Lin Jinyu's face gradually darkened as she listened to Su Bei. You're busy? You're so busy you skip sleep at midnight to bathe? You took my bellyband and don't intend to return it?
The Empress took a deep breath of the icy air. Her eyes twitched a few times as she said, "Then, thank you, Elder Su, for showing me the way..."
Su Bei was baffled. What did I say? When did I agree to show her the way?
He hurriedly raised his head, hoping to seek help from his eldest martial sister. However, he found that Wenren Pingxin had already walked far away. She was leading her two disciples toward the small house on Red Dust Peak, her voice carrying a long distance, "Martial Nieces and Nephews, your master has something to take care of, so today your cultivation will be guided by your martial aunt..."
Just last night, she was calling me her 'good little brother' and asking me to hold her. Now, this morning, she's sold me out? Running faster than anyone else?
Su Bei cleared his throat softly, trying to appear nonchalant, and offered Lin Jinyu a smile. "Does the Empress have any particular matter to discuss with Su Mou?"
Watching Su Bei's feigned ignorance, Lin Jinyu frowned, her phoenix eyes glaring. She wanted to say something but found herself unable to voice it. After hesitating for a long moment, a blush crept up her face before she finally spoke, "Last night at the cold pool... erm, did Elder Su pick up something?"
Su Bei looked at the Empress earnestly and stated gravely, "Cold pool? Su Mou has never been to any cold pool!"
He was quite pleased with his own response; he had completely forgotten last night's events, just as agreed.
Lin Jinyu instantly became irate. I was seen stark naked, and now he's playing innocent after taking advantage?
Her chest heaved with anger. She glared at Su Bei, biting her lip tightly and clenching her fists, itching to strike him.
But he's a strange man; how could I possibly touch him? Wouldn't that be a great disrespect to Ji Nanjue?
After hesitating for a good while, her gaze shifting, she finally managed a pleasant expression and coaxed in a dignified tone, "Is Elder Su really sure he didn't pick up anything? This palace lost a piece of clothing in the cold pool yesterday."
"If you return it to this palace, yesterday's events can be completely forgiven and forgotten!"
Su Bei found Lin Jinyu's words somewhat amusing.
Forgiven and forgotten? Who does she think she is? This is the Sword Sect. Besides, it was a dark and windy night; who could have seen me go there?
Ignoring her, he maintained his smile and said, "What is Queen Lin saying that Su Mou doesn't understand? Didn't the Empress want to look around the Sword Sect? Su Mou shall escort the Empress around..."
However, noticing how her hands kept unnaturally clutching her palace attire, a ludicrous thought suddenly crossed his mind.
Could it be... she's not wearing anything underneath??
He immediately shook his head, banishing the image of a featherless Phoenix. I'm a gentleman. Besides, this is the Emperor's woman; I certainly have no designs on her.
The two of them strolled idly around the Sword Sect, one following the other, as Su Bei casually introduced various locations.
Lin Jinyu had figured out she probably wasn't getting her bellyband back. But seeing an opportunity for some private time with this man, she suddenly asked, "Elder Su, are you acquainted with the Emperor?"
The Emperor? The image of a middle-aged man unconsciously formed in Su Bei's mind. Although rumor has it the Emperor is incredibly handsome, I just can't picture it.
So, he naturally shook his head and replied, "Su Mou has no acquaintance with the Emperor; in fact, Su Mou has never even met him."
He was puzzled, though. Why would she ask such a question out of the blue? Is she planning to complain to the Emperor? Or is she trying to find out if I know her husband? Planning to call for backup to attack me? What a malicious woman!
Lin Jinyu was now confused. Su Bei's expression was natural; he didn't seem to be lying.
Could I be mistaken? Was it not him the Emperor met secretly at midnight? But he definitely went to Unrepentant Cliff last night. And from what I've gathered, the timing matches when the Emperor went.
"The Emperor often mentions you, you know?"
Hearing Lin Jinyu's words, which didn't sound like a joke, Su Bei was bewildered and shivered unconsciously.
The Emperor often mentions me? For some reason, the thought of being on a burly man's mind made Su Bei feel a strange prickling sensation somewhere in his body.
Unsure how to react, he could only chuckle awkwardly and try to change the subject.
He cleared his throat, pointed at a nearby lake, and said with an air of profound mystery, "Back when I was just a fledgling Qi Cultivation disciple, I met an old man beneath this very lake. He was bound in chains, and his name was Tu Kuangnu..."
Just as Su Bei was explaining to Lin Jinyu how he had once cleaved open the Heavenly Gate with a single sword strike at the Sword Washing Pool.
Suddenly, a Sword Sect Female Disciple ran toward Su Bei. Her cheeks were lightly flushed, and delicate beads of sweat adorned her forehead, giving her an endearing, pitiable look. She stopped before them, panting.
Lin Jinyu looked with puzzlement at the pretty young woman. Seeing her gesture animatedly towards Su Bei, Lin Jinyu's heart jolted with the realization that the girl was mute.
A glimmer of light flashed in Su Bei's eyes. He leaned down, gently touched the Sword Maiden's small head, and said tenderly,