Chapter 144: Maiden Spirits and Supreme Spirituality

As the meat roasted over the fire, its rich aroma drifted into the room, making everyone feel quite hungry. Fortunately, the preparation did not take long, and soon a steaming plate was served.

Ye Sansi could no longer wait. He first picked up a few pieces and placed them in Liu Lingshuang’s bowl, then grabbed a roasted leg and began to bite into it heartily.

Seeing Sansi’s eager manner, Liu Lingshuang could not help but cover her mouth with a chuckle, gently wiping away the crumbs from the corner of his mouth.

Witnessing their deeply affectionate interaction, Yinv fell into a thoughtful silence...

Half an hour later, everyone finished their meal. Yinv packed up the bowls and chopsticks, and handed Ye Sansi a neatly wrapped parcel.

Bow to them, Yinv said, "Young Hero Ye, these are the dried roasted meats I prepared. They will keep for half a month without spoiling. Please take them with you for the journey."

Ye Sansi smiled as he accepted the parcel, nodded in gratitude, and said, "Yinv, your roasted meat is truly exceptionally delicious, and it keeps so well. It is simply ideal for satisfying hunger on the road."

Ye Sansi laughed and said, "Xiao Ye, seeing how excited you look, let me teach you a truly practical set of techniques." With that, he stepped out of the house.

The others followed closely behind, and Ye Sansi continued, "What I am going to impart to you today is a brilliant and exquisite martial art known as the Nirvana Flame Hands. It was only by grasping the true essence of the swordsman Qi Fei that I am now able to pass it on to you. You must practice it with utmost diligence."

Liu Lingshuang also bowed in thanks and smiled with a chuckle, "That's right, Sansi, didn't you say you were going to teach Xiao Ye martial arts? Don't forget."

Hearing that his master was once again going to impart such a profound skill to him, Xiao Ye was overjoyed. He sprang up abruptly and stared straight at Ye Sansi.

Ye Sansi nodded and slowly said, "I am already well pleased by your dedication. Taking things one step at a time is the proper way. Your memory surpasses that of ordinary people by several fold, and this is your natural gift. Put it to good use, and you will surely achieve great success."

Xiao Ye bowed respectfully and replied, "I will strictly obey Master's commands."

Xiao Ye nodded repeatedly. Ye Sansi flicked his wrist and began to demonstrate the Nirvana Flame Hands. In an instant, his palms transformed into cascading afterimages. Having moved through the form three times, Ye Sansi stopped and asked, "Xiao Ye, do you understand?"

This palm technique was intricate and immensely complex, making it naturally difficult to master. Xiao Ye furrowed his brow, scratched his head, and said with a helpless smile, "Master, I have already memorized the forms, but the technique is so extraordinarily nimble that it is hard to execute it fluidly. Without three to five years of hard work, I doubt I could become truly proficient."

Ye Sansi nodded, flicked his wrist once more, and watched as several rays of golden light condensed into a gourd. Yinv was struck dumbfounded by this display of pure magic. Ye Sansi then tossed the gourd into the air, where it hovered and gradually grew in size until it occupied the entire courtyard.

Yinv cried out in astonishment, "Young Hero Ye, what wondrous item is this? It is so miraculous!"

Ye Sansi felt a deep fondness for the youth before him, who reminded him so much of his own past self. He patted Xiao Ye on the shoulder and smiled, "Good child, the road ahead is yours to forge on your own. As your master, I cannot teach you forever, but remember this one phrase: 'Think three times before you act.' It will preserve your life. The hour is late, and your sister and I must set off."

Yinv offered a few final words of instruction to Xiao Ye, then stepped up to Ye Sansi and said, "Young Hero Ye, let us depart."

It was the first time Yinv had ever flown at such a dizzying height. Terrified, she dared not open her eyes, her entire body trembling.

Seeing this, Liu Lingshuang pulled Yinv into a tight embrace, laughing as she called out, "Sister Yinv, do not be afraid! With Sansi and me here, no harm will come to you."

Ye Sansi smiled and said, "This is a precious magical artifact. You and Shuang'er can sit upon this gourd, while I lead the way ahead on my flying sword. It will take less than a few hours to reach Lingzhou City. We can rest at the Liu Family Fortress for the night, and tomorrow morning we will go search for the Tang Clan. How does that sound?"

"I will leave everything to Young Hero Ye's arrangement." With those words, Yinv leaped lightly onto the gourd, closely followed by Liu Lingshuang. Ye Sansi soared into the air on his sword and cast a spell, causing the gourd to slowly rise into the heavens.

Taking in the breathtaking scenery, Yinv finally forgot her fear. Her hands slowly relaxed their death grip on the gourd as she pointed toward a distant peak and exclaimed, "Miss Lingshuang, look how towering that mountain is! For over a dozen years, I lived exclusively within our village, never imagining the world held such magnificent sights."

Liu Lingshuang smiled. "Once we arrive at the Liu Family Fortress, I will gift you several sets of fine clothes and jewelry. They were given as wedding gifts by guests when Sansi and I were married—there are simply too many, and I cannot use them all. Sister Yinv, you must pick out a few pieces, wear them, and with a touch of makeup, you will surely look stunning."

Such comforting words seemed to have little effect at first; Yinv was still frightened and kept her eyes tightly shut. Liu Lingshuang continued, "Sister Yinv, look at the scenery below us! It is truly breathtaking. Look at those villages and winding rivers—they are extraordinarily beautiful. If you don't take a good look today, you may never have the chance again."

Encouraged by Lingshuang's words, Yinv finally summoned her courage, slightly opened her eyes, and cautiously leaned forward. Sure enough, just as Liu Lingshuang had described, the landscape below was magnificent. Every patch of grass and tree blended into a vast sea of emerald green, while mountains and rivers wove together to form an awe-inspiring tapestry of the earth.

Yinv deeply admired Liu Lingshuang's tact, wisdom, and kind words, and she felt a profound sense of gratitude from the bottom of her heart. "Thank you so much, Miss Lingshuang," she said with a smile. "If not for you and Young Hero Ye, I fear I would never have dared to speak of my origins or face my past for the rest of my days. This immense kindness is something I, Yinv, can never truly repay."

"Why would we ever do this expecting repayment?" Liu Lingshuang replied. "First of all, Xiao Ye is Sansi's disciple—his only disciple—and we are bound to care for his affairs. Secondly, the Tang Clan is a renowned and righteous sect and a generational ally of the Liu Family Fortress. My father was deeply grieved that we could not lend a hand back then, so now it is only right that we assist you..."

Yinv nodded in thanks and smiled wryly, "A person from a poor background like mine hardly deserves Miss Lingshuang's fine jewelry and garments."

"Sister Yinv, you must not say such things," Liu Lingshuang protested. "Just think, you are the young lady of the Tang Clan; your lineage is no less prestigious than that of the Liu Family Fortress. If the Tang Clan ever faces difficulties in the future, our Liu Family Fortress will certainly come to your aid."

Far below lay Lingzhou City, a place of prosperity beyond anything Yinv could have imagined. It was even more bustling and lively than Jianzhou City had ever been. Ye Sansi steered his flying sword downward, heading straight for the Liu Family Fortress.

Landing firmly in the martial arts courtyard, the gourd came to a stable halt and gradually shrank in size. With a wave of Ye Sansi's hand, it was retrieved into his Suoyu Bracelet. Ye Sansi instructed, "Shuang'er, arrange a guest room for Yinv, help her change into a new set of clothes, and don't forget the jewelry you promised her. You two chat; I am going to go report to my father."

Listening to Liu Lingshuang's magnanimous words, Yinv thought to herself, *Miss Lingshuang is truly a noble lady. Her manners and actions are so elegant and poised, and this courtyard of the Liu Family Fortress is so vast, rivaling even the Prince's Mansion in Jianzhou. Come to think of it, only Miss Lingshuang is truly a match for Young Hero Ye. A village girl like me should simply put such thoughts out of my mind...*

As for Ye Sansi, Yinv harbored deep and lingering affection for him. For months, she had constantly thought of him and yearned for him, simply waiting for the day he might return to visit her once more. Little did she know that by the time they met again, he was already married.

"We have arrived," Liu Lingshuang called out.

Yinv nodded in acknowledgment. Watching Liu Lingshuang's retreating figure, she could not help murmuring to herself, "Miss Lingshuang is a lady of high birth, graceful and dignified in every movement. The Liu Family Fortress is vast and magnificent. It is clear that Miss Lingshuang and Young Hero Ye are the true match made in heaven. A country girl like me..."

Though she felt a pang of sadness, Yinv felt genuinely happy for Ye Sansi. The Liu Family Fortress was such a prominent household, and Lingshuang was intelligent, virtuous, far more beautiful and graceful than herself, and younger to boot. Knowing she could never compare—that she would never measure up—she accepted it quietly.

...

"Father."

"Sansi, you're back! How did the trip go? Why did you also ask the owner of the blacksmith shop to come and make a report?"

"Father, there is naturally no need to keep secrets from you, but as for the true reason behind all this, it is best if you go and see for yourself tomorrow. Once you meet a certain person, you will understand everything."

Liu Zhen laughed heartily and said, "Sansi, you've learned bad habits from Shuang'er—you're even leaving me in suspense now! Are you trying to make it hard for me to sleep tonight?"

"It's good news."

"Oh? Let's hear it."

"What?" Ye Sansi exclaimed in surprise. "Xu Xuan is older than me, and I have always addressed him as Elder Brother. How could I suddenly change how I address him?"

Liu Zhen waved his hand dismissively and said, "Rules are rules. Xu Xuan is, after all, of a different surname, while Shuang'er is my eldest daughter. If I adopt an adoptive son now, he can only be your brother; how could there be an older brother by adoption? I have already spoken to Xu Xuan about this, and he has agreed. Do not make things difficult."

Ye Sansi scratched his head and laughed, "Father, this matter is complicated, and if I try to explain it myself, it won't make sense. Tomorrow, your old friend can explain it to you in person. In any case, it is exceptionally good news."

"Alright, alright, I will wait until tomorrow then." Liu Zhen took a sip of tea and continued, "By the way, Sansi, I have some news as well. While you and Shuang'er were away from the fortress, I took Xu Xuan as my adoptive son. From now on, he is your brother. As the elder brother, you must take good care of him."

Thinking that he had nothing pressing to do at the moment, and knowing it would be improper for him—a grown man—to intrude on Liu Lingshuang and Yinv's private conversation, Ye Sansi decided to go check on Xu Xuan.

As Sansi had expected, Xu Xuan was standing near the entrance of the Liu Family Fortress, pacing back and forth anxiously. Seeing Sansi approach, he hurried forward, cupped his fists, and bowed deeply. "Xu Xuan pays respects to the Eldest Brother."

"Since it was Father's command, I naturally have no objections."

Liu Zhen stood up and said, "The hour is late, and I am somewhat tired, so I won't have dinner. I'll go back to rest first, and await your good news tomorrow." With that, Liu Zhen left the reception hall, and Ye Sansi bowed to see him off.

"Naturally."

"Then why do you look so unconcerned? This is the foundation of the Liu family, and I am an outsider..."

"Alright, alright, Elder Brother... no, Xu Xuan, get up quickly! We are brothers now, there is no need for such formalities in the future."

Xu Xuan scratched his head and smiled foolishly. "Did the Eldest Brother know beforehand that Father intended to adopt me?"

Ye Sansi shook his head. Unwilling to see Xu Xuan tormenting himself with such thoughts, he deliberately joked, "Your marriage shall be arranged as you wish, and the Liu Family Fortress will personally sponsor it. However, the position of master of the fortress after you must be kept for my future child. Do you understand?"

"Yes! That position was yielded to me by the Eldest Brother in the first place. Xu Xuan will remember this for all eternity, never forgetting it, and I will gladly pledge my life to guard the fortress and protect the foundation of the Liu family."

Ye Sansi rebuked him sternly, "Nonsense! What do you mean by 'outsider'? You are Father's adopted son and a member of the Liu family! Once you inherit the position of leadership, you must not be so flustered. You must believe that with this foundation in your hands, it will only grow stronger, and you must bring glory to the Liu Family Fortress."

Chastised, Xu Xuan bowed deeply and said, "Eldest Brother, your words are engraved in my heart. I am willing to remain unmarried for the rest of my life to repay Father's immense kindness."

Ye Sansi smiled, patted Xu Xuan on the shoulder, and without another word, turned and walked back into the fortress.

Finding Liu Lingshuang and Yinv, they shared a simple meal before retiring to their respective rooms.

This was only the second time Lingshuang and Sansi had shared a bed since their wedding, yet Lingshuang still felt intensely shy. As she hugged Sansi close, her cheeks flushed with a rosy warmth. Enveloped in such profound happiness, the two of them quickly drifted off to sleep.