"Palace Master Xiao?" Seeing Xiao Yinruo hesitating to speak, Lu Jin’an couldn’t help but call out and glanced at her twice.
Why does Palace Master Xiao always seem distracted? Is she contemplating major matters of the Qingmiao Domain?
At that moment, Lu Jin’an noticed that Palace Master Xiao’s demeanor appeared softer than when they first met.
This change was reminiscent of a bottle of aged daughter red opened by Master or the feminine allure that manifested on Nanzhi after their bridal night in the Nanzhuo Domain.
Lu Jin’an couldn’t help but glance twice more. Xiao Yinruo’s thick, lustrous black hair was half-coiffed into a complex updo, adorned with a fresh peach blossom hairpin, complementing her elegant face and exuding tranquility.
Like Nanzhi, she belonged to the serene and classical type that gave a sense of comfort at first glance.
Yet their characteristics differed slightly.
Nanzhi exuded a more gentle and charming aura, whereas Palace Master Xiao appeared serene and refined.
In addition, with a captivating figure featuring a slender waist and elegant curves, Palace Master Xiao possesed a more mature charm akin to Master than Nanzhi.
Especially their busts... The difference with Master was minimal, both being the type where slender branches bear ample fruits.
And similar to Master, her tall and graceful figure prevented any sense of overwhelming plumpness.
Under the stark white dress, her legs enveloped in silk pants were long, slender, and shapely.
Lu Jin’an subtly glanced at Xiao Yinruo’s feet encased in white embroidery shoes embroidered with peach blossoms, and thought that, like Nanzhi, Palace Master Xiao seemed well-suited for white silk.
Quickly restraining his thoughts, Lu Jin’an courteously looked back at Xiao Yinruo’s face. Observing her slightly watery peach blossom eyes turning away, he felt moved.
Could Palace Master Xiao, unbeknownst to Master, have a love interest?
Otherwise, how else could such warmth akin to a spring river seep into her icy demeanor... just like Master, becoming an opened, mellow fine wine.
Yet Palace Master Xiao believed this had nothing to do with her cultivation on the Forget Love Path, thus keeping it from Master?
It seemed indeed that the Forget Love Path was not easily altered...
Therefore, if Palace Master Xiao truly harbored Mortal Heart, it indeed concerned the entire Qingmiao Domain.
Lu Jin’an couldn’t help but feel a bit curious.
What kind of person could make such an unmatched fairy like Palace Master Xiao, who walked the Forget Love Path to protect the Qingmiao Domain, fall for Mortal Heart?
"Ahem..." Hearing Lu Jin’an’s voice, Xiao Yinruo hurriedly collected herself, calming her disarrayed thoughts, outwardly remaining composed: "What I want to say is, do you know that Nanzhi’s Forget Love Path is actually about you?"
"I understand," Lu Jin’an nodded. "I would never disappoint Nanzhi."
Xiao Yinruo nodded. "That matters a lot, but something even more important: Nanzhi’s Forget Love Path involves you, and all her affections lie with you..."
Palace Master Xiao was attempting to subtly imply that Lu Jin’an should spend more time with Zhu Nanzhi.
"Nanzhi cannot progress without you." Xiao Yinruo smiled gently at Lu Jin’an: "And since her path is you, well, so..."
Lu Jin’an, noting Xiao Yinruo’s hesitance in voice, wondered what exactly she was trying to advise.
"Therefore..." Xiao Yinruo took a deep breath: "As cultivators, you must regard your path as your duty... um, focus more on cultivation, and then..."
Her undecorated fingers gently rubbed, hesitating how to subtly articulate the idea of "helping Nanzhi in cultivation more."
Fuming internally, Xiao Yinruo felt annoyed.
If not for seeing such an intense scene last night, would she struggle to utter such words now?
She never expected that there were so many variations to such things!
’It’s all Wanyu’s fault!’
Xiao Yinruo pursed her red lips, preparing to speak again to Lu Jin’an.
’No need to overthink, this kid definitely doesn’t know I peeked, he’ll just take my words as a senior’s advice.’
Deliberating on her words, she slowly spoke: "A cultivator’s duty is their path, their strength, so... I hope you can more... um, that..."
Noticing her continually struggling with words, Lu Jin’an quickly interjected: "Palace Master Xiao, I understand."
Xiao Yinruo was momentarily stunned, slightly leaning forward: "You, really understand?"
"Yes." Lu Jin’an nodded: "Senior hopes that I and Nanzhi won’t be overly engrossed in physical pleasures. I’ll remember that and won’t lose focus on my duties."
Seeing Lu Jin’an’s earnest reply, Xiao Yinruo was taken aback.
’You understand nothing!’
Xiao Yinruo’s chest rose slightly, wondering how this boy, usually so flirtatious, could misunderstand so naively now!?
"You..." Xiao Yinruo glared at Lu Jin’an, but withheld her words.
Realizing she could discuss this matter with Nanzhi directly instead of talking to Lu Jin’an.
With that thought, Xiao Yinruo composed her breathing and gestured dismissively: "You may leave now."
"I take my leave." Lu Jin’an quickly bowed and, turning away, his expression became a bit solemn.
Initially, he believed Palace Master Xiao wanted to advise him against indulging too much in romance with Nanzhi, but hearing her voice and tone, Lu Jin’an dismissed that notion.
Given Palace Master Xiao’s status and cultivation on the Forget Love Path, how could she stammer for so long before uttering a warning?