He was frozen.
He never expected that Meng Xue—quiet, soft-spoken Meng Xue—was actually a hidden genius. But her body and bloodline were sealed, preventing her from ever stepping onto the cultivation path.
Seeing him so stunned, Madam Xiu smiled gently and said, "Xiuer, go brew some tea for our guest."
Embarrassed yet grateful, Meng Xue saw this as her chance. Like a breeze turned tornado, she rushed to the table to prepare the tea.
Madam Xiu then turned toward Shen Yue and led him into her courtyard garden. They sat under the shaded pavilion, surrounded by the scent of blooming herbs. Once they were seated on the soft wooden bench, she turned to him seriously.
"Shen Yue," she said calmly, "do you truly like her? Or are you just playing with her feelings?"
Hearing those words, Shen Yue raised his head and spoke with rare sincerity. "Madam Xiu, you don't need to worry. My feelings for Little Xue are not a child's game. I truly like her—from the bottom of my heart."
A smile briefly curved on Madam Xiu's lips.
But then, her expression shifted into one of cool indifference. Her next words struck like a thunderclap.
"But I cannot accept this."
Shen Yue's eyes widened. "What happened? Why? Why can't you accept it?"
Seeing the panic on his face, she chuckled faintly and said, "Let me tell you a story."
Her eyes drifted toward the cloudy sky as if pulling memories from far away.
"When I was young, I was thrown into the outer-city slums with my younger brother. Our parents couldn't repay their debt to the government. Out of shame, they chose suicide... and left us behind in that cruel world.
"One day, I held a piece of broken glass to my throat, ready to follow them. But a hand stopped me. When I came to my senses, I saw a middle-aged woman with kind eyes. But instead of thanking her, I screamed. I asked her why she stopped me. I told her I wanted to leave this world, just like my parents.
"I cried... and she just sat beside me, listening.
"Then she said, 'Why don't you live with me?' I had nothing left, so I agreed. She brought me to this very house and raised me like her own. Taught me medicine, tea brewing, planting..."
She paused. A shadow passed over her eyes.
"Then one day, I fell in love. A scholar. I married him, against my master's wishes. We were happy. But one day, as he was returning home, he crossed paths with a young master from the Cao family. That man was harassing someone's wife. My husband tried to stop him... but he was killed.
"When I sought justice, they twisted the truth. They accused *my husband* of being the harasser, and that woman's husband claimed he killed him to protect her.
"That day, I understood the power of status and the rot in this world. My master... she died soon after, blaming herself for not stopping me more firmly. My life became hell.
"Then one day, I found a little girl. Broken, like I was. And in her, I saw myself. I raised her... like my master once raised me. She became more than a disciple. She became my daughter."
She turned toward Shen Yue again.
"That girl is Meng Xue. And that woman... was my master."
Madam Xiu studied Shen Yue's face, expecting some reaction. But to her surprise, he remained calm and respectful.
"I understand," Shen Yue said quietly. "Thank you for telling me."
Behind the door, Meng Xue—who had finished brewing the tea—stood frozen, having heard everything. Her thoughts were tangled. She didn't want to choose between her mother-figure and Shen Yue. But could she have both?
Before she could retreat, she heard Shen Yue's steady voice once more.
"Madam Xiu, I will not marry Meng Xue until I become strong enough. Strong enough to protect her. To protect this bond."
Madam Xiu's eyes gleamed with subtle approval.
"I know your father," she said. "Shen Xing. A high-ranking commander, a cultivator at the late stage of Qi Absorption Realm. I'm sure he left behind a legacy. I don't believe a son of Shen Xing is without talent. If I did, I would never let you near Meng Xue."
She paused, then continued, "I'll give you three years. In three years, if you earn my approval, I'll personally place her hand into yours. But if you fail... forget about marrying her."
Shen Yue stood and bowed lightly.
"Three years is a long time, Madam Xiu. I only need one."
There was confidence in his voice, sharp and unwavering. Madam Xiu chuckled, finally feeling at ease.
Outside the door, Meng Xue pressed her hand to her heart, a smile spreading on her lips. She didn't want to lose either of them—and perhaps now, she wouldn't have to.
Shen Yue had already sensed her presence but didn't mention it. He remained quiet.
Madam Xiu, as if she had known all along, suddenly called out, "Meng Xue, are you really going to let him leave without tea?"
Meng Xue, startled, walked in timidly. "Master, I—"
Madam Xiu interrupted with a warm but firm voice, "From now on, don't call me Master. Call me Mother."
Joy bloomed on Meng Xue's face.
Then, in a teasing tone, Madam Xiu added, "Are you just going to stand there, or will you serve tea to your mother and future husband?"
Hearing the words *mother* and *husband*, Meng Xue blushed deeply. She had always wanted a family... and now, she was creating one of her own.
She served the tea shyly, hands trembling slightly.
Watching them, Madam Xiu sighed in her heart. "Meng Xue is my daughter... and now, Shen Yue might just be the son-in-law I never had."
As the tea was finished, Madam Xiu stood. The golden evening sun had already begun to set.
"It's getting late," she said. "You should return home. And as for you, little Xue, we still have patients waiting. Take him to the gate."
Then she added teasingly, "And don't cross any boundaries—at least until he officially marries you."
Meng Xue shyly nodded. "Yes, Mother."
Madam Xiu left with a smile.
For a moment, silence lingered between the two young hearts.
Then Meng Xue asked, softly, "You're serious, right?"
Shen Yue replied, "Of course. Do I look like someone who speaks without meaning?"
She quickly said, "No! I didn't mean it like that! It's just... it's getting late. You should go now."
He turned.
But as he did, Meng Xue suddenly hugged him from behind.
"You'll come back, right?" she whispered.
"I will," Shen Yue said calmly.
Then she said, "Turn around."
When he did, he felt her soft lips on his. It was clumsy, sudden, and bold—but sweet.
She stepped back, blushing. "Our contract is sealed now. Don't forget, my dear husband."
Before he could say anything more, she dashed back toward the house. At the gate, she turned and waved.
"I'll wait for you, my dear husband!"
Shen Yue waved back. "And I'll never forget."
With that, he turned and walked away.
He now had one more reason to become strong.
It was time to return home.
And as the twilight deepened, he called his clone to disappear—ready for the next chapter in his path.