Chapter 192
by post_apiChapter 192: First Meeting
Songshan Yang Family.
Today was Wei Xinqing’s turn to patrol down the mountain.
After inspecting the family soldiers’ posts, she expanded her patrol route further.
Having trained on Song Mountain for over half a year, she’d fully adapted to Yang Family life.
Wei Xinqing expected another routine inspection.
But near Song Mountain’s northeastern area, she suddenly detected fluctuations of spiritual energy approaching rapidly.
“Unfamiliar presence. Not Elder Xie Chuan.”
Confirming it wasn’t from their family, Wei Xinqing instantly grew alert.
Two talismans appeared silently in her palm.
“Someone’s here?”
Yang Lingshu frowned. This area was too close to Song Mountain for unknown cultivators.
Remembering the family unrest mentioned in Yang Lingqing’s written message, he tightened his guard.
Soon both stopped at Song Mountain’s eastern slope, separated by a grove of trees.
“Greetings, Elder. What brings you to Song Mountain?”
Wei Xinqing’s question held formality. The man’s build and complexion differed too much from the portrait of her betrothed to recognize him at this distance.
Yang Lingshu blinked.
Visit his own home?
Realizing she must be a new outsider recruit, he clasped his hands.
“Greetings, Friend. I’m Yang Lingshu of Songshan Yang Family. I left last year to study at Wanhuamen – you wouldn’t have seen me before.”
He threw his “Qing” token toward her.
Wei Xinqing nearly fumbled the token.
After verifying the Master’s seal, her voice wavered.
“You’re… Yang Lingshu?”
“Correct.”
She stared, mind reeling. This man bore little resemblance to the portrait!
Yet as he stepped closer, faint traces of the painted features emerged.
So when the Master advised Yang Lingshu to “improve his physique,” he’d taken it seriously indeed.
Recalling this, Wei Xinqing felt indescribable joy as she gazed at the elegant young man before her.
"Wei Xinqing greets Young Master Lingshu."
"Greetings, Miss Wei Xinqing."
After exchanging pleasantries, the two individuals journeyed back to Song Mountain together.
Along the way, Yang Lingshu asked about Wei Xinqing’s family background and the Yang Family’s affairs during his half-year absence.
Wei Xinqing responded systematically, her answers both proper and succinct, clearly summarizing complex matters with simple phrasing.
"Truly a lady of noble upbringing – her refinement shines through mere casual remarks."
Yang Lingshu silently admired her composure before recounting his own experiences since ascending the mountain.
Wei Xinqing listened attentively, an unconscious smile gracing her features as he spoke.
Being close in age, their conversation gradually dissolved initial formalities and reservations between them.
Stealing a sidelong glance at her companion, Wei Xinqing remarked, "Young Master Lingshu, your current bearing differs greatly from the portrait I previously saw."
Yang Lingshu chuckled awkwardly.
"I was rather wild and undisciplined in my youth. Fortunately, the Master intervened before my carelessness caused real trouble."
Changing the subject, he inquired, "Miss Wei Xinqing, do you know which important guests our family requires me to meet?"
"Important guests?"
Confusion colored Wei Xinqing’s expression.
"Half a year ago, the Master’s written message specifically instructed me to improve my demeanor. I assumed this preparation was for receiving distinguished visitors."
Unaware of Wei Xinqing’s shifting countenance, Yang Lingshu continued speaking.
Suddenly realizing his misunderstanding, Wei Xinqing’s thoughts raced:
"So he remains unaware of our arrangement?"
Seizing the opportunity, she smoothly replied, "Now that you mention it, the Master did discuss this with Wu Tong. But the guest’s identity remains unclear to me."
Yang Lingshu nodded, reasoning that external cultivators like Wei Xinqing wouldn’t be privy to such family matters.
As he pondered, her melodious voice interrupted his thoughts:
"Young Master Lingshu, they say countless beauties dwell in the mountain sects – is this true?"
"Not exactly. While there are senior and junior sisters with striking appearances, true beauties remain rare – both here and at the mountain’s foot."
"Oh~ I see."
Wei Xinqing nodded before adopting a mischievous tone. "Then have you never considered pursuing partnership with any of these lovely sect sisters?"
"Partnership?"
Yang Lingshu blinked in surprise before smiling. "Such thoughts never occurred to me. My focus remains solely on cultivation."
Throughout their exchange, Wei Xinqing carefully studied his every reaction.
Seeing his calm tone and normal expression, Wei Xinqing felt reassured. Her probing stemmed from fearing Yang Lingshu might have already fallen for another woman. If true, even if their marriage proceeded, their future together would’ve been strained. Now certain no one occupied his heart, her worries dissolved.
As they conversed, the two individuals reached the perimeter of the Yang Family’s Forbidden Area. Wei Xinqing produced her token and swiftly executed several incantations, parting the large array to create an entrance. Due to Chen Yang’s forewarning, Yang Lingqing awaited them there.
“Yang Lingshu greets the Master.” Yang Lingshu stepped forward and bowed.
“Good. You’ve grown into a proper gentleman,” Yang Lingqing remarked, exchanging a glance with Wei Xinqing. The softness in Wei Xinqing’s eyes told her all she needed.
“Master, I’ll leave you to speak with Young Master Lingshu,” Wei Xinqing said, withdrawing.
Yang Lingqing led Yang Lingshu to the ancestral hall to pay respects to Chen Yang, then had him greet several mountain cultivators. They returned to the usual meeting room to discuss serious matters.
Yang Lingshu recounted every detail of his past six months.
“As bait, drawing attention was wise. Any suspects?” Yang Lingqing asked.
“Three,” he replied. “Two Inner Door elders approached me at Heavenly Travel Peak using Fangxuan as an excuse. After the competition, an elder from another peak spoke to me privately.”
“Stay vigilant. What of Wanhuamen’s stance on the Eastern Expedition?”
“The first group of disciples and elders has already descended. My senior brother and I join the fourth batch in a year. We’ll depart from here and meet him in Wang Hai City.”
Yang Lingqing pondered—this aligned with the Yang Family’s planned mobilization.
“The dynasty’s powerful forces likely agreed to scout first, then deploy core disciples. Expect spies within Wanhuamen to accompany you eastward.”
“I’ve considered that and will stay cautious,” Yang Lingshu assured.
“Enough of that. Let’s discuss your real business now.”
“My… real business?” Yang Lingshu frowned. Hadn’t they just covered everything important?
“Hmm, how did it feel meeting her?”
“Uh…what do you mean?”
“Miss Wei Xinqing, wasn’t she the one who escorted you back?”
“Miss Wei Xinqing is well-mannered and kind; she’s…”
Yang Lingshu paused mid-sentence as the connection finally clicked in his mind.
“It was her!”
He blurted out excitedly: “Master, when you told me to improve my appearance before returning home – was that all to meet Miss Wei Xinqing?”
“Obviously!”
Yang Lingqing nodded. “I invited her to the mountain half a year earlier. After observing her this whole time, I’ve confirmed she’s suitable.”
“But…”
Yang Lingshu fell silent, suddenly realizing Wei Xinqing’s earlier conversation had been subtle probing. He proceeded to explain his complete misunderstanding of the situation, which made Yang Lingqing struggle to hold back her laughter.
At dusk, Yang Lingshu stood before Wei Xinqing’s courtyard.
She welcomed him into her chambers where they sat facing each other.
“My denseness caused misunderstandings. I hope you won’t hold it against me.”
“Not at all. As cultivators, we should focus on pursuing the Dao. You did nothing wrong.”
Wei Xinqing poured tea as she responded: “I must confess I came earlier with similar intentions – those subtle questions were my own clumsy probing.”
“Naturally.”
Yang Lingshu sipped his tea. “There’s something I need to verify.”
“Please speak freely.”
“The Master mentioned this marriage was arranged through Mayor Gao’s mediation.”
Yang Lingshu’s expression turned serious. “The Yang Family’s strong status versus the Wei Family’s weaker position – regardless of your personal feelings, this clearly benefits your clan’s interests.”
“This arrangement essentially uses you as bargaining chip.”
“While I’d normally accept family decisions without question, this concerns our entire futures. I must know your true feelings.”
Meeting her gaze directly, he added: “If you’re being forced to Song Mountain against your will for family gain, tell me now. I’ll find a way to discuss this with the Master.”
Wei Xinqing’s hands trembled slightly around her teacup, touched by his consideration. Given their families’ status difference, he had no obligation to show such concern.
Clan cultivators were expected to prioritize family interests – this was fundamental for privileged heirs. Yet Yang Lingshu prioritized her personal wishes above political convenience.
After sipping her tea, Wei Xinqing finally responded.
“I did feel resentful initially when hearing about the arrangement.”
Her eyes locked with his. “But these six months at Song Mountain changed everything. Your family’s kindness, especially the Master’s care, dissolved most reservations.”
“And after meeting you today…”
Two pink blooms appeared on her cheeks as she averted her gaze shyly. “…the last traces of reluctance vanished completely.”
Yang Lingshu stared blankly before breaking into a grin, draining his cup.
“Good tea.”
“There’s more in the pot. Another cup?”
“Let’s enjoy more then.”
“Of course.”
The room settled into comfortable silence – one drinking, one pouring – unaware of the grinning stone observing them nearby.
“Perfect match! Heaven’s chosen pair!”
Chen Yang praised, producing his final spirit pearl.
“This’ll be useful when you have children in few years!”
His previous attempt to gift Yang Yuanliu a spirit pearl failed due to inadequate talent. But Yang Lingshu and Wei Xinqing’s future offspring would surely inherit exceptional qualities, much like Yang Yuanhong.