133: Moonlight as witness, a meeting of minds

The shadow of the Ancestral Worship Ceremony hung like a sword over their heads, filling every inch of Ziyun Valley with tension. In these final moments of preparation, hidden emotions and resolute wills often broke through old shackles.

That night, the moonlight was exceptionally bright, its clear radiance flowing into the valley like water, reflecting on the Jade Pond like a jade plate.

Lin Xuan practiced the Primal Beginning Sword Scripture by the pond. Although the sin-severing sword in his hand appeared ancient, it stirred the surrounding Spiritual Qi, subtly evoking the power of wind and thunder. He focused intently, casting aside all distractions, striving to adjust his state to its Peak before the ceremony.

Unbeknownst to him, a cold, elegant figure quietly appeared not far away. Su Wanqing did not disturb him; she simply stood still, the moonlight outlining her perfect profile. Her icy gaze rested on Lin Xuan, no longer purely cold, but swirling with complex, ineffable emotions—concern, determination, reliance, and a trace of long-buried affection that was now difficult to suppress.

First, there was the sentiment of gifting the sword, then the self-sacrificing protection in the Nether Abyss, the spiritual communion during healing in the quiet room, the life-and-death reliance and intimate contact in the Secret Realm... Bit by bit, these moments had already converged into a surging undercurrent beneath her frozen heart. With a great battle imminent and life and death uncertain, she was unwilling and did not want to leave any regrets.

Lin Xuan stood still after sheathing his sword, his breath long and steady. He turned and met Su Wanqing's eyes, which were exceptionally bright in the moonlight. He paused slightly, discerning from her gaze that fervent, almost desperate emotion that transcended mere camaraderie.

"Wanqing?" he called softly.

Su Wanqing did not respond, but gracefully moved her lotus-like steps, walking towards him. They stood mere inches apart; she could smell the scent of sweat and masculine vigor on him, and he could feel the cold moonlight surrounding her and the slightly turbulent Spiritual Qi fluctuations around her.

"Lin Xuan." She finally spoke, her voice lower than usual, with a barely perceptible tremor, yet exceptionally firm. "This battle is perilous, and the road ahead is uncertain."

Lin Xuan looked at her, understanding, and nodded solemnly: "I know."

"You must know my feelings." Su Wanqing's icy gaze met his directly, no longer any pretense. The layer of cold disguise completely melted under the moonlight, revealing the softest and most fervent truth within. "Since frost silence recognized you as its master, and my life is intertwined with it... this body, this heart, has long since..."

Her words were unfinished, but the unwavering devotion she entrusted was fully revealed.

Lin Xuan's heart trembled. Looking at the Fairy before him, who was usually as cold as frost in public but now revealed her truest emotions without reservation, an indescribable sense of tenderness and responsibility surged within him. He reached out and gently clasped her cool, soft hand.

"I feel the same way." His voice was low, yet contained the unyielding firmness of a bedrock. "In this battle, we advance and retreat together. And so it shall be in the future."

The warmth and strength transmitted from his fingertips made Su Wanqing's last trace of reserve dissipate. She interlaced her fingers with his, her icy eyes shimmering with moisture, and leaned forward slightly, resting her forehead against his chest.

No more words were needed; their hearts and minds had blended and communicated under the moonlight.

Lin Xuan embraced her slender and resilient waist, feeling her body tremble slightly. He lowered his head and kissed the fragrant top of her head. Then, his warm lips moved slowly along her smooth forehead, finally, gently yet firmly, covering her slightly cool, soft cherry lips.

Su Wanqing's delicate body stiffened, then completely softened in his embrace, responding awkwardly and clumsily. This was a kiss different from their accidental contact in the Secret Realm, carrying clear affection and surrender, lingering and deep.

The moonlight seemed to grow brighter, gently enveloping the embracing pair. The pond water rippled without wind, as if echoing this intimacy that transcended boundaries.

[Ding! Your bond with target Su Wanqing has increased to 'Spiritual Connection'! Triggering deep resonance!]

[Detecting deep spiritual blending (euphemism) between Host and target Su Wanqing. A benevolent cycle has been generated between both parties' Grand Yin Origin and Blazing Yang (Lin Xuan's Golden Body Qi and Blood and insights from the Blazing Yang Chapter) Origins!]

[Su Wanqing receives feedback: Taiyin Origin further purified, cultivation steadily improved, control over frost silence sword greatly enhanced!]

[Lin Xuan receives feedback: Grand Yin Law comprehension greatly deepened, Nine Revolutions Golden Body Art Bottleneck loosened, Qi and Blood more refined! Gained special status 'Moonlight Baptism' (all attributes slightly increased)!]

The System's prompt sounded in Lin Xuan's mind, confirming the immense benefits brought by this extraordinary intimacy. But this was not a deliberate "investment," but rather a natural resonance of spirit and desire, occurring when emotions were at their Peak.

After an unknown amount of time, their lips parted.

Su Wanqing's cheeks were flushed, her eyes hazy, and she leaned against Lin Xuan's embrace, slightly panting. There was no trace of her usual coldness. She felt the surging, purer, and stronger Taiyin Power within her, and the unbreakable intimate connection with Lin Xuan in her Divine Soul, her heart filled with immense happiness and fulfillment.

"No more regrets..." she whispered, burying her face deeply in his neck.

Lin Xuan held her tightly, feeling the gentle submission and reliance of the jade-like woman in his arms, his heart swelling with heroic spirit. With such a beautiful confidante, what more could he ask for?

"Wait for me to come back." He solemnly promised in her ear.

"Mm."