasure.

It was brought on by his fingers, but that feeling had abruptly stopped just as she wanted more.

Her ears flushed red involuntarily, and she quickly shook off these chaotic thoughts. But the next moment, the young man’s actions made her breath catch.

He knelt on one knee before her, his jade-like fingers gripping her ankle, spreading it apart.