My Enemy Became My Cultivation Companion-Chapter 718 - 462: Joy and Laughter (Two in One)

Chen Yi's departure was bound to happen sooner or later; he could not stay forever. Yin Weiyin understood this. Since it was not a matter of life and death, there was no need to wallow in excessive sadness. Treat the end of autumn like the arrival of spring—it's still best to laugh and be happy.

The wind brushes past the brows without stirring sorrow.

Over the past few days of their honeymoon, Yin Weiyin had made all the arrangements. First, she took him to pay respects to the senior masters, then to visit the famous Five-Colored Pool on Taihua Mountain to marvel at the stunning scenery described as "Five Days in Motion, Morning Clouds Newly Born." Amidst the falling leaves around the pavilion, they composed poems, matching each other's wit, and she openly teased him for his lack of literary knowledge. Chen Yi couldn't keep up with the depth of Yin Weiyin's poetic repertoire, leaving his mind in a daze. Yin Weiyin found this secretly delightful; her thoughts flowed seamlessly, her intellect sharp and unclouded—though her clarity faltered somewhat in the evenings.

Certainly, Chen Yi's attempts to retaliate against her were a form of revenge, but ordinary people only pursue fleeting desires. A female crown, however, can perceive the essence of things. Though Chen Yi retaliated, it was clear he was deeply attached to her, finding it hard to part... Ah, are there people as perceptive as her in this world?

She was perceptive.

Chen Yi was perceptive too—so perceptive it was absolute.

Time quietly dissolved bit by bit. During this period, Yin Weiyin, to avoid frivolous interruptions from idle outsiders, arranged for Lu Ying to reside in a remote corner of Taihua Mountain. Out of sight, out of mind; visiting him required a long and winding trek. At present, Lu Ying seemed particularly mindful of the circumstances, refraining from unnecessary disturbances.

If only these days could last forever...

But, alas, an esteemed guest arrived on the mountain.

At dusk, Wan'er suddenly summoned Yin Weiyin, saying a distinguished visitor had come. As this generation's exemplary talent, it was her duty to greet them according to proper etiquette.

From afar, the voices of Master Wei and Uncle Lu could be heard, engaged in lively conversation with the guest.

"It's a blessing to have the gentleman travel from afar; we are honored to sample this fine Maojian tea."

"You flatter me; it is I who am fortunate to be bathed in the immortal aura of Taihua Mountain. As a mere mortal, I fear my presence sullies this sacred land."

"Mortals may dwell among immortals, but no mountain is truly immortal—just lifeless earth."

"Master Lu spoke truly. Look at my niece; she neither speaks much nor nods often, yet today her head hasn't stopped staying upright."

"Ah, is this young lady about the same age as Weiyin? I'm sure they must have much to discuss."

... All manner of pleasantries unfolded, resembling the formalities of a reception—a conversational dance performed by people neither too familiar nor too distant, demanding words that maintained a balance, neither estranged nor overly intimate.

People fear becoming too estranged, saying nothing meaningful, yet dread excessive closeness, revealing too much.

As the daughter of King Jing, trained in the Prince Mansion and accustomed to myriad social occasions, Yin Weiyin naturally conducted herself with poise. She first sent Wan'er to announce her arrival, then pulled her sleeves close and crossed the threshold.

"Humble greetings to Mr. Wei," she said.

Without glancing around indiscriminately, she acknowledged the man seated in the guest's chair with decorum before turning her gaze to the second seat—and froze in astonishment.

There sat Dong Gong Ruoshu, rubbing her sleepy eyes, which suddenly gleamed with recognition. "Why, it's you, Miss Yin!"

With several senior masters present, Yin Weiyin pulled herself together with effort and offered politely, "I hope my hospitality hasn't been lacking; please forgive any shortcomings, Miss Donggong…"

"Oh, I will forgive you," Dong Gong Ruoshu responded, pausing briefly. "Everyone's here—are we ready to eat?"

A storm churned within Yin Weiyin's heart. She had never imagined Dong Gong Ruoshu would be the one to arrive—and if Chen Yi were present, he would have surely recognized the guest seated beside her as none other than Wei Wuque, the master of Xique Pavilion.

As for Wei Wuque's purpose in coming, it was to bid farewell before Xique Pavilion officially withdrew from Shantong City—as well as to meet Chen Yi one last time.

Since the Sword Intent within the Sword Pool had stabilized and posed no risk of collapse, Chen Yi had left without notice. His identity was too sensitive: officially marked with the court's unpardonable sin of disrespect, and secretly hunted down by the exhaustive searches of Jingren Palace. It was inadvisable for him to have too many dealings with the Xique Pavilion.

But while Chen Yi had his responsibilities, Wei Wuque had his own concerns for Xique Pavilion. Labeling Chen Yi as "Min Qianhu" served a purpose, but if the matter were exposed, there had to be contingencies in place. Wei Wuque needed to prepare explanations for both high and low.

News of Wei Wuque's arrival was soon relayed to Chen Yi.

After hesitating repeatedly, Chen Yi decided to meet Wei Wuque face-to-face one last time.

The two conversed intimately for a long time—exactly one hour and forty-five minutes, as Yin Weiyin had calculated precisely. If a woman were inside, she'd have barged in long ago to drag Chen Yi out.

As for what Wei Wuque and Chen Yi discussed, Yin Weiyin had no idea nor much interest; she simply inquired casually.

"Just some matters of the Capital City," Chen Yi responded simply.

The next day, an unwelcome piece of news reached Yin Weiyin's ears.

Dong Gong Ruoshu—somehow—was arranged to stay on Taihua Mountain for some time, and the elder masters welcomed her enthusiastically.

Upon hearing this, Yin Weiyin was filled with irritation, wishing Dong Gong Ruoshu would stumble and break her leg on her way.

But no matter her dislike, courtesy could not be neglected. No matter how much she detested it, proper decorum must prevail. The female crown led Dong Gong Ruoshu to the guest room, speaking formally, "Forgive how humble these quarters are, Miss Donggong—please do not find them wanting."

Dong Gong Ruoshu glanced at the austere room and replied, "I'm polite—I wouldn't dare dislike it."

Yin Weiyin was so livid her chest almost swelled a size from rage, nearly laughing in exasperation.

Dong Gong Ruoshu naturally sought out Lu Ying once she arrived and paid no mind to the arduous, winding mountain paths her visits required. Every day she merrily headed to see Lu Ying. She noticed he seemed changed—quieter and more reserved than before. At times he merely offered faint smiles, impossible to discern what was on his mind, projecting an air of profound significance. Miss Donggong did not like this version of Lu Ying, and—as destined—undertook actions Yin Weiyin least wished for: Dong Gong Ruoshu dragged Chen Yi along to visit Lu Ying.

One demure Immortal couldn't sway Chen Yi on her own; adding someone bold enough to cradle a baby was surely an alliance meant to upend everything!