Chapter 58: But then again
Language is an art.
Some struggle to piece together a few touching words.
Others, with a single sentence, reach heights untouchable by most.
And Su Wan’er was clearly the latter.
With one simple line, she left her sister petrified on the spot.
Su Wanyuan never imagined her lively sister could drop such a bombshell in this setting.
Luo Jiutian, unfazed, seemed used to her wild thought process. “Wan’er, you’re still young. Let’s talk about this later, okay?” he said, tone helpless.
“Young where?” she shot back, eyes stubborn.
As she spoke, she glanced at her sister.
Then, looking back at Luo Jiutian, she pouted, “Well… maybe a little young.”
Su Wanyuan’s face flushed. “Wan’er, what are you even saying?!”
Luo Jiutian flicked her forehead lightly. “You, always so unserious.”
“Hehe~” Su Wan’er, unbothered, giggled and threw herself into his arms.
He chuckled, patting her head.
Su Wan’er squinted, basking in his embrace, a smug curve on her lips.
Su Wanyuan watched their affectionate exchange, a strange emotion stirring within her.
It felt… stifling?
But she quickly shook it off.
No, he’s Wan’er’s fiancé. How could I think that way?
“Sister, what’s wrong?” Su Wan’er noticed her odd expression and tilted her head.
Startled, Su Wanyuan forced a smile. “Nothing, just… being able to cultivate feels unreal, like a dream.”
“Hmph~” Su Wan’er hopped out of Luo Jiutian’s arms, hands on hips, chin raised. “In the cultivation world, the strong lead. I’m your senior now.”
Luo Jiutian glanced at her, smiling. “Don’t underestimate your sister. Her physique is extraordinary. Give her time, and she might surpass you.”
“Pfft, who can predict the future?” Su Wan’er huffed. “Maybe I’ll break through several realms and leave you all in the dust.”
“Keep dreaming,” he teased, though his expression shifted subtly, unnoticed.
Was she genuinely hopeful or just making light of things?
“Oh, right,” Su Wan’er said suddenly. “Since Sister can cultivate, shouldn’t we report it?”
Luo Jiutian nodded. “Indeed.”
She grinned, grabbing both their hands. “What are we waiting for? Let’s go.”
Su Wanyuan, startled by the gesture, instinctively tried to pull back but, seeing Luo Jiutian’s compliance, let herself be led.
The trio left the room.
…
On the way.
Su Wan’er skipped ahead.
Behind, Luo Jiutian and Su Wanyuan walked side by side, following her.
Nearby, Su Clan disciples noticed the odd scene, whispering.
“Isn’t that Luo Jiutian? Heading to the main hall?”
“Yeah… who’s that fairy beside him? She looks unfamiliar.”
“Idiot, that’s Miss Wanyuan!”
“What? She hasn’t shown her face in forever. Why’s she with Luo Jiutian?”
“You’re asking me? Who do I ask?”
Their voices hushed, but more eyes turned their way.
Su Wanyuan noticed the attention, her fingers tightening.
Luo Jiutian caught this, his gaze sweeping the crowd. The whispering disciples fell silent, suddenly engrossed in nearby scenery.
Su Wanyuan felt a warmth in her heart, murmuring, “…Thank you.”
He just nodded, saying nothing.
Soon, they reached the main hall.
Great Elder Su Huaizhang was speaking with Second Elder Su Jinghe.
Seeing Luo Jiutian’s group, Su Huaizhang approached, beaming. “Well, if it isn’t young brother Jiutian! What brings you here?”
Su Jinghe eyed him, then smiled. “So this is Young Master Luo. A pleasure.”
Then Su Huaizhang noticed Su Wanyuan, his expression freezing before turning to shock. “Niece Wanyuan, you…”
Before she could explain, Luo Jiutian interjected, “Shall we talk inside?”
Su Huaizhang blinked, then gestured. “This way, please.”
…
The scene shifted to the main hall.
“I see…”
Su Huaizhang, after hearing Luo Jiutian’s explanation, nodded in realization.
Only four sat in the hall: Su Huaizhang, Luo Jiutian, Su Wan’er, and Su Wanyuan.
Second Elder Su Jinghe had excused himself after brief pleasantries, citing urgent business.
Su Huaizhang mused, “Niece Wanyuan’s situation is unique. Her cultivation might affect others…”
“Take a look at this first,” Luo Jiutian said, sliding a palm-sized ornate box across.
Su Huaizhang opened it a crack, spotting a glossy, golden-glowing fruit.
He snapped it shut, his face blooming like a sunflower. “But, well, it’s not a big issue. With Niece Wanyuan’s physique awakened, we must nurture it fully. As Great Elder, I’ll ensure it.”
Luo Jiutian smiled. “Then I’ll thank you in advance, Elder Su.”
“We’re family, no need for formalities,” Su Huaizhang waved off.
His expression grew serious as he looked at Luo Jiutian. “By the way, young brother Jiutian… about the Four Clans’ Discussion in seven days…”
Luo Jiutian caught his meaning, saying earnestly, “Don’t worry. I’ve got no love for Luo Chen. I’ll make sure to settle the score for your son.”
“Great!” Su Huaizhang’s eyes lit up with joy. He stood, bowing. “Thank you!”
Luo Jiutian gave a faint smile, saying nothing more.
Su Huaizhang sat back down, discussing other matters with him.
Su Wan’er, bored, nudged her sister and whispered, “See? Isn’t Nine Heavens Brother amazing?”
Su Wanyuan paused, then nodded, a strange glint in her eyes.
Soon, their talk concluded.
Su Wan’er immediately grabbed Luo Jiutian’s arm, grinning. “Since we’re done, shall we head back?”
“Mm,” he nodded.
Su Wanyuan followed quietly, lips pursed, as if hiding her emotions.