What bad intentions could my Daoist partner possibly have?

Chapter 12 Shen Jianwei: "I'll help you pursue Ling Yin, here's some advice!"

"How did you manage to buy all that stuff so quietly? I had no idea what you bought..."

On the way to the city lord's mansion, Shen Jianwei glared at Li Qingan: "We're all from the same hometown, and you can't even bear to say something like this? I'm not going to tell Lingyin."

"You were the one who got attracted by the food, is it my fault?"

Li Qingan couldn't help but glance at Shen Jianwei a few more times. How could she have eaten so much food? Is she even human?

"Then show it to me now, and I'll take a look." Shen Jianwei took a bite of the pear: "We're from the same hometown, so I'll definitely help you."

"Are you in such a hurry to throw your best friend into my arms?"

"I just want to teach you how to be less awkward when it comes to pursuing girls..."

"Then there's no need." Li Qingan waved his hand. "I know what I'm doing, and Lingyin might not fall for your tricks. Look at all the times I've done this, she hasn't said she doesn't like it, right?"

Shen Jianwei tilted her head and looked at him: "It seems so..."

People do have different preferences, and maybe Lingyin likes this kind of dull and taciturn type.

Thinking about it, Shen Jianwei, who was getting closer and closer to the city lord's mansion, quickly shook her head. No, she couldn't let the gift she brought along go undelivered.

As she lightly bit her lower lip, just before entering the city lord's mansion, she suddenly took out an unopened, exquisitely packaged item from her storage ring and stuffed it directly into Li Qing'an's arms: "This, as long as you give this to Lingyin, you'll know whether she likes you or not."

You've been pursuing her for so long, you must be hoping for a clear response, right?

Li Qingan looked at the exquisite packaging in his hand and kneaded it with his fingertips, knowing that it was clothing, but it was so thin... could it be something improper?

"nice one!"

Huang Qingwu's voice rang in his mind: "Indeed, as your fellow villager said, it can be confirmed whether Su Lingyin has feelings for you."

Just from that amused tone, you can tell he's no good.

"Master, we still need to collect ten million every month from now on."

As he responded to Huang Qingwu, Shen Jianwei pushed him from behind and led him through the main entrance: "Trust your fellow villager! A fellow villager would never cheat another fellow villager. If anything happens, I'll take the blame!"

"Okay, okay, stop pushing..."

Li Qingan casually agreed, but just as he was about to say something, his gaze was suddenly drawn to the figure in the square inside the city lord's mansion.

Su Lingyin stood on the steps, dressed in a black and white ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), her clothes fluttering gently in the morning breeze, like a flowing ink painting.

The sleeves and waist of the dress were embroidered with fine cloud patterns, and the rest of the dress was a deep, inky black. The two extreme colors blended on her body, giving off a kind of ascetic, aloof, and unapproachable coldness.

As they got closer, Li Qingan could see her face more clearly.

Su Lingyin's skin was very white, as if she had never been touched by the world. Her long silver hair was half-tied up with a black butterfly hairpin with tassels, and the smooth hair flowed down to her shoulders like a waterfall, outlining a delicate face with a pointed chin and moist cheeks.

Her deep blue eyes resembled the distant sky, and when she looked at people, they carried a sense of detachment and aloofness, reminding one of fresh snow under the moonlight—beautiful as it was, yet so cold that one dared not touch it.

A glint of light flashed in Li Qing'an's eyes, both amazed by Su Lingyin's aloof and otherworldly demeanor and astonished by her attire.

The contrasting colors of her fair complexion and the dress gave Li Qing'an a strange feeling, almost like that of a nun.

Cold, aloof, ascetic, and beautiful...

Li Qingan admitted that he was somewhat attracted to the woman at first sight... it was love at first sight.

Then, he met Su Lingyin's gaze as she looked up at him.

Her eyes were indeed cold, but not in a pretentious aloofness; rather, it was a profound, detached loneliness that emanated from her very bones, a loneliness that was completely out of step with the mundane world.

Like a deep, cold pool in the mountains, its surface is calm and still, but its interior is filled with a chill that has accumulated for thousands of years.

But the moment she saw Li Qing'an, a faint smile seemed to flash in her eyes.

Upon seeing Su Lingyin, Li Qing'an felt that his guess about Su Lingyin last night was pretty much correct.

This girl, who is nominally the Holy Maiden of the Falling Clouds Sect, is most likely here to temper her heart in the mortal world.

I just don't know whether I'm on the path of forgetting love or the path of being heartless.

If it's either of those two, it's not a big deal, but if she practices some kind of evil, heretical path of 'killing her husband to attain enlightenment,' then it's a bit scary.

If that's the case, being chosen would indeed pose a risk to one's life.

But... fortune favors the bold.

It's worth the gamble for the ten million high-grade spirit crystals starting next month.

"haven't seen you for a long time."

Li Qingan glanced at Shen Jianwei, who was skipping and hopping to Su Lingyin's side, and smiled at Su Lingyin.

"Yes...you've lost some weight." Su Lingyin looked Li Qing'an up and down: "But congratulations on advancing to the Soaring Sky Realm, and congratulations on getting such a good opportunity."

She was clearly referring to the yin energy emanating from Li Qing'an.

"Hmm, this girl is interesting..."

Huang Qingwu's voice echoed in his mind again, tinged with a hint of doubt: "Let me take another look..."

Li Qingan didn't pay too much attention to it, after all, he had anticipated last night that Su Lingyin might have a protective restriction set up by a master.

Just as he was about to speak, Su Lingyin narrowed her eyes and suddenly reached out to grab his wrist: "Why did you leave without saying a word?"

Li Qingan glanced down and felt that her skin temperature was quite different from her cool and aloof temperament.

warm.

This was Li Qing'an's first impression.

"In order to break through to the Sky Ascension Realm," Li Qing'an looked up at Su Lingyin, "I can't stay in the Core Formation Realm forever, otherwise I'll be too embarrassed to pursue you."

“Even if you’re at the Core Formation stage, it’s fine, as long as you listen…” Su Lingyin paused, hesitated, and then changed the subject: “It’s about to rain, let’s go inside.”

"No rush." ​​Li Qingan shook off Su Lingyin's hand and said with a smile, "It's more accurate to say that the weather is just right."

Su Lingyin remained silent, her eyes showing no emotion whatsoever. She had always valued his consistent and unchanging behavior.

Her gaze swept across Li Qing'an's face, and she swallowed almost imperceptibly.

Shen Jianwei, who was standing to the side, was eating another apple. She was genuinely curious about what kind of surprise Li Qingan had prepared for Lingyin after his shopping spree at the morning market.

But none of that matters; the most important thing is my own white stockings…

As she was thinking, she saw Li Qing'an hand a hairpin to Su Lingyin.

Ok?
hmmmm?
Shen Jianwei, who had just taken a bite of an apple, stared wide-eyed at the scene. "Wait, fellow villager, didn't you go to a lot of stores? How did you end up pulling out something like this?"
While he was pondering, he saw Su Lingyin reach out to take the hairpin, and Li Qingan's voice also reached his ears.

"Going outside for a walk can really inspire you."

Li Qing'an spoke softly, and Su Lingyin nodded casually, but just as her fingertips touched the end of the hairpin—

"boom--"

Suddenly, the end of the hairpin burst open into a cluster of brocade flowers, startling not only Shen Jianwei who was watching from the side, but also causing Su Lingyin to subconsciously withdraw her hand.

This is great! It's much more interesting than before.

Shen Jianwei's eyes lit up as he thought about it. Su Lingyin glanced at Li Qingan in surprise, not expecting him to be able to prepare such a surprise.

"Thank you, I'm very happy..."

Su Lingyin reached out her hand again, but this time she still couldn't take the bouquet of flowers from Li Qing'an.

Because Li Qingan simply threw the bouquet of flowers behind him.

Su Lingyin narrowed her eyes slightly, and the atmosphere around her seemed to drop a bit.

"Hey, you..."

Shen Jianwei thought Li Qingan was about to break up with Su Lingyin, so she quickly tried to stop him, but before she could finish speaking, she saw Li Qingan turn to the side and snap his fingers.

The next instant, the flower clusters that touched the ground burst into brilliant light like sparks from a hammered ironwork.

Amidst the light, Li Qing'an gently stroked his storage ring, and a dazzling light shot into the sky, exploding into clusters of heart-shaped fireworks in mid-air.

Amidst the fireworks, green leaves and colorful petals that Li Qing'an had picked from his own yard fell from the sky.

Li Qingan immediately looked at Su Lingyin.

Su Lingyin looked up at the scene, her cool face showing obvious surprise, but her aloof blue eyes brightened slightly as she stared unblinkingly at the gloomy sky. Even Shen Jianwei, who was beside her, forgot to eat her apple and stared at the scene with her mouth slightly open.

Li Qingan was relieved.

He certainly thought it was tacky, but it was useful.

Although some girls are gentle and sensible and often say things like "Don't waste money on buying flowers or surprises," the joy on their faces when they actually receive them doesn't lie.

Of course, the most important premise is that she actually likes you or has feelings for you.

Go away and be a simp... If you don't even love yourself, why should others love you?

Li Qing'an collected his thoughts, and Huang Qingwu was quite surprised: "You're quite good at this?"

"That's called professionalism."

Li Qingan replied calmly; he could guess why he had pursued Su Lingyin in the same monotonous way before.

Since a simple method can get Su Lingyin to take another look and earn five million every month, why bother with a complicated pursuit?

But now the situation is somewhat different.

Because he wanted to find clues about the Heavenly Yuan Mirror through Su Lingyin, he naturally had to intensify his efforts in order to further his relationship with Su Lingyin.

Of course, it's also for the sake of ten million next month!

Even if Su Lingyin's purpose in coming here has nothing to do with Huang Qingwu, she still wouldn't lose out.

"You are indeed beautiful. I've even grown to like you a little."

"It wasn't placed here for you, so it's no use if you like it."

"Ha ha……"

Huang Qingwu said no more. Li Qingan turned to face Su Lingyin again, took out the hairpin wrapped in the bouquet, knelt on one knee, and spoke loudly.

"Su Lingyin, I really like you (money), be my Daoist partner!"

If we're going to put on a show, we'll make it worth the five million! And worth the ten million that will be settled at the beginning of next month!

Su Lingyin slowly lowered her head, the dazzling fireworks making her cool and aloof features appear even more gentle.

Looking at Li Qing'an before her, and at the petals falling from the sky, Su Lingyin's eyes seemed to be veiled with a layer of mist: "How could you be so..."

Hearing her seemingly suppressed joy in her tone, Li Qingan's eyelids twitched, and he felt a chill run down his spine for no apparent reason.

However, he quickly suppressed this thought because Su Lingyin smiled. Her smile was indeed much gentler than when she didn't smile, and her slightly exposed little tiger teeth made her look quite charming.

It's like... it feels similar to when I first met Huang Qingwu, there's a chilly feeling about it.

Seemingly realizing that she had lost her composure, Su Lingyin quickly covered her cherry lips with her other hand and placed it on her lower back.

Li Qingan felt quite confused, but fortunately Su Lingyin responded: "Qingan, can you keep it up? I feel like I haven't seen enough of your... adorable side yet."

It's basically just hanging there.

Li Qingan didn't care at all, but he showed a disappointed expression on his face at the right time, and then lowered his head.

"I like this." Su Lingyin took the bouquet from his hand and casually pinned the hairpin in her hair. "Thank you... Is it pretty?"

Li Qingan quickly replied, "Beautiful."

Su Lingyin nodded in satisfaction: "I'm very happy today, so I'll grant you a day's leave. Let's have dinner together tomorrow."

Li Qingan was secretly delighted; he didn't want to waste time following Su Lingyin around.

Of course, he still struggled a few more times with a disappointed look on his face, but finally lowered his head in dejection under Su Lingyin's unwavering tone.

Shen Jianwei, who was standing to the side, was extremely anxious. Did Lingyin not like this?

And... I didn't even give away the white silk I prepared!

But now Li Qing'an is so dejected that he has obviously forgotten about it, and it's not good to urge him... What a pity.

Shen Jianwei hurriedly finished the apple in two or three bites. Seeing Su Lingyin turn to leave, she quickly squatted down next to Li Qingan: "Fellow villager..."

Before she could finish speaking, she suddenly felt a chill run down her spine, as if she were being watched by a ferocious beast.

Startled, she quickly turned around and saw nothing strange except for Su Lingyin's back.

what happened?

Huh?
Why are Lingyin's tassels swaying so messily?
Forget it, forget it.

Shen Jianwei looked at Li Qingan again and said in a low voice, "Fellow villager, how could you forget the gift I prepared for you? What are you thinking about?"

Li Qingan looked up at her bright face: "Are you sad?"

Looking at his expression, Shen Jianwei sighed inwardly and then said, "The surprise you prepared this time was great, and I really enjoyed it. But could you perhaps refine your words a bit? Don't just say 'I like you' every time. Try some other methods; there must be other ways."

This method is still a bit clumsy.

"Other methods?"

“Yeah, yeah!” Shen Jianwei looked at him: “For example, if the attack is ineffective, try to calm down for a few days.”

Oh, not counting the five months you were away, since I had important matters to attend to. I meant when you're with her, don't keep trying to get close to her, understand?

“That’s true, but…” Li Qingan’s gaze swept past Su Lingyin’s back, and he looked at Shen Jianwei with a serious expression and sincere eyes: “I still want to continue to say that I like her!”

Shen Jianwei gently rubbed her forehead: "Just how dense are you?"

Li Qingan smiled and stood up as he spoke: "If she were willing to be my Daoist partner, I would certainly be very happy, but I do like her, so I want to continue telling her."

His voice was gentle, and his smile was gentle too.

Shen Jianwei's eyes widened slightly as she stared blankly at Li Qing'an's eyes.

His overly sincere eyes were like the moonlight at night, bright and exceptionally attractive.

It's as if to say that there are things in this world more important than becoming Daoist partners, and that is the feeling that love represents.

For the first time, Shen Jianwei felt that Li Qingan was remarkable when it came to matters of the heart.

She pursed her cherry lips and stood up, saying softly, "Although I still think you're a bit dull, I'm sorry."

"it's okay no problem."

Li Qingan waved his hand, preparing to turn and leave; it was all just made-up nonsense.

"but……"

Shen Jianwei's voice suddenly rose a few decibels, and the next second Li Qingan felt his wrist being gripped again.

He turned around and looked at Shen Jianwei with a puzzled expression.

Shen Jianwei looked at him seriously and said, word by word, "I'll help you pursue Lingyin and give you some suggestions!"
It’s decided!”

"What?!"

······
Inside the deserted city lord's mansion.

Su Lingyin squatted on the ground, staring intently at the floor in the dark room. Her azure eyes gleamed with a faint, eerie light, her breathing was slightly rapid, and her cheeks were flushed.

"Ugh……"

Suddenly, a soft sigh came from inside the room: "Your Highness, your cultivation has reached its zenith... is it still not enough?"

“Not enough…” Su Lingyin raised her head slightly, her eyes sparkling: “Because I’ve discovered that he… is becoming more and more delicious… How can it be enough? It’s not enough…”

Boom.

Thunder roared outside the hall, and lightning illuminated the dark room, as well as the tiger's shadow on the ground.

The lightning flashed and disappeared in an instant, plunging the room back into darkness, as if everything that had just happened was a dream.

Su Lingyin slowly stood up, lightly licked the corner of her lips with her tongue, and spoke softly.

"Since we have some time today, let's go outside and see where the source of the supernatural resurgence is, and also see if we can find any clues about the Heavenly Yuan Mirror..."

······
Author's note: Please read this new book during its initial release period, please! or 2.

(End of this chapter)