Chapter 305: Blossom Envoys
Originally, Xu Yun was still quite reserved before Tang Yin. However, after witnessing his laid-back demeanour and friendly nature, she became much more open to him.
The duo had been conversing for quite a while. They mostly talked about trivial stuff. Whenever the conversation shifted to a sensitive topic, Tang Yin took the conversation back to the usual miscellaneous topics. Even if he had become friendlier with Xu Yun, he would never share his secrets with her.
Xu Yun’s arrogance had yet to return. This was the main reason why Tang Yin did not mind idle chatter with her.
Elder Liang was still unconscious. However, Tang Yin noticed the energy inside his body circulate at a much quicker rate than before. It would not be long before he regained consciousness.
The trio also encountered Demonic Beasts here and there. But with Tang Yin’s strength and wisdom, he easily took care of the dangers.
He killed all Rank 7 Demonic Beasts below the High-tier and fled from all High-tier and stronger Rank 7 Demonic Beasts. They had yet to encounter a Rank 8 Demonic Beast.
As for cultivators, Tang Yin detected them beforehand with his divine sense. As a result, the trio were able to detour around the cultivators stealthily.
Xu Yun had also grown closer to Tang Yin. Not only mentally, but also physically. She was practically clinging onto him at this point. But Tang Yin did not mind because Xu Yun did not try anything sketchy. Otherwise, he would never let her come so close to him.
A day had already passed, and the trio were already in the next Region. There were only 2 more Regions left till they arrived at the Thousand Blossom Pavilion.
"Big Brother Asura, do you have a wife?" Xu Yun suddenly asked.
Tang Yin was taken aback. Xu Yun had never asked anything related to this topic before. She had already changed the way she addressed him from ’Senior’ to ’Big Brother Asura’, this was not the reason for his surprise though. Tang Yin did not tell her his real name. They were not that close in his mind.
Tang Yin wanted to reply with ’no’. But then he remembered Xiao Fei. Although nothing was official, things were developing. They had already done the deed, it was only a matter of time before things became official.
"Not yet." But he still replied vaguely. It was better not to reveal his Marital Status or any of his other relationships.
A brief light of relief flashed in Xu Yun’s eyes for an instant. But this did not escape Tang Yin’s powerful divine sense. He also noticed a slight smile on her lips which were gone by the time he had blinked his eyes.
’Am I really right? Has she really fallen for me?’ This was Tang Yin’s crazy speculation which did not seem so crazy anymore. But he would not consider it even if it was true.
First, Xu Yun was weak. Her cultivation base was lacklustre, and she did not show any desire to increase her power. From her memories, Tang Yin could see that she was content with life under Qian Zhong’s protection.
Second, he already had Xiao Fei. There was no need for any other women unless they were cultivation furnaces.
Third, he had way too many secrets. He could not afford to let any of his secrets be known by anyone other than Xiao Fei. Although Xu Yun might not disclose his secrets to anyone, she did not need to. Soul searching existed, and even if it did not, there were bound to be more techniques like his Soul Plunder in the vast world.
Fourth, he did not want to be tied down to the Moonlit River Sect or Qian Zhong. He preferred to be a free man. A woman was not enough to take his freedom.
Overall, the benefits of being together with Xu Yun were far outweighed by the disadvantages. Therefore, he sternly refused in his mind.
Of course, he didn’t state his opinion on the matter. ’Xu Yun has not said anything yet, she must think that I don’t know about her little crush.’
If he simply refused Xu Yun, she would know that she had no chance. But if he didn’t say anything, there would still be hope in her heart. This way, he could milk more benefits from Qian Zhong through Xu Yun.
This time, Xu Yun remained silent for a few minutes before continuing her conversation with Tang Yin.
However, her questions and topics were completely different than before. She would ask things like, ’Have you ever liked someone?’ or ’Have you ever slept with a woman before?’ Most of her questions were linked to intimacy.
Tang Yin grew frustrated. He didn’t really answer her questions. Either choosing to remain silent, talk about something else, or beat around the bush.
He didn’t want to break her heart. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be able to obtain as many benefits from Qian Zhong as possible through her.
Xu Yun eventually ran out of topic ideas and their conversations became dry. The duo returned to being silent, only talking every now and then.
Luckily, the awkward situation did not last long. After crossing half of the Region, Elder Liang woke up!
"Uncle!" Xu Yun shouted with joy, she quickly jumped into his embrace. Tears almost streamed down her face.
"Silly girl. Your uncle isn’t dead yet." Elder Liang caressed Xu Yun’s hair with a soft gaze. It was almost as if he was Xu Yun’s father instead of Xu Cheng.
Tang Yin knew that Xu Yun was closer to Elder Liang than even her father from her memories. He was only after Qian Zhong in Xu Yun’s mind.
After having a moment, Xu Yun and Elder Liang talked for a bit. They mainly talked about the things that had happened after he had passed out. Xu Yun did not mention Tang Yin slapping her, nor did she mention almost dying to the Nimble Hummingbird.
She also randomly made up an excuse for the disappearance of the Celestial Moon Chariot. "It was destroyed by a powerful Demonic Beast."
They swiftly continued on with their journey after Xu Yun had finished telling Elder Liang of almost all of the events that had transpired since he had fallen unconscious.
Tang Yin dealt with all of the dangers on the way due to Elder Liang’s weakened condition. He also couldn’t afford to show off his true power, so he had to occasionally fake some injuries.
Each time Tang Yin sustained an ’injury’, Xu Yun rushed to his side in worry, completely destroying Elder Liang’s usual impression of her.
’Is she really our Little Yun Yun?’ He even began to doubt whether Xu Yun had lost her soul after he saw her stick to Tang Yin like glue. In his doubt, he had even scanned her body and soul to confirm whether she was the real Xu Yun.
Not only this but her demeanour and attitude towards Tang Yin were very soft, compassionate, gentle and benevolent. This was completely unlike her usual self. Elder Liang had a difficult time accepting things.
Tang Yin noticed everything, but he was helpless. He couldn’t exactly shoo away Xu Yun. Otherwise, his previous efforts would be wasted.
Like this, the atmosphere between the trio became awkward and tense.
After reaching the next Region, Elder Liang couldn’t stand it anymore.
"Fellow Cultivator Asura, please excuse us for a moment." He snatched Xu Yun away from Tang Yin’s side and enveloped himself and Xu Yun in his divine sense and Spirit Qi. Tang Yin couldn’t see or hear anything from outside.
A few minutes later, Elder Liang’s divine sense and Spirit Qi returned to his body. Both uncle and niece reappeared in Tang Yin’s sight.
Tang Yin clearly saw anger, frustration and worry in Xu Yun’s eyes. It seemed her conversation with Elder Liang had been disturbing.
On the other hand, Elder Liang’s expression was aloof, cautious and even a bit paranoid towards him. From these clues, Tang Yin could judge how their conversation had gone.
’Elder Liang must have forced Xu Yun to spit out her feelings. Clearly, he heavily disapproves of her love for me. Well, as long as he doesn’t act against me, his opinion is irrelevant.’ Tang Yin deducted.
Xu Yun remained by Elder Liang’s side with her head lowered. Her earlier optimistic self was nowhere to be seen.
"We’re only a Region away from the Thousand Blossom Pavilion. It’s best not to waste time, otherwise, Xing Tao’s subordinates might ambush us again." Elder Liang spoke with an aloof voice before carrying Xu Yun with his Spirit Qi and dashing away into the distance.
Tang Yin scoffed. ’Xing Tao’s subordinates? That’s a load of bullshit. With us being so close to the Thousand Blossom Pavilion, they wouldn’t dare ambush us again.’ Nevertheless, he still followed them. He had not forgotten his mission.
With their speed, the trio entered the next Region in less than a day. They would have arrived quicker if it were not for the obstacles in the journey like killing Demonic Beasts, avoiding cultivators, etc.
"The Thousand Blossom Pavilion is 400 kilometres away from our current location. We will meet the Blossom Envoys halfway." Elder Liang informed Tang Yin. He did not do this out of the goodness of his heart. He just didn’t want Tang Yin to attack the Blossom Envoys, mistaking them for enemies.
Tang Yin nodded and continued to follow Elder Liang.
Luckily, they only encountered a group of Rank 6 Demonic Beasts which Tang Yin easily dealt with. Within 20 minutes, they arrived at their destination.
They were currently on a steep green slope. Up ahead, Tang Yin spotted 2 cultivators, male and female. Tang Yin’s eyes narrowed, ’2 Early-stage Principle Manipulation Realm cultivators. They should be the Blossom Envoys.’
