Xuan Cheng did not mention the person's name, but it made both of them understand who he was referring to.
Xuan Cheng dared not utter that name. To even speak it was a great taboo for the Qingyun Sect, and also... Xi Yu's sensitive spot.
Xuan Cheng had no right not to doubt. Was it because Rong Hua resembled that person that Shen Yue took him as a disciple? But Shen Yue had an eye ailment and could not see clearly. How could she possibly discern that Rong Hua bore a four-tenths resemblance to that person?
Shen Yue merely said, "Perhaps it is just a coincidence."
Xuan Cheng did not believe a single word of such a flimsy lie. There were no such coincidences in this world; it felt more like a prearranged affair.
If Shen Yue did not wish to speak, Xuan Cheng could not pry the truth out of her even with eight hundred mouths.
Thus, he stopped at the hint and did not press further, contemplating when he could get Shen Yue thoroughly drunk and extract everything then.
Thinking thus, Xuan Cheng's stomach rumbled again with mischief, and his gaze towards Shen Yue grew more fervent. It was evident he was plotting something.
Accustomed to such looks, the cool, dignified immortal, blindfolded with white cloth, held a teacup with fingers as exquisite and perfect as a jade carving. Her white robes were like snow, her three thousand raven tresses as dark as ink. The soft light illuminated her as if she emanated jade radiance, her brows and eyes serene and aloof, her jade-like bones and posture resembling an immortal detached from the world.
Shen Yue asked indirectly, "Then did you see the young lady beside Rong Hua?"
Xuan Cheng had not paid attention at the time. All his focus had been on Rong Hua's face, leaving no room to mind anyone else.
Shen Yue eagerly awaited, hearing Xuan Cheng's faint reply, "I saw her."
Shen Yue was overjoyed. She knew that the male and female leads felt an instant mutual affection upon meeting, almost like love at first sight.
Though her heart was filled with excitement, Shen Yue maintained her aloof demeanor, asking casually, "What do you think of that young lady?"
Xuan Cheng, who had been leisurely fanning himself with half-closed eyes, widened them upon hearing Shen Yue's question. He put away his fan, leaned forward, and looked at Shen Yue with an unreadable expression.
"Why do you ask? Could it be that you..."
Xuan Cheng had intended to tease if Shen Yue's heart had finally thawed, but the thought of Shen Yue and that young lady together felt strange. He couldn't pinpoint why, but it made him uncomfortable. He did not believe any woman could be worthy of his senior brother.
Moreover, Xi Yu's personality was always rigid and conservative; beyond cultivation, his mind was devoid of other thoughts, as if love and desire had been severed.
He was still a simpleton, not even realizing how obvious Xin Xi had been...
Why was he suddenly so attentive to such an ordinary woman?
Musing thus, the smile on Xuan Cheng's face faded. He felt Xi Yu was too naive in matters of the heart and feared he might be deceived by someone.
He quickly became serious. "Senior Brother, that young lady possesses no spiritual energy whatsoever, and her appearance is plain. She looks frail and helpless, truly ordinary. She is not at all to my liking."
This was all fabricated by Xuan Cheng. He had not even glanced at the young lady, only knowing she wasn't particularly striking.
At such a time, how could such a person be worthy of his senior brother?
Shen Yue was stunned upon hearing this. She felt uncertain. If Xuan Cheng had no interest in Yin Jing, why was he paying such close attention, even remembering her features so clearly? But if Xuan Cheng did have an interest in Yin Jing, it still didn't quite add up. His tone was too dismissive, even using the word "ordinary," which hardly sounded like a description of a beloved.
This made Shen Yue fall silent, but she soon reassured herself. As long as Xuan Cheng had noticed Yin Jing, that was enough; there was plenty of time ahead.
She took a sip of tea, the slightly bitter taste causing Shen Yue not to even wrinkle her brows.
"However, Rong Hua seems quite fond of her."
Shen Yue said this with ulterior motives, wanting the male lead to realize that the female lead was not lacking in male attention and to create a sense of urgency for him. Though this male lead... was not very proactive now, it didn't matter; he would eventually come around.
Xuan Cheng breathed a heavy sigh of relief, having been terrified that Shen Yue might be interested in that woman herself.
His once-straightened back sagged again, and he returned to his previous lazy posture, a smile reappearing on his face. He chuckled, "Your disciple has grown up and opened his heart. Isn't that a good thing? What? Are you going to break them up?"
Shen Yue put a hand to her forehead. "That is not my intention, it's just..."
Xuan Cheng was not very interested in others' affairs but followed her words, "It's just what?"
Shen Yue sighed, "I'm just afraid Rong Hua will be deceived."
Xuan Cheng blinked. For some reason, he felt Shen Yue exuded a profound affection, like a doting father...
With that thought, Xuan Cheng let out an unseemly laugh, tears almost streaming from his eyes.
Shen Yue was puzzled. She didn't understand what was so funny and furrowed her brow, asking, "What are you laughing at?"
Xuan Cheng was doubled over with laughter, his voice still thick with mirth. "You're afraid he'll be deceived? Senior Brother, don't be ridiculous. Do you think everyone is as naive as you?"
The word "naive" felt peculiar when applied to Xi Yu. After all, how could someone who had lived for so long still be naive?
Yet, that was the reality. Shen Yue was extremely slow when it came to matters of love, as unfeeling as a stone that wouldn't bud. If not for her considerable strength, she would likely have been utterly ruined by now.
What was more, she had no self-awareness, truly foolish and adorable.
Seeing the frost about to form on Shen Yue's brow, Xuan Cheng somewhat reined in his laughter. He wiped the tears from his eyes, "Senior Brother, rest assured, your disciple is sharp. No one would dare deceive your disciple."
The white-robed immortal's expression softened slightly. "I only wish for him to be happy. If he truly likes her, I will not object."
Shen Yue silently expressed her stance. Xuan Cheng, acting as if nothing had happened, nodded in agreement. "Yes, yes."
"Yes, yes" for what? Your wife is about to be snatched away, and you're just saying "yes, yes"? How did this guy become the male lead?
No one noticed a corner of dark clothing flash past.
After seeing off the imposing figure of Xuan Cheng, Shen Yue intended to return to her chambers but encountered Yin Jing in a courtyard she had to pass.
Her hearing was sharp, and she instantly caught the sound of footsteps. Sensing the other person's aura, she knew it was Yin Jing.
The footsteps beside her paused. Yin Jing did not step forward. Shen Yue was slightly puzzled. As she drew closer, she smelled a faint scent of medicine.
Yin Jing was holding medicine in her hand. Had she been injured? Or perhaps Rong Hua had been injured?