Outside the secluded room, Feng Ruilan and others waited in silence. However, Han Li's gaze never strayed from Jiang Mu. His heart was completely set—he had to win her over.
Yes, her. Despite all signs to the contrary, Han Li remained convinced that Jiang Mu was a stunning woman in disguise. That belief had only been reinforced when Lady Qinru affectionately called Jiang Mu "my little cutie."
To Han Li, this wasn't just infatuation—it was fate.
Jiang Mu was close to Lady Qinru, the one he had dreamed of becoming a disciple under for years. That dream had just been shattered by this mysterious junior. But perhaps… if he could win her heart, perhaps he could still draw close to Lady Qinru. Maybe even learn from her through Jiang Mu, or better yet, Jiang Mu's master—another acquaintance of the Lady.
He took a deep breath, steeled his heart, and approached.
"Fellow Daoist," Han Li said politely, "may I have a moment of your time?"
"Oh. Very well." Jiang Mu glanced at him indifferently, assuming it to be a simple conversation and agreed to his request.
The two stepped away, leaving Feng Ruilan behind. Though they didn't walk far, the distance was just enough to escape the hearing range of those below the Nascent Soul Realm—unless someone employed a special eavesdropping technique.
Jiang Mu halted. "Fellow Daoist, what is it you wish to discuss in private?"
Han Li turned toward him, his gaze softening. The longer he looked, the more captivated he became. Alone with the one he had convinced himself was his future Dao partner, his heart pounded in anticipation.
This is it… he thought. The perfect moment.
Han Li had many admirers. Even a few inner sect elders had hinted at becoming cultivation partners with him. He knew his charm—his looks, his demeanor—and he believed that with just a dash of heartfelt acting and emotion, Jiang Mu would fall head over heels for him.
With that confidence, he suddenly stepped forward and grasped both of Jiang Mu's hands.
His voice gentle and brimming with affection, he asked, "Fellow Daoist… do you believe in love at first sight?"
Jiang Mu's eyes widened, stunned by the sudden gesture. But as those words rang in his ears, his thoughts briefly drifted to Miss Ying—the time they had spent together on the flying boat, the fleeting moments of warmth…
But then, suspicion struck him like lightning.
Wait… is this bastard also in love with Miss Ying?! No—NO! I won't let him take her away. She's mine. I've planned everything—this dog dares try to steal the fish I've been trying to hook?
With a cold expression, Jiang Mu abruptly pulled his hands back and stepped away.
"Fellow Daoist," he said flatly, "what exactly do you mean by such words?"
To Han Li, this response was merely shy resistance—the same kind he'd seen countless times before. Emboldened, he stepped in again, this time wrapping an arm around Jiang Mu's waist.
His eyes burned with desire, and his voice lowered into a passionate murmur. "Fellow Daoist… I'm in love with you. I wish to marry you."
SLAP!
The sound echoed through the air like a thunderclap. Han Li staggered slightly, the left side of his face turning a vivid red.
Startled by the noise, Feng Ruilan glanced in their direction. Seeing the two standing motionless, she dismissed the sound as imagination.
Perhaps I misheard...
From within the room, footsteps echoed. Master is coming, she thought, stepping back to the side.
Meanwhile, Han Li stood frozen in disbelief, hand slowly rising to touch his stinging cheek.
Why didn't it work? he wondered. Did I move too fast? No… it's impossible. She's the one. I just need to try harder. I can coax her.
He stepped forward again. "Fellow Daoist—"
SLAP!
This time, blood appeared at the corner of his lips. His vision blurred momentarily. His pride, confidence, and face were now in shambles.
Still, he reached out once more—grabbing Jiang Mu's wrist.
"Is this truly necessary?!" he snapped. "Can't a man confess his feelings without being attacked?! If you don't agree, just say so!"
Jiang Mu's expression darkened. He yanked his hand away and growled, "You bastard."
"You think this is funny? Treating someone like a woman just because of their face?! Did you even bother to ask who I am? Whether I'm even a man or woman?! You just saw a pretty face and fell in love like some mortal fool!"
His aura surged, killing intent rising. "Do you think this is some street-side romance drama?! You picked the wrong person!"
He drew his sword. "Now I'm going to kill you!"
Han Li instinctively backed away, unsheathing his own sword with trembling hands. His grip was clumsy, like a rookie—embarrassed and shaken.
Just then—
"Master Jiang! No! Please stop!"
A panicked voice echoed from the courtyard. Chu Ying came running, eyes wide in horror. "Master Jiang, stop right there!"
But Jiang Mu's sword had already risen.
"Please!" Chu Ying shouted again, desperation clear in her voice. "Lady Qinru is coming! Please don't act rashly—not here, not now!"
At that name—Lady Qinru—Jiang Mu paused.
His chest still heaved with anger, but his hand slowly lowered.
And then another voice drifted gently through the air, melodic and teasing, like spring wind brushing past silk curtains.
"Little cutie," Lady Qinru's voice rang out softly, "since when did you become so fierce?"