Feeling the warm embrace behind her and the cold warning in her mind,
Su Tiantian slowly sank into an uneasy dream, caught between extreme gentleness and endless torment.
At dawn, Su Tiantian awoke in a sense of warm, secure confinement.
Song Qingzhi’s arms still held her, tighter than when she had fallen asleep last night, as if afraid she might disappear.
She shifted slightly, and a hoarse, sleepy voice came from above her head.
“Awake?”
“Mm.”
Su Tiantian murmured softly, her cheeks warming.
She realized she was practically embedded in his embrace, the closeness making her heart race.
Song Qingzhi lowered his head, lightly brushing his jaw against her hair, and was silent for a moment.
Just when Su Tiantian thought he would rise as usual, he suddenly propped himself up slightly and leaned down.
A feather-light kiss landed on her forehead.
Warm, fleeting, yet it froze Su Tiantian instantly her blood rushing to her cheeks.
Her mind went blank.
He… kissed her?!
Even if it was just the forehead…
Song Qingzhi glanced at her flushed face and stunned expression, a faint trace of a smile flickering in his eyes.
Then, just as naturally, he returned to his usual cold composure and rose.
It was as if the kiss had been the most ordinary thing in the world.
(System: Target executed “forehead kiss” action. Intimacy confirmation +10%.)
Dizzy, Su Tiantian sat up, touching her still-warm forehead.
Watching his upright back, her heart felt like a spilled honey jar sweet but tinged with an inexplicable sourness.
At breakfast, Song Qingzhi seemed in good spirits, even voluntarily bringing up details from yesterday’s sect meeting.
Su Tiantian sipped her spiritual porridge in small bites, frantically calling the system in her mind.
“System! Quick! Tell me everything from yesterday’s meeting, especially regarding the Demon Realm disturbances!”
(System: Information syncing… Core content from yesterday’s Lingyun Hall meeting: 1. Confirmed Grand Competition rules: arena battles with supplementary hidden realm assessments; final ranking via comprehensive evaluation. 2. Reported recent frequent disturbances from the Demon Realm on the southwestern border, suspected infiltration by small forces, intentions unknown. All peaks instructed to strengthen defenses and increase patrols. 3. Medicine King Valley proposed adding a low-level disciple alchemy test; proposal rejected.)
Demon Realm infiltration! Southwestern border!
Su Tiantian’s heart sank.
Jin Chuan’s movements were faster than she imagined. She had to deliver the intelligence immediately, or…
“What’s wrong? Not to your taste?”
Song Qingzhi’s voice broke her train of thought.
She snapped back to reality, meeting his probing gaze and quickly shook her head.
“No, it’s very good.”
She lowered her head, masking the panic in her eyes.
Song Qingzhi watched her for a moment but didn’t press further.
Instead, he pushed a plate of spiritual fruit cakes she had recently enjoyed toward her.
Even this small thoughtfulness felt like a needle to Su Tiantian’s heart.
The following days were calm.
Song Qingzhi seemed to have completely moved past the incident in the library, growing increasingly gentle and indulgent toward her.
He even let her grind herbs beside him when he grew tired of reviewing documents.
The consciousness that enveloped her remained, but it no longer suffocated Su Tiantian; instead, it felt like a silent companionship.
She almost wanted to lose herself in the sensation of being cherished and cared for.
Yet the system’s warnings and the pressure from the Demon Lord hung like a sword above her head, constantly reminding her of the harsh reality.
One day, Su Tiantian finally found an extremely risky but perhaps only opportunity.
Song Qingzhi had to leave the peak for half a day, going to Chixiao Peak to discuss important matters with the Chiyan Immortal Reverent.
Before leaving, he gave careful instructions.
He also placed a jade talisman engraved with protective arrays into her hand.
“If there’s an emergency, crush it. I’ll return immediately.”
Su Tiantian obediently replied,
“Yes, Brother Qingzhi.”
The moment he left, the ever-present consciousness also departed as expected.
Jingxin Garden was finally hers Alone.
Su Tiantian held the jade talisman still warm with his body heat, her heart pounding.
This was her chance! The perfect moment to deliver intelligence!
She hurried back to her room, locked the door, and activated the water mirror.
The monstrous visage of Jin Chuan quickly appeared, his purple eyes flashing impatience.
“So, finally decided to contact me?”
“Your Excellency,”
Su Tiantian suppressed her fear and spoke quickly.
“The Jiuxiao Immortal Sect has noticed disturbances on the southwestern border. Each peak has strengthened defenses and doubled patrols. The Grand Competition is approaching, so their attention will be elsewhere perhaps this is our chance.”
Jin Chuan squinted.
“That’s all?”
“For now, yes. Song Qingzhi… he’s watching me very closely.”
Su Tiantian lowered her head.
“Watching closely?”
Jin Chuan snorted, his sharp gaze sweeping over her.
“Xiaoyao’er, your heartbeat is fast, your eyes evasive. Could it be… you’ve developed real feelings for him?”
Su Tiantian’s heart jolted. She forced herself to remain calm.
“Never! Xiaoyao’er has no divided loyalty toward Your Excellency!”
“Good,” Jin Chuan said coldly.
“Remember your identity and mission. Before the Grand Competition, I need to see more concrete intelligence on the mountain-protection arrays, or else…”
He didn’t finish, but the killing intent in his eyes made Su Tiantian shiver.
The water mirror vanished, leaving her slumped in her chair, her back soaked with cold sweat.
She stared at the jade talisman in her hand.
Song Qingzhi’s words of caution before leaving still echoed in her ears.
She had just used the trust and protection he gave her to betray him.
The overwhelming guilt and self-loathing nearly drowned her.
At that moment, familiar footsteps sounded outside the garden.
Song Qingzhi had returned! So soon!
Su Tiantian was terrified.
She hastily dispelled the remaining energy fluctuations from the water mirror.
Taking several deep breaths, forcing herself to calm down, she finally got up and stepped out.
Song Qingzhi had just entered the hall, holding a delicate red-gold bracelet.
Embedded with several fire-attributed spirit stones, it shimmered brilliantly.
“A little trinket from the Chiyan Immortal Reverent. Wear it for fun.”
He handed her the bracelet, his gaze lingering on her face for a moment, asking gently,
“Why do you look a little pale? Were you scared being Alone?”