Chapter 296
Yunji Town was not large, it was a small town located at the foot of South Mountain in the west.
The people living in the town were all ordinary mortals.
However, every three years, this secluded and usually deserted town would usher in a grand occasion.
A mountain does not need to be high; it is famous if it has an immortal.
Although the town had no special features, it was backed by South Mountain.
On South Mountain, there was an immortal sect named Tai Xuan Sect.
Tai Xuan Sect had a deep foundation and a long inheritance, making it a well-deserved major sect.
However, even the most powerful sect needed to continuously inject fresh blood to continue its inheritance.
Therefore, Tai Xuan Sect had a long-standing rule.
That is, every three years, the immortal gate would be opened, and sect stewards would be sent down the mountain to select promising young talents of the appropriate age and bring them back for training.
In the beginning, the stewards would travel the world themselves, trying their luck here and there, or perhaps encountering a promising talent by chance while traveling abroad, and then bring them back.
Later, as more and more people became aware of this matter, everyone gradually developed a tacit understanding.
“You don’t need to run around anymore; we can do it ourselves.”
Thus, the custom of Tai Xuan Sect recruiting disciples was set for the first day of spring in February of the following year.
…
…
On the main road leading into Yunji Town, one could see carriages traveling one after another. Most of them were luxuriously decorated and accompanied by guards.
On both sides of the road, there was snow that had been cleared by human hands.
Yunji Town, usually deserted, had recently become bustling with activity.
Unlike the well-dressed and radiant appearance of most people, there were two small figures walking slowly on the road.
Their clothes were tattered, and their hair tips were stained with a touch of frost.
They were a boy and a girl, two children.
The boy had a refined face and walked in front.
The girl beside him lowered her head slightly. Her black short hair had grown a bit longer, covering most of her face.
Ever since that vixen from the Hehuan Sect had visited, Mu Sanniang had been in a state of silence.
Although she had been quiet before, Chen An, with his usual delicate thoughts, could perceive the subtle changes in her emotions.
He squeezed the girl’s hand, which he was holding, and said softly, “Older sister, we’re almost there.”
Hearing him speak, Mu Sanniang seemed to pause, then look up.
The blurry figures in the distance were already beginning to become clear.
For some reason, she stopped walking.
Chen An did not speak, but stayed with her, silently standing by her side.
After a moment, Mu Sanniang looked over, a rare hint of hesitation in her eyes.
Chen An sighed in his heart, knowing what she was worrying about.
He stepped forward and cupped the girl’s cheeks with both hands.
Her light blue pupils were forced to meet his gaze.
Mu Sanniang had always been slightly taller than Chen An.
So when he did these things, he often had to stand on tiptoe.
The boy gently bumped his forehead against the girl’s.
He comforted her softly, “It’s okay, older sister. Look how amazing you are, you’re much stronger than me. You can definitely pass.”
The words Chen An used to encourage her were very ordinary, not particularly brilliant.
Because he knew very well that Sanniang now did not need any grand speeches; she just needed a voice.
She needed his voice.
The girl’s eyelashes, like cicada wings, trembled slightly. As her eyes opened and closed, she lowered her head again.
Seeing this, Chen An had to resort to his trump card.
He leaned in and gently kissed the girl’s cheek.
It was a fleeting touch.
The warm sensation on his face made Mu Sanniang open her eyes again.
She first touched her face dazedly, then looked at the boy in front of her, who was trying his best to stand on tiptoe.
The next moment, the hesitation in her eyes disappeared, replaced by determination.
Seeing Mu Sanniang perk up, Chen An also showed a sincere smile.
He preferred the Sanniang who used to declare every day that she would protect him for a lifetime.
Rather than one who hesitated and was afraid to move forward because of a casual negative remark from someone else.
So he no longer delayed, turned around, and began to walk.
“Let’s go,” Chen An said.
His steps quickly stopped again.
Because a small hand tugged at his clothes.
Chen An turned his head, looking confused, “What’s wrong?”
He saw Mu Sanniang avert her gaze, unwilling to meet his eyes.
The girl’s fair neck was also, for the first time, tinged with a blush.
She whispered, “More.”
Chen An was taken aback, a little confused.
“More what?” he asked.
This time, Mu Sanniang did not evade. She stepped forward and, under the boy’s stunned gaze, kissed him.
The girl’s action was unpracticed, appearing a bit clumsy.
Chen An did not move.
Because the place Mu Sanniang kissed was only her cheek.
If it were somewhere else, he would have undoubtedly dodged without hesitation.
Perhaps for Mu Sanniang, no matter where she kissed, it was just a way to express her affection.
Naturally, it did not contain any lust.
She just wanted to be close to Chen An, tightly, not separating for a moment.
It was attachment, not romantic love.
But Chen An was different; his heart was mature, and he naturally knew how to maintain boundaries.
This was unrelated to anything else; just like in the previous two worlds, he had not harbored any wicked thoughts.
Chen An lowered his head slightly, seeing the girl looking at him with wide, unblinking eyes.
A few strands of bangs slipped from her ear, revealing her naturally beautiful face, unadorned by makeup.
“More of this,” Mu Sanniang said, her lips pressed against his cheek, as she was unwilling to part from him.
Her voice was a little muffled, and the sensation against his face was soft and moist.
Chen An looked at her affectionate expression and could not bring himself to blame her.
After all, if one were to be precise, he was the one who had made the first move that day.
However, being suddenly kissed like this every day still made Chen An a little annoyed.
He smiled in exasperation and pushed Mu Sanniang’s face away.
“Alright, can we go now?”
Perhaps noticing his reaction, the girl, though a flicker of reluctance crossed her eyes, gave a soft hum.
Chen An turned and started walking.
He weighed the small amount of silver in his bundle and then looked towards the town not far away, wondering if there was an inn inside where they could get a good night’s sleep.
After all, sleeping outdoors every day made him miss a warm, comfortable bed.
At that moment, he felt a soft touch in his hand.
Chen An turned his head and saw Mu Sanniang catching up.
He deliberately put on a stern face and said, “From now on, you are not allowed to kiss me without my permission.”
The girl froze, then sniffled and said, “Okay.”
After a moment, she suddenly spoke.
“Then, if I have permission, is it okay?”
Chen An glanced at her. He couldn’t bring himself to refuse outright, so he replied, “Yes.”
Upon hearing this, the girl visibly brightened.
Although her little face showed no expression, as usual.
“Then, can I have permission now?”
Chen An continued to walk, refusing at lightning speed without looking back.
“No.”
Mu Sanniang hummed and said nothing more.
After a moment, they had walked about ten meters.
“What about now?”
“No!”
A minute later.
“No… ”
Chen An’s eyelids twitched.
“No!”
“Also, no more asking today!”
(End of Chapter)
