She groggily opened her eyes, instinctively wanting to stretch.
Her arm had only lifted halfway when it suddenly froze.
Memories came rushing back like a tide. She abruptly turned her head to look at the meditation cushion by the bed.
Empty.
She turned her head again and her heart nearly leapt out of her chest.
Song Qingzhi was sitting by the low table near the window, holding a jade scroll in his hand. Morning light gilded his perfect profile with a faint layer of gold.
He looked so cool and pristine, like a meticulously carved jade statue.
Su Tiantian was instantly wide awake, alarm bells blaring in her mind.
Oh no, oh no!
I actually woke up later than my “husband”! My fragile, delicate persona is going to collapse right at the start!
She hurriedly closed her eyes, pretending she had just woken up.
She let out a soft, lazy little whimper (which she believed was very alluring!).
Then she slowly opened her eyes and looked over with what she thought was a just-awakened, hazy, innocent gaze, speaking weakly, as if barely able to breathe.
“Brother Qingzhi… good morning…”
Song Qingzhi lifted his eyes from the jade scroll.
His gaze paused briefly on the faint flush of sleep on her face and her slightly disheveled hair. He responded calmly,
“Mm.”
(System: Target’s attention to host’s “just-awakened state” +10%. Favorability analysis… minor fluctuation, still within the ‘responsibility’ category.)
Su Tiantian was secretly delighted.
It works! Looks like men really do fall for this!
She struggled to sit up, deliberately acting weak and powerless, her arms trembling slightly.
She secretly hoped he would come over and help her up, just like in the storybooks.
Instead, Song Qingzhi merely lifted a finger.
A gentle wave of spiritual energy supported her back, helping her sit upright steadily, and even propped a soft cushion behind her.
Su Tiantian: “…”
Right spiritual energy really is a household essential and the ultimate tool for avoiding physical contact!
“Um… Brother Qingzhi, did you rest well last night?”
She took a deep breath and launched her “warm concern” mental-attack tactic, her eyes full of “care.”
“Fairly well,”
Song Qingzhi replied, setting down the jade scroll and looking at her, his tone even and calm.
“You seemed to sleep quite soundly.”
Su Tiantian’s heart skipped.
She had slept pretty deeply last night she’d even dreamed about swimming in hotpot.
How could he tell?
Could an Immortal Lord even tell how well someone slept?
“I-it was okay…”
She quickly lowered her head, pretending to straighten her slightly wrinkled sleeves while wailing inwardly.
He doesn’t know whether I drooled in my sleep, does he?!
To ease the awkwardness and to push forward her “seduction” mission Su Tiantian decided to take the initiative.
She quickly got out of bed, spotted the teapot on the low table, and spoke timidly,
“Brother Qingzhi, w-would you like some tea? I can pour it for you…”
As she spoke, she reached out toward the white jade teacup in front of him, which looked extremely valuable.
Her plan was to “accidentally” let her hand shake and spill a bit of tea, creating a small mess and an opportunity for close contact.
Just as her fingertips were about to touch the cup, it floated up into the air on its own and landed steadily in Song Qingzhi’s hand.
“No need.”
He took a sip and set the cup down, his movements smooth and effortless.
Su Tiantian’s hand froze in midair pulling it back felt awkward, but leaving it there felt just as bad.
(System: Warning! ‘Clumsy Care’ tactic failed. Naturalness score: -10.)
Su Tiantian burst into tears internally.
Isn’t this game a bit too hard?!
After breakfast (once again, food so bland it made her want to cry spiritual porridge and light side dishes!)
Su Tiantian obtained permission to take a walk near her residence, “Tranquil Heart Courtyard,” on the grounds that familiarizing herself with the surroundings would aid her recovery.
Finally an opportunity to gather intelligence!
She pulled her cloak tighter around herself, putting on a frail, delicate look as she slowly strolled out into the courtyard.
Her eyes, however, scanned the surroundings like radar.
The direction of the corridors, the patrol shifts of the disciples, areas where spiritual energy fluctuated unusually…
“This rockery layout is interesting could it be concealing some kind of formation?”
“That old pine tree is way too straight could something be buried beneath it?”
“Ugh, why does this path twist and turn so much…”
She walked while memorizing the routes and wildly speculating, feeling like a very amateur spy.
Just as she pretended to admire a spiritual plant while secretly observing the scene beyond a moon gate not far away,
A clear, gentle voice sounded behind her.
“Greetings, Shimu.”
Su Tiantian’s back stiffened. She slowly turned around.
Bai Weiwei had appeared at some point, still dressed in simple, elegant robes, her features delicate and her aura ethereal.
She bent her knees slightly in a graceful bow, her posture flawless.
“Junior Niece Weiwei, no need for formalities.”
Su Tiantian did her best to assume the air of a “Shimu,” her voice gentle with just the right touch of weakness.
“Shimu is new here are you familiarizing yourself with the surroundings? If you need anything, this disciple can guide you.”
Bai Weiwei raised her eyes, her smile gentle, her gaze so clear it seemed to reflect one’s very heart.
“The paths near Tranquil Heart Courtyard are not complicated, but there are places where spiritual energy is unstable. It’s best not to approach them, lest it affect Shimu’s recovery.”
Su Tiantian’s heart skipped.
That sounded like concern but why did it feel like a warning not to wander around?
She kept her expression calm and continued to smile weakly.
“Thank you for your concern, Junior Niece. I’m just walking around casually to get some fresh air. I won’t go far.”
“That’s good, then.”
Bai Weiwei’s smile deepened, her gaze seemingly sweeping casually over the moon gate Su Tiantian had been staring at earlier.
“Master values rules above all else and dislikes outsiders moving about freely. Shimu’s status is different now, so you must be cautious in your words and actions, lest you give others something to talk about and put Master in a difficult position.”
Su Tiantian’s fingers curled slightly inside her sleeves.
Here it is the original female lead’s soft blade.
Just as she was about to speak, another voice, slightly cold, cut in.
“Weiwei, it’s time for the mountain patrol.”
Su Tiantian turned and saw a young man with sharp features, dressed in disciple robes, standing not far away.
His gaze was fixed on Bai Weiwei.
(System: Notice! Important original-character detected: ‘Lin Feng.’ Identity: Senior Disciple of Yunmiao Peak, late-stage Golden Core cultivation. Holds special feelings toward Bai Weiwei. Personality: cold and taciturn, loyal to the sect.)
Su Tiantian understood at once so he was the loyal-dog male supporting character!
Lin Feng’s gaze swept lightly over Su Tiantian. He gave a small nod in greeting, then looked back at Bai Weiwei.
Bai Weiwei bowed once more to Su Tiantian.
“This disciple takes her leave.”
Watching Bai Weiwei and Lin Feng walk away side by side, Su Tiantian let out a breath of relief yet felt even more pressure.
(System: Warning! Possible suspicion raised from primary original character ‘Bai Weiwei.’ Please act cautiously.)
“Yeah, yeah, I know…”
Su Tiantian pouted and continued her “walk,” but in her mind she raised Bai Weiwei’s danger level by another notch.
That evening, just as Su Tiantian was preparing for bed, the temperature in the room suddenly dropped.
A dark purple shadow slowly condensed.
Jin Chuan lounged lazily in midair ink-black hair, black robes, deep violet eyes carrying a playful smile, breathtakingly beautiful.
“So, Xiao Yao’er, how is married life?” His voice was low and magnetic.
Su Tiantian jolted and immediately went into report mode.
“Esteemed Lord! Everything is proceeding smoothly! I’ve successfully obtained permission to move within certain areas of Yunmiao Peak!”
Jin Chuan raised an eyebrow slightly, his fingers idly twirling a strand of black hair.
“Oh? Just movement permission?”
Feeling an invisible pressure, Su Tiantian hurriedly added,
“I’m actively searching for clues to the core of the mountain-protecting formation! Please grant me a bit more time, Esteemed Lord!”
Jin Chuan chuckled softly, his smile gentle yet cold.
“My patience is limited.”
With a flick of his finger, a trace of black light almost imperceptible slipped into Su Tiantian’s sleeve.
“This ‘Concealment Talisman’ can help you avoid ordinary detection. In critical moments, it may even save your life.”
His tone was soft, like a lover’s whisper.
“Use it well. Don’t disappoint me.”