The moment that voice rang out, Mo Yan's body stiffened so violently, it was visible to the naked eye. His back locked up, and the bitter expression on his face froze instantly, a flicker of disbelief and deep frustration flashing in his eyes.
She's here? And right at this moment!
Master just returned, and he was reporting that utterly awkward matter… Could Elder Chou have timed her visit on purpose? This is too coincidental!
He instinctively glanced at Xie Zhaolin, his eyes filled with a mix of questioning and nervousness. After all, the figure outside the door was the very topic of their previous discussion—Elder Chou herself!
Xie Zhaolin blinked slightly, then a knowing and playful gleam appeared in her eyes.
Speak of the devil, and here she is.
She swept her gaze over Mo Yan, who looked like he was facing a mortal enemy, wishing he could disappear into the ground, and her lips twitched just slightly. To make a demon show this expression, Elder Chou really must be "powerful."
But she was here officially to see Elder Mo, though her true intentions were probably not so simple—likely testing the newest, naive Martial Nephew who had just returned.
In a flash of thought, Xie Zhaolin made her decision. She gave Mo Yan a subtle nod, sending a silent "follow the plan and adapt" message, mouthing a single word: Stay calm.
Then she cleared her throat, raising her voice slightly with just the right blend of surprise and respect:
"Is Martial Uncle Chou outside? Disciple Xie Zhaolin has just returned and did not expect your visit. Please forgive my lack of proper welcome!" She cast Mo Yan a glance, signaling him to open the door.
Mo Yan took a deep breath, forcing down the stampede of panic in his chest, plastering a stiff but acceptable smile on his face, and hurried to the courtyard gate to lift the latch.
The door creaked open.
The moment Elder Chou saw Mo Yan standing there, the calm in her eyes suddenly ignited with an intense, subtle heat. A fleeting, barely contained glimmer of desire and ownership shot across her gaze, scanning him in a way that left nothing to conceal.
Though it lasted only a heartbeat before her expression returned to its gentle demeanor, neither Xie Zhaolin nor Mo Yan could miss it.
Mo Yan felt every hair on his body stand on end, a chill running down his spine. He forced himself to step aside, bowing slightly, voice tight with tension:
"Elder Chou… please."
Elder Chou inclined her head subtly, finally diverting her gaze from Mo Yan to Xie Zhaolin, a faint, seemingly warm smile gracing her lips.
"Martial Nephew Xie, there's no need for formalities. I heard you returned today after completing your mission, so I came to see you. You must have gained a lot from this excursion, yes?" Her tone was calm, like a caring senior checking in on a younger disciple.
But Xie Zhaolin keenly sensed that, beneath the surface, a subtle probing of her cultivation and status had flashed through Elder Chou's divine sense. She inwardly smirked, keeping her expression neutral and respectful, suppressing her own cultivation to the ninth level of the Qi Refining stage, keeping her aura smooth and flawless.
"Thank you for your concern, Elder. The mission had a few twists, but I've completed it without failing the sect. As for what I gained… it's nothing major, just some insights and experience," she replied, leaving no gaps in her words.
Elder Chou's gaze lingered on her for a moment, as if trying to read something from her, then she merely smiled: "Good. It's always beneficial for young disciples to gain experience through ventures."
Her eyes flicked almost casually toward Mo Yan, who was trying to make himself as inconspicuous as possible.
Just as Xie Zhaolin thought she would continue inspecting him, Elder Chou let out a soft laugh and returned her attention to Xie Zhaolin. She stepped closer with no warning, moving like a lotus gliding across water.
A faint, strangely alluring fragrance wafted toward Xie Zhaolin.
Her heart gave a slight jolt, but her face remained respectfully neutral with just a touch of confusion.
Elder Chou's delicate fingers lifted Xie Zhaolin's chin, a movement that seemed gentle but carried undeniable force. So close, the cold clarity in her eyes now shimmered with laughter and a watery glint, as if she could draw the soul from a person.
Her breath carried a soft, languid, seductive lilt.
"Martial Nephew Xie… look at you, returning from your trip, and yet you've grown even more radiant." Then her words took a shocking turn: "Tell me… how would you feel if I became your Master's wife?"
The entire room seemed to freeze.
Xie Zhaolin: "…"
Even with her experience across two lifetimes, and a self-perception of unshakable composure, her mind went blank for a moment.
What… what is this?
Even if Elder Chou had thoughts toward her nominal Master, was this something she should say to his disciple?
Is this appropriate?
And so close… Xie Zhaolin keenly felt the subtle, seductive energy emanating from Elder Chou.
This was far beyond ordinary cultivation techniques.
In an instant, she suppressed the storm of shock and instinctive alertness, a delicate blush rising to her cheeks. She averted her eyes, stammering in a tone of flustered awe:
"Elder… Elder Chou! You… you mustn't joke with me! This… this is far too serious for a disciple to… to comment on! It's improper, and Master… he surely has his own judgment…" She tried to lean back slightly, dodging the lifted fingers.
Elder Chou, instead of being offended, laughed with delight, lightly tracing her fingers along Xie Zhaolin's chin before releasing her, her tone teasing, even… regretful?
"Rules? Haha…" she chuckled, eyes deepening with subtle mischief, "Rules are rigid, but people are living."
"Look at you, already shy." She sighed, partly genuine, partly playful: "Your Master… such a dull, unromantic fool! He can't appreciate my intentions at all! Truly boring!"
Her gaze roamed over Xie Zhaolin's flushed cheeks and slightly panicked eyes, then she stepped even closer, lowering her voice into a soft, tempting murmur:
"If he really doesn't understand… that's fine. Rather than wait for him… why not… you become my close companion? I'll treat you well… far better than sticking with your wooden Master could ever promise."