Chapter 0: 61. The Elfling
“This time, Master, there’s no escaping it,” Ye Qishuang said, her voice soft and her breath like orchids. This playful mischief made one’s earlobes tingle.
Qin Gou’s twin pupils trembled. He immediately stood up, turned to face Ye Qishuang, and let out a dry laugh. “Did I really agree to that promise?”
“You…”
Upon hearing this, Ye Qishuang did not argue indignantly or forcefully present evidence from back then. Instead, her beautiful eyes suddenly dimmed, and her small hands unconsciously clenched the hem of her skirt. Her voice, weak and slightly wronged, said, “You can’t bully me like this.”
“Yes, Master said it, Master really said it!” Qin Gou said, feeling ashamed and quickly trying to comfort her.
Back then, when he and Shi Ling were experimenting with the Fatal Relic ‘Thread Puppet,’ Shi Ling, to pay the price, stripped naked in front of Qin Gou. And it was Xiao Shuang’er, carrying a Silhouette Lamp, who happened to stumble upon the scene. In his haste, Qin Gou had indeed made that promise.
“Then what should you call me now?” Xiao Shuang’er finally regained her sprightly demeanor. She blinked her clear, watery, beautiful eyes, asking with great anticipation.
“Haven’t you entered the Mortal Transformation Stage yet?” Qin Gou awkwardly touched his nose.
“Hmph, if you insist on saying that, then as long as this Palace Lord is willing, I can achieve the Mortal Transformation Stage right here, right now!” Xiao Shuang’er huffed confidently.
“No.” Qin Gou said with a helpless smile. “How can the grand plan of Mortal Transformation be so hasty? You haven’t made any preparations at all… Of course, the main reason is that your progress, Qishuang, has far exceeded my expectations.”
“I didn’t expect it to be so fast either. This is mainly thanks to Senior Shen Hao. To repay your great kindness, Master, he used a portion of the Profound Realm’s power remaining in the Shen Hao Secret Realm to anoint me, greatly accelerating my progress.” Ye Qishuang explained earnestly.
“Fellow Daoist Shen Hao is so generous…” Qin Gou was deeply touched. Gritting his teeth, he said, “When I see him again, Master will definitely thank him properly.”
“Yes, I will never forget Senior Shen Hao’s timely help. But Master, don’t try to change the subject now.” Ye Qishuang pursed her cold, alluring red lips, her expression teasing, as if saying, ‘I know you too well.’ With a sly smile, she continued, “Qishuang will obey Master’s command and not rush into Mortal Transformation. Then shouldn’t you also answer directly, whether or not you will keep your promise once Qishuang successfully enters the Mortal Transformation Stage – to change what you call me, just like Qishuang did just now… ‘Husband’?”
“Cough!”
The moment he heard those two words, especially from Xiao Shuang’er, whom he had watched grow up with Little Zhao, Qin Gou couldn’t help but blush. He coughed heavily before saying, “Master will still call you ‘Qishuang.’ Even if outsiders see us in a nominal marital relationship, it’s perfectly normal for a husband to call his wife by her nickname, isn’t it?”
“What if I’m not willing?”
“You…”
Just as Qin Gou was about to say something, Xiao Shuang’er seized the opportunity. Before Qin Gou could react, she lightly tiptoed and passionately kissed him with her soft, sweet lips.
Although he couldn’t remember how many times the Great Palace Lord Ye had courted death in this manner, Qin Gou was still stunned for several seconds.
As they were pressed tightly together, feeling each other’s warmth, Ye Qishuang parted her crimson lips slightly, her voice soft and somewhat slurred, shyly asking, “Allow me to ask again, what should you call me?”
As soon as Qin Gou regained his senses.
Ye Qishuang took a step back and then smiled sweetly. “That’s right. With my mouth covered, Master can’t answer properly.”
“You…”
“If Master wishes to punish me, Qishuang will accept the beating and the punishment.”
“No, Master promises you. During your Mortal Transformation, if anyone asks about your identity, Master will definitely keep his word… and call you ‘Wife’.” Qin Gou rubbed his forehead, a mixture of laughter and helplessness on his face. “You really think Master hasn’t noticed that simply spanking your butt doesn’t work on you anymore! So, the only condition is that at least during your Mortal Transformation, you are not allowed to act so recklessly anymore.”
“Master, you truly aren’t lying to me?” Ye Qishuang’s beautiful eyes sparkled with excitement, her breathing quickening.
“Of course,” Qin Gou nodded immediately.
Xiao Shuang’er then beamed and opened her arms.
Qin Gou gently embraced her, her scent intoxicating. He heard her voice in his ear again.
“Master, did you see through me?”
“Silly girl, you’ve been my treasure since you were little. Of course, I know better than anyone how shy and uneasy you feel inside when you pretend to be strong and wild like just now. Be good, from now on… try not to force yourself too much. Just speak properly. Now, go and rest peacefully.”
“Mm.”
At this moment, the Great Palace Lord Ye was exceptionally rare, like a shy young lady, obediently nodding her head. She waved goodbye to Qin Gou and then, with a satisfied smile, turned and left.
Watching Ye Qishuang’s graceful figure recede into the night, Qin Gou couldn’t help but touch his lips. He secretly calmed his racing heart with spiritual power, thoughtfully pondering… How did Xiao Shuang’er come up with these captivating little tricks? And how, over the years, had he raised this little elfling?!
Lost in thought, Qin Gou re-entered the Main Hall.
Under the moonlight, Ye Qishuang looked back and found that Qin Gou was no longer there. Her steps became lighter and more cheerful. She could no longer hide the pitter-patter of her heart and her joy.
Xiao Shuang’er looked at the small path, stepped on the moonlight, pushed open her house door, blew out the candle, took off her dress, and lay on the soft bed, falling into a sweet dream.
It was all because of the promise that had made her life so beautiful.
…
Inside the hall, Qin Gou gently patted the shoulder of Kong Tou, who was drowsily asleep at the table. He sent a thread of spiritual power into her body, instantly sobering her up.
“Master? Is it morning already?” Kong Ling opened her hazy eyes.
“Silly girl, you’re the most drunk among everyone, but if you want to sleep, go back to your room.” Qin Gou chuckled, speaking with concern.
“Ling’er is happy! I finally broke through my realm and caught up. Although it will take some time to truly form my own Dharma Aspect, I’m now considered a cultivator in the Dharma Aspect Realm, just like Second Senior Sister!” Kong Tou said with a beaming smile.
“Cough.” Qin Gou’s expression turned awkward.
“What’s wrong, Master?” Kong Ling asked, confused.
Qin Gou touched his nose and said truthfully, “Your Second Senior Sister told Master about ten minutes ago that she can now achieve Mortal Transformation. That means, before long, Qishuang will be a cultivator in the Realm Lord Realm, just like Eldest Senior Brother.”
“Ah?”
In a moment, Kong Tou grabbed the wine cup on the table again, tears streaming down her face. “Master, I still want to drink! Just let me continue being drunk!”
