Chapter 169
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Chapter 169: She Likes You
In the Earth Emperor Realm, at the third level of cultivation, faced with the Trial of the Heart and the inner demons, Ming He reflected on the connections, calming her mind as she stepped outside the barrier. She met Qin Chu Yi’s dark, complex, and deep gaze, which seemed to hide many secrets.
She slightly lowered her eyes and noticed the dark blood stains on Qin Chu Yi’s red attire from such a close distance.
The woman’s gaze was filled with concern, but the dried blood at the corners of her lips starkly contrasted with her pale complexion, creating a chilling sight.
On the battlefield, amid bloody battles, surging spiritual energy, and the encirclement of the alien army, her Senior Sister’s injuries were not as light as they seemed.
At this moment, she could sense the aura within Qin Chu Yi, wavering and stagnating, like a chaotic current.
The inheritance from the Ancient Emperor’s Tomb was significant, and her Senior Sister had rushed out to save her.
Feeling this, Ming He’s gaze softened, and her previously sharp aura transformed into gentle warmth. Her voice was soft and light, “Senior Sister, I’m back.”
She was replying to her promise made before stepping into the barrier.
She had successfully rescued Feng Xin and Nineteen, and she was still alive.
“Hmm.” Qin Chu Yi lowered her head, hiding her turbulent emotions. Faced with this gentle and careful Ming He, she momentarily didn’t know what to say, simply letting out a faint sound in response.
Ming He paused her thoughts, fell silent for a moment, and suddenly bent down to embrace Qin Chu Yi. The warmth and softness enveloped her, filled with a fragrant scent, a blend of sandalwood and an icy aroma that filled her nostrils—she had longed for this presence, reminiscent of her thoughts during the black fog before the bloody battle.
With the gentle sunlight and a slight breeze around them, neither felt as soothing as the security and stability of holding Qin Chu Yi at this moment.
Ming He looked down at Qin Chu Yi’s surprised yet joyous gaze, unable to resist the smile that crept onto her lips, letting out a satisfied sigh from her heart.
She lifted her eyes to observe the surrounding scenery, contemplated for a moment, and with Qin Chu Yi still in her embrace, stepped across the barrier, walking up the steps to the ancient pavilion. She stopped near the shadows cast by the towering black stone pillars, then lifted her robe and sat down.
This place lay at the boundary where sunlight and mist intertwined. The black stone pillars reached high into the sky, emanating a chilling aura steeped in the aftermath of bloody slaughter, a place usually avoided by injured human cultivators, thus serving as a hidden retreat.
Looking to her right, she could see the sunlight casting bright, fragmented shimmering light on the dark ground. To her left, the black mist swirled violently amid the roaring wind, changing like weather.
A woman in blue clothes embraced the one in blood-red attire; the tender exchange of their gazes was touching, situated at the intersection of mist and sunlight, with light at their backs and darkness facing them.
Ming He did not release Qin Chu Yi; as the blue clothing touched the ground, it became stained with blood and dirt, yet she paid no mind. She merely held Qin Chu Yi gently, her eyes warm and smiling, while her right hand glimmered as she revealed a pristine handkerchief.
Qin Chu Yi leaned against her, feet not touching the ground, her black hair gently swaying, her crystalline eyes, like obsidian, seriously watched Ming He, filled with glittering starlight, a bright blaze as if holding the sun, wondering what Ming He intended to do.
In the next moment, the woman widened her eyes, a hint of shyness and confusion crossing her face.
This was because Ming He, with her slender fingers, held the handkerchief, slightly bending down to raise Qin Chu Yi’s blood-stained feet, coaxing the distant mist into droplets of water that dampened the cloth, then draped it over her ankles.
The cool, moist sensation spread throughout Qin Chu Yi’s body in an instant. She blinked, curled up instinctively, and made a motion of resistance, only to be held down by Ming He’s other free hand. The chill of the sword cultivator enveloped her, creating a surreal feeling, as if she were amidst the clouds and mist.
Ming He wiped carefully; from Qin Chu Yi’s perspective, she could only see Ming He’s slightly trembling eyelashes and the elegant outline of her face, treating her feet as if they were a treasured artifact of immense value.
It was like a sword cultivator tending to her most beloved life’s flying sword.
Yet, these were merely her feet.
Thinking of this, Qin Chu Yi’s anxiety deepened, her emotions mixed with happiness and an inescapable shyness. At this moment, her expression was clear and pure, revealing unabashed feelings. What darkness and complexity could remain?
All of her emotions were tied to Ming He alone; her fears and worries came because of her, while her joy and satisfaction also stemmed from her, even the heaviness and obscurity arose from her.
The images of the Trial of the Heart still vividly lingered in her mind, but looking at Ming He before her, she no longer felt any obstacles.
Ming He needed to do nothing at all; just being by her side was enough to bring her peace, satisfaction, and joy.
Qin Chu Yi looked up. Under the sunlight, Ming He’s shadow lay diagonally on the ground, followed closely by the silhouette of the woman in her arms, nestled in the warm embrace of the sword cultivator. Their posture was intimate, wrapped in a deep affection that soaked into the ancient flagstone beneath them.
And that shadow belonged solely to Qin Chu Yi.
As this thought crossed her mind, a deeper smile graced Qin Chu Yi’s lips. Her gaze lingered on the intertwined shadows, her eyes soft and filled with warmth, as if she could never tire of watching them, as if she could gaze upon them for eternity.
She wasn’t sure how much time had passed when a burning gaze settled on her face. Startled, Qin Chu Yi looked up and met Ming He’s smiling eyes. Ming He gently parted her lips, her voice carrying a hint of laughter, “What is Senior Sister looking at?”
Qin Chu Yi was momentarily stunned, only then noticing that Ming He had already cleaned her feet and dressed her in a pair of sky-blue cloud-walking boots. The once pristine handkerchief, as bright as moonlight, was now stained with blood, yet Ming He had carefully stored it in her storage ring.
Qin Chu Yi looked down at Ming He, her eyes shimmering with starlight and laughter, creating a celestial aura around them. The heat of their shared breaths was palpable; if it dipped any lower, Ming He could easily kiss her lips.
Qin Chu Yi’s body stiffened for a moment. Instinctively, she lowered her head to avoid Ming He’s breath, only then recalling that Ming He had asked her a question.
What was Senior Sister looking at?
She had been looking at—
Qin Chu Yi turned her head slightly and caught Ming He’s gaze flickering toward the two shadows on the flagstone, a teasing glint in her eyes as a soft, quiet laugh escaped her lips.
She clearly knew, yet she still asked?
A flicker of irritation stirred within Qin Chu Yi, perhaps masking her shyness. She shot Ming He a glance, choosing silence, unaware that her striking red attire, combined with her bashful and timid gaze, exuded an unconscious allure that struck deep into Ming He’s heart.
Ming He chuckled softly, her now-clean hand gently taking hold of Qin Chu Yi’s right hand. Closing her eyes, she activated the Star Lock. Spiritual energy surged around her, weaving the Star Power through the turbulent currents within Qin Chu Yi, like a gentle breeze caressing rippling waves, like the bright moon casting its glow over a cold night.
Qin Chu Yi frowned, about to speak, but Ming He interrupted her.
Opening her eyes, Ming He looked at Qin Chu Yi with a serious yet tender expression, “My injuries are severe, and I won’t recover anytime soon. So, I must help Senior Sister heal first.”
Given Qin Chu Yi’s injuries and the innate pressure of the battlefield of the heavens on human race cultivators, even with the Ancient Formation of Heaven enveloping them, it would take considerable time to return to peak condition. In the meantime, Qin Chu Yi would endure the torment of her injuries repeatedly.
Ming He couldn’t bear to see that, so she chose to expend some of her Star Power to help Qin Chu Yi’s spiritual energy flow smoothly once more.
Besides, she had already saved Feng Xin and Nineteen; there was no reason to neglect her own Senior Sister.
Saving one or two was saving; saving a third made no difference.
Ming He met Qin Chu Yi’s disapproving gaze with a radiant smile, “The battlefield of the heavens is perilous. While I recover, I’ll need Senior Sister to protect me closely.”
Qin Chu Yi remained silent. She knew the situation wasn’t as simple as Ming He made it seem.
The Star Lock was indeed an ancient spiritual artifact, but Ming He had overexerted herself in the recent battle, her injuries penetrating deep into her bones. In such a state, it was best to minimize the use of spiritual energy to aid her recovery.
Yet, only Ming He could assist Feng Xin and Nineteen.
Their lives and deaths were tied to the fate of the human race, and Ming He’s life and death held the hope of their people. But they had no choice, so Qin Chu Yi could only watch from outside the barrier as Ming He teetered on the edge of life and death.
Though Qin Chu Yi’s injuries were serious, they weren’t life-threatening; at worst, they would hinder her path of cultivation.
She had already reached the Earth Emperor Realm and bore the inheritance of the Ancient Emperor’s Tomb; at most, she would lose hope for the Great Emperor realm.
Qin Chu Yi didn’t dwell on this; it wasn’t that she didn’t care, but compared to other things, it wasn’t worth her concern.
The battlefield was treacherous, with life and death hanging by a thread. For her and Ming He to be alive was what mattered most.
But Ming He cared, and she cared deeply.
She cared about her path of cultivation, about the pride and dignity of the Ancient Clan’s Young Master.
With the Star Lock recognizing her as its master, no matter how severe her injuries, they couldn’t harm her foundation.
She was enduring the pain with her own body for Qin Chu Yi.
Lowering her head, Qin Chu Yi felt a wave of emotions wash over her, a blend of bitterness and sweetness, and a profound affection she could neither suppress nor conceal.
She lifted her gaze to meet Ming He’s eyes, her lips curving into a radiant smile, brighter than the sun breaking through the clouds: "Alright, Ming Xiao He, I will protect you well."
I will guard you with my life.
Qin Chu Yi spoke with solemnity, her expression grave.
Ming He smiled softly, sensing the stabilization of Qin Chu Yi’s injuries as the Star Lock ceased its tremors. Her eyes, filled with tenderness and a hint of hesitation, betrayed her curiosity as she cautiously inquired, "Senior Sister, what did you see during your Trial of the Heart when you broke through to the Earth Emperor Realm?"
She watched Qin Chu Yi anxiously.
Qin Chu Yi lowered her eyes, emotions swirling within, and after a long silence, she murmured, "She likes you."
Her tone carried a weight of melancholy.
Ming He’s heart skipped a beat.
Though Qin Chu Yi didn’t name the "she," Ming He instantly understood.
Yet, she couldn’t fathom why Feng Xin would develop feelings for her.
Their first encounter had been purely transactional—a matter of mutual benefit, devoid of genuine emotion.
Their second meeting had been even less cordial.
She had even deceived Feng Xin by breaking the Blood Oath, a significant betrayal.
How could Feng Xin possibly harbor affection for her after such an act?
Wasn’t that rather naive?
As Ming He pondered this, her thoughts drifted, faintly recalling how Qin Chu Yi had inexplicably taken a liking to her in the past.
It seemed as though she had done nothing, yet Qin Chu Yi had simply fallen for her.
Ming He’s thoughts were mirrored in her expression.
Noticing this, Qin Chu Yi couldn’t help but smile, the gloom in her heart dissipating as she twirled a strand of Ming He’s dark hair, shifting into a more comfortable position. She spoke softly, "You don’t even realize how remarkable you are."
With a sidelong glance at Ming He, who frowned in deep thought, Qin Chu Yi sighed inwardly. Ming He truly was extraordinary!
Her mind was clear, her sincerity genuine, and her talent remarkable—especially when wielding a sword, her presence as a sword cultivator was striking, as if she radiated light.
Having endured such darkness, she still maintained a pure heart, never yielding, filled with radiant optimism. How could anyone fail to like her?
Thus, Qin Chu Yi wasn’t surprised in the least that Feng Xin had feelings for Ming He; in fact, she was quite confident in the Phoenix Clan’s judgment.
The Ancient Fiends, after all, weren’t all foolish!
“Although she has lived for thousands of years, she has mostly stayed in Wutong Heaven, rarely stepping into the realms of the human race, and being sealed in the ice coffin for many years means her true age is only a few hundred years.”
“You saved her and became the master of the Star Lock; from the very beginning, your significance to her was different. Moreover, you later played a trick on her, showing her what it means for society to decline and the human heart to be treacherous—”
Qin Chu Yi’s smile widened as she spoke, as she truly hadn’t expected the Blood Oath to have such an explanation.
“When you encountered her on the battlefield of the heavens later, those complex emotions in her heart intertwined, and her feelings transformed.”
Having witnessed the fierce and relentless fighting spirit of human race cultivators, certain deeply ingrained thoughts unconsciously changed; while the Ancient Clan shrank back, enjoying the blessings of the heavens, Ming He took up the mantle of young leader to lead the human race in resistance. How could her impression of Ming He not be profound?
Furthermore, Ming He had risked her life to save Feng Xin, not merely because she was the Phoenix Lord, but because they both understood that it was crucial since the Phoenix Clan had joined the battlefield of the heavens.
They stood side by side with the human race, and as the young leader, Ming He had the responsibility to save her.
That was the duty and commitment of a young leader.
Feng Xin, also a clan leader, must have understood the implication of this—that the once hidden and restrained young sword cultivator from Donghua Realm had truly grown to the point of supporting her whole clan.
Such a remarkably talented and radiant person ought to hold a place in everyone’s heart!
“Actually, during my Trial of the Heart, I saw a scene with you and Feng Xin.” Suddenly, Qin Chu Yi spoke softly, her words carrying complex meaning.
"I saw that I never went to Liu Yun Sect, and never met you. In those scenes, I merely existed as the young master of the Ancient Clan in the words of cultivators.”
“And the person you liked was Feng Xin.”
Without her, Ming He still went to Donghua Realm; she became the master of the Star Lock and rescued Feng Xin, who had been sealed in the ice coffin.
Then she was forcibly taken back to Wutong Heaven by Feng Xin.
The day they met was at the wedding ceremony of the Phoenix Clan’s lord.
She was the young master of the Qin Clan.
And Ming He was on the verge of becoming the Phoenix Lord of Wutong Heaven.
Their intersection was limited to nodding at each other, polite yet distant.
She witnessed Ming He embrace Feng Xin with a gentle smile, their actions intimate.
In those scenes, she remained calm and collected.
But outside the scene, she clenched her fists tightly.
This was her first Trial of the Heart.
Even knowing those images were merely fabrications of the heavens, designed to disturb her mind, it couldn’t suppress the anxiety that stirred deep within her.
She had never considered what would happen if Ming He didn’t like her.
As Qin Chu Yi thought of those scenarios from her Trial of the Heart, she tightened her fists and took a deeper breath.
Then Ming He gently pried her fingers apart and straightened them. She took Qin Chu Yi’s hand with her right hand, holding her shoulder earnestly, “Senior Sister, you need to know—”
“Before I even understood what liking someone meant, you were already living in my heart.”
Feelings emerged without knowing the cause and deepened passionately.
That, perhaps, was how Qin Chu Yi felt towards her.
